news

Edo 2024: Onaiwu scolds homegrown mantra, says it’s about capacity

Published

2 years ago

December 28, 2023

Sahara Weekly

Edo 2024: Onaiwu scolds homegrown mantra, says it’s about capacity

By Elvis Omoregie

Sahara Weekly Reports That A Frontline governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the Edo 2024 gubernatorial election, Hon. Osaro Onaiwu, yesterday, scolded those calling themselves homegrown for the purpose of gaining cheap popularity in the name of election, saying it is about capacity to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people of the state and not mere sloganeering of homegrown.

He expressed his views while speaking with newsmen in Benin ahead of the party’s primary.

Onaiwu said that there is nobody that is more homegrown than himself if that is what they should go by because he has represented the state in a competition when it was still Bendel State and has equally served the founders of the state which none of those chorusing homegrown has done.

“Let first of all talk about the homegrown thing because nobody is more homegrown than me because one, my wife is Edo. Majority of the aspirants thier wives are not Edo.

“So, my wife, as governor to be, my wife understands the values and culture of the women and which is key, that is one.

“I served the two major people that built Edo, Samuel Ogbemudia, was the maker of Edo, then the man who created the state, Akhomo, so I served him.

“So, when they say homegrown, there has to be a definition of homegrown. So, I have served the two great people of this state. I have also participated in sports festival. I played handball for Bendel state.

“So who could be more homegrown than me? Let any of the aspirants come out put a medal on the table to say this is what I did for Bendel state when he was young.

“So, this is not the time for us to talk about who is homegrown and who is not homegrown. So, we are looking at capacity, we are looking at those who are ready to serve. In the Igboland, there is what we call the apprentice system.

“So, when you have finished serving, they will set you free. So, let all of them come and tell me who they have served that they now want to serve Edo people.

“When you have not served somebody, you can’t serve the people. Service is about passion, service is about humility, service is about care.

“So, we don’t want people who say that they are coming to serve us. Are they coming to serve us or they are coming to loot our common wealth? No. So, the homegrown issue should not even come to play because if they want to talk about the homegrown, I am the original homegrown because my wife is Edo.

“I married in Edo, I didn’t married outside Edo. My mother is Ishan, my father is Benin. So who is more homegrown than me? So I don’t want to use that word homegrown, that should not even come in at all. If we want to go there, we have a lot to talk about some people”, Onaiwu said.

On the issue of zoning, the aspirant said those who advocating for it have forgotten the political history so soon adding that politics is a game of numbers, therefore those who are seeking for elective position should be prepared to canvass for votes and stop playing up sentiment.

“The issue of zoning, we have never zoned in Edo. It is clear. People are just trying to bring sentiment and emotion.

“Emotion and sentiment don’t win election. Election is about consensus, election is about talking to people. We have never zoned. If you check from 1999 till date, every other areas in the state have always participated in elections.

“So why the emotion? why the sentiment? When Osunbor was the governor, was it zoned? He contested against Julius Ihonvbere.

“It was not zoned. So why are they now talking about zoning? Have we forgotten our history? Some people that are talking of zoning, did they participate in the electoral process in Edo State from 1999?.

“The candidates in 1999, who were the two aspirants in PDP? was it not Azzis Garuba that was parmanent secretary that Akhigbe brought and Lucky? Was it zoned? When Lucky finished in 2007, Ihonvbere from north wanted to contest against Osunbor and Ogbesia, was it zoned? In 2020, did Rice man, Gideon not try to contest against Godwin Obaseki, was it zoned? So, if you have the capacity, if you know you have what it takes to govern the people, go round the local governments and sell yourself.

“You don’t sit down in one place and you expect them to come and give it to you. Go round, go to Akoko-Edo and other local governments, that is how to be a politician.

“They have people who have the capacity to be governor in Edo Central. It is not by sit at home that we know your capacity. You have to go out.

