Wednesday, 27 August 2025

THE UNFORTUNATE LIFE OF AHUJA BELLO

Iseyin, a small town in located North of Ibadan has produced many notable people but late Sakara musician, Yusuf Olatunji, and late magician, Folorunsho Abiola, popularly known as Professor Peller, are perhaps the most popular indigenes of Iseyin.

The sleepy settlement has also produced Ahuja Bello, a notable Juju musician who although less known, is probably as important to Nigerian cultural history.

Bello was born Ismail Dele Bello in Iseyin on 24th August 1942, he had his primary and secondary education at mission schools in his hometown and he left for Lagos in 1963, the same year he completed secondary education. Even though his father was a rich trader, Ismail was sent to Lagos to learn the art of repairing television sets. Nigeria was newly independent and Lagos Island, where Ismail was learning had a burgeoning music scene. Coming from a family of drummers and learning how to repair electronic equipment which often included speakers and live music instruments, young Ismail was close to the music industry and he attended shows.

When he completed his five years of apprenticeship with Alhaji Lateef, his master, he joined the band of I. A. Elegbede as the in band technician. He later joined the band of Expensive Olubi and His Golden Stars, a modestly popular Juju musician at the time, as a Bongo drum player. Even though he was from a traditional drummer family, he didn’t think of becoming a musician at the time he was drumming for Olubi’s band. He went on tour with Expensive Olubi and during one of such tours; he bought musical equipments which was the lifeblood of a musician’s career in those days. He might have bought those equipments to rent out in Nigeria but fate had other plans. He was contracted to set up the full musical set for King Sunny Ade, a popular Juju musician and successfully installing the equipment, Ade shouted ‘Ahuja!’, referencing the brand name of the equipment. The name Ahuja stuck with him at the time and when Bello Ajileye, one of King Sunny Ade’s band boys broke his leg in an accident, Ismail Bello stood in as a backup singer.

While combining his career as a sound engineer with his pastime, he met an older man who encouraged him to take music as a career and took him to the EMI studio in Apapa, Lagos. When he auditioned at the EMI Studio, he was asked to gather a band for recording. His first Album, titled ‘Awa Ti Danfo’ was released in 1976 under the name, Dele Bello. He soon became the toast of Lagos’s elite and he combined his old nickname, Ahuja with his surname Bello and Ahuja Bello, the Juju musician was born. His band was named Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles. Band names in those days were based on dominant narratives and there was a lot of copying between bands too. When King Sunny Ade started his career, his first band was named ‘KSA and His Green Spot Band’, a direct reference to juju pioneer, ‘IK Dairo and His Blue Spots Band.’ Fuji music pioneer, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister’s band was named ‘Supreme Fuji Commanders’ and Ayinla Kollington named himself ‘The General’, after their military careers and the dominant military rulership in Nigeria at the time they started drawing crowds to their music. Ahuja Bello’s naming of his band might have refernced S. F. Olowookere whose band name was ‘Commissioner S. F. Olowookere and his Federal Night Eagles Band.’ The naming of the band also suggests that band members were very important to the overall activities in the band.

A key feature of the Juju music scene then were the patrons. Nigeria was awash with petrodollars and the growing middle class meant that the market for live music and other entertainment forms expanded. Ahuja Bello’s first live performance was for Alhaji Buhari Alade Oloto, a Lagos socialite who was the toast of Lagos musicians for decades. Ahuja Bello released many albums in quick succession and wormed himself into the minds of the Lagos Peppersoup elite. However, he sounded uncannily like King Sunny Ade and people accused him of copying Ade’s style. It was rumoured that some show promoters went to the extent of using King Sunny Ade’s image to promote Ahuja Bello’s performances and some unsuspecting listeners would think it was Ade performing. Coincidentally, they both had tribal marks depicting their origins. Although older than Sunny Ade by four years, Ahuja Bello lived under the shadow of Sunny Ade for many years. Like Sunny Ade, Ahuja is equally talented with the guitar and gifted vocally. It might seem that Ahuja himself deliberately capitalised on the comparison as he continued to adopt Sunny Ade’s vocal style including the rhoticity method where the /r/ sound reflects in vowels where it is nonexistent. The cadence, instrument and beat styles were also exactly like King Sunny Ade’s. However, he could not dance like Ade and even if he was planning to, the road accident that left him bedridden for several months in 1982 put that ambition to rest. King Sunny Ade is one of those once-in-a-lifetime stars who have people living under their shadows, not because those people are not talented but because the star was too bright to be outshone. Ahuja Bello’s relationship with Sunny Ade is paradoxical. He was made popular by the comparison, yet, he lived up to the hype, in spite of his modest musical oeuvre.

Juju music by design lends itself to folk sayings and, in cosmopolitan Lagos, lots of the street slang was/is rooted in Christian preachings.  Despite Ahuja Bello’s muslim faith, he navigated this with much ease. In his debut album, he sang a Christian tune ‘Ko S’oruko to dabi Jesu’ and Christian tropes feature in his songs repeatedly.  He sang songs that were didactic and did a lot of storytelling, which featured folk lyrics. He adopted traditional Yoruba praise singing methods reminiscent of his background as a child drummer in Iseyin. By the time he was celebrating his one year anniversary in 1977, he was already so established that he threw a party at the Lagos City Hall to launch the ‘Ariya Tide’ album. Alhaja Bimbola Olokodana, a popular Lagos socialite, was the matron of Ahuja Bello Fans Club.  Professor Peller was a huge fan and patron. Ahuja Bello was also booked for shows by social clubs. While on tour to London in 1979, Bello recorded a live album, ‘Ahuja in London’ and he met Reggae legend, Bob Marley. He was later signed to Afrodisia and Ibukun Orisun Iye records, two of the prominent record labels in Nigerian music history.

Ahuja Bello’s reign came to a screeching halt while returning from a performance on his 40th birthday in 1982. He had an accident and broke his right femur when he rammed into a stationary military vehicle. This left him bedridden for several months.  Between his trip to the EMI studio and his accident, he had released 10 albums.

There are life defining incidents that people don’t often recover from, Ahuja Bello’s accident is one of those.

Even though he made a comeback in the late 1980s, he was never quite the same. Accidents precipitate as much mental challenges as they do physical ones, and the car accident must have taken a toll on Ahuja Bello’s mental health. An active performer who was fast rising as the toast of the socialites became suddenly bedridden. If Ahuja Bello had come in the current age, his career might have done better with a diversified stream of income that does not fully rely on live shows. Those days, musicians made the bulk of their money from live performances unlike now where there are streaming platforms.

As Ahuja Bello was recovering, tragedy struck again in 1987 when he had another accident on a bike. He recovered again and launched his second coming in an industry that had become saturated with new Juju styles. Ahuja Bello struggled but his struggle is not isolated as even Juju music had been on a slow decline.

BY THE LATE 1980s, Sina Peters had disrupted the Juju music style as it was known. With hindsight, Peters’ fast paced  brand of the music served as the middle passage to  Afrobeats, which is now all over the place. Still, in 2011, Ahuja Bello attempted a third coming, releasing an album which failed to attract commercial success. He went off the radar for a while again until he returned in 2020 with a live show that was streamed on social media platforms. He has also struggled with transitioning from medleys to short songs and tastes have changed.

