The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Tonto Dikeh flaunts engagement ring?

    Tonto Dikeh flaunts engagement ring?

    IF the rumour making the rounds is anything to go by, then, sultry and controversial actress, Tonto Dikeh, may be walking down the aisle with her heartthrob, Michael Awolaja, CEO of Malivehood Luxury soon.

    Adelaja is touted as the man who has recently been pampering the delectable actress with designer items like Gold-plated-Versace-customized iPhone.

    Famously called Poko, she recently shared a picture on her instagram page with the caption: “D ring nidz no intro #oluwanishola #Bragginrite u were hating/sleeping when I earned it”.

    In 2005, the Ikwerre, Rivers State-born actress, who is from a family of seven, competed against other contestants on a reality TV show, The Next Movie Star. Though she was the first runner-up, her appearance on the show paved the way for her eventual entry into the Nigerian movie industry.

    Her role in the movie, Dirty Secret, generated a lot of controversy amongst Nigerians because of some sexually explicit scenes.

    While some criticize her role in the movie as un-African, others say that Dikeh is merely being professional.

  • Letter to the shelf filmmaker

    Letter to the shelf filmmaker

    I was inspired to share this thought with you when I saw a 2011 released film. In that movie, Funke Akindele looked every bit a teenager. I wondered how long that stuff had adorned the shelf of the filmmaker. I wondered also that the flick had lost so much relevance in what is obtainable today, or what one could call the reality of the current situation. I wondered further the limitation to such films that lack universal appeal; or some like it, that are too momentary to be a classic. Above all, I thought to myself that if Funke Akindele, aka Jenifa, like other cast in the work, had had to wait for that film to project her talent without exploring other avenues, she probably would not be where she is today.

    In my years of service as a member of the screening committee and jury of some award schemes, I recall that one of the common recommendations is an appeal to filmmakers to submit their films for competition, if only for the sake of other members of the cast and crew of the project. Talents have been buried because works that are supposed to give an actor, cinematographer, screenplay writer, soundman, film editor, make-up artist, costumier, set artist, etc the leverage have been buried by film owners who are too busy with other things, but who are quick to call themselves, first and foremost, filmmakers. Apologies to others whom, for the sake of piracy, have been so scared to release their films into the market. But no film should, for this reason, be in the shelf for as long as 10 years.

    I know of a collection of films in the shelf of a filmmaker who is now busy with another popular film initiative. I know a few actors in those films who had thought that that production outfit would be their stepping stone, but who have since found a window of opportunities in other people and institutions.

    I know about an Izu Ojukwu’s film entitled Laviva tailored after the Liberian civil war, which stars the late JT Tom West and Francis Duru in an excruciating task of action. It can only be imagined how many more fans the guy could have wooed through his outing in that flick today, should it not still be in the closet.

    I thought again about a Fred Amata’s film, Anini, a historical piece on the one-time armed robbery gang, which terrorised Benin, Ibadan and Lagos in the ’80s. A fantastic work, but it was disqualified at the AMAAs in 2006 because it did not follow the simple requirement of subtitling, especially since pidgin constitutes about 80 percent of the language spoken therein.

    That film, Anini, is a cinema material. When I see the trash that some filmmakers bring to the cinemas in the name of a movie, my mind quickly runs to such films like Anini and Nosa Ehimwema, the guy who played lead in the film. It is a great disservice to Nosa, a fine actor that Anini is not out in the market.

    Could the problem of Anini be similar to that of Ofinga, another classic and family value film by Remdel Optimum Communication, which is yet to leave the shelf? If they have a similar problem, perhaps Anini is guilty of staying this long on its owner’s shelf. Ofinga, directed by Tunji Bamisigbin, has not been able to make the cinema circle because the format on which it was shot is not compliant. To convert it will be so expensive as to shoot another movie entirely. This is the dilemma of the Remdel boss coupled with the fear that pirates will no doubt prey on the film when it is eventually released on home video. But I guess they have no choice, safe for a few neighbourhood cinema viewing like the type screened at LTV 8, before it is eventually thrown to the larger crowd. Ofinga, I hear, will be released before the end of this year. That sounds cool to me.

    If every filmmaker were like Zeb Ejiro, his brother, Chico, and others like them who discovered some of the celebrated actors today, the dreams of a few couldn’t have been confined to the film owner’s shelf.

    Recently, I got to know that the film Thongs of Roses by Emeka Ossai was the first to expose Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. We hear more about Yinka Edwards as a cinematographer today, not necessarily because he studied at the National Film Institute, Jos; not just because his credits include Mak Kusare’s Ninety Degrees (winner, Best Feature Film, Zuma International Film Festival); not just because in 2007 he was hand-picked to work on the BBC’s acclaimed series, Wetin Dey, but also because he was the director of photography for Kunle Afolayan’s multi-award winning feature, The Figurine, through which he won the 2010 Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for cinematography. Perhaps, if all he had done were not released by the film owners, or if they were not entered for awards, the young man’s profile couldn’t have risen to the international level that it has reached now. The young man, I hear, is among the 50 participants from18 different African countries selected for Talent Campus in the forthcoming Durban International Film Festival, South Africa.

    Think, shelf filmmaker, think…

  • How I reacted when Tunde Kelani told me I couldn’t act –Nollywood actress Jumoke Aderounmu

    How I reacted when Tunde Kelani told me I couldn’t act –Nollywood actress Jumoke Aderounmu

    Jumoke Aderounmu is one of the Nollywood fast-rising actresses. The beautiful actress, who wowed Yoruba movie lovers in Alakada 2, cut her teeth in acting under the legendary cinematographer, Tunde Kelani. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, the graduate of International Relations from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State shares her inspirational journey in the make-believe world.

