Badagry Babatunde Hunpe calls for Peace and Unity at Ramadan Lecture

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Hon. Babatunde Hunpe 

BADAGRY — As the holy month of Ramadan casts a serene glow over Lagos State, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, fMHR, has called on residents to embrace the virtues of peaceful coexistence and moral excellence.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Annual Ramadan Lecture hosted by the Unified Local Government Muslim Staff Association (Badagry Branch), Hunpe described the current season as a rare divine alignment. He noted that the simultaneous commencement of the Christian Lent and the Muslim Ramadan serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's shared spiritual journey and God’s call for harmony.

The theme of the lecture, “From Submission to Excellence: The Journey of a Rising Muslim,” set the tone for a day of deep reflection at the Council Secretariat.

The Guest Lecturer, Dr. Mustapha Adebayo Bello, a Senior Lecturer at Lagos State University (LASU), captivated the audience with a discourse on the true strength of faith. He argued that being a "rising Muslim" in 2026 requires more than ritual; it demands sound character, a thirst for knowledge, and a commitment to community development.

"True piety is found in sincerity, not public display," Dr. Bello noted. "A Muslim must be an ambassador of peace, showing empathy in times of joy and grief alike."

For Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, the lessons of Ramadan must extend beyond the walls of the mosque and the hours of fasting. He challenged the "people of the book" to let the discipline of the month reflect in their daily interactions, particularly in fostering unity within the diverse Badagry community.

The Chairman highlighted several key pillars for progress, Respecting the faith of others as a prerequisite for communal peace. Upholding law and order as a religious and civic duty. Living exemplary lives that inspire the younger generation toward excellence.

NAF Precision Strikes Decimate 50+ Terrorists Following Failed Ngoshe Attack

Manoah Kikekon 

Nigeria Air Force fighter jet

MAIDUGURI — In a display of overwhelming aerial superiority, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has neutralized over 50 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno State. The decisive strike followed a botched attempt by the insurgents to overrun military positions in the Ngoshe community of Gwoza Local Government Area.

The encounter, which occurred late on March 3, 2026, underscored the increasing synergy between ground intelligence and aerial response in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.

According to military sources the terrorists launched a coordinated assault on artillery positions in Ngoshe at approximately 7:30 p.m. Ngoshe, a strategic location situated about 31 kilometers from Gwoza town, has long been a flashpoint due to its proximity to cross-border forest enclaves.

Ground troops reportedly engaged the insurgents in a fierce firefight. To preserve personnel and equipment under intense evening fire, the troops executed a tactical withdrawal while simultaneously mobilizing reinforcements and relaying real-time intelligence to the Air Component.

The insurgents, attempting to utilize their signature "hit-and-run" tactic, began a retreat into the forested terrain as reinforcements arrived. However, they were intercepted by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) surveillance platforms that had been scrambled to track their "egress routes."

The fleeing terrorists were sighted moving in large clusters along the Ngoshe–Pulka corridor. Two separate strike runs were conducted:

Strike One: Targeted the primary movement trail of the fleeing unit.

Strike Two: Focused on a secondary cluster attempting to find cover in a nearby thicket.

Battle Damage Assessments (BDA) confirmed that at least 50 terrorists were eliminated in the precision bombardment, with several of their logistics vehicles and mobility assets destroyed.

The military highlighted that these strikes did more than just reduce enemy numbers; they significantly disrupted the logistics and mobility capabilities of the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP operating in the Gwoza axis.

"The message is clear: any attempt to attack our positions will attract overwhelming and coordinated firepower," a military official stated, emphasizing that Operation Hadin Kai remains resolute in sustaining offensive pressure.

Following the air strikes, clearance and area domination operations are currently ongoing to ensure that no regrouping attempts are made. The Ngoshe–Gwoza axis is historically volatile, with terrorists often exploiting the difficult terrain to launch sporadic attacks on resettled communities.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the Nigerian Army have assured residents of Gwoza and surrounding areas of their continued protection. The military remains committed to supporting resettlement efforts and consolidating the gains recorded in the North East theater of operations.

Badagry High Court Orders "Substituted Service" on LG Chairman Hon. Babatunde Hunpe

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY — A significant legal escalation unfolded at the High Court of Lagos State, Badagry Division, as Honourable Justice Emmanuel O. Ogundare granted an order for substituted service against the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe.

The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, comes amidst allegations that the Council Chairman has repeatedly evaded the service of court summons. The court has now authorized the applicant, Medemaku Abayomi Noah, the Badagry LGA Chairmanship candidate for People Democratic Party (PDP) to serve the Originating Summons by pasting the legal documents directly onto the gate of the Chairman’s private residence.

In Suit No: BD/9439GCM/2025, Justice Ogundare endorsed a Motion Ex-Parte brought under the Lagos State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019. The order specifically mandates that the court processes be served by "pasting same at the gate/fence" of Hon. Hunpe’s house located at Hunpe Street, off Itoga Road, Posukoh, Badagry.

