celebrity radar - gossips

Abiodun vs Amosun: Joining the debate

Published

7 years ago

July 30, 2019

The comments credited to Architect Segun Abiodun, the immediate past Commissioner for Housing in Ogun State, made my gorge rise. Abiodun, in a press statement on the controversial Ogun Judicial Complex, accused the current governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, of “chasing shadows.”

The Amosun government misled the public one too many times. For instance, in early April this year, the media was awash with the news of Amosun saying that 3,000 students had completed admission processes at Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia and would matriculate in May. But subsequent findings showed that the former governor deliberately deceived the public as no such admission procedure took place not to talk of matriculation. Thank God Amosun himself said to newsmen that the new polytechnic would take off in May as everything, according to him, was ready. Otherwise he would have blamed Governor Dapo Abiodun for his “abandoned project” at Ipokia.

Again, a few days to his exit from power, we read in the press that Amosun had paid the severance gratuity of all his political office holders and did not owe the civil servants. But the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress debunked the news report at a press conference, listing all the entitlements being owed by Amosun.

The NLC chair spoke of the “discomfort, pain and irreparable damages the outgoing administration has inflicted on the public servants and their families in the state are unbearable.

“Some homes have been broken, lives have been lost to common ailments due to lack of money for medications and treatment; wards and children admission to higher institution lost, personal project abandoned, professional training and development programme abandoned and predisposition of workers to many embarrassing situations making many chronic debtors as a result of non-payment of salaries and other entitlements due to them.”

One was shocked to the marrow to discover that apart from Segun Abiodun and a few others, the majority of Amosun political office holders suffered untold financial hardship. Some of them, who are friends and relatives, confirmed that Amosun paid them half salaries throughout their tenure and denied them the most basic of their entitlements. Undenied reports in the social media have it that contrary to the widely circulated rumours that the Amosun government paid the severance of all the political office holders that served between 2015 and 2019, his own special assistants and senior special advisers were not paid and have appealed to the Abiodun government to offset the severance in order to encourage sacrificial service by public office holders.

Last but not the least, whereas ex-governor Amosun consistently claimed in the newspapers that workers’ wage bill was N9.2 billion per month, the government of Dapo Abiodun discovered the wage bill was actually N7 billion per month, prompting stakeholders in Ogun to demand from Amosun to explain the whereabouts of the monthly balance of N2.2 billion for eight solid years.

Given this background, the comments by Segun Abiodun, the Commissioner for Housing, came to one as most insensitive, as it rubs pepper on the wounds of majority of past political office holders that served with him in the Amosun government and the civil servants. Hear Segun Abiodun, in the widely circulated press release:

“The comments of Prince Dapo Abiodun so far on projects inherited from the Amosun Administration have indeed confirmed fears that many of them would be denied of funding to frustrate their completion so as to label them as abandoned projects of the Amosun Administration. Thankfully the Amosun-led administration foresaw this and ensured that on-going projects were either fully paid for or advance payments of between 80 – 90% were made. But for this pro-activeness, all the projects would have been truncated.”

The pertinent questions are: Where did Amosun get the fund to pay contractors 100 per cent or 90 per cent in advance, for projects not yet executed at the time when Ogun public and civil workers were being owed billions of naira entitlements and consequently being turned into beggars by the Amosun administration?

And where has it ever happened in Nigeria that a governor would pay 100 per cent or 90 per cent upfront for multi-billion naira projects in our well-known system notorious for corruption and where contractors often play pranks with public funds in collusion with some unpatriotic government functionaries? Is it not surprising that despite the untold financial suffering imposed on its workers, the Amosun government surreptitiously went ahead to pay 100 per cent for a judicial complex that was launched when it was just about 35 per cent completed? Now, the contractors want to renegotiate with the Abiodun government just six weeks after Amosun left government with a view to increasing the contract value! What audacity? What an attempted rip-off? This, certainly, demands a judicial probe.

