The End Of A 180-Year Tradition: King Charles Will No Longer Stay in Buckingham Palace

King Charles III has decided not to move into Buckingham Palace once its decade-long £369 million refurbishment is completed in 2027, ending a tradition dating back nearly 190 years.

King Charles III has decided he will not make Buckingham Palace his permanent residence once its extensive refurbishment is completed next year, bringing to an end a royal tradition that has defined the British monarchy for nearly two centuries. 

Instead, King Charles and Queen Camilla will continue living at Clarence House, the London residence they have occupied for years, even after the £369 million restoration project concludes in March 2027.

The decision marks a significant shift in how Britain’s royal household will operate. While Buckingham Palace will remain the monarchy’s official headquarters and the centrepiece of state ceremonies,

 it will no longer serve as the sovereign’s principal home. Palace officials say the change reflects both practical considerations and a broader effort to make the landmark more accessible to the public.

One or the royal aides stressed that the move does not diminish Buckingham Palace’s constitutional importance. Instead, they described it as an evolution in how the monarchy uses one of Britain’s most recognisable buildings while preserving its historic role.. 

 it will no longer serve as the sovereign’s principal home. Palace officials claims that the change will now reflects both practical considerations and a broader effort to make the landmark more accessible to the public.

Although King Charles will continue residing at Clarence House, Buckingham Palace will remain the principal venue for official royal business. State banquets, diplomatic receptions, investiture ceremonies, audiences with the Prime Minister and annual garden parties will continue to be held at the palace.

James Chalmers, the King’s Treasurer and Keeper of the Privy Purse, said Buckingham Palace would continue serving as the operational heart of the monarchy.

“It is and will remain monarchy HQ, the crown jewel of our national buildings, with the sovereign’s standard flying proudly from the roof whenever His Majesty is in London,” Chalmers told reporters.

Officials also confirmed that the King will retain private accommodation inside the palace for occasional overnight stays when official duties require him to remain there.

The decision is expected to expand visitor access to Buckingham Palace once refurbishment is complete. 

About 700,000 people currently visit the State Rooms each year during seasonal openings, and royal officials believe wider access will strengthen the palace’s role as one of Britain’s most significant public heritage sites.

Notably, neither King Charles nor the late Queen Elizabeth II has spent a night at Buckingham Palace since 2019 because of the ongoing refurbishment wInstead, 

King Charles and Queen Camilla will continue living at Clarence House, the London residence they have occupied for years, even after the £369 million restoration project concludes in March 2027.

The decision marks a significant shift in how Britain’s royal household will operate. While Buckingham Palace will remain the monarchy’s official headquarters and the centrepiece of state ceremonies,

 it will no longer serve as the sovereign’s principal home. Palace officials say the change reflects both practical considerations and a broader effort to make the landmark more accessible to the public.

Royal aides stressed that the move does not diminish Buckingham Palace’s constitutional importance. Instead, they described it as an evolution in how the monarchy uses one of Britain’s most recognisable buildings while preserving its historic role.

Although King Charles will continue residing at Clarence House, Buckingham Palace will remain the principal venue for official royal business. State banquets, diplomatic receptions, investiture ceremonies, audiences with the Prime Minister and annual garden parties will continue to be held at the palace.

The decade-long renovation, which began in 2017, has focused on replacing ageing electrical wiring, plumbing, heating systems and other essential infrastructure that had remained largely unchanged for around six decades.

 Officials have repeatedly warned that without the works, the palace may faced increasing risks from electrical faults, fire hazards and ageing utilities.

The latest royal financial accounts released alongside the announcement also revealed that King Charles has become the first British monarch to publicly disclose the amount of tax he pays.

According to the accounts, the King voluntarily paid £12.9 million in tax during 2024–25, following £11.7 million the previous financial year. Palace officials said he has now paid more than £30 million in taxes since ascending the throne in 2022.

Although British monarchs are exempt from paying income, capital gains and inheritance taxes under law, Charles has continued the voluntary arrangement introduced by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993.

The accounts further show that the Sovereign Grant, which funds official royal duties, will fall from £137.9 million to £99.9 million in 2027–28 following the completion of Buckingham Palace’s refurbishment. 

Funding will continue to support essential maintenance across occupied royal residences, cybersecurity improvements and energy-efficiency upgrades, including replacing ageing boiler systems at Windsor Castle.

State of The Nation not Peculiar to this time -Anglican Bishop

The challenges confronted by the people of God nowadays is not new or peculiar to this generation but, have happened in the past according to the scriptures of the Holy Bible. This assertion was made by the Lord Bishop of Kabba,Kogi

State,Rt. Venerable Steve Akobe on Thursday during the opening Service of the Third Session of the 9th Synod of the Diocese of Ibadan North currently going on at Saint Paul's Anglican Church,Yemetu, Ibadan with the theme"In Times L ike These" Esther 4:13-14 Bishop Akobe observed that the difference was that the People of God's reactions and reasoning to the development at that time was at variants to that of the present time. While sighting many examples from the scriptures of the Holy Bible from Ester; David;Joseph;Daniel and many others,he said Christians were no more look at as a role model and examples of core values of God's teaching and identity. The Cleric noted that the Theme of the Synod was calling on Christians to stand-up to the task and never compromise for financial and material gains. According to him.People of God in the Bible survived the turbulent period despite all the draconian laws of the ruling class because of their strong belief despite knowing that the penalty was dealt. Bishop Akobe maintained that it was the grace of God that they enjoyed because God had a purpose for them. He urged Christians to stand for Christ identity so, as not to fall out because the immorality within the society, churches,families and students are unacceptable to the Christian life and could spell doom for the generations yet unborn if not checked in times like this.

