Category: News

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has ended about two decades of feud between legendary actor, Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande) and legendary producer/cinematographer, Mr. Tunde Kelani.

Ooni Ogunwusi made the stride on Thursday, through a delegation to the duo which held at Mr. Tunde Kelani’s country home in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

Addressing the elders through a correspondence delivered by his Private Secretary, Yusuf Adewale Adetoyese Ooni Ogunwusi who commended the duo for their enduring legacies of evergreen creative content with pure Yoruba langu, described himself as a top fan and admirer their works.

The letter read in part, “In my interaction with stakeholders in the industry through Aroba Groove especially to adapt the story; “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile”, an epic blockbuster in the early 90s into a stage drama, I got to know that the fallout between you two around the work has not been resolved. I am not impressed by this and I wish to appeal to you as the Arole Oduduwa to let go of any rancor for peace and progress.”

Ooni Ogunwusi through his Ile Oodua Palace of Ife is currently working with Aroba Groove; an international promotion company headed by Ambassador Alfred Oladotun Taylor, to reproduce the movie into a stage play titled ‘Asiyanbi: Ti Oluwa Ni Ile’.

In their reaction, Alhaji Kareem Adepoju and Mr. Tunde Kelani agreed that the rancor ensued from the movie (Ti Oluwa Ni Ile) royalty, adding that they have now put it all behind and ready to work together to develop the industry.

“I met Tunde Kelani in Osogbo and grew a working relationship even during our apprenticeship days with our masters. I am happy that Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife picked interest in us.
Peak of my joy is that of life, I thank the Almighty Allah that none of us is dead despite life experiences. Kelani is my friend and we shall continue to be for the growth of our most cherished industry and Yorubaland as a whole.” Baba Wande said.

Mr. Tunde Kelani noted that, “To me, this call for peace is more of a reminder that we are being watched and our works are well appreciated especially now by the Oonirisa.
This is a good signal that our works won’t be buried with us when we grow old and return to our creator, I thank Kabiyesi for this intervention and wish to assure the team working with the Ooni to represent Ti Oluwa Ni Ile my support.”

Ti Oluwa Ni Ile (The Land Belongs to God) is a Nollywood Yoruba drama film released in 1993 through Mr. Tunde Kelani’s Mainframe Production as written by Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande). It was made in three (3) parts and listed as one of the best selling Yoruba movies.

Commenting after the joyful meeting, Amb. Oladotun Taylor explained that he is a son to both Kelani and Adepoju, adding that they (Baba Wande & Kelani) have showed enviable leadership which will go down in history as a lesson to everyone in and out of the industry particularly the younger generation.

“There must be a nexus between the old generation and the upcoming so that right message will be passed and stakeholders won’t be working at cross purposes in their quest for development.” Amb. Taylor said.

In a move to strengthen the education sector, President Bola Tinubu has announced new appointments to the Governing Councils and Boards of Federal Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education across the country.

FORMER DEPUTY GOVERNOR, MINISTER, AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEMBER AMONG APPOINTEES

Notable appointments include:

– Rauf Olaniyan, former Oyo State Deputy Governor, as Board Chairman of Federal College of Education (SPED), Oyo
– Bayo Shittu, former Minister, as Board Chairman of King David Umahi University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State
– Dapo Lam Adesina, former House of Representatives member, as member of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo State

OTHER APPOINTEES FROM OYO STATE

– Asimiyu Alarape, former Oyo Assembly Speaker and minority leader, as member of Federal College of Education, Ondo
– Abass Aleshinloye, as member of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Ebonyi
– Wasiu Ajimobi, as member of Federal Polytechnic, Kabo, Kano State

APPOINTMENTS AIM TO STRENGTHEN EDUCATION SECTOR

The appointments, announced by Permanent Secretary, General Services, Nnamdi Maurice, on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), aim to bring expertise and experience to the education sector.

Credit: Eaglessightnews.

The Federal Government has declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ui-Adha celebration.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

He said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, and congratulated all Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion.

He called on the Muslim Ummah to continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for unity, prosperity and the stability of our country,” the statement read.

“The Minister assured that the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-ul- Adha celebration, the Minister advised all Nigerians to take responsibility in the resolve to hand over a prosperous Nigeria to our children.”

On June 7, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, declared Sunday, June 16, as Eid-el-Kabir day after affirming that Friday is the first day of Dhul Hijjah.