    YOU put up a good and inspiring performance in the Yoruba movie, Alakada 2. So, what really prepared you for that role?

    Thank you for saying that I acted so fantastically well on that set. But I’m going to tell you that, that is not the best of me. In fact, it can’t be the best of me.

    Concerning your question, I had seen the part one of the movie and I liked it. So, when Toyin Aimakhu called me that she wanted to do the part two, I was like, ‘Oh cool!’ Then, she said that she wanted the character to be like the person her character would be looking up to or someone who would be an influence on her. I was like, ‘Oh, really, that is cool!’

    For me, I can interpret any role given to me.

    So, I just told her that when the script is ready, she should let me see it. She was going to have a script conference and she called me up for it because she wanted me to understand the character very well and give her what she actually wanted. I attended the conference and I listened to the storyline again. I did research on the character and I was like, ‘It’s okay by me.’ And when I got on board, it was fun. Yes, it was really fun filming Alakada 2. There were people I had looked forward to working with it in the industry before I got on that set and when I met some of the cast, I was like, ‘Oh, my God!’

    Was that the first time you were working with Toyin Aimakhu?

    That wasn’t my first of time of working with Toyin. I had worked with Toyin before Alakada 2. My first time of working with Toyin was in Asise Eda 1& 2. I had seen a couple of her movies. But it was the first time I met and worked with her. It was filmed in 2012 and she filmed Alakada 2 around November, December 2012. I met her in a space of one month and shot Alakada 2.

    Alakada 2 was a huge opportunity for me to work with Bukky Wright because it was the first time I would work with her, one-on-one. I had met her before when we were filming Arugba. That was like my first time of acting. I was in Tunde Kelani’s Arugba. It was my debut movie and we didn’t really have any rapport because we did not have anything together. But this time, she worked directly with me on set and because of the fact that I like the way she interpreted her roles, it was easy for me to work as well.

    It was fun for me working with Helen Paul as well. Alakada 2 was the first time of working with Helen Paul. But after Alakada 2, I worked with Helen Paul again on another set. Who else was on that set? Yes, Uncle Hafeez Eniola, who is a very big production manager in the Yoruba genre of Nollywood. I knew him before Alakada 2, but I had never worked with him before. And I have never worked with the director, Adebayo Tijanni, either.

    What has helped you come this far in a short while?

    I give God all the glory for my talent. I’m going to say it over and over again that the best thing that happened to me is that God gave me a huge talent. And I am hoping that I will get the opportunity to make use of my talent anywhere. Secondly, I think that whatever you do, if you do not joke with your education and if you learn from the best hands, it always robs off on you.

    Are you still in school?

    I finished from the Obafemi Awolowo University in 2008 and did my national youth service in 2009, while we were filming Arugba.

    Did you study Theatre Art in school?

    No, I didn’t study Theatre Art in school. I studied International Relations. I thought about acting because, while I was in school, everybody thought I could do it. Uncle Kola Oyewo was my lecturer when I was in my first year. He felt I could do it and he liked my expression. When I do not even open my mouth to talk, I can pass a message. But I didn’t really take it seriously.

    In 2008, there was a major sectional break and I had to come to Lagos. I heard that Tunde Kelani was auditioning for the Arugba character.

    I spoke to my dad and he gave me his contact. Then, I called him on the phone. I scheduled an appointment with him. So, when I got to his office, I told him I wanted to audition for the Arugba character. I am a size eight right now; but then, I was really small. He looked at me and told me it was pointless trying to have a conversation with me. He said I could never be an actor and that he was sorry that I did not fit into the Arugba character. He said the character had to be tall and ebony dark-skinned. When he said he wasn’t even ready to have a conversation with me, I saw it as a challenge.

    I don’t like people saying no to me without even giving an opportunity to know me. So, I sat down in his office. I told him I was not going to leave until he agreed to have a conversation with him. I wanted to know why he said I couldn’t act because he didn’t even ask me to do anything. Then, he said it was because I was too petite and all. Then, I said that I thought it depends on one’s carriage and charisma. And that is what has worked for me so far. He eventually started talking to me and said whenever he wanted to film, he would let me know. And one day, I decided to call him up. I told him I was preparing to go for my youth service. So, he asked me to come over and that was it. So, I am going to say that maybe because I learnt from someone like him, that is why someone like you feels I am fantastic.

    Initially, were you intimidated by the A-list stars you worked with?

    I do not ever get star-struck. I am not a star- struck person actually. Before I saw them in person, I had seen them on TV. Aunty Funke Akindele is like the biggest female actor right now, and I have worked with her about four times. Between 2009 and 2011, I worked with her four times. So, most importantly, I understand that we are all human and we are all the same. But frankly, it is not easy for you to work with strong actors for the first time and then play up your role. I did that with the grace of God and a lot of prayers because for me, everything is God and family.

    What is the difference between Jumoke, the actress, and the real you?

    You are speaking with Jumoke Aderounmu. This is me! When I am on set, it is another me. The natural me is not a diva; I’m very down-to-earth; I am never serious; I am too playful and I never take anything seriously. People that are really close to me ask me a lot of time if I’m joking about something or I’m being serious. Ninety-five percent of the time, I am silly and playful. When I get on set or when I’m on radio, it takes me to psyche myself that, ‘Okay, you are working now.’

    Are you a radio presenter?

    I work with Concert Radio. And in less than one year of being on radio, I got nominated for the Trace Award as Female Radio Personality of Year. I think all that was possible for me because even on radio, I’m just always myself. It’s about my personality. Even my TV show will be launched very soon by God’s grace. When you guys see it, you will understand that it is just my personality. I’m just a very playful person. I don’t take life seriously. I take nothing seriously; but at the same time, I try to get my job done.

