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AN OPEN LETTER TO DELE MOMODU BY FFK

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POLICE SHOULD LEAVE FEMI FANI-KAYODE ALONE

AN OPEN LETTER TO DELE MOMODU BY FFK

 

 

 

For you I have immense respect.

I always have and I always will.

How you ended up with the PDP I just cannot fathom because they do nor deserve you and neither will they reward you for your immense efforts to launder their filthy image and restore their dwindling fortunes.

 

 

 

 

AN OPEN LETTER TO DELE MOMODU BY FFK

 

 

 

Even though we are on opposite sides in this political conflict I have avoided joining issues with you because I like and respect you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You are a publisher of high repute, a civilised, enlightened and knowledgeable individual, a creative artist who has shown the world that there is so much class, good taste, artistry and beauty in Africa and that we do not all live in mud huts, a former presidential aspirant whose political party did not have the decency or prescence of mind to value or appreciate, a freedom fighter who fought for NADECO and who stood with Chief MKO Abiola till the bitter end and someone whose counsel I value and whose weekly columns I read avidly.

 

 

AN OPEN LETTER TO DELE MOMODU BY FFK

 

 

 

 

You are also someone who I place firmly in the class of some of the most profound, powerful, compelling and inspiring essayists of our modern age such as Sam Omatseye, Adebayo Williams, the late Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, Wole Soyinka, Akin Osuntokun, Chinwezu, Reuben Abati and a number of others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You are an intellectual par excellence, a self made man whose humility and charm speaks volumes and an individual who God has used and blessed in so many ways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I remember the critical role you played in settling issues between me and my second wife where everyone else failed and between me and a leading and highly respected Lagos-based Pastor who was a presidential aspirant in the APC when we had a misunderstanding which almost snowballed into a public row.

 

 

 

 

 

You did well on both and other occassions and, as you know, just as I rarely forget a sleight, I never forget a favour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For these noble efforts and for providing so much insight on national issues to the Nigerian public over the last few decades with your brilliant literary contributions and commentry I say a big thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though we stood together with millions of others during the historic June 12th struggle, we may not have always agreed on everything else and over the years we have more often than not found ourselves on opposite sides.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yet despite this there has always been camaraderie, respect, decency and decorum between us and by God’s grace that will never change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Permit me to cite just one example.

In 2015 you were with the APC and at the forefront of the campaign for a Buhari presidency whilst I was in PDP and proudly stood and spoke for President Goodluck Jonathan.

Today you are with the same PDP you fought against in 2015 and are speaking for Vice President Atiku Abubakar whilst I am in the same APC I opposed in 2015 and I am speaking for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The 2015 election verbal and literary encounters between our various media teams particularly were classic, ferocious, fact-based, volcanic and historic.

It was a battle royal which involved other great gladiators like Lai Mohammed and Olisa Metuh and which made the media debates and intellectual jousting of the 2019 presidential election and today’s look like a tea party and child’s play.

Unlike today, in those days there was a very high standard and profound degree of discipline, intellectual content, sound logic, clarity of thought, precision of delivery, wit, power punches and profound and enlightened commentry by very well educated and eloquent men and women.

Issues and individuals were discussed and vigorously debated in the print media, social media, radio and television and the encounters were exciting, formidable, educative, entertaining and quite a sight to behold.

Fate and destiny has made it such that we appear to always be on opposite sides during all these presidential elections yet we have still remained brothers.

That is commendable and that is as it should be.

Yet the attribute of a true friend and brother is to always be frank and candid and I urge you to permit me to be so on this occassion.

Out of the numerous Media Directors of the inglorious and confused contraption that they call the Atiku/Okowa PCC you are the only one I have any regard for.

The rest are circus clowns, village idiots, ignorant peasants, chaff in the wind and the scum of the earth.

They are little better than kindergarten students when it comes to the noble art of commentary, writing, speaking, public discourse and debate.

To put it mildly they are nothing but a bunch of hopeless and helpless intellectual lilliputians who are not fit to run a local government area let alone a nation.

They cannot even attend town hall meetings without disrupting the place and insulting their elders and betters.

They have a low intelligence quotient and zero intellectual depth, knowledge or value.

Barely educated, unduly emotional, ill-bred, ill-tempered, thin-skinned, inexplicably childish, inexorably dumb, inexcusably stupid and inexhaustibly confused they are nothing but lap dogs, poodles and chihuahuas answering their masters call.

I have nothing but contempt for them.

Joining issues with them or having to cross swords with their low-level, low-quality, low-life types is deeply insulting to me.

You are different because though, by your own admission, you come from a very humble background, you have managed to excel and evolve over the years and are now a good reflection of more worthy and noble stock.