Ahuja Bello lived the full life of a Juju musician; he recorded with the popular labels, he married six women and had a large band retinue. He released classic albums that contributed to popular culture conversations, and praised the major patrons of live music in his days. The major pointer to the impact of the accident on his career is that his most popular songs till date are the ones preceding his accidents. Beyond the accidents, he might also have come at a wrong time. If he had come at another time, he might have been more popular as his era was very competitive. Ahuja Bello might not be as popular as Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade, two of Juju’s most popular names but Ahuja Bello is an important feature of Nigeria’s cultural history and he deserves to be better recognised.

By Ayọ̀délé Ìbíyẹmí.

THE FRAUGHT COUNTRY CALLED NIGERIA — YINKA AIYEFELE

‘To everyone asking me if I didn’t insure my music house, how can I erect a mighty building like that and not insure it? Some years ago, I insured my musical equipment. One day, there was an accident in Sagamu and they got destroyed. I expected the insurance company to take it up immediately but they didn’t. I wrote to them and got a police report. They said they would go to the scene of the accident and investigate which will take time. I had to get a lawyer before they gave me something small.

A friend told me that he used to sell wristwatches and he insured his shop. One day, robbers entered the shop through the ceiling and took all the watches. He reached out to the insurance company, they inspected the shop and told him that why didn’t he put a burglary proof on the ceiling. He got a lawyer who dragged the case with them. Till today, they didn’t pay him a dime. If I should put Fresh FM on hold till when the insurance company answers us, we will not come on air again throughout this year. They will first start an investigation into what caused the fire. I am not against insurance but they don’t answer on time’ ~Singer Yinka Ayefele

𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘 : 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 (𝟏𝟗𝟔𝟔–𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟎) 🇳🇦

When we talk about the long road to independence in Africa, Namibia’s story stands as one of the most powerful examples of resilience, unity, and sacrifice.

It all began on August 26, 1966, the day considered the official start of the Namibian War of Independence (also known as the Namibian Liberation Struggle). On this day, fighters of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) clashed with South African forces at Omugulugwombashe in northern Namibia. What seemed like a small skirmish became a spark that lit a 24-year struggle against apartheid rule.

From 1966 to 1990, Namibians waged a relentless battle not only with guns, but with voices, diplomacy, and unshakable determination. The war claimed thousands of lives, but it also drew global attention to Namibia’s demand for self-determination and freedom from South Africa’s occupation.

𝐖𝐇𝐘 𝐈𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 :

Namibia became one of Africa’s youngest nations on March 21, 1990, when it finally gained independence.

Its struggle echoes modern fights for freedom, justice, and the right of people everywhere to decide their destiny.

August 26 is now commemorated as Heroes’ Day in Namibia, a day of honor, remembrance, and unity.

𝐅𝐔𝐍 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐓 : Did you know? Namibia’s constitution, written after independence, is one of the most progressive in Africa, emphasizing human rights, democracy, and freedom, lessons learned from decades of resistance.

𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐘 : Namibia’s independence wasn’t handed to them. It was fought for with courage, resilience, and unity. It reminds us that freedom, once won, must always be cherished and defended.

THOMAS SANKARA

Thomas Sankara was a charismatic leader and revolutionary who served as the President of Burkina Faso from 1983 until his assassination in 1987. Born on December 21, 1949, in Yako, Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), he was a Marxist and pan-Africanist who sought to break free from French colonial legacy and promote African unity. Sankara's presidency was marked by his anti-imperialist stance, and he implemented various reforms aimed at reducing poverty and promoting self-sufficiency.

During his presidency, Sankara implemented numerous initiatives to improve the lives of Burkinabés, including vaccination campaigns, reforestation efforts, and improvements to education and healthcare. He also promoted women's rights and encouraged their participation in the workforce. Sankara's leadership style was characterized by his humility, simplicity, and commitment to the welfare of his people.

Sankara's legacy extends beyond his presidency. He is remembered as one of the greatest African leaders of the 20th century, and his ideals continue to inspire many in Africa and beyond. Despite his tragic assassination on October 15, 1987, Sankara's vision for a more equitable and self-sufficient society remains relevant today, and his leadership serves as a model for those seeking to promote positive change in their communities.

PRESIDENT PAUL BIYA

Cameroon's 92-years old President Paul Biya has been approved to run for an unprecedented eighth terms in the country's upcoming presidential elections. Biya who had ruled for nearly 43 years in governance, is one of African longest-serving Leader.

His candidacy has sparked renewed debated over governance and leadership capacity given  his advance age. Opposition figures , including lawyers and politicians, Akere Muna, have questioned wether Biya is still fit to lead effectively.

Analyst say Biya's extended grip on power reflects a wider trend across part in African. Where entrenched leaders continue to dominate political systems despite call for democratic renewal.

Julius Malema Calls for a United Africa With One Government, One Currenc One Army

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has once again ignited debate over the future of the African continent, calling for a radical shift toward continental unity. Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) annual general conference in Enugu, Nigeria, Malema urged African leaders and citizens to envision a borderless Africa under a single president, one parliament, a unified currency, and a continental army.

The outspoken opposition leader insisted that the current political and economic fragmentation across Africa weakens the continent and makes it vulnerable to external forces. “A divided continent stands to lose big,” Malema declared. “We demand one Africa. We demand a borderless Africa. We demand Africa with one president, one currency, one military command, and one parliament—because we know the currency of Africa will be much stronger against the American currency.”

A Call for African Sovereignty

Malema told delegates that Africa’s continued dependence on foreign powers prevents it from realizing its true potential. He dismissed criticism from Western leaders, particularly former US President Donald Trump, who has previously attacked Malema’s radical rhetoric. “We don’t care what Trump thinks of us. He will never choose a policy position for Africans. We must refuse to be subjects of Trump,” Malema said.

According to him, Africa must assert itself on the global stage as an equal power to nations such as the United States, China, and Russia. “We are not a small nation. We are not a dark continent. How can we be dark when we’ve got diamonds shining amongst us? We are a shining nation,” he told delegates, drawing applause.

Ending Conflict and Protecting Africa’s Resources

Malema emphasized that Africans should not be killing each other but instead uniting against forces seeking to exploit the continent’s wealth. “Africans must always be together against enemy forces who want to exploit our continent,” he said.

A central part of his message focused on Africa’s mineral and natural resource wealth. He insisted that resources should be processed within Africa rather than exported in raw form. “We want the minerals of Africa to be returned to the Africans because that’s where they belong. We want to build industries in Africa and process our minerals here. We’ve got the capacity. We must never allow imperialist forces to divide us in order to take our minerals from us,” Malema stressed.

The Nigerian Bar Association Platform

The Nigerian Bar Association, Africa’s largest professional body of lawyers with over 120,000 members, hosts an annual gathering that draws policymakers, academics, judges, and international guests. Malema’s participation in this forum reflects his attempt to influence continental discourse beyond South Africa. His message of unity, sovereignty, and economic independence resonates with Pan-African ideals historically championed by leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah and Thomas Sankara.

