African leaders have not failed Africa

In fact, African leaders have always paid the ultimate price by sacrificing their blood for the future of African.

You will turn to consider Africa's problem as resulting from leadership failure only when you fail to differentiate between *Representatives and Servants of African*, and *agents and servants of colonizers* . 

In spite of the clarity in this dichotomy, I sometimes do understand those who are unable to differentiate between the two, because, while the latter is is common and can be found all over the continent of Africa all the time, the former can scarcely be found and hadly lasts for any span of time whenever we establish one.

The truth is that whenever Africa put in a leader, he gets killed by our colonizers and get replaced by their agents. Those who are trained and sponsored by our oppressors and are ready help to continue remote colonization. You and I know this very well. Think about, Thomas Sankara, Patrice Lumumba, Sylvester Olympio, Samora Machel, Gaddafi, and John Magufuli just to mention but a few.

It is therefore wrong to refer to these agents of our oppressors  as ~" *our leaders*" and go on to equate their continuous milking of the African Continent to ~"a leadership failure". If there is anything we have to do, then it should be an act of bringing ourselves together to fight against this remote colonisation and help to bring back real African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Kenneth Kaunda, and Julius Nyerere. 

To this end, I say that Africa's problem still remains the same; the hand that enslave and colonize us for 400 years and still controlling our affairs after granting us a superficial Independence is the hand we have to cut off from Africa.

Neo-Colonialism must be resist with equal or even a greater organized force which was used by our forefathers to drive away direct colonization. In the end, we must free Africa and secure a better future for the next generations at all cost.

Maponga Joshua III  "Farmers of Thought" Shacky Timburwa

WHAT HAS PRESIDENT TRUMP GOT TO DO WITH THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY?

PRESIDENT  TINUBU:

"Today, I'm standing before you I can brag that Nigeria is not borrowing a dime from a local bank. We have met our revenue target for the whole year, we met it in August, non-oil o. If the non-oil revenue is doing well, then we have no fear of whatever Trump is doing."

Since Bola Ahmed Tinubu became president in May 2023, Nigeria has borrowed tens of trillions of naira through a combination of domestic bonds, external loans from institutions like the World Bank, and securitized advances. While the exact total is a moving target due to new loan requests, currency fluctuations, and ongoing disbursements, analysts have tracked a rapid rise in the country's total public debt. The national debt has surged from N87.38 trillion in June 2023 to nearly N145 trillion by the end of 2024.

Key borrowing by Tinubu's administration

External borrowing

World Bank loans: A series of loans have been secured for various projects.

2023: $750 million for power, $500 million for women's empowerment, and $800 million for social safety nets.

2024: $2.25 billion for economic stabilization and $1.57 billion for health, education, and power.

2025: $632 million for nutrition and education.

Afrexim Bank loan: $3 billion was secured in August 2023 by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to stabilize the naira.

Approved 2025–2026 borrowing plan: In July 2025, the Senate approved an external borrowing plan that includes:

$21.5 billion in loans

€2.2 billion in loans

¥15 billion in loans

Purpose: These external loans are intended to fund infrastructure projects, including railways, the Lagos-Calabar highway, and critical sectors like agriculture, health, education, and security. 

Domestic borrowing

First year (June 2023 to May 2024): The federal government borrowed N20.09 trillion domestically by issuing FGN Bonds and Treasury Bills.

Ways and Means Advances: N7.3 trillion in central bank advances was securitized and converted into long-term debt in December 2023.

Domestic bonds for pensions: In May 2025, the president requested approval to issue N757.98 billion in bonds to settle outstanding pension liabilities. 

Impact on Nigeria's debt profile

Rapid increase: The DMO confirms that total public debt surged from N87.38 trillion in June 2023 to N144.67 trillion by December 2024. This rapid accumulation has drawn criticism from citizens and opposition figures like Peter Obi, who question its sustainability.

Growing debt-to-revenue ratio: As borrowing accelerates, a higher portion of the government's revenue is spent on debt servicing, leaving less for essential services and capital projects.

Potential for further increase: The recent approval of the 2025–2026 borrowing plan, which includes billions in new external debt, suggests that the country's debt profile will continue to grow. 

Counterpoint on borrowing

In September 2025, President Tinubu claimed that Nigeria would no longer need to borrow domestically, stating that his government had already met its 2025 revenue target.

He attributed this success primarily to the non-oil sector and a stabilized economy. However, this statement refers to domestic borrowing and follows the already substantial loan amounts approved earlier in the year.

BY JAIYEOLA AJASA.

TERRIBLE NEWS…

Veteran actress Peju Ogunmola loses only child Ayomikun

Star actress Peju Ogunmola has been thrown into deep mourning following the sudden death of her only child, Ayomikun.

