By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Since the immediate past Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1 Godfrey Emiko joined his ancestors in 202, there has been controversy and animosity surrounding the selection process of the Olu of Warri designate. After consulting the oracle and carrying out an extensive background check of various candidates who showed interest, the selection team headed by the Iyatsere of Warri kingdom and the acting chairman of Warri Council of Chiefs and the Olu Advisory Council, Chief Johnson Amatserunreleghe, settled for Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko as the Olu of Warri designate.

Read Also: Warri succession crisis: Olu-designate faces legitimacy, legal hurdles

On announcing the young Emiko, the news spread like wildfire as jubilation engulfed the ancient city on the newest development. However, the emergence of the young Emiko didn’t sit well with some of the kingmakers claiming the process was marred with anomalies and discrepancies. The animosity among the chiefs and kingmakers heralded two factions – those for and those against. Leading the faction against the emergence of Prince Emiko is the suspended Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom (Traditional Prime Minister) Chief Ayiri Emami. The emergence of the Olu of Warri designate does not sit well with Emami, whose body language can be felt across the Warri kingdom. Sources, however, alleged that Ayiri’s unspoken grouse with Prince Emiko is his relationship with Benin oil baron, Captain Wells Idahosa Okunbo. The Olu of Warri designate is the son-in-law to the Benin billionaire and he’s alleged to be enjoying financial and moral backing from the ailing oil baron. It was further alleged that Ayiri is unsettled over the possible influence Okunbo’s relationship with the Olu of Warri designate will have on the kingdom. As it stands, a cold rift is brewing between Ayiri and Okunbo and none is hoping to throw in the towel as indigenes look forward to a coronation soon. Meanwhile, Ayiri has maintained that his suspension as Ologbotsere remains null and void when his authority was queried.

By Oladapo Sofowora

For the want of a perfect description, Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua, the head pastor of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, is a misunderstood personality. Hence, the reason many see him as a controversial person. However, for Joshua, he is just doing the work his creator has directed him to do. Despite the high level of criticism from some quarters, he has stayed true to his beliefs and continues to live his life in line with his beliefs.

Joshua has dedicated over two decades of his existence to propagating the gospel far beyond the shores of Nigeria, making his church a tourism destination for foreign nationals across the world. At one point, his church was a mecca of sorts for thousands of foreign nationals who came for healings. On his route to evangelism, Joshua fought several battles underground and has, times without numbers, triumphed. So much that when he was written off and people cast aspersions on him, he continued praying for God’s guidance for his critics.

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Apart from his work as a shepherd, he has dedicated his life to charity and philanthropic gestures in line with his ideology of ‘Changing Lives, Changing Nations and Changing the World’. His milk of kindness has flown ceaselessly and this is evident in his response to the disaster by sending medical and other aids to troubled countries like Haiti, India, the Philippines, Ghana, and Ecuador. In his Ikotun, Lagos environment, TB Joshua has constantly donated food to inhabitants of his host community. He has also awarded scholarships to students. Sources said one thing that the Arigidi Akoko born pastor loathes is the sight of people in distress, he is always ready to render assistance and do everything humanly possible to put smiles on their faces.

A few weeks ago, at his regular church service, YouTube suspended the Synagogue Church of All Nations channel with over 1.8 million subscribers. The suspension came after the British association, OpenDemocracy, complained about his sentiments as regards hateful and homophobic speech. Reacting to the suspension, Joshua tweeted, “Help me pray for YouTube, pray for them, we must consider them friends, we must be strong”.

Not relenting, a new channel for the church was opened and it has kept amassing subscribers who continue to watch and listen to his preachings across the globe. Another bird chirped that for his love for education, Joshua is currently working on citing a private yet affordable University in his Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo state, hometown. The varsity should be ready for academic activities by mid-2022.

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA

Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife are in a celebratory mood for their 40th nuptial anniversary.

The two love birds could not hide their feelings as they both gushed out their feelings for each other while they celebrated the milestone on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at the residence of the governor’s mother (Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu) in Ibadan, Oyo State, at a private event organized by their children.

The event attracted close family, friends, and associates of the Akeredolus, who had witnessed their wedding ceremony 40 years ago. Betty, an indigene of Emeabiam in Owerri, Imo state, added that she has enjoyed total support from her spouse over the years. She revealed that she once lived with her husband in his mother’s house during the early days of their marriage.

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They both disclosed that the risk of crossing the River Niger for the sake of love was worth it as they are both blessed with wonderful kids and grandchildren. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu also showed his romantic side with words of affirmation as he professed undying love for his wife and also thanked her for sharing the nuptial sojourn with him.

