Category: Society

  • Sarkin Fulani of Lagos celebrates Silver Jubilee

    Our Reporter

     

    His Royal Highness, Alh (Dr.) Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, has a reason to celebrate.

    Celebrating the 25th years he inherited the throne from his late father is a testimony that under his watch, the fulani community in Lagos has flourished immensely, thereby fostering a cordial relation between Fulani’s and their host community.

    Last Saturday, 14th of December, Sarkin gathered the high and mighty in Nigeria at the highbrow Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, where he threw a bash cum symposium in celebration of his 25th coronation anniversary.

    The well attended event, attracted top personality, captains of industries and other top government functionaries like; Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, RT. Hon Mudashiru Obasa, MD Ports authority Hadiza Bala Usman and a host of others.

    Read Also: Hadiza celebrates first birthday as Elegushi queen

     

    Alh (Dr.) Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II is a consummate businessman who manages Dockworth Services International, a family business that currently employs close to 1,500 people across board.

    With a palace situated in the heart of Surulere, Lagos, he is also a central figure in the meat market, which is the key sales hub for the cattle reared across the north and centre of the country. He even keeps a herd of around 300 cattle on the outskirts of the city to keep him tethered to his heritage.

  • Obi Iyiegbu expands business frontier

    Our Reporter

     

    The name Obi Iyiegbu, is synonymous with Night Life. With his inspiring story and business audacity, berthed Club Cubana, earning him the sobriquet ‘Obi Cubana’. His vast knowledge in business most expecially clubbing has helped him triumph in club business.

    With his huge financial war chest and love for high taste and luxury, he successfully launched his Club Cubana across cities in Lagos, Enugu, Owerri and Abuja.

    The father of four who is a lover of luxury lifestyle has his hands littered across many business like; Oil and Gas, construction, events and brand activations and entertainment.

    Obi is a cheerful giver. He has donated his business proceed to charity. In collaboration with his beautiful wife Ebele, using the Kiek foundation as a point of contact, they have provided free help to children in the area of education, diet nutrition, quality health care and child advocacy.

    The foundation founded in 2018 by his wife, has inspired and supported several children to attain their full potentials.

    In a bid to expand his business frontier in the night life business, taking over from his arch competitors, Obi and his team are currently in the United Arab Emirate, Dubai for a short holiday.

    Read Also: Business leaders for Frontier 100 Forum in Nairobi

     

    According to a source, Obi and his team did not just visit the emirate to have fun, their visit is to observe and monitor the construction of their Cubana Club in Dubai.

    The tastefully built edifice under construction will be jaw dropping from its proposed architectural masterplan. “Obi in company of Socialite Pretty Mike and his club manager Cubana Chief Priest are currently monitoring their new club building in Dubai.

    The Club building under construction is located in the heart of Dubai, few minutes drive away from the Dubai mall. The new club will challenge the status quo as funlovers would have the Cubana experience in Dubai.

    The construction should done before the first quater of next year as the club launch will be massive. After the launch of the Cubana Dubai, Obi is also planning to move to another city in Europe and possibly America.”

  • Lanre Ojora remembers husband

    Our Reporter

     

    If society matriarch, Lanre Ojora was given an opportunity to change something about her life, without blinking an eye, it would definitly be, bringing her hubby, Prince Mustapha Ojora, who died in 1994 and her first daughter Abimbola Babalola, who lost her life in 2005 to the ill-fated Bellview airline crash back to mother earth. She is yet to recover from the irreplaceable loss despite several years after.

    Like the biblical saying in Proverb 10:7; “The memory of the righteous is blessed,

    But the name of the wicked will rot”. The septuagenarian mother of three, gathered close friends and associate on Tuesday November 26, at her highbrow palatial home in Ikoyi, Lagos, to celebrate her husband’s 25th year remembrance.

    Prince Ojora died on November 26, 1994, at aged 51. Indeed, if the will power of man could hold him back, there was enough love and goodwill to keep Ojora back on earth.

    His memorial service, drew hundreds of dignitaries, bore eloquent testimony to this fact about the Ex Mobil staff.

    The tragic death of her husband, no doubt marked a dramatic and traumatic turning point in her life. A close source divulged that “Imagine a woman, who could not think of life without her husband, imagine a woman, who was over-pampered to the point that she had the whole world at her feet.

    Read Also: Oba Elegushi remembers dad

     

    Imagine a woman, whose husband found no fault in her, suddenly, grim reaper took her beloved husband away. One could only imagine the pang of pain Lanre felt when her husband suddenly left in the lurch, to cater for their three children.

