Rasheed Ayinde Adekunle : The Ibadan-Born Icon Who Redefined Fuji Music

Mayor Rasheed Ayinde Adekunle, also known as (Merenge) is a legendary and veteran Nigerian Fuji musician born on july 23rd 1963, He is known for revolutionizing Fuji music by incorporating modern sounds into the melody-which helped disseminate it across Fuji music audiences.

His professional career began in 1980, after he left his boss band and established his own music band, he was once a back up artist under late Ayinde majester Apanpa , his first musical album recorded and released in 1983 titled Owo( Money) under the record label of Alhaji Kamaldeen Oluyole records and while the second album was released in 1985 and third in 1986, he embraced Alhaji wasiu Talazo” Fuji style in 1984 after they met in 1983 in Ibadan .Rasheed Ayinde was born and brought up in Ibadan, he attended progressive day school Aladorin isale osi Ibadan, the same school attended by the Olubadan of Ibadan his imperial majesty Oba ( Senator) Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja( Arusa1) and Senator Sarafadeen Abiodun was his class mate in the same school.He is also a respected cultural ambassador and he has received so many recognitions, chieftancy title and awards.

Early life and career
Born in 1963 in Ibadan by late Alhaji&Alh Liadi Olalere of Ile Alaja, Ita Okoro, isale Osi Ibadan.
He showed a passion for music at age tender age, he has been so fantastic ever since then.

He started from “Were” while he was 13years of age with his twin brother to awake Muslims during Ramadan period, he joined late Ayinde Majester Apanpa at very tender age’ while he’s still in secondary school, he attended Baptist secondary Oke Ado Ibadan but he couldn’t finish his studies due to financial constraints.

He was once a “motor boy” with the likes late NURTW boss Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde Fele before he ventured into music.

He joined the band of Ayinde majester Apanpa around 1978.

Musical career and impact

His first album was released in 1983 named Owo( Money),another one in 1985,Owo 2(money power) was released in 1986 and he has released over 40albums up till date.

Early 1990’s he created a new Fuji music style/ genre known as “Merenge” a lively style of musical genre, known as energetic, two beats rhythm which combines African and European influences, this music is characterized by simple side to side hip dance and solo classical genres. This innovation was introduced by Rasheed Ayinde Adekunle into Fuji music and it was embraced and emulated my many Fuji musical artists across the nation.

He had his first music travel tour in 1988 to France 🇫🇷 ( Paris), as the first amongst his contemporaries and the first Ibadan based Fuji musical artist to travel overseas to perform and ever since then, he has toured almost all the continents in the world, Africa, Asia,Europe, Uk, North America etc.

He’s known for known for signature blend in Fuji music,he’s considered as the master of his genre and he has several numerous accolades both home and abroad.

He’s known for his signature name OGO-IBADAN” he’s married and blessed successfully children. Mayor Rasheed Ayinde is known for his leadership style,humility, humbleness, integrity and professionalism.

MASSIVE SUPPORT FOR NEW RIGASA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS AFAKA COMMITTEE SUBMITS 318,600 SIGNATURE PETITION

In a significant step towards the creation of a new Local Government Area, the Afaka Ward Technical Working Committee for the proposed Rigasa Local Government has formally handed over data containing 318,600 signatures of supporters to the Central Working Committee (CWC).

The handover ceremony, which took place at the Skill Acquisition Centre in Mando Sabon Garin Afaka, was witnessed by a broad coalition of Afaka ward stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth representatives.

The Chairman of the Technical Committee, Tasiu Musa, while presenting the data, clarified that the 318,600 figure represents a significant portion of public support but is not the ward’s total population. He stated that the enumeration was halted due to constraints of time and finances needed to support supervisors and enumerators. He expressed profound gratitude to the Central Working Committee for its financial backing, which made the extensive data collection possible.

In his address, the Chairman of the Central Working Committee, Alhaji Muazu Abubakar Mohamed Ruma (Tafidan Afaka), commended the technical working Committee for its diligence in achieving the milestone. He then issued a strong appeal to the National Assembly and the Executive arm of the government, urging them to prioritize the creation of the Rigasa Local Government with its Headquarters in Sabon Garin Afaka.

