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Osaara Festival 2018

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PRESIDENT TINUBU FELICITATES OONI OF IFE AT 49

 

Just like every other festival, Osaara would come and go as each year passes by. “But it is imperative for the sake of posterity that diligent records in black and white are kept henceforth for history to prevail. Everyone needs to know what each festivals symbolises in order to pass it to generations unborn. This will help them to have a sense of history  and they also can continue  to propagate our culture.” Those were the exact words of the god-man holding forth for the progenitor of the Oduduwa race, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ile-Ife Oduduwa.  As a reaction to the words of ‘Oni le Ife- the owner of the land of Ife,’ I took it upon myself to do expository writing of my findings from His Imperial Majesty, my king, the Arole Oodua.  Some of my previous writings include discoveries from Olojo, Osoosi and Olokun festivals.

Our focus here shall be on the Osara festival which begins the annual Orisa calendar in Ile-Ife.  The celebration often takes a course of 5 days before it is finalised. In time passed, 2 days were often set aside for the people of Ile-Ife to visit the neighbouring community of Okeigbo and Ifetedo to get male palm fond to be used as costumes. The Osara festival is usually celebrated shortly after the Olokun festival in Ile-Ife. The peak of the celebration which is usually at commencement is characterised by thunder spells and rainfall which is often invoked by the Oonirisa after the appeasement to the god and prayers to Olodumare using pigeon and water as part of the offering.

 The miracle of immediate thunder spell and heavy downpour has been the order of the day since the reactivation of this energies since 2016 which marks the first Osaara festival celebrated by  Ooni Ogunwusi  since his ascension to the throne.  The 5th of May 2018 was the peak of this year’s celebration. This informs us why the rainy days are here…… Physical evidence in form of pictures shall be attached to this writing.

Need I remind you that, Ile-Ife has a calendar of three hundred and sixty-five less a day in respect to its festivals and worship of deities; deities are messengers of God.  It is therefore worthy of note that, “Ife Oodaye kan!  Ife Ooyelagbo kan!  Ile-Ife Oduduwa kan! – Ojo kan;Oosa kan ni Ile-Ife.” These exclamatory statements imply that, ‘there existed 3 dynasties in the Yoruba kingdom; the first dynasty being the Ife Oodaye, the second was Ife Ooyelagbo and the third which still exists to date is Ile-Ife Oduduwa,’ while Oduduwa was the first king,  the incumbent Oonirisa remains the 51st king of Oduduwa kingdom.  (I shall save us the stories of the 1st and 2nddynasties until such time that it is required).

Osaara which means Lagoon became the second wife of Oduduwa after the first wife, Olokun (Ocean) could not conceive.  According to Fabunmi in the book Ife Shrines, the genealogy of the Ile-Ife clan exhibit a similar, but less radical, from the diversion biblical descent pattern. The most revered monarch, Ooni  Ogunwusi also reverted to the bible while explaining the existence of Osaara as one of the five water-body referred to in the book of Genesis 2:10-14. He stated that the other water body include; Olokun which is the source of the four other water-body: Osun, Osaara, Esinmirin and Yeyemolu. Note also that these five became deities and are part of the two hundred and one deities of Ile-Ife.

Osaara became the choicest wife of Oduduwa after she gave birth to their only son, Akanbi. Akanbi would later give birth to the seven children of Oduduwa. The first wife, Olokun felt undermined by the development considering the fact that she advised her husband to marry Osaara, her best friend for the reason of procreation. Therefore, the superiority battle began. It was quite bad that Oduduwa arranged a meeting in which he invited the chiefs-in-council to mediate between the wives.  In a typical women display, both wives decided to show-off their substance at the meeting. Olokun who was extremely beautiful and wealthy (she made and traded in beads) adored herself in beautiful and shinning aso-oke and beads. She also decorated the meeting venue with lovely ornaments and also made mouth-watering dishes for the people; the people in consonance with Olokun came up with the idea of “Olobe lo l’oko” meaning ‘a good cook is the husband’s favourite.’

 Osaara heard the news of Olokun’s display of beauty and fame. She also decided to showcase her most prized possession, her children as a clap-back.  She adored her children in fine attire accompanied with palm fond (agbon seed) on their arms and feet as they danced to the meeting place chanting “Olomo lo l’aye o, Osaara mo gbomo de o” meaning, ‘a fruitful wife rules the world, here comes Osaara with her children.’ This song had since become an anthem during the Osaara festivals.