The devastating news has left fans, colleagues, and sympathisers in shock, as the entertainment industry rallies around her in this difficult moment.

Reports revealed that Ayomikun tragically lost his life after an accident in the bathroom.

He reportedly slipped and fel, and despite efforts to reach out for help, he could not be rescued in time.

The painful incident has left many speechless, given how unexpectedly it occurred.

Sources close to the family disclosed that Ayomikun, who was said to be living abroad, was alone at the time of the accident.

Unfortunately, the lack of immediate assistance worsened the situation, leading to his untimely death.

Peju Ogunmola, who is based in lbadan, is said to be completely shattered by the tragic loss.

Known for her strength and resilience in both her career and personal life, those close to her say this particular blow has left her inconsolable.

Friends and colleagues have reportedly been reaching out to console her and offer their support.

The veteran actress, daughter of late Yoruba theatre legend, Kola Ogunmola, and wife to popular comic actor Sunday Omobolanle, also known as Papi Luwe, has always been admired for her dedication to the craft of acting.

However, her personal life has now been struck by this heartbreaking tragedy, and fans are sending prayers her way.

THE KING OF MUSIC IN NIGERIA

There isn't a single, definitively recognized best-selling album in Nigerian history due to the shift from physical sales to streaming, but Wizkid's Made in Lagos is considered the best-selling Nigerian album based on combined global physical and digital sales. In the past, P-Square's Game Over was considered a best-seller, achieving 10 million sales, though these numbers are less substantiated than modern streaming data.

For Physical Sales (Historical)

P-Square's Game Over: is often cited as the best-selling Afrobeats album with 10 million sales, though these numbers are from an older era and harder to verify.

Other albums from the late 20th century, like King Sunny Adé's Ase and Majek Fashek's Prisoner of Conscience, also sold hundreds of thousands of copies.

For Modern Sales (Streaming)

Made in Lagos by Wizkid: has achieved over 630,000 global physical and digital sales, making it the best-selling Nigerian album. 

The album also holds the record for the longest-charting African album on the Billboard World Albums chart.

Other Notable Albums and Artists

Burna Boy's Love, Damini: was the best-selling Nigerian album on Apple Music in 2022 and was the second-longest charting Nigerian album on the Billboard 200.

While not necessarily the best-selling, albums like Asake's Mr. Money With The Vibe and Davido's Timeless have also achieved high numbers of units and streams.

THE KING OF FUJI MUSIC

While "most prolific" can be subjective, King Saheed Osupa is frequently mentioned as having a high number of studio albums, potentially surpassing others since the passing of Fuji legend Chief (Dr.) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. However, K1 De Ultimate (Wasiu Ayinde Marshall) is also noted for his decades-long, prolific career and international success, contributing significantly to the genre's evolution and global appeal.

Key Candidates for "Most Prolific":

King Saheed Osupa:

Known for his profound lyrics and wise messages, Osupa is often cited as having a high output of albums, with some fans believing he holds the record for the most studio albums since Chief Barrister's death.

Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1 De Ultimate):

A veteran with a career spanning decades, K1 is credited with innovating Fuji music, introducing new beats, and increasing its appeal to younger audiences and the international market. His prolific output includes numerous albums over many years. 

Other Influential and Prolific Fuji Musicians:

Adewale Ayuba:

A well-respected Fuji maestro, often described as a trailblazer who has elevated the genre's profile through his unique blend of traditional Fuji with contemporary sounds. 

Alhaji Alabi Pasuma:

Another highly influential artist in the Fuji scene, recognized for his consistent performance and significant contributions to the genre.

THE SHOCKING FUJI FACT. NOT AYINDE BARRISTER. BUT AYINLA KOLLINGTON.

THE highest-selling and most popular Fuji album of all time is generally considered to be Ijo Yoyo by Alhaji Kollington Ayinla. This album from the late 1980s was a commercial success and created a new style of music and dance, solidifying its place in Fuji music history.

Key aspects of Ijo Yoyo's success:

Commercial Success:

It is widely acknowledged as the most commercially successful Fuji album ever. 

Cultural Impact:

The album introduced a new dance and a party atmosphere that was highly popular in the region at the time. 

Legacy:

"Ijo Yoyo" is considered a landmark achievement in Fuji music, cementing Kollington Ayinla's legacy

Ooni Was Never Oduduwa or Alaafin’s Father, Historian Counters Elebuibon

An historian, Dr Ashipa Akinyele Oladeji has faulted a statement credited to a respected Ifa priest, Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon on the relationship between the Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife, declaring that the Ooni is undisputed spiritual head of the Yoruba while the Alaafin remained as the paramount ruler of the race.

Dr Oladeji, in a rejoinder to Elebuibon’s position on the recent seeming face-off between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, said each of the respected monarchs have its unique place, authority, and legacy.