    But then, she rose to the challenges ahead, weather the storm, against all odds. She is truly the definition of a strong woman”

    Intrestingly, ‘Merry Widow’ as she is fondly called by friends, has refused to give love a chance again in her life. At 70, she still exudes an aura, which make most men she comes across throw love advances at her.

    This ageless maven features on the list of Nigeria’s most formidable society matriarchs.

  • COZA in fresh scandal

    By Precious Igbonwelundu

     

    Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo’s Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) may face legal battles from music stars David Adeleke alias Davido and Tiwa Savage for allegedly doctoring videos of them in an advertisement for the church’s programme.

    The church, which faced major scandal earlier this year following allegations of rape levelled against Fatoyinbo by celebrity photographer Busola Dakolo, was yesterday accused by the music artists of deceptive behaviour.

    In separate videos shared on social media by prominent members of the church, including Fatoyinbo, the celebrities were portrayed to have endorsed COZA and its 12 Days of Glory (12DG) programme slated for next month.

    The first video, which was shared was that of  Davido where he was seen with a kid and a woman ‘discussing’ the oncoming programme.

    Thereafter, another video of Ayodeji Balogun alias Wizkid and Tiwa Savage also surfaced online with similar messages.

    The celebrities, who did not find the alleged fraudulent advertisements funny, took to their verified social media handles to refute them, assuring their fans they had nothing to do with COZA.

    Davido said he was approached to do a quick private video for a child introduced to him as his fan, which he claimed COZA doctored to suit its purpose.

    Davido wrote: “I am writing to quickly disclaim the viral videos going around of me advertising COZA event to come up. I have to say I have NOTHING to do with the church!!!

    “The fact that I did a quick video for a kid introduced as a fan just for her personal use and it was chopped up and used for an advert extremely disappoints me!!! I have never and most certainly not associated in any way with COZA church and have reached out to those responsible for this…  immediately!!

    “I will most certainly be proceeding further if you do not react (retract) that video immediately!!! A word is enough!!!”

    Similarly, Tiwa Savage said she was disappointed that she was fraudulently approached to comment on how good God has been good to her only for the comments to be skewed to serve the church’s advert purpose she knew nothing about.

    “It has been brought to my attention that there is a viral video which incudes me advertising an upcoming COZA event.

    I want to state that I have nothing to do with the church and generally do not endorse their events. I’m extremely disappointed that I was fraudulently approached to simply comment on how good God has been to me and it has been wrongly edited to use my image to create an advert to deceive people.

    COZA, this is wrong! I will be taking action if this is not immediately retracted,” she said.

    Wizkid, who also refuted the video, stated emphatically that he doesn’t endorse any church nor pastor.

    Reacting to the development, Nigerians on social media advised the church to organise “12 Days of Consent,” since its founder and the church have been alleged of non-consensual sex and advertisements.

    Read Also: COZA: Fatoyinbo not ready to be helped, says ex-spiritual father

     

    Many condemned the church for using secular musicians to promote a  12-day spiritual programme that includes fasting and intense prayer.

    A Twitter user, Aduni Achebe, wrote: “COZA can never trend for the right reasons. What’s worrisome is not that they allegedly used Davido’s video without his consent, but that they’re using a secular artist to promote a church programme. I could be wrong but I think that’s like having Mia Khalifa promote Shiloh.”

    However, Elizabeth Omale, whose daughter Davido made the video for, exonerated the church of wrongdoing, apologising for the wrong usage of the recording.

    Omale took to her Instagram page, saying she did not act as a representative of the church.

    “The video was …simply my way of raising awareness for a programme…

    “I have read reports online claiming that Davido is coming to the programme as an ambassador of COZA because of the video. These reports are false.

    “He recorded that video with me and my daughter as a favour to a friend, nothing more.

    ‘’…Pastor Biodun only reposted the video from my page because he has been reporting videos about the programme…’’

    “My video wasn’t the only one on his page. The video was a product of my excitement about 12DG and there was no malice intended.

    “I apologise for the confusion, and misrepresentation once again I’d like to say I acted as an individual and not as an official representative of COZA. Thank you.”

  • Between Prince Ajasa and Aremo Adesegun: Who wears the Oniru crown?

    Our Reporter

     

    Loyalty is sweet! The luxury of a modern palace is irresistibly tempting! So also fame is coveted by all and sundry! If you are in agreement with this postulation, you may not need to cudgel your brains so much to unravel the mystery behind the current controversy over who emerges the new Oniru of Iruland in Lagos State.