This unhealthy rivalry would mark the beginning of the end to these adorable queens of the Oduduwa kingdom. Osaara became the spectacle as she was joined by the crowd from Lakoro’s compound near the Ife market. At the junction of Oriyangi near the palace she chanted “agbon ro” and her followers’ responded “ro” meaning the palm fond has descended and they continued chanting the Osaara anthem and also making musical sounds with the agbon. The Osaara- agbon followers still chant through the shrine to the Ooni’s palace during the Osaara festival to date.

 The group marvelled the king and all the audience so much that they were accorded a standing ovation.  Osaara was such a good dancer! However, the children and the entire followers of Osaara danced so much that they shattered the ornaments displayed by Olokun. This got Olokun angry so much that she swore, never again to have any dealings with Osaara. On the contrary, Osaara promised never to desert Olokun.  Lest I forget, in contrast to all the mouth-watering dishes made by Olokun, Osaara could only afford to offer her followers with bean cake; reason why ‘Ekuru’ is a must at every Osaara festival.

It became a pity-party as Olokun distributed all her material goods and substances to the children of Osaara before she embarked on this journey of no return. Lots of Aso-Oke and beads were handed to the children of Osaara. This explains why worshippers of Osaara usually have Aso-Oke tied around their waist and beads on their necks. On the other hand, Osaara was not ready to back-down on the promise to always be with her good friend turned rival-wife. Hence, Osaara followed Olokun as she left Ile-Ife in annoyance. Olokun went through Ilesha; her pond bake/sign of passage can be spotted in the palace of Owa Aromolaran of Ilesha to date. She thereafter passed through Abeokuta and some neighbouring community and at last to the final destination, Lagos and still in company of Osaara.

Alas, Olokun hit the ground; she fell and became the Okun, the Ocean. In like manner, in a bid to keep her vow, Osaara also hit the ground and turned to the Lagoon. Mysteriously, both Okun and Osa remains neighbours but not a friendly one afterwards, as there is a visible demarcation between both water-body to date.

The goddess of Osaara is the mother of the Yoruba tribe, she represents fruitfulness and her love for children and husband cannot be over-emphasised. She is also referred as the deity of the swamp. Osaara is celebrated in the month of May at the Osaara shrine in Moore, Ile-Ife.

Gbemisola Bisi-Taiwo

PhD Candidate, Maynooth University Department of Law.

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Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

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W’ Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles Coach Ruined Nigeria’s Chances by Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Warnings* By Adedayo Olumide

Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

 

Nigerians have been gripped by fear since the report of the COVID-19 variant in Cross River.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health has begun profiling and tracing individuals in the state who have been in contact with a Chinese national admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Not many people expected this to happen in Nigeria, because since 2020 when the global pandemic happened, there hasn’t been a single case of the virus in the country until yesterday, about five years later.

However, despite the fact that Nigeria was declared Covid-19 free, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, warned about three times that he foresees the virus coming back to Nigeria.

In his first prophecy regarding it, he warned that Nigerians should not pray to see Lassa fever and Covid-19 coming back in some areas.

“Let’s pray so that we don’t see Lassa Fever again. Let’s pray so that Covid will not come back in some areas”

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This wasn’t given attention by many because it felt Nigeria has been immune to the virus. Everyone went about their business as usual, and in the midst of all that, Primate Ayodele warned intensely again.

“Let’s watch this for the World Health Organization, I see airborne disease, Covid in another dimension that can cause cough, cold, air disease, it’s a warning and that’s what the Lord said.”

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This time, he specifically called out the World Health Organization about re-occurrence of Covid; and gave directions regarding how it would happen. He also emphasized that it was what the Lord said, but how many people actually listen?

Again, during a church service, Primate Ayodele warned that Covid is coming and will happen in a different way compared to the previous one. He made it known that the way of contacting it will be different from the previous one.

“Also, Covid is coming, but the way it’s going to come will be different from the way we experienced it that time. The process of contacting it will be different from the previous one.”

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Likewise, in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings to the Nations, Primate Ayodele warned that another round of COVID is coming. This book was released in July 2025.

“Another round of COVID will come up, and another disease epidemic. I foresee that a lot of money will be spent, and they will face some challenges in getting things right. The workers of this Body will be attacked, and there will be changes in leadership” (Page 36)

All of these have fulfilled the prophecies of Primate Ayodele. Beyond the prophecy fulfilment, this is a call to relevant authorities to always listen when God is warning them about anything through his prophet.

