The Nation Newspaper

Category: Happenstances

  • Sun sets for Ranti Akerele at noon

    Sun sets for Ranti Akerele at noon

    Like a thunderbolt from the blue, the news of Ranti Akerele’s death on Tuesday came to many as a rude shock. It was a sad event that shook the entire Ondo State. Those who were familiar with him would vow that he was not just another name on the list of the state’s public servants, but one who has left an indelible mark on the social, political and religious circles of the Sunshine State.

    The former Commissioner for Information during the first term of Governor Segun Mimiko was a gentle man whose words and ways were very smooth. He was full of life and energy a few hours to his reported death during his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday.

    The Ido-Ani-born information manager was a prominent member of Mimiko’s cabinet. He was the number one defender of the administration’s policies. He was later removed when Mimiko did a major cabinet reshuffle that saw him drop most of his allies in the build-up to his re-election bid in 2012. Akerele was not lucky to make it back after Mimiko was re-elected.

    Prior to his appointment as Commissioner for Information, Akerele had worked as a broadcaster with the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) before joining politics to become the Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party in Ondo State. Akerele, who died at the age of 54, presided as a pastor over a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ondo State.

  • Wedding bells toll for Raji Rasaki’s son

    Former Military Governor of Lagos State, Brig.-Gen. Raji Rasaki (rtd). is one of the lucky retired top military officers who have continued to have it rosy even in retirement. The man has refused to go into oblivion in spite of threats to consign him to the dustbin of history.

    In Lagos this weekend, it promises to be a big and statement-making wedding when Habeeb Olasunkanmi Rasaki walks down the aisle with his heartthrob, Braibbi Boma Horsfall. Habeeb is the son of Brig.-Gen. Raji Rasaki (rtd), while the bride is the daughter of Chief Albert Korubo Horsfal, a Kalabari high chief and South-South leader.

    Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa-Balewa Square, Lagos, will be hosting guests and dignitaries for the holy matrimony of the couple on January 25, 2014. The social angle to the ceremony will take place at The Ark Centre, Block 2, Plot 3, Okunde Blue Water Zone, where the couple will be hosted to a classy reception.

  • Folorunso Alakija denies governorship ambition

    Folorunso Alakija denies governorship ambition

    It is no more news that the posters of one of Africa’s richest women, Folorunso Alakija, adorned some strategic places in Lagos last week. In fact, unlike speculative politicians who keep to their chests the position they would be vying for in a coming election, the message on the Alakija poster was specific and direct: she would be vying for the seat presently occupied by Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos State.

    As would be expected, the subject became a big media issue and many asked what could have inspired such an ambition from a woman known for her enterprise and wealth. But the Forbes Magazine-profiled billionaire businesswoman has reached for her pen and vehemently denied the rumoured ambition. She also did not have kind words for those who had gone to town with her posters.

    She reiterated her dedication to her “divine calling” to look after widows and orphans through her Rose of Sharon Foundation.

    “God has not called me into politics and I have never been involved in politics. Please ignore whatever you may have read portraying me as a governorship aspirant,” she said.

     

  • Yomi Akinruntan, Kunle Odidi, others jostle for Nomiye’s seat

    Yomi Akinruntan, Kunle Odidi, others jostle for Nomiye’s seat

    The news from Ilaje/Ese-Odo, the riverine area of Ondo State, in the last few weeks is the battle for the vacant seat of Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Following the untimely death of Hon. Raphael Nomiye, the seat has become about the most hotly contested in the nation at the moment. No fewer than 10 aspirants have indicated interest in the by-election scheduled to be held in a few days time.

    Many of the aspirants are said to have literally relocated to the Alagbaka seat of government in Akure, Ondo State, as they seek Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s favour for the Labour Party’s ticket. Others are testing their strength on the platforms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

    The sentiment being played up in the contest is that Nomiye, the former occupant of the seat, hails from Ugbo and anyone who would complete his tenure must also come from Nomiye’s Ugbo constituency. Hence, Yomi Akinruntan, Kunle Odidi and Kolade Akinjo are being touted as favourites for the seat.

  • Demola Seriki, Wosilat Okoya step out

    Demola Seriki, Wosilat Okoya step out

    For those who might be wondering what has become of the union of Demola Seriki and Wosilat Okoya, it remains as intact as ever. Like the nectar and the butterfly, Demola has refused to shed his passion for Wosilat, his retinue of wives notwithstanding. The two were sighted by Celeb Watch at the 74th birthday celebration of Alhaji Razaq Okoya at the Oluwa Ni Sola Villa penultimate Friday, and they sat together, repeatedly whispering into each other’s ears. Like two new lovers, they threw banter and laughed heartily together.

    Still radiating with ethereal beauty, Wosilat looked resplendent in her flowing gown popularly called boubou, which sat well on her tall, sexy frame. One could tell she was at peace with herself. But for the occasional burst of laughter between her and Seriki, the sociable sister of the Eleganza boss was all calm while the event lasted. Seriki, on the other hand, was everywhere at the event. If he was not being called by one of his in-laws, he was in the midst of the clerics paying attention to whatever they had to say.