    What is the thrust of your TV show?

    It’s a talk show called The Lounge. I just didn’t want to be addressed as an actor or that actress, so I thought to myself that there has to be away around it. I know where I am going and I have prospect. I’m not a white collar person, so I told myself it’s would be entertainment. In 2010, I saw an advert for a TV presenter at Goldmyne Entertainment. I went for the auditioning and I got picked. We didn’t know much about presenting. Goldmyne then sent me and my colleagues to the FRCN training school for basic presentation and all. And I told myself that production is interesting. I’m a workaholic. I channel all my energy into work. So, I was producing and presenting ‘Box Office’ for a while all through 2011. At the time the producer of ‘Box Office’ was going to stop producing it, I just told myself that, okay, I do not want my TV career to just end; so, I spoke to Yolar, my producer, for the ‘Lounge’.

    I spoke to him about what I wanted to do. I told him I wanted a TV show, but I did not know what I wanted to do yet. Then, he said, “When you know what you want to do, let me know.” I thought about it over and over. Then, one day, I was watching the TV with my aunt and she asked me, ‘How do you come about all these TV programmes?’ And I explained to her. Then, it occurred to me that okay, there would be a lot of people who do not understand the making and filming of TV contents; so, I said, ‘Okay, I think I would do something about it.’ So, on my talk show, I will be talking to directors, costumiers, make-up artistes. But it’s going to be done in a proper lounge. I am hoping that people will like it. It’s not easy putting it together. It was a lot of hard work and I am excited about it.

    When is it going to berth on TV?

    For now, I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag.

    What are your plans for 2014?

    I am positive and I know with God, everything is possible. I am open to working more on movie sets and with the right people. I think I have two or three events to host. I am going to be hosting a fashion show in February at the Oriental Hotel.

    Given that you also compere events, which of all these talents has the better of you?

    I don’t know if I can actually say this is the one I fit into more. But I find it really, really exciting when I get on a movie set. I don’t know how, but I just get ignited. Basically, I love radio, TV and films. I just want to do it over and over again. I am excited about the three.

    I read somewhere, where you said you don’t like fake people…

    Of course, I don’t like fake people because I am not a fake person. I can’t contend with lies.

    Do you have a social life, so to speak?

    I am always at home and I am trying to actually get out of my shell now. I don’t have friends that I mix with in the industry. And that is the truth. Yes, I go out for events, but very rarely. If I have to go out for an event, I am most likely a part of that production. It was hard for me to be interviewed on the premiere of Alakada because I don’t even like the red carpet. My manager and I used to fight almost everyone now and then about it, until recently. He said to me that you can’t be shy and be in this industry.

    You appear to be a spoilt brat?

    I am not a spoilt brat; I can never be. In my house, they don’t even care if they see me on TV. I’m still a child and I get treated like a child that I am. If I make a mistake, they correct me. At home, they just tell me I am grounded and that is why I can’t be everywhere. If I go out and I say to them that I will be home by 6.00pm and I do not make it back at 6.00pm and I do not call before 6.00pm to say that I’m not going to be home by 6pm again, I will be scolded a lot when I return and will be grounded probably for the next three weeks. Getting grounded is like my second name now. I get tired. All through December, I was grounded. I couldn’t even go anywhere.

    They ring it in my head that I am not going to disgrace the family. They scold me a lot. I still cook. Even if I go to work, when I get back, I still cook for everybody.

    How has it affected the kind of roles you play?

    I can play any role.

    Even a semi-nude role?

    Yes, the only thing that I do is immediately I get the script, I read the script, understand everything about it; and then, I start saying at home that I am going to be on this or that production very soon. I give them scoops before the movie comes out. There was this role I acted, where the character was a smoker. So, I acted smoking cigarette and you wouldn’t believe I don’t even smoke. I can’t smoke or take alcohol.

    There was a day the movie was showing on Africa Magic. Then, my brother just looked at me and said, ‘Okay.’ Then, I told him it was water that they put in the Vodka bottle, that you know I don’t drink alcohol. But they know me. They know what I can do. You cannot come and tell them who their child is. They understand me very well. They are like my greatest fan. They are like my number one critic. The people that matter to me most understand that I am just doing my job.

    And that include the man you are in a relationship with it?

    I don’t want to talk about that.

    What’s your idea of marriage?

    It’s an institution of commitment and having to summit yourself totally to your partner.

  • Tunde Kelani thrilled over Blackmagic cinema camera

    Tunde Kelani thrilled over Blackmagic cinema camera

    AT a recent courtesy visit to the office of Sola Adeaga of Horeb Digital Network, veteran cinematographer, Tunde Kelani, had the opportunity of viewing one of the Blackmagic Cinema Camera, a product of Blackmagic Design, better known for high-end colour grading software.

    The filmmaker was said to have been so excited when he laid his hands on the Blackmagic Cinema Camera.

    The Blackmagic Cinema Camera costs about $3000 and it can shoot unprocessed frames (RAW files) at an impressive 2.5K resolution. The camera brings professional-grade image quality and post-production within the reach of more filmmakers. Most cameras, which shoot in RAW format, are significantly more expensive than the Blackmagic Cinema Camera. The camera also comes with the Davinci Resolve software.

    Not long ago, the veteran filmmaker reportedly went on Indiegogo to raise $20,000 for his latest project, Dazzling Mirage, an adaptation of Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare’s Dazzling Mirage.

    The story revolves around a female sickle cell carrier and the seemingly endless flow of problems that complicate her life as a result. Betrayal, loyalty, love, travail, triumphs against the physical pains and emotional trauma are experienced in the life of the sufferer as she forges ahead in the quest to be self-fulfilled.

