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Amosun’s ill-conceived factional Congress and folly of timing

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Amosun Berates UK, Western Nations For Encouraging  japa, granting young Nigerians visas

Amosun’s ill-conceived factional Congress and folly of timing

AMOSUN– Despite the well-announced resolve of the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that only the elections held inside the main bowl of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta on October 16 will be regarded as valid State Congress in Ogun State, it came as a shock that the immediate past governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, still disregarded the party’s directive and proceeded to stage a factional congress elsewhere in the city.

 

Amosun's ill-conceived factional Congress and folly of timing

However, it did not come as a surprise to those who have followed the political situation in Ogun State prior to the gubernatorial election of 2019 and in the immediate aftermath the desperate turn that Amosun took after his eight-year tenure ushered in the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun.

That Amosun did not hide his animosity for his successor in office is well known to all. But his desperate quest to diminish the achievements of his successor is beyond understanding, especially as it would be expected that he wished to see the state he governed for two terms flourish rather than bring it down.

Little wonder, he went ahead to elect a parallel congress to the one officially recognised by the national headquarters of the APC, a clear anti-party action by the serving senator. It was not so much for the apparent sponsored shooting that greeted the illegal congress, which aimed to discredit the Dapo Abiodun administration, but it was also everything about trying to consecrate an illegality in vain.

Amosu’s character evokes curiosity. He remained in APC to actualise his senatorial ambition. Yet, he sponsored a candidate from another party for the gubernatorial seat in 2019.

Meanwhile, at the officially recognised Congress where Governor Dapo Abiodun addressed the mammoth crowd of party faithful, all went well and the course that the party would take in the years ahead was clearly defined. Speaker after speaker eulogised the height that Governor Abiodun has attained so far, while also acknowledging the challenges that the Governor bore to reposition the state in the past 17 months. Of particular mention is the Edo State APC stalwart and former House of Representatives member, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, who described Amosun’s parallel congress as “a congregation of comedians”. The respected politician also congratulated Governor Abiodun for his inimitable feats, while urging the party supporters as well as Ogun State indigenes and residents to continue to support the enterprising Governor in the years ahead with a view to ensuring that the dividends of democracy are enjoyed by all.

It is a profound irony that Amosun, who left Ogun State almost in complete shambles at the end of his tenure in May 2019 would still seek to retake the state currently being rebuilt by his successor, while all efforts to make him see reason and join in the rebuilding process have fallen on dear ears.

A former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a one-time deputy to Amosun, Prince Segun Adesegun, and other strong party faithful supported the party Congress that produced Chief Yemi Sanusi as Chairman, alongside other executives that would run the party’s affairs for the next four years. There is hardly any validation of the exercise better than the involvement of Daniel.

For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Abiodun had inherited a virtually destroyed civil service from Amosu, in addition to terribly bad infrastructure that left many road projects abandoned and the existing roads unserviceable. The debt profile inherited was also of a gargantuan proportion capable of destabilising any administration, no matter how well-meaning. But Governor Abiodun shook off the challenges and took them on with a purposeful leadership that has returned the state to its old enviable status. Perhaps, Amosun had not foreseen all this turnaround happening so soon and suddenly saw his relevance ebbing so fast. Why he has since resorted to barefaced brigandage and indiscipline to regain his lost relevance, only him can explain. But one thing is certain: Ogun State is fully resolved to move on to glory without him and he can either join in or continue to cruise towards total irrelevance.

It is high time, therefore, that the hierarchy of the APC in Abuja is advised in the strongest terms to rein in on Amosu so that he is stopped without further delay from becoming a law unto himself, a development that could jeopardise the party’s overall interest in the long run. The story of how Amosun’s faction of the APC in Ogun State caused embarrassment for President Muhammadu Buhari during the latter’s campaign in Abeokuta in 2019 is still very fresh in the minds of the good people of the state. Surely, the party can avoid further embarrassment from Amosun. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine.

Bola Afolabi writes from Abeokuta

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).

 

The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.

 

He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.

 

Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.

 

The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.

