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In Defense of Chief Obasanjo By Rev Dr John Adebayo Abolarin

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In Defense of Chief Obasanjo By Rev Dr John Adebayo Abolarin

In Defense of Chief Obasanjo By Rev Dr John Adebayo Abolarin

 

 

 

In my opinion, l cannot see why Chief Obasanjo would publicly berate twenty or more prominent Yoruba Obas just because one Oba or a few Obas offended him in the past.

 

 

 

 

 

The first video clip about the memorable encounter Chief Obasanjo had with the Oyo State traditional rulers, which first went viral yesterday lasted only for about 30 seconds.

 

 

 

 

 

The video clip only gave us the picture of the point when Chief Obasanjo ordered the Obas to stand up, but not more than that.

 

In Defense of Chief Obasanjo By Rev Dr John Adebayo Abolarin

 

 

 

Much later, however, a longer version of the same video clip came out. The later video added context to what happened during the occasion.

 

 

 

 

Except if anyone wants to read meanings to the video other than what ordinarily meets the eye, the incident happened spontaneously, at the spur of the moment.

 

 

 

 

 

It was not a preplanned matter at all. How would Chief Obasanjo have known that Governor Makinde would come into an event and the Obas in attendance would remain seated in breach of protocol?

 

 

 

 

 

The event planners duly arranged the seating order and timing of entrance of distinguished guests.

 

 

 

 

The normal arrangement is that the most senior attendee should be the one to come in last.

 

 

 

 

 

On that occasion, Governor Makinde was the Chief guest. He came into the event venue after their Royal Majesties were already seated.

 

 

 

 

 

The Governor may be a “Small boy” in relative terms and when compared with the other older temporal leaders on that occasion, it is a good practice and a matter of protocol for the Obas to rise to welcome the Governor.

 

 

 

 

If it was the other way round so that the Governor was seated before the arrival of a traditional ruler, naturally, the Governor would not have hesitated to honor a traditional ruler by standing up to welcome him.

 

 

 

 

 

It is not a matter of flexing muscle to show who has more power or authority, it is a matter of reciprocated honor.

 

 

 

 

 

It does not matter who the Governor is, whether an old man or a young boy, he is the boss and should be respected.

 

 

 

 

 

We may not like it, in which case we can change the constitution to reflect our wishes, but until then, the Governor has the power to hire and fire, including the removal of a King regardless of his status.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sanusi the Emir of Kano was removed, heaven did not fall. This is not an argument about whether or not it was right to remove the formal Emir, but just to demonstrate that a Governor has a formal authority to do so.

 

 

 

 

 

Although the approach adopted by Chief Obasanjo may be seen as offensive, he was the most able personality to correct the wrong on that occasion.

 

 

 

 

While most people believed that the Obas were humiliated, the truth is that the person who was humiliated on that occasion was the Governor.

 

 

 

 

When we saw the earlier version of the video clip yesterday, what most of us thought was that Chief Obasanjo chastised the Obas because they failed to honor him as a former Nigeria President for their failure to rise to their feet when he came in, but that was not the case.

 

 

 

 

Chief Obasanjo was not fighting for himself but defended the young political ruler, Governor Makinde of Oyo State.

 

 

 

 

If not Chief Obasanjo, there was probably no other person bold, courageous, and competent enough to correct the wrong inflicted on Governor Makinde on that occasion.

 

 

 

 

 

Therefore, given all the circumstances of the case, l hope the public will find a place in their hearts to forgive Chief Obasanjo for the approach he adopted in correcting the error in the house. On the other hand, we should see beyond that error and commend Chief Obasanjo for his boldness in righting a wrong.

Rev Dr John Adebayo Abolarin

16/09/2023

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#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

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#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained a court order to remand controversial social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.

VDM was dramatically arrested last Friday outside a bank in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of EFCC operatives, Department of State Services (DSS) officers, and the Nigeria Police Force. Eyewitnesses say the activist was apprehended moments after leaving the bank, sparking immediate online outrage.

The arrest has ignited a social media firestorm, with the hashtag #FreeVDM dominating trends across platforms throughout the weekend. Many critics argue that the arrest is yet another attempt by authorities to intimidate dissenting voices online.

