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Kitigbe o: Honouring six years of Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege’s reign as Olota of Otta-Awori Kingdom

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By Victor Ojelabi

 

As the sun sets over the vibrant town of Otta, the air is filled with a sense of celebration and reverence. It marks the six-year anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty, Oba Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, the esteemed Olota of Otta-Awori Kingdom.

 

Stepping into his reign, Oba Obalanlege brought with him not only the weight of tradition but also a distinguished background in academia and a fervent dedication to community service.

 

Born into the esteemed lineage of Prince Taiwo Hassan Obalanlege and Mrs. Mutiat Afolake Obalanlege (Nee Anjorin), Oba Adeyemi entered the world on August 28, 1966, in Mushin, Lagos State.

 

His educational journey began in AUD Primary School, Iganmode and led him to Ansar-ud-Deen College, Isolo, before culminating at Iganmode Grammar School in Otta. This foundation laid the groundwork for his illustrious academic career.

With a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Journalism from independent Colleges, UK, Oba Adeyemi’s thirst for knowledge propelled him further. He pursued postgraduate studies in Food Safety and Quality Management at Greenwich University, London, and attained a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Leicester. His quest for scholarly excellence reached its pinnacle with a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Antwerp in Belgium.

 

Oba Adeyemi’s academic prowess extended beyond the confines of the classroom, earning him recognition as a world-class scholar. His contributions to the field of Mass Communication, including publications in esteemed academic journals and presentations at conferences across Africa, Europe, and North America, solidified his reputation as a cerebral intellectual.

 

However, his journey was not confined to academia alone.

 

Oba Adeyemi’s foray into journalism began humbly as a reporter for The Mail newspaper, where he honed his skills under the mentorship of Prof Idowu Sobowale. His career trajectory led him to prominent roles, including Public Relations Officer at the Lagos State Polytechnic and positions at Thisday Newspaper, where he earned acclaim for his coverage of tourism and hospitality.

 

Even as his academic and professional pursuits flourished, Oba Adeyemi remained deeply rooted in community service.

 

His commitment to uplifting others led to his election as the Chairman of the Awori Obas Forum, Ogun State, and his involvement in Rotary Clubs, where he earned recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow.

 

In 2018, Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege was crowned the Olota of Otta, emerging as the preferred candidate after rigorous selection by the Ijemo Isoloshi Ruling House. Since then, he has led with wisdom and compassion, fostering unity and progress within the Awori Kingdom.

 

As the Royal Symbol of Awori Nation celebrates six years on the throne alongside his beloved wife, Olori Oloruntoyin Obalanlege, and their two accomplished sons, Mustapha and Tobi, the good people of Otta-Awori are satisfied about his legacy of scholarship, leadership, and service.

 

This is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the betterment of the kingdom and the preservation of Yoruba heritage.

 

May the reign of Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode Olofin continue to bring peace and tranquility to the entire Otta-Awori kingdom.

 

Kitigbe o! Omo Iganmode a f’ele ja, a f’ikoti y’oju egba, a fi ponpondo y’oju Ketu.

 

Happy 6th coronation anniversary, baba mi!

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Former First Bank MD, Adesola Adeduntan Steps Out With Second Wife Adebimpe, Sizzle at Adenuga’s Wedding

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Their attendance was not just a social visit; it was a radiant affirmation of love, a quiet proclamation that Adesola Adeduntan is as smitten with his second wife, Adebimpe Oluwa, as he is with his first. Thus stepping out with her at the wedding of Afolasade Adenuga and Adebola Ogunsanya further affirms that their union is as profound as it is legitimate.

Together, their presence manifested inspiringly, their understated elegance adding more colour, to an evening already teeming with high glamour.

There is a lot to learn from the former Managing Director (MD) of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) and his new wife. Even amidst the buzz of dignitaries and socialites, they comfortably composed and enjoyed a silent philharmonic of glances, gestures, and gentle touches thus weaving a story of enduring love and connection.

Adeduntan and Adebimpe moved as if choreographed by the stars, weaving through the glittering guests with the intimacy of those who have shared a thousand secrets.

