An Upper Area Court in Ilorin, on Wednesday directed Mr Mmala Uzochukwu and his wife, Mary to formally and legally dissolve their marriage before they can make certain claims.
The presiding Judges, Mr Sunday Adeniyi and Hammad Ajumonbi, in a ruling that the court does not recognise divorce made traditionally.
The court held that according to the law, they were still married until any law authority is cited.
“The only divorce that can be recognised is the one done in a court. You have to file for divorce before anything can be claimed.
“You as a husband should take responsibility for your children’s upkeep, pending the conclusion of the case,” the judges held.
The case was adjourned until July 6, for further mention.
Earlier, Uzochukwu told court that his wife threw him out of their rented apartment four years ago and they had since been living separately.
He said that the traditional ruler of their village dissolved the traditional marriage they had.
”The dowry I paid was returned to me. I want to make claims to some other property,” he said.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, has called for stronger collaboration withinstitutionsin Kwara.
Customs Comptroller-General made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference of the University of Ilorin.
This is contained in a press statement issued by Mr Sani Suleiman, Public Relations Officer, Customs Kwara Area Command.
The theme of the occasion was “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy.”
Adeniyi called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, financial regulators, auditors, policymakers, and legislative bodies to reinforce national economic systems and improve revenue administration.
He emphasized the transformative role of disruptive technologies and artificial intelligence in modern governance and trade administration.
Customs Boss noted that digital innovation has significantly reshaped customs operations globally by improving data analysis, enhancing decision-making, and strengthening efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
The conference was organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University, Russia.
The event brought together scholars, policymakers, technocrats, and international academics to discuss the growing influence of technology on governance, economics, and institutional development.
During his visit, the Comptroller-General proceeded visited Kwara Area Command Headquarters, where he was briefed on operational activities, enforcement actions, and revenue performance.
He commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to core mandates, including revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.
He also inspected the Government Warehouse (GWH), where he expressed satisfaction with the handling of seized and forfeited items while stressing the need for accountability, transparency, and proper documentation in operational processes.
The Comptroller-General further reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to continuous adaptation to emerging technological realities in line with global best practices, particularly in the areas of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security.
The Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a morale booster and a reaffirmation of the Service’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and public service delivery.
The Ilorin Emirate Descendant Progressive Union (IEDPU) has disclosed their ongoing efforts to reconcile Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazak and Senator Saliu Mustapha in their political relationship ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Political Advisory Council of IEDPU made this known to newsmen, after an emergency meeting they held at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
The National Coordinator of the council, Dr. Yakub Oloriegbe, said the union considered both men among the most prominent sons of the Ilorin Emirate and determined to restore cordial relationship between them.
Oloriegbe said previous reconciliation efforts initiated by the Emir would serve as the foundation for the fresh intervention.
“You will recall that there was an earlier reconciliation effort championed by the Emir of Ilorin and led by the late Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, Dr Muhammad Bashir Solihu.
“The earlier committee are respected Islamic scholars and prominent stakeholders, including Sheikh Habeeb Abdullahi Al-Ilory, Mudir Markaz, Agege and Sheikh Abdulkadir Kamaldeen Al-Adaby.
“Also, Khalifa Adabiyah; former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sheu Gafar, and the National President of IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, among others,” he said.
The National Coordinator noted that they were building on those earlier efforts and intended to move quickly on the matter.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the council, Lt Col. Abubakar Edun (Rtd), warned that prolonged division between the two political figures could have adverse consequences for the Ilorin Emirate.
According to him, the rift had already affected the community’s access to federal projects and political appointments.
“The two are among the finest sons of this community. Unfortunately, the cracks in their relationship have cost the emirate several multi-billion naira federal projects and appointments.
“If care is not taken, it could cost us even more in the forthcoming elections. May God forbid it,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the council also inspected the ongoing pavilion project at the forecourt of the Emir’s palace and commended the State government for the quality of work at the site.
The Federal Fire Service, Kwara Command, has carried out a comprehensive fire safety inspection and risk assessment of TETFund-sponsored infrastructures at Kwara State Polytechnic.
This is as part of efforts to ensure compliance with fire safety standards in tertiary institutions.
This is contained in a statement signed by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Halimat Garba, on Thursday, in Ilorin.
“The inspection team, led by Toyin Ishola, visited various TETFund projects within the institution to assess the level of fire safety compliance, availability of safety facilities, and maintenance culture.
“Ishola explained that the visit was directed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for all beneficiary institutions across the country,” she said.
According to the team leader, the aim of the inspection was to evaluate the infrastructures provided by TETFund and determine the level of maintenance and safety measures adopted by the institution.
He noted that the assessment report to be submitted to TETFund after the exercise would assist the agency in providing necessary fire safety tools and upgrading facilities to best standards.
