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‘Fela’s spirit is still alive’-Gov. Ambode says as he unveils fela’s statue

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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Sunday eulogized the virtues of late Afrobeat legend and freedom fighter, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti describing him as an enigmatic artiste who used the platform of his art to agitate for social and human rights by challenging government and people to explore development through social and economic activities that are rooted in African values.

Speaking while unveiling the Liberation Statue in honour of Fela erected at Allen Roundabout in Ikeja as part of activities marking his 79th posthumous birthday and the 20th anniversary of his demise, Governor Ambode said aside from challenging people to free their minds of all inhibitions and actualise their true potentials, the late music icon also voluntarily turned his back on a life of comfort and privilege, and took up his saxophone as a weapon to fight for the liberation of the people from neo-colonialism and bad governance.

While insisting that the spirit of Fela was still alive as a movement of social consciousness and justice against oppression, the Governor said the late legend made the world sit up and take notice of the energy of African art and music, adding that he will forever be accorded his position in the global hall of fame of artistes.

He said: “The phenomenon that the world knows as “Fela” was deeply rooted in the evolution of Lagos State. The story of music, art, entertainment and tourism in Lagos and Nigeria cannot be told without an eloquent mention of the “Abami eda”.

“On this day, October 15th, which would have been Fela’s 79th birthday, the government and people of Lagos State celebrate ‘’Fela’’ with the unveiling of this Liberation Statue. It has been 20 years since he passed on but the memories he left us with remain evergreen. Today we celebrate a man who voluntarily turned his back on a life of comfort and privilege, and took up his saxophone as a weapon to fight for the liberation of our people from neo-colonialism and bad governance.

“This “Liberation” statue is not an image of Fela but a symbol of Fela’s philosophy. This artwork was created as a form of respect and remembrance to this legend; what he stood for and fought for with his music; his mythology; struggle for freedom; fight for human dignity; social consciousness; courage and Pan-Africanism,” the Governor said.

While reiterating the continued commitment of the State Government to fully harness the potentials of entertainment, creative arts and tourism to transform the economy of the State and generate wealth and job opportunities for the people, Governor Ambode said his vision is to create a vibrant arts and culture sector that would empower young and talented population to find their own voices and impact society positively.

He said though Fela was no more, but it was gratifying that he is still alive in his music and in the music of Femi, Seun and other artistes who have followed his style of music, assuring that the unveiled statue would be the first of many to celebrate the Afrobeat icon.

Responding on behalf of the family, Fela’s daughter and social commentator, Yeni Kuti commended Governor Ambode and the artist for coming up with such a monument to recognize and honour their father in a big way, saying that it was a good representation of their late patriarch.

She specifically justified the design of the monument, saying it was the expression of how the artist felt about the late legend.

She said: “Before people on social media will start to say the Fela has no head or it has no hand and so on, it is art and before you abuse us, let me answer quickly. It is art. How an artist feels is how he feels because if he had put a head and the head did not look like Fela, everybody will say the head did not look like Fela so now you cannot abuse the head because it is not even there.

“The artist has said it is a spirit and when Fela was alive, he hated statues and so I think this effigy is a good representation of what Fela would have wanted because he did not like statues and that is why at the Museum you will notice that there is no statue of Fela. Everybody wants to do his statue and I have fought against it. So, this one I can accept it and so I want to thank the artist who designed it and also thank Governor Ambode for recognizing Fela in a big way.”

The visual artist who designed the effigy, Abolore Sobayo said the work was an expression of how he feels about the late Afrobeat legend, saying that it was designed to generate discussion about the emancipation of the people.

While justifying the fact that the art work had no head, Sobayo said the design came out of extensive research on what Fela represented through his music, and how to use same to correct some of the things he complained about years ago that are still happening.

“For me as an artist, art transcends beyond beauty or aesthetics. For me, art should generate discuss; art should ask question and art should provoke our thoughts. For me, the creation of the Liberation Statue is to represent the essence of Fela by using his costume.

“For me, I believe that this should serve as a conscious to our subconscious that twenty years after Fela’s demise, most of the things he talked about are still happening. For me, this work should come to us not just as a beautiful work, but it should come to us as something that will ginger us to look at the positivity in our lives; positivity in the values of his music; for us to start to emancipate our people positively. Going forward, I have been able to use symbolism as a medium to represent Fela through his costume and to represent his essence,” Sobayo said.

The event was attended by notable members of late Fela’s family including Yemi Ransome-Kuti (Head of family), Seun Kuti, Kunle Kuti, Yeni Kuti, Motunrayo Kuti, Dotun Olukoye Ransome-Kuti, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana; veteran Nollywood actor, Pa Olu Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva; Fela’s first manager, Chief Benson Idonije, among others.

Governor Ambode was also at the Kalakuta Museum on Gbemisola Street, Ikeja where he was received by Afrobeat star and Fela’s son, Femi Kuti, among other family and devotees of the late music icon.

He later hosted a Special Lagos Jump to formally round off Felabration 2017 at the New Afrika Shrine, thereby becoming the first Governor in his official capacity to visit the shrine to end the show.

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Ajadi Visits Ilaji Resort, Commends Sanusi’s Vision for Oyo’s Economic Growth

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Ajadi Visits Ilaji Resort, Commends Sanusi’s Vision for Oyo’s Economic Growth

The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has lauded the transformative impact of private-sector investment on the state’s economy, following a courtesy visit to Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort in Akanran, Ibadan.

