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Monkey village: Stop seeking govt’s sympathy, Ariori tells Ubani By Ifeoma Ikem

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Monkey village: Stop seeking govt’s sympathy, Ariori tells Ubani- Following the allegations by Monday Ubani, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) who raised alarm over the illegal invasion and forceful occupation of a landed property in Ikeja area of Lagos by land grabbers, allegedly working with officials of Lagos State Government, Engr Abiodun Ariori, has debunked the news.
Recall there was pandemonium in Monkey Village, around Opebi, Lagos on Thursday, 31 December, 2020, as a team allegedly from the Lagos State Taskforce moved into the community and demolished residents’ houses.
However, Ubani in viral publications alleged the said attack was carried out by Engr Ariori through the support of the Ministry of Transport and Environment.
Reacting, Engr Ariori told newsmen during a press briefing that the reasons for the demolition.
His words;”We’ve been in possession of the land (Opebi) for more than 20 years. About six months ago, we’re trying to erect some structures on the land when we found out that some mechanics have taken over the place and we reported them to Zone II of which they’re all arrested. That’s when we met lawyer Ubani, who came to facilitate their bail and ordered them back to our land that has Supreme court verdict backing us. Since we’ve been trying to work on that land, he (lawyer Ubani) have been using police to frustrate our efforts.
“So, our lawyer wrote petition to the Attorney General of the State to assist on the issue of which they obliged. Based on that, the Lagos State Government carried out further investigation about the matter. Before then, the people in the area wrote government to come eject the miscreants out of the land as a result of their criminalities. The State Government carried out the execution on the 31st of December, last year.”
“I was surprise when lawyer Ubani started attacking me while calling me several names on the media. Even if I don’t know what to do, is he saying also that the government don’t know what to do? Is he the only one who can make noise? Does this justify that we’re not the real owners of the land?
He claimed to have injunction on the land of which I am not aware of. Can any injunction supersede Supreme court judgement? I’m only here to state the obvious that, I am not a land grabber. We have all our necessary documents to back up this statement of fact,” he added.
Collaborating the above view, the counsel to the defendant, Barr Francis Monye faulted Ubani’s claims as ‘lacking merit’ and ‘unethical’.
“We have legal documents backing us on that portion of land. My client was engaged by judgement creditor (the Meadows). The Meadow family are the owner of the land. They’re not natives, they bought that land. They bought approximately 13 acres. So, you would see from the documents that we’ve, they’ve been deprived access over that land, dealing with people who are trespassers.
 However, the Meadows got judgement in their favour while the trespassers went to appeal the judgement but lost. They still went further to the Apex court of which they upheld records from the lower courts and declared the Meadows as the owner of the land. So, the issue of ownership of the land has been long closed.
“So, what my client approached the state to do based on the instructions he got from the Meadow family was to see how they can carryout the precedents laid by the Meadow family. My client is neither a land grabber nor an illegal person. He went through court processes and we’ve various documents testifying to it that he spent money on legal processes and got judgement.
“If there is anybody to attack, you should not attack him (Engr Ariori) because the first thing is that there is a rule on bureaucracy and there are laws to follow to enact on this. Instead of chasing a substance, you’re leaving it to face shadow. I don’t know what Ubani is trying to get at because the substance is that, if you’ve anything to challenge an execution, which you see was conspicuously displayed, that means your cause of actions should naturally be against the authority that levied the execution and should give details why you feel the execution should be set aside. If you have any issue bordering on the Attorney General’s office, then you join in as a party,” he said.
On his reaction ,Barr. Monday Ubani,the former Nigeria Bar Association ,Lagos State,said that his client bought the land since 1989 and fenced it.
Ubani said that over 20years his client acquired a six plot of land not 13 arces ,fenced before he giving it out to mechanic who use the place as a workshop to enable him secure the land and pay his yearly land charges.

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Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise” — Dr Chris Okafor

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Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor

…Evil communication corrupts good character
…The Holy Spirit is the seal of redemption

 

 

True Christian living, beyond winning souls, requires nurturing and sustaining new converts in the faith. This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during a teaching on “Understanding the Act of Discipleship.”
According to him, soul winning without proper establishment and follow-up defeats its purpose. “The goal is not just conversion but fruitfulness and continuity in Christ,” he emphasized, noting that believers must also understand the conditions that make prayers effective.

The Necessity of Discipleship

Dr Okafor outlined why discipleship is essential in the Christian journey:
New converts require guidance to withstand temptations that could pull them back into their former ways.
They must gradually disconnect from relationships and habits that previously weakened their faith.
Support systems should be in place to help them navigate personal and spiritual challenges.
Consistent follow-up, rooted in love and care, helps prevent discouragement and negative perceptions.
Proper integration into the body of Christ strengthens their sense of belonging and commitment.

Understanding Discipleship

He described discipleship as a deliberate process of helping believers grow in Christ and align with godly principles rather than worldly influences. It involves:
Guiding converts until Christ is fully formed in them.
Transmitting biblical values that strengthen their faith and daily conduct.

