celebrity radar - gossips

Ogun Governorship Election: OGD Hiding Behind The Needle

Published

3 years ago

April 1, 2023

Sahara Weekly

CSOs Petition Senate, Accuse Gbenga Daniel Of Plot To Destabilize Ogun State

Ogun Governorship Election: OGD Hiding Behind The Needle

By Tunde Salako

Since the conduct of the presidential and governorship elections, the media has been inundated by reports of organized protests by the opposition parties and their candidates calling for the cancellation of results of the polls that have been adjudged to be free, fair, and credible. In point of fact, at no time in our recent past had the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) been so much vilified for no other reason other than the unfounded allegations of irregularities that they claimed characterized the conduct of these elections.

Some of the mob supporters of the candidates behind these shenanigans have even gone to the extreme of making sly innuendo against the Chairman of the electoral commission, Prof Mahmood Yakub, for refusing to succumb to their intimidation, allusive and disparaging remarks.

Already, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has joined the fray, claiming manipulation of the electoral process in favour of Governor Abiodun. The good thing here is that the public is fully aware of the fact that the PDP candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, engaged in vote-buying through the inducement of voters with secret disbursement of N10,000 credit cards on the day of the election. Yet, they are out there pouring on the streets crying blue murder. All of these will be sorted out at the law court at the appropriate time. By then, all those who are hiding behind the needle to cause disaffection in the state will bury their faces in shame.

The most intriguing thing in the Ogun State scenario is the direct connivance of some big shots within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state with these subversive elements within the PDP who are hell bent on pulling down the roof because they didn’t win.

For instance, Steve Oliyide, a former soft-sell journalist and now an aide to former governor Gbenga Daniel, has consistently maintained visible media presence, giving all manners of reasons why his boss emerged as the most popular candidate for his senatorial district on the platform of the APC. Among his recent published articles against the victorious governor was the one he titled: “Why Dapo Abiodun did not win Ogun State elections”.

First, by making such an irresponsible and illogical statement in his write-up, he has confirmed the well known fact that Gbenga Daniel actually worked for the PDP against Governor Dapo Abiodun and still is acting behind the scene to stoke the ember of disunity in the state through the sponsorship of protests against the INEC results. By giving his tacit support for all the attacks on Abiodun, Daniel has also confirmed an earlier unconfirmed report that he collected hundreds of millions of naira from Chief Adebutu Kessington in exchange for a deal to ensure the victory of the PDP in the March 18, 2023 governorship poll.

This is with a view to giving his son, Ladi Adebutu, a smooth ride to the Okemosan, Abeokuta Governor’s Office. But the plot failed and fell like a pack of cards.

Daniel actually profiteered from the elections. He collected money from Sir Adebiyi Kessington, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Segun Osoba and from the APC national headquarters.

The truth of the matter is that right from the onset, Daniel has been a mole in the APC working for the PDP but Governor Abiodun appears to be too trusting and unsuspecting of his sinister motive.

From the time he joined the APC, there has been a game plan to use the machinery of the party to work for the PDP, while also pursuing his Ogun East senatorial ambition. Indeed, information from the reliable sources revealed how in the build-up to the governorship poll, Daniel convened several nocturnal meetings with his old allies who are currently occupying key positions in Abiodun’s administration to work for Ladi Adebutu. But some of those present at the meeting was said to have turned down the request based on their allegiance and loyalty to Governor Abiodun as well as their commitment to his re-election bid.

In all of this scheming, Daniel was projecting toward a return to the senate in 2027. Part of the deal is to defect back to PDP in the event that Adebutu wins the governorship election. But he got the sums wrong. If Adebutu did win and he cannot win at the tribunal either because the evidence of his rigging and vote-buying is too overwhelming to upturn the results declared by the INEC. This, of course, is without prejudice to whatever may be the outcome of the petition filed before the judiciary.

Today, Senator Lekan Mustapha must be ruing the day he succumbed to the pressure to step down for Daniel during the primaries of the APC because he has betrayed the trust reposed in him by the leadership of the party. That is a lesson for another day. In the same way, Governor Abiodun would also wish he had not untied some of the traps his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, set before him. A good case in point is the Conference hotel located along Ibrahim Babangida Boulevard, Okemosan, owned by Daniel. The hotel was sealed by EFCC on charges of misappropriation of public funds and embezzlement and Daniel was dragged to court by the EGCC.iin defiance of the court proceedings, Daniel unlawfully took over the possession of the premises of the Conference Hotel, did the necessary work, and re-launched business operations.

On the day of the commissioning attended by the Vice President through the influence of the Governor, the public did not know that EFCC operatives actually stormed the venue to arrest Otunba Gbenga Daniel. It took the intervention of the governor to persuade the EFCC to vacate the premises so that the Vice President and other dignitaries present will not be embarrassed.

Not only that, OGD was declared ‘persona non-grata’ who could not walk free on the roads of the state capital, Abeokuta, for eight years. His investments across the state were shut down. Not spared was the partial demolition of the “Abraham Tabernacle” structure located along Oba Erinwole Road, Sagamu under the guise of road expansion by the previous administration whose helms man the same Daniel is now hobnobbing clandestinely with. Without prejudice, Abiodun, recently took up the responsibility and reconstructed the abandoned Oba Erinwole road which also leads to “Asoludero Court”, home of OGD, to ease the flow of traffic and also serves as an alternative route linking Ikorodu (Lagos State).
As they say, the rest is history.

For there to be betrayal, there would have been trust first. In rehabilitating Otunba Gbenga Daniel with the APC senatorial ticket, Governor Abiodun gave his trust. But all he gets in return for the gesture is back-stabbing and outright betrayal. There is always another day.