“The remand order was granted to allow us to complete our investigation and finalize the charges,” a senior EFCC official told reporters, noting that charges would be filed under the Cybercrimes Act once investigations are complete.

Sources familiar with the case say the EFCC is building a case focused on alleged violations involving online financial misconduct, which fall under the commission’s purview.

As of Monday morning, VDM remains in EFCC custody, with his legal team led by rights activist Deji Adeyanju confirming efforts to gain access to him and prepare a legal response.

“We are seeking to visit our client and are reviewing the legal implications of his arrest,” Adeyanju said in a statement.

Despite the mounting public interest and widespread speculation, the EFCC has yet to release an official statement detailing the arrest or outlining the specific charges VDM may face.

The arrest of VeryDarkMan adds to growing concerns over press freedom and digital expression in Nigeria, where several social media commentators have recently faced legal action for controversial posts.

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David Abioye Begins New Chapter with Launch of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly

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David Abioye Begins New Chapter with Launch of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly

David Abioye Launches New Church, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Amid Jubilant Crowd

Former Vice President and retired pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Abioye, has officially inaugurated his new ministry, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, marking a new chapter in his over four-decade-long spiritual journey.

The launch took place today, Sunday, May 4, 2025, during the ministry’s first Sunday service, which saw a massive turnout of enthusiastic worshippers. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as congregants gathered to witness what Abioye described as the “manifestation of God’s eternal purpose.”

In a passionate address during the inaugural service, Abioye emphasized that the establishment of the new church was not the result of public opinion or personal ambition, but a divine assignment birthed from deep spiritual conviction.

“May I make it very clear that the inauguration of this assembly is not in response to demands of people to start a church,” Abioye declared. “But by the emergence of God’s eternal purpose, ordained from the foundation of the word, which is just coming to light at His own time.”

The renowned cleric explained that the Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly is founded on divine direction and is dedicated to the spiritual development, edification, and victory of believers worldwide.

Clarifying his role in the new ministry, Abioye stated that he does not view himself as someone attempting to fulfill the entire Great Commission alone, but rather as a messenger raised for a specific divine assignment within God’s broader agenda.

“In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, for the spiritual development, edification, and triumph of the saints globally… this assembly is hereby inaugurated,” he declared, drawing a resounding “Amen” from the congregation.

The launch follows Abioye’s retirement from Living Faith Church in October 2024, alongside Pastor Thomas Aremu, after the church implemented a policy setting a mandatory retirement age for senior leaders. Abioye bowed out of active service at the age of 63, concluding a distinguished ministry career under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo.

As the curtain lifts on this new ministry, many see it not as a departure from Abioye’s legacy, but as a continuation of his divine calling—this time under a new banner with a global vision.

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

A spiritual wave is set to sweep across Dallas this October as the Outpouring Healing & Miracle Conference 2025 returns with greater power, purpose, and partnership. Hosted by Freedom for All Nations Outreach (FANO) of South Africa in collaboration with Power Haven Church (PHC) of Dallas, Texas, the two-day event is scheduled for October 3rd and 4th at 7 PM (CST) — with the venue to be announced soon.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers
Led by international minister Dr. Samuel Akinbodunse from South Africa , the conference promises an electrifying atmosphere of worship, healing, prophecy, and divine encounters. With an expected turnout of thousands, the organizers are making a call for volunteers to help support this mega-faith gathering.
The volunteer drive is open for various departments including:
Ushering
Protocol
Car Guard
Security
Music Ministry
Sound Engineering
Publicity
Logistics
Registration & Administration
Service Managers
Coordinators
Health Team
Welfare/Children Care
Transportation
Hospitality
Those willing to serve are encouraged to scan the QR code on the official event flyer to register and join the workforce powering this divine mission.
“This is more than just a conference — it’s a divine appointment,” said Dr. Akinbodunse. “We’re preparing a space where heaven meets earth, and every helping hand makes a difference.”
With a theme centered on healing and miracles, Outpouring 2025 is not only a spiritual highlight on the calendar, but also a unifying force drawing believers from across nations.
Stay tuned for the venue announcement and get ready to witness a powerful move of God in Dallas this October.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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