Lanre Alfred pays tribute to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State whose birthday is tied to Nigeria’s Democracy Day
Among friends and associates in the exclusive circle of Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, the word ‘Osele’ needs no explanation except you don’t fall into either category. Those who know – know that it is a favourite slogan of Prince Abiodun (before he became governor), which means ‘It happened.’ Every accomplishment or acquisition was heralded with a gleeful ‘O Sele’.
So, to God be the glory, May 29th, 2019, happened. For over five decades, however, the date held a different kind of significance for him. It is his birth date. This year’s May 29th is even more symbolic because Prince Dapo Abiodun turns 60 on the same day he would be celebrating his one year anniversary as the Governor of Ogun State.
Indeed, he could not have got a greater and more befitting 59th birthday gift in 2019 than his inauguration as the democratically elected governor of the Gateway State – a fitting denouement to an episodic political journey which began about three decades ago. Governor Abiodun’s life offers interminable lessons on the beauty and benefits of resolve, compassion, unpretentious generousity and family values. I know.
“A man is nothing without his virtues”, he argues. Thus, he endeavours to do good. But his deeds are done not as an apology or extenuation of his fortune and citizenship of the world. While many a rich man propagates virtues as penances for the inactions of the world’s privileged divide, he imbibes and perpetuates the culture of goodness not out of a frantic zeal to apologize or expiate the perceived frailties of his rich, privileged divide; he does his thing because it is an intrinsic part of his humanity.
Since I made his acquaintance about 12 years ago, our relationship has blossomed into a bond emblematic of the best form of filial devotion and affection. I met him first through a senior colleague and later, more intimately through a mutual friend. I would discover that beneath the glitz and glamour of being a successful businessman with all the accoutrements of fame and fortune at his beck and call, he is humane and humble. He is imbued with nonpareil intelligence, a clear-thinking, analytical mind, quick wit and sheer oratorical skills. Governor Abiodun is one of the very few people I know that can never be blindsided or fazed by any eventuality. His calmness and infinite optimism even in the face of life’s greatest odds are inspiring and worthy of the respect and aspiration of coming generations.
As a young businessman, DA, as he is fondly called, was elected a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the platform of the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) in 1993. He was just 33years old. However, the military incursion of that year led by the despotic General Sani Abacha truncated that democratic process. The Iperu Remo Prince never gave up. While succeeding in business, he never abdicated politics. Circa 1998, he joined other like-minded Nigerians to start the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State. In 2002, he lost the governorship primary of the PDP to his bosom friend, Otunba Gbenga Daniel who went on to govern for two terms. Prince Dapo bade his time.
When he contested to represent Ogun East Senatorial District in 2015, I worked closely with him and came to the conclusion that but for passion and genuine humaneness, he didn’t have any business in the dog-eat-dog game of politics. He lost the election but never lost the passion to make life better for humanity.
Some years after, when he told me that he would be contesting for the governorship, I did not hesitate to buy into his clear-cut vision to make Ogun State a primus inter pares and build a better future for its people and posterity. I formed a group called the Dapo Abiodun Alliance Group, DAAG, with some brilliant young minds who also share his vision. We combed the nook and cranny of Ogun State, propagating the ideals of Prince Dapo Abiodun. Even when it became too hot for us, we were motivated by a shared belief in his mission. It was quite an experience. Thankfully, he won the election!
That relentless spirit has, indeed, paid off. It is the same spirit that has guided him through the bittersweet, cut-throat world of global commerce until he emerged unscathed and undaunted in spirit and resolve like a champion. His story is indeed worth telling and retelling for posterity. And I am honoured for the rare privilege to pen this timeless tribute to a man of substance and immeasurable worth.
Unlike other billionaires that one met in the course of life’s peregrination, the very sociable and likeable Prince never treats anyone as a minion or stranger hence, his friendly disposition to everyone, which makes people feel very comfortable in his company. I have travelled with him within and outside Nigeria; enjoyed his hospitality and bonhomie, and benefitted immensely from his well of wisdom. I felt welcomed in his company at all times in those early days of our acquaintanceship. Apart from giving you a sense of true belonging whenever and wherever your path crosses with his, he never shies away from introducing you to his high profile contacts. And he always has good words to say about one.