    It also unveils and challenges certain myths about sickle cell sufferers.

    It stars young filmmaker and actor, Kunle Afolayan, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Yomi Fash Lanso, Bimbo Manuel, Ayo Badmus and Tosin Bucknor.

  • I regret marrying many wives

    I regret marrying many wives

    Amidst the widespread rumour that he is currently laid up with a debilitating illness that requires urgent medical attention, you would have thought that he is still supine on his sickbed, while he is being drip-fed. But alas, it is a wicked rumour! During a recent visit by BABATUNDE SULAIMAN to the Alagbado, Lagos home of Alhaji Abdul-Razaq Kolawole Ilori, a.k.a. Kollington Ayinla, he was in a meeting with two relations within his expansive compound. Interestingly, as if the Fuji music maestro, who has 105 albums to his credit, had been hankering after an opportunity to unburden his heart, he opened up on some of his hitherto kept secrets, among other riveting issues

    RECENTLY, it was rumoured that you were hospitalized and that you wanted to put up your house for sale in order to defray the medical bill. Could you give me the true picture of your state of health?

    I am happy you can see me sitting in my compound today. So, what kind of ailment will you say I am suffering from? I have not contracted HIV/ AIDS and I don’t have cancer either, as it is being speculated. So, why will I want to sell my house so as to raise money for whatever treatment? I am hale and hearty. I was admitted to Amcad Hospital over three months ago and the doctors diagnosed little traces of ulcer and typhoid, and I was treated.

    So, I was surprised when I read that I wanted to sell my house or that I sold my house because I needed money for my treatment. Oh my God! What kind of profession have I chosen? If one farts, people will say it is blue and if one pees, people will say it is green! But honestly, there is no iota of truth in that report. If I was sick, would I be sitting here? I would like to use this medium to express my gratitude to well-meaning Nigerians who have been calling to ask after my wellbeing.

    Did you grant any interview recently, where you mentioned that you were sick?

    Yes, I actually granted a reporter an interview, but I am surprised he misrepresented me and injected false information in his report. Please, look at the house in question (pointing to an uncompleted building within the premises). Can I sell this kind of house? Or will I sell this other one that I live in?

    Many even think you want to sell the only house you have?

    If that is true, will I now be putting up at a motor park or under a bridge? Today, I am most grateful to God for His favour in my life. He has given me fame and I don’t pray for a reversal of fortune. By the special grace of Allah, I have houses and some of my children too have built their own houses. Before now, some people thought I was living in Lekki. Yes, there is a big mansion in Lekki built by one of my daughters, who is a registered nurse in the US. I had a plan for the house from the outset. So, why will I sell my house to raise money in order to treat malaria or ulcer?

    What was your plan?

    I wanted to use it as a hotel. However, I was advised against such a plan on the grounds that I might not be able to maintain it later on. They also advised me that it might be mismanaged by the workers. So, I was confused and didn’t know what to do with the house any more. Consequently, I stopped work on it for a good reason.

    Could you expatiate?

    I don’t want anyone to kill me over my property. That is the main reason I said that I could put it up for sale some day, if I so wish. The Yoruba say, Ara ile e ni, ni ota eni (Your family is your enemy). I alone know the spiritual battle I am fighting within my family. You see, the fall of a yellow leaf is a warning to the green one. All my children are faring well in their respective professions. Most of my children are graduates and they live in different parts of the world. They are not the ones after my property.

    But the enemies within are those that I had mistakenly got married to in the early stage of my career. These are the people plotting my death, so they can take over my property. But I won’t allow such a thing to happen after my death. As far as I am concerned, those people who made me go through hell in life will not have access to my property. Therefore, rather than allow this property or any other one to be inherited by these people, I will sell it off. So, that was what I told the reporter. I never said I sold my house; yet, he reported that I did because of health condition. I am a not a sickler!

    How will you react to the insinuation that you built the house in Lekki, which you claimed is owned by your daughter, after you played Baba Ijebu lotto and won some millions of naira?

    I swear with Allah’s name and that of the holy Prophet, I don’t know how the Baba Ijebu lotto paper looks like and I have never met Baba Ijebu either. It is more than five years since I started hearing the rumour that I won Baba Ijebu lotto. They said I won N400million and that I sued Baba Ijebu to court when he defaulted. They also said Baba Ijebu promised to be paying me N1million monthly. I have refuted all these rumours several times, but nobody seems to believe me.

    Maybe the people saying this have carried out an evaluation of the house and concluded that you couldn’t have built it, if you didn’t make so much money possibly from playing Baba Ijebu lotto.

    Yes, you are right. But you see, as a father, whatever your child owns is indirectly yours. As I said earlier, it is owned by my daughter who lives in the U.S.

    You said earlier that you made some mistakes in the past. Could you expatiate?

    It is rare to find a musician, especially in this part of the world, who has not fallen into the same pit. In my case, I regret marrying many wives. If I knew things would later turn out like this, I wouldn’t have married so many women. Human beings are unpredictable! Don’t also forget that women are very jealous; they don’t like rivalry in any way. But we were too young and ignorant to know all these at that time.

    In our kind of profession, if you don’t invite them (women), they will come running to you. If you have a relationship with five people, you will find someone who will be acting like Judas among them. I am not pointing finger at anyone. So, once you know that some people are after your life, even if it is a rumour, you must be very wary. So, I am trying to be smarter by wanting to sell my house, so that no one will inherit what is not rightfully hers.

    If you decide to sell all your property because of the fear of attack by some so-called enemies, don’t you consider what will happen to your children?

    Most of my children are graduates, so they can’t be interested in my property. In my case, I am not so educated and I didn’t inherit anything from my parents. It was by God’s grace that I got to this height in life. So, the children too will sort out themselves.