    It was gathered that the intrigue is heating up by the day, as the different sides involved are doing their best to outwit one another in a clandestine manner.

    It all started when a group within the family publicly proclaimed its support for Prince (CSP) Hakeem Ajasa, who is from the Abisogun ruling house.

    However, almost immediately the group made the public announcement, another group within the family kicked, saying the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to ex-governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State,  has not been picked as the next Oniru of Iruland in Lagos State.

    The selection of Ajasa, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) as the next Oniru of Iruland, was described by palace sources as a product of kangaroo election.

    The family said in a public notice titled: “Fake News By A Section of Abisogun Ruling House” that the “public and all interested parties are put on notice of the kangaroo selection of a person unknown to the entire Oniru Family to rule over their land and fill the currently vacant Oniru Chieftaincy stool.”

    Read Also: Oba Oniru’s vacant stool: cold war continues

     

    The family, who described themselves as Cheated Members of Abisogun Ruling House, alleged in the notice that was released to the media weeks ago, that from time immemorial, no member of any royal family could imposes himself on the community.

    In fact, it was alleged that Ajasa might have employed coercion to get his desire done.

    While some aggrieved members of the Abisogun Royal House alleged that there was never any consensus to pick the top cop, some alleged that Ajasa, being a policeman, “had harassed, intimidated and threatened other members of his ruling house.”

    Subsequently, the former Commissioner for Housing in Lagos State and later Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development in the state between 2007 and 2011, Aremo Adesegun Oniru in the company of his younger brother Prince Tijani Oniru was declared by Saliu Okanlawon Abisogun, who claims to be a member of the Abisogun Ruling House and some others, as the legitimate heir to the throne and the Oniru of Iruland elect.

    Meanwhile, Society Rendezvous gathered that the matter has gone before the state government while top elders in Lagos have called to intervene and seek a lasting solution to the kingship tussle.

    Another source said; Lagos state Goverment under Governor Sanwo-Olu is ready to work with anybody the kingmakers select.

    “The Governor under the ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy affairs does not have a preffered candidate. They will not meddle into the selection process. Whosoever the kingmakers select will be accepted and handed over the staff of office. Lagos Government is waiting for an election devoid of discrepancy and fraud. Only time will be the umpire on this tussle.”

     

  • Olori Sekinat Elegushi trudges on

    by Oladapo Sofowora

    When the news of the nuptial between top Lagos monarch, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla 111, the Onikate of Ikateland and Kano born, Hadiza Tanko Yakasai broke, admirers of Olori Sekinat Elegushi, were shocked to the marrow.

    Recall that middle of this year, Oba Elegushi married Hadiza, the beautiful daughter of Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a veteran politician, human rights activist and former Liaison Officer to President Shehu Shagari and also a founding member of Arewa Consultative Forum, at a quiet private nuptial party held in the ancient city of Kano.

    The news of the wedding ceremony ruffled Olori Aramide Sekinat, the first wife of Oba Elegushi.

    At first, Olori Sekinat was not down with the idea of sharing her man with Hadiza, but with the quick intervention of some close ally to the top stylish Lagos monarch, who pacified her to embrace the new wife as culture demands.

    Read Also: Mudiaga Enajemo still soaring high

     

    As a cultured Yoruba woman, knowing fully well that a King is entitled to marry more than one wife, the mother of three extended her hands of friendship to Hadiza as both now live in the palace like sisters.

    Recently, there were rumours making the round that, Olori Sekinat is unhappy in her marriage. However a close source disclosed that, Olori Sekinat is a happy woman.

    Infact, she does not see Hadiza like a rival, they relate like sisters. “Initially, Olori Sekinat was heartbroken and battered but as we speak, she has accepted everything in good faith and gotten over the marriage issue. Oba Elegushi has not relented in his job as a unifier.

    He has successfully unified the two wives. He also promised to give Olori Sekinat maximum attention and shower her with more love” the source further added.

  • Mudiaga Enajemo still soaring high

    by Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Clement Mudiaga Enajemo, famously called Mudi, ranks among the top fashion designers in Africa. Over the years, the brains behind the soar-away fashion brand imprint,  Mudi  Africa,  is known to be a trailblazer, which further goes to prove that his muse has never left him.

    His uncommon design and creative prowess in showcasing Africa to the world speaks volume of his commitment to globalizing the African local content.

    The multiple award winner has consciously been recreating and positioning his brand to meet international standards.

