society

From Service To Stage : AskariFuji Transition From Policing To Fuji Music

Published

2 months ago

March 26, 2026

Sahara Weekly

From Service To Stage : AskariFuji Transition From Policing To Fuji Music

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

In a moment that blends discipline with artistry, duty with passion, DSP Ishola Adeyinka—popularly known as AskariFuji 1—is stepping into a new chapter of his life. After 35 years of meritorious service in the Nigeria Police Force, the respected officer is preparing to retire and fully embrace a path he has long walked in parallel: Fuji music.

What makes this transition remarkable is not just the career shift, but the legacy behind it.

*A Dual Identity Built Over Decades*

For years, DSP Ishola Adeyinka balanced two demanding worlds—law enforcement and live music performance. Within the police force, he built a career spanning over three decades, beginning with the April 1st, 1991 Police College Ikeja intake. His retirement ceremony, scheduled for April 11, 2026, marks the culmination of a distinguished service record defined by discipline, structure, and commitment.

Outside the uniform, however, he cultivated a unique presence in Nigeria’s cultural scene. Known by his stage identity AskariFuji 1, Adeyinka carved out a niche that few—if any—have occupied before him.

According to announcements made during his recent live performance event at The City Pulse Lounge in Ikeja, he is recognized as:

1. The first police officer to actively perform Fuji music

2. The first Mogaji (a respected traditional title holder) from Ibadan to engage in Fuji music professionally

This rare combination of roles places him at an intersection of authority, tradition, and entertainment—an identity that has defined his journey so far.

*The Announcement That Set the Tone*

At the “Itunu-Awe Dance Carnival,” held on Friday, March 20 at The City Pulse Lounge, Adeyinka delivered more than just a musical performance. The event, which ran from 6 PM till late, doubled as a major announcement platform.

In front of an audience gathered for what was expected to be a standard live Fuji outing, it was revealed that upon his official retirement, he would be dedicating himself to music full-time.

The moment carried symbolic weight. For attendees, it wasn’t just another show—it was the closing chapter of one identity and the opening of another.

Notably, the event also drew a strong presence from industry stakeholders and cultural figures, underscoring the significance of the moment. Among those in attendance were Elder Fancy Ayealamu, Eluku at 40, Dare Zaka, Mogaji Ola Mohammed (Islander), Mayor Tunde Damendra (Governor, Lagos State FUMAN), Alhaja Sidiqut Sidi Ilorin, Olabisi Orente of LTV 8, Ojonson (State Provost, FUMAN), Oju Aje (Zonal Chairman, Ikeja FUMAN), and Sodikoko, whose presence added further credibility and visibility to the announcement.

*Breaking Ground in Fuji Culture*

Fuji music, deeply rooted in Yoruba culture, has long been associated with grassroots storytelling, rhythm, and community expression. It is a genre that thrives on authenticity, respect, and lineage.

Adeyinka’s journey into Fuji stands out not only because of his background in law enforcement, but also because of his traditional title as a Mogaji in Ibadan—a role that carries cultural authority and familial leadership.

Bridging these worlds is no small feat.

By stepping into Fuji as both a police officer and a titled figure, he has challenged conventional boundaries around who participates in the genre and how identity shapes artistic expression.

*Retirement, But Not a Slowdown*

The upcoming retirement ceremony, set to take place at the Police College Ikeja, is expected to be both formal and celebratory. With fellow officers, colleagues, and associates gathering to honor 35 years of service, the event also signals the beginning of a new, more public-facing chapter.

Notably, Adeyinka is also billed to perform at the ceremony—an intentional overlap of his past and future.

Rather than slowing down, retirement appears to be a pivot.

*What This Means Going Forward*

Transitions like this are rare, especially within institutions like the police force, where careers are often defined by structure and continuity. Adeyinka’s decision to fully embrace music suggests a broader narrative about identity—one that allows room for reinvention, even after decades in a rigid system.

For the Fuji music scene, his full-time entry could introduce a different kind of storytelling—one shaped by years of service, discipline, and lived experience from within one of Nigeria’s most structured institutions.

It also raises interesting questions:

1. How will audiences receive him now that music is no longer a side pursuit?

2. Will his background influence the themes and tone of his music moving forward?

3. Can his journey inspire others in structured careers to explore creative paths more boldly?

*A Story Still Unfolding*

DSP Ishola Adeyinka’s story is far from over—it’s simply evolving.

