Uganda’s King Oyo Buried as Dispute Over His Successor Deepens

Thousands of mourners gathered in Fort Portal as King Oyo of Tooro was buried amid a dispute over his succession.

Uganda’s King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has been buried in Fort Portal, days after a dispute emerged over who should succeed him as monarch of the Tooro Kingdom.

Oyo, who was 34, died in the United States last month while undergoing cancer treatment. He had ruled Tooro, one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms, since becoming king at the age of three.

Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Fort Portal on Saturday as the late king’s casket was taken to the royal tombs, where a private burial ceremony was held.

Oyo became Tooro’s monarch as a toddler and was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest reigning monarch during his reign.

The burial took place against the backdrop of an unresolved succession dispute involving members of the royal family and the Babiito clan, which oversees the traditional succession process.

TV news presenter Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, 56, was named as the next monarch by clan elders. During the burial ceremony, he reportedly cast nine coffee beans into Oyo’s grave, a traditional ritual understood to signify the end of one reign and the beginning of another.

However, members of Oyo’s family have rejected Kijanangoma’s selection.

Oyo’s sister, Princess Ruth Komuntale, said the late king had left a will in 2022 naming his young son as his successor. The identity of the child has not been publicly disclosed.

The succession dispute also led to concerns within the royal family over security arrangements at the palace.

Queen Best Kemigisa, Oyo’s mother, said royal guards had been withdrawn from the palace and replaced with soldiers. She described the situation as “house arrest”, saying the development restricted the royal family’s movement and ability to receive visitors.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, called for unity during Saturday’s burial ceremony, warning that disagreements surrounding the succession could damage the legacy of the late king.

“Words spoken in grief can cause pain, division and conflict. It can even destroy the legacy of the king we are mourning,” he told mourners.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni also urged those involved to resolve the succession dispute and prioritise unity.

The Babiito royal clan, however, defended its decision to name Kijanangoma as the next monarch.

Omusuuga Charles Karumasi, head of the Babiito royal clan, said the succession process had been conducted in accordance with Tooro’s culture and traditions.

“We have done everything in observance of the culture and traditions of Tooro. We must all preserve peace and serenity,” Karumasi said.

Tooro is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms. The kingdoms were abolished by the government in 1967 and restored in the 1990s under President Museveni. Their monarchs are recognised as cultural leaders rather than political rulers.

With the burial of King Oyo now completed, attention is expected to remain focused on the competing claims surrounding the future leadership of the Tooro Kingdom.

Phones, Bags Banned at Karuziika Palace Ahead of King Oyo’s Burial

Karuziika Palace has introduced restrictions on phones and personal belongings as the Tooro Kingdom prepares for King Oyo’s burial.

Phones and bags have been banned inside Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal as the Tooro Kingdom steps up security ahead of the burial of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The restrictions apply to mourners and members of the public visiting the palace to pay their final respects to the late Omukama, whose body has been lying in state ahead of his burial.

Officials overseeing the funeral arrangements said visitors entering the viewing area are not allowed to carry mobile phones or other personal belongings.

The decision followed concerns over the recording and circulation of images of the late King’s body on social media.

Members of the public have been advised to leave their phones and other belongings behind before entering the designated viewing area.

Other items reportedly restricted from the viewing area include watches, eyeglasses, pens and bags.

The measures are part of arrangements to maintain order and protect the dignity of the late King during the final period of public viewing.

The public viewing is expected to end on Friday, September 11, ahead of the main burial ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, September 12.

King Oyo’s body is expected to be taken from Karuziika Palace to St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal for the main funeral service before being transported to the Karambi Royal Tombs, where he will be laid to rest.

The late King Oyo died in the United States on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34. He became the Omukama of Tooro in 1995 at the age of three and remained on the throne for more than three decades.

His burial is expected to draw dignitaries, members of the Tooro royal family and mourners from across Uganda and beyond.

Your Husband Is Your Number One Priority — Pastor Mary Abioye Advises Married Women

Pastor Mary Abioye has urged married women to remain intentional about their homes and marriages while pursuing their careers.

Pastor Mrs. Mary Abioye has advised married women to remain intentional about their homes and marriages despite the demands of their careers.

