society

JK Randle Museum in the hands of a caveman By Duke of Shomolu

Published

1 year ago

January 10, 2025

Sahara Weekly

JK Randle Museum in the hands of a caveman

By Duke of Shomolu

I have just watched a video where somebody resisted the Hon. Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism at the JK Randle Museum.

While the matter is still unfolding, let me quickly say something.

The JK Randle Museum located at the Onikan intersection of Lagos Island has been announced by international media as one of the must see places to be visited in the world for 2025.

It was built by renowned architects on behalf of the Lagos State Government and has within its bowels some very rare and priceless artefacts.

At its opening, I went and walked around the edifice and marvelled at its beautiful ambience.

But even at that, I was quite worried as to the capacity and qualifications of the man that was said to have been appointed by the State Government to run the place.

His antecedents didn’t give me any confidence that he understands what was expected of him, viz this historic assignment.

The carnage he fostered at the historic Glover Hall at Tinubu Square was still fresh in our minds.

So seeing him prance in his kembe that night looking lost within the giant edifice only served to heighten my apprehensions.

Today, my worst fears have crystalized.

I have learnt that on a working visit to the monument by the hardworking Commissioner Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, it was discovered that this person had sublet a portion of the edifice to his wife to run a canteen.

I have seen pictures of mundane items like deep freezers, pots and pans and other such paraphernalia used in such bukas littering the multi-billion naira edifice.

I have also learnt that this person had also sublet other parts of the edifice for fees which he has collected privately.

Sadly, he is a non state actor but a mere appointee, appointed to oversee the edifice on behalf of the Government and by extension the people of Lagos State, but turned around to convert significant portions of the structure into a money making venture for himself.

That space was initially offered an international QSR for $150,000 but I learnt that this person sublets government property at N600, 000 without recourse to authority and with the funds not going anywhere near Alausa.

During the said inspection, the Honourable Commissioner discovered these anomalies and decided to take action which was resisted very boldly as could be seen in the videos that have gone viral.

The wrong narrative has been spurned by those who understand how to spin self-serving narratives and the actual happenings may have been blurred, thereby giving the public an opaque view of what transpired.

I have seen more robust images, pictures and have received official explanations on what transpired and I must say that I remain in shock as to the audacity of this young man.

He not only was said to have resisted authority but has been alleged to have involved non state actors who now assaulted Government officials who were in the process of carrying out their legitimate duties.

I have learnt that an investigation into the matter is ongoing with a view to getting to the bottom of the matter

But let me say something while we await that report.

The Lagos State Government cannot run away from blame on this matter.

The JK Randle Museum is a multi-billion naira centre dedicated to the curating and studying of the Yoruba culture amongst others.

I know for a fact that it is a highly driven edifice with the best of technology deployed to ensure that it justifies its rating as a global centre of excellence, almost at par with the British Museum.

It has in its collections some of the rarest artefacts worth millions of naira. Artefacts that cannot be trifled with.

Now appointing this kind of person out of a sea of well qualified people beats my imagination.

It is no wonder that the Centre did not play any significant role in the last visitations, festivities where it was reported that over one million tourists entered Lagos.

One cannot be surprised when the Centre Director was busy running his wife’s canteen instead of positioning the Museum as a main destination for visitation during the festivities.

This is a wake up call for the Lagos State Government to take this establishment with the seriousness it deserves by getting well tested hands to run the place instead of this caveman who seems not to even know his left from his right.

If the Government in themselves are confused as to what to do with it, then it can hand it over to an international body who could run it on their behalf along with globally accepted standards.

The JK Randle Museum has the full potential of turning into an international hub as we continue to see interest from as far afield as Cuba, Brazil and other Caribbean centres on the Museum.

It’s not too late to kick this caveman out, he can go run his canteen at Ebute Ero while we salvage what is left of this beautiful ode to our collective heritage.
Come and beat me

–The Duke of Shomolu writes from Lagos

society

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

Published

4 days ago

June 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

7 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

7 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.