A Radical Vision

While critics view Malema’s proposals as unrealistic and overly idealistic, supporters argue that his vision highlights the urgent need for African nations to strengthen collaboration and reduce dependency on foreign powers. The call for a unified Africa—economically, politically, and militarily—remains a long-standing Pan-African dream, but achieving it will require overcoming deep national divisions, governance challenges, and competing interests across the continent.

Nonetheless, Malema’s fiery speech once again placed the issue of African unity firmly on the table, sparking renewed debate about the continent’s future.

Monday, 25 August 2025

Adieu AHUJA BELLO, The Cat with Nine Lives

Ahuja Bello’s live could be compared to one who amidst adversities remained strong and kept bouncing back.

Ahuja Bello whose real name is Ismaila Dele Bello was Born on 24th of August 1942 at Ilado Iseyin.

He attended Baptist Primary School Iseyin in 1951.

He had his primary school education at Baptist Secondary Modern School Iseyin in the year 1961 and graduated in 1963.

Having mentored under I. A Elegbede, Expensive Olubi and Later King Sunny Ade who gave him the name AHUJA which is synonymous to a popular Vocal engine of that generation.

Ahuja Bello toured abroad with Expensive Olubi’s band as the bands vocalist and engineer between 1973 and 1975.

He later formed his band in 1976 and named it Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band.  Ahuja released his first album “Awa Ti Danfo “ in 1976 and later the second one in 1977 titled “Ariya Ti De”. When Ahuja traveled to London with his band boys he recorded another song “Ahuja in London”. This was when he met Bob Marley.

Sooner than later Ahuja became the toast of Lagos elites and kept dropping one Evergreen hits after the other.

Many believe that Ahuja sang exactly like KSA. Coincidentally, they both had tribal marks and It was usually difficult for people to distinguish between both icons when they listen to their songs.

In the 80’s Ahuja’s reign started dwindling . Ahuja who was an active performer who was fast rising and a toast of Lagos Socialites became suddenly bed ridden due to a fatal car accident he had on July 24th 1980 a month to his 40th birthday. The incident took place around  Alaka in Lagos when Awuja ran into a stationary Army Truck that left his right femur broken. Thank God for Y.K Ajao who recognized his car on this inauspicious day.

Little did Ahuja Bello know that more tribulations was going to befall him when he fell again in 1987 this time from an Okada somewhere close to his house which caused part of his left ear to be chopped off. All these adversities almost removed the shine from a dwindling career. 

By the time Ahuja Bello recuperated and decided to launch his second coming new juju styles had already saturated the airwaves.

Ten years later he had another fall but this time more tragic. He had gone to a fans house to pick up an engagement fee for a show and he fell down on the staircase which led to another serious fracture on his leg . Few weeks later he developed hernia which was operated on.

The last time I saw Papa Ahuja Bello was 2017 when our company Evergreen Music Co organised an evening of award for forgotten Lagos Music  Icons at City People Events.

Adieu Ahuja Bello

Source: Bimbo Esho 

Sunday, 24 August 2025

The Ancient Rivalry Between Ooni and Alaafin: A Case Study of Oduduwa’s Heirs and Obalufon’s Lineage

(1). Introduction

The age-long rivalry between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo is not a recent phenomenon. It traces back to the earliest struggles for succession in Ile-Ife, when Oduduwa’s direct descendants were locked in contest with the Obatala–Obalufon faction. At the center of this debate lies a critical question: Who is the true heir of Oduduwa — the Ooni or the Alaafin?

(2). Oduduwa’s Reign and the First Conflicts

Rev. Samuel Johnson, in The History of the Yorubas (1921), records that Oduduwa’s reign in Ife was brief but marked by turbulence. After his death, disputes erupted between his camp and that of Obatala, leading to the rise of Obalufon Ogbogbodirin.

Oduduwa’s son Oogun (also known as Okanbi) briefly sat on the Olufe stool, but hostile forces soon displaced him. Prof. Ade Obayemi (1979) notes that this early period was characterized by “persistent rivalries between competing lineages in Ife, each claiming primacy.”

This conflict forced many of Oduduwa’s children and grandchildren into exile — not by choice, but because of overwhelming opposition within Ife.

(3). Oranmiyan: Warrior Prince and Builder of Oyo

According to Akintoye (A History of the Yoruba People, 2010), Oranmiyan, Oduduwa’s grandson, departed Ife and became ruler in Benin before establishing Oyo as a powerful military base.

While Oranmiyan was absent, Obalufon Alayemore, son of Obalufon Ogbogbodirin, was crowned Olufe. But when Oranmiyan returned with a strong army, Alayemore fled. Johnson corroborates this, describing how “the fame of Oranmiyan’s exploits struck fear into the Obalufon camp, leading to his temporary withdrawal from the stool.”

(4). The Rise of Obalufon’s Dynasty

After Oranmiyan’s death — attributed by oral tradition to the same hostile pressures that ended the reigns of Oduduwa and Oogun — the Obalufon line firmly reclaimed Ife.

Obalufon Alayemore returned to the stool.

His son, Ayetise, succeeded him.

From Ayetise came Lajamisan, who fathered Lajodogun.

Lajodogun’s descendants became the four ruling houses of Ife recognized in the 1957 Ife Chieftaincy Declaration: Giesi, Ogboru, Lafogido, and Osinkola (Adediran, 1992).

Thus, every Ooni after Lajamisan traces descent not to Oduduwa’s direct male line, but to Obalufon’s dynasty.

(5). The Systematic Exclusion of Oduduwa’s Direct Line

Here lies the contradiction:

In Yoruba culture, male children are usually heirs to the throne (Johnson, 1921).

Yet, after Oranmiyan, none of his direct sons were permitted to be Ooni.

Instead, through the union of Oranmiyan’s daughter and Ayetise’s son, Lajamisan was born. From him sprang the modern Ooni dynasty.

While some historians argue that Ife accepted succession through princesses (Omo Obinrin ti n’ile), Akintoye observes that this was unusual: “In most Yoruba kingdoms, the children of princesses rarely became kings, as the ruling line was expected to descend from the male line” (Akintoye, 2010).

Why then was this exception made in Ife? The answer points back to the dominance of the Obalufon faction, which effectively blocked Oduduwa’s direct male descendants from ever returning to the throne of Ife.

(6). Alaafin vs. Ooni: Who Is the True Arole Oodua?

The Alaafin is a direct descendant of Oranmiyan, son of Oogun, son of Oduduwa. This is the purest male line of succession from the founder of the Yoruba race.

The Ooni, however, descends from Obalufon Alayemore, once Oduduwa’s fiercest rival. His dynasty only secured rulership after Oranmiyan’s death.

Therefore, the Alaafin carries the blood claim to Oduduwa’s throne, while the Ooni’s role as “Arole Oodua” (custodian of Oduduwa’s heritage) appears to be a later invention — one that masks the reality of historical exclusion.

