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ORIKADUN: A CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN CULTURE
BY AYODEJI OWOLABI
Orikadun is one of the twenty six festivals celebrated annually by the good people of Igbara-Oke in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State. It has always been a moment of celebration filled with colourful display of traditional and cultural activities.
As the customs, Orikadun marks the end of the calendar (Traditional Calendar) year for the people of Igbara-Oke having enjoyed bountiful harvests in the outgoing year, and it signifies the beginning of a New Year. This year’s event attracts many important dignitaries from far and near, particularly all sons and daughters of Igbara-Oke origin, both at home and abroad. The indigene and non indigene residents, ethnic groups, religious group among others participated actively to bring out the best in the display of their different cultural heritage.
Orikadun is being celebrated by all and sundry in the town, as all other activities, including trades, social gatherings or parties will be put on hold or postponed to honour this day.
All the Queens from the three Ruling Houses, Princes and Princesses, Chiefs and their groups (Otus), Baales from the sixteen satellite towns and their villagers, the forty-three Olori-Omos and people from their quarters were all present to pay homage to Olowa and the Paramount Ruler of Igbara-Oke kingdom.
Igbara-Oke, being a border town, is relatively peaceful and played host to different ethnic and cultural groups, Igede, Igbo, Igbira, Urhobo, Hausa, Ukwuni, Igala, Benin, Idoma etc. They all live in love and harmony, without discord. These ethnic groups were all in attendance in their respective cultural attires to add colours to the event.
Orikadun Celebration can also be regarded as the final events to round-up all the festivals in Igbara-Oke. It afford the good people of Igbara-Oke the opportunity to rejoice with one another, and in appreciation to the goodness of God to see the beginning of another year. Also, it is when the beautiful cultural heritage of the good people of Igbara-Oke are showcased.
Orikadun always begins with special prayers which are usually said in the early hour between the hours of 6-7am by Olowa of Igbara-Oke at a place called “Okiti Omo Olore” at Odo-Oja. The whole town will at this hour await the arrival of Olowa at this points, while others at different junctions to accompany him to where he would say the pray for the town and all the residents.
This year’s edition was not different from what it used to be, as the prayer was said at the given time at the early hour. At Okiti Omo Olore, Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede in his usual way reiterated the importance of the prayer as it has been from time immemorial and being observed by his forefathers. He made the people to know that Orikadun celebration has no ritual, nor being done done to worship any deities. According to him, it is purely of traditions and culture as it involves both the Christians and Muslims to give thanks to God for seeing another year.
That was why it was no surprise to have seen people of different faith at the point of prayer and later at the Palace of Olowa to expressed their joy as they celebrate.
Apart from the indigenes and the residents in Igbara-Oke, dignitaries from all works of life, government official, traditional rulers from the state and neighboring states, traditional worshiper, among others were also there to grace the occasion with their entourage.
Without mincing words, the event was indeed a wonderful way of showcasing the true African culture. Many audience attested to this and adjudged it the best ever.
The Paramount Ruler and Prescribed Authority, Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom, HRM, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede was full of joy and excitement to have seen his subjects, and other well wishers in the display of different culture as it concerns their tribes and groups.
The monarch in his address to the town said the reason for the crowd is as a result of love, unity and peaceful coexistence among the indigene and non indigene residents. He said, without these, this year’s celebration wouldn’t have been this glamorous.
Chiefs from different groups (also known as Otu) also spoke on the importance of living in love with one another. The Council of Chiefs, Baales, and Olori Omos in their traditions paid homage to Olowa as a sign of respect to the monarch.
All the way from Oyo Alaafin, the traditional worshippers presented the goodwill message on behalf of Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi to the good people of Igbara-Oke as they felicitate with the town.
Others who spoke at the events include the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Transport, Barr. Tobi Ogunleye, his counterpart in the Ministry of Rural and Community Development, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, President of Igbara-Oke Citizens in the Americas, Mr. Olu Faboyede and Sapaye of Igbara-Oke kingdom, Chief Victor Ayo Isijola.
They all applauded what they saw which they referred to as a typical of African Traditional Culture. According to them, the displayed was unique and could not be compared to any.
They also commended and appreciated the efforts of Oba Agbede at bringing together the large crowd and for the peaceful coexistence.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of gifts to three distinguished elderly women, Mrs. Beatrice Oyedele, Mrs. Rachael Asegbeloyin and Mrs. Esther Oniya in appreciation of their efforts at waging war against Gender Violence.
Civil society Organisation has raised concern over a disturbing sequence of events that point to an alleged high-level conspiracy within the Nigeria Police Force led by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare (AIG Zone 2), targeted at Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi.
The CSO in a press conference addressed by its leader Com Kolawole Emmanuel , gave the Inspector General of Police a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding the immediate transfer of Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi to a neutral and independent investigative unit and unrestricted access to his legal representatives and family members.