From the barracks to the bandstand, from uniform to stage presence, his journey represents a rare blend of service and self-expression. As April 11 approaches, one thing is clear: this is not an ending, but a carefully timed transition into a space he has long been part of, now ready to fully own.

And if his past is anything to go by, he won’t just participate—he’ll leave a mark.

society

FOPCHEN Seeks Wider Engagement As Court Defers Hearing

Published

15 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Sahara Weekly

COURT ADJOURNS AGAIN AS FOPCHEN REITERATES CALL FOR MORAL REBIRTH IN SOCIETY

FOPCHEN Seeks Wider Engagement As Court Defers Hearing

OTA, OGUN STATE — The High Court of Ogun State, Ota Division, on Thursday resumed hearing in the ongoing matter involving cultural and societal concerns, before adjourning proceedings till Thursday, July 2, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

At the resumed sitting on May 28, 2026, counsel representing the various parties revisited key issues in the case and made further submissions before the court.

The matter, which has continued to generate public interest across different sectors, again drew attention from legal observers and stakeholders who described the case as one with significant implications for societal values, cultural identity and constitutional interpretation.

Speaking after the proceedings, the Foundation for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Nigeria, popularly known as FOPCHEN, renewed its appeal for dialogue and constructive engagement among Nigerians, stressing that sensitive cultural and moral issues should not be left entirely within the confines of the courtroom.

According to the group, broader conversations involving traditional institutions, civil society organisations, religious leaders and policy stakeholders remain necessary in addressing issues relating to national values and social responsibility.

Legal analysts at the court premises noted that arguments being canvassed by parties in the suit could shape future legal interpretations surrounding cultural and moral questions in the country.

Following submissions by counsel, the presiding judge adjourned the matter till Thursday, July 2, 2026, to enable parties further prepare and respond to issues raised during the hearing.

The development has continued to spark reactions among observers, with many Nigerians closely monitoring the proceedings ahead of the next hearing date.

society

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

Published

3 days ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

US-Based Society Lady, Fehintola-Brat Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings To Muslims

United States based fahionista of class, Chief (Mrs) Ayoola Fehintola-Brat has extended a warm greetings to Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Fehintola-Brat who is the Balogun Egbe Obaneye Obinrin Akile Ijebu, and the Yeye Asofin of Idenaland in her message to Journalists urged Muslim to continually uphold the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and compassion, which are central to the significance of Eid-El-Kabir festival.

A quiet philantropist whose humanitarian services has won her several laurels urged Muslims to use the spiritual occasion to pray for the peace co-existence of Nigerians regardless of religious, social and political leanings stressing that the oneness of the country should not be underplay.

In a related development, she expressed her felicitations to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland on the forthcoming Ojude Oba 2026 celebration, tasking age-groups otherwise known as Regbregbe to be more proactive in giving back to their immediate communities.

According to her, the beauty of the age-groups in Ijebuland is the need to contribute immensely to the development of the land in no small means. “This we will continue to achieve with God on our side”, she concluded.

society

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

Published

3 days ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Sallah: Obasa Felicitates Muslim Ummah, Commends Nigerians for APC Primaries Turnout

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Lagos State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the festival as a season of sacrifice, reflection, and gratitude, urging the faithful to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, and love that strengthen the nation.

He noted that the celebration of Eid al-Adha is not only a spiritual milestone but also a reminder of the importance of togetherness and collective responsibility in building a stronger society.

He, likewise, emphasized that the festival provides an opportunity for Nigerians to renew their commitment to national progress and to support leadership that prioritizes development and prosperity.

Obasa, however, commended Nigerians, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for their massive turnout during the recently concluded party primaries. He described the participation as a clear demonstration of the people’s confidence in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and their belief in the administration’s vision for a greater Nigeria.

“The APC primaries have shown the resilience of our democracy and the confidence Nigerians have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a strong message that our people are ready to continue supporting policies that will drive growth and prosperity,” Obasa stated.

The Speaker further encouraged Muslims to celebrate responsibly, stressing that the joy of Eid should be accompanied by prayers for the continued peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“As you celebrate with family and loved ones, may this season bring joy, peace, and prosperity to your homes. Let us remain united in our resolve to build a stronger nation,” he added.

On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa wished all Muslims a happy and fulfilling Eid al-Adha celebration.