Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is set to witness the weddings of nine of his children on the same day in Abuja.

The development became public after a single wedding invitation card, listing all nine couples, began circulating widely on social media.

What we know so far

According to details on the invitation, the ceremonies will take place at the Central Mosque, Abuja, at 1:30pm on 6 February.

The minister’s children listed on the card include five sons and four daughters, all scheduled to wed on the same day.

Their spouses are also said to be from prominent families, as indicated on the invitation.

Preparations for the ceremonies are understood to be at an advanced stage, though no official statement has been issued by the minister or his office.

Why it matters

Mass weddings within politically prominent families are rare in Nigeria and often attract public interest because of their cultural, social, and security implications.

Such events also highlight the continued intersection of public office, private life, and public curiosity in Nigerian politics.

Public reaction

The invitation card has generated mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing surprise at the scale of the ceremonies.

While some users congratulated the families involved, others questioned the logistics and security arrangements for hosting multiple high-profile weddings on the same day.

Official position

As of the time of reporting, there has been no confirmation or comment from the Ministry of Defence or from Bello Matawalle himself regarding the ceremonies.

What’s next

Attention is expected to remain on Abuja as the wedding date approaches, especially regarding security, traffic control, and official attendance.

Observers say further clarity may emerge if the minister’s office issues a formal statement ahead of the ceremonies.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of his support and collaboration in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

The traditional ruler gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday, 12 December 2025.

The Alaafin led a delegation of royal fathers, including the Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyan Olatoye, and the Olusin of Ijara Isin, Oba Ademola Julius Ajibola, to the meeting.

He said he was proud of Marwa’s public service record and described his leadership journey as worthy of recognition across Yorubaland.

“To be kind with you, we are proud of you. Your being in this position at the moment is not just by chance, it’s because of your devotion, your commitment. You have this amiable character. That’s why you are able to govern Borno and Lagos State, and you have always been a performer. Another thing which I can’t forget about you is the legacy of Keke Marwa that you brought to Nigeria.”

Why It Matters

Nigeria is grappling with rising cases of drug abuse, particularly among young people, a trend authorities say is fuelling crime, insecurity, and social breakdown.

The NDLEA believes traditional rulers—who wield influence at the community level—can play a critical role in prevention, intelligence gathering, and advocacy.

Responding to Marwa’s call for traditional institutions to join the anti-drug campaign, the Alaafin pledged to mobilise his peers across the country.

“I’ve heard your message and the same thing with some of my colleagues here and some of my other traditional rulers, we are ready to collaborate with you. I have to tell you, we are at the grassroots, we are close to the community people. We know a lot about what’s going on.”

“So, I’m using this opportunity to tell you that we are ready. We are more than ready to work with you and to give you all the necessary support to make sure that you are successful in this job.”

“We can tell you that anytime you are in need of us, we will always be there for you.”

NDLEA: Drug Use at ‘Unacceptable Levels’

In his remarks, Marwa congratulated the Alaafin on his ascension to the throne and urged traditional rulers nationwide to use their influence to combat drug abuse.

He warned that the scale of drug use in Nigeria had reached alarming levels.

“The drug scourge in Nigeria is at an unacceptable limit and from the drug use survey report of 2018, we find that close to 15 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 use drugs. It’s a big problem.”

Marwa said the NDLEA’s renewed mandate, backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, includes arresting drug traffickers, prosecuting offenders, and confiscating illicit assets.

“We have been mandated by President Tinubu, to stand up, fight the drug scourge, arrest those responsible, prosecute them and seize their assets, the traffickers.”

Why Traditional Rulers Matter

Marwa stressed that traditional institutions remain deeply respected across Nigeria and can influence behaviour at the local level more effectively than formal authorities alone.

“Nigerians respect the traditional institutions. Whoever you are in Nigeria, you still come from somewhere. And when you go back to that place, you pay homage to whoever is the leader of the community.”

“And so when the traditional leader speaks, it carries weight.”

He also urged traditional rulers to work closely with religious leaders to amplify anti-drug messaging in churches and mosques.

“We plead for traditional leaders to also engage the religious leaders in charge of churches and mosques in their domains, they should do serious advocacy against the use of drugs.”