(7). The Age-Long Rivalry

The rivalry is not a modern quarrel between the Ooni and the Alaafin; it is an ancestral struggle:

Oduduwa vs. Obatala

Oogun vs. Obalufon Ogbogbodirin

Oranmiyan vs. Obalufon Alayemore

Alaafin vs. Ooni (today)

It is a rivalry over legitimacy, heritage, and rightful ownership of the Oduduwa dynasty.

(8). Conclusion:

When we examine the historical succession of Ife, we find that the Ooni today stands on the lineage of Obalufon Alayemore, not Oduduwa. The Alaafin, meanwhile, remains the direct heir of Oranmiyan, Oduduwa’s warrior grandson.

Thus, if legitimacy is measured by direct male descent from Oduduwa, then the Alaafin is the true “Arole Oodua.” The Ooni’s claim, while sanctified by centuries of tradition and spiritual primacy, is the product of a much older rivalry that displaced Oduduwa’s own dynasty.

📚 Key References:

Johnson, S. (1921). The History of the Yorubas. London: Routledge.

Akintoye, S. A. (2010). A History of the Yoruba People. Dakar: Amalion.

Obayemi, A. (1979). “Ife: The Genesis of a Yoruba State.” Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria.

Adediran, B. (1992). The Kingdom of Ife: A Historical and Cultural Study. Ibadan University Press.

Wednesday, 13 August 2025

K1 DE ULTIMATE

You’ll feel me in your business—k1 De Ultimate tells valuejet owner over Airport incident.

Famous Nigerian Fuji musician, K1 De Ultimate, has vowed that the owner of ValueJet airline, Kunle Soname, will “feel me in his business.

This statement comes just hours after the singer publicly apologised for his unruly behaviour at the Abuja airport.

Earlier in the week, CREEBHILLS reported that a ValueJet aircraft nearly crushed K1 De Ultimate  while he attempted to block the plane from taking off after being deboarded for violating aviation rules. The incident led to the suspension of the pilot and sparked outrage on social media, with many criticising the singer’s actions.

In response, Nigerian Airline Operators placed K1 on a no-fly list. On Friday, the musician apologised to all parties involved and to his fans in a video message.

However, in a leaked audio that has since gone viral, K1 De Ultimate accused the airline of publicly embarrassing him and insisted that “no one messes with me and gets away with it.

While recounting his version of events in Yoruba, the singer said:

I’m a patient who needs water every second, you won’t want to see me shut down. Let them swear with the Bible and Quran about how the incident happened. After telling them not to make it a national issue, the pilot insisted that I must not go in with the water flask. She then said to one of them, ‘don’t let him go’. And I said if that’s how you want it, then nobody is going.

When people started gathering, I opened the flask and poured the content for them to see. Soname, your boss, ‘omo mi ni’. In government, I guarantee Soname. I’m Wasiu Ayinde, nobody does that and gets away with it, because I didn’t look for trouble or bypass the queue or do something wrong but the next thing I heard was ‘you can’t go on our flight.’ I don’t want to go on that flight again in my life, but Soname will feel it, he will feel me in his business.

PRESS STATEMENT: DECISION TO WITHDRAW CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MS. COMFORT EMMANSON AND TO ADDRESS RELATED MATTERS

(1). In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent.

(2). Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.

(3). As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved from all the evidence available to us and those available to the public. It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability.

(4). Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors, the following decisions have been reached:

THE CASE OF IBOM AIRLINE AND MS. COMFORT EMMANSON

(a) In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.

(b) Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.

(c) I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently.

THE CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE MARSHALL (KWAM 1)

(d) In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.

(e) Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.

(f) In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA.

AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

(5). I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.

(6). The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus.

FINAL COMMENTS

(7). These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.

(8). We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.

FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK)

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

KWAM 1 TO BE MADE THE AMBASSADOR OF AVIATION IN NIGERIA

The Federal Government has announced plans to engage Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after the recent controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

‎This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement outlining resolutions to recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

‎Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and would work with the musician to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation space.

‎The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will lead the engagement process.

‎”The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.

‎”Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police,” the statement read.

‎The minister added that the decision followed appeals from well-meaning individuals, as well as KWAM 1’s public show of penitence over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.

‎Keyamo also revealed that the NCAA would withdraw its criminal complaints against the artiste.

‎The development comes days after the musician apologised to the public, insisting the flask he carried on the day of the incident contained water for medical reasons and not alcohol, as was alleged by security personnel.

‎The minister emphasised that the clemency was granted on “compassionate grounds” , warning that the government remained committed to enforcing safety and security laws in the aviation sector.

‎On August 5, KWAM 1 was involved in a confrontation with airline staff and security officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos.

He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on personnel, and later walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the plane from taxiing.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority described the act as a breach of aviation safety regulations and initially placed him on a six-month no-fly list while filing a criminal complaint with the police.

Monday, 11 August 2025

THIS IS COMFORT EMASSON: THE NAKED STORY

"Ibom Air confirms that on Sunday, August 10, 2025, an incident occurred on board our Uyo–Lagos flight involving a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, whose conduct posed a serious threat to the safety of our crew, passengers, and aircraft.

Shortly before take-off from Uyo, Ms. Emmanson was instructed in line with standard aviation safety procedures, to switch off her mobile phone. She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off. This action prompted a verbal tirade from Ms. Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.

Upon arrival in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and then proceeded to confront the Purser who had earlier instructed her. She walked up to the unsuspecting Purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw it to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her. She slapped her several times and when the other cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her too. She then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.

By this time, the Pilot-in-Command had alerted airport security. Before security could arrive, the Purser as seen on the viral video on the internet, prevented the passenger from leaving the aircraft until security arrived. The arrival of Ibom Air Security personnel, did not deter the passenger as she attacked them as well, lashing out violently at both Ibom Air and FAAN security. She was then restrained and removed from the aircraft by force. Even after disembarking, she continued to assault both Ibom Air and FAAN security staff, and even slapped the ground supervisor.

The passenger was removed from the ramp and taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

Ibom Air has since submitted a report on the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and placed a travel restriction on Ms. Emmanson, who will no longer be permitted to fly on any of our aircraft."

Trinidad and Tobago removes Christopher Columbus statue amid reckoning with colonial past

A vandalized statue of Christophe Columbus towers over Columbus Square in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024.

Trinidad and Tobago

The statue of Christopher Columbus, a controversial fixture in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital for over a century, was finally removed on Wednesday as the Caribbean nation continues to confront its colonial legacy. The decision follows years of activism from citizens and historians who argue that such monuments glorify oppression rather than heritage.

The statue, located in a public area of Port of Spain, had been repeatedly vandalized by protesters who saw it as a symbol of colonial violence.

At the time of its removal, its head was covered with a decorative bag—an anonymous act of defiance.

This move aligns with a broader push across Trinidad and Tobago to reassess historical symbols tied to European colonization.

Last year, officials announced plans to redesign the country’s coat of arms, removing colonial-era imagery for the first time since independence in 1962.

"Global laughingstock": activist celebrates the decision

Shabaka Kambon, director of the Caribbean Freedom Project, has long advocated for the removal of colonial monuments.

In a statement, he criticized the irony of seeking reparations for colonial crimes while still honoring figures like Columbus.