    The Ughelli Delta State-born fashion designer loves to express the dynamism in the African cultures through his avant-garde designs.

    A man of superior taste, every move he makes in the industry is ultimately intended to promote  his brand and win the hearts of his far-flung customers.

    Read Also: Richard Mofe-Damijo is a grandfather

     

    Intrestingly, with over 25years in the fashion business after arriving Lagos from Ilorin in 1990, his success story has inspired many business rookies that, consistency and doggedness are key factors for the survival of any brand.

    Mudi started with a shop in Ketu-Ikosi, close to Oshoffa’s house, but today, his well designed highbrow office, situated at Mudi Lane, Anthony, Maryland, Lagos is regarded a mecca of sorts, for top government functionaries, kings and renowned billionaires who visit to acquire some of his collections.

    With branches littered across African countries like Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Mudi holds the record of the first fashion designer in Nigeria to have a billboard and advert on the TV.

    His success story will not be complete without mentioning ace actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo, whom he met in 1995 and who played a brotherly role and assisted him in time of need which has helped sustain his fashion business till date.

    Mudi Africa has retained its spot as one of the best indigenous fashion brand out of Africa. His wish is to create a fashion empire that will compete with top designers like Givenchy, Gucci, Adidas and others.

     

  • Alex Mascot’s lofty dream

    by Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Cosmopolitan debonair, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh is a perfect blend of inherited riches and self-acquired fortune. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he did not always have everything on a platter of gold.

    Inventive and dogged, the suave chap had to become intrepid, selfless and ambitious to create his world of grandeur.

    Extraordinary in his appetite for adventures, the rather easy-going Chief Executive Officer of Gross Groups, reeks of opulence coupled with perfection in his dealings.

    The former Aba North elected Chairman, has always been at the forefront of making people around him top priority.

    When he held sway as Chairman of Aba North, the biggest revenue spinning local government in Abia state, his achievements were quite tremendous, making him the youngest local government chairman in the state whose impact is being felt till date.

    He paid special attention to youth empowerment, most especially, in the area of technical and technological advancement.

    Read Also: Olufunmilayo Disu celebrates

     

    He also gave priority to education by renovating several dilapidated schools within his locality and provided other basic amenities.

    The “Nkuma Dike Ndigbo” is known for his selfless and philanthropic nature. Through his Alex Mascot Foundation, he constructed roads, renovated schools, awarded scholarships, donated kerosene, food and much more to the needy.

    Alex is widely loved at home, with his wealth of influence, especially sharing a filial relationship with the incumbent Governor of Abia state, His Excellency, Okezie Ikpeazu, he has further facilitated projects for his constituents.

    Society Rendezvous gathered that the Abuja property billionaire is planning to throw his hat in the ring for the 2023 Abia State gubernatorial elections.

    This is a dream he has kept to himself. With the current situation, he is currently consulting with top political leaders in the state over his long term ambition.

    A close source disclosed that; “Mascot is not new to the corridors of power. He is a one time mayor in Abia state and he knows his way around.

    As a son of the soil, he is eligible to contest for governorship as he will gather the support of many across the state. He is very close to the current governor which is an advantage for him.

    But we dont know the party he will be running from. But with his brilliant ideas as Chairman of ABA north, we need young men like him to also infuse their experience that will further drive Abia’s economy forward”.

  • Olufunmilayo Disu celebrates

    by Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Olufunmilayo Amori Disu, has every reason to be grateful to her creator. Most expecially, reaching the golden age, at a time when the grim reaper is no respecter of age and social strata.

    She is not a regular party or event person. She is a quiet woman, who loves to live a behind-the-scene lifestyle. Unfortunately, hosting her 50th birthday soiree threw her into limelight.

    Unknown to many, she is the heartthrob of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), the commander Response Rapid Squad (RRS),Tunji Disu. In celebration of her golden age, the mother of three alongside her super-cop hubby, hosted friends, family and well wishers to a touch of White and Mustard Yellow colour bash, on Saturday 30th of November, at The Event Centre, Nana’s Arena Hall, Aginidingbi Ikeja.

    Read Also: Ifeanyi Ubah’s most cherished ambition

    The strictly by invitation birthday soiree held amidst pomp, opulence and grandeur saw attend guests were treated like kings and queens. An array of meals and high cost drinks were served to the delight of guests.

    Tunji and Olufunmilayo were all over each other like a newly wedded couple, who just discovered their love strings. At the event, Tunji described Olufunmilayo as God-sent.