Their love spoke in whispers and lingered in subtle exchanges: a hand at her back, guiding her through the grand hall; a shared look that held in it both the memories and the promise of years to come.

One could glimpse this devotion in fleeting moments, a language unspoken yet profoundly clear. When she glanced up at him, it was with the soft light of admiration; when he touched her arm, it was with the tenderness of a man who knows his good fortune and treasures it.

For those watching, it was an arresting vision—a former titan of industry transformed into a man who holds his fortune not in stocks or status but in the grace of a woman’s companionship.

Theirs was a communion rich in meaning, revealing in each stolen glance a story of loyalty and genuine affection that pulsed with the fervor of youth yet bearing the gravity of time. For the former First Bank MD, it seemed the turbulent seas of his high-powered career were long past; the calm of his love and partnership with Adebimpe manifested on his face, soft and serene. Adebimpe, poised and radiant, appeared like a jewel beside him, gleaming in her simple elegance and evoking a sense of steadfastness—an anchor amid his life’s ebbs and flows.

Their journey as a couple, marked by the deep resonance of mutual understanding, seems poised on the edge of a grander adventure—a retirement rich in the simplest joys and laced with shared dreams. For Adeduntan, the power and status that once defined him now seem mere shadows compared to the light of Adebimpe’s unwavering companionship.

As the night unfolded and their affectionate exchanges continued, the couple’s appearance raised a question that had been whispered for months: what path would Adeduntan now tread? His predecessors had wandered various routes—some veering back into financial circles, others exploring the worlds of academia, philanthropy, or even the less-traveled path of quiet domesticity. But those who knew him well anticipated something uniquely Adeduntan: a journey of intentional balance, one where his second act would honor both public purpose and private devotion.

Indeed, Adeduntan’s retirement choices seem as limitless as the paths already blazed by giants before him. Would he follow in the steps of Tony Elumelu, reimagining himself as a steward of African enterprise, or like Fola Adeola, use his platform to nurture the potential of others through philanthropic foundations? Or might he embrace the legislative stage, his corporate acumen illuminating the paths toward policy and reform? As Adeduntan charts this new terrain, he carries not only the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime in finance but also the quiet resilience that comes from knowing he is truly loved by his sweetheart, Adebimpe.

In the ambiance of Adenuga’s wedding, the couple’s interactions were as enchanting as the night itself. It was perhaps in these quiet moments that the former MD of First Bank seemed most fully himself. Gone was the strategist, the magnate who steered the fortunes of one of Africa’s largest banks, and in his place stood a man completely at ease, as if he had only now found the truth that he had been searching for his entire life. Adebimpe, in turn, seemed to meet him there, their shared moments a dance as graceful as it was subtle.

Their presence offered a whisper of romance for all in attendance—a reminder that, beyond the boardroom, beyond the accolades, there lies the gentle touch of life itself. It is here, in the company of Adebimpe, that Adeduntan finds his new narrative, his retirement years no longer a retreat from the world but a step toward a deeply cherished existence, one shared with the woman who has captured both his heart and his future.

 

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Just In: VeryDarkMan To Appear In Court Today Over Alleged Impersonation, Unauthorised Use Of Police Uniform

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The detained social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan will appear in court today (Friday) in Abuja for allegedly impersonating a policeman.

The Nigeria Police Force disclosed this in a statement on Friday titled, ‘Impersonation: VDM To Appear In Court Today, FCT Command Leading Prosecution’

It said, “In response to recent developments, VDM, whose real name is Mr. Martins Otse, is set to appear in court today following allegations of impersonation related to the unauthorized use of Nigeria Police Force uniforms in a viral social media video.

“The FCT Police Command is actively handling the case, underscoring the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its symbols and preventing their misuse. Interested persons are encouraged to follow up on the proceedings as the case unfolds.”

 

 

The police on Thursday evening detained VeryDarkMan.

His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, said the blogger was detained after honouring a police invitation.

 

In a post on X on Thursday, Adeyanju disclosed that his client had honoured a similar invitation on Wednesday.