“With this overwhelming number, it is clear that the people have spoken. The combined population of just Rigasa and Afaka is over five million,” Alhaji Ruma noted. “The creation of this Local Government should be a priority for all arms of government to bring governance closer to the people.”

The event featured addresses from prominent religious leaders who unanimously threw their weight behind the movement and praised the efforts of both committees.

Malam Bashir Adam Saleh Algoni, the Deputy Imam of Zangon Daura Jumma’at Mosque in Mando Sabon Garin Afaka, applauded the initiative and the meticulous work of the committees. He offered prayers for the success of the proposal and for divine guidance for the government in considering the request.

Similarly, Sheik Muhammadu Salisu Musa Sudais, the Chief Imam of Sudais Jumma’at Mosque and Hayin Idi Musa Jumma’at Mosque in Mando, described the movement as a righteous struggle for development. He commended the Central and Technical Working Committees for a job well done and prayed for unity and progress.

In a show of cross faith solidarity, Reverend Job David Abubakar, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Airport Afaka, also expressed full support. He joined his voice in appreciating the committees for their dedication and service to the community. Reverend Abubakar further offered prayers, asking for divine intervention so that “those who are going against this movement may come back to their senses and join hands to move Afaka ward forward for the collective good.”

This submission from Afaka Ward follows the earlier completion and submission of data from the Rigasa ward, consolidating the widespread demand for the new local government creation. The movement now awaits the consideration of the state and national assemblies.

Drowning in Promise: The Uncertain Future of the Nigerian Dream.

George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

“Once the Giant of Africa, now the ghost of its own greatness.”

Where are we truly headed as a nation? What future awaits the millions of young Nigerians whose only inheritance may be frustration and disillusionment? Nigeria, once christened the “GIANT of AFRICA,” now drags its wounded feet in shame; limping under the heavy burden of corruption, insecurity, economic despair and moral decay. The question is not only about where we are headed, but whether we are even moving at all or merely sinking slowly into the quicksand of our own negligence.

A Nation Lost in Transition.
At independence in 1960, Nigeria stood as a symbol of African hope. With its massive population, abundant natural resources and vibrant culture, the world looked to us as the continent’s future powerhouse. Yet sixty-five (65) years later, the same nation that inspired OPTIMISM now inspires PITY. Our democracy, supposedly the “GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE,” has become an endless theatre of political betrayal.

Chinua Achebe, Nigeria’s literary icon, once wrote that “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” His words, written over four decades ago, still echo with haunting precision. Nigeria’s leadership problem has not evolved, but it has metastasized. We have turned governance into a business venture, elections into auctions and public service into personal enrichment.

While nations like Singapore and South Korea (who were behind Nigeria in the 1960s) have built thriving economies and world-class infrastructure, Nigeria still grapples with epileptic power supply, poor roads, collapsed health systems and unemployment that has reduced millions of graduates to okada riders and street hawkers/vendors.

The Economic Mirage.
Nigeria’s economy, though often described as Africa’s largest, remains a fragile façade. The World Bank and IMF repeatedly warn that GDP figures do not feed hungry citizens. In 2024, inflation peaked at over 33%, food inflation soared above 40% and the naira suffered one of its worst depreciations in history, trading above ₦1,700 to a dollar at some points.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. This means that more than half of our citizens lack access to clean water, quality education, healthcare and decent shelter. The World Bank’s 2025 update reaffirmed that Nigeria now hosts the second-largest population of people living in extreme poverty globally, second only to India, a nation seven times our size.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, once said that “Economic reforms without social protection deepen inequality and weaken trust in governance.” Her warning is prophetic. The removal of fuel subsidy, while economically justifiable, has pushed millions into hardship, without any reliable safety net to cushion the blow. The result? Soaring transportation costs, skyrocketing food prices and widespread despair.