Practical Approach to Discipleship

The cleric highlighted key methods for effective discipleship:
Fervent prayer for the spiritual stability of new believers.
Demonstrating genuine love and consistent care.
Regular follow-up visits and visible engagement.
Encouraging early infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching habits that sustain spiritual growth.

Habits That Strengthen Faith

To remain grounded, believers were encouraged to cultivate:
Daily study of the Word of God
Consistent prayer and fellowship with God
Active participation in church gatherings
Bold expression of their faith
A conscious rejection of unrighteousness
Deep-rooted commitment to the house of God

A Foundation for Growth

In conclusion, Dr Chris Okafor stressed that discipleship thrives when believers are rooted in sound spiritual guidance. “When you walk with the wise, you become wise,” he said, adding that strong spiritual formation protects individuals from negative influences and preserves godly character.

The Grace Nation Global Sunday Communion Service, observed by members worldwide, featured testimonies, healing sessions, deliverance, and a special child dedication, rounding off the service on a note of faith and celebration.

 

Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor

By Sunday Adeyemi
[email protected]

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APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

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*APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

 

The attention of right-thinking Nigerians has been drawn to the misguided and politically contrived statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which it accused Governor Seyi Makinde of incitement over his reference to “Operation Wetie”. Let it be stated without equivocation, the APC’s reaction is not only a gross distortion of context but also a troubling exhibition of either wilful ignorance or a fundamental inability to comprehend even the most elementary use of historical analogy. One is left to wonder whether those who crafted that statement possess even a kindergarten grasp of the English language, let alone the intellectual depth required for serious political discourse.

 

 

Governor Makinde’s remarks were clearly cautionary and not incendiary. His reference to “Operation Wetie” was an invocation of history, nothing more and nothing less. It was a sober reminder of the catastrophic consequences that follow when democratic processes are subverted, dissent is stifled and political arrogance is allowed to fester unchecked.To interpret such a warning as a call to violence is either intellectually dishonest or deliberately mischievous.

 

 

By attempting to criminalise a legitimate historical reference, the APC exposes a deeper anxiety, an unease with truth and a discomfort with reminders of what unchecked political excess can produce. The tragedy of the Western Region crisis is not a subject to be buried under partisan convenience, it is a lesson to be studied, understood and heeded.

 

It is both ironic and alarming that a party which claims to defend democracy would seek to undermine historical consciousness. Such conduct betrays a troubling tendency towards authoritarian thinking, where even words of caution are twisted into offences and dissenting voices are vilified rather than engaged.

 

 

The statement by Felix Morka, in particular, collapses under the weight of its own exaggeration. To leap from a historical reference to claims of “anarchy” and “murderous rage” is not only illogical but borders on the absurd. It is political theatre of the lowest quality. Furthermore, the attempt to cloak this mischaracterisation in the language of “national security” is both reckless and disingenuous. National security is far too important to be reduced to a tool for partisan intimidation.

 

 

The APC would do well to engage in introspection rather than projection. This pattern of deliberate misrepresentation and inflammatory overreach poses a greater risk to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

 

Nigeria deserves a political culture rooted in honesty, maturity and intellectual rigour not one diminished by propaganda, distortion and opportunism. In the final analysis, the issue is simple, those who cannot understand history are often the first to misinterpret it and unfortunately, the most likely to repeat its errors.

 

 

-Olufemi Aduwo is a

Permanent Representative of CCDI to the ECOSOC/United Nations.

NB: Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, is a non-profit organisation with Consultative Status of United Nations

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

 

 

 

Genesis Global Isheri is set to host an extraordinary spiritual gathering tagged PPP, Praise, Power & Prophetic Night, themed Jehoshaphat Night, on May 1st, 2026, from 8PM till dawn. This highly anticipated event will take place at Genesis Bus Stop, LASU–Igando Road, Isheri Idimu, Lagos, bringing together worshippers, believers, and seekers from across the city for a night of intense spiritual upliftment. With a vibrant atmosphere already expected, the event promises a unique blend of deep worship, prophetic ministrations, and life-transforming encounters.

 

The night will be led by Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, the host and founder of Genesis Global, known for his dynamic prophetic ministry and impactful teachings. Attendees can also look forward to powerful ministrations from guest ministers Minister Dare Oxygen and Mista Olamilekan, who are set to usher in an atmosphere of heartfelt praise and spiritual revival. The theme “Jehoshaphat Night” draws inspiration from the biblical account of King Jehoshaphat, where praise became a weapon for victory setting the tone for a night centered on breakthrough, faith, and divine intervention.

 

Beyond just a gathering, Jehoshaphat Night is positioned as a transformative experience where attendees can expect spiritual renewal, prophetic direction, and a deeper connection with God through music and the Word. With a carefully curated lineup and a strong spiritual focus, this all night event aims to ignite faith and inspire testimonies. Whether you’re seeking clarity, breakthrough, or simply a powerful worship experience, this is a night not to be missed in Lagos. Make it an event.

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