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Alake hails Gov Abiodun’s giant strides in infrastructural development
Alake hails Gov Abiodun’s giant strides in infrastructural development
…as Ogun Central hosts 2023 budget town hall meeting
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo has commended the effort of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration in the area of infrastructural development Ogun State, declaring that “you cannot beat a governor who makes promises and keeps promises”.
Oba Gbadebo who gave this commendation during the Town Hall Meeting on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and 2023 Budget for Egba Division, held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta, also declared that the governor has done incredibly well for the Egba Division in terms of infrastructural development.
The Alake, however, called on the governor not to rest on his oars, congratulating him on the public service award he recently received from President Muhammadu Buhari, saying “this is honour well deserved”.
“All the list that I had with me, as the governor was speaking, I started ticking them off one after the other. You see, you cannot beat a governor who makes promises and keeps promises.
“All the roads I listed here, he had started work on them and completed some, and he has promised to start on new ones,” he said.
The monarch who also commended the present administration in the state for its stride at increasing the Internally Generated Revenue of the state and being named as the fourth best state in terms of revenue generation after states such as Lagos, Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State, charged the Governor Abiodun to up the ante as the state has the capacity to challenge even Lagos State.
He further applauded the governor for his feat in the area of housing in state, stressing that “in terms of housing, you have done more than any other governor in building houses in the history of the state”.
“Please, I want this record to continue to go higher and higher, please, build more”, Alake added.
Speaking earlier, Governor Abiodun disclosed that his administration would begin its Light Up Ogun project towards actualising uninterrupted power supply in the state, adding that transformers would be given out to local governments across the state.
“In line with our Light Up Ogun project, we will be flagging off the pilot scheme right here in Abeokuta, the Light Up Ogun project promises to deliver uninterrupted power supply to Ogun Central, particularly Abeokuta,” he said.
Abiodun who also noted that his administration would continue to sustain it’s position as investors destination of choice, noted that he won’t allow any form of insecurity to affect its position as the investors choice.
Meanwhile, the governor refuted the allegation that his administration has been taking 30 percent of funds meant for local government areas in the State.
He explained that instead of taking funds from the local government, his administration has been given the LGs between N200m to N300m on a monthly basis to augment their allocations in to enable them meet their financial obligations.
The governor noted that his administration has remained firm in the distribution of funding to all the tiers of government, maintaining that the rumors of depriving local government of fund is completely unfounded.
“We have continued to support our local government administration every month. We ensure that we give them a minimum amount to allow them to function because their allocations over the last six months had not been enough to meet their expenses let alone execute any capital project.
“As a responsible administration, we continue to bail them out every month to the tune of N200m to N300m a month because they are the closest to the people and they must function.
“We also have a sharing formula which allows us to take all the generated funds in transport, land use and 20 percent of that is allocated back to the local government. When they say that we deprived the local government the revenue is not true.
“Whatever is generated is spent judiciously and we ensure that there is a fair and equitable distribution of infrastructure which can be seen across the length and breadth of the state”. Abiodun stated.
He, however, observed that the centrality of the Egba Division and its people cannot be overemphasized in the development plan for the socio-economic valve of the state, stressing that the senatorial district apart from being home to the state capital, also acts as the link with other parts of the state.
In his opening remarks, the Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo said similar meetings, which had taken place in three other zones, were meant to aggregate the people’s inputs that would form the basis for next year’s budget, appealing to all stakeholders to make meaningful contributions that would lead to a people’s oriented budget.
Commissioner for Budget and Planning Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, in his presentation, said 68 projects were executed in each of the senatorial districts in the state,emphasizing that no local government area was left out on project allocation and execution.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.
The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.
A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.
The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.
The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.
Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.
As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.
Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.
Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family
Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens
By Femi Oyewale
Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.
Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.
Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.
Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood
The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:
• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.
• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.
• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.
Philanthropy and institution building
Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.
What makes him unique
Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:
1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).
2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.
3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.
The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism
To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.
Looking ahead
As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.
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