Ekiti Governorship: Factors in favour of Babafemi Ojudu

Published

8 years ago

May 1, 2018

Sahara Weekly

“If we don’t tackle this problem now, help this people out, our children

will not be able to visit this place, not to talk of live here in the

future.” These were the exact words used by Senator Babafemi Ojudu in a

prose elegy he wrote for late Olufunmilayo Adunni Olayinka, who died

while serving as deputy to the immediate past governor of Ekiti State,

Dr John Kayode Fayemi.

Ojudu titled the elegy ‘Adunni: The journey of an accidental

politician’. Though he claimed the words were not his and he credited

them to the late deputy governor, who happened to be a native of Ado

Ekiti like him, they could as well be described as a retrospection of

sort. Due to some characters displayed by Ojudu over time, which people

have described as alien to political conducts, it might not be wrong for

the Senator and Special Adviser to have on different occasions asked

himself why he was venturing into the rough tidal terrain of Nigerian

politics. But, again, Senator Ojudu is a resolute fighter, who would not

give up on his conviction. He would have consoled himself with the words

of the legendary Plato that one of the penalties for refusing to

participate in politics is that one ends up being governed by one’s

inferiors.

From being a journalist to a human rights activist to a pro-democracy

activist to a reformer, then a Senator and currently a Special Adviser

to the President of Nigeria on Political Matters, Ojudu’s journey of

becoming a politician is a highly inspiring one. Though he is neither an

infantile democrat nor a rookie progressive, his venturing into politics

must have been informed by the belief that politics was too serious a

matter to be left to the politicians. His mindset has always been that

whenever the rights of one man are threatened, the rights of every man

are diminished. This explains why he has contested and won an election

before, and has, as well, been appointed a political adviser. He is

well-known for his innovative ideas and initiatives raising

revolutionary consciousness in people.

As Ekiti State goes in search of a governor that will right all the

wrongs of the incumbent Ayodele Fayose, and as the progressives in the

All Progressives Congress jostle for the single ticket, which would

serve as the ace, certain factors must notch an aspirant above others.

And when one thinks of the character traits that make a good politician

like integrity and optimism, Senator Babafemi Ojudu soars shoulder high

above the rest aspirants, especially considering the following factors

that can just not be overlooked:

History of political activism: Senator Babafemi Ojudu rates very high

among those who fought for the return of democracy in Nigeria as

currently being enjoyed. Even as a journalist, Ojudu played a very

active part in not only reorientating journalists in the country towards

emancipation from dictatorship, but confronting the military

dictatorship headlong. He was unfairly incarcerated for fighting for the

entrenchment of democratic rule in Nigeria. He suffered other forms of

persecutions, but his spirit remained non-shattered until democracy was

achieved.

Boldness: In everything he does, Ojudu puts boldness into it. Boldness

in this contest doesn’t mean being rude, obnoxious, loud, or

disrespectful. Rather, Ojudu’s boldness makes him to be firm, sure,

confident, fearless, daring, strong, resilient, and not easily

intimidated. It means he is ever willing to go where he has never been,

willing to try what he has never tried, and willing to trust the team he

leads that they will always trust his leadership. Ojudu’s boldness is an

honest one, and it comes to him naturally. It is roused by the assurance

that he is always doing his best to right the wrongs. For instance, when

Babangida said he was interested in running for president in the 2011

democratic elections, Ojudu, yet a journalist, boldly said that the

second coming of Babangida to rule the nation should be resisted by

every Nigerian who wanted progress for the country. In his words,

“Babangida does not have anything good to offer us. We have suffered

enough in his hands… He is a trickster. Look at how many journalists

were killed during his time. Look at what he did to our colleagues

(journalists)… Look at what happened to our institutions when he was

around. He destroyed the system and he is now seeking to come back”.

Doggedness: Everyone who has ventured into pursuing a course alongside

Ojudu will attest to his doggedness and tenacity. According to Malcolm

Gladwell, success is a function of persistence and doggedness and the

willingness to work hard for twenty-two minutes to make sense of

something that most people would give up on after thirty seconds. That

is Babafemi Ojudu for you. He is determined. Even in the face of

setbacks, you will find him displaying a high dose of enthusiasm and

persistence. His never-say-die spirit is not only legendary but

contagious, as he would always encourage those around him never to give

up. Ojudu remains the only person within the progressive fold that has

beaten Fayose hands down in a political contest. In the April 2011

election for the Ekiti Central Senatorial seat, Ojudu polled 67,747

running on the ACN platform to beat Ayo Fayose, then Labour Party (LP)

candidate and former Ekiti State Governor to a distant third with 29,773

votes. This is the only political dent that Fayose has to date, and

which has kept him shut from boasting that he is unbeatable in Ekiti

politics.

