By Anne Azuka

The Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State has been thrown into mourning following the death of Prince Ikechukwu Okonjo, a member of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family.

The death of the prince was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi. According to the statement, Prince Okonjo passed away on May 30, 2026.

In the statement, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, His Royal Majesty Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, described the late prince as a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother and dedicated uncle.

“He was, above all, a proud and irreplaceable member of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family — a family whose roots run deep in the history, dignity and tradition of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.

“His passage leaves a void that words can only partially express. He walked among us with grace, and his memory shall endure in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

“He is survived by his beloved wife, his dear daughter, and his brothers, sisters and other extended family members, to whom the Palace extends its deepest sympathies and the full embrace of the Royal Family and the Ogwashi-Uku community in this season of grief,” the monarch stated.

The Obi also called on sons and daughters of Ogwashi-Uku, both at home and in the diaspora, to keep the family in their prayers and offer support as they navigate the difficult period of mourning.

The palace said further details regarding funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Bello Muhammad Kuso, has claimed that Nigeria’s security, economic and socio-political challenges will come to an end by April 27, 2027, which he predicted would also mark the end of the world.

Kuso made the assertion during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Kaduna on Friday, where he said he had received a divine mandate to deliver a message of peace, unity and spiritual renewal to humanity.

According to the cleric, his message is intended to foster lasting peace by promoting harmony among people of different races, tribes, communities and nations.

He urged Nigerians and people across the world to draw closer to God and cautioned against following individuals who promote division or seek to suppress what he described as the truth about the Almighty.

“O my people, why do you obey those who cause division among you and make you abuse the Almighty Messengers and Prophets?” he asked.

Kuso maintained that no human being has the authority to pass judgment on behalf of God, stressing that ultimate judgment belongs solely to the Almighty.

Describing himself as one of the final voices sent to guide followers of various faiths, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism, he called on believers to embrace righteousness and spiritual renewal.

The cleric also expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency among some religious leaders to present personal opinions as divine messages, arguing that many sermons delivered today do not necessarily reflect the will of God.

He reiterated his call for unity, faith and adherence to divine guidance as pathways to peace, social harmony and national progress.

Editor’s Note: The prediction regarding the end of the world on April 27, 2027, is the personal claim of the cleric and has not been substantiated by scientific, religious or official authorities. The report presents his views as stated at the press conference.

By Anne Azuka

A youth group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the APC Youths Consultative Forum, has urged First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and other party leaders to remain impartial and avoid comments capable of deepening divisions within the party, particularly over the unresolved Delta North Senatorial District primary election.

The group expressed concern over remarks allegedly made by the First Lady regarding the Delta North APC senatorial contest, insisting that the matter remains unresolved and is yet to be officially determined by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The forum specifically objected to comments attributed to Senator Oluremi Tinubu during the inauguration of the Tinubu TorchBearers in Abuja, where she reportedly made a veiled reference to former Delta State Governor and former senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as a former senator seeking re-election to become a ranking senator.

According to the group, the comments were made despite the fact that the APC leadership has yet to determine the rightful winner of the Delta North senatorial primary, which is being contested by Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the incumbent senator, Senator Ned Nwoko.

Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja, the National President of the APC Youths Consultative Forum, Comrade Emeka Okechukwu, criticised the alleged remarks, describing them as divisive and prejudicial.

“We strongly and unequivocally condemn the divisive and prejudicial remarks reportedly made by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, concerning Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa,” Okechukwu said.

He added that the comments fell short of the neutrality, fairness and statesmanship expected of a national figure who represents all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

According to him, democracy thrives on fairness, equity and the free choice of the people rather than perceived endorsements by influential public office holders.

The group maintained that the remarks created the impression that the First Lady had openly endorsed Dr. Okowa, a development it said had generated concerns among APC youths and party stakeholders who believe all aspirants should be treated fairly and without bias.

The forum further argued that nominating Dr. Okowa as the party’s candidate would amount to a political miscalculation, claiming that many grassroots supporters had become weary of his long-standing political influence in the district.

While reaffirming its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the group warned that ignoring the concerns of party members could have electoral consequences.

It stated that if the party proceeds in a manner perceived as unfair, it risks alienating a significant segment of its support base in Delta North.

The APC Youths Consultative Forum stressed that the views of party members and grassroots supporters must be reflected in the party’s decisions, warning that anything less could undermine confidence in both the democratic process and the future of the APC in the district.