One must commend Governor Dapo Abiodun for resisting the pressure to part with the scarce resources of the state on some of the self-serving projects of the Amosun administration.

However, the coup de grace in Segun Abiodun’s vacuous press statement was his unsolicited advice to the new governor: “We implore Prince Dapo Abiodun to roll up his sleeves and begin to work for the people of Ogun State rather than chasing shadows, trying to find fault in every project of the Amosun Administration.”

Well, one wonders why this advice was not made available to Amosun when he was in power. Out of the 20 or 25 model schools built by Amosun, only one was said to be partly functioning before he left office on May 29. Yet he spent about N1 billion on each school before abandoning them to rodents, reptiles and area boys. Virtually all the uncompleted model schools were overgrown with bush years before Amosun left office. Did Amosun also pay 100 per cent ahead for the model schools and then abandoned them by himself three clear years before he left government? Are the multi-billion naira model schools not abandoned projects of the Amosun administration? And why would the former governor abandon the model school project that was said to be dear to his heart mid-way into completion only to go ahead to pay 100 per cent upfront for new projects, shockingly, on the eve of his departure from power? If this action of Amosun is not treated as manifestly suspicious, as to warrant a judicial probe, then I wonder if we will ever get it right in this country.

At least I know the model schools in Owode Ofada, Kemta in Abeokuta, Ilaro and one in Ijebu. They were abandoned by Amosun since 2014, five clear years before he left government after spending billions of naira on them. We await Segun Abiodun’s response to this and the fantasy 250-bedroom specialist hospital that Amosun began on the eve of his exit while the state hospital Ijaye in Abeokuta and OOUTH, the only teaching hospital in the state, were completely in ruins.

Barr Oladele, public policy commentator, writes from Akute, Ogun State.

celebrity radar - gossips

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Taofik Afolabi

The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.

Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.

The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.

Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.

In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.

celebrity radar - gossips

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.

From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.

Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);

Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);

Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;

Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;

Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.

Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.

The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.

” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.

To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.

Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.

The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.

The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’

Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.

” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.

The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.

Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.

” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.

celebrity radar - gossips

Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta

Published

3 days ago

March 29, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta

The ancient city of Abeokuta came alive in a grand display of culture, history, and unity as dignitaries from across Nigeria converged at the iconic Ake Palace Ground for the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival, an annual celebration deeply rooted in the Egba people’s heritage.

The event, proudly supported by Adron Homes and Properties Limited, witnessed an impressive parade of distinguished personalities, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, and cultural enthusiasts, all captured in vibrant pictures that tell the story of a people united by history and pride.

From richly adorned monarchs in regal attire to elegantly dressed guests reflecting the depth of Yoruba tradition, the images from the festival encapsulate moments of honour, reverence, and celebration. Each photograph portrays not just faces, but influence, leaders, and stakeholders who continue to shape cultural preservation and community development.

At the heart of the celebration was the revered Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, whose presence underscored the festival’s significance as a symbol of Egba resilience and identity. Surrounding him were eminent dignitaries whose attendance further amplified the prestige of the event.

Adron Homes and Properties Limited stood out prominently, not only as a sponsor but as a key driver of cultural sustainability. Through its strategic support, the company reinforced its commitment to preserving indigenous heritage while fostering community engagement. The brand’s visibility across the venue and within the pictorial highlights reflects a deliberate alignment with culture, tradition, and people-centered development.

Beyond real estate, Adron Homes has continued to position itself as a cultural partner, investing in platforms that celebrate history and strengthen communal bonds. Its involvement in the Lisabi Festival is a testament to its broader vision of building not just homes, but legacies rooted in identity and pride.

The 39th Lisabi Festival, as captured through the lens of dignitaries in attendance, is more than an event, it is a narrative of continuity. And through its unwavering support, Adron Homes has once again set the pace, demonstrating that corporate institutions can play a vital role in sustaining the cultural heartbeat of a people.

As the echoes of drums fade and the colours of the festival linger in memory, one thing remains clear: the story told through these images is one of unity, heritage, and the enduring partnership between tradition and progress.