celebrity radar - gossips
Real reasons i returned to school despite being famous – Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola reveals
Perhaps, currently the most popular Yoruba movie actor, Odunlade Adekola has starred, scripted, produced and directed over a 100 movies. A crossover star, the 38-year-old actor recently made an inroad into Nollywood and has been clinching major roles. PREMIUM TIMES had a chat with the actor at the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour in Festac,Lagos, where he opened up on his career, fame and controversies
PT: Have you always wanted to become an actor?
Odunlade: I started acting at a very early age. Whenever an anniversary was to hold in our church (the Christ Apostolic Church, Lafenwa, Abeokuta.)I partook in it. I had a childhood friend, Tunde, who was a part-time actor and he introduced me to a theatre group that rehearsed near my house. One day, he invited me to join the group and I agreed. I went there that day and the man in charge asked me if I could act and I said I could. He then told me to act like a crazy person and when I did that, everybody there began to clap. I was also interested in singing and I composed songs for my church. But God had better plans for me. He said, “You will still become a musician, but come and join the movie industry first.” I joined the Yoruba movie industry in 1996 and the Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners, in 1998. I have been an actor for over 20 years. One of my earliest movie roles that I can recall is Faworaja. Bolaji Amusan (Mr. Latin) produced it in 1999. I believe that Asiri Gomina gave me my big break. The late Ishola Durojaiye (Alasari) produced the film.
PT: Is it true that you are presently an undergraduate at the University of Lagos?
Odunlade: Yes I am presently in 500 Level at the University of Lagos studying Business Administration. As a student, I loved business studies and anything that pertains to leadership. That is why I am studying Business Administration. I am also of the opinion that when you study Business Administration, you can fit into any profession. As we all know, if you have a lot of money and you do not know how to manage it, you would squander it in no time. If you are a doctor, heading a hospital, and you don’t know how to manage the hospital, the establishment can pack up. So, the knowledge of business administration is the key to the smooth running of any organisation. I already have a diploma from the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
PT: You are already a household name, why return to school?
Odunlade: I am a firm believer in knowledge acquisition so I always tell young actors, who want to enter our industry to get an education first. In fact, if you tell me you are interested in acting, I will ask you what you are doing presently. If you say you are currently in school, I will advise you to finish before you join the movie industry. Even if you are learning a trade, make sure you are certified before you join the movie industry. If you are seeking to gain admission into the university, ensure you complete your studies first before you come into the movie industry. If you fail to do so, once you become a famous actor, it will be difficult for you to go back to school. Education is very important in anything you do in life.
PT: The Yoruba movie industry has grown in leaps and bounds in recent times. What do you think is responsible for this growth?
Odunlade: I believe the Yoruba movie industry has benefited a lot from the advent of the Internet and social media. The introduction of the African Magic Yoruba Channel on DSTV has also contributed to the global recognition of the Yoruba movie industry. However, I believe that every industry needs to continuously improve in every area. Our industry has to also move with the times and protect our future by adapting to the changes in the world.
PT : What aspect do you think your industry needs to improve on?
Odunlade: No man is perfect except God. Sometimes, our fans complain that our movies aren’t getting to them, so I think we need to improve on our distribution channels.
PT: You failed to mention the poor subtitling in Yoruba films.
Odunlade: To be sincere, people still complain to us about that. In fact, it is a jocular topic on social media. Honestly speaking, I think changes have really begun to improve in this direction. A lot of my colleagues have brushed themselves up in this regard. We no longer hire incompetent people to handle subtitling in our movies. We now have professionals who proofread our movie scripts before they are released. For instance, I have not received any complaints in this area. And I know some producers, who are equally making efforts to correct poor subtitling in their movies.
PT: Since you starred in Taxi Driver (Oko Ashawo), you appear to be taking on a lot of Nollywood roles.
Odunlade: Before starring in Taxi Driver, I had featured in some English movies, which are yet to be released. My motto in life is: do anything you want to do to the best of your ability. That is the way I approach my work and I am also a very versatile actor. You never know the extent to which your actions would go. I didn’t quite anticipate that Taxi Driver (Oko Ashawo) would get this far when I accepted to play the role. I am starring in Omoni Oboli’s Wives on Strike, Film one’s New Money and many more.
PT: What do you look out for in a script before you take on a role?
Odunlade: A lot of people say I am versatile and I appreciate them. And I always tell people this: if acting is your profession you should protect or guard it jealously. Giving any role my best shot is my own way of protecting my job – being the best that I can be. If I am invited to play any role, after reading the script thoroughly, I try to understand it. Once I understand the character, then, I can to inject my own ideas. Most of the times, it is not always easy. Being versatile is the result of long-term hard work.
PT: As an established actor, you have had a fair share of scandals?
Odunlade: Some elements have hijacked social media for their own mischievous gains. People just sit down and cook up stories simply because they want traffic, they want to make money. I think Nigerians need to get it right. It is not everything that is on social media that is factual. An entertainer who knows his craft should not be carried away with social media. This is because before social media, we have been in this industry. It is not social media that will bring us down. I have been in the industry for more than twenty years. So, social media cannot bring me down.
PT: …And the numerous death hoaxes?
Odunlade: I don’t know who else may have been responsible for them. But I know that someone somewhere has continued to cook up something negative to ridicule me and to make profit out of it. This is not good. I always say this, if you are engaged in any illicit practice just to bring food to your table, it will definitely backfire. It might not backfire today, but it will someday. We have a lot of journalists who write good things, who verify their information before publishing. And they are doing well. I am not bothered about the negative reports. I have said it and will say it again, social media will not bring me down because I predate social media, and all of us do.