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To ensure transparency and prevent further claims of non-receipt, the court has imposed strict requirements for the execution of this order. The Sheriff of the Court must provide photographic evidence that clearly shows:

1. A wide view of the property where the processes were pasted.

2. The face of the Court Sheriff performing the act.

The lawsuit initiated by Medemaku Abayomi Noah isn't just a personal grievance but a multi-respondent case involving the highest levels of the state’s political and electoral machinery. The respondents in the suit include:

The Lagos State Government

The Attorney-General of Lagos State

The Lagos State House of Assembly

Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC)

Hon. Babatunde Hunpe (5th Respondent)

All Progressives Congress (APC) (6th Respondent)

The legal action hinges on Sections 3(6), 7(1), and 8 of the 1999 Constitution, which outline Nigeria’s recognized 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The plaintiff argues that "Badagry Central" is not constitutionally recognized, rendering Hunpe’s primary election invalid . 

The lawsuit also questions LASIEC’s authority to conduct elections in 37 LCDAs, which lack constitutional backing. Citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in AG Federation v. AG Abia & Ors (2024).

The suit partly reads: A DECLARATION that, there is no Local Government Area Council known or recognized by the name “BADAGRY CENTRAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT” in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended).

An Order that the purported election where the 5th Defendant Hon. BABATUNDE HUNPE was sponsored as a candidate by the 6th Defendant for Badagry Local Government Area Council in the Local Government Election scheduled for July 12, 2025 (or soon thereafter), is invalid and unknown to law as there is no primary conducted by the 6th Defendant for the said Badagry Local Government Area Council, rather the 6th Defendant only conducted primary election into a non-existing Badagry Central Local Government Area.

An Order that the 5th Respondent Hon. BABATUNDE HUNPE was not dully and validly elected as a candidate for Badagry Local Government Area Council in the Local Government Election scheduled for July 12, 2025 (or soon thereafter), as the purported Primary Election held for Badagry Central Local Government Area Council by the 6th Respondent is unknown to law.

Iran’s Embassy in Nigeria Slams U.S.-Israeli Strikes as "Breach of Global Law"

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Israel strike in Iran

ABUJA — The Iranian Embassy in Nigeria has issued a scathing condemnation of recent military strikes on Iranian territory by U.S. and Israeli forces, describing the actions as a flagrant violation of international law and a direct assault on national sovereignty.

In a formal statement released on Tuesday, March 4, 2026, the embassy raised alarms over the timing of the attacks, which occurred while diplomatic channels between Tehran and Washington were reportedly active. The embassy argued that the military intervention "raises serious questions" about the West's genuine commitment to a peaceful resolution of long-standing disputes.

The embassy revealed that the strikes were not limited to military targets but heavily impacted civilian infrastructure. Among the most devastating reports was a missile strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province.

According to the statement, the attack resulted in significant casualties, including schoolchildren. The embassy emphasized that such actions directly contradict Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which strictly prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any sovereign state.

"Targeting civilian locations, especially educational institutions during broad daylight, is an act inconsistent with the fundamental principles of humanity and global legal order," the embassy stated.

The timing of the operation has further deepened regional resentment. The strikes occurred during the holy month of Ramadan and on the eve of Nowruz (the Persian New Year), periods of profound cultural and humanitarian significance for millions.

The embassy noted that launching military offensives during these sacred windows "further heightens concern" and demonstrates a lack of respect for international humanitarian norms.

From a legal standpoint, the Iranian mission maintained that the strikes lacked any justification under international law. While reaffirming Iran’s ongoing commitment to diplomacy, the statement pointedly reminded the international community that the UN Charter recognizes the inherent right to self-defense.

The embassy warned that the operation against Iran’s political and security leadership is a "serious matter" that threatens to destabilize not only the Middle East but the broader global security architecture.

The statement concluded with an urgent appeal to the international community, including the Nigerian government and the African Union, to uphold the principles of justice and accountability.

Iran warned that a failure to condemn these "unlawful acts" sets a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to a total collapse of the global legal order and threatening international peace.

NAN

"Badagry is Election-Ready even in 24 Hours": APC Governorship Aspirant Samuel Ajose Declares

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY — In a bold display of political readiness, Mr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, a leading All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State governorship aspirant, has declared that Badagry is prepared for the upcoming general elections, even if the timeline were moved to the next 24 hours.

Speaking on Saturday at a high-level APC Leaders Reconciliation Meeting in Badagry, Ajose emphasized that the Federation is no longer just a partisan stronghold but has garnered cross-party support in its quest for regional development and political inclusion.

The reconciliation meeting, which drew a massive crowd of stakeholders, was described by Ajose as a "homecoming" to consolidate leadership and reinforce unity. He noted that the impressive turnout, despite the meeting being called on short notice, serves as proof of a collective hunger for transformative change.

"When you stand together as one, you are able to demand for what you want and you are able to get it," Ajose told the gathered leaders. "This is the first time in Badagry that every other party not just APC is coming together to form that unit."

The aspirant highlighted that this unified stance is a strategic move to ensure both State and Federal governments recognize Badagry’s political weight, ultimately attracting significant infrastructure and economic development to the area.