This has much to do with your your link to and upbringing in what most refer to as “the Source” in Yorubaland and your proximity to the Royal Palace at Ile Ife, my ancestral home.

You are a kind and restrained bridge-builder and peacemaker and when your appointment was announced I told members of our team and my political colleagues and associates that that is the best appointment that Atiku Abubakar had made.

I also told them to be wary of you and to avoid a conflict with you unless it is absolutely necessary because unlike others you are knowledgeable, skillful, experienced and profound.

I like you and I guess I always will given the respect and affection you have always showered me with.

Unlike others in your camp you are humane: you are not an insensitive and heartless beast.

Unlike others in your camp you do not sleep with cars parked in your bedroom like a depraved and deprived gutter snipe and wayward child confirming the mental illness that everyone knows that it suffers from is real.

Unlike others in your camp you do not preach long, boring and meaningless sermons which they describe as “nuggets” and fire cheap shots from the safety of a foreign country proving that they are nothing but gutless cowards.

Unlike others in your camp you are not a sodomite and your sexuality and sexual preferences are normal and healthy: you have nothing to be ashamed of or to hide.

Unlike others in your camp, more often than not you seek and tread the path of peace without conceeding your point or prostituting your principles.

Unlike others in your camp you are not a bum boy and a shameless pimp.

Unlike others in your camp you have not drawn up a contract written in your blood and sold your soul to satan in return for money, wealth, fame and power.

Unlike others in your camp you are not petty-minded, you do not have a chip on your shoulder, you are not psychologically and mentally challenged, you have not allowed the sufferings and deprivations of your youth and past affect your physche and you are not a low level, low life entity whose father is unknown.

Unlike others in your camp you are not a pathological liar, a motor park tout and agbero or a heartless and cruel sociopath who delights in the destruction and humiliation of others and who makes boastful threats simply because their adversaries disagree with them.

Unlike others in your camp you have not sworn to send our candidate, the Jagaban, and his supporters to jail for no just cause simply because we threaten and oppose the vaulting and vain ambition of Waziri, your principal and leader.

These are your virtues and I applaud you for them.

However hear this and let it sink in.

The war is getting hotter by the day and sooner than later you and I shall engage and meet in the field of battle.

As you know when I say ‘war’ I am speaking figuratively.

I am referring to a literary war rather than anything physical but nevertheless it is a war all the same.

And as Carl Von Clauswitz, the famous and highly celebrated Prussian Army General, said in 1810,

“war is not merely a political act but a real political instrument: a continuation of political intercourse, a carrying out of the same by other means”.

For those that are not too well grounded in the English language what Von Clauswitz is saying, in short, is that “politics is war by other means”.

And he is absolutely right.

It is in this context that I speak of war here and none other.

And in this war, just like any other, we must fly our flag, fight our corner, defend our turf, protect our leader and hold the line for God, honor, party and country.

Given your position in your campaign organisation which I am told is Director of Strategic Communications, you have a duty and obligation before God and man to fight, protect and speak for your principal and, given mine, I have an obligation to do same for ours.

Both of us will put everything on the line to achieve our objectives and my prayer is that, given the heat that we will undoubtedly generate over the next few months, we both come out of it safe, sound, healthy, unscathed and still as friends and brothers.

I say this because when push comes to shove I will do my job effectively, I will defend my party vigorously, I will speak for and support my candidate gallantly and I will do it all with strength, power, passion and zeal.

I will not take any prisoners and there will be no holds barred.

I will confront, confound and challenge you, your team, your colleagues and your principal in body, spirit and soul with my words and prose and make you wish you had never taken up this assignment.

It is at that time that I will become your worse nightmare.

You see the first rule about a press war, and as you know I am a veteran of many, is that if you want to indulge in it you must have a very thick skin and you must be prepared to take more punches than you give.

I am used to that but the question is whether you are?

Simply put, can you take it?

Everything and everyone around you stands to be challenged by my whirlwind of wrath and my hurricane of deadly missiles and vicious prose.

I will literally rock your respective worlds.

I strongly advise that unless you have a very durable chin and thick skin that you do not get in the ring with me.

Once in that ring I become a very different person.

Once the war begins the reasonable, kind and courteous man that you know and love goes out of the window and the dark side emerges and takes over.

It is my nature.

I am restrained and polite, especially to those I have a soft spot for or happen to like, until I am sufficiently provoked, the fight begins and I choose to get up, close, nasty and real.

Once that happens all hell breaks loose, nothing is beyond me and nothing is left standing.

I am the warrior of warriors.

From that point on it becomes a verbal slugfest and it may last for weeks, months and even years.

Once we enter that mode and realm everything changes.

Figuratively speaking I will take you to Golgotha and back and I will enjoy every minute of it no matter what you do or say.

Your counter punches will excite me all the more and I will actually yearn for them.