It said: “Our findings reveal that this matter is not isolated but deeply rooted in the long-standing crisis within the Ojomu Royal Family of Ajiran in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State; a crisis that predates the tenure of Jimoh Moshood Olorundare as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
“At the core of this crisis is the control and allocation of vast ancestral lands spanning over 22 communities. This dispute has polarised the community into factions: those aligned with the Kabiesi and those loyal to Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, who serves as Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Ojomu Royal Family.
“A troubling dimension emerged with the alleged ambition of Bashir Fakorede to ascend the Ojomu stool while the current monarch remains alive. Credible allegations indicate that Bashir Fakorede identified Mr. Akanbi as the principal obstacle to this ambition and openly declared his intention to “crush” him.
“It is further alleged that Bashir Fakorede enlisted the support of Muiz Banire (SAN), who purportedly assured him of leveraging institutional connections, including the office of the Attorney General of Lagos State, to ensure the prosecution and conviction of Mr. Akanbi.
“In furtherance of this alleged scheme, Bashir Fakorede reportedly conspired with Jimoh Moshood Olorundare who was then the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, now Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 2.
“It is alleged that inducements, including four plots of land at Chevron Drive valued at about ₦1.2 billion, were offered to Jimoh Moshood to secure cooperation in orchestrating Mr. Akanbi’s arrest and eventual elimination.
“Subsequently, a previously investigated and resolved murder allegation was resurrected under questionable circumstances. Individuals were allegedly arrested at random and coerced into making incriminating statements falsely linking Mr. Akanbi to the death of one Sheriff Salami.
“Despite Mr. Akanbi being outside Nigeria on medical grounds, he was declared wanted on 19th February 2026 by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, a move widely regarded as procedurally defective. This declaration allegedly triggered sponsored acts of violence, including the destruction of his property in Ajiran.
“Legal proceedings initiated by Mr. Akanbi at the Ikeja High Court (Suit No: ID/21447MFHR/2026) challenged this action. Notably, an earlier arrest and remand order obtained through Charge No: Misc/60A/2026 was set aside by the same court due to misrepresentation and concealment of material facts.
“A subsequent application (Charge No: MISC/126/2026) was also refused, with the court directing proper procedure upon his return.
“Following a petition dated 23rd February 2026, the Inspector General of Police directed that the matter be transferred to the X-Squad, FCID, Alagbon. However, in a controversial turn of events, Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, now AIG Zone 2, allegedly insisted on retaining control over the matter.
“Following the clear directive of Court in charge no: MISC/126/2026 that proper procedure be followed by inviting Mr. Akanbi, he was enroute Nigeria from France through Benin Republic when he was eventually arrested in the Benin Republic but the Police on the claim that they have information that he was declared wanted by Jimoh Moshood.
“He was thereafter transferred to Nigeria on 17th April 2026. Since then, he has allegedly been subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment, including:
“Being publicly exposed in handcuffs by associates linked to Bashir Fakorede, particularly one Rukayat Omolara who is alleged to have over the internet with the photographs and video of Akanbi in hand and leg chain, a recording she made while he was in custody of Jimoh Moshood; denial of access to legal counsel and family; interrogation in the presence of individuals allegedly linked to the law firms of Muiz Banire (SAN) and Olumide Fusika (SAN), who are not law enforcement officers; personal supervision of his detention by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, including signing detention orders and placing him in a private cell at SCID Panti; continuous use of hand and leg restraints while in custody.
“Most alarming are intelligence reports suggesting a deliberate plot to poison Mr. Akanbi with substances designed to cause delayed fatal consequences after release.
“These actions, if proven, constitute egregious violations of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and fundamental human rights protections.
“In light of the foregoing, we hereby issue a 24-HOUR ULTIMATUM to the Inspector General of Police demanding: the immediate transfer of Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi to a neutral and independent investigative unit; unrestricted access to his legal representatives, family members, and medical professionals; a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the roles of all officers and individuals implicated, particularly Jimoh Moshood Olorundare; full compliance with subsisting court rulings and strict adherence to due process.
“Failure to comply within 24 hours will compel us to escalate this matter through all lawful protest and institutional mechanisms, including judicial actions, petitions to oversight bodies, and coordinated civil advocacy at both national and international levels.
“This is a defining moment for the rule of law in Nigeria. We call on the Inspector General of Police to act decisively and restore public confidence in the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.”
By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare
THE CITY, THE CROWN, AND THE CODE OF POWER
Lagos is not merely governed—it is engineered and meticulously organised. A megacity of over 25 million people, the economic heartbeat of Nigeria, and arguably the most strategic sub- national political ecosystem in Africa.
As 2027 approaches, a familiar but profound question echoes across corridors of influence—from Alausa to Marina, from the five Ibile divisions to the 57 LGs and LCDAs, down to wards and grassroots structures:
Who wears the crown?