Sultan disclosed this in a statement by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Sambo Junaid, in Sokoto State.

“His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings.

“The Sultan, while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country, also wishes all Muslims a Happy Eid-El-Kabir. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, amen”, the Sultanate council said in the statement.

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Yusuf Adenoyin, for being in possession of eight human skulls in Isua, the headquarters of the Akoko South-East Local Government.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, on Wednesday, explained that the police personnel attached to the Police Safer Highway Patrol at the Isua/Epinmi checkpoint arrested the suspect while performing their lawful duty.

Odunlami said, “On June 10, 2024, at about 0800hrs, personnel attached to the Police Safer Highway Patrol at Isua/Epinmi checkpoint while performing their lawful duty flagged down a Nissan Salon car en route Akure.

While the vehicle was being searched, one of the passengers took to his heels and the police mpursued and arrested him. “His load was searched and eight dry human skulls, fresh human flesh, and charms were found in a wrapped polythene bag concealed in a garri sack he was travelling with.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has commuted the death sentence of 45 condemned prisoners to prison terms.

He also granted pardon to 41 other inmates serving in different Correctional Centres across the state.

Speaking at the 2024 Democracy Day, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Prince Abiodun said the decision was in exercising his perogative of mercy as the governor of the state.

He said: “Government has a duty to uphold democratic values by consistently applying principles of mercy, justice, and the rule of law. In this vein, the Nigerian Constitution empowers me to exercise a prerogative of mercy to anyone convicted of an offense in Ogun State.

“Having received the guidance of the Ogun State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, I have signed the appropriate warrants ordering the release of 41 convicts currently imprisoned across different correctional facilities in Ogun State. I have also signed warrants converting the death sentences of 45 inmates to prison sentences.

“This gesture signals a break from past grievances and a move towards a more inclusive and compassionate society where merciful second chances are granted to deserving offenders.

“All convicts who have received this gesture have shown remorse for their crimes, acquired skills and certifications in prison, with several of them receiving university degrees from the National Open University of Nigeria. They have also demonstrated verified good conduct during their imprisonment.”

He said the celebration holds immense significance as it marks the triumph of democracy, the power of the people, and the pursuit of justice and freedom, observing that the history of Nigeria’s democracy is one of struggle and perseverance.

“June 12, 1993, stands as a watershed moment in this journey. On that particular day, Nigerians transcended differences of tribe, gender, and even the unique joint Muslim-Muslim ticket to speak unanimously through the ballot.

“They elected the late Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola and Babagana Kingibe of th

Pastor Idowu Olusola Iluyomade, former senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Region 20, City of David and Head of the Apapa Family, has resigned from the church.

The flamboyant pastor was recently removed from headship of the high flying COD following his indiscretion along with his wife, Siju, in hosting a birthday bash seven days after their major financier, Herbert Wigwe, died in a helicopter crash in the US.

It would be recalled that they danced and made merry while the bodies Herbert (then Chief of Access Bank) and that of his wife, son, and others were in the mortuary.

The Church’s council removed Pastor Iluyomade and replaced him with Pastor Charles Kpandei who assumed duties last Sunday.

In my piece on the party, I called on the church to “redeem itself by sanctioning pastor Iluyomade and his partying wife and distance itself from their reckless and insensitive behaviour.”

Redeem has done just that and redeemed itself and won back the trust of those who truly believe it is the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

It has also opened the books of the COD to KPMG for auditing.

Meanwhile, the disgraced pastor’s next moved remains a matter of conjecture.

Nigeria’s President had a moment of embarrassment when he slipped and fell while attempting to enter his presidential truck during an event at Eagle Square in Abuja. The incident was caught on camera, quickly circulating on social media and drawing various reactions from the public.

Despite the tumble, the President was promptly helped back on his feet by his security details who assisted him in regaining his composure. He later managed to enter the truck and wave at the gathered crowd.

The footage of the fall generated a range of responses from Nigerians, with some poking fun at the incident and using it as a reminder of the President’s advanced age, while others expressed sympathy and understanding, noting that such accidents can happen to anyone.

However, in a surprising turn of events, former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, lightened the mood by joking about his own fall during the Democracy Day banquet. Tinubu humorously attributed his slip to a traditional Yoruba act of reverence, saying, “I’m a traditional Yoruba boy, I did my dobale.” His lighthearted response provided a moment of comic relief amidst the seriousness of the situation.