“We have never zoned in Edo. That emotion will not work and for your information, democracy is a game of number”, Onaiwu maintained.

news

CSO gives IGP 24-hour ultimatum to release Hammed Akanbi

Published

1 day ago

April 20, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Civil society Organisation has raised concern over a disturbing sequence of events that point to an alleged high-level conspiracy within the Nigeria Police Force led by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare (AIG Zone 2), targeted at Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi.

The CSO in a press conference addressed by its leader Com Kolawole Emmanuel , gave the Inspector General of Police a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding the immediate transfer of Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi to a neutral and independent investigative unit and unrestricted access to his legal representatives and family members.

It said: “Our findings reveal that this matter is not isolated but deeply rooted in the long-standing crisis within the Ojomu Royal Family of Ajiran in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State; a crisis that predates the tenure of Jimoh Moshood Olorundare as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.

“At the core of this crisis is the control and allocation of vast ancestral lands spanning over 22 communities. This dispute has polarised the community into factions: those aligned with the Kabiesi and those loyal to Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, who serves as Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Ojomu Royal Family.

“A troubling dimension emerged with the alleged ambition of Bashir Fakorede to ascend the Ojomu stool while the current monarch remains alive. Credible allegations indicate that Bashir Fakorede identified Mr. Akanbi as the principal obstacle to this ambition and openly declared his intention to “crush” him.

“It is further alleged that Bashir Fakorede enlisted the support of Muiz Banire (SAN), who purportedly assured him of leveraging institutional connections, including the office of the Attorney General of Lagos State, to ensure the prosecution and conviction of Mr. Akanbi.

“In furtherance of this alleged scheme, Bashir Fakorede reportedly conspired with Jimoh Moshood Olorundare who was then the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, now Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 2.

“It is alleged that inducements, including four plots of land at Chevron Drive valued at about ₦1.2 billion, were offered to Jimoh Moshood to secure cooperation in orchestrating Mr. Akanbi’s arrest and eventual elimination.

“Subsequently, a previously investigated and resolved murder allegation was resurrected under questionable circumstances. Individuals were allegedly arrested at random and coerced into making incriminating statements falsely linking Mr. Akanbi to the death of one Sheriff Salami.

“Despite Mr. Akanbi being outside Nigeria on medical grounds, he was declared wanted on 19th February 2026 by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, a move widely regarded as procedurally defective. This declaration allegedly triggered sponsored acts of violence, including the destruction of his property in Ajiran.

“Legal proceedings initiated by Mr. Akanbi at the Ikeja High Court (Suit No: ID/21447MFHR/2026) challenged this action. Notably, an earlier arrest and remand order obtained through Charge No: Misc/60A/2026 was set aside by the same court due to misrepresentation and concealment of material facts.

“A subsequent application (Charge No: MISC/126/2026) was also refused, with the court directing proper procedure upon his return.

“Following a petition dated 23rd February 2026, the Inspector General of Police directed that the matter be transferred to the X-Squad, FCID, Alagbon. However, in a controversial turn of events, Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, now AIG Zone 2, allegedly insisted on retaining control over the matter.

“Following the clear directive of Court in charge no: MISC/126/2026 that proper procedure be followed by inviting Mr. Akanbi, he was enroute Nigeria from France through Benin Republic when he was eventually arrested in the Benin Republic but the Police on the claim that they have information that he was declared wanted by Jimoh Moshood.

“He was thereafter transferred to Nigeria on 17th April 2026. Since then, he has allegedly been subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment, including:

“Being publicly exposed in handcuffs by associates linked to Bashir Fakorede, particularly one Rukayat Omolara who is alleged to have over the internet with the photographs and video of Akanbi in hand and leg chain, a recording she made while he was in custody of Jimoh Moshood; denial of access to legal counsel and family; interrogation in the presence of individuals allegedly linked to the law firms of Muiz Banire (SAN) and Olumide Fusika (SAN), who are not law enforcement officers; personal supervision of his detention by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, including signing detention orders and placing him in a private cell at SCID Panti; continuous use of hand and leg restraints while in custody.

“Most alarming are intelligence reports suggesting a deliberate plot to poison Mr. Akanbi with substances designed to cause delayed fatal consequences after release.

