Good morning, Nigeria — welcome to the Naturenex summary of today’s major news headlines across the country for Thursday, 5th June 2025.
1. President Tinubu And Pastor Tunde Bakare Discuss Nigeria’s Future
Pastor Tunde Bakare, the presiding overseer of Global Community Citadel Church, has shared insights into his recent private meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Speaking to journalists after visiting the President in Lagos on Wednesday, Bakare explained that their talks focused on national concerns and ideas to improve the nation. Although he declined to disclose full details, he confirmed it was a warm reception and placed hopes on Tinubu to act on the suggestions made. He concluded by praying for “God’s help and wisdom” for the President in steering Nigeria forward.
2. Tribunal Upholds Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Victory In Ondo State
The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure has affirmed the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The verdict, delivered after over eight hours on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, dismissed petitions from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and candidate Agboola Ajayi, who alleged widespread electoral irregularities. The tribunal, led by Justice Benson Ogubu, similarly struck out challenges by other parties including the SDP, ADC, APM, and AA. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier declared Aiyedatiwa, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner across all 18 local government areas.
3. ‘Fuel Subsidy Still Paid Through Backdoor’ — Obidient Movement Alleges
The Obidient Movement’s National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of secretly continuing fuel subsidy payments. Appearing on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Tanko criticized the administration’s honesty, adding that its greatest flaw is an “inability to tell the Nigerian people the truth.” He cited the country’s economic struggles, inflation, and dwindling household purchasing power. “The major problem this particular government has is the inability to tell the Nigerian people the truth,” he stated.
4. Shettima Visits Flood-Ravaged Mokwa In Niger State
Vice President Kashim Shettima made a compassionate visit on Wednesday to Mokwa, Niger State, following a devastating flood disaster that claimed over 200 lives and displaced more than 3,000 residents on May 29, 2025. During the visit, Shettima met with victims, assessed the extensive destruction, and promised rapid federal intervention in the form of food, healthcare, shelter, and infrastructural rehabilitation. State officials praised his timely presence, calling it a demonstration of the government’s empathy and responsiveness.
5. APC Faces Rancor Over Tinubu’s Endorsement And Ticket Controversy
Fresh tensions are rising within the APC as party bigwigs, led by PGF Chairman Hope Uzodimma, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027. The move has unsettled some loyalists concerned over rumored automatic tickets for certain lawmakers, especially in states like Delta where PDP Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently defected to the APC with his structure. Fears persist among long-standing members over the fate of party stalwarts amid the influx of defectors and preferential ticketing.
6. Supreme Court Restores Jokolo As Emir Of Gwandu After 20-Year Dispute
In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court reinstated Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo as the Emir of Gwandu on Wednesday, ending a legal battle spanning two decades. The apex court’s ruling, delivered by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji’s five-member panel, upheld earlier decisions by the Kebbi State High Court and the Court of Appeal, which declared Jokolo’s 2005 deposition unlawful. The June 4, 2025, judgment — moved forward from June 6 due to the Eid-el-Kabir holidays — affirmed Jokolo’s rightful claim to the throne, resolving one of Nigeria’s longest royal succession disputes.
7. Lamine Yamal Named World’s Most Valuable Footballer In 2025
Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal has emerged as football’s most valuable player in 2025, according to the latest rankings from the CIES Football Observatory. The 17-year-old is now worth £339 million, following an impressive season leading Barcelona’s La Liga campaign under new manager Hansi Flick. Despite interest from rival clubs, Yamal remains untouchable due to a staggering €1 billion release clause in his contract. Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham trail behind at £201m and £196m respectively, while Kylian Mbappé, at 26, remains the oldest player in the top 10.
8. Osimhen Excluded From Super Eagles Squad Over Transfer Prospects
Nigeria’s national team head coach, Eric Chelle, has revealed that Victor Osimhen was omitted from the Super Eagles squad for upcoming fixtures to safeguard his career amid looming transfer talks. The striker, fresh from a prolific loan spell at Galatasaray, was absent from the squad for the Unity Cup and a June 6 friendly against Russia. Speaking with BBC Sport, Chelle explained the decision was to shield Osimhen from undue pressure and distractions linked to his imminent high-profile move.
9. Skitmaker Nasboi Survives Car Accident During Tour To Reach Davido
Popular Nigerian comedian and singer Nasboi, real name Lawal Nasiru, survived a serious road accident while on a nationwide campaign to secure a collaboration with Afrobeats star Davido. The entertainer, who embarked on a tour of Nigeria’s 36 states, revealed that his car collided with a stationary trailer. Fans expressed relief and support on social media after Nasboi confirmed in a live video that he was safe and recovering well.
10. Karen Bujulu Addresses Relationship With Tanzanian Singer Juma Jux
Karen Bujulu, ex-girlfriend of Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, has responded to revived public attention surrounding their past relationship following Jux’s wedding to Nigerian actress Iyabo Ojo’s daughter, Priscilla Ojo. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Bujulu refuted claims of infidelity, stating, “I did not cheat but was cheated on.” She said she had long chosen to remain silent amid ongoing criticism and false narratives, adding that she has moved on and harbors no interest in rekindling the past.
That’s your roundup of Nigeria’s major news stories today. Stay updated with more headlines via Naturenex. See you again tomorrow.