The incident at Eagle Square serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of public events and how even the most prominent figures can sometimes find themselves in moments of vulnerability.

As we celebrate 25 years of democratic rule, many citizens and residents have begun airing their opinions on the state of the nation.

June 12 has been a historic moment in Nigeria, a day where the late icon of democracy, Chief MKO Abiola sacrificed his life for the civilian rule we are currently enjoying. Although, larger percentage of Nigerians believe that Nigeria has not gotten it right as some of the challenges that confronted us as a nation 25 years back are still living with us even at a very egregious state.

Ironically, those who benefitted from the struggle fought for by the late sage and those who kicked against obnoxious and autocratic policies of the then military junta are currently holding sway at the helms of affairs, the academicians who made sure the institutions of higher learning stood firmly for the return of democracy and the business moguls who financed the struggle, the journalists who were at the forefront and other pro-NADECO frontiers who were incarcerated by the then military rulers seem to have forgotten the egregious pains suffered by many Nigerians throughout the struggle and have since lost their voracious voices to condemn the pseudo-democracy people in Babariga and Agbadas have continuously lorded on us.

It is so sad, that at this point in time, we are still confronted with some of the ills brought to us by military junta and even getting worst everyday. The same set of people who celebrated the significance of today have continued to stifle the freedom of expression, gag the press and crack down on protesters.

A country where protests have been criminalized cannot be said to be operating on democratic norms; it is an eyesore seeing security operatives showing their gallantry and display of force on armless protesters while the killer herdsmen, bandits and kidnappers continue to unleash terror on innocent Nigerians.

I am baffled and utterly bewildered that today that should have been a day of sober reflection on where we were coming from, where we are going to as a nation could be a day the citizens would be in palpable fear of who is next to be swallowed by the monstrous killer bandits, a time where average Nigerians have been encapsulated by extreme hunger and hardship owing to the failure of government at all levels.

Indeed, we are far from getting it right when we look at the trajectory and the gains recorded aftermath the struggle seem to be overridden by the excruciating pains Nigerians have been subjected to. We must as a nation have sober reflection and ask ourselves the bitter truth, are we on the right path to a Nigeria of our dream? If the answer is NO, we need to retrace our steps and make the country work for all.

Ismael Taiwo,
Writes from Ibadan

The Chairman of the Committee on Education, Tertiary Institutions, Science and Technology in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Oluwafemi Fowokanmi has called on the heads of tertiary institutions in the state to provide better security architecture in their various institutions to protect lives and properties of the students.

Hon. Fowokanmi made the call while presenting the Committee report on condolence visit to Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, over the demise of Akor Alexander Timilehin, a-200 level engineering student of the institution, who was allegedly murdered on May 25, 2024 before the House.

The visit was in line with the directive of the House of Assembly mandating the Committee to investigate the matter and express the condolences on behalf of the House to the management of the institution.

The lawmaker, while expressing sympathy on behalf of the state House of Assembly to the institution and family of the deceased, appreciated the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his fatherly role played since the unfortunate incident happened.

He also commended the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Salihu Adelabu for his unrelenting efforts and timely intervention.

Hon. Fowokanmi urged the state Commissioner of Police, Hamzat Adebola to expedite action on his investigation on the cause of the death of Akor Alexander Timilehin and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command be urged to expedite action on investigation on the cause of the death of Akor Alexander Timilehin of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo that would lead to getting to the root of the matter and the culprits would be made to face the wrath of the law.

“The management of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo and other tertiary institutions in the state is urged to restrategize their internal security architecture such as installation of CCTV cameras at hostels corridors and other strategic locations to serve as measure.

“The management of tertiary institutions in the state is urged to establish and empower campus security task force and involve student representatives to monitor and address security issues within and around the institutions.

“The Executive Arm of Government through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) is urged to continue its collaboration with private tertiary institutions in the state and give necessary support to Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.”

Veteran Nollywoood actor, Dayo Adewunmi, popularly known as Sule Suebebe, is dead.

The famous actor died in the early hours of Wednesday at an undisclosed hospital in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The news of his demise was broken on Wednesday by a popular Ibadan cleric, Pastor Ademola Amusan of Agbala Gabriel Church in whose care the late thespian has been for some months.

Announcing Suebebe’s death, Agbala Gabriel, wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday, “It’s a pity, Baba Suebebe died at hospital this morning. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”