Category: Society

By Oladapo Sofowora

When Nigeria returned back to civilian government in 1999, James Onanefe Ibori was elected Governor of Delta State. During his tenure as Governor of the Oil rich Delta state, he changed the fortunes of the state from zero structure to a modern city boasting of 21st century facilities. As a sitting Governor, he was regarded as Governor-General of the Niger Delta. Anytime Ibori sneezes, the whole region catches the vibes. He was an influential factor in the region, who empowered many people.

Immediately after his tenure as Governor enlapsed in 2007, according to the Economic and Finicial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibori was said to have diverted and siphoned billions of dollars to offshore accounts. Therefore running private companies alongside some of his United Kingdom (U.K) accomplice. He was quizzed for money laundry and misuse of public funds by anti graft agencies both in Nigeria and U.K. After series of legal battle, the Uhrobo high chief was convicted and sentenced to 13years imprisonment. He also forfeited all the asset he acquired with slush funds.

On December 2016, after spending 4 years on prison, Ibori was released on request of a court order. On his return back to Nigeria, he was given a state welcome amidst pomp. Ever since his return back into the country, Ibori has remained silent. He has since recoiled back into his shell minding his business. His flamboyant lifestyle nosedived. He shunned public events, political gatherings and societal shindigs.

Read Also: Between James Ibori and Gbenga Daniel

Despite all his travails, it seems the Economics and Statistics graduate from the University of Benin, has gotten his groove back. He has returned back to public conciousness. He has resurfaced back into the public cynosure attending shindigs and political gatherings. Few weeks ago, he was sighted at the 80th birthday soiree of Billionaire industrialist, Chief Razak Okoya. He attended looking quiet and relaxed. He was also seen catching up with his old buddies at the event.

Most recently, at the burial ceremony of late elder Gabriel Emmanuel Nkanang, father of Akwa-ibom state Governor Emmanuel Udom, who died at age 90, James Ibori was also a guest at the event which took place at Udom’s home town in Awa-Iman. The burial event had a quite intimidating roll call of top political stakeholders in the country. In attendance was, Nigeria’s Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Presidents Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and wife, Patience, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Senators Adolphus Wabara and Dr Bukola Saraki, Governors Kayode Fayemi, Ifeanyi Okowa, Prof. Ben Ayade, Ifeanyi Ugwanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Aminu Tambuwal, Seyi Makinde, Nyesom Wike, Godwin Obaseki, Abubakar Sani-Bello and Douye Diri to former Liyel Imoke, Donald Duke & wife, Onari, Attahiru Bafarawa, Boni Haruna, Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, Gabriel Suswam, Sule Lamido, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Peter Obi, Emir of Kano, HRM Muhammed Sanusi II, Godwin Emefiele, Jim Ovia, Herbert Wigwe, Prelate Sunday Mbang, President, World Methodist Council, Rev. J. C. Park, Chief Uche Secondus, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, Sam Iwuajoku and Udom Inoyo.

By Oladapo Sofowora

Twice unlucky to have represented Ifako-Ijaye Federal Constituency at the lower National Assembly, Honourable Fateema Mohammed, has remained glued to her set goals of impacting her immediate environment outside politics.

Regarded as an ambitious and results-driven individual with strong political credential combined with business expertise and a diverse background of interest in development and growth of the nation, she gathered an occultic followership and admiration of many with her kind heart for the upliftment of the downtrodden around her.

For her contribution to politics and human development, the Bornu State Born graduate of Microbiology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was honoured with a chieftancy title as the ‘Yeye Tayese of Ijoko Land’ by His Royal Highness, Onijoko of Ijoko Land; Oba Fatai Alani Matanmi, on Sunday the 16th of Febuary at his palace.

READ ALSO: Why Senator Kashamu is having sleepless night

Oba Fatai commended Hon. Fateema, stating that; the conferment of chieftancy on her was a decision upheld by palace Chiefs and people of Ijoko who appealed to the King to reward her for her immense contributions to the upliftment of Ijoko Land and Nigeria as a whole.

After the official conferment ceremony at the Onijoko’s palace, the Chief executive of Shalom Ventures gathered friends, family, royal fathers and wellwishers at a celebration party in Ikeja GRA. The Royal blue party, played host to top government functionaries, Socialites and business mogul’s. Those who attended her conferment party, had an endless supply of high cost drinks laced with local and continental dishes along side finger foods.

By Oladapo Sofowora

For those who have come in contact with Senator Buruji Kashamu, would attest to the fact that; his milk of kindness, philanthropic gestures and his spending power is second to none. Take a trip round the Ijebu Axis of Ogun state and ask about him, the grassroot politician popularly called ‘OmoIlu’ is well loved by sundry of people.

The Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial flagbearer at the 2019 general elections is not having the best of time lately. His long battle with his extradition to the United States of America (U.S.A) for drug related offence, we gather is giving the businessman sleepless night. Currently fighting tooth and nail to void his extradition to the United States, Buruji has approached several court to set aside his extradition. Until recently, the only lifeline he has, is a supreme court judgement that would either void his extradition or uphold the verdict of the lower court.

His travails started years back when the United States of America, allegedly indicted Buruji to have committed drug related offence. Buruji on the other hand, denied committing the said offence, claiming that it’s a mistaken identity that the said person is dead. Not until recently, after several years of silence on the case, the case was revisited and will get a supreme court judgement on Febuary 27, 2020.