"This monument turned us into a global laughingstock," Kambon said. "People often refer to the natives as the children of the human family. The fact that we struggled for so long to grasp our violent colonial history and lacked the bravery to face it made us appear foolish—especially while demanding reparations from the same powers we were memorializing."

From Columbus’s ships to steelpan: redefining national symbols

The changes extend beyond statues.

Columbus’s famed ships—the Pinta, the Niña, and the Santa María—still adorn some government buildings, but officials plan to replace them with the steelpan, a musical instrument born in Trinidad and Tobago and cherished as a symbol of Caribbean culture.

These shifts reflect a growing movement to decolonize public spaces and celebrate indigenous and Afro-Caribbean heritage instead of European conquest.

A global movement against colonial monuments

Trinidad and Tobago’s decision is part of a worldwide reckoning with colonial history.

In recent years, statues of Columbus have been toppled, vandalized, or removed in the United States, Latin America, and beyond.

Critics argue that these monuments whitewash the brutality of colonization, including slavery, genocide, and cultural erasure.

Columbus first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago in 1498, marking the beginning of centuries of European domination in the region.

For many, his removal from public spaces is a symbolic step toward justice.

With the statue gone and national symbols being reimagined, Trinidad and Tobago continues its journey toward reclaiming its history.

While some may oppose these changes, activists argue that true independence requires confronting—not glorifying—the past.

As Kambon put it, "We can’t seek reparations for colonial crimes while still honoring the criminals."

The removal of Columbus’s statue is not just about taking down a monument—it’s about rewriting a narrative.

Source: africanews

Sunday, 10 August 2025

THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT K1 OR A FLASK — IT’S ABOUT WHO WE BECOME WHEN PRIDE MEETS POWER

Let’s step away from the noise. Forget the flask. Forget the pilot. Forget the celebrity. Let’s talk about us — humans in a world where emotions, ego, and status collide daily in damaging ways.

Last Tuesday, at Abuja Airport, Fuji legend K1 De Ultimate was denied entry onto a ValueJet flight after insisting on carrying a flask onboard — one he claimed contained water or medicine. The pilot, Captain Oluranti, stood her ground and refused him. The result? A standoff. Allegations. Suspension. Six-month flight ban. National drama.

But the real story here isn’t about aviation rules or celebrity rights. It’s about the chemistry of pride, and how our failure to master our emotions is silently costing us influence, dignity, and even safety.

THE EMOTIONAL DYNAMICS NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT:

K1, a cultural icon, sees himself not just as a man, but as a system. His music moves crowds. His name opens doors. He’s a symbol of Yoruba pride, wealth, and reach — close to political power. So, when a pilot says no, it hits more than protocol. It hits the ego.

Captain Oluranti, daughter of a former Senator, isn’t just a pilot. She’s a highly educated, rule-bound professional in a male-dominated space. She’s had to work twice as hard to earn her stripes. Her instinct? Never be intimidated. Not even by a king of Fuji.

Now pause.

Two people. Both symbols. Both intelligent. Both powerful.

And both failed one thing: Emotional intelligence.

When emotions override reason, status becomes a weapon, not a gift.

When pride hijacks perspective, every disagreement feels like disrespect.

And this — not the flask — is what we need to reflect on.

THE REAL CONSEQUENCES

K1 walked away with a 6-month flight ban. Reputation dented.

Captain Oluranti got suspended. Career under scrutiny.

A near-miss situation emerged on the runway. People could have died.

All because two grown, influential adults couldn’t de-escalate a simple misunderstanding.

This is not a win for anyone.

This is a case study in what happens when pride goes unchecked and emotional intelligence is absent — no matter your age, title, or tribe.

WHAT THIS INCIDENT TEACHES US:

✅ Fame does not excuse arrogance.

✅ Education does not guarantee emotional maturity.

✅ Power does not replace wisdom.

✅ Leadership is not shown in how loud you talk, but how well you listen — even when you don’t agree.

Let’s stop acting like being right gives us the license to be reckless.

Let’s normalize the fact that calm is a superpower.

You don’t need to win every argument. You just need to win your peace.

We need a society that teaches emotional literacy as seriously as we teach financial literacy.

TO OUR LEADERS & INFLUENCERS:

Whether you’re a singer, pilot, imam, governor, or CEO — if you cannot manage your emotions, you will eventually manage a scandal.

We don’t need more prideful people in power.

We need emotionally intelligent role models who know when to step back, when to apologize, and when to let silence speak louder than ego.

This is not about Wasiu Ayinde. Or Ranti Oluranti. This is about US.

Because every day — in marriages, boardrooms, friendships, churches, mosques, airports — we are reenacting this same drama.

And every time pride wins, something beautiful dies.

Let this incident reform us. Transform us. Wake us.

Let it remind us:

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. – Proverbs 11:2

And lower your wing to the believers who follow you. – Qur'an 26:215

By Prince Adeola Afolabi

#emotionalintelligence #growthspace

Friday, 8 August 2025

MEET THE IJEBU MAN WHO OWNS VALUEJET AIRLINES THAT GOT ENTANGLED WITH KWAM 1

His name is Kunle Soname. He is a Nigerian businessman with an estimated net worth of over $100 million, possibly up to $500 million. He has diverse interests in sports, betting, aviation, and real estate. 

The airline's daily operations are managed by Captain Omololu Majekodunmi, who serves as the CEO. 

The airline was founded in 2018 but commenced operations on October 10, 2022, with flights to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba, and Jos. 

Soname is the Chairman of the sports betting website Bet9ja and owner of Portuguese football club C.D. He is also the President of Remo Stars Football Club.

Fracas @Nnamdi Azikwe Airport...

I Tender my Unreserved and Heartfelt Apology

- Wasiu Ayinde Marshall

The incident that occurred at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 5, 2025, involving my humble self and ValueJet Airline, was, to say the least, unfortunate.

Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised that I remain constantly hydrated. This is why I always carry a water flask with me. And contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask I carried on that particular day contained only water — not alcohol, as wrongly alleged.

For the record, I passed through two security screenings with the flask empty. The flask was only filled with water at the lounge area, just before heading to the tarmac. This fact can be verified by the CCTV footage at the airport lounge. More so, I hadn’t even boarded the plane, let alone being deboarded.

However, I acknowledge and deeply regret the concerns that arose from the incident. It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols in any way.

My unwavering patriotism and unshaken loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt. Over the years, I have consistently used my God-given talent and platform to promote the Nigerian brand across the globe. I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built over the past five decades, nor would I knowingly act in a way that could diminish the reputation of the country I love so dearly.

That said, the incident is sincerely regretted. I remain committed to upholding the values and responsibilities that come with being a global ambassador of Nigerian music and culture.

To the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet, fellow Nigerians, and my teeming fans across the world who have shown great concern since the incident happened, I tender my unreserved and heartfelt apology.

Thank you.

Signed 

King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal

K1 De Ultimate

Friday August 8,2025

MY STORY ! — CAPTAIN RANTI

LISTEN: Captain Ranti, Pilot of Flight VK201 from Abuja to Lagos, speaks out after K1 blocked the aircraft from taking off. What really happened on that runway? 👇

"During boarding which commenced as scheduled at 8:10 am, KWAM1 approached the aircraft at about 08:15–08:20 carrying a gold flask of unknown content.