“These actions, if proven, constitute egregious violations of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and fundamental human rights protections.

“In light of the foregoing, we hereby issue a 24-HOUR ULTIMATUM to the Inspector General of Police demanding: the immediate transfer of Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi to a neutral and independent investigative unit; unrestricted access to his legal representatives, family members, and medical professionals; a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the roles of all officers and individuals implicated, particularly Jimoh Moshood Olorundare; full compliance with subsisting court rulings and strict adherence to due process.

“Failure to comply within 24 hours will compel us to escalate this matter through all lawful protest and institutional mechanisms, including judicial actions, petitions to oversight bodies, and coordinated civil advocacy at both national and international levels.

“This is a defining moment for the rule of law in Nigeria. We call on the Inspector General of Police to act decisively and restore public confidence in the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.”

news

Senator Boroffice Endorses Chief ATM’s Senate Bid

Published

1 day ago

April 20, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Former Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District and Asiwaju of Akoko Land, Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice, has formally endorsed the senatorial ambition of Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM).

The endorsement was made during a recent visit, where Senator Boroffice commended Chief ATM’s leadership capacity, community engagement, and commitment to the development of Ondo North. He also acknowledged the respected legacy of Chief ATM’s father in Akoko land, noting that it reflects a foundation of service and leadership.

According to Senator Boroffice, Chief ATM’s contributions to community development, business, and grassroots mobilization have positioned him as a strong candidate for the Senate.

“With the good work and name his father left behind in Akoko land, he is good to go,” Senator Boroface stated. “Your father was once the Balogun of Ikare land, we knew him as an industrialist cum philanthropist par excellence. The same title of Balogun of Ikare land you’re holding now and your already known philanthropic works, definitely you will surpass what your father did.”

He urged stakeholders across Ondo North Senatorial District to support Chief ATM’s bid, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver effective representation and drive meaningful progress in the district.

In his response, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed expressed appreciation for the endorsement and reaffirmed his commitment to sustained service and inclusive development.

“I am humbled by Senator Boroffice’s endorsement and promise to continue working tirelessly for the people of Ondo North,” he said.

news

Lagos State Guber Crown: One Crown, Many Heads, Who Wears The Crown In 2027?

Published

5 days ago

April 16, 2026

Sahara Weekly

By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

THE CITY, THE CROWN, AND THE CODE OF POWER

Lagos is not merely governed—it is engineered and meticulously organised. A megacity of over 25 million people, the economic heartbeat of Nigeria, and arguably the most strategic sub- national political ecosystem in Africa.

As 2027 approaches, a familiar but profound question echoes across corridors of influence—from Alausa to Marina, from the five Ibile divisions to the 57 LGs and LCDAs, down to wards and grassroots structures:

Who wears the crown?

Yet Lagos does not answer loudly. It whispers.

“Elections may be public, but power in Lagos is negotiated in private and through caucuses—long before ballots are cast.”

HISTORY: FROM PRIMROSE TO JUSTICE FORUM AND MANDATE — THE MAKING OF A POLITICAL MACHINE

Before the consolidation of today’s political order, Lagos politics was shaped by structured caucuses that defined leadership selection.

At the elite level stood the Primrose Group, a discreet but powerful screening body that assessed aspirants in the early 90s and late 1990s. It played a critical role in screening Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Senate against political heavyweight Odu Onikosi, in what many described as a David-versus-Goliath contest. Tinubu emerged victorious.

Primrose also screened the 1998 governorship aspirants:

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Wahab Dosunmu

Funsho Williams

The Primrose circle included:

Prince Tajudeen Olusi

Bushura Alebiosu

Mofutau Olatunji Hamzat

Alhaji Kola Oseni

Dapo Sarumi

Oyinlomo Danmole (the youngest member)

Notably, Mofutau Olatunji Hamzat, father of Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, chaired the screening process that produced Tinubu as the 1998 AD governorship candidate.

