FORMER president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, stormed the palace of the Agura of Gbagura Kingdom, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oba Saburee Babajide Bakre, on Saturday, August 21, 2021, in style.
Obasanjo’s presence at the king’s second coronation anniversary was highly celebrated. The reason is simple – he is not just a former national leader; he is also a traditional chief – the Balogun of Owu Kingdom in Egbaland.
The year’s anniversary was important to the Agura of Gbagura and his people because they couldn’t hold his first coronation anniversary due to the spread of COVID-19 in 2020. The week-long event started on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, and ended on Sunday, August 23, 2021.
For the grand finale, Oba Bakre and his wife rocked a radiant brown and orange ‘Aso-Ofi.’ They looked so happy together and were cheerful all through the event.
The Agura of Gbagura is the traditional ruler of this subsection of the Egba, and under his jurisdiction are the rulers (Baales) of the 72 townships.
AFTER weeks of preparation, the lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola constituency in the Federal House of representatives, Hon. Shina Peller, has finally been installed as the Ayedero of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. His pretty wife, Chief Mrs. Ayobola Abiola Peller, was also installed as the Yeye Ayedero of Yorubaland.
It was a special occasion for Peller, as he was surrounded by his family and people dear to him.
The founder of Quilox Nightclub reserved special thanks for Oba Adeyemi.
He said: “Since gratitude is to life, what salt is to food; I must start by saying: “From my childhood, I have always seen His Royal Majesty in awe; and great respect is given to his leadership in preserving and promoting the cultural and traditional heritage of Yorubaland. Beyond this, His Imperial Majesty has remained my father whom I have continued to learn from, given that His Majesty and my biological father (Professor Moshood Abiola Peller) were childhood friends, and interestingly bear the same oriki as His Majesty is Atanda and my late father was also Atanda. And since my biological father is no more, His Imperial Majesty has continued to guide and treat me like his own son.
“His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, was the first person that from his vast wealth of wisdom advised me to join politics and contest for election in service of our people. Like my father, I had to heed his wise counsel, and today, although politics is challenging, I have never regretted the fact that I heeded my father’s advice.
“I am therefore honoured and humbled by His Imperial Majesty’s kind gesture in conferring me with this title of the Ayedero of Yorubaland. Even though it is not in my personal culture to celebrate awards and honours as I always consider them as the challenge of responsibility, this time, it is different as my inspiring father, His Imperial Majesty has given me a wider platform and a greater challenge to continue to promote the peace and prosperity of the Yorubaland.”
Peller congratulated his wife, the new Yeye Ayedero of Yorubaland, saying that she has brought abundant joy and happiness to his life and their family.
On August 31, controversial social media celebrity, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, celebrated his 30th birthday, where Fuji icon, Mayegun Wasiu Ayinde, aka K1, performed.
K1’s presence at the birthday gig created reactions on social media. Some followers of the evergreen singer condemned him, insisting that he was encouraging and supporting the cross-dresser. They said K1 is a role model and it should exemplify in his music as well as his lifestyle.
Others, however, believed it was just business for K1 and he did not do anything wrong.
Bobrisky had already bragged about using “N500m” to plan his 30th birthday party. Taking to his Instagram page earlier, the cross-dresser shared a video of a massive and well-decorated hall. The hall was decked with numerous white flowers, beautiful chandeliers, rows of well-decorated chairs, tables, and more.
FOOTBALL scored a beautiful goal last weekend when Khadijah Damilola, daughter of prominent legal practitioner, A.U. Mustapha (SAN) and Mustapha Alao, son of popular sports journalist Dr. Mumini Alao were married in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Dr. Alao is Group Managing Director of Complete Communications Limited, Nigeria’s pioneer sports publishers while Mustapha is current President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board.
•The couple with their parents (L-R): A.U. Mustapha, SAN; Hajia Muinat Seun Mustapha; Alhaja Medinah Temilade Alao and Dr. Mumini Alao.
The bridegroom, a UK-trained financial analyst and computer animator, successfully dribbled his way into Khadijah’s heart, and the young lawyer, who also trained in the UK, was truly smitten.