 

His post read, “Our client, VDM, has been detained after honouring a police invitation just like yesterday. VDM has been consistent in stating that the Nigerian Police are our friends, even when we all know they are not.”

 

Society Reporters reported on Thursday that VeryDarkMan had tendered a public apology to the police for using their uniform in a viral video where he described himself as a CSP of an online division.

 

VeryDarkMan made the apology in a video he posted on his X account after he was grilled by the police on Wednesday for alleged impersonation.

 

The social media influencer professed unawareness of the protocol, stating he didn’t know police permission was required to wear police uniforms or other similar ones.

 

He, therefore, cautioned fellow content creators to obtain necessary clearance from law enforcement before using similar uniforms for content purposes.

 

We had also reported that the Nigeria Police Force strongly condemned the unauthorised use of official uniforms and accouterments by content creators, while referring to VeryDarkMan’s case.

 

The police in a statement on Saturday reminded Nigerians that unauthorised use of police uniforms, insignia, or accoutrements constitutes a criminal offence.

 

While it said that an investigation into VeryDarkMan’s video had been launched to determine the source of the police gear used, as well as the authority under which he acted, the Force disassociated itself from the unauthorised portrayal.

 

Also, in 2022, the police expressed concerns over individuals, movie makers, and skit makers using police uniforms and accoutrements without approval.

 

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House Of Rep’s Member, Alexander Ikwechegh Trial Begins November 8….

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A Kuje Magistrate Court has set November 8 for the trial of Alexander Ikwechegh, a House of Representatives member representing Abia State, after granting him N500,000 bail.

 

Ikwechegh, who was arraigned on Wednesday, before His Worship, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, at his residence in Abuja, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

 

 

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, arraigned Ikwechegh on three counts bordering on abuse of office, assault and threat to life.

 

 

After taking his plea, the lawmaker’s counsel proceeded to make an oral application for bail, which was granted by the court.

 

The magistrate said, “The court will grant the defendant a bail set at N500,000, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence.”

 

 

The court proceeded to adjourn the hearing in the matter till November 8.

 

A video of Ikwechegh allegedly assaulting the Bolt driver had gone viral on social media on Monday.

 

In the video, Ikwechegh can be seen repeatedly slapping the driver.

 

Aside from the slaps, the lawmaker can be heard threatening the driver and assuring him of how he can make him disappear without a trace.

 

Meanwhile, a civil society organisation, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, in a statement, on Wednesday, condemned Ikwechegh’s action and described it as “a glaring example of abuse of power” most common with politicians.

 

 

The statement signed by RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the lawmaker’s action was a shame not only on him but also on every member of the House of Representatives.

 

 

He stated, “The recent incident involving a federal lawmaker, Alex Ikwecheghi’s brutal treatment of Uber driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya, is a glaring example of the abuse of power that permeates Nigeria’s political landscape.

 

 

Ikwechegh’s actions, including verbal and physical assault, as well as intimidation of the victim, reveal a profound lack of humility and respect for the rights of others that should be expected from someone in a public office.

 

“This incident not only shames Ikwechegh but also reflects poorly on the House of Representatives, the police, and the broader political system.

 

 

The indiscriminate use of power to silence and control vulnerable citizens showcases a troubling trend among officials who seem to operate above the law.

 

The complacency of the police in this matter raises serious concerns about their integrity and commitment to justice, as they appear more willing to serve influential individuals than to uphold the rule of law.

 

“While the House of Representatives’ decision to investigate this behaviour is a positive step, it remains to be seen whether meaningful accountability will follow.

 

Historical precedents suggest a risk of sweeping the issue under the rug once public outrage subsides, which would do little to repair public trust in governance.”

 

 

Nwanguma noted that the societal implications of the incident were dire as it “transcends the individual and speaks to a culture of impunity that must be addressed,” imploring that justice must not only be served for Abuwatseya but also the many unnamed victims of similar abuses.

 

“This case must serve as a catalyst for change, leading to reforms that prioritise respect for human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria”, he stated.

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