Alongside Primrose emerged two other critical blocs:

Mandate Group — the grassroots mobilisation engine

Justice Forum — the stabilising and conflict-resolution bloc

Together, they formed a strategic architecture:

Primrose — elite validation

Mandate Group — mass mobilisation

Justice Forum — internal balance and cohesion

From this convergence, Tinubu emerged—not by accident, but by design.

“He was not elected into power—he was processed into leadership.”

FROM BLOCS TO INSTITUTION: THE GAC EVOLUTION

Over time, these blocs evolved into a more formal structure—the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not create the GAC; he strengthened, harmonised, and institutionalised these legacy blocs into a central decision-making body.

“GAC is the institutional memory of Lagos politics.”

THE DOCTRINE OF SUCCESSION IN LAGOS

Lagos has developed a predictable pattern of leadership transition:

Babatunde Fashola — technocratic consolidation

Akinwunmi Ambode — performance with political rupture

Babajide Sanwo-Olu — consensus restoration

Each transition reinforces a central doctrine:

“The primary is the battlefield. The structure is the judge. Consensus is the verdict.”

And more fundamentally:

“The candidate will always come from within.”

THE INVISIBLE CABINET: GAC AS POWER SOVEREIGN

At the centre of Lagos political architecture sits the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC)—a body that does far more than advice.

Chairman:

Prince Tajudeen Olusi

Key Members Include:

Babatunde Fashola

Femi Gbajabiamila

Mudashiru Obasa

Adeyemi Ikuforiji

Senator Anthony Adefuye

Tokunbo Abiru,

Musiliu Obanikoro

Oluremi Tinubu

Sarah Sosan

Idiat Adebule

Femi Pedro

James Faleke

Adeseye Ogunlewe

Demola Seriki

Adejoke Adefulire

Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

Other Influential Figures Within the Structure:

Henry Ajomale

Ganiyu Solomon

Rabiu Oluwa

Muraina Taiwo

Abdul-Wahab Ogundele

Sunmi Odesanya

Kaoli Olusanya.

In addition, almost all former governors, deputy governors, senators, and selected members of the House of Representatives and Primrose, mandate Group and justice forum are embedded within or aligned to the GAC structure.

“At critical moments, the GAC does not merely advise—it decides.”

CRACKS, CONFLICTS AND SYSTEM DISCIPLINE

The political history of Lagos has consistently demonstrated one principle: discipline within the system is non-negotiable.

The experience of Akinwunmi Ambode remains instructive.

“Performance alone is not enough—alignment with the structure is critical.”

In Lagos:

“No individual is bigger than the system.”

THE ASPIRANTS: POWER, PEDIGREE AND POSITIONING

The 2027 governorship race is no longer speculative—it is crystallising into a layered contest of insiders, technocrats, institutional loyalists, and strategic actors. Beneath the surface, resumes are being weighed as much as relationships; pedigree is being measured alongside perception.

Key Aspirants Include:

Kadri Obafemi Hamzat — Deputy Governor; perhaps the most deeply embedded institutional actor in the race. A technocrat with academic depth and governance continuity credentials. Notably headhunted from the United States banking sector by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his return to public service reflects longstanding trust. His father, Mofutau Olatunji Hamzat, chaired the screening process that produced Tinubu in 1998—placing him at the intersection of legacy and continuity.

Femi Gbajabiamila — Chief of Staff to the President; former Speaker of the House of Representatives. A consummate legislator with vast national reach, elite networks, and deep understanding of federal power dynamics. Bridges Lagos structure with Abuja influence seamlessly.

Tokunbo Abiru — Senator; former Managing Director in the banking sector. Represents fiscal discipline, financial system credibility, and investor reassurance. A technocrat-politician hybrid with strong appeal to the private sector and global investors.

Tokunbo Wahab — Commissioner for Environment. A bold regulator and reformist voice, known for enforcing urban order and environmental compliance. Projects decisiveness, discipline, and administrative courage.

Mudashiru Obasa — Long-serving Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. A master of grassroots politics with deep control of legislative structures and ward-level mobilisation. Represents structure from the ground up.