Addressing recent adjustments to the 2027 general election dates which saw the presidential vote moved to January 16, 2027, to avoid a clash with Ramadan Ajose reassured supporters of the division's unwavering preparedness.

He asserted that the local machinery is so well-energized that no schedule change could catch them off guard. Furthermore, he predicted a landslide victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the President "is not going to struggle winning any vote" in Badagry come 2027.

The event saw the attendance of several high-ranking officials, including Hon. Babatunde Hunpe (Badagry Local Government Chairman), Hon. Ibrahim Rauf (Badagry West LCDA), Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon (Olorunda LCDA), and Hon. Sesi Whingan (Member, House of Representatives). Alhaji Gafar Meyon the LGA Chairman, Hon. Peter Metome the Deputy Chairman, Mrs. Atoyebi the Woman Leader.

Badagry Chairman Hunpe Commiserates with LASTMA, Pledges Rapid Traffic Reforms

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY — In a move combining solemnity with a push for urban renewal, the Chairman of the Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, paid a high-profile condolence and working visit to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) headquarters on Monday.

The visit follows the heartbreaking demise of Officer Rasaki Tajudeen, a dedicated LASTMA operative who lost his life in a tragic incident at the ever-busy Badagry Roundabout. Hon. Hunpe was received by the LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, and the Director of Operations, Mr. Gbejemede Peter.

Describing the late Rasaki Tajudeen as a "committed and selfless public servant," Chairman Hunpe emphasized that the officer paid the ultimate price while ensuring the safety of others. The Chairman extended his deepest sympathies to the grieving family and the entire LASTMA workforce.

In a practical show of support, Hunpe announced that the Badagry Local Government would provide direct assistance to the family of the deceased.

"This loss is felt deeply across Badagry. We are not just mourning an officer; we are honoring a man who stood on the front lines of public order," Hunpe stated.

Turning the tragedy into a catalyst for change, the Chairman used the meeting to unveil a comprehensive reorganization plan for the Badagry Roundabout. The initiative is designed to address the systemic issues that make the corridor a flashpoint for congestion and accidents.

Decongestion: Implementing structured urban mobility to smooth vehicle flow at the gateway corridor.

Commercial Regulation: Strict oversight of transport operations to prevent unauthorized loitering.

Zero-Tolerance for Roadside Trading: Eliminating illegal stalls that obstruct traffic and endanger pedestrians.

Safety Infrastructure: Strengthening the partnership between local authorities and LASTMA to ensure stricter compliance with traffic laws.

Responding to the Chairman's visit, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki lauded Hunpe’s leadership, describing the gesture as a model for inter-agency collaboration. He reaffirmed that LASTMA is fully committed to the proposed reforms, noting that enhanced order at the Badagry Roundabout is a priority for the agency in 2026.

With the Lagos-Badagry Expressway undergoing various rehabilitation phases, including the Mazamaza Bridge works, the synchronization between local government and state traffic authorities is seen as vital for the safety of millions of commuters.

Filmmaker Tunde Kelani Slams Facebook "Reel Piracy" of His Classics

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Tunde Kelani 

LAGOS — Renowned veteran cinematographer and cultural icon Tunde Kelani, popularly known as TK, has voiced his outrage over the unauthorized fragmentation of his cinematic masterpieces. The 78-year-old filmmaker took to social media to condemn the growing trend of digital creators cutting his classic films into short clips for Facebook reels to trigger monetization payouts.

Kelani, whose career has been dedicated to the preservation of Yoruba culture through the lens, described the act as "wickedness" and a blatant destruction of artistic integrity.

The alarm was raised after several of Kelani’s most celebrated works including Saworoide, Agogo Eewo, Ti Oluwa Nile, and Thunderbolt (Magun) surfaced on social media platforms in "bits and pieces." These films are widely regarded as the gold standard of Nigerian cinema, celebrated for their complex storytelling and deep cultural roots.

"A film is a complete story, not fragments for quick views to make quick money illegally," Kelani stated. "This is wrong! Cutting our films into unauthorized reels and posting them online is not promotion. It is piracy and the destruction of our cultural work."

The rise of Facebook’s "Performance Bonus" and "In-Stream Ads" has created a desperate scramble for engagement, leading many users to bypass copyright laws. While some uploaders argue they are "promoting" the films to a younger generation, Kelani dismissed this as a facade for theft.

Under the Nigerian Copyright Act, creators hold the exclusive right to distribute and adapt their works. The unauthorized sharing of these snippets constitutes copyright infringement, an offense that can lead to significant fines, damages, or even imprisonment.

Kelani emphasized that a film is intended to be experienced as a holistic body of work. By reducing grand epics to "scattered snippets," the narrative depth and cultural context are stripped away, leaving only hollow clickbait.

The filmmaker urged the public to desist from supporting these unauthorized channels and instead engage with Nigerian cinema through legal, authorized platforms. His outcry highlights a growing tension between traditional filmmaking and the "fast-food" consumption habits of the social media era.