"Ground staff requested, as per standard procedure, to verify the content of the flask but he vehemently refused.

"He was seen drinking from the flask and the ground staff suspected that it contains alcohol, a substance prohibited onboard aircraft in Nigeria.

"Instead, he responded with comments such as, “Do you know who I am? You have no right to tell me to open my flask.”

“As he reached the foot of the aircraft, security personnel reiterated that he could not board without complying with the inspection. He became confrontational, causing a disruption,” Captain Ranti continued.

“To manage the situation and prevent further delay, I exited the cockpit and approached Mr. Ayinde to engage him amicably. Without warning, he opened the flask and poured its contents on me, the security personnel, and some nearby passengers.

“Following this assault, airport security intervened, and other passengers were allowed to continue boarding. The Head of Security advised that Mr. Ayinde should not be permitted to travel on the flight due to his behaviour. I agreed, prioritising the safety of my passengers and crew.

“After shutting the aircraft doors, I observed that Mr Ayinde was still near the aircraft, obstructing movement. I made a Public Announcement to inform passengers of the delay while security personnel worked to remove him from the area. Once he was moved out of sight, I commenced taxiing and departed for Lagos at approximately 08:50.

“This incident caused significant delay, disruption, and posed safety risks to passengers, crew, and the operation of the flight.”

Captain Oluranti Ogoyi: The Pilot Who Prevented K1’s Boarding of a ValueJet Flight

Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, a highly experienced pilot with over 10 years in the aviation industry, recently made headlines for her role in preventing Fuji music icon K1 De Ultimate from boarding a ValueJet aircraft.

Having joined ValueJet after a long tenure with Arik Air, Captain Oluranti was in command of the flight when an unexpected confrontation occurred. As K1 insisted on boarding the aircraft despite an earlier decision barring him from entry, Captain Oluranti, alongside her co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Iloba, made the call to proceed with the flight.

In the process, they nearly ran into the musician, an incident that has since sparked controversy. Many have criticized the decision as reckless and unprofessional, raising questions about the handling of the situation. Though it remains unclear what led to K1’s insistence on boarding, the episode has added another layer of intrigue to Oluranti’s career, as she continues to navigate the skies with poise and authority.

Thursday, 7 August 2025

THE INCIDENT INVOLVING VALUEJET AND KWAM 1

I have received reports from all the relevant Aviation agencies regarding the altercation between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Kwam 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025. I have also received video footages of the incident.

From all the details so far received, my preliminary impression is that it was obviously a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides which could have led to serious fatalities.

Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 has said, he CONSTANTLY moved his position on the tarmac to ACTUALLY BLOCK the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off. This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE behaviour. The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even in issue at this point. It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here which akin to a hostage situation. The actual video footage showing this recalcitrant behaviour is hereby attached.

On the other hand, NO AMOUNT of provocation should make the Captain and Pilot of an aircraft begin to taxi without ensuring that the security personnel have safely moved an unruly passenger away that is standing in front of an aircraft.

Both sides breached standard SAFETY PROTOCOL as required by the INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO).

I have noted that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has temporarily suspended the license of the Captain and the Pilot pending full investigation. I commend them for their proactive action. However, I have also questioned their sense of justice in only acting against one party and not the other party. What applies to the goose must also to the gander. That is one of the tenets of Justice I have preached all my life. I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass.

IN THE CIRCUMSTANCE, I HAVE ALSO DIRECTED THE NCAA TO PLACE KWAM 1 on a NO-FLY list pending further and full investigation, just like the Captain and Pilot. ALL AIRLINES, both domestic and International should IMMEDIATELY be informed of this directive and anyone who flouts this directive risk withdrawal of their operating licence.

Festus Keyamo.

Hon Minister of Aviation.

GOODLUCK JONATHAN IS THE SLEEPER CANDIDATE FOR TINUBU

Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, will be one of the leading candidates to confront incumbent President Bola Tinubu, in the 2027 presidential poll, a close ally of the Bayelsa-born politician confirmed to Vanguard yesterday.

The ally, who is also in the People Democratic Party, PDP, as Jonathan, told Vanguard that the plan to draft the former President to contest on PDP’s platform had gone far, and that he had accepted, adding that the former president was going into the race to find ways of addressing Nigeria’s rising poverty, hardship and the general suffering that had gripped the citizenry in recent years.

The source said the project to bring back Jonathan to reposition Nigeria was being driven by key Nigerian leaders and elders, who believed the former president stabilised the country and its economy within the six years of his administration.

The source said it was in a bid to rescue the country and restore the dwindling economy and Nigeria to its pride of place that key PDP leaders and elders started ‘pleading with him’ to consider running against Tinubu in 2027.

There are those who believe that giving him the opportunity to run for a single term of four years remained the clearest pathway for power to return to the north in 2031 and remain there for eight years without a serious struggle by the south.

Going by the fact that Jonathan had already served out a term of four years, he cannot run for more than another four years in office if he wins the election in 2027, just like Tinubu if he gets re-elected.

Meeting with northern leaders:

Jonathan’s ally said the Otuoke-born politician had already met behind the scene with some top leaders within and outside the PDP to consult them and seek their support for the 2027 presidential race.

According to the politician, Jonathan met with former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, retd., last weekend in his Hilltop Mansion in Minna, Niger State, and briefed him on his desire to run for one term in 2027.

Although the source did not say what General IBB’s response to Jonathan was, he, however, expressed optimism that the idea had been properly sold to the north.

The official also disclosed that Jonathan was currently in the South-South consulting and meeting with critical stakeholders, with a view to selling the project to them and soliciting their unflinching support.

It was, however, not clear at press time who the GEJ team was meeting with in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Tuesday and yesterday but it is believed that his support base in the region would not be a problem to him.

PDP intensifies effort to woo Jonathan:

Meanwhile, Vanguard gathered that the PDP is actively courting Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election under its platform.

Reliable sources informed the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna that the move, backed by top PDP figures, including some governors, was aimed at convincing Jonathan to return and lead the party’s charge against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and President Tinubu.

While confirming the development, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the party’s move was in response to growing calls from Nigerians who now believe Jonathan’s past administration was under-appreciated.

“Many Nigerians have come to realise the mistake they made in not re-electing Dr. Jonathan. They now acknowledge his achievements and are even apologising, pleading with him to return and rescue the country,” Abdullahi said.

He added that since Jonathan remained a PDP member, the party saw no reason not to approach him. “He is a compassionate leader, and as a party that listens to Nigerians, we felt compelled to heed their call,” he added.

Sources also revealed that some high-ranking PDP stakeholders recently travelled to The Gambia to meet with the former president and persuaded him to accept the party’s ticket.

Jonathan gives conditions:

According to Abdullahi, Jonathan has shown signs of interest and has begun laying down conditions, including clarity on whether he would participate in the primaries or be given the ticket outright, and whether the party genuinely recognises his capacity to lead.

“He has started listening to the emissaries and is consulting with his inner circle,” Abdullahi disclosed.