Pope Francis buried in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, better known as Pope Francis, who died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in Vatican City, has been laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Italy. Pope was buried inside his favourite Rome church after a funeral mass in St Peter’s Square, the Vatican said on Saturday, April 26. The Argentinian pontiff, was laid to rest during a 30-minute burial ceremony which started at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT) at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in the Italian capital. As reported by PEOPLE, the pontiff's funeral began on the morning of Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The service was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals and concluded with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio. Following the Mass, Francis' coffin was transferred via a much-watched procession to the basilica of St. Mary Major for a private burial, making him the first pope in more than a century not to be interred at St. Peter's Basilica. "The Pope's final resting place is the Basilica of St. Mary Major in central Rome. Meanwhile. Senate President Godswill Akpabio led a five-member Nigerian delegation to the funeral of Pope Francis at Vatican City. The delegation was constituted by President Bola Tinubu and includes prominent clergy and diplomats such as Archbishop Matthew Kukah and Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.

OYSG SET UP TEAM TO GET ZERO TOLERANCE TO ROAD CARNAGE.

The Oyo State Government has again directed the formation of experts on motor traffic management to fashion out the possibility of having a Zero Tolerance situation for carnage and loss of property. The Press statement issue out in lbadan on Friday 25th of April 2025, signed by Bisi Bakake a Veteran Journalist/ Motor Trafic Management Exppert. The team according to the statement confirm that it's comprises eminent members of Fellows of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FICILT) Portland Palace, UK; Legal icon; and members of the Press in conjunction with contributions from Raod Safety experts within the State. According to a statement from the Team which held its maiden meeting on Wednesday 23rd 2025 in Ibadan, the move was necessitated by recent statistical analysis of road accidents in Nigeria,which showed that road traffic accidents occurred daily in the country killing an average of 14 persons. The statement added that 80 percent of victims were male who fell within productive labor force of between 20 and 50 years of age. It added that human error was found to be responsible for over 80 percent of road accidents (https;// keffi. Nsuk. edu . ng .d.... The Chairman of the Team is Major R O A Salawu rtd , the initiator of the first Road Safety experiment in Nigeria which began in Oyo State . Others are Prof. Adesoji Adesanya of NISER Ibadan; Engr. Tunde Ayangbesan ; Dr. Fasanmade Phillips; Barrister Kamisi Olukunle; Veteran Bisi Bakare of Oyo State League of Veteran Journalists; Engr. Aboderin Adewale; Engr. Victor Akintunde Engr.Akomolafe Emmanuel and Mr. Mukaila Olayiwola. At the meeting members suggested ways of improving on the existing and present road safety activities through education, technology; traffic games and the social media with a view to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the general public with regards to safety on the road. It was agreed that the public should understand that accidents do not just occur but are caused. According to the Chairman, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde will in no distance time inaugurate the committee.

International Airport Project: Gov. Makinde connects Oyo with Global market - YCE

 Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has been  praised for his prompt commitment towards infrastructural  development  in  Oyo State, the  political  Headquarters of the Yoruba race.

Prof. Nurai Bolanle Tanimowo  chairman Youruba Council of Elders (YCE) Oyo State chapter made this known in a chat with the Transview magazine online. 

Speaking further on the flagging - off the  first phase upgradement of Ladoke Akinola Airport Alakia area of lbadan to the international standard will go a long way in boosting the social economy of the Yoruba region. 

The YCE, chairman however describe , Govern,,or Makinde as one among the true sons of the Yoruba race with integrity and love for his people.

The grand breaking event will not only boost the social economy of the state after the completion of the project in twelve months but will connect the south west of Nigeria with the global market and make lbadan the global market hub, the Don laments. 

The project is expected to cost 41 billion Naira. 

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YCE. Lauds Gov. Makinde, Congratulate Oba Rasheed Ladoja

 Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE. ) urged the Yoruba worldwide to see themselves as a body and brothers keepers to one another. 

Professor Nurai Bolanle Tanimowo, the new chairman of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE.) Oyo State chapter made the points in lbadan at the emmagency meeting of the chapter.

Speaking further Prof. Tanimowo tasked YCE. members to have collective responsibility in the project YCE that will make it more easier for the recovery of it's lost glory, so that all efforts of it's founding fathers will not be in vain. 

While pledging open administration in the  state and synergy with the national body of the YCE

. The chairman lauds Gov. Seyi Makinde wonderful parformances on governance in Oyo State and also congratulates, His lmperial Royal  Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin the 43rd Olubadan of lbadanland and the Otun Olubadan, His Royal Highness Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja.