Abioye made the remarks during a discussion on balancing professional responsibilities with marriage, where she responded to a question about how working wives, particularly those employed in banks, should manage household responsibilities.

According to the pastor, having a demanding career should not cause a woman to neglect her husband or home.

“You work in the bank, but you didn’t marry bank,” she said, emphasizing the need for married women to deliberately make time for their families.

Abioye also suggested that working wives could make use of available breaks during the workday to attend to some responsibilities at home, where practical.

She shared her personal experience, recalling how she would prepare a meal for her husband, set the table and leave a note for him before returning to work.

“Everybody has one hour break in any establishment. You can rush home and say, ‘Let me prepare the food for my husband,’” she said.

The pastor further warned that becoming overly consumed by career demands could have consequences for a woman’s marriage.

“You can work in the bank and lose your home,” she cautioned.

Abioye also expressed reservations about wives completely transferring household responsibilities to domestic workers, stressing that married women should remain personally intentional about caring for their husbands and maintaining their homes.

Her comments reflect her personal perspective on how married women can balance career demands with family responsibilities.

No Sex During King Oyo’s Mourning: Tooro Kingdom Announces 9-Day Rules

The Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda has announced a series of traditional mourning practices ahead of the burial of its late monarch, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

The King’s burial has been scheduled for September 12, 2026, at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal, marking the end of the nine-day official mourning period.

As the kingdom prepares for the final rites, members of the Babiito royal clan have outlined traditional practices expected to be observed during the mourning period.

One of the notable restrictions is a prohibition on sexual intimacy. Men have been instructed to leave their marital beds and refrain from sexual relations with their wives throughout the official mourning period.

Farming has also been suspended for the nine days of mourning. According to the traditional guidelines, the suspension is part of the customary way of honouring a deceased monarch.

The kingdom has also called for a reduction in entertainment activities, with bars and other venues expected to avoid loud music and activities considered inappropriate during the period of mourning.

Some traditional items, including drums and spears, are expected to be turned upside down as a symbolic expression of grief and respect for the late King.

Mourners and members of the public who intend to participate in the King’s final journey have also been encouraged to observe appropriate dress and conduct. Traditional attire, including kanzus for men and suukas for women, is encouraged as part of the cultural observance.

King Oyo’s remains are expected to be taken to Karuziika Palace, where members of the public will have an opportunity to pay their final respects during the mourning period. Prayers and other traditional activities are also expected to take place at the palace.

The kingdom has urged mourners to maintain peace, order and respect throughout the ceremonies as security and logistical arrangements continue around the palace and funeral route.

The authorities have also introduced guidelines for journalists, photographers and social media content creators covering the funeral, urging them to respect the privacy and dignity of the royal family and mourners.

Media coverage is being coordinated through the Uganda Media Centre, with accreditation and other arrangements put in place for those covering the ceremonies.

King Oyo died at the age of 34 after a period of illness while receiving medical care in the United States. He had been on the Tooro throne since September 12, 1995, when he was only three years old.

Interestingly, his burial date coincides with the anniversary of his coronation. September 12, 2026, will mark 31 years since he was installed as the Omukama of Tooro.

His burial will therefore not only bring the official nine-day mourning period to an end but will also mark the closing chapter of a 31-year reign that began when he was a child.

The Tooro Kingdom is expected to begin a succession process following the burial, with the Babiito royal clan responsible for overseeing the traditional procedures for identifying the next Omukama.

As preparations continue, the kingdom has called on residents, visitors and all those taking part in the ceremonies to respect the traditional mourning rules and ensure that King Oyo’s final journey is conducted with dignity and according to Tooro customs.

You Can’t Correct The System By Belittling The Profession, Daniel Regha Slams VDM Over Comments on Nigerian Lawyers

Social media commentator Daniel Regha has criticised Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over his recent comments about lawyers and the legal profession.

Regha argued that VDM’s lack of formal legal training means he may not fully understand the education, experience and professional requirements involved in becoming a practising lawyer in Nigeria.

Reacting to the controversy surrounding VDM’s appearance at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference, Regha said the activist had no justification for ridiculing the legal profession as a whole, while questioning why he was invited to the event in the first place.