According to him, “The Ooni’s role remains invaluable as the spiritual head of the Yoruba, but this does not diminish the Alaafin’s position as paramount ruler of the Yoruba nation. Each has its place, its authority, and its legacy.

Citing historical sources, Oladeji maintained that the progenitor of the Yoruba race, Odùduwà had only one legitimate child, Okanbi, from whose princes emerged dynasties and kingdoms, with Oranmiyan as the most powerful.

“Oonirisa, though not of Odùduwà’s blood, grew up in the palace, mastering the rituals, sacrifices, and spiritual duties of the shrine. 

“This made him a fitting choice to act as Adélé Odùduwà when Odùduwà disappeared, but it did not elevate him above Odùduwà’s direct descendants. He was never an heir, never a conqueror, only a placeholder.

“The proper place of the Ooni in history must not be confused or rewritten. Odùduwà was never an Ooni. The Ooni is, and has always been, Adélé OOdùduwà, the placeholder, not the progenitor. Neither blood nor conquest established his stool. 

“Thus, the two roles were distinct and complementary:

The Alaafin, paramount ruler, commander of armies, and appointing authority for key offices such as the Aare Ọnàkakanfò. The Ooni, spiritual head, custodian of sacred rites, and mediator in conflicts”, he said.

Speaking on the colonial recognition of the monarchs, Oladeji said even the British, in their colonial ordering, recognised this distinction.

“The Alaafin of Ọyọ́ was acknowledged as paramount ruler of the Yoruba and was the one who signed all treaties with the colonial authorities (Crowther, 1852; Falola, 1999). Ifẹ, having no army and no conquests, could not assume that role,” he said.

He stressed that “this recognition was never to deny Ifẹ’s spiritual headship. Indeed, it was the Ooni who was called to mediate disputes such as the one between the Elepe and the Akarigbo. 

“The Alaafin could not have been summoned in such matters unless war was intended, for war was his instrument, while spiritual arbitration belonged to Ifẹ”, he added.

He explained that the history of Yoruba kingship was layered, complex, and often contested, saying “Like the endless debates between Israel and Palestine, the interpretation depends on how far back one is willing to travel.

“From the beginning, Ilé-Ifẹ was the cradle of the Yoruba people, the sacred seat of Odùduwà, “our great progenitor. There is an old Yoruba saying: ‘Where the head is, there is the headquarters. ‘Ifẹ was that head—the spiritual root of the Yoruba nation.

“Yet, no king can make all his children kings within his palace. Odùduwà therefore sent them out to establish new territories. Among these was Oranmiyan, who went on to found the great Oyọ́ Empire, an empire that shaped Yoruba history and influenced kingdoms far beyond,” he said.

August 30, 2025  Remi Adebayo

Source: Solomon Makinde, Ibadan 

ADEDIBU: IN THE MOULD OF BUSARI ADELAKUN OF EJIOKU???

Like a lion, Chief Lamidi Adedibu roared till death in the Oyo State, Southwest and the Nigerian political climate. A member of the Alhaji Busari Oloyede Adelakun political family, Adedibu, had a firm grip on players of the game in his own time, reflecting the dominion of his political leader, Adelakun.

Adelakun, affectionately called Eruobodo or fearless by political supporters, friends and foes alike, hailed from Ejioku, a less city in Ibadan.

He was a formidable politician whose support was almost enough to win elections, at least in Ibadan in the Second Republic. He was a strong pillar of support for Second Republic governor of old Oyo State, late Chief Bola Ige in their days together in the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).He served in the government of Ige as a commissioner, before political differences in the run up to the 1983 general elections led to his defection to the opposition National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He remained a political juggernaut even in NPN where his influence helped the party to topple Bola Ige and UPN in the 1983 gubernatorial election.

Adelakun left the legacy of deep, victorious political practice to Adedibu who hailed from the main city Ibadan. His grip of politics in the old Oyo State, particularly Ibadan, in the Second Republic was unique.

Just like Adedibu, his competence and leadership acumen traversed the entire state at the period. His opposition to the then Governor Bola Ige, following their dispute, revealed his political strength across the state.

Adelakun’s movement to the then opposition party in the state, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), largely led to the victory of the party over Bola Ige’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Mathematician Dr Omololu Olunloyo emerged the successor to Bola Ige.

His political exploits earned him the alias: “Eruobodo” (River fears no one -a description of Adelakun as a valiant man).

Reflecting on Eruobodo, the current Baale of Ejioku, Chief Yekini Adelakun, described him as a great, courageous and valiant politician. The Baale is the immediate younger brother of Eruobodo.

The 70-year- old Baale recalled that Eruobodo used his political influence to bring development to the Ejioku community.

According to him, Eruobodo was a peaceful man who was loved by, particularly every member of the Ejioku community.