    How true is the report that you have 15 wives?

    No, I am not married to 15 wives! It is a lie! Yes, I have wives and children. This is one of the problems I have with the Nigerian press. They don’t build, but destroy. Well, I won’t really say that it is destructive; after all, they didn’t report that I stole anything. A white man may choose to have a wife or not and he may choose to have children or not. But nobody will make a fuse about it. Sometime ago, I was discussing with my children, in company with a white guy, at a restaurant in Chicago. When I mentioned that my problem is that none of my wives lives with me, the white guy wondered why that should be a problem for me.

    But this is Africa?

    Yes, you are right and I told him so. You see, in my heart, I truly wish I have a woman living with me. I want to live a responsible life. But if you are battling with a spiritual problem, it will be hard to live a responsible life. Also, once the foundation of one’s life is shaky, it will be really tough to actualize one’s dream in life. Once you make a mistake in your choice of woman or even in your affairs with women, it will take the grace of God to make any correction. So, I urge the younger artistes to be very wary of women.

    So, none of your wives lives with you at the moment?

    I won’t lie to you that I have a particular woman living with me at the moment. Well, those of them who have children for me come maybe when their children are getting married and go back afterwards.

    Why do celebrities shy away from disclosing the number of their children and wives while they are alive so as to prevent a situation where unsubstantiated reports are peddled about their families when they pass on?

    All I will say is that I am married and blessed with children. But the tradition doesn’t permit me to disclose the number of my children.

    When specifically were you admitted to the hospital?

    It was about two months ago. After I was discharged, I have gone to perform at Osogbo with Musiliu Isola Haruna.

    Looking back now, would you say you squandered the first millions you made, as most young and budding artistes are wont to do?

    If I did, would I have this kind of house? In 1983, I opened a fish depot at Adua Bus Stop. Unfortunately, I lost it to spiritual attack. At that time, I was sick for 13 years.

    Did you say 13 years?

    It was a spiritual attack and they couldn’t diagnose anything. At that time, former Nigerian military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, directed that I be taken to the1004 Hospital, Lagos. They ran a series of tests on me, but nothing was found. They flushed out typhoid from my system and I thank God for saving my life at that time. When I travelled to America and was admitted to a hospital, they still couldn’t diagnose anything. But I knew something was wrong with my system.

    Later, they suggested that I consult traditional medicine practitioners. We then began to patronise Alfas and traditional medicine practitioners before I got well fully. May Allah grant my friend, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, eternal rest. Whenever he visited me at Crown Hospital, he would massage my legs because I was on drip. In fact, on some occasions, I would leave the hospital to play and return there. I was in and out of different hospitals. But I spent more time at Crown Hospital. The truth, again, is that it was all due to my affairs with women.

    Certainly, you must be close to IBB for him to have done that for you.

    It was because I was singing mostly about current affairs. I was introduced to the former president by Chief Alex Akinyele, who was then the Minister of Information. Even when my first house was gutted by fire, IBB sent a minister to console me. In his speech, the minister explained why the government’s delegation had visited me. He said it was because I had used my music to promote the government’s policies. He gave me a cheque; the late MKO Abiola, Gen. Sanni Abacha, Col. Raji Rasaki also gave me money. In fact, Col. Raji Rasaki gave me a house in Ogudu. I spent six months at the Gateway Hotel and I didn’t pay a dime. So, I beg these people to allow me enjoy my remaining years on earth. Come to think of it, am I not the owner of the house? Can’t I do what I like with it? Don’t kill me as you killed my friend, Barrister.

    Did anyone kill Barrister?

    Didn’t they kill him? Are you saying it wasn’t a spiritual attack? Imagine someone who was bedridden for that long. At the outset, they carried all sorts of rumour about him until he eventually died. So, people should allow me enjoy the fruit of my labour. I can do whatever I like with my property.

    But people say you and the late Barrister were not the best of friends.

    It is all business gimmicks! We were not enemies as such. This is a friendship that developed in 1963 when we didn’t know we would be famous at all.

    What do you miss most about him?

    Oh! I miss him a lot. Whenever he visited me, we would joke, play and recount old memories. Sometimes, he would just deliberately say, “Let me poke Kola” and I would say, “Go ahead and see the result.” He once came here and while we were eating, he said, “Do you know that as we sit here, some people are out there fighting one another over us?” and I said, “Yes”. One day, he came here with his son, Barry Showkey, who had just produced an album. He told me he had blessed it, but he wanted me, as Barry Showkey’s second father, to do the same. That day, he also said, “Kola, let’s put an end to this rivalry” and I said, “Who is fighting you? Are you not the one who always insults me with proverbs?” And we all laughed over it.

    Recently, Queen Salawa Abeni was ill and your name was never mentioned among the people who visited her while she was on sickbed. This, to me, further shows that you have not resolved your issues.

    I still spoke with her three days ago, when my daughter came to inform me that she was going to London. I speak regularly with her. I read about her illness in the newspapers and I felt that I should be the first person to know about it. I am her husband in the whole wide world; after all, she can’t be thinking of getting married to any man at her age now. We don’t have any issue. But I later visited her at home..

    You claim to be her husband when you are not legally married to each other.

    She has three children for me and you are still asking me if we are legally married or not.

    Maybe that is why she feels she is not obliged to tell you certain things.

    She was just being funny then. Now, she knows I am her husband and I know she is my wife.

    Is it not possible for both of you to live as husband and wife, under the same roof since you said there is no woman living with you at the moment?

    The reason we can’t live together is that I don’t want to endanger her life. If she moves in with me, don’t you think her seniors will kick against it? I am happy at the way she is. Besides, she takes care of my children. In the same way, I can’t bring in any of the other women. So, I only need to reorganize myself.