 

President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.

 

The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.

 

“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.

 

President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.

 

Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.

 

Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.

 

 

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Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

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Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

 

 

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has raised alarm over an alleged threat by Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye (Mr P) against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu, warning that the singer will be held responsible should any harm come to the journalist or his family.

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

 

In a press statement issued on April 20, 2026, NASRE’s leadership, led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expressed concern over the incident reportedly occurring at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye.

 

 

NASRE views the alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable, stating that any language suggesting intimidation against a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns about press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.

 

 

The association has therefore called on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu, while also urging all parties involved in the ongoing legal matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

Read the statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

NASRE RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED THREAT BY PETER OKOYE (MR P) AGAINST BAYO ADETU IN COURT, WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES

The leadership of the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE), led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expresses concern over an alleged threat issued by popular Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye, widely known as Mr P, against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving the music duo P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye. Eyewitnesses present in court stated that Mr Peter Okoye drew the attention of Justice Alexander Owoeye to Mr Adetu’s presence, noting that he was formerly P-Square’s publicist but now works with his brothers. The remark reportedly generated reactions in the courtroom.

It is further alleged that after the court session, Mr Peter Okoye confronted Mr Adetu in the presence of others and said, “You, Bayo, I will set you up.”

NASRE views this alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable. Any language suggesting harm or intimidation directed at a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns regarding press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.

We state unequivocally that should anything happen to Mr Bayo Adetu or any member of his family, Mr Peter Okoye will be held accountable. Such statements, when directed at a media professional, are taken with utmost seriousness.

NASRE will not tolerate any form of intimidation, harassment, or threat against its members. We are fully prepared to activate all lawful media and legal channels to protect our members and safeguard the integrity of the profession. Mr Peter Okoye must be aware that utterances of this nature carry consequences and he will be held responsible for any outcome arising from this matter.

We therefore call on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu. We also urge all parties involved in the ongoing matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

The safety of journalists remains paramount, and the media will not be silenced.

Signed:
Lateef Owodunni
Media Director, NASRE
April 20, 2026

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Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift

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Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

 

 

Nigerian Fuji star Saheed Osupa has responded to a wave of political controversy surrounding his recent campaign appearance in Oyo State, clarifying that a vehicle linked to the debate was not a political gift but compensation tied to a professional engagement.

The backlash followed the circulation of a Facebook Reel showing Osupa performing at an event associated with Sharafadeen Alli, who has declared interest in the Oyo State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC). As the video gained traction, it sparked renewed scrutiny over entertainers’ roles in political campaigns and the assumptions that often follow such appearances.

Amid the reactions, individuals aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) circulated claims on social media alleging that Osupa, alongside gospel artist Yinka Ayefele, had previously received luxury vehicles from the administration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The claims, which remain unverified, framed the alleged gesture as an example of questionable public spending and raised concerns about political loyalty.

Osupa has since pushed back against that narrative, offering a different account of events. In a video statement, the artist explained that his involvement in the campaign was strictly professional, based on a negotiated performance agreement rather than any form of political alignment.

According to him, he was engaged to perform at campaign events with assurances that he would be adequately compensated after the election. He, however, alleged that those commitments were not fulfilled following the electoral victory.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the vehicle, Osupa stated that his personal car was damaged during the course of the campaign. He said the replacement vehicle later provided to him was intended as compensation for that loss, not a discretionary gift or political reward.

His response reframes the discussion from one of political patronage to a dispute over professional obligations—an important distinction in an environment where entertainers are frequently enlisted to support campaign visibility.

The episode highlights a recurring tension within Nigeria’s political landscape: the blurred line between performance and perceived allegiance. For artists, participation in campaign activities can quickly shift from paid engagement to public endorsement in the eyes of observers, particularly when details of such arrangements are not clearly communicated.

Osupa’s clarification brings that tension into focus, underscoring how easily professional engagements can be recast within political narratives. As conversations continue, the situation points to a broader need for transparency in the relationship between public figures and political actors—especially in moments where perception can carry as much weight as fact.

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