“Polytechnic would be required to provide relevant fire service certification documents as evidence of compliance with fire safety regulations.
“The documentation would enable TETFund to ascertain the institution’s commitment to fire safety compliance,” Ishola said.
Responding on behalf of the Polytechnic, Mr Lawal Abdulquadir, Deputy Rector (Academic), appreciated the team for the inspection visit and acknowledged the importance of proactive fire safety measures in the institution.
Abdulquadir disclosed that the Polytechnic is fully aware of the devastating effects of fire outbreaks, which informed the management’s decision to provide fire buckets and fire extinguishers across various locations on campus.
He emphasized that, given the large number of TETFund-sponsored infrastructures within the institution, the outcome of the inspection and assessment would highlight areas where further intervention is required.
The Deputy Rector noted that the inspection exercise forms part of TETFund’s directive for beneficiary institutions to strengthen safety standards, ensure proper maintenance culture, and promote safer learning environments.
Kwara Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has revealed that one Ajiboye Abayomi Olayinka, who claimed to be a prophet had been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and other related offences involving minors.
Olayinka was the General Overseer of Mission House of Divine Land of Joy and Prayer Ministry.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Ayoola Shola, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Command.
“Justice Hammed Aliyu Gegele of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin, sentenced Ajiboye Abayomi Olayinka to life imprisonment on multiple counts bordering on rape and unlawful sexual intercourse with minors, and 14 years in prison, for illegal abortion.
“The conviction followed painstaking investigations initiated by the NSCDC Kwara Command through its Gender Unit, after the arrest of the suspect in May 2024, over allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of underage victims in Agah Village, Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara.
“Upon conclusion of investigations by the Command, the matter was subsequently transferred to the State Ministry of Justice for diligent prosecution, culminating in the successful conviction secured before the court,” he said.
The State Commandant, Commandant Abbas Nda-Mohammed commends the courage displayed by the victims who reported the case despite threats, intimidation, and emotional trauma.
Nda-Mohammed also applauded the professionalism, diligence, and resilience of officers of the Gender Unit, whose investigative efforts laid the groundwork for the successful prosecution of the case.
He also appreciated the State Ministry of Justice for its unwavering commitment to justice and collaboration throughout the prosecution process.
The Commandant stressed that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding children, protecting vulnerable persons, and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence are brought to justice, irrespective of their social, religious, or professional status.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has called on journalists to use their pen to promote peace and unity in the state and entire Nigeria.
The Emir, who was represented by his Spokesman, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona made the call during the 2026 Correspondents week.
Sulu-Gambari rejoiced with the Correspondent Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on their annual celebration and wished them a more joyful celebration on earth.
The Chairman, Kwara Traditional Rulers Council appreciates the journalists for their quick response in publishing his press statements and event coverage.
He advised other chapels to emulate the Correspondents Chapel in orderliness, peace, unity and progress that is making the state more meaningful and interesting.
The Emir appealed to the chapel to continue with their professional work of writing objective and factual news.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual press week was a two-day event; Aerobics and Table tennis competition, then a Grand finale, with lectures and posthumous award presentation.
Alhaji Yahaya Biola Azeez, Chairman of Correspondents Chapel
The Elesa of Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Mufutau Akanbi Ibrahim Adebayo, Ilufemiloye I, has described the Emir of Ilorin, Mai Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, as an exemplary leader whose reign has brought peace and development to Kwara State.
Oba Mufutau Akanbi Ibrahim Adebayo stated this during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, who is also the Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, at his palace in Ilorin.
According to the monarch, the visit followed his recent installation as the new Elesa of Oke-Ode.
The Elesa of Oke-Ode expressed appreciation to the Emir of Ilorin for his fatherly support and immense contributions to the peace and well-being of traditional institutions across Kwara State.
He also commended the Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council for sustaining harmony and unity among royal fathers in the state.
Oba Mufutau pledged his commitment to the promotion of peace, culture, and development in Oke-Ode land, while seeking continued guidance and support from the Emir and other traditional rulers.
In his remarks, the Emir of Ilorin, Mai Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, congratulated the new Elesa of Oke-Ode on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers.
The Emir described the monarch as humble, dedicated, and passionate about the growth and progress of his community.
Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari also prayed for wisdom, strength, and a peaceful reign for Oba Mufutau Akanbi Ibrahim Adebayo, Ilufemiloye I, on the throne of his ancestors.
The new Elesa of Oke-Ode was accompanied on the homage visit by members of the Elesa-in-Council and prominent sons and daughters of Oke-Ode, including the Asiwaju of Oke-Odeland, Alhaji Kolawole Yusuf; High Chief Abdullateef Audu, Asanlu of Oke-Odeland; High Chief Bisiriyu Jejelola, Alade of Oke-Odeland; Chief (Prof.) Sikirudeen Lanre Nurudeen.
