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KIDNAPPING FINALLY CAME HOME

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KIDNAPPING FINALLY CAME HOME

….And with horror

KIDNAPPING FINALLY CAME HOME

 

A few days ago, I was engrossed in a heated argument with a friend who will , in a matter of weeks, be relocating to the UK. Of course he is just one of the families I know who have concluded plans to leave. Many of my friends have since left with their entire families having given up on their fatherland.

The argument had centred around my friend’s determination to sell his house and never to return to Nigeria for any reason in the future, kind of burning the bridges behind him. I argued that North or South, East or West, there will never be any place like home. Home ? He insisted home didn’t have to be your home town, state of origin or country. Then I remembered my late mother always saying IBI TOKAN ENI BA TI BALE NILE ENI – Home is that place where you’re at peace and your mind is at rest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I drove back home from my friend’s house I began to ask myself whether my friend was not right after all. I was not home yet, when my friend put a call through to me and ,as if starting the argument all over, asked me, “look what will I miss in Nigeria when I leave ? Is it the bad roads I ply everyday that has made me addicted to analgesic, is it the consulting clinics that you call hospitals, or your universities that you have shot for six months or the insecurity that could not make you travel to Oro in Kwara state to attend a friend’s father’s funeral a few weeks ago because of the fear of being kidnapped ?” And then he nailed it. ” And you keep talking of hope for Nigeria, where is that hope with the type of politicians whose only agenda is to steal, kill and destroy our future and that of our children”. All efforts to persuade him that Nigeria will come out of the present state of hopelessness, as he had painted it, fell on deaf ears. I gave up and hung up.

Minutes later, another friend called and asked what we “were doing about the menace of kidnappers in Ogbomoso, our home town”. He was calling from the US. I assured him the situation was under control, especially with the recent arrest of the suspected kidnappers of the Farm manager of the former governor of Oyo State, late Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala. I told my friend that ” ogun Fulani o le ko Ogbomoso lailai”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was wrong. The following morning ,I got a call from a classmate of mine. He went straight to the point. “Gbenga Owolabi, our secondary school colleague and your kinsman has been kidnapped and we need to raise five million naira in ransome to free him.”

Now Gbenga Owolabi , was the man who had laboured in foreign land and made good in life. He thought of contributing to the development of his place of origin and came home to invest in it. He had a hotel, built to standard among other investments that provided employment opportunities for our youths in Ogbomoso. He was kidnapped on arrival from the US. I mean the very day he arrived in Ogbomoso. He was kidnapped along with a final year student of LAUTECH who wanted to keep herself meaningfully busy for the duration of the ASUU strike in the institution and took up a part time job in Gbenga’s hotel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raising the five million naira ransome was not difficult to save the lives of these two patriots. Sadly, they were killed by their kidnappers along with the bike man that took the ransome to them . The man who was sent to deliver the ransome escaped with bullet wounds and we can only pray he survives to tell us what transpired.

Gbenga was a jolly good fellow. Humble and urbane. His friends and close associates testify to his generosity. We only communicated once in a while on Facebook as we were not really close in our days in secondary school but from all I have heard of him , Gbenga was a nice guy. He had an emotional attachment to his roots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My prayers go to his wife and children. I checked his Facebook page yesterday to look at his face over and over. His timeline was filled with prayers by his wife in the hope that he would return to her and the children in due course. And then she finally submitted – THE RUBICON IS 💔 BROKEN. Indeed, for Gbenga, the Robicon is finally broken – with family, friends , Ogbomoso and Nigeria. And the world at large.

May the soul of the departed find rest in the bosom of their Creator. May the Lord heal our land.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let Mr Mohammadu Buhari know that this generation of Nigerians have a choice. They cannot remain here and salvage what he and other politicians have destroyed. For those who want to japa, I wish them well. For those who have japaed and don’t want to come, stay where you have peace and your mind is at rest. And for those who wish to help to salvage the ruins , may the Lord help us. This ,definitely, isn’t the Nigeria of my dream.

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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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