    Is this the biggest mistake you have made in life?

    It is because of it that I have not been more successful than I am. If not for their problem, the fish depot would still have been in existence. I made the mistake of entrusting it under the care of a woman. So, at the height of the spiritual attack, I had to sell it to raise money to treat myself, in addition to all the money I got from the government and individuals.

    How many albums have you produced?

    105 albums.

  • Kanye West faces probe for alleged assault

    Kanye West faces probe for alleged assault

    THE police in California are investigating American hip hop musician, Kanye West, as a suspect in an alleged assault case on Monday in Beverly Hills.

    West’s fiancee, Kim Kardashian, was reportedly heading for a meeting with dealers of furniture for the couple’s new home, when a man began yelling racial comments at the paparazzi who were struggling to get a shot of the reality TV star.

    Kardashian was said to have cautioned the 18-year-old boy, saying, “That wasn’t cool.” Then, the guy turned to her, “hurling epithets at her and West.”

    Kardashian was said to have called West, who allegedly followed the man into a chiropractor’s waiting room and “punched” him.

    The Beverly Hills Police Department confirmed that they responded to a misdemeanor battery incident at an address on Wilshire Boulevard.

    Following the incident, there have been several comments from members of the public. “Kim should be charged as an accessory to assault for ordering the hit on the 18- year- old boy. Kim called Kanye to beat up the boy that yelled at her. She thinks she’s entitled to superior treatment by everybody and will have them dealt with if they don’t,” said a commentator.

    West is already facing misdemeanor battery and attempted grand theft charges stemming from a scuffle with a paparazzo at Los Angeles International Airport last summer.

    He, however, pleaded not guilty in November.

    Many wonder what has come over the singer who, in recent times, has been linked to several ugly incidences.

    Another commentator also quipped: “Kanye attacked Taylor Swift on the stage, he attacked paparazzi and now he sought out an 18-year-old to beat him up. It was premeditated and vicious – assault and battery too, by all accounts with no heat of passion.”

    However, some feel that people should desist from crossing West’s path, knowing he has some anger issues. “Perhaps they should just leave him and his wife alone. They are really not that important. But you have to give him credit; at least, he uses his fist to defend his wife and not a gun,” said another commentator.

  • Governors, others bid Ogunro bye

    The remains of former Chief Executive Officer of Eminent Communications, Mr Sesan Ogunro, who was killed by armed robbers last December 23, have been buried in Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    Grief-stricken Mrs Modupe Ogunro walked in, held by her son. Clad in black, her eyes were red from weeping.

    She was following a white casket bearing the remains of her husband, Mr Sesan Ogunro, to the open ground on D Close, Hill View Estate in Ogudu GRA in Lagos. People came from far and wide to pay the late Ogunro their last respects.

    His rites of passage began last Thursday with a farewell service by members of the Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria (AAAN). The same day a service of songs was held in Ogudu GRA, where testimonies of his life were shared by his friends, family members and associates.

    Guests were in black and white attire. It was a sober moment as the guests sang in low tone in praise of the Almighty for the life of a man, who touched lives. A gigantic portrait of the late Ogunro was conspicuously displayed at the venue of the service. Around it were fresh white flowers. Dozens of burning candles were also placed on the stage.

    The service was organised by the International Church of Christ (ICOC) where the late Ogunro worshipped until he died. Yoruba actor Yemi Shodimu anchored the service.

    When the casket was brought in, a cloth with the inscription and logo of Christ’s School Ado-Ekiti, was placed on it. After the opening prayer, the late Ogunro’s daughter, Mrs Damilola Gbadebo, took the first Bible reading from 1Corinthians 12:23.

    Pastor Chris Ogbonna delivered the sermon. Describing the late Ogunro as a man with a smile for everyone, he said God does things to show that He is in charge and to make mortals number their days.

    Funeral services, he said, were meant for the living to reflect on their lives as vessels to be used, filled and emptied by the Craftsman.

    “His use of words interplay was superb. He used words aptly, words you will not easily forget. He was never in a hurry to talk and when he did, everyone stayed silent. He was a Manchester United fan and a great sportsman with a calm disposition,” the cleric said of the deceased.

    Old students of Christ’s School Ado- Ekiti, sang their school anthem: “Christ is our Cornerstone”, in honour of a fallen member. They were led to the funeral by Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    A solo rendition was done by Mr Richard Efunbote titled: “The Trumpet Shall Sound”, after which the ICOC choir led sympathisers to sing the Halleluiah Chorus.

    The remains of the late Ogunro were interred in a private ceremony attended by only his family members.

    The reception followed at the Haven Events Centre in Ikeja. The Shuga Band entertained guests. Some were able to recall some songs in the 60’s which the late Ogunro loved. One of those songs is Omo pupa, sang by Highlife maestro Victor Olaiya

    Present were: Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; wife of Ekiti State Governor Erelu Bisi Fayemi and the state’s Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu; former Ekiti State Governor Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Ovation publisher Bashorun Dele Momodu; Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; former Nigerian Institute of Management President Chief Michael Olawale-Cole; Sir Steve Omojafor; Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; Nollywood and music acts – Sammie Okposo; Bankole Wellington (aka Banky W), Tiwa Savage and Kate Henshaw-Nutall.

  • ‘My wife, my soulmate’

    Mrs Omowunmi Akande, wife of Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Bisi Akande, has joined the septuagenarian club. A 70th birthday party was held for her at her Ila Orangun, Osun State countryhome last Saturday. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    It was a gathering of people from different spheres of life.

    The low and mighty; the rich and the poor; the young and old; political and legal giants and business magnate – all stood to be counted at the event. The Ila Orangun Osun State countryhome of Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Bisi Akande brimmed last Saturday with people who came for the 70th birthday party of his beloved wife, Omowunmi.