Also, Arogun of Oke-Odeland; Chief AbdulGaniyu Kunle Akogun, Akogun of Oke-Odeland; Alhaji Jamiu Aro Yahaya, Aro of Oke-Odeland; Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Bello Ajala, National President of Oke-Ode Community Development Association; Barrister Hassan Garuba; and the General Manager of the Kwara State Television Authority, Alhaji Ayobami Akanbi.
Others at the visit were Alhaji Rasaq Lawal, Hajia Sidikat Ojulari Aliyu, Alhaji Lateef Leto Lawal, Alhaji AbdulRasaq B. Jimoh, Alhaji Murtala A. Olukotun, Mallam Jamiu Kola Yusuf, Mallam Rasaq Kola Usman, Mallam Sikiru Ahmed, AbdulFatai Lawal (Councillor), Alfa Raufu Balogun, Mufasir Muktar Atobiloye, and Alfa Sheriff Imam.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has congratulated the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the successful airlifting of Pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Emir’s Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, on Monday in Ilorin.
Sulu-Gambari expressed joy over the smooth exercise, describing it as a commendable act and wished all the intending pilgrims sound health and absolute comfort throughout their stay in the holy land.
The Emir noted that Hajj, which is the fifth pillar of Islam always brings people of the different races together globally.
“Hajj is important in order to further confirm the oneness of Almighty Allah and to further strengthen believers in faith, perseverance and dedication to His commandments amidst numerous challenges bedeviling global peace,” he said.
The Emir, however, appealed to Kwara Contingents to pray fervently for peaceful coexistence to continue to reign in the state and the nation at large.
Sulu-Gambari therefore commended the 2026 Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa for his leadership styles, in order to ensure smooth operations throughout the Hajj period.
Zainab AbdulRauf, a 30-year-old working-class wife, says she always feels sad whenever festive periods such as Eid celebrations approach.
According to her, the first thing that comes to her mind during celebrations is the heavy workload she faces at her in-laws’ house.
She said this often leaves her with little or no time to rest or enjoy the festivities.
By nightfall, AbdulRauf said, she is usually exhausted and retires to bed after a long and demanding day.
The pressure, she explained, often comes not from her husband directly, but from members of his extended family.
In many Nigerian homes, a wife’s responsibilities extend beyond her relationship with her husband and are often tied to respect for elders, cooperation and maintaining family harmony.
African elders often argue that a wife should handle household chores and prepare meals for guests, especially during festive periods when visitors are numerous.
However, modern perspectives increasingly emphasise setting healthy boundaries, sharing domestic responsibilities and fostering mutual respect within the family.
According to a 2025 study titled “In-Law Interference and Emotional Stability of Married Women in Kwara State, Nigeria,” interference from in-laws can contribute to stress, marital dissatisfaction and emotional instability among married women.
The study, which surveyed 403 married women, recommended counselling, healthy boundaries and improved communication between couples and extended family members.
Similarly, research on married career women in Nigeria found that psychological distress, family conflict and lack of social support significantly affect women’s psychological wellbeing and marital satisfaction.
Another Nigerian study on marital health among couples in Ogun also linked stress and poor conflict resolution with declining marital satisfaction and family wellbeing.
In the same vein, broader studies on women’s mental health in marriage in Nigeria associated emotional abuse and family pressure with anxiety, emotional distress and other mental health challenges among married women.
Some women on social media have also expressed preference for spending festive periods with their own families rather than with their in-laws, citing pressure, disagreements, harassment and broader family tensions.
Many of them, however, believe that the solution largely rests with the husband, arguing that he has a responsibility to support his wife while managing relationships with his relatives to ensure harmony within the family.
Studies have shown that conflicts between wives and in-laws can destabilise marriages and negatively affect the emotional well-being of everyone involved.
Experts say such tensions can lead to divided loyalties, reduced couple autonomy, marital strain and, in some cases, an increased risk of divorce.
Additionally, psychologists say the emotional effects, including anxiety, depression, diminished self-esteem and social isolation, can further worsen the situation.
Reflecting on her upbringing, AbdulRauf said that as the only daughter in her family, she grew up helping her mother with cooking and cleaning while constantly being reminded of the responsibilities awaiting her in marriage.
“My father is the first male child of his mother and has three younger step-brothers, an older sister and seven younger step-sisters from three step-mothers.
“My mother accommodated three brothers-in-law for 15 years and endured different challenges, humiliation and family conflicts,” she said.
AbdulRauf narrated her experience emotionally, with red eyes, saying that her mother constantly shared stories of disagreements and tensions with in-laws, which she endured for the sake of her children.
She added that whenever she complained to her husband about the workload and humiliation, he would respond: “Is it my mother that will do all the work by herself? Are you not a housewife?”