Youth Betrayed.
Nigeria’s young people are the most educated generation in our history, yet also the most unemployed. The NBS Labour Force Report (2024) placed youth unemployment at 53%, a staggering figure for a nation whose median age is just 18. For many, the dream is no longer to BUILD Nigeria, but to ESCAPE it. The brain drain has become a silent epidemic. According to the UK Home Office, over 100,000 Nigerian professionals migrated to the United Kingdom in 2023 alone, including doctors, nurses, engineers and IT experts. Canada, the U.S. and Europe have witnessed similar surges. The exodus is not just of skills, but of hope. As one young doctor recently lamented, “Nigeria does not deserve our loyalty when it gives us nothing but survival struggles.”

Insecurity: A Nation Under Siege.
Insecurity remains Nigeria’s greatest nightmare. The once peaceful northern farmlands are now graveyards of ambition, as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits ravage entire communities. The UNHCR estimates that over 3 million Nigerians have been displaced internally by conflict. Kidnapping for ransom has become a national industry, from schoolchildren in Kaduna to commuters on Abuja highways, no one is safe.

According to the Global Terrorism Index (2024), Nigeria remains among the top five countries most affected by terrorism worldwide. Beyond statistics, these insecurities have crippled agriculture, destroyed local economies and discouraged foreign investment. Farmers have abandoned their lands, leading to food shortages and price inflation that worsens poverty.

The words of Nelson Mandela ring painfully true here: “Safety and security do not just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment.” In Nigeria, that consensus is broken and investment in security too often ends in corruption.

The Collapse of Education and Healthcare.
A nation that fails to educate its youth or heal its sick is a nation preparing for SELF-DESTRUCTION. Nigeria’s education system is in ruins. Public universities go on strike almost yearly, while primary and secondary schools crumble in neglect. UNESCO reports that Nigeria now has over 20 million out-of-school children, the highest number in the world.

Our health system fares no better. Hospitals lack equipment, doctors are overworked and underpaid and many facilities operate without electricity or running water. The WHO (2024) confirmed that Nigeria still accounts for 20% of global maternal deaths; an unthinkable tragedy in a nation blessed with so much potential.

Meanwhile, political elites jet abroad for medical care and send their children to schools in Europe and America, mocking the very citizens who voted them into power. The hypocrisy is glaring; the betrayal, complete.

Corruption and the Erosion of Trust.
Corruption remains the cancer eating away at Nigeria’s soul. Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (2024) ranked Nigeria 145th out of 180 countries, a sharp reminder that despite decades of anti-corruption rhetoric, little has changed.

Billions are looted yearly, from subsidy scams to contract inflation. Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry once described Nigeria’s corruption as “a level of theft that would be breathtaking even by Washington standards.” Indeed, we have normalized impunity to the point that thieves are celebrated as philanthropists and patriots mocked as fools.

What Future for the Next Generation?
If Nigeria continues on this path, what future do we leave for the next generation? A future where education is a privilege, justice is purchasable and patriotism is punished? Where the child of the poor cannot dream beyond survival and the child of the rich is exempt from consequence?

The Nigerian child must not inherit chaos as culture. The coming generation deserves better, a nation where merit trumps mediocrity and where leadership means service not self-interest. The youth must rise with renewed consciousness not of violence, but of civic participation and accountability.

A Call for Renewal.
The road to redemption begins with truth and courage. We must rebuild institutions, restore faith in justice and revive the social contract between leaders and the led. Late Dora Akunyili once said, “Nigeria’s problem is not lack of resources, but lack of values.” She was so right.

We must elect leaders with competence and conscience not tribal or religious loyalty. We must strengthen the rule of law so that no one, however powerful, stands above it. We must invest in education, power and technology, the real drivers of modern prosperity.

The Way Forward: The Choice Before Us.
Nigeria stands at a defining moment. The next decade will decide whether we rise again or remain buried under our failures. The choice is ours, to act with vision or continue with vanity.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” For Nigeria, that time is now. The destiny of our nation cannot be outsourced and the responsibility cannot be postponed. IF WE DO NOT FIX NIGERIA, NO ONE WILL.

Let us therefore rise not as TRIBES, but as ONE PEOPLE, united by the shared dream of a country worthy of its children. Because if we fail, history will not forgive us and the future will not remember us kindly.

Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com