    The birthday ‘girl’ was the cynosure of all eyes. Clad in a pink lace buba and iro with white head gear and ipele. She clutched a silver purse.

    She had white and red beads adorned her neck. Her husband, who sat beside her, wore buba and sokoto with blue cap.

    Oyesiku Adelu anchored the ceremony. The Meaningful Decent band electrified the hall with traditional songs and praises of the celebrator.

    The event kicked off with prayers by Christian and Muslim clerics.

    There was a performance by a group called Esa Ewi. It was followed by traditional dances by a cultural group.The troupe wore a blue ankara fabric, with red beads. They wore no shoes; they entertained guests with traditional songs and cultural dances.

    The Ila Group also performed, singing the celebrator’s praises in Yoruba.

    Cutting of the birthday cake followed. There were two cakes. One was cream. It had the celebrator’s picture on it, with green and white flower decoration. The other cake was white. ‘Mama is 70’ was written on it. It had pink dots design. Mama and her husband cut the cake at the random counting of one to 70. There was a big birthday card and banner on both sides of the cake table. The card and the banner bore mama’s picture, with the inscription: “Happy Birthday”.

    Guests took turns to take photographs with her.

    Daughter of the celebrator and Osun State Commissioner for Health Dr Temitope Ilori; Personal Assistant to Chief Akande, Akinyujope Gbadamosi and another daughter, Dr Wura Akande, went round to ensure that guests had a nice time.

    The birthday toast was proposed by the master of ceremony, Adelu.

    In smiles, Mrs Akande said she thanked God for the day.

    She urged women to take good care of their children, saying they are the future of every home.

    Chief Akande said he felt good.

    “For about 48 years now that I have gotten married, I am still with my wife,” he said.

    He described his wife as the best woman any man can have.

    “In our marriage we agreed to live together no matter what the condition is. Except for when I was in the prison, we have always been together and we will always be.

    “What has kept us this far is that from the beginning, we take ourselves not just as husband and wife but also as brother and sister. We do everything together; we love each other, take care of the children together and spend money together,” he said.

    The celebrator’s son-in-law, Mr Gbenga Ilori said he had known her for over 20 years.

    He described her as a mother.

    “I wish her more prosperous years on earth, I wish her to live to 80,90, 100 years and beyond,” Ilori said.

    Son of the late former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Muyiwa Ige wished the celebrator many more years.

    Ige, Osun State Commissioner for Lands, Rural and Urban Development, described Mrs Akande as a fantastic woman, who is strong willed and upright.

    Dr Akande described her mother as a woman living a fulfilled and successful life.

    “She has always been a loving and caring mother to all of us. Mama is very calm and easy going,” she said.

    Senator Ajayi Boroffice said: “Mama is 70, but she is looking like a 40-year-old woman and that means she has comfort and peace of mind; she has a clean heart and because of that, she is able to live well and she looks young.

    “She has been a fantastic mother, a very good wife, a good friend to the husband, a good mother to all; when she was the first lady of Osun State, she gave her husband all the support to succeed,” Senator Boroffice said.

    In attendance were Osun State Govenor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, his Deputy, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; Dr Olumide Babatunde; Dr Charles Akinola; Mr and Mrs Adedayo Olufemi; Alhaji Afeez Ajigbobola; Alhaji AbdulRazak Rav; Alhaji Mohammed Bello; Alhaji AbdulAhmed Salaudeen; Hon Olufemi Fakeye; Dr Nimota Raji; Mrs Fayoriju Titilayo; Prof Olu Adaromimu; Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Gbenga Adebusuyi; Mr Ade Timileyin; Yusuff Saka; Mr Idowu Ajanaku and Hon Ifedayo Abegunde, among others.

  • ‘He’s a committed family man’

    The Grand African Ballroom of the Intercontinental Hotel on Victoria Island in Lagos was the venue of the 50th birthday of the Managing Director of VDT Communications, Mr Abiodun Gideon Omoniyi. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

    The 50th birthday of Managing Director of VDT Communications, Mr Abiodun Gideon Omoniyi, was celebrated in style at the Grand African Ballroom of the Intercontinental Hotel on Victoria Island in Lagos.

    For the celebrator, it was a day of double celebration as the day coincided with Christmas.

    Family members, friends and colleagues came to share in the joy of the day with him. Family members and friends exchange banters as they saw again after a long time.

    The Demola Olota Band entertained guests. The occasion was anchored by the popular comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka. It started on a prayer note.

    The traditional troupe of Biola Williams mesmerised guests with sterling performance. The praises of the celebrators lineage delighted not only him, but everyone who were present. They were ‘sprayed’ with crips notes.

    The compere also added glamour to the occasion. He kept the guests laughing at every interval when he grasped the microphone. His jokes were greeted with applauds.

    A 10-minute documentary on the celebrator’s life was shown. Guests watched with rapt attention, every scene of the documentation caught everyone’s attention. They clapped.

    The celebrator’s wife, Folashade, was beside him all day. She radiated joy and excitement.

    Guests eulogised the virtues of the celebrator. They described him as an honest and generous man.

    Former Inspector -General of Police and Chairman of VDT Communications Limited Alhaji Musiliu Smith chaired the occasion.

    Alhaji Smith described the celebrator as sociable.

    “I have always monitored Biodun. He is a type of man who once he is close to you, he is always close to you. He is humble and industrious and his love for people and family is unprecedented,” he said.

    Alhaji Smith supervised the cutting of the cake. He counted from 1 to 50 before the cake was cut. The celebrator with his wife stood hand in hand by the side of the two- layer cake with satellite dish designed on it.