Being the governor of a State like Ogun has further shown and convinced me that he is a very focused and driven leader and that those personal attributes are inherent, not superficial. He can be described as a ‘good headache’ because he will push and drive you while bringing out the best in you. I would come to understand that what Governor Abiodun envisions for Ogun State drives his pursuits while his yearning for progress pits him against the odds that he inherited. Therefore, he is focused on making the remaining years of his stewardship the best for the people of the state. To actualise his goals, the governor is exploring every avenue to attract growth and progress for Ogun State; and, he has been hands-on and virtually omnipresent in all areas of the state’s life with laudable schemes and visible projects dotting the landscape of the state.
Born in Sagamu, Ogun State, he started his early education in the rustic township. His parents were teachers who taught in the same community. As a kid, he learnt a lot from his parents. From his father, Elder Abiodun, he learnt humility, sacrifice, tact, wisdom and patience. Whatever he learnt from his father was reinforced by his mother. Both parents schooled and fed him on a diet of tough love and inexorable compassion. They taught him to value every human life and relationship.
Even now, he relives the sparks of magic and tufts of grace wrought in his psyche by his exceedingly principled and loving parents. His life as a child was brilliant with sunshine. As the sun emblazons the sky in beams of gold and brightens the earth with brilliant spokes, his parents’ love radiated all over him and imbued him with something of the fabled beauty of Eden and the charm of Neverland. But His parents had no trust fund to bequeath to him. The only fortune he inherited from them was character.
One star-spangled night many years ago, in his baronial Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos home, he recalled, “I must tell you that I come from a very humble background and my parents are still living. My parents were teachers and I did not inherit any money from anybody. My story is such that let me say, if I can be where I am today, anybody can be here, I mean, anybody. And it goes a long way to show that you don’t have to have been born by a rich father or mother to be successful in life. My grandfather never believed that he would have a grandson who would be where I am today. “Where I am today is just by the special grace of God. God just wanted to change the situation of my family and I think that is why he has raised me to be a blessing to my home.”
In the pursuit of glory, Prince Dapo learnt to thrive like a lily in unimaginable valleys. Like white rose growing on concrete slabs or the daring mushroom that pierces the motionless eternity of earth, pushing clearly but obstinately, through faint form, till the hour of fertility strikes, he sought to flourish where many had cowed to defeat. He knew quite early in life that his humble roots should inspire him to success rather than become a burden and impediment to his spirited strides to success. He understood that to learn even the quarter of a breeze, he must hold up a wet finger. Hence, he pursued knowledge to his advantage.
However, his ascent on the steep slope of entrepreneurial success and acclaim didn’t lie out in flat miles. It was replete with rigours and daunting challenges. But he towered above all odds to become a successful magnate with vested interests in the global oil and real estate sectors. His success is attributable to hard, valuable lessons from his parents. Among other things, he learnt that there was no wisdom in waiting to see asters bloom on barren land. He understood that foresight in moving out of his comfort zone in search of greener pasture. Guided by the priceless wisdom of the aged, he left home to seek his fortune elsewhere – he knew perfectly well that only an oyster remains forever at the old homestead. He proceeded to establish himself and started Heyden Petroleum Limited (HPL) with a vision to become a leading global energy and services company. He also sought to create an effective corporate structure to consolidate on growth and his core interest in energy, power and construction.
Revered at home and recognised abroad for his protean productivity and impeccable business foresight, spotting goldmine where many see landmines, he also understands that politics is far too precious and fundamental to be left to the wiles and exploits of villainous characters. Thus, his belief that the doctrine of altruism and love must be preached as a counteraction to the doctrine of hate and greed that has overtime become the norm in political circuits. Virtues, according to him, should be in the popular estimate, the rule guiding human conduct in business, social and political circuits rather than the exception.