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Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

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Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

 

Abuja – Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun, Founder of Celestrial Deliverance Church of Christ in Zhidu Village, Abuja, has made an emotional appeal to the Federal Government to stop the killing of Christians across Nigeria while also throwing his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

 

Speaking from his Abuja headquarters, the Prophet declared that leadership is a continuum and that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms require stability and time to bear fruit. He said, “Politics has nothing to do with religion. The ballot box is not the altar. Whether you are from the East, the North, the West, or the Yoruba community, we are one people under God.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun used the opportunity to make a special appeal to the Federal Government, saying, “I beg the Federal Government, in the name of God and for the sake of humanity: Please help stop the killing of Christians across this nation. From the villages to the cities, too much innocent blood has been shed. Targeted attacks on Christian communities must stop. We plead for stronger protection, justice for victims, and lasting peace.” He acknowledged the pain of insecurity, especially the killing of Christians and farmers across the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria, but also noted verifiable security gains under President Tinubu including over 3,000 hostages rescued from bandits and terrorists in the last 12 months, deployment of new attack helicopters and surveillance drones to flashpoints, and a reduction in oil theft from over 400,000 barrels per day to under 200,000 barrels per day.

 

He said, “The issue is security, and security is everybody’s business. We cannot build a nation if our people are not safe. But we must also acknowledge progress.” He added that a second term would allow the administration to consolidate its security architecture rather than restarting with new leadership.

 

On economic reforms, Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun argued that President Tinubu’s first term has witnessed the most audacious economic reforms in Nigeria’s recent history, including fuel subsidy removal saving the nation over ₦400 billion monthly, a unified exchange rate attracting over $2 billion in foreign portfolio inflows, the Student Loans Act benefiting over 100,000 students, and local government autonomy. He argued that no major economy in the world has successfully reversed course after landmark reforms within a single term, adding that abandoning the reform agenda now would plunge Nigeria back into uncertainty.

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun stressed that President Tinubu’s emergence broke a dangerous cycle, noting that Tinubu is the first Southern Muslim to lead Nigeria since 1993, balancing power after eight years of a Northern President. He pointed out that under Tinubu, the South holds the presidency of the Senate but the Speaker of the House is from the North-West. He urged, “Let the East join hands with the West. Let the North embrace the South. Let the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and all 250 plus tribes say: ‘Nigeria first.’”

 

Drawing comparisons to global examples such as India’s Narendra Modi, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Indonesia’s Joko Widodo, the Prophet argued that second terms deliver long-term prosperity. He said, “Nigeria is not an exception. If we change leadership every four years, we will remain a building site forever.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun closed with a prayer and a charge: “Nigeria will only rise when we rise above division. I am not speaking as Ogu, Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa. I speak as a Nigerian, and as a minister of the gospel of peace. God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He urged all Nigerians to pray for the nation, support security agencies, and give President Tinubu the opportunity to complete what he has started. The press release was issued on 20th April 2026 from his church in Zhidu Village behind Piwoyi Village off Lugbe Airport Road, FCT Abuja.

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₦100 Million Bribe Offer Rejected As Police STS Operatives Expose Criminal Syndicate

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₦100 Million Bribe Offer Rejected As Police STS Operatives Expose Criminal Syndicate

 

 

 

The Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on the vandalisation of critical national infrastructure, with the arrest of two notorious suspects and the recovery of railway materials valued at over ₦400,000,000.

 

Acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, to decisively tackle acts of economic sabotage, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), under the leadership of ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, executed a swift, intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of Chisom Goodnews (32) and Ahmed Adamu (22) on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

 

The suspects were intercepted while transporting vandalised railway infrastructure in a calculated attempt to evade detection. Recovered from them was a trailer truck with registration number KRB 355 SX, conveying railway tracks and sleepers weighing approximately 60 tonnes, cleverly concealed under sacks of groundnut shells. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are part of a well-coordinated syndicate responsible for the illegal removal and transportation of railway materials from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State, representing a significant threat to Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.

 

Speaking on the operation, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey revealed that in a desperate bid to compromise the officers and frustrate the arrest, the suspects offered a staggering sum of ₦100 million as a bribe to allow them passage with the illicit cargo. The offer was, however, outrightly rejected by the operatives, who remained resolute in the discharge of their duties. This firm stance underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to professionalism, integrity, and its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.

 

Further investigations are ongoing to apprehend the intended receiver of the stolen materials in Ilorin, as well as other members of the syndicate, while efforts are being intensified to recover additional exhibits linked to the criminal network.

 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reiterated the Force’s unwavering resolve to bring all perpetrators of economic sabotage to justice, warning that acts of vandalisation of public assets will not be tolerated. He assured that all individuals found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law.

 

₦100 Million Bribe Offer Rejected As Police STS Operatives Expose Criminal Syndicate

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