Integrity: Ojudu is straightforward and has come to challenge the

assumption that an honest politician is one of those oxymoron that

people don’t dare fantasize about. Alongside the first two traits, he

displays a high sense of integrity, which may have been his source of

boldness. One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to

be compromised. With integrity, Ojudu has not and cannot be compromised.

He has nothing to fear, and he has nothing to hide. His character reads

like an open book. Like Bob Marley once observed, the greatness of a man

is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his

ability to affect those around him positively.

The Ado Factor: If indeed tyranny of the majority counts as an inherent

weakness of direct democracy and majority rule in which the majority of

an electorate can and does place its own interests above, and at the

expense of, those in the minority, then one would need to take the

voting demography of Ekiti, with the domination of Ado Ekiti, serious as

the state approaches the next governorship election.

More than 60 people are jostling for the Ekiti governorship seat just in

all the political parties fielding candidates. 33 of them are vying for

the single slot within the APC. Yet among all of them, only Senator

Babafemi Ojudu is contesting from Ado Ekiti, the one-town local

government area and state capital, with the highest voting capacity of

180,000. Ikere, which comes next to Ado with 55,000 voting capacity, has

the highest number of aspirants for the coveted seat, including Fayose’s

deputy and surrogate, Professor Kolapo Olusola Eleka of PDP. Segun Oni

is from Ifaki in Ijero Local Government and he has other aspirants to

contest with from his LGA. Fayemi, who is from Oye Local Government will

be slugging it out with no fewer than five other aspirants from his

local government. So are all others, except Ojudu who is standing as the

lone runner from Ado Ekiti. This cannot be explained off as a mere

coincidence, but as a deliberate attempt by the people of Ado to pack

their political strength behind their courageous son, thus may have

discouraged any other indigene from pitting against Ojudu.

Apart from these factors that may count in the build up to the 14 July

governorship election in Ekiti State, Senator Babafemi Ojudu also has

some character traits that should be taken into consideration in

determining who the governorship cap fits. They include honesty,

intelligence, good instincts, diplomacy, loyalty, passion, team spirit,

listening skills and empathy.

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Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Taofik Afolabi

The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.

Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.

The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.

Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.

In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.

celebrity radar - gossips

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.

From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.

Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);

Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);

Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;

Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;

Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.

Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.

The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.

” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.

To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.

Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.

The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.

The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’

Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.

” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.

The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.

Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.

” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.

celebrity radar - gossips

Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta

Published

3 days ago

March 29, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta

The ancient city of Abeokuta came alive in a grand display of culture, history, and unity as dignitaries from across Nigeria converged at the iconic Ake Palace Ground for the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival, an annual celebration deeply rooted in the Egba people’s heritage.

The event, proudly supported by Adron Homes and Properties Limited, witnessed an impressive parade of distinguished personalities, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, and cultural enthusiasts, all captured in vibrant pictures that tell the story of a people united by history and pride.

From richly adorned monarchs in regal attire to elegantly dressed guests reflecting the depth of Yoruba tradition, the images from the festival encapsulate moments of honour, reverence, and celebration. Each photograph portrays not just faces, but influence, leaders, and stakeholders who continue to shape cultural preservation and community development.

At the heart of the celebration was the revered Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, whose presence underscored the festival’s significance as a symbol of Egba resilience and identity. Surrounding him were eminent dignitaries whose attendance further amplified the prestige of the event.

Adron Homes and Properties Limited stood out prominently, not only as a sponsor but as a key driver of cultural sustainability. Through its strategic support, the company reinforced its commitment to preserving indigenous heritage while fostering community engagement. The brand’s visibility across the venue and within the pictorial highlights reflects a deliberate alignment with culture, tradition, and people-centered development.

Beyond real estate, Adron Homes has continued to position itself as a cultural partner, investing in platforms that celebrate history and strengthen communal bonds. Its involvement in the Lisabi Festival is a testament to its broader vision of building not just homes, but legacies rooted in identity and pride.

The 39th Lisabi Festival, as captured through the lens of dignitaries in attendance, is more than an event, it is a narrative of continuity. And through its unwavering support, Adron Homes has once again set the pace, demonstrating that corporate institutions can play a vital role in sustaining the cultural heartbeat of a people.

As the echoes of drums fade and the colours of the festival linger in memory, one thing remains clear: the story told through these images is one of unity, heritage, and the enduring partnership between tradition and progress.