He said: “When he was alive, this town was lively and progressed. It witnessed development – he helped in getting employment for indigenes in the civil service, helped in bringing electricity, uninterrupted power supply, to the town and also provided pipe-borne water. He also established the Ejioku Community High School and a technical college. But since his demise, the technical college and other projects were abandoned. I had to covert the technical college to St Anthony Primary School II when there was no hope again.”

He identified some of his followers as Adedibu, Dr Busari Adebisi, Chief Ayo Eniade, Supo Akinwale and Elder Wole Oyelese.

One of his political sons, Chief Ahmed Oladosu, also reflected on Adelakun’s activities and praised his exploits.

According to him, Adelakun had a dispute with Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige which led to his removal as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. He was later made the Commissioner for Health. But he resigned after a while to join the NPN.

He said Adelakun was feared as a tough politician due to the controversial death of his two successors in the two ministries he headed. While his successor in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs was beheaded by his own brother, his successor in Health Ministry where he resigned suffered stroke.

According to Oladosu, people believed that Adelakun’s vowed that no one would be able to occupy any seat he vacated in anger, and that made them to believe that he was behind the death of the two commissioners.

A major difference between Adelakun and Adedibu’s style, according to Oladosu, is that while the latter sat at home to control how elections went on elections days, the former used to visit polling centres with his lieutenants on the election day. He added that Adelakun used to monitor election in the domain of the opposition, pointing out that with his presence, voting often went in favour of his party and candidate.

However, not a few would be quick to point at the violence that rocked old Oyo State in the run up to the 1983 polls and the role played by Adelakun and his group which had Adedibu as a prominent player. The series of violence that also erupted in the state when Adedibu held sway as the undisputed leader , some would argue were indicative of the kind of politics the two played in their time.

The names of the two politicians, no doubt, would continue to occupy a huge space in the annals of Oyo State and Southwest at large.

In Adelakun’s epitaph was inscribed: “A philanthropist, businessman, politician, Bada Balogun of Ibadanland, Basorun Musunlumi of Oyo State, Defender of the rights of the masses. (Eruobodo).

FROM EMPIRE TO TOWNSHIP: THE TRUE SCOPE OF OYO'S AUTHORITY

The following Yoruba towns and villages came under the influence of Oyo after the people of Ogbomoso, in a gesture of solidarity, granted them part of their land following the collapse of the Oyo Empire during the Fulani onslaught:

Oyo, Awe, Papa, Tede, Sabe, Akinmorin, Ilora, Tapon, Iseyin, and few other surrounding villages.

It is important to note that this arrangement was later formalized in the last treaty signed between the British authorities and the Alaafin of Oyo, Kabiyesi Adeyemi I, of blessed memory.

The Oyo influence, however, did not, and still does not, extend over the entirety of the present-day Oyo State. The treaty that once defined this sphere of influence has long since expired, and even some of the towns and villages earlier listed are no longer under the direct control of Oyo.

Even the treaty the British signed with Nigeria itself ceased to have validity the moment the country attained independence in 1960. In the same vein, can Oyo truthfully claim authority today over Ogbomoso, Abeokuta, Ijebu, Remo, Owo, Ondo, Ibadan, Ikirun, Ede, Ikale, Ilaje, Ilaro, Akure, Ekiti, Itsekiri, and the many other parts of Yorubaland? The answer is an emphatic NO!

Take Abeokuta, for example: the Egba United Kingdom attained independence as far back as 1830. That sovereignty was only lost with the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates by the British in 1914. Yet, can Abeokuta still lay claim to that independence today? Again, the answer is No.

History must therefore be placed in its proper context. The Oyo Empire, with all its grandeur, military strength, and cultural significance, is now a matter of historical record, an expired, dead, and buried empire. Oyo should no longer cling to the euphoria of old glories, but rather embrace its present role as a cultural symbol of Yoruba heritage.

In today’s reality, the Alaafin’s traditional authority does not extend beyond the Oyo township and its immediate villages. The claim of influence over the entire Yorubaland is neither supported by history as it stands today nor by political reality.

ATIKU FOR PRESIDENT

Atiku Abubakar acquires New Private Jet Bombardier worths $70m that's equivalent to over #108b naira. This Bombardier Global Express XRS belongs to Alh. Atiku Abubakar.

The Global Express XRS is one of the highest grade, ultra long range business jets. It goes as fast as 950km/her.

With a  range of 6000 nautical miles, which is about 11,000 kilometers. This means it can fly 12-13 hours without stopping.

It seats up to 16 passengers, it has a kitchen, 2 beds, 2 bedrooms, 2 toilets on board. Owing a brand new one costs up to $70m.

Operating and maintaining it will cost you around $4m-$5m annually.

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.

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 

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.

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