The colorful solemnization ceremonies commenced on Thursday, 26 August when the bride’s family received the traditional marriage gifts according to Yoruba tradition from the groom’s family. The following day, Friday, 27 August, the Muslim Nikaah proper took place at the Mustapha’s family house in Isale Aluko, Ilorin with virtually all notable Islamic scholars in the city in attendance.
Chairman of the occasion was Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq supported by Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi. Under heavy rainfall which observers saw as a spiritual blessing, Chief Imam of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Imam AbdulRahman Ahmad conducted the Islamic wedding rituals formally joining the couple as husband and wife.
The wedding reception was held at the Arca Santa events center on Saturday, 28 August, drawing hordes of prominent personalities from across the country’s political, social and sports fraternities.
In his remarks, El-Rufai drew huge laughter from the jam packed venue when he issued a jocular threat about using his famous “Abuja bulldozers” against the groom if he maltreated the bride. AbdulRasaq, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, (SAN) and current Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), all admonished the couple on how to build a peaceful home together.
Fuji music maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, was on the band stand to entertainment guests.
Among other special guests at the wedding were Emeka Woke, Chief of Staff representing Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike; Osita Aboloma, former DG, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON); Dr. Tunde Ayeni, Chairman, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company PLC; Ambassador Niniola Akanbi, former Nigeria Ambassador to The Netherlands and Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari, representing Kaduna North.
Others are Yisa Ibrahim Shaba, Senator representing Lokoja/Kogi Constituency; Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Minister of State for Education; Alhaji Garba Abubakar, RG Corporate Affairs Commission; Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Mrs. Victoria Awomolo (SAN) and Ahmed Raji (SAN).
Also at the event were Dr Obi Adigwe, Director General/CEO NIPRD; Oba Adelodun (SAN), Aliyu Seiki (SAN); Paul Harris Ogbole (SAN); Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); Emeka Etiaba (SAN); Ahmed Raji (SAN); Afam Osigwe (SAN); Otunba Niyi Adebomire (SAN) and Muiz Banire, (SAN).
Other dignitaries were Alhaji Latif Adejumo, Director, Complete Communications Limited and his wife, Alhaja Adejumo; Chief Segun Odegbami, former captain of the Super Eagles; Mr. Solomon Ojeagbase, of Complete Communications Limited; Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar and Zikrullah Hassan, Chairman, National Hajj Commission.
THE maiden edition of the Ijo Orisa (Interpretive Dance) Festival was held recently and the person behind it was none other than Princess Folashade Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s daughter.
The festival was held at the palace square of the Olowu of Owu-Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama.
Princess Adeyemi described the festival as an idea put in place to redefine the conceptual essence and existence of our traditional engagements and practices in recent times.
“This is a symbolic way to launch it; by this time next year, you will see us in a better form. I thank Kabiyesi Olowu for his sense of understanding which is the background to what we have here today. I appreciate his wonderful support.
“I also thank Governor Oyetola as well for his commitment to promoting our culture. I thank all traditional rulers here present and Baba Araba Elebuibon from Osogbo, and other participants. They are all appreciated,” she said.
Dignitaries spotted at the occasion were Osun State Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Sina Obawale; representative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Alade Okin of Oriade, Ile-Ife, Oba Olalekan Faseesin; the Olowu of Owu-Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama; the Araba of Osogbo, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon and the Olu of Ile-Ogbo, Oba Habeeb Adetoyese Agbaje.
SINCE the death of Baba Eto of Yorubaland, Chief Folarin Coker, more responsibilities have shifted to his son, Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, popularly known as ‘Foli Coker.’
Folarin-Coker, who is presently the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), has now been conferred with the title of Baba Eto of Ilara, Osun State. This was also his father’s title until death and he will be installed by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Adeyeye.