Top  on the list of the meeting agenda was the election of the chapter's Exco. Chief S. A. Omilabu Gandhi (snr.) Vice Chairman. Dr. Bayo Adekola State Sec. Chief Mrs. Wura Adepoju. Treasurer, Comrade Sam Agbetuyi. Financial Sec. Alh. Chief Waheed Apalowo. Wefare Sec 1, and, Alh. Comrade Akano. Welfare 2 ,

Others are Baale Yemi Ogunyemi. Publicity Sec, lmam Alh. Rabiu. Chaplain (lslam) Alh. Chief Adegboyega. Ex - Officio 1, Engr. Ogunlade (JP) Ex - Officio 2, Chief Mrs. Daramola. Ex - Officio 3 and Alhaja Gbadamosi. Ex - Officio 4.

Olubadan Removes Oladoja As Mogaji, Asks Family To Present Replacement

 

Barely six months after he was suspended for land grabbing by the Olubadan Advisory Council, the Mogaji Akinsola of Opopo Labiran family compound, Ibadan, Wale Oladoja, has finally lost his title as the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has directed the family compound to present another person to fill the vacant position with immediate effect.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council presided over by Oba Balogun at his Alarere residence, on Saturday.

The meeting had in attendance representatives of the Association of Mogajis of Ibadan land led by the President, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, and the Assistant Secretary-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Suleiman Raufu, who represented Barr. Niyi Ajewole, the President-General of the Council.

A statement made available to newsmen by the Personal Assistant on Media to Olubadan, Oladele Ogunsola, said the big axe fell on Oladoja on account of his recent media outbursts, which was considered disrespectful to the Olubadan stool and by extension the traditional institution of Ibadan land.

The Olubadan Advisory Council described the media reports credited to the deposed Mogaji as divisive, disparaging, insulting and unbecoming of a supposed leader, who is expected to be urbane and cautious in deeds and actions.

Recall that Olubadan Advisory Council had suspended Oladoja over inhuman execution of supposed court judgement on a land matter and for which he threw out some residents of Akinsola village in Akinyele Local Government Area of the state, a conduct the Council described as untoward and a breach of peace.

At Saturday’s meeting, the council recalled that the suspension placed on him then did not last long because of his perceived genuine remorse and principally, because of Olubadan’s peaceful disposition.

“The recent outbursts by the same person have shown him as somebody without no iota of respect for constituted authority and any failure to bring upon him the full weight of the Council’s power would amount to condoning of indiscipline.

“To drive home the point, the Akinsola Family which produced him in the first instance was subsequently asked to present another person to replace him as the Mogaji of the family if they are still interested in having a substantive Mogaji.

“The deposed Mogaji was invited to the meeting but failed to show up on an excuse that his mother died about 24 hours to the meeting, an alibi that failed to convince the Council. 

Members, who spoke on his excuse described it as a gimmick to evade interrogation on the allegations against him and said they could not be swayed by such antics,” the statement said.

It quoted the members as saying, “a person of his character and his love for social media could nrrMouthpieceNGRot have hidden such a very important incident from the public through social media announcement. 

What’s more, he had made two different posts on the social media today without any faint reference to the said news of his mother’s death. His refusal to honour the invitation is like adding salt to an injury.” source MouthpieceNGR

Tony Elumelu gives solution to Nigeria’s electricity issues

Tony Elumelu, the chairman of Transnational Corporation (Transcorp), has urged the federal government to restructure the electricity industry and sell transmission lines to boost the country's flagging economy.

Tony Elumelu said that the low level of production in the nation is caused by a bad supply of energy. Photo Credit: Tony Elumelu, Sirisak Boakaew Source: UGC

He stated in a Bloomberg interview that the industry's growth is hampered by a lack of liquidity in the electrical market and inadequate transmission lines.

Elumelu, also the chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), said that a bad energy supply causes a low production level in the nation.

He stated:

“The currency crisis is a sign of many things. As a country, we can’t produce well enough despite our natural resources. The reason is lack of electricity,”

Need to attract investors

Nigeria sends less than a third of the 13,000 megawatts of electricity it generates to the grid, leaving most Nigerians dependent on home generators.

Elumelu said the way out is for President Bola Tinubu's government to attract investors to develop the nation's enormous gas reserves to fuel power stations and allow the private sector to manage the transmission lines.

Experts recently emphasized that Nigerian electricity companies need new investors to revitalise the industry as they are now short of an estimated N2 trillion ($2.5 billion) in capital.

In an interview, Olu Verheijen, an adviser to President Bola Tinubu on energy, said the companies are over-leveraged and under-capitalised.

According to Bloomberg, due to poor pricing, inconsistent revenue collection, and a decaying national system, most people in the most populous country in Africa now generate their electricity with loud generators, while Nigerian government has paid over $120 million to offset some of the debts owed to gas firms to enhance electricity generation.

The director of Decade of Gas Secretariat, Ed. Ubong confirmed this at the ongoing 7th edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2024) in Abuja on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

He said the government is also working on a scheme to curtail failures in the system.