    The celebrator’s children joined them on the podium for group photographs.

    In her tribute, the celebrator’s wife, Folashade, described her hubby as committed and terrific.

    “Your commitment to both the nuclear and extended family and the sacrifices you make to ensure that you spend time with us is deeply appreciated. The children and I are so blessed to have you. The way with which you commit to the children’s education inspires me; the patience with which you bring to difficult matters is worthy of emulation; indeed, you are a terrific husband,” she said.

    His father–in-law, Alhaji J.. K. Yusuf described him as a hardworking and intelligent man.

    “A very quiet, amiable, intelligent and hardworking man, Biodun has strived; it was not that rosy at the initial stage of his life, but due to God’s favour and his dint of hard work, perseverance and blessings from God, he was able to raise his head high among his peers,” he said.

    When it was time for the celebrator to speak, all listened with rapt attention. They gave him a standing ovation.

    Omoniyi said he felt on top of the world for the opportunity given him to attain 50.

    “I feel quiet overwhelmed on what I witnessed today; for this large turnout of family members, friends and colleagues. I am really overwhelmed,” he said.

    He described Alhaji Smith as a man who has been playing a fatherly role to him since they met 30 years ago.

    He specially thanked his wife, saying she is truly his better half.

  • A union of learned friends

    A consultant, Mr Bola Enilari of BOEN Consult, has given out the hand of his niece, Fatimah, in marriage to Babajide, son of a retired surgeon at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof Bolaji Akinsanya. The event was held at Haven Events Centre in Ikeja, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    THE Haven Events Centre in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital, was agog when two lawyers – Fatimah and Babajide, got married. They met in the line of duty and formalised their relationship after a year of courtship.

    Fatimah, niece of Mr Bola Enilari of BOEN Consult, was all smiles in her white flowing gown with silver design around the waist. Her beau, Babajide, son of a retired Surgeon at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof Bolaji Akinsanya, was charming in his black suit on top of a white shirt, grey inner jacket with bow tie and a pair of eye glasses. His best man wore the same outfit while Fatimah’s chief bride’s maid wore a pink long dress.

    The couple’s mothers, retired Justice Dolapo Akinsanya (groom’s mother) and Mrs Ronke Enilari (bride’s mother) wore orange buba and iro with gold head gear and ipele to match. Prof Akinsanya and Mr Enilari looked elegant on their complete white agbada with cap.

    Most guests were in traditional outfits of gold and pink colours.

    The venue was decorated in white with lights.

    The white chairs were set around glass tables, which had a glass flower vase with white and green flowers on it.

    There were lots to eat and drink.

    The hall had blacking with white centre rug.

    Dignitaries made a stopover at the red carpet outside the hall greeting each other. Photographers ran after dignitaries to take shots.

    Itinerant drummers were not left out as they sang the praises of arriving personalities, who amply rewarded them.

    D Jewel ushers, dressed in wine with gold design around the waist handled guests’ welfare. They were led by Mrs Bukky Kayode.

    The hall was filled to capacity; there were huge screens in strategic places, beaming the event to guests.

    The couple’s family entered the hall amid songs by Bee Jay Sax and his band.

    The couple came next. They came in from the entrance to the centre stage in company of family members and friends amid hip pop songs by the band.

    The opening prayer was said following which the Chairman of the occasion, and Interim National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, mounted the stage.

    He said it was a great joy for him to see the couple married.

    Alhaji Mohammed described marriage as a unique institution where you get your certificate before you start and you spend the rest of your life in it.

    Alhaji Mohammed told Babajide to always exercise patience and Fatimah, not to listen to gossips about Jide.

    “Let him be your best friend, brother and confidant,” he told the bride.

    The gathering laughed when he told Babajide to “answer your wife on time and we will come back soon to rejoice with both of you again”.

    The event continued with the cutting of the cake. It was led by Pastor Kunle Onafowokan and his wife, Wunmi. The couple cut their three-step white cake after the spelling of ‘JESUS’.

    The couple performed their first assignment of feeding each other with the cake. The bride knelt down to feed her husband; the groom responded sitting. They kissed afterwards.

    Replying the Master of ceremony, Jonathan Georgewill, Fatimah said Babajide proposed to her at dinner.

    “He told me that he was tired of my being his girl friend but wants me to be his wife. He got down on one of his kneels and brought out a ring which he put on my finger,” she said.

    “I thanked her and we sealed it up with hugs and kisses,” he interjected.

    After the toast, the couple took to the dance floor, where they were joined by family members and friends.

    Earlier in the day, the couple was at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of God Parish in Ikeja, Lagos for the Holy Solemnisation.

    Pastor Onafowokan urged the couple to stay together in love and be patient with one another.

    “Love yourselves and do it all to make each other happy even in the times of trials and temptations,” the cleric said.

    Speaking with The Nation, Babajide said his wife is everything to him.

    Fatimah said she loves everything about him.

    Mr Enilari uged the couple to put their trust in God always.

    Prof Akinsanya told the couple to love each other.

    The sister of the groom’s mother, Alhaja Amatul-Kafeel Oshodi, said the couple should allow God in all they do.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, urged the couple to be patient.

    “Hold on to God amid all ups and downs, help each other and always be willing to bring out the best of each other,” Mrs Oladunjoye said.

    Present at the event were Lagos State Solicitor-General Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN), who stood in for Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN); Prof Oladele Akinla; Chairman Nampala Nigeria Limited, Otunba Matthew Akinlade; Senator Femi Lanlehin; former interim Administrator Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr Emmanuel Ikazoboh; wife of Oba Ikorodu,Lagos State, Olori Muibat Oyefusi; Mrs Tomi Asenugi and Prof Kunle Wahab, among others.