  • Daisy Danjuma dumps politics

    Daisy Danjuma dumps politics

    At a time many of her ilk are gearing up for 2015, Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma is thinking of quitting the game. If the reports coming from her camp are anything to go by, she has indeed thrown in the towel and bade farewell to the trade that conferred the title of ‘Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’ on her.

    It was gathered that her decision to quit politics was predicated on her resolve to address the demands of her businesses. The 61-year-old Benin chief is the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO).

    The law graduate of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria joined politics in 2003 when she resigned her chairmanship of SAPETRO to contest and later win the seat for Edo South Senatorial District. She lost her bid to return in 2007. She made another attempt to return in 2011 in either Edo her state of origin or Taraba, the home-state of her husband, Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, but also failed to secure the ticket. She has since gone into private business.

    Daisy Danjuma began her career as a state counsel in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice (Department of Public Prosecutions) and was a pioneer legal counsel to the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria before working for the investment bank, Nigerian Acceptances Ltd. (NAL). She spent the next decade as Company Secretary/Legal Adviser to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) before she moved into private practice.

  • Kafilat Ogbara resurfaces

    Kafilat Ogbara resurfaces

    It is that season again when everyone with an ambition takes advantage of any available platform. And Lagos big girl, Kafilat Ogbara, has been doing this with utmost zeal and consistency.

    Smarting from a blow dealt on her by an unfortunate fire accident that saw her taking many medical trips to Europe in 2012 and last year, the University of Lagos alumnus recently appeared on a Lagos-based television station where she showed the viewing public that she still possesses some social and political magic.

    Besides her enchanting beauty, Kafilat displayed depth in her appraisal of Nigerian politics and its intrigues. She also spoke glowingly of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his party, the PDP. She also heaped praises on Governor Ibikunle Amosun for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ogun State.

    Already, results have started trickling in for the fair-complexioned politician. A few days ago, maverick businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, appointed her as the Managing Director of his publishing outfit. It is also being discussed in hush tones that she has been nominated for a board appointment by the Federal Government. The truth in this, however, remains yet unascertained.

  • Who’s afraid of Ibidun Ighodalo?

    Who’s afraid of Ibidun Ighodalo?

    A few weeks ago, speculations about Ibidun Ighodalo’s health ruled the rumour mill, with many attributing her purported ill-health to pregnancy. But Celeb Watch can confirm that all the stories of her ill-health were false. The former beauty queen is indeed in good health.

    Investigation revealed that while the former Miss Lux has been off the social radar for some time, her absence has nothing to do with any health challenge. She has been busy running her chain of businesses.

    Unlike those days when her attention was only set on event planning, beautification and domestic care, Ibidun now goes to different parts of the world for her buying and selling business. Her mentorship project is also said to be consuming a lot of her time. The wife of the Senior Pastor of Trinity, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, is kicking and dutifully alive to her entrepreneurial and domestic responsibilities.

  • Olamiju Akala marries Okoya’s daughter

    Olamiju Akala marries Okoya’s daughter

    In a move seen by many as a union of two wealthy families, Olamiju, son of former Oyo State governor, Alao Akala, last Sunday tied the nuptial knot with Hadiza, daughter of billionaire businessman, Alhaji Rasaq Akanni Okoya. The wedding saw a section of Nigeria’s high and mighty gathering at the magnificient Oluwa Ni Sola compound of the Eleganza boss. Twenty-five-year-old Hadiza, who only recently returned to her father’s house after sojourning in the UK for many years, and her heartthrob had been the subject of discussions at social circles around Lagos in recent times. The traditional wedding put paid to all the rumours that had been flying around that the proposed wedding had been called off.

    First, it was speculated that theirs was a mere friendship without any emotional attachment. Then the rumour flew around that their romance had broken up because Olamiju was becoming uncomfortable with the overbearing disposition of the Okoya family towards the relationship. But all that later proved to be nothing more than a figment of the imagination of rumour mongers who were ignorant of the depth of the lovebirds’ feelings for each other.

    While their relationship was said to have once been threatened by some stormy issues at the early stage, the storm was later calmed as they grew together in love.

  • Yinka Taiga buries mum

    Yinka Taiga buries mum

    These are not the best of times for Yinka Taiga. She recently lost her mother, Madam Olofunmilayo Ogunleye, who until her death was noted for her closeness and deep camaraderie with her daughter.

    The late woman was said to have been under the watchful eye of a physician who had attended to her health for some time, but he could do little to alter the course of her destiny as she finally succumbed to the cold hands of death. Determined to bid her late mother the best farewell, Olorogun Moses Taiga gave the late woman a befitting burial in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, penultimate Friday.

    From the class and quality of the casket to her last resting place, the late Ogunleye surely departed in a graceful way. The ceremony did not only attract the creme-de-la-creme of Nigeria’s high society, major players in Nigeria’s business community also trooped out to commiserate with one of their own. Her international friends also flew in to pay condolences and register their support.