Opinions

7Jul By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Olubadan-in-Waiting: Ladoja’s Prolonged Struggle and Ultimate Triumph in Ibadan’s Chieftaincy System By Alaba Abdulrazak

Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s impending ascension to the throne of Olubadan following the demise of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is not merely the culmination of a traditional succession but the denouement of a decades-long saga fraught with political contestations, legal battles, and cultural preservation. His journey encapsulates the complex dynamics of Ibadan’s chieftaincy system, where ancient customs collide with modern political ambitions and governmental interventions. Ladoja’s struggle for the Olubadan crown has been repeatedly undermined by various state governments, notably during the administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and also Governor Seyi Makinde. Under Ajimobi’s governorship (2011–2019), the conflict reached a particularly acrimonious phase. Ajimobi’s administration em...

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30Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Makinde Vs Wike: Who Will Blink First As PDP Faces Oblivion? By Alaba Abdulrazak

In the intricate and often volatile arena of Nigerian politics, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) once stood as an unassailable giant, shaping the nation’s democratic landscape with formidable influence. Today, this political behemoth finds itself embroiled in a debilitating internal crisis that threatens not only its unity but its very existence. At the epicentre of this turmoil are two powerful figures—Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, and Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Their acrimonious rivalry transcends personal animosity; it epitomizes the deep-seated fractures within the PDP—fractures born of mistrust, clashing ambitions, and competing visions for the party’s future. Wike’s position within the f...

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28Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Police Pension Misery: A National Disgrace In Need Of Urgent Reform By Alaba Abdulrazak

In a nation where the police stand as the frontline defenders of law and order, the revelation of their dire pension situation is not just a scandal—it is a national disgrace that undermines the very fabric of justice and governance. Retired Nigerian police officers, who devoted their careers to protecting citizens, now face a bleak future marked by poverty, neglect, and indignity. This is a betrayal of the highest order, especially when contrasted with the lavish allowances granted to elected political officeholders, many of whom serve far shorter terms. The current pension arrangements for Nigerian police retirees, particularly under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), are woefully inadequate. Many former officers receive monthly pensions so meager they cannot cover basic livin...

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25Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Ceasefire At What Cost? Trump, Netanyahu, Khamenei And The Price Of A 12-Day Middle East Conflict By Alaba Abdulrazak

The recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran has unleashed a wave of needless bloodshed and destruction, for which President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bear profound responsibility. Their decisions to escalate military strikes—targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and launching missile attacks—were not only reckless but tragically shortsighted. Economic Fallout: The Hidden Cost Of WarBeyond the immediate devastation, the economic repercussions of the 12-day war are already being felt in the United States and among its allies. Global markets reacted with volatility, energy prices surged, and investor confidence waned as the specter of prolonged conflict loomed. The costs of military mobilization, emergency aid, and reconstruction are mounting rapi...

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22Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Benue’s Bloodbath: A Scathing Reproach Of Nigeria’s Security Collapse And Leadership Failure By Alaba Abdulrazak

The recent massacre in Benue State, where over two hundred lives were brutally extinguished within a single weekend, stands as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis and the profound failure of leadership at every level. The horrifying accounts from Yelewata—where entire families were set ablaze as they slept—are not mere statistics; they represent a damning indictment of a nation that has abandoned its most vulnerable citizens. The recurring pattern of violence in Benue is tragically familiar. Year after year, communities are razed, thousands are displaced, yet Nigeria’s security architecture remains ineffective, plagued by corruption, poor coordination, and an alarming lack of accountability. Despite massive budgets, the agencies charged with protecting Nigerians ...

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18Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Could The Israel-Iran Conflict Spark World War III If The U.S., China, And Russia Get Involved? By Alaba Abdulrazak

Imagine a single spark in the Middle East—a missile, a miscalculation, a moment’s anger—igniting a chain reaction that draws the world’s most powerful nations into open conflict. In an era where global alliances are fragile and rivalries run deep, could the simmering animosity between Israel and Iran become the fuse that lights a global inferno? As headlines warn of escalating strikes and retaliations, the unspoken fear lingers: what happens if the United States, China, and Russia, each with their own ambitions and anxieties, are pulled from the shadows into the heart of the fight? In a world more interconnected and combustible than ever before, the Israel-Iran conflict forces us to confront an unsettling question—are we standing on the threshold of World War III, and would we even re...