Yet Lagos does not answer loudly. It whispers.
“Elections may be public, but power in Lagos is negotiated in private and through caucuses—long before ballots are cast.”
HISTORY: FROM PRIMROSE TO JUSTICE FORUM AND MANDATE — THE MAKING OF A POLITICAL MACHINE
Before the consolidation of today’s political order, Lagos politics was shaped by structured caucuses that defined leadership selection.
At the elite level stood the Primrose Group, a discreet but powerful screening body that assessed aspirants in the early 90s and late 1990s. It played a critical role in screening Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Senate against political heavyweight Odu Onikosi, in what many described as a David-versus-Goliath contest. Tinubu emerged victorious.
Primrose also screened the 1998 governorship aspirants:
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Wahab Dosunmu
Funsho Williams
The Primrose circle included:
Prince Tajudeen Olusi
Bushura Alebiosu
Mofutau Olatunji Hamzat
Alhaji Kola Oseni
Dapo Sarumi
Oyinlomo Danmole (the youngest member)
Notably, Mofutau Olatunji Hamzat, father of Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, chaired the screening process that produced Tinubu as the 1998 AD governorship candidate.
Alongside Primrose emerged two other critical blocs:
Mandate Group — the grassroots mobilisation engine
Justice Forum — the stabilising and conflict-resolution bloc
Together, they formed a strategic architecture:
Primrose — elite validation
Mandate Group — mass mobilisation
Justice Forum — internal balance and cohesion
From this convergence, Tinubu emerged—not by accident, but by design.
“He was not elected into power—he was processed into leadership.”
FROM BLOCS TO INSTITUTION: THE GAC EVOLUTION
Over time, these blocs evolved into a more formal structure—the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not create the GAC; he strengthened, harmonised, and institutionalised these legacy blocs into a central decision-making body.
“GAC is the institutional memory of Lagos politics.”
THE DOCTRINE OF SUCCESSION IN LAGOS
Lagos has developed a predictable pattern of leadership transition:
Babatunde Fashola — technocratic consolidation
Akinwunmi Ambode — performance with political rupture
Babajide Sanwo-Olu — consensus restoration
Each transition reinforces a central doctrine:
“The primary is the battlefield. The structure is the judge. Consensus is the verdict.”
And more fundamentally:
“The candidate will always come from within.”
THE INVISIBLE CABINET: GAC AS POWER SOVEREIGN
At the centre of Lagos political architecture sits the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC)—a body that does far more than advice.
Chairman:
Prince Tajudeen Olusi
Key Members Include:
Babatunde Fashola
Femi Gbajabiamila
Mudashiru Obasa
Adeyemi Ikuforiji
Senator Anthony Adefuye
Tokunbo Abiru,
Musiliu Obanikoro
Oluremi Tinubu
Sarah Sosan
Idiat Adebule
Femi Pedro
James Faleke
Adeseye Ogunlewe
Demola Seriki
Adejoke Adefulire
Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
Other Influential Figures Within the Structure:
Henry Ajomale
Ganiyu Solomon
Rabiu Oluwa
Muraina Taiwo
Abdul-Wahab Ogundele
Sunmi Odesanya
Kaoli Olusanya.
In addition, almost all former governors, deputy governors, senators, and selected members of the House of Representatives and Primrose, mandate Group and justice forum are embedded within or aligned to the GAC structure.
“At critical moments, the GAC does not merely advise—it decides.”
CRACKS, CONFLICTS AND SYSTEM DISCIPLINE
The political history of Lagos has consistently demonstrated one principle: discipline within the system is non-negotiable.
The experience of Akinwunmi Ambode remains instructive.
“Performance alone is not enough—alignment with the structure is critical.”
In Lagos:
“No individual is bigger than the system.”
THE ASPIRANTS: POWER, PEDIGREE AND POSITIONING
The 2027 governorship race is no longer speculative—it is crystallising into a layered contest of insiders, technocrats, institutional loyalists, and strategic actors. Beneath the surface, resumes are being weighed as much as relationships; pedigree is being measured alongside perception.
Key Aspirants Include:
Kadri Obafemi Hamzat — Deputy Governor; perhaps the most deeply embedded institutional actor in the race. A technocrat with academic depth and governance continuity credentials. Notably headhunted from the United States banking sector by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his return to public service reflects longstanding trust. His father, Mofutau Olatunji Hamzat, chaired the screening process that produced Tinubu in 1998—placing him at the intersection of legacy and continuity.
Femi Gbajabiamila — Chief of Staff to the President; former Speaker of the House of Representatives. A consummate legislator with vast national reach, elite networks, and deep understanding of federal power dynamics. Bridges Lagos structure with Abuja influence seamlessly.