    He further described her as a strong pillar, who played a pivotal role in his astronomic rise as a cop. Several attendees commended her dedication to work at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where she has often displayed human compassion to saving lives and attending to emergencies.

  • Ifeanyi Ubah’s most cherished ambition

    by Oladapo Sofowora

     

    Listing one of the few Nigerians favoured by providence, Ifeanyi Ubah comes to mind. The chairman of Capital Oil and Gas, would forever be grateful to his creator for making him reap bountifully from the seeds he sowed in tears over the years.

    The Nnewi born billionaire businessman has previously taken a shot at clinching the top job as the governor of Anambra state in 2014, but lost to the incumbent governor, Willie Obiano.

    As if that was not enough, Ifeanyi defected from Labour Party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a bid to clinch the tickets for the second time and contest against Obiano, whose seeking a re-election.

    He was allegedly robbed at the party’s primaries, when former Anambra state Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Oseloka Obaze was eventually declared winner. After much public agitation and grievance over the outcome of the primary election, the state PDP chairman suspended him for alleged gross misconduct and publicly calling the party’s primary election a sham.

    The Ifeanyi Ubah Football club boss took the party’s verdict in good faith as he defected to the states ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in a bid to work hand in hand with the incumbent Governor who is seeking a re-election.

    It was gathered that, he was promised the revered Anambra South senatorial ticket if he throws his wealth of influence behind Governor Willie Obiano on his re-election bid.

    Ubah as usual, gave his unflinching support financially and delievered for Governor Willie, who won the election a second time.

    When it was the time for APGA to fulfil its alleged promise to Ifeanyi Ubah, some forces in the party, especially, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu stood against Ifeayi’s dream of clinching the ticket as they fought tooth and nail over the case.

    Ifeayi was again knocked out of the race as the primaries declared Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the party’s flag bearer for the Anambra South Senatorial district election.

    Take a stroll round the city of Nnewi, ask a toddler, who Ifeanyi Ubah is, and the response would be very impressive, as he is loved by many across his locality and beyond, having invested billions of Naira in their welfare.

    His philanthropic gestures and closeness to the grassroot, earned him the endless love and support of the grassroot. Without blinking an eye, The Authority Newspaper boss, moved to the Young Peoples Party (YPP),where he was eventually given the ticket to run as a senatorial candidate of Anambra South.

    Contesting election with top billionaires and powerful forces in the state like Chris and Andy Ubah and Nicholas Ukachukwu, Ifeanyi Ubah, a supposed underdog, pulled 87,081 votes to beat his stiff contenders hands down, after which he was declared winner of the senatorial election by INEC.

    There is one dream Ifeanyi Ubah has been nurturing for a while, the dream to govern Anambra state. He would do everything within his capacity to bring that dream to reality.

    As the gubernatorial election is getting closer in 2021, Society Rendezvous gathered that, top politicians in the state are currently gathering human and financial resources together for the election.

    The 2021 election will not be an easy ride for Ifeanyi. There are some hurdles for him to cross, so as to achieve his lofty dreams of governing the state with the highest number of individual billionaires.

    Read Also: Ifeanyi Ubah and the power of football

     

    One of his hurdle is the party platform he will run from. Some are of the opinion that, his current party YPP, does not have the capacity and popularity to win a gubernatorial election in Anambra. As a relatively new party, the platform is not well recognized across the state to contest with PDP, APC and APGA.

    There are rumour emanating from some quarters that, before the build up to the elections, Ifeanyi might defect to the All Progressive Congress (APC) to run on the platform.

    The defection rumour is still not certain but we learnt he is currently under consultation with top political leaders in the state on his next move.

    Breaking the jinx of the Ubah brothers is also a hurdle he might have to cross once again. Beating them at the senatorial election might not be easy to replicate at the gubernatorial level.

    Both brothers are a hard nut to crack owing to their political and financial pedigree in the state. Information making the rounds reveal that Chris and Andy Ubah are currently moving for a peace accord in a bid to team up and support one of them to contest and win the gubernatorial election.

    This is another hurdle Ifeanyi will have to scale through in his bid to successfully achieve his long term ambition.

    His current fuel subsidy charges with the Economic and Finanical Crimes commission (EFCC) on his indebtedness of over N135Billion might also be a stumbling block in achieving his dreams.

    Justice Nicholas Oweibo, has adjourned the hearing of his case till Feb 13, 2020. The outcome of the case is yet unknown, but this indictment poses a big threat to his political ambition.