At a time when it is generally believed that one has to be a lowbrow, an incorrigible liar and a bit of a murderer, to be a politician, he ventured into politics to improve lives yet unwilling to see people sacrificed and slaughtered for the sake of his ambition. In the estimation of many friends and associates, he is cut out for greater roles in the affairs of the country but rather than get high on the wings of the lofty hopes about him, he has chosen to begin his humble ascent in the corridors of power by connecting with his people from the grassroots.
Many people have benefitted in no small measure from the benevolence of his heart and sipped from the fountain of his experience, it is only expedient to extol the virtues of this great man without any recourse to sophistry or gratuitous ornamentation. In politics, Governor Abiodun has been a roaring success and the people of Ogun State can attest to this. In the business world, you cannot question his place in the clan of Nigeria’s successful business tycoons. And his domestic felicity will continue to make younger people run to him for tips.
Drama Unfolds as 2Face’s Mother Publicly Begs Edo Lawmaker Natasha Osawaru to “Free” Her Son
The Idibia family has been thrust into the spotlight once again as Rose Idibia, mother of veteran singer 2Face Idibia, made an emotional plea in a viral video, begging Honourable Natasha Osawaru to “free” her son.
In the circulating clip, Mrs. Idibia claimed that 2Face is not in his right state of mind due to the ongoing divorce process with his estranged wife, Annie Idibia. She also suggested that Osawaru had placed beads on 2Face’s neck and hands, which she implied might be influencing him.
Her words: “Good evening Nigerians. My name is Mrs. Rose Idibia, and this message is for Miss Natasha Osawaru of Edo state. I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg her to free my son.
“My son is going through a divorce process and he is clearly not in his right senses now. I know my son, this is not you. Please, Natasha, the bead you put on his hand and on his neck, remove them and free him.”
The shocking statement has since ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media, with Nigerians offering a mix of humor and criticism.
Social Media Reactions:
@bigHotbaby: “Radarada mama 2baba you must accept desperado Natasha oooo”
@campusblaze: “I swear Nigeria is not a real place.”
@Lummygee1: “Make mama go sleep joor like say 2face na 3 years old pikin.”
@judithoflagos: “Mama, no be us go free your son o, make una accept una new wife .”
While neither 2Face nor Honourable Natasha Osawaru has officially responded to the claims, the video has sparked debates over family interference in romantic relationships and the public airing of personal matters.
Many are now waiting for any official statements from either party as the drama surrounding the Idibia family continues to unfold.
Nedu Wazobia Bows Out of The Honest Bunch Podcast Amidst Verydarkman Controversy
Popular On-Air Personality (OAP) Nedu Wazobia has officially announced his exit from The Honest Bunch podcast following a week of intense public scrutiny and social media drama involving controversial activist Verydarkman.
The controversy began when reality star Deeone appeared on the podcast and insinuated that Verydarkman had a romantic interest in men. Instead of addressing Deeone’s claims, Verydarkman redirected his anger at Nedu Wazobia, revealing alleged personal secrets that Nedu had supposedly confided in him—including claims about women Nedu had reportedly been involved with.
The fallout from these accusations caused a social media frenzy, with fans and critics weighing in on both sides. The tension reached a breaking point, prompting Nedu Wazobia to issue a formal statement on Instagram explaining his decision to step down.
In the heartfelt statement, Nedu expressed gratitude for the platform and shared his reasons for leaving:
**“The past week has brought a lot into perspective for me. Hosting The Honest Bunch Podcast has been an incredible journey—one built on open conversations, bold perspectives, and the willingness to tackle difficult topics. But with that responsibility has come an overwhelming level of scrutiny, antagonism, and unfounded accusations that have now begun to take a personal toll.
In light of recent events, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the podcast. This is not a decision I take lightly, but one I believe is necessary—for my peace of mind, for my family, and for the integrity of the show itself.