According to sources; the Western Lotto boss is currently losing sleep. He has dropped weight drastically. “If you see the way Senator is running from pillar to post over the judgement, you would pity him. He no longer sleep well. To eat this days is a big issue for him. The case is giving him sleepless nights. We are praying the outcome case favours him this time. The outcome of this case would either make or mar him for life.”

Read Also: Now, Senator Kashamu is angry

As if that was not enough, a Civil Society Organisation named ‘Centre Against Injustice And Domestic Violence’ (CAIDV) led by Comrade Gbenga Soloki, has also added to Kashamu’s problem. The group recently petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation, seeking prosecution of Kashamu over various footage going viral on social media, where Kashamu was recorded spraying bundles of Naira notes on a popular musician at a public function. The group condemned his display of vulgar opulence by calling on security operatives to arrest and prosecute the Ogun State-born politician.

Another source added that; “After he loss his gubernatorial election, have warned him to keep quiet and recoil back into his shell but he won’t listen. His Lottery businesss Western Lotto, is currently on the verge of being sanctioned by the lottery monitoring board. He alleged Premier Lotto of tax fraud and short changing amount of tax the company is supposed to remit into the Government coffers. He is also being questioned on where, he got the figures he quoted in his petition. He might also be sanctioned of not channeling his grievance through the right channel. With his current extradiction case, business sanction and petition by CAIDV, Senator Buruji is going through hardtimes. He really needs our prayers and support.”

Our Reporter

The love story of Ibidunni and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House Church, Lagos, if well knitted, would make a bestselling masterpiece for married couples, who wish to know the secret of perseverance, patience, long suffering, doggedness and of all pure love in marriage.

Blessed with graceful steps and infectious smile, you would have thought that Mrs Ighodalo does not have any worries in life. But the high-flying event planner has only chosen to remain happy in spite of what life has thrust at her.

Despite several failed IVF and exploring other medical avenues to help her conceive, she took a step an average African woman in her shoes would not fancy. With the support of her husband, they both adopted two kids: a girl and a boy. Unperturbed about comments from naysayers, she is reaping bountifully from the decision she made. She is living a fulfilled and happy life with her family.

Through her Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation, she has given several couples grant for infertility treatment. In line with the objectives of her Foundation, she is raising awareness about infertility, preventing discrimination against couples having difficulty to conceive naturally and providing financial aid to couples.

Read Also: Ighodalo’s TOP TEN

The light- skinned Ex- model and boss of Elizabeth R, Events planning company, earlier this week, celebrated her 13th wedding anniversary to Pastor Ituah. Filled with emotions and burning passion, she could not hide her feelings as she took to social media to shower eulogies on her husband for his continuous support and love She said: “May our lives continue to be LACED in love. May our love continue to be LACED with Gods grace. May our marriage and union continue to be LACED with peace, joy and happiness. May our peace continue to be LACED WITH God’s protection.

Thank you for giving me peace. Thank you for allowing me to fly. Thank you for allowing me express who I am. Thank you for holding me . Thank you for being my pillar of support. Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

“Thank you for being my father. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for being my lover. Thank you for 13 years of divine love…. I love you now and forever. Happy anniversary my love.”

Olushola Victor

Forbes recently released its annual exclusive billionaires ranking with only four Nigerians – Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdul Samad Rabiu and Folorunsho Alakija – making the coveted list. Of the four, Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, retained his spot as the world’s richest black person with a fortune of $10.1 billion. Davido’s billionaire father, Adedeji Adeleke, wasn’t on the list.

However, Adeleke, who is a noted billionaire, made a major statement for his first son, Adewale’s wedding.

The marriage held at the Emirate International Palace, United Arab Emirates, took the city of Abu Dhabi by storm. It was gathered that apart from providing private jets, the Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Holdings gave out free tickets and hotels rooms to family and friends.

The tallest building in the world and the most expensive five-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, in Dubai, was also said to have been booked by Adeleke, family members and guests.

An after-party at Dubai Marina Yacht Club was another experience entirely for people who made it to Dubai.

The wedding between Adewale and Ekanem started in Calabar with a family introduction. Some weeks later, a colourful traditional wedding took place at Calabar as well.

Olushola Victor

At the recent birthday dinner of Chief Opral Benson, founder of the betting company popularly called Baba Ijebu, Chief Kessington Adebutu, revealed the extent of his friendship with celebrant’s late husband, one-time Information Minister of Nigeria, Theophilus Benson, better known as T.O.S Benson.

Although he is a busy man, Adebutu arrived the venue early and stood firmly behind Benson all through the occasion.

He also insisted that he would never stop calling the celebrant ‘Mummy’despite being in the same age group.

Olushola Victor

A wedding day remains a special occasion for people and they dream about it all the time.

For Oluwatoyin and Jude Aighobahi, February 8, 2020, will remain priceless to them for the rest of their lives.  Apart from being their wedding day, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State made it a special one for the couple.

Although Speaker of Ondo House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun, represented him for the church’s blessing, Akeredolu arrived early for the reception ceremony held at Golden Tosrish Event Hall, Ondo Road, Akure. He danced and sprayed the couple some money amid Yinka Ayefele’s live performance.

Speaking in his capacity as the chairman of the occasion, he advised the couple to embrace total understanding, noting that communication was key. He said there would definitely be issues but they must be willing to forgive every day.

The bride’s father, High Chief Adetunji Adeleye, who is a good friend of Akeredolu, reached out to the governor to make the day special for his pretty daughter and her handsome Edo lover.

In preparation for the D-day, the engagement ceremony was held on Friday, February 7.