Before his present appointment, Folarin-Coker has served Lagos State Government in different capacities. His last appointment in Lagos State was as Commissioner of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
Reacting to the title, he said: “I feel so honoured. Being the Baba Eto of Ilara means a lot to me. Kabiyesi, (Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo) and I have been friends for a while. I really cannot describe the honour of him giving me a title in Ilara and particularly, my father’s title. And it is not just Ilara but also in the source, Ile Ile, which is Osun State. It means that the Ooni himself is conferring this title on me; so I am deeply honoured. My father passed on last year and I saw him as the Baba Eto of Yorubaland for the better part of my life. To now begin that journey after service to my state and country, I cannot quantify the honour. I am deeply grateful to Kabiyesi for starting the process and deeply grateful to the Ooni for announcing through his representative that I will become the Baba Eto of the source.”
The Lagos State PDP Chairman, Engr. Deji Doherty, reaped the reward of his belief and faith in people recently, as His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi surprisingly showed up in all his royalty at his son, Dipo’s wedding.
At the reception held at the 10 Degrees Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, the Ooni openly admitted that he once worked under the groom’s father when his son was little boy.
He added that he acted as the middle man between Engr. Doherty and former Gov. Fayose, handling messages for both parties. Oba Ogunwusi later advised people never to look down on their subjects because no one could tell the future and that tables could turn.
Asides being a politician, Engr. Doherty is the Chief Executive Officer of the DAIN Group, the owners of 10 Degrees Event Centre.
Known faces spotted at the party included former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; Lagos governorship aspirant Jimi Agbaje; Managing Director of Wizer Advisory Ltd., Lanre Akinbo and Ooni’s three sisters – Princess Folashade, Princess Adebimpe and Princess Adesola.
FOR Dr. Margaret Ade Mayaki, it has been a case of ‘seek the kingdom of God first and all other things will be added unto you.’
After secondary school education in Nigeria, she moved to the UK where she was educated at the Crown College for Further Studies at Kings Cross, London where she also obtained her HND in Secretarial Studies. She did courses on Social Care and Housing and worked for many years before the call to ministry.
And that was the beginning of the turn-around for her. She moved to USA, attended Faith International Training School (FITS), Fort Myers, Florida, USA, obtained a Higher Diploma in Ministry and was awarded a Professorship and Doctor of Theology and Divinity from GMOR South West University Munster, Indiana, USA.
It was in UK 2005 that her calling bore instant fruit. While visiting a hospital, she prayed for a man who had just been proclaimed dead. She went into the room and told them that the spirit of God told her to pray for the man. They were angry because the man had just been confirmed dead officially. She held the man, prayed and anointed him and behold, he rose and demanded for food, while everyone in the room screamed and ran out calling for the nurses to come and see what had happened.
Margaret’s fame became instant along with several other spiritual exploits, ‘The great prophetess and philanthropist’ as she is called, is the President of Nigerian Women in Diaspora Prays UK, a group which comprises Christians and Muslims who pray for Nigeria every quarter in London.
And this she does as the founder of Sanctuary for the Broken Hearted International Ministries in London and Nigeria, and also the Convener of National Women’s Day of Prayer (London and Nigeria).
Margaret Mayaki says her greatest secret is, “I give.” As President of Deborah Mentorship Network Armies’ heart, Margaret is once again set to build an ultra modern orphanage and school for the less privileged in Kogi state.
POPULARLY known as the Founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Gift Chinyere Chibuzor has joined the list of men of God cruising in Rolls-Royce, a car meant only for the wealthy.
Social Circuit gathered that the Rolls-Royce Ghost sedan car cost him about $314,400. It was also learnt that the General Overseer had once rejected a gift of a similar car donated on his birthday. He reportedly asked for the return of the car and the proceeds put into charity works of OPM.
Perhaps he has probably seen a reason to get the luxury car for himself. Apostle Chibuzor has also changed the profile images of all his platforms on social media to an image of him striking a pose with the newly acquired Rolls Royce.
THE 60th birthday of the former Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, was not just a birthday where people meet, eat and dance. It was far beyond that.
At the ceremony held at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor presented a new book – “For The Good Of The Nation.”
In his thought-provoking speech, Khalifa Sanusi II revealed his decision to set up a $2million Trust Fund from the book’s proceeds, which will be used to promote Sustainable Development Goals.
The Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, and CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, also threw their solidarity behind Sanusi’s effort to raise money for the Trust Fund. Right there, they said the Bankers’ Committee had agreed on what it would do to support it.