“The NDLEA is always prepared to work with the traditional institution.”

Security and Community Impact

Marwa said collaboration with traditional rulers would also help the agency obtain intelligence on drug dealers operating in local communities.

“We really appreciate this collaboration and I know for a fact that if we are able to control drug use, even the criminalities will come down.”

He linked drug abuse to violent crimes and insecurity across the country.

“All the people that are kidnappers and the insurgents, terrorists, bandits everywhere, they use drugs first to charge themselves up, to make them high.”

What’s Next

The NDLEA says it plans to deepen engagement with traditional and religious institutions nationwide as part of a broader strategy focused on prevention, enforcement, and community intelligence.

Marwa thanked the Alaafin for the visit and wished him a peaceful and prosperous reign in Oyo Kingdom.

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has sworn in a new team of Special Advisers and the Director-General of the Performance and Projects Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU), in a move aimed at strengthening governance across the state.

The governor also inaugurated the newly constituted Ondo State Law Commission during a ceremony at the Cocoa Conference Centre in Akure.

Why it matters

The appointments form part of the administration’s “OUR EASE” governance agenda, which prioritises efficiency, accountability and public-centred service delivery.

They also come at a time when the state is pushing for reforms in agriculture, education, infrastructure and industrialisation.

Aiyedatiwa: Public office must reflect integrity

Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the ceremony was “a solemn affirmation of our commitment to people-centred leadership, efficient governance and public service driven by integrity.”

He stressed that governance “is not about the preservation of power but the selfless deployment of authority for the advancement of human dignity.”

The governor said the appointments followed “careful consideration, rigorous and merit-based evaluation,” adding that the selected individuals had shown competence and character.

Who was appointed

The Special Advisers sworn in include:

Olugbenga Omole — Transport

Comrade Gani Mohammed — Special Duties & Strategy

Allen Sowore — Communication & Strategy

Dr Summy Smart Francis — Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Dr Tunji Rhema — Environment

Mrs Kikelomo Ikuomola — Public Affairs & Intergovernmental Relations

Engr Wale Aladenusi — Marine & Blue Economy

Hon Kolawole Babatunde — Legislative & Party Affairs

Hon Igbekele Akinrinwa — Local Government Affairs

Governor Aiyedatiwa said returning appointees had earned their positions through strong performance, while new entrants were expected to bring “fresh ideas, perspectives and vigour.”

Expectations for new Advisers and PPIMU DG

The governor urged the team to approach their roles with “humility, diligence and a keen sense of responsibility,” adding that political proximity was not the purpose of their appointment.

On the new PPIMU Director-General, he said the role demanded “standardised project monitoring, reporting, judicious use of resources, fiscal responsibility and coordination across government.”

He emphasised that the “OUR EASE” agenda must be delivered with attention to time, cost, quality and flexibility.

Law Commission gets new leadership

Mr Femi Okunjemiruwa Esq. was inaugurated as Chairman of the Ondo State Law Commission.

Other members include:

Olufemi Mayor Omosua Esq. (North)

Raymond Olaleye Ogunmoyero Esq. (Central)

Oladehingbe Sunday Esq. (Central)

Tope Olajube Esq. (North)

The governor tasked the Commission with reviewing the state’s legal framework to ensure fairness, efficiency and alignment with evolving societal needs.

“Let your work be your loudest testimony”

Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated that public service is “a sacred duty,” warning that results would matter more than promises.

“The applause that greets your appointment today must be matched by the applause that greets your performance tomorrow,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing achievements in food security, urban renewal, education, economic expansion and rural infrastructure, noting that these efforts were positioning Ondo as an investment destination.

Industry and public reaction

Speaking on behalf of all the appointees, Special Adviser on Transport, Olugbenga Omole, thanked the governor for the opportunity and pledged loyalty.

He assured residents that the team would “make new ground and impact that will spread to the nooks and crannies of the State.”

What’s next

The newly-sworn officials are expected to begin work immediately as the administration looks to accelerate project delivery and legal reforms ahead of 2026.

Their performance will be closely watched by citizens, particularly in sectors like transportation, environment, agriculture and justice administration.