He also criticised the NBA, saying the association should take responsibility for the controversy if VDM’s appearance was not deliberately planned.

Regha further pointed to the role of lawyers in defending citizens’ rights, noting that lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who has previously assisted VDM, had come to his aid on several occasions.

According to him, the presence of incompetent individuals in a profession does not make the entire profession incompetent.

He said the legal profession, like every other field, has both competent and incompetent practitioners, adding that criticising individuals within a system should not translate into disrespect for the entire profession.

Regha also warned Nigerians against supporting blanket attacks on lawyers for social media engagement while expecting the same professionals to defend citizens during protests, elections or legal disputes.

He argued that meaningful reform should focus on addressing individuals and institutional weaknesses rather than belittling an entire profession.

Oworonshoki Gets New Monarch as Sanwo-Olu Presents Staff of Office to Oba Adesegun

Oworonshoki in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State has welcomed a new monarch following the presentation of the Staff of Office to Oba Kabir Bashir Adesegun as the Olu Oko Baba Agba.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, formally recognised Oba Adesegun as a traditional ruler in the community, with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presenting the Staff of Office.

The event attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, family members, friends and residents who gathered to celebrate the new monarch.

Oba Adesegun received the Staff of Office amid cheers and jubilation, with residents taking to the streets to celebrate the occasion.

The ceremony was attended by officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, as well as traditional rulers from Kosofe and neighbouring communities.

Among those present was the Onikosi, alongside other prominent traditional rulers within the local government.

The development adds another traditional leadership position to the Oworonshoki community, which already has the Oloworo of Oworonshoki as its existing king.

With Oba Adesegun now formally recognised as the Olu Oko Baba Agba, Oworonshoki has two recognised traditional leadership positions, with the new monarch expected to play his role within the scope of his traditional title.

The presentation of the Staff of Office also provides formal recognition from the Lagos State Government for Oba Adesegun to carry out his responsibilities.

Speaking on the significance of the occasion, community members expressed support for the new monarch and called for peace, unity and development across Oworonshoki.

The installation is expected to strengthen community leadership and encourage greater cooperation among traditional institutions, residents and government authorities in the area.

The statement on the ceremony was signed by Prince Sultan Abiodun Saliu, Elebo of Oworonshoki.

Sierra Leonean Teen Uses Pageant Platform to Speak Against Racism

An 18-year-old Sierra Leonean, Alimatu Dumbuya, is using her platform as a finalist for Miss Teenager Netherlands 2026 to raise awareness about racism, discrimination, equality and inclusion.

Dumbuya recently spoke at a concert about her experience as a finalist and the opportunity to use her voice to address issues affecting people who face discrimination.

“Being able to use my voice and spread awareness about racism and discrimination means so much to me,” she said.

Beyond the pageant, Dumbuya is the founder of Beyond Labels Community, an initiative focused on encouraging conversations around racism, discrimination and equality.

Through the initiative, she promotes respect and encourages people to speak up when they experience or witness discriminatory treatment.

For Dumbuya, the pageant represents more than a chance to win a crown. She sees the competition as an opportunity to celebrate her Sierra Leonean heritage while promoting values she believes can inspire other young people.

Proud of her roots, the young Sierra Leonean hopes her journey will encourage others to embrace their identity, speak confidently and pursue their ambitions despite the challenges they may face.

“My roots are my strength, my voice is my power, and my purpose is to inspire others to stand proudly in who they are,” Dumbuya said.

Her participation in Miss Teenager Netherlands 2026 has therefore become an opportunity for her to combine her personal ambitions with advocacy for equality and inclusion.

As the competition continues, Dumbuya will be hoping to make an impact in the Netherlands while representing her Sierra Leonean heritage and using her growing platform to encourage young people to challenge discrimination.

Man Claims He Was Jailed at 13, Freed at 60 After Spending 47 Years in Prison

A Nigerian man has shared a heartbreaking account of how he allegedly spent 47 years in prison after being detained as a 13-year-old over an incident involving a damaged vehicle in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The man, who said he is now 78 years old, claimed he was arrested while hawking sugarcane for his father and was never properly tried before being transferred from one correctional facility to another for decades.