Tokunbo Abiru — Senator; former Managing Director in the banking sector. Represents fiscal discipline, financial system credibility, and investor reassurance. A technocrat-politician hybrid with strong appeal to the private sector and global investors.
Tokunbo Wahab — Commissioner for Environment. A bold regulator and reformist voice, known for enforcing urban order and environmental compliance. Projects decisiveness, discipline, and administrative courage.
Mudashiru Obasa — Long-serving Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. A master of grassroots politics with deep control of legislative structures and ward-level mobilisation. Represents structure from the ground up.
Olajide Adediran (Jandor) — Media entrepreneur and political mobiliser. Built his base through grassroots engagement and alternative political messaging. Represents outsider energy attempting to penetrate a deeply structured system.
Akinwunmi Ambode — Former governor; technocrat with a proven governance record. His tenure still resonates in infrastructure and public sector efficiency. Carries a redemption narrative, but must reconcile history with structure.
Mojisola Lasbat Meranda — Legislative figure and symbol of gender inclusion. Represents institutional evolution and the expanding role of women in Lagos power architecture.
Kayode Egbetokun (speculative) — Security chief; represents discipline, order, and enforcement capability. A potential “stability candidate” in uncertain times.
Samuel Ajose (speculative) — Former Head of Service; experienced bureaucratic strategist with deep knowledge of Lagos governance machinery. Represents administrative continuity and institutional memory.
Tayo Ayinde (speculative) — Long-serving Chief of Staff in Lagos; a quiet but powerful insider with proximity to executive decision-making and operational governance.
“Some are building alliances. Others are building acceptance. A few are building inevitability.”
THE REAL TEST: CRITERIA FOR THE APC TICKET
Beyond ambition, the Lagos APC operates a strict, unwritten checklist for candidate selection:
Proven Loyalty to the Party
A party defector stands little chance.
Product of the System
The candidate must come from within.
Alignment with the Lagos Master Plan
Continuity over disruption.
Investor Confidence
Lagos cannot risk economic instability.
Political Discipline and Temperament
Arrogance and lawlessness are disqualifiers.
Ibile Balance and Broad Acceptability
Zonal sensitivity remains critical.
Ability to Work with the Structure
Collaboration over confrontation.
Presidential Trust Factor
National confidence is key—but not absolute.
Electoral Value and Grassroots Reach
Structure must meet the street.
Importantly, this will not be a solo decision.
A former, widely respected governor and former minister is expected to play a critical role as the eyes and ears of the President in determining the most suitable candidate.
A reliable source revealed that the President held a private meeting with this former governor and minister in Lagos during the Easter break—signaling early alignment consultations ahead of 2027.
UNDERCURRENTS: SILENT MOVES AND STRATEGIC HEDGING
Quiet political movements are already unfolding beneath the surface.
There are strong rumours that:
One top aspirant is in talks with the ADC to fly their fly.
Another is exploring alignment with the Accord Party.
“Those who sense resistance within the structure begin to shop for alternatives.”
Beyond party alignments, another layer of activity is emerging.
It is widely whispered in political circles that:
Some bank accounts of PR operatives, journalists, and lobbyists have begun to quietly interface with key GAC members.
Certain aspirants are already patronising columnists to shape favourable narratives.
Billions of naira have allegedly been earmarked for lobbying, influence, and perception management.
A reliable source suggests that the real contest has already begun—not on the ballot, but in boardrooms, private residences, and media corridors and newsrooms.
Yet history cautions:
“Breaking away from the Lagos APC structure rarely guarantees victory.”
THE CALCULUS OF POWER
Five decisive variables will ultimately determine the outcome:
GAC consensus
Presidential trust (shared, not unilateral)
Party loyalty
Economic confidence
Public acceptability
Notably, the private sector remains a critical stakeholder. Lagos, as Africa’s commercial nerve centre, cannot afford political uncertainty that threatens capital flow. Investors—local and international—are watching closely.
The international community is equally attentive. Lagos is no ordinary state—it is a golden economic enclave, a city of compounding value and strategic global interest.
The Presidency too cannot be indifferent—notwithstanding that Lagos is its political base. Stability in Lagos is stability in the broader national equation.
THE CROWN AND THE SYSTEM
Lagos does not gamble with leadership,it engineers and groomed it.
No emergency leader in Lagos.
From Primrose…
To Mandate…
To Justice Forum…
To GAC…
The philosophy remains unchanged:
“Power in Lagos is not taken. It is processed.”
As 2027 approaches, one truth stands firm:
The crown will not go to the loudest.
It will not go to the most desperate.
It will not go to ambition alone.
It will go to the most acceptable aspirant.
And in Lagos:
“Acceptability is not declared,it is decided by all the variables and joint gatekeepers before the general public cast their votes.”
Politics, in the end, remains a temple of many tendencies—
the good, the bad, the pretenders, and the presumed righteous.
All contending for one crown.
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