He may get automatic ticket:

In an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Abuja yesterday, Daniel Woyengikuro, PDP’s National Financial Secretary, described Jonathan as the party’s national leader and a central figure in its strategy for zoning the presidency to the south.

“Is he not the best candidate for us at this moment? He is not just a former president; he is the leader of the party now. Aside from Obasanjo, the next person in line is him. Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party,” Woyengikuro said.

He explained that the PDP was already consulting with Jonathan and engaging with his associates to encourage his return and deeper involvement in reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.

“Nigeria has reached a point where we need to salvage this country. We need to salvage this country for our generation and for the generations ahead of us.

“The people who can do this, at least for now, are the leaders of the party, especially when we’re talking about the Southern presidency. Someone like Goodluck Jonathan is okay,” he added.

Asked whether the PDP would consider giving Jonathan an automatic ticket, Woyengikuro gave his full endorsement.

“For me, that’s what I firmly stand for. You can quote me anywhere: I want him to come. An automatic ticket for him, as it stands now. Because we must salvage both this party and the nation.

“If Goodluck finally accepts, you will see that the entire dynamics will change. The entire politics of 2027 will change,” he stated.

In addition to Jonathan, Woyengikuro praised Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, describing him as a dynamic leader capable of bridging generational gaps.

“We have Governor Seyi Makinde, a vibrant leader who is doing great things in Oyo. Now that we are talking about the Presidency remaining in the south, these are the two main individuals I stand for: Goodluck Jonathan and Seyi Makinde,” he said.

What the law says on Jonathan’s eligibility:

Amid the push to get Jonathan to run, there is division in the polity on his eligibility, following a 2018 Constitutional amendment that bars those sworn-in twice in the past from running for presidency or governorship.

The sections of the Constitution that address the issue of presidents and governors being sworn in more than twice are Sections 137(3) and 182(3). These sections state that a person who was sworn in to complete the term of another person as President or Governor shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.

*Section 137(3) applies to the President and states: “A person, who was sworn in to complete the term for which another person was elected as President, shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”

*Section 182(3) applies to Governors and states: “A person, who was sworn in to complete the term for which another person was elected as Governor, shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”

These sections aim to prevent individuals from serving more than eight years in office, either as President or Governor, even if they assume the role due to the incumbent’s inability to serve.

The amendment, now referred to as the Fourth Alteration Act, became effective on June 8, 2018, when it was signed into law by then President Muhammadu Buhari.

Currently, lawyers are divided on the issue. While some are of the view that Jonathan could no longer contest any presidential election, having completed the unexpired term of the late President Umar Yar’Adua and concluded another term in 2015, others contended that the new provisions cannot be applied to Jonathan who started his tenure before the law took effect.

In 2022, when the matter came up, a Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State held that Jonathan could not be barred by the amendment. Then, there were rumours that the former president would run and some supporters had procured the APC’s N100 million nomination and expression of interest forms but he declined to contest.

The position of lawyers supporting Jonathan’s eligibility was upheld in a judgment delivered on May 27, 2022, by a Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State by Justice Isa Hamma Dashen on a suit, marked: FHC/YNG/CS/86/2022 filed by Andy Solomon and Idibiye Abraham (who claimed to be members of the APC).

Defendants in the suit were Jonathan, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Solomon and Abraham argued that by the provisions in Section 137(1)(b) and (3) of the constitution, Jonathan was no longer eligible to vie for the office of the president because he had taken an oath to that office on two previous occasions.

However, Justice Dashen held, among others, that Section 137(3) of the constitution did not bar Jonathan from contesting the 2023 presidential election because the provision could not be applied retroactively.

The judge held that the oath taken by Jonathan on May 6, 2010, after the death of President Yar’Adua, complied with a constitutional provision and not because he contested and won the election.

He noted that the 2007 general election produced the late Musa Yar’Adua as the President and not Jonathan, adding that Section 137(3) could not have a retroactive effect to stop him from contesting the 2023 presidential election.

The judge held that Section 137(3), which came into effect on June 8, 2018, “cannot apply retroactively, except the legislature, in clear terms, expressly stated their intention for it to be so.”

Lawyers divided over Jonathan’s eligibility:

Meanwhile, senior lawyers in the country yesterday weighed in on the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Their intervention followed a reported move by the PDP, to consider handing automatic ticket to the former President should he return to the party and become politically active again.

However, the said decision of the PDP threw up questions about Jonathan’s legal standing to vie for presidency again, in view of the fourth alteration to the 1999 Constitution, which forbade anyone from taking the presidential oath twice after election.

Reacting to the development, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr. Dayo Akinlaja, argued that former President Jonathan was not caught up by the said constitutional amendment.

KWAM1: ABSOLUTE POWER......ABSOLUTE IGNORANCE

When the President of the country displayed his lack of ignorance for protocol by directly calling KWAM 1 to commensurate with him on the demise of his mother. The Fuji legend returned the gesture by his own regard for decorum. An Igbo adage goes that a man gives his son the marching order to go and attack his neighbor should expect the worst result. With our silence on the significant implication of that phone call. We should expect the worst from KWAM 1.

And what was the worst that could have happened from that plane incident. A plane crash that might have involved the loss of many lives. That is the repercussion of coercive behavior we love to ignore. Power abuse happens when people like KWAM 1 exploit their authority to demean, control, or marginalize ordinary citizens. He put the President on speaker phone for us to hear and be intimidated. No reprimand from the authorities that should know better. We acted like the inappropriate was the normal thing to do. Afterall, he is the drummer boy of the President. He made Tinubu. So, what is wrong in drinking alcohol on plane. Making the plane crash. Putting his own life and many others in jeopardy.

People like KWAM 1 lack emotional intelligence and the self-awareness to understand the burden of proximity to power. The need to protect the image of the President that he says he grew up with in Ita-garawu. His bad behavior did not start with this plane incident. It will not end with it. It may end with the loss of lives. Including his. But what does a bastard like me know? Let me continue to GANUSI. One day God will put butter on my bread. Like KWAM 1.

KWAM 1: THE RECKLESS MAIYEGUN OF YOURUBALAND

How Tinubu’s Loyalist, Fuji Star Kwam 1 Spilled Alcohol On Airline Official On ValueJet Flight, Triggered Safety Breach At Abuja Airport | Sahara Reporters 

The disorderly conduct of Wasiu Ayinde, the veteran Fuji musician, led to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), TheCable understands.

Ayinde is popularly known as Kwam 1 or K1 De Ultimate and commands a huge following in Nigeria’s music industry, having popularised the Fuji genre.

Sources informed TheCable that Kwam 1, who was onboard a ValueJet plane on August 5, was seen drinking from a flask and was approached by a flight attendant who suspected that the content was alcohol — a substance prohibited onboard aircraft in Nigeria.

The attendant was said to have asked the musician to surrender the flask, but Kwam 1 refused, saying it was medication prescribed by his doctor.

TheCable understands that following his refusal to give up the flask, the flight crew deboarded the celebrity.

Consequently, an enraged Kwam 1 proceeded to the front of the aircraft in an attempt to prevent it from taking off.

In a video seen by TheCable on Wednesday, the Fuji artist was seen standing in front of the aircraft, with ground personnel interacting with him.