This is because they make me feel justified in my spree of wicked and savage verbal bombardments.

I never throw the first punch but I always throw the last.

Be wise my brother and don’t wake up the Hulk in me.

Be wise and stay away from me in the field because when brother meets brother in battle, no matter the love they share, only one can remain standing.

Be wise and avoid Achilles in this conflict as best as you can.

Be wise and do not seek Kalid Ibn Walid in the heat of the battle.

Be wise and do not pray to meet Aragorn of Gondor in the killing fields.

Be wise and retreat when you see Ragnar Lothbrook on the day of carnage and on the morning of swinging swords.

If you refuse to take this counsel and ignore my plea you will be worsted in the debate and brought down in the verbal melee in a way that you cannot possibly imagine.

To be clear there is only one man I respect in your party, the PDP, when it comes to such battles and the art of debate and discourse: you know him well, his initials are SS and he comes from Abeokuta in Ogun state.

Though younger than the two of us he has learnt much over the years and he is gifted in the art of speech and war.

He is a true and noble warrior.

He is indeed a Hector and a worthy adversary.

He is patient, focused, incisive, knowledgeable, resilient, tough, well-read, quick off the mark, a good counter puncher and most importantly utterly ruthless when he identifies the enemies weakness.

He is like Vhagar, the massive, mighty and powerful Taragarayn dragon from R. Martins’ famous book and block buster series ‘House of Dragons’ but I remain Valerion the Black Dread, the biggest and baddest dragon in the history of Westoros and the Seven Kingdoms.

None of your colleagues and co-appointees are anywhere near SS in terms of eloquence, substance or delivery.

None has his spark, strength, wisdom, power to endure, ability to absorb blows and ruthless streak.

None have his reflexes and intuitive instincts.

None can grip the jugular and go for the kill when he sees an opening or senses a weakness during the course of the debate like he does.

Your team is weak.

I will make a public spectacle and sport of all of you put together.

I urge you, for the sake of your principal who appointed you in good faith, to tread the path of caution and not start this press war.

As England’s King Henry V said when he warned his counsellors before deciding whether or not to wage war on France at the battle of Agincourt, I urge you to “wake not my sleeping sword lightly”.

Between you and I let there be decency and decorum in this long campaign so that post-February after the war is lost and won, we can still be friends and brothers.

Let us stick to issues in this conflict and not get personal.

Let us remember and honor the rules of engagement and let us operate within them.

Let us respect ourselves and not bite off more than we can chew.

That is my counsel my dearest brother but if you choose otherwise I would be more than obliged.

As a matter of fact I would enjoy it.

Remember I am Achilles and I live for war and the glory that is attached to it.

May God guide you my friend.

May He continue to be with the one and only BOBBY D!

May He cause you to see the light and step out of the darkness.

May He grant you the courage to reconsider your position, to realign and to join the progressives and the winning side where you truly belong.

May He cause you to remember that Bola Ahmed Tinubu stood with you in the trenches many years ago during the day’s of trouble and showed you loyalty, love and kindness.

May you have the prescence of mind to recognise the fact that this is the time to pay his good back with good and support him in his sacred and divine quest to lead our great country

May you remember that you are proudly counted as a son of Ile-Ife and that the Yoruba have always stood by you and loved you even though you are actually from the South South.

Finally may you continue to flourish and go from strength to strength, may your ink never run dry and may your pen continue to bring joy, hope and inspiration to millions.

All the best and Godspeed my brother.

We shall meet at Phillippi!

(FFK)

(Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is the Director of Special Media Projects, Special Media Operations and New Media of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council)

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Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star’s Storytelling Legacy By Alhaji Arems

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Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star's Storytelling Legacy By Alhaji Arems

Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star’s Storytelling Legacy

By Alhaji Arems

 

In the vibrant world of Fuji music, where the artistry of storytelling and cultural commentary thrive, Saheed Osupa has carved out a unique role as both an artist and an influencer of thought. Recently, his name has been lighting up social media discussions and generating significant buzz—not just because of his music but because of the depth of his words. Osupa’s trending status is rooted in his ability to subtly address pressing issues, particularly those surrounding the ongoing tension between fellow Fuji musicians Taye Currency and Pasuma Wonder.

 

 

Osupa’s recent contributions to this situation have not been straightforward; rather, he has adopted an artistic approach, using parables and proverbs—sometimes through complex storytelling—to impart wisdom. These nuanced messages, often hidden within his lyrics, resonate with fans who appreciate the clever way he brings age-old Yoruba wisdom into contemporary issues. One notable example involves a story about an animal (traditionally symbolizing patience and resilience) that many believe reflects Osupa’s thoughts on rivalry and pride. Through this parable, he seems to suggest the importance of self-reflection and restraint, especially in the heat of conflict.

Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star's Storytelling Legacy

By Alhaji Arems

In a genre that values not only musicality but also the power of words, Osupa has long been seen as a master of *itan*, or storytelling. His recent songs echo the traditional Yoruba way of imparting wisdom through tales that serve as lessons. This is a skill that few artists have mastered, making his approach particularly impactful in today’s fast-paced digital world, where nuanced messages can often be overlooked.

Beyond the Taye Currency-Pasuma Wonder issue, Osupa’s trending status is also due to his reputation as a voice of reason and maturity in Fuji music. As a genre that is often vibrant and full of competitive spirit, Fuji has its share of rivalries. Yet, Osupa has often stood out by promoting unity and peaceful dialogue among Fuji artists. By sharing these reflective stories in his music, he adds layers of meaning that fans continue to unpack and discuss, drawing new audiences who appreciate both the artistry and wisdom behind his words.

The charm of Saheed Osupa lies in his timeless approach. In a world where trends are fleeting, he reminds fans of the importance of timeless values, urging reflection, humility, and understanding. As fans interpret and share his latest stories, Osupa’s message continues to resonate widely—proof that, in Fuji, the power of words can be as influential as the beat of the drum.

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What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

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What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

 

Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade, born on January 1, 1989, in Ebute Metta, Lagos, is an accomplished Nigerian actor, producer, and filmmaker with a deep passion for Yoruba cinema. Originally from Abeokuta, Ogun State, he is the first child in his family. Sholagbade began his education at Kadara Primary School and continued at Sojomen Talabi High School, Akute, and Nawairudeen Secondary School, Ebute Metta. He later earned an Ordinary Narional Diploma in Business Administration from the Lagos State Polytechnic. Pursuing his passion for acting, he trained at Odunfa Caucus, where he graduated in 2010.

Sholagbade launched his acting career in 2005, making a name for himself in Yoruba-language films. His portfolio includes roles in popular films like Olowo Ghetto, Alaimo, Ebun Mi, Esi, Gold and Treasure, Liam, Emilomo Babaolowo, Oko Aunty Mi, Broken Bond (Tude), and Last Born. In addition to acting, he has also produced several films, further cementing his influence in the industry.

Beyond the entertainment world, Sholagbade is a versatile professional with experience in railway engineering, IT support, and site management in the UK. He is also a farmer and general merchant, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and diverse skill set.

Throughout his career, Sholagbade has collaborated with top figures in Yoruba cinema, such as Yinka Quadri, Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, Odun Adekola, Oga Bello, Baba Wande, Jide Kosoko, Funsho Adeolu, Fathia William Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Wunmi Toriola, and Mide Martins.

Sholagbade’s hobbies include traveling, business, football, filmmaking, and meeting new people, reflecting his dynamic and outgoing personality.

Sholagbade’s talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades, including: Best Actor Yoruba – BON Awards, 2024, Best Supporting Actor– Afro Nollywood Awards, UK, 2019, Best Supporting Actor– Heritage Awards, Atlanta, USA, Best Supporting Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards, Best New Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards.

With his achievements and versatility, Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade remains a notable force in the Nigerian film industry and a proud ambassador of Yoruba cinema worldwide.

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

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Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

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Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

 

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria has congratulated Major-General Olufemi Oluyede on his appointment as the acting Chief of Army Staff, (Ag COAS, Nigerian Army).

Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

The Convener of the Coalition, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, in a statement, said General Oluyede has the responsibility to consolidate the success achieved by the Nigerian Army under General Taoreed Lagbaja.

President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday, October 30, appointed Oluyede as acting COAS pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Coalition said his appointment is a welcome development. It said: “Major-General Olufemi Oluyede is well qualified for the position. He was a member of the 39th regular course and commissioned as an officer in 1987. Aged 56, he was promoted to the rank of Major-General in September 2020. A professional and top-notch security expert, he brings a lot of hope and inspiration to younger officers as acting chief of Army Staff.

“His appointment is the way to go. As the acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede has the responsibility to lead an army that will administratively manage the institution, consolidate on the success achieved by General Lagbaja and his team to mop up remnants of insurgents, bandits and the ragtag criminal elements in the North, and dismantle the ethnic militias in the Southeast to bring peace in the country.

“The 56-year-old Oluyede shares a long history with General Lagbaja, with a track record and excellent service to the nation. Both are members of the 39th Regular Course and were commissioned as officers in 1987.

“Oluyede’s meritorious career began as a Platoon commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, advancing to Company commander at 177 Guards Battalion and later Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade and commandant of Amphibious Training School.

“Oluyede has been part of many notable operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.

“He has received honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, and Grand Service Star, all recognition for passing the Staff Course and membership in the National Institute, and his dedication and achievements in service.”

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