I have always been committed to honest conversations, but when those conversations lead to relentless attacks and misrepresentation, it becomes clear that stepping back is the best path forward.”**
Nedu also expressed his hope that his departure would ease the negativity surrounding his name and allow the podcast to thrive without further controversy.
“I sincerely hope this decision brings an end to the negativity surrounding my name and allows The Honest Bunch Podcast to continue thriving. I remain committed to fostering dialogue in ways that encourage meaningful engagement and growth, and I look forward to new opportunities that align with that vision.”
Fans and colleagues have since flooded Nedu’s social media with mixed reactions—some expressing disappointment over his exit, while others praised him for prioritizing his mental health and dignity in the face of relentless attacks.
The Honest Bunch podcast team has yet to issue an official statement on Nedu’s departure. Meanwhile, Verydarkman’s accusations continue to stir debates across social media platforms.
As the dust settles, all eyes remain on The Honest Bunch to see how the show will navigate its future without one of its key hosts.
George Weah, Eminent Personalities Commission Primate Elijah Ayodele’s Ultra-Modern Church Auditorium
The former President of Liberia, George Weah, along with several notable figures including former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, Nigeria Football Federation President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom Oba Oladele Kosoko, Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Oba Owolabi Adeniyi, and UN representatives, commissioned the ultra-modern church auditorium of Primate Elijah Ayodele on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
The event witnessed a large gathering of dignitaries from across the globe who came to celebrate God’s blessings upon Primate Ayodele. The new church auditorium, with a seating capacity of about 10,000, was completed in just one year following divine instruction to expand the worship center. The commissioning ceremony is part of Primate Ayodele’s annual thanksgiving programme, which began in January and will conclude tomorrow.
During the commissioning, George Weah expressed his deep respect and gratitude to Primate Ayodele, whom he referred to as his spiritual father. He described the opportunity to commission the house of the Lord as a significant blessing and assured the church of his unwavering support.
“I am honoured to join you here today for the commissioning of this cathedral and the groundbreaking for an estate. This demonstrates our collective gratitude to God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us. The Bible teaches us that it is not enough to follow God’s commands but to be actively involved in the act of teaching others and those who embark on such a spiritual journey will be considered great.
Primate Ayodele is a great man of God. There is nowhere else I would rather be today but here with God’s people. This is the least I can give back for all the blessings I have received. I want to assure the congregation of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church of my unwavering support. Primate Ayodele and INRI Church, I am excited about this, thank you Primate, my father, I sincerely appreciate this, and we are eternally grateful. I dedicate this cathedral in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. May the almighty God bless us.”
George Weah presented a gift to Primate Ayodele to appreciate his influence and positive impact on his life and the lives of many others. Primate Ayodele, in turn, spoke highly of Weah and handed over Liberia’s flag to him as a symbolic gesture of his return to power. He openly declared Weah as the incoming President of Liberia and presented him with a gift as a token of appreciation.
Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, also praised Primate Ayodele’s generosity and vision. He expressed his surprise at being invited despite no longer holding public office, calling the invitation a testament to the Primate’s genuine love and care for all.
“Primate Ayodele is a man of God that I have always admired, and I am very proud and elated to be invited to this programme. It is only when you are in power that you get invitations like this, but when this comes even when you are out of power, it shows true love. Just today, he gave scholarships to people, JAMB, and WAEC forms, and I thank God and appreciate him for all he does for society. I pray that God continues to bless him.”
The ceremony also included the groundbreaking of a residential estate and mosque, led by George Weah.
As part of Primate Ayodele’s well-known philanthropic initiatives, the commissioning was accompanied by multiple empowerment activities for students, business owners, journalists, church members, and widows. About 25 secondary school students were provided with JAMB and WAEC forms, and several received scholarships for university studies. Two vehicles were also gifted—one to a church member, Ayo Babalola, and another to journalist Ayodele Dedeigbo, the publisher of Town Crier News.
The grand commissioning underscored Primate Ayodele’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy and the spiritual upliftment of his community. The event concluded with prayers and blessings for continued progress and prosperity for all attendees.