According to his account, he was living in Maiduguri and attended school while helping his father, a sugarcane farmer, sell sugarcane after classes.

He recalled that on the day his ordeal allegedly began, he accidentally knocked off the headlight of a parked car while pushing a wheelbarrow loaded with sugarcane in search of shade from the scorching afternoon sun.

Rather than fleeing, he said he waited at the scene for the vehicle’s owner to return.

“I wanted to run, but my conscience wouldn’t let me. So I stood there waiting,” he recalled.

The man alleged that the owner of the vehicle, who later identified himself as a police officer, beat him before taking him to a police station, where he was locked in a cell.

He claimed he remained in police custody for about a month before being taken to court, where the matter was not heard. According to him, he was subsequently remanded in prison.

He further alleged that he remained in custody for years without trial, serving in prison work units before being transferred between correctional facilities in several states, including Bauchi, Ibadan and Kano.

According to the account, he eventually became known among inmates as “Baba” after spending decades behind bars.

The man claimed his case only came to light when a state governor visited the correctional facility shortly before leaving office and asked him why he was imprisoned.

He alleged that an investigation followed, leading authorities to discover that the police officer who had ordered his detention had become a traditional ruler.

According to the account, the governor later granted him amnesty and assisted him with rehabilitation after his release.

The former inmate said the traditional ruler allegedly offered to compensate him with a house and other support, but he declined, saying no material gift could restore the decades he lost in prison.

“He took my youth. He took my future. He took my life,” he said in the emotional account.

The story has generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy while calling for an independent verification of the claims and, if substantiated, accountability for any miscarriage of justice.

As of the time of filing this report, Shemariah Media has not independently verified the claims contained in the man’s account, including the identity of the police officer, the governor referenced, or official records relating to the alleged imprisonment.

Canada-Based Nigerian Woman Sparks Reactions After Asking Husband to Swear Death Oath Against Infidelity

A Nigerian couple has become the subject of widespread discussion on social media after the wife, who is based in Canada, reportedly asked her husband to make a public vow that he would remain faithful if he eventually joins her abroad.

The woman, identified as Ezinne Maryjane Nwanorue, shared videos of the mutual declarations on Facebook and WhatsApp, where both she and her husband pledged to remain sexually faithful to each other and invoked death upon themselves if either partner became unfaithful.

The video, which has since gone viral, has generated mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians debating whether such vows strengthen trust in marriage or reflect fear and insecurity in long-distance relationships.

In his declaration, the husband, identified as Franklin Chimaobim Nwanorue, acknowledged the sacrifices his wife had made while living apart from him and their children for about three years.

He promised to remain committed to his marriage if he eventually relocates to Canada.

“My wife, as directed by God, I want the best for you and our children. I don’t want life to be hard anymore. I want peace in your life and in our marriage,” he said.

He continued, “I confess and promise that if I ever come to Canada and cheat on you, let me die in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Franklin also expressed appreciation for his wife’s patience, saying she had endured years of separation while working to reunite the family.

“You have stayed three good years without me with our children. I want the best for you. I want the best for my children. I will keep my promise. Anything that makes you happy, I will surely do it for you.”

He concluded his declaration by repeating his vow.

“If I ever come to Canada and cheat on you, let me die in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”

In a separate video, his wife also made a similar pledge.

“I, Ezinne Maryjane Nwanorue, confess in the name of Jesus that I will remain faithful to my husband sexually. If I become unfaithful, let me die in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

She further promised to remain a loving wife and devoted mother while praying for God’s guidance in their marriage.

“I will continue to be a good wife to my husband and a good mother to our children. I pray that God gives us the grace to build a healthy marriage and a godly home, and to make a positive impact for Christ.”

Although neither of them explained why they decided to make the declarations publicly, the videos have continued to circulate across social media platforms, attracting thousands of comments.

While some users praised the couple’s commitment to each other and described the mutual vows as an expression of trust and faith, others questioned the wisdom of invoking death over marital infidelity, arguing that healthy relationships should be built on mutual confidence, communication and commitment rather than public oaths.