Seconds later, Kwam 1 and the ground personnel were seen dodging the wing of the ValueJet plane as the flight forcefully took off in breach of aviation safety rules.

In response, the NCAA, on August 6, announced the suspension of two pilots over the incident which occurred at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The authority said it received reports of a serious breach of aviation safety protocols involving a ValueJet flight.

According to the NCAA, the pilots commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.

“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards,” the NCAA had said.

Apart from the suspension of the pilots, the aviation authority is considering punitive measures for Kwam 1, such as being put on a ‘no-fly list’, over his unruly conduct.

A ‘no-fly list’ is a database of individuals prohibited from boarding commercial flights due to suspected links to terrorism or other security threats.

If the NCAA goes ahead with the punishment, Kwam 1’s international and local engagements may take a hit.

Wednesday, 6 August 2025

Meet Diébédo Francis Kéré: The Burkinabe Architect Behind the Thomas Sankara Mausoleum

On May 17, 2025, Burkina Faso unveiled the Thomas Sankara Mausoleum in Ouagadougou, a monument honoring the nation’s revered revolutionary leader.  Designed by acclaimed architect Diébédo Francis Kéré, the mausoleum is built by President Traore to celebrate and honor Sankara’s legacy.

Who is Thomas Sankara

Thomas Sankara, often referred to as “Africa’s Che Guevara,” led Burkina Faso from 1983 until his assassination in 1987.  His presidency was marked by ambitious reforms in education, health, gender equality, and anti-corruption efforts.  The mausoleum, situated at the site of his assassination, preserves the bullet-scarred building where Sankara and twelve of his aides were killed, surrounded by water to symbolize reflection.

The oval-shaped mausoleum, constructed using local laterite and earth, features natural cooling and lighting techniques.  Small openings allow light to filter in during the day and glow at night, creating a serene atmosphere.  An 87-meter tower serves as a new urban landmark, offering panoramic views and housing a restaurant.  The complex also includes an amphitheater, media library, ateliers, and spaces for weddings and study, aligning with Sankara’s vision of community empowerment.

Who is Diébédo Francis Kéré

Born on April 10, 1965, in Gando, Burkina Faso, Diébédo Francis Kéré is renowned for his sustainable and community-focused architectural designs. After receiving a scholarship, he studied architecture at the Technische Universität Berlin, graduating in 2004.  In 1998, he founded the Kéré Foundation to fund the construction of a primary school in his hometown, emphasizing the use of local materials and community involvement.

Kéré’s architectural designs have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2022 Pritzker Architecture Prize, making him the first African-born laureate.  His work, such as the Gando Primary School and the Burkina Institute of Technology, showcases his commitment to blending traditional techniques with modern design to create environmentally sustainable and socially impactful structures.

What is the Thomas Sankara Mausoleum

The Thomas Sankara Mausoleum is envisioned not merely as a place of mourning but as a vibrant space for life and gathering.  Kéré emphasized, “We don’t want a place of death and suffering, but rather one full of vitality and life.”  The design incorporates green spaces for students, areas for celebrations, and exhibits showcasing Sankara’s revolutionary ideals.

The project, initiated under President Ibrahim Traoré, reflects a broader effort to honor Sankara’s memory.  In recent years, Sankara was declared a “hero of the nation,” and October 15 was designated as an annual day of homage.  A major boulevard was renamed in his honor, and his statue was unveiled at the site.

Wednesday, 30 July 2025

IDI AMIN DADA OF UGANDA

In early 1976, while African presidents were busy throwing banquets and pretending to understand the term “non-aligned movement,” Uganda’s Field Marshal, Dr. President-for-Life Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, Conqueror of the British Empire, etcetera etcetera, had other ideas. He suddenly decided that a large chunk of Kenya, including Kisumu, Eldoret, and possibly your grandmother’s land in Kakamega, actually belonged to Uganda. According to Amin, the British had wrongly transferred the land to Kenya in 1902, perhaps in exchange for tea, chapati, or colonial confusion.

Now, this wasn’t Amin’s first outlandish claim. The man already called himself Conqueror of the British Empire and King of Scotland. But this time, he went from comic relief to threat mode. He declared Uganda would reclaim its territory, and if Kenya resisted, he would send troops. Never mind that his army had more tanks than fuel, and his air force had more ambition than altitude.

Enter Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Old, yes. Frail, perhaps. But still sharper than a Maasai spear and twice as deadly with words. When news of Amin’s territorial fantasies reached State House, Kenyatta did not panic. He summoned the nation to Uhuru Park and growled, “We shall not give away even an inch, not even a quarter of an inch.” He warned that if Uganda tried anything, they would be met with unimaginable force.

Kenyans, fueled by patriotic pride and a natural dislike for being bossed around, took to the streets with chants, protests, and the highly creative art of effigy burning. In Kisumu, someone constructed a ten-foot tall dummy of Idi Amin with a chicken on its head. In Nairobi, the phrase “Amin must go to school” began trending long before Twitter existed. Meanwhile, the Kenyan army, which rarely got to do anything beyond marching on national holidays, was mobilized to the border. Military trucks rolled into Busia and Bungoma. Jet fighters began doing flyovers near Uganda’s airspace just to remind Amin that Kenya too had joined in the rally.

#Africa #Uganda #World

Monday, 28 July 2025

CHARLY BOY BUS STOP: THE MUMU IN ALL OF US

The tribalism in us beclouds our reasoning. Not sometimes. I mean all the time. We cannot see the truth. If not, why make an ordinary name change the reason to start another civil war? Why? Because of Charly Boy?

Not for Charly Boy. This is the height of our mumu in this country. The lack of trust that we have in what should be a great country. Tribalism is a deeply ingrained human phenomenon, a natural tendency to form groups based on shared identity, values, or goals. It has shaped our history, fostered our greatest achievements, and, at times, fueled our darkest conflicts.

I know Charly Boy. I worked with him. I was a frequent visitor to his house in Gbagada. He was to mine in Surulere. Besides, I lived in Bariga for a long time. Knew the area in question more than most. It was NEVER CHARLY BOY BUS STOP. He happened to rent a house close to the bus stop. As a result, conductor found it convenient to call it Charly Boy bus stop. Due to his notoriety at that time. He hijacked it like Charly Boy is known to do. It was Second Pedro bus stop before Charly Boy came to town. It was never officially named Charly Boy bus stop by any government. That is the fact.

We live in a very polarized country. Each tribe very suspicious of each other. Quick to reach for the gun to kill. The ethical blind spots are what our politicians play on. To turn us into mumu. Our tribalism has spiral out of control. The consequence can only be catastrophic. Charly Boy is not a decent human being to have a bus stop named after him. Not in Lagos. Not in Nnewi. Not even in Sabon Gari. It has nothing to do with the Igbo in him. It is more about the opportunistic Nigerian that he is wired to be. Sadly, we fail to see that. The unchecked tribal dynamics is the reason for all of our problems. The fault lines that continue to separate us. The civil war over a bus stop. A nonexistence CHARLY BOY BUS STOP.

 "Our mumu never do."---Charly Boy

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