Olajide Adediran (Jandor) — Media entrepreneur and political mobiliser. Built his base through grassroots engagement and alternative political messaging. Represents outsider energy attempting to penetrate a deeply structured system.

Akinwunmi Ambode — Former governor; technocrat with a proven governance record. His tenure still resonates in infrastructure and public sector efficiency. Carries a redemption narrative, but must reconcile history with structure.

Mojisola Lasbat Meranda — Legislative figure and symbol of gender inclusion. Represents institutional evolution and the expanding role of women in Lagos power architecture.

Kayode Egbetokun (speculative) — Security chief; represents discipline, order, and enforcement capability. A potential “stability candidate” in uncertain times.

Samuel Ajose (speculative) — Former Head of Service; experienced bureaucratic strategist with deep knowledge of Lagos governance machinery. Represents administrative continuity and institutional memory.

Tayo Ayinde (speculative) — Long-serving Chief of Staff in Lagos; a quiet but powerful insider with proximity to executive decision-making and operational governance.

“Some are building alliances. Others are building acceptance. A few are building inevitability.”

THE REAL TEST: CRITERIA FOR THE APC TICKET

Beyond ambition, the Lagos APC operates a strict, unwritten checklist for candidate selection:

Proven Loyalty to the Party

A party defector stands little chance.

Product of the System

The candidate must come from within.

Alignment with the Lagos Master Plan

Continuity over disruption.

Investor Confidence

Lagos cannot risk economic instability.

Political Discipline and Temperament

Arrogance and lawlessness are disqualifiers.

Ibile Balance and Broad Acceptability

Zonal sensitivity remains critical.

Ability to Work with the Structure

Collaboration over confrontation.

Presidential Trust Factor

National confidence is key—but not absolute.

Electoral Value and Grassroots Reach

Structure must meet the street.

Importantly, this will not be a solo decision.

A former, widely respected governor and former minister is expected to play a critical role as the eyes and ears of the President in determining the most suitable candidate.

A reliable source revealed that the President held a private meeting with this former governor and minister in Lagos during the Easter break—signaling early alignment consultations ahead of 2027.

UNDERCURRENTS: SILENT MOVES AND STRATEGIC HEDGING

Quiet political movements are already unfolding beneath the surface.

There are strong rumours that:

One top aspirant is in talks with the ADC to fly their fly.

Another is exploring alignment with the Accord Party.

“Those who sense resistance within the structure begin to shop for alternatives.”

Beyond party alignments, another layer of activity is emerging.

It is widely whispered in political circles that:

Some bank accounts of PR operatives, journalists, and lobbyists have begun to quietly interface with key GAC members.

Certain aspirants are already patronising columnists to shape favourable narratives.

Billions of naira have allegedly been earmarked for lobbying, influence, and perception management.

A reliable source suggests that the real contest has already begun—not on the ballot, but in boardrooms, private residences, and media corridors and newsrooms.

Yet history cautions:

“Breaking away from the Lagos APC structure rarely guarantees victory.”

THE CALCULUS OF POWER

Five decisive variables will ultimately determine the outcome:

GAC consensus

Presidential trust (shared, not unilateral)

Party loyalty

Economic confidence

Public acceptability

Notably, the private sector remains a critical stakeholder. Lagos, as Africa’s commercial nerve centre, cannot afford political uncertainty that threatens capital flow. Investors—local and international—are watching closely.

The international community is equally attentive. Lagos is no ordinary state—it is a golden economic enclave, a city of compounding value and strategic global interest.

The Presidency too cannot be indifferent—notwithstanding that Lagos is its political base. Stability in Lagos is stability in the broader national equation.

THE CROWN AND THE SYSTEM

Lagos does not gamble with leadership,it engineers and groomed it.

No emergency leader in Lagos.

From Primrose…

To Mandate…

To Justice Forum…

To GAC…

The philosophy remains unchanged:

“Power in Lagos is not taken. It is processed.”

As 2027 approaches, one truth stands firm:

The crown will not go to the loudest.

It will not go to the most desperate.