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Minister Ocholi,Wife And Son Died In Auto Crash

Published

10 years ago

March 7, 2016

Yesterday, March 6, 2016, minister of state for Labour and Employment Mr. James Ocholi, wife and son died in an accident that occurs on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway. The incident occurred when the car they were travelling in had a burst tyre, skidded off the road and somersaulted into the bush near Rijana village.

Witnesses said the minister and his son died on the spot while his wife died of her injuries in Doka Hospital where she was taken to for immediate medical attention.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and sadness at the death of the minister saying the government had lost a key component of the change agenda.

Also, the governor of Kogi State (Ocholi’s home state), Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello yesterday declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the minister while his party, the APC, said in a statement that it was in shock.

News of Ocholi’s death got to Kaduna through many travellers who came across the accident on their way to the state capital.

The police public relations officer in Kaduna, DSP Zubairu Abubakar said the Lexus Jeep that the minister was travelling in had a burst tyre and the car somersaulted, veering off the road in top speed and killing both the minster and his son on the spot.

He said the wife and others who were in critical condition after the accident were taken to the hospital at Doka but that the wife later died.

Kaduna State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Francis Udoma, also state that “The driver, the chief detail, the orderly and the P.A (Personal Assistant) were injured.”

President Buhari in his condolence message expressed shock and sadness at the death of Barrister James Ocholi.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said in a statement last night that Buhari described Ocholi’s death as untimely.

The presidential spokesman said Buhari regretted that Nigeria had lost a key component of the change agenda.

“Barrister Ocholi was an accomplished and patriotic Nigerian, who was keen to accept the call to service at a time his country needed him”, the president was quoted as saying.

Buhari said in the few months he had been in office, the late minister had begun to distinguish himself through his commitment and dedication to his portfolio.

The presidential aide said the late Ocholi had a long record of political association with President Buhari.

Shehu said President Buhari also condoled with the government and people of Kogi State for “having lost a distinguished and irreplaceable son”.

He said the president prayed that God comfort the bereaved and grant them the grace to bear the loss.

“The entire country mourns the loss of this great man who has sadly left us when we need him most”, the president said.

Shehu said Buhari had also sent the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, “to formally convey the news to members of the deceased family as well as parishioners in his place of worship.”

Ocholi was a long time ally of President Buhari. He contested the Kogi governorship election in 2011 under the platform of the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC).

He was a member of the 17-man committee appointed by CPC that represented the party in the proposed merger of major opposition parties that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Before his appointment as Minister of State for Labour and Employment late last year, he also served as deputy national legal adviser of APC.

Barrister Ocholi hailed from Ogbagede-Abocho in Dekina LGA of Kogi State.

Kogi govt declares three-day mourning
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has declared three day mourning for the late minister. The three day mourning is to hold between today (Monday) and Wednesday.

The governor in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Abdulmalik Abdulkarim, described the late Ocholi as a ‘pragmatic, dynamic, humane and brilliant law officer, who was known around the world.’

He said the late minister was one of the most unswerving constitutional lawyers Nigeria has ever produced.

Bello recalled how the late Senior Advocate of Nigeria joined other progressive minded individuals around the country to build the pillars of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He further stated that the late minister was a detribalized Nigerian who believed in the oneness of the nation, summing up his death as an irreparable loss to Kogi State and the Nation at large.

The governor condoled with members of his family over the loss of late Ocholi and prayed for repose of the soul.

A close family friend, Attai Uwodi, described the incident as shocking and devastating.

He said the incident had left them speechless and in utter disbelief, adding that they had left everything to God.

The APC National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mai Mala Buni, described the death of Ocholi as a monumental loss.

In a condolence message Sunday, Buni prayed for the recovery of others involved in the accident, including the late minister’s driver who reportedly sustained serious injuries.

The APC National Secretary said the late Ocholi, who was the party’s former Deputy National Legal Adviser, would be remembered for his selfless service to the country.

While extending his condolences to the people and government of Kogi State, Buni prayed to Almighty God to grant Ocholi’s immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.

NLC president commiserates with Buhari
The president of Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Comrade Ayubba Wabba has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of the minister.

Speaking to Daily Trust on phone yesterday, Wabba described the late minister as a reliable and dependable person who used his legal background to ensure industrial peace and harmony in workplaces.

He said his death was a great loss to the present administration, labour force and Nigeria at large.

The NLC president said he had earlier called his counterpart minister, Chris Ngige who confirmed to him that Ocholi had lost his live in the accident.

“We enjoyed working with him because he added value to governance and contributed immensely in ensuring that the national health workers’ issues were amicably resolved. We will surely miss him for his commitment to the present administration’s core values. His demise has indeed created a great vacuum,” Wabba said.

Minister’s corpse deposited at National Hospital – FRSC

The FRSC said yesterday that the remains of the late Minister of State had been deposited at the morgue of the National Hospital, Abuja.

Mr Bisi Kazeem, the spokesperson of the FRSC, confirmed in Abuja that the corpse was taken to the hospital along with two other casualties.

“The minister and two other occupants died eventually, while four people were injured,” said the spokesman.

celebrity radar - gossips

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

Published

2 days ago

April 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

The management and staff of Adron Homes and Properties Limited have joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across the globe to celebrate their Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, as he marks his 51st birthday.

In a statement released by the company, the milestone was described as a celebration of an exceptional leader whose vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial brilliance have not only transformed Adron Homes into a household name in Nigeria’s real estate sector but have also redefined affordable housing across the country.

Under his dynamic leadership, Adron Homes has continued to expand its footprint, delivering value-driven residential solutions while empowering thousands of Nigerians with opportunities for home ownership. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction has remained the driving force behind the company’s sustained growth and industry leadership.

The statement further highlighted Aare EmmanuelKing’s passion for nation-building and community development, noting his significant contributions to job creation, youth empowerment, and the promotion of socio-economic development through real estate investments.

“As a leader, mentor, and visionary, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing has consistently inspired a culture of excellence, integrity, and dedication within the organization. His ability to turn bold ideas into reality continues to position Adron Homes as a trailblazer in the industry,” the statement read.

The company expressed profound gratitude for his steadfast leadership and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and sound health as he embarks on another year of impactful achievements.

As he celebrates his 51st birthday, the entire Adron Homes family proudly honours a man whose legacy continues to shape the future of real estate in Nigeria.

Happy 51st Birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing!

celebrity radar - gossips

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Published

4 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu

Taofik Afolabi

The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.

Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.

The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.

Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.

In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.

celebrity radar - gossips

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Published

5 days ago

March 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch

Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.

From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.

Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);

Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);

Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;

Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;

Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.

Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.

The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.

” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.

To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.

Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.

The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.

The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’

Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.

” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.

The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.

Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.

” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.