Speaking on the issue, Mr Uthman Aluko, an Area Court Judge in the Kwara State Judiciary, said that wives should see their in-laws as part of their family and treat them with respect.
According to Aluko, patience, tolerance and understanding are necessary in maintaining harmony within the home.
“When a woman marries, she should approach family responsibilities with maturity and understanding, even when she feels uncomfortable or unfairly treated,” he said.
Aluko added that frequent complaints about in-laws could sometimes create tension between husbands and their parents, thereby affecting family relationships.
Similarly, Hajiya Balikis Oladimeji, Amirah of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Kwara Chapter, said that husbands should act as protectors and supporters of their wives.
Oladimeji noted that economic realities now compel many women to work and contribute financially to their homes while still being expected to fulfil traditional domestic responsibilities.
According to her, this often places enormous physical and emotional pressure on women, especially during festive periods.
Oladimeji urged wives to remain patient and prayerful while encouraging husbands to mediate fairly between their wives and relatives.
She added that husbands should defend their wives respectfully when necessary and help maintain healthy relationships between both sides of the family.
However, some observers argued that changing social realities require a more balanced approach to family responsibilities.
Prof. Saudat AbdulBaqi, Dean, Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, urged women to strive for balance between their careers and family responsibilities.
AbdulBaqi said women often face greater societal expectations than men and must work hard to overcome stereotypes that portray them as weaker or less capable.
“Women must continue to make the right choices, work hard and maintain balance within their homes, workplaces and relationships,” she said.
Also speaking, the General Manager of UNILORIN FM, Idris Alooma, popularly known as Elewi-kilokilo, said African culture places high value on family unity and respect for elders.
According to Alooma, in the past, women were mostly full-time housewives while men provided for the family, making domestic expectations different from what is obtainable today.
“Today, many women combine demanding careers with family responsibilities. A working-class wife who is already stressed can break down if subjected to excessive domestic pressure by in-laws,” he said.
Alooma said husbands should help their families understand that household chores should not be imposed on wives at the expense of their health or careers.
He also advised wives to maintain cordial relationships with their in-laws while encouraging financially capable husbands to hire domestic assistance during festive periods to reduce stress and avoid conflicts.
In the same light, Mr Demola Akinyemi, a veteran journalist with Vanguard Newspaper, said excessive domestic demands on wives should no longer be encouraged in modern society.
According to Akinyemi, mothers-in-law and relatives should not place unnecessary pressure on working-class wives who are already balancing career and family responsibilities.
“Husbands play a critical role in maintaining healthy relationships between their wives and relatives,” he said.
Akinyemi added that financially capable husbands should arrange support or domestic help during celebrations to reduce stress and prevent misunderstandings.
He further said that in-laws should treat their sons’ wives the same way they would want their daughters to be treated in their matrimonial homes.
Observers say that as changing social realities continue to reshape family life in Nigeria, maintaining harmony between wives and in-laws will require mutual respect, open communication, shared responsibilities and understanding from all parties involved. (NANFeatures)
The newly Islamic Welfare Foundation (IWF) National Coordinator Dr. Muh’tahir Oloyede has expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve, describing the appointment as both a joyous milestone and a significant responsibility entrusted to the younger generation of the foundation.
Speaking shortly after his assumption in office at the organization’s secretariat located at Owoniboys,he noted that the transition represents the fulfillment of the long standing prayers of the founding members to see the baton of leadership passed to capable hands.
In outlining his roadmap for the organization, the new coordinator emphasized that his administration primary mission is to uphold the established values of the IWF while aggressively pursuing institutional improvements.
The coordinator lauded the foundation’s previous leadership for laying a solid groundwork, stating that his administration’s focus would be to maintain and upscale these achievements.
Oloyede noted that high on new executives priority list is the actualization of a permanent home secretariat for the foundation, a project he identified as critical to the organization’s long-term stability and operational efficiency.
Beyond infrastructure, he revealed plans to revitalize several key organizational activities which include a renewed focus on capacity building for members, bridging the gap between professionalism and religious values, and restoring the tradition of vibrant Eid celebrations.
According to him, the vision is to take existing programs and upgrade them to meet contemporary standards, ensuring the foundation remains relevant and impactful in its service to the community.
Addressing the broader membership, the coordinator issued a call for unity and collective action.
He particularly sought the continued mentorship of the outgoing Executive Council members, noting that their experience remains vital to the success of the new leadership.
Oloyede urged all members to provide the generous support necessary to achieve the foundation’s lofty goals. “We can not do this alone,” he added.
He prays for divine ease in navigating the task ahead, signalling a tenure rooted in both strategic growth and spiritual dedication.
Dr. Muh’tahir Oloyede, National Coordinator, Islamic Welfare Foundation (IWF)