He showered encomiums on his wife for her steely disposition, courage, bravery, and loyalty.

OLUSHOLA RICKETTS     

It was one long week of celebration for the Royal Elegushi family of Eti-Osa, Lagos, as his Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi marked his 45th birthday. Venue of the big bash, The Monarch Event Centre, Lagos, bubbled with pomp and royalty; so was the social media. Videos and pictures of Oba Elegushi, his two Oloris, royal fathers and other dignitaries and celebrities having the fun of their lives, took over the online space.

Oba Elegushi also threw a surprise. Unlike the norm, where Fuji or Juju music ruled the air on such occasions, the very stylish monarch decided to add a twist. He didn’t just look hip on the night; hip-hop music dominated the dinner party. Stars such as Davido, Olamide, Naira, Patoranking, CDQ, Fireboy and Lil Kesh thrilled the king and his guests. They made them feel young again, even if it was just for a night.

Earlier, he had taken to his Instagram page to thank God for sparing his life, as he wished himself a happy celebration. The post was a sneak peak to what was to unfold later in the evening.

Read Also: Oba Elegushi emotional as daughters finish Islamic school

A colourful video of the hall that surfaced online shortly after, literally threw his followers and fans into a frenzy, while the party itself was not short of fun, fashion, quality music and exotic food drinks.

The majestic entry of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, added to the grandeur, as he appeared in his customary white apparel, heralded by royal praise singers, who chanted his eulogy and generally paid obeisance.

To cut the mighty cake, Oba Elegushi was joined by his mother, Olori Sinat Elegushi, and his beautiful wives – Olori Sekinat and Olori Hadiza.

Gbenga Adeyinka and Ali Baba anchored the party, while extra music was provided by DJ Spinal.

OLUSHOLA RICKETTS     

Maybe it’s high time the communications and public relations guru, Adetokunbo Modupe, added television host to his portfolio. If he had never thought about it, guests at the just held Nigerian Media Idol would have given in the hint after he effortlessly anchored the event.

It even came as a surprise to see the Chairman/Group CEO at TPT International on the podium of the initiative of Rite Foods Nigeria Limited to showcase journalists’ musical talents.

Being the boss of a PR firm, he often works in the bank and allows his officers to interpret the ideas. But it was a different case this time, as Modupe took the centre stage himself, making everyone wonder if he had been a host all his life. He was not only natural and witty; he also connected with the guests well. In other words, Modupe made the works of seasoned hosts like Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, IK Osakioduwa and Frank Edoho look easy.

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It’s now left to be seen if Modupe will fancy more roles as a host or it was just a one-time thing. As a CEO and one who does a lot, it could be a big deal for him. Also at 51, hosting events would certainly not be as exciting to him as it would to younger personalities

With over 24 years’ experience in marketing communications and public relations,  the alumnus of the Harvard Business School, Strathmore Business School Kenya and Lagos Business School has worked as consultant to the Federal Government of Nigeria on reputation management.

OLUSHOLA RICKETTS     

Today is a day of celebration and thanksgiving for a former Member of the House of Representatives, Otunba Michael Abayomi Ogunnusi, as he clocks 70.

Although there was pressure on the Otunba to throw a big party to celebrate the milestone age, he has always opted for a low-key birthday celebration.

Sources close to him told Social Circuit that being a unique age, there would be a little celebration with family and close friends in Lagos. But the source added that left to Otunba, there might not be any celebration.

Ogunnusi has played his part in nation building, having represented Ifako-Ijaiye Ojokoro Federal Constituency of Lagos in the House of Representatives in 2011 to 2015.

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A chartered accountant and tax practitioner, the Otunba Fibiwoga of Isonyin, Ijebu, and Bobagunwa of Imoru, Ijebu, has close to four decades of experience in both the private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy. He is a fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a member of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

After concluding his first degree in Accounting at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), he obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Ibadan.

Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako is not just the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), he’s more respected as an unrepentant apostle of quality assurance in the nation.

Even as he clocks 60 tomorrow, the renowned Professor of Soil Physics has left on the sand of time unwavering commitment to advocacy. But he still wishes to do more.

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Born April 18, 1961, Salako attended the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), where he graduated as the Best Student in Agric. He did his Master’s degree in Soil Science at UNN too and later obtained his PhD from the University of Ibadan in 1997.

Before he became the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB on November 1, 2017, the fellow of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (FSSSN) was a two term Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development).