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13Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Double Standards Or Realpolitik? A Critical Look At Israel’s Attack On Iran By Alaba Abdulrazak

The recent unprovoked attack by Israel on Iran, codenamed "Operation Rising Lion," no doubt marks a dangerous and reckless escalation in an already volatile region. In the early hours of June 13, 2025, Israel launched large-scale airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, military installations, and the private residences of senior officials, killing top military commanders and nuclear scientists. This brazen act of aggression, carried out without any immediate provocation, threatens to ignite a catastrophic full-scale war with dire consequences for regional and global security. Israel’s justification for this assault—that Iran was close to producing nuclear weapons—cannot mask the reality that this was a preemptive strike that bypassed diplomatic channels and international ...

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8Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions, Top Stories

Trump vs. Musk: When Allies Turn into Adversaries By Alaba Abdulrazak 

In the unpredictable theatre of politics, where fortunes shift in the blink of an eye, chaos and surprise are the only constant things. This volatile arena is rife with tangled intrigues, ruthless betrayals, and sudden, shattering breakups. The rapid collapse of the alliance between President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk stands as one of the most astonishing developments of the century, leaving even the most seasoned analysts utterly astounded. In less than 48 hours, their relationship has gone from mutual admiration to public hostility, leaving both Washington and Wall Street reeling. For years, Musk was not just a donor but a confidant, serving as a White House adviser and pouring millions into Trump’s campaign coffers. The two men, both known for thei...

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4Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Russia-Ukraine War: Between Putin’s Tactical Mastery and Trump’s Performative Diplomacy By Alaba Abdulrazak

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has emerged as a defining conflict of the twenty-first century, bearing global ramifications that transcend the immediate battlefield. In recent times, President Donald Trump has positioned himself as a pivotal figure endeavoring to mediate peace, frequently standing in stark contrast to the current U.S. administration’s approach. To say that Vladimir Putin’s approach to the Ukraine conflict is characterized by a synthesis of military aggression and calculated diplomacy is stating the obvious. Despite engaging in peace negotiations, Putin has on many occasions orchestrated some of the most intense aerial bombardments Ukraine has witnessed in years. This duality intimates a strategic gambit rather than an earnest pursuit of peace. Putin’s demands in...

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3Jun By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

ENHANCING HEALTHCARE IN AKURE: A GOLDEN LEGACY

As a fundamental social service, healthcare is essential for the well-being of citizens. In Akure, Ondo State Capital, the need for improved healthcare infrastructure is pressing. While the approval of a Teaching Hospital is a welcome development, it is crucial to acknowledge that tertiary healthcare institutions often cater to specialized needs and may not be accessible to all. Given Akure's growth, it is imperative to prioritize secondary healthcare facilities that provide essential medical services to the community. The existing General Hospital, now to serve as the take off point for the recently approved Federal Teaching Hospital was established in 1951, and the recently converted Mother and Child Hospital now a Specialist Hospital wish was established in 2009 are no doubt salu...

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9Apr By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Generals Without Shame By Moses Oludele Idowu

"It is not titles that honour men but men that honour titles." Niccolo Machiavelli Sometimes in the 1980's or 1990's a troubling fact came to light from a retired army officer based on statistics to the effect that Nigeria has the highest number of retired generals in the world. Much more than Israel, Soviet Union, United States etc., and other nations involved in heavy military combat.I think it was the late Joe Garba who said it but can't remember precisely now. That was about 30 years ago. With the gale of retirements every time government changes baton in the last few years the situation will now be worse.So we have more generals, retired generals than any nation on Earth. But more does not mean better. And it is now time to question the processes by which a person rises to be...

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24Feb By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Babangida’s Book: Don’t Throw The Baby Away With The Bath Water

By ALOY EJIMAKOR Even as it is coming so late in the day, I must commend Babangida for revealing (or finally confirming) the following self-evident truths in his epic Book - ‘A Journey in Service’: First: That the 1966 coup was not an “Igbo coup” but somewhat of a revolution aimed at regime-change and installing Awolowo as the provisional president of Nigeria. In other words, if it could be said that the coup was tactically or covertly geared to foisting ethnic domination, it was going to be a Yoruba domination, not an Igbo domination. Still, whether Igbo domination or Yoruba domination, the counter coup was overtly geared to northern (or far-northern) domination and worse - it midwifed a horrid bloodlust and a total loss of compatriot spirit against the Igbo. Second: That those ...

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29Jan By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Wasiu Ayinde: The Tantrum Of ‘Ganusi’ And The Hubris Of A Music Legend By Alaba Abdulrazak

When discussing indigenous musicians in Nigeria, particularly in the realm of Fuji music, the name Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, known as K1, is indispensable. Although he has superiors, many of his fans—and indeed, he himself—believe that following the death of Fuji music originator Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, he stands as the preeminent figure in the genre. Despite the fact that the Fuji music scene is rife with rivalry and discord, where artists often vie for supremacy, Wasiu Ayinde has firmly established himself as a formidable force within this vibrant musical tradition. For some time now, Wasiu Ayinde has faced criticism from the family of the late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and fellow Fuji musician Saheed Osupa regarding his attempts to reinterpret the history of Fuji music, a g...