Ajadi, who was warmly received on Sunday by the resort’s founder, Chief Dr Dotun Sanusi, described the facility as a symbol of what visionary leadership and indigenous enterprise can achieve in driving rural development, job creation, and tourism growth.

Speaking during the visit, Ajadi commended Sanusi’s commitment to Oyo State’s economic advancement, noting that Ilaji Resort stands as a model for sustainable development outside urban centres.

“What I have seen here today is not just a business venture, but a bold statement of belief in Oyo State’s potential,” Ajadi said. “Chief Sanusi has demonstrated that with vision, dedication, and strategic investment, we can transform our rural communities into thriving economic hubs. This aligns perfectly with my agenda to expand opportunities, empower our people, and sustain development across the state.”
[4/13, 6:34 PM] johnsonakinpelu: The PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised that his governorship ambition is rooted in supporting initiatives that promote local enterprise, tourism, and youth employment, adding that partnerships between government and private investors would be a priority if elected.

In his remarks, Sanusi, popularly known as Ilaji, expressed delight at hosting Ajadi and his entourage, describing the visit as encouraging for investors in the state.

“I am honoured to receive Ambassador Ajadi here at Ilaji Resort,” Sanusi said. “This project was born out of a desire to give back to society, create jobs for our youths, and showcase the rich cultural and tourism potential of Oyo State. When leaders recognise and support such efforts, it strengthens our resolve to do more.”

Sanusi further stressed the importance of continuity in governance and policies that encourage investment, noting that consistent support from government actors is crucial for long-term economic growth.

The visit also attracted notable political stakeholders, including the former Ona-Ara Local Government Chairman, Hon. Taiwo Oke, Hon. Bass Oloko, and Ajadi’s personal assistant, Kilamuwaye Badmus, among others.

Observers at the event described the meeting as a convergence of political leadership and entrepreneurial vision, highlighting the growing importance of collaboration in addressing developmental challenges in Oyo State.

Analysts see Ajadi’s visit to Ilaji Resort as part of his broader engagement with key stakeholders across sectors, as he continues to build momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

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FOPCHEN Calls for Dialogue as Court Fixes May 28 for Continuation

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FOPCHEN Calls for Dialogue as Court Fixes May 28 for Continuation

OTA, OGUN STATE — Proceedings in a widely followed legal case resumed on March 24, 2026, at the High Court of Ogun State, Ota Division, ending with a fresh adjournment as the court fixed May 28, 2026, for continuation.

During the session, legal representatives for all parties restated their positions and addressed preliminary matters, laying the groundwork for more substantive arguments at the next hearing. Observers noted that the case continues to attract significant public attention due to its perceived implications for law, culture, and societal values.

The Foundation for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Nigeria (FOPCHEN) used the occasion to reiterate its call for constructive national dialogue. The group emphasized that while the judicial process must be respected, broader societal engagement remains essential.

 

According to the organization, issues relating to values, responsibility, and cultural identity should not be confined solely to courtroom deliberations but should involve active participation from various sectors of society.
Legal analysts present at the proceedings described the matter as one with far-reaching implications, noting that arguments advanced in court could shape future interpretations surrounding sensitive cultural and moral questions.

 

The presiding judge subsequently adjourned the case to May 28, granting all parties time to refine their submissions and respond to issues raised during the hearing.

 

As anticipation builds ahead of the next court date, Nigerians across different sectors continue to monitor developments closely, keen to see how the judiciary navigates the delicate balance between constitutional rights and cultural expectations.

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CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023 

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CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023

By: Boye Ola 

 

The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has called on political actors and interest groups to desist from what it described as needless witch-hunting of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, following renewed controversies surrounding his National Youth Service Corps records.

 

The organisation noted that the clarification by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) regarding the matter is not a recent development, as a formal verification letter had already been issued as far back as May 23, 2023.

 

 

The letter, referenced NYSC/CCD/VER/10/5.1/VOL1/02, had already addressed and cleared the questions surrounding the Deputy Speaker’s NYSC records.

Reacting to the renewed debate, the spokesman of the Centre,

 

Obande George, said it was troubling that issues which had already been clarified by a competent national institution were being resurrected for political purposes.

According to him, the time has come for political actors to move away from destructive engagements and concentrate on building the nation.

 

“It is important to note that the NYSC had already issued a verification letter dated May 23, 2023 addressing the matter.

Reopening issues that have already been clarified by a competent authority suggests that some individuals are more interested in political witch-hunting than in national progress,” George said.

 

The CRG stressed that democracy thrives when institutions are respected and their determinations are accepted in good faith rather than constantly questioned for political advantage.

George also commended the Deputy Speaker for demonstrating maturity and composure throughout the controversy, despite what he described as sustained provocations.

 

“Honourable Benjamin Kalu has shown remarkable calm and maturity in the face of intense public scrutiny and political provocation.

 

Instead of engaging in unnecessary public confrontation, he allowed institutions to speak through their records.”

 

The Centre warned that Nigeria’s political culture must evolve beyond constant character attacks and sensational allegations, which often distract public officials from their responsibilities.

 

According to the organisation, the country’s development requires constructive engagement among political actors rather than continuous attempts to discredit opponents.

 

“Nigeria cannot move forward if political energy is constantly spent on digging up allegations and amplifying rumours. Our leaders and political actors must redirect their focus to governance, policy and nation building.”

 

CRG therefore urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from credible institutions and avoid spreading speculative claims that could damage reputations or destabilise public discourse.

 

The organisation reiterated that respect for due process and institutional integrity remains essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

 

@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6

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