Salako, a social commentator, wrote from Imeko, Ogun State.

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celebrity radar - gossips

Powerful dignitaries, high net worth personalities storm Omorede Osifo’s diamond jubilee celebration in Marbella Spain

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Powerful dignitaries, high net worth personalities storm Omorede Osifo’s diamond jubilee celebration in Marbella Spain

.. How she has attained so much professional, political heights at 60

The beautiful city of Marbella in Spain was thrown into a colorful and electrifying mood when one of Nigeria’s most celebrated, iconic political Lionesses, the debonair banker turned politician, Lady Omorede Osifo was serenaded with a sumptuous and deluxe 60th birthday gig.

The dynamic political empress and symbol of selfless service to humanity who served diligently and faithfully as the honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Edo State was flabbergasted by the amazing love shown to her by friends, family and well-wishers who thronged the alluringly beautiful hall to give her an indelible birthday celebration. The event tagged @omorede_osifo is now the talk of town as high networth dignitaries, celebrities from all walks of life and different parts of the world all made their presence significant for the celebrant to ruminate over in many years to come.

Lady Omorede Osifo is a quintessential democrat who committed much of her time and energy in serving the people. The birthday babe whose special day fell on 8th of May has come, saw and conquered in the so-called murky waters of Nigerian politics. She served perfectly as State Commissioner, Deputy National Treasurer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),

Special Adviser on Women Mobilization in Edo State and as a distinguished representative of her people.

As the celebration of the 60th birthday of this lady of glam, glitz and panache unfolded, it became clear that this gathering was not just a personal milestone for Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo but also a reaffirmation of commitment among political leaders to work together. The convergence of these key figures in the political arena serves as a reminder of the potential for collaborative efforts to foster progress and uplift the community.

Her birthday celebration was a testament to the strength of unity in political engagement, highlighting the significance of personal connections in the realm of governance.

As Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo embarks on another year, the expressions of support and solidarity from her fellow dignitaries promise a future filled with collaborative achievements and shared goals for the betterment of their constituents.

Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo is a fantastic leader who wants the best for her people. She is personally committed to the transformation of women and two girl child in Edo State and she has also been at the top echelon of her political party, the APC with her selfless efforts recognized and appreciated by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as well as her superb democratic contributions to the growth and development of Edo State under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo who has overtime shown appreciation to her for being a dedicated and patriotic loyal daughter of Edo State. Even the Oba of Benin Kingdom bestowed on her the Prestigious Royal Beads which is given to Chiefs in recognition of her deep passion for the historical city of Benin.

This year, all road led to the serene city of Marbella, Spain for the celebration of her 60th birthday and a opportunity for her to appreciate her Creator, the Almighty God as well as every single individual that has played significant roles in her life.

Attaining the diamond age of 60 is never a child’s play, it’s a moment of sober reflection and commendation to God. We at Black Celebrity Magazine wish the indefatigable and indomitable Hon. Lady Omorede Osifo a very happy 60th birthday and many more years to live in perfect health and more success.

celebrity radar - gossips

Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

Published

3 days ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

The Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into confusion and panic on Tuesday following viral reports alleging that popular Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, had died at the age of 40.

The shocking claim, which spread rapidly across social media platforms and blogs, alleged that the actor died in Lagos after battling undisclosed health complications, sparking an outpouring of grief from stunned fans and colleagues.

As the rumours gained momentum online, several actors, movie producers and entertainment enthusiasts flooded Instagram and X with emotional reactions, describing the development as “heartbreaking,” “unbelievable” and “a dark day for Nollywood.”

Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe was among those who reacted emotionally, reportedly lamenting that the industry had lost “a rare soul” whose charisma and talent helped shape modern Nollywood.

Alexx Ekubo, widely admired for his stylish persona, romanti movie roles and strong social media influence, rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition before becoming one of Nollywood’s most sought-after actors.

The development also reignited conversations surrounding the actor’s prolonged absence from social media in recent months, which had earlier triggered concern among fans over his wellbeing.
Despite the widespread reports, confusion continued to trail the story as no official statement had been issued by the actor’s family, management or close associates confirming the alleged death as of press time.

The uncertainty surrounding the reports further fueled tension online, with many Nigerians demanding clarity while others urged the public against spreading unverified information.

celebrity radar - gossips

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

Published

3 days ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

Popular Nigerian actress, singer and dancer, Seyi Ariyo, popularly known as Shebaby, has stirred reactions on social media following speculations that she is expecting a child years after getting married.

The development has generated excitement among fans and colleagues, especially on Instagram where many have continued to flood her page with congratulatory messages and prayers.

While some admirers celebrated the actress and prayed that her joy would be permanent, others pointed to a viral video currently making rounds online, where several entertainers, among them Oyita, a close friend, Tawa Ajisefinni, Seyi Ẹdun, Bukky Fagbuyi, and a host of others including Olú Maintain, were seen rejoicing and congratulating her.

Although Shebaby is already a mother with a grown daughter, the latest development has continued to attract attention within the entertainment industry and among her followers.

Before now, the London-based entertainer had built a strong reputation for herself in both music and acting. She has released several songs and also worked alongside notable Fuji star Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and other respected entertainers in the industry.

In the movie sector, Shebaby is also regarded as a household name. Sources close to the actress revealed that she is currently working on a new project titled Father Forgive Me.

Fans and colleagues have continued to pray for the actress, wishing her safe delivery and more happiness in her home.

#Shebaby #SeyiAriyo #EntertainmentNews #Nollywood #Pasuma #Olumaintain #CelebrityNews