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29Dec By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

Setting The Record Straight: Meritocracy And Milestones At NNPC By Femi Soneye

It is important to address the concerns raised in Farooq Kperogi’s recent article, “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC”, and to clarify some of the misconceptions about the operations and leadership structure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. First, employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPC are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Therefore, decisions within the NNPC are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise. This approach ensures that only the most qualified and competent individuals occupy positions that are critical to the company’s success. It is significant that our company focuses on efficient and effective service delivery, which is anchored on the com...

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18Oct By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

The FUTA, The FUTATHC, And The Future By Dr Akeredolu O.N.

It’s on record that Nigerian leadership is very careless about the future of our youths in this country. They have their children abroad, enjoying the wealth of the citizens, living large and feeding their lusts while showing lackadaisical attitudes towards the future of the youths. If right-thinking individuals fail to raise their voices for FUTA and the future of its medical students, these promising youths may spend 10 to 12 years in medical school for a programme intended to last 6 years because of preventable occurrences. There is no doubt that Nigeria is battling with serious challenges as a nation. To start with, it’s obvious that we are being ruled by criminals. As Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has rightly said, most of the people ruling the country currently should be in prison; eve...

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10Oct By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

When Will Our President Start Observing Leave in Nigeria? By Alaba Abdulrazak

In the annals of Nigeria’s democratic dispensation, only former President Olusegun Obasanjo has spent his leave of absence at his Ota Farm in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Apart from him, there is no record of any other president observing leave in the country. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who took over from him, spent a significant leave of absence in Saudi Arabia, where he received treatment for pericarditis. He left Nigeria on November 23, 2009, and returned on February 24, 2010, after over three months in a Saudi hospital. His prolonged absence even led to a constitutional crisis and the temporary transfer of powers to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. Former President Goodluck Jonathan who equally became President after the death of Umaru Yar'Adua also spent his own leave of absence in South Afric...

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1Oct By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Nigeria: Dancing On The Edge Of Destiny

By Olaoluwa Mimiola Nigeria stands as a paradox, endowed with immense natural wealth yet grappling with staggering poverty levels among its populace. The country is blessed with an abundance of resources, including diverse agricultural products, vast oil reserves, and a burgeoning tourism and entertainment industry, all of which hold immense potential for national prosperity. Despite this richness, many Nigerians endure dire economic conditions, raising questions about the effective management and equitable distribution of wealth generated from these resources. The agricultural sector in Nigeria is a significant contributor to both the economy and food security. With favourable climatic conditions and arable land, Nigeria has the potential to become an important player in global agr...

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1Oct By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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FULL TEXT: Tinubu’s Independence Day Speech

Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today, I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard. As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. Exactly 64 years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy as a form of government and launched the dream of a great country that would lead the rest of Africa out of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment, a beacon o...

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1Oct By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

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Nigeria @ 64: A Nation Grappling With Unfulfilled Potential By Alaba Abdulrazak

In 1960, when Nigeria became independent, the world community clearly stated that four nations would emerge to join the ranks of developed countries like USA and Japan. Those countries mentioned were China, Brazil, India, and Nigeria. Unfortunately, of these countries, only Nigeria has not emerged! The reason is simple—human resources! India, Brazil, and China have all made significant progress, but Nigeria till today is still grappling with unfulfilled potential. Despite being among the richest countries in the world in terms of human and material resources, Nigeria's potential remains unfulfilled. It is understandable that the crucial factor for a nation's greatness is its human element. Unfortunately in Nigeria, human element only comprises of 4% compared to 96% material resource...

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12Sep By Sharpedge NewsNo Comments

Opinions

NNPC Ltd And Challenges In The Oil Sector: Banire Misconceives The Facts, Promotes Biased Views

By Olufemi Soneye In the face of the challenges in the oil sector, particularly the current tightness in the supply of petrol, it has become fashionable to blame the national oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd), for everything. Last week, it was Prof. Pat Utomi who railed and fumed at the NNPC Ltd calling it one of the most opaque and unreliable companies in the world. Before then, The Punch had published an editorial in which it described the NNPC Ltd as a danger to Nigeria. The latest of these vitriolic attacks is by Dr. Muiz Banire, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and former Commissioner of Transport and Environment, Lagos State, who contended in his column in The Sun that NNPC Ltd is the black hole of Nigeria. Considering all that is going on ...

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