PT: For a long time, a lot of people have attributed your meteoric rise to diabolic means. Do you feel any need to react to it?
Odunlade: I have reacted to it. I am a Christian. I was born in a Christian family. I grew up in a Christian home. As far as I am concerned, if you are in one level in this country and people have not said this thing about you, it means you have not gotten high enough. If you are a celebrity and you are bothered about what people write about you, it means you still need to pray very well for Baba God to take you higher. We are still praying. People have said Pastors use jazz. So, why would they not say the same thing about me? I am a Christian and I am still in Christ. I was born in Christ Apostolic Church and I still attend Christ Apostolic Church in Abeokuta. My dad is a former choirmaster in our church and he is now a pastor.
PT: As the son of a pastor, did your father support your decision to become an actor?
Odunlade: When I told my father that I wanted to become an actor, he really encouraged me and my mother was not against it at all. My father, being the head of the house, threw his weight behind me and gave me his full support. He could have told me to drop the idea but he did not. It was only one of my uncles that did not really support my choice of career but now he’s the one that tells me to bring films for him to watch.
PT: Your colleagues are venturing into politics. Do you also intend to contest for the office of governor of Ekiti State?
Odunlade: If you have any opportunity in this country and at this time, use it. Make use of any opportunity positively, I mean good opportunities. In my own case, I can’t say anything pertaining to politics for now. With regards to contesting for governor of Ekiti State in the future; I do not know.
PT: As a Nollywood big boy, why do you prefer to live in Abeokuta instead of Lagos that is known as the entertainment headquarters?
Odunlade: I am comfortable in Abeokuta and there are a lot of beautiful and serene places here. All my family members are in Abeokuta. I was not brought up in Lagos so I cannot move to Lekki or Ajah. Living in Lagos does not mean that one is rich or successful. Neither does it mean that Lagos is a paradise. The mentality of everybody is different, I am in Abeokuta and I would continue to be here. I am not saying that I cannot build a house in Lagos but presently, I am in Abeokuta and I have not seen what would make me relocate from where I am. This is where I was before everybody in Lagos knew me, so why would I leave Abeokuta when everybody now knows me?
celebrity radar - gossips
Saheed Osupa Partners Harmony Garden Ltd, Offers Mouthwatering Deals and Urges Fans to Invest in Real Estate
Saheed Osupa Partners Harmony Garden Ltd, Offers Mouthwatering Deals and Urges Fans to Invest in Real Estate
Renowned Fuji music icon, King Dr. Saheed Osupa, has entered into a strategic partnership with Harmony Garden Ltd, a fast-growing real estate development company, as part of efforts to promote wealth creation through property investment.
The celebrated musician announced the collaboration during a public engagement with fans and stakeholders, where he emphasized the importance of owning assets that appreciate over time. According to him, real estate remains one of the most reliable and secure investment options, particularly for individuals seeking long-term financial stability.
With the partnership, Dr. Saheed Osupa has assumed the role of Real Estate Ambassador, using his wide influence to encourage millions of his fans across Nigeria and the diaspora to consider property investment as a means of securing their future.
Dr. Osupa made the disclosure at the Harmony Garden Ltd office in Ajah, Lagos State, where he expressed pride in officially announcing his ambassadorial partnership, noting that the initiative aligns with his vision of promoting financial awareness and sustainable investment opportunities.
Dr. Osupa explained that his decision to align with Harmony Garden Ltd was influenced by the company’s proven track record, transparency, and commitment to delivering quality housing projects. He urged his fans; particularly young people and creatives; to look beyond income from entertainment and begin building sustainable financial futures through long-term investments.
According to him, the partnership with Ibile Traditional Mortgage is designed to open up unprecedented opportunities in real estate investment for his fans.
“Music has given me a platform, but wise investment secures the future,” the Fuji maestro said. “Real estate is something everyone should consider. It is safe, tangible, and it appreciates over time. That is why I am proud to partner with Harmony Garden Ltd.”
Osupa also called on his fans at home and abroad to take advantage of the initiative, revealing that for the next six months, fans worldwide will have access to exclusive discounts on prime lands and properties in premium locations across Lagos.
He added that the offer includes properties within the prestigious New Osupa Boulevard development by Harmony Garden Ltd, describing the opportunity as more than just a commercial deal but a pathway to long-term wealth creation.
“I advise my fans not to miss this limited-time opportunity to own a piece of legacy at highly competitive prices,” he said, noting that the initiative is aimed at turning dreams into reality by encouraging timely and informed investment decisions.
Saheed Mosadoluwa, Chief Executive Officer of Harmony Garden Ltd, described the partnership as a union built on trust and shared values. He said the company remains committed to making property ownership more accessible by offering flexible payment plans and developing estates in strategic locations.
In his remarks, Mosadoluwa advised members of the public to take advantage of the opportunity to secure property through the Harmony Garden Ltd platform. He added that investors stand to enjoy additional benefits and privileges, particularly during the current promotional period.
“We have attractive offers for the public, especially with the ambassadorial partnership of King Dr. Saheed Osupa,” he said. “The first 300 applicants will benefit from special discounts.”
According to him, properties valued at ₦30 million will be offered at ₦25 million to Osupa’s fans and other interested buyers, with flexible installment payment options spread over six months. He also disclosed that land allocation will commence for individuals who make an initial payment of at least ₦5 million, with the balance payable within the same period.
The collaboration is expected to increase awareness of real estate investment among Osupa’s vast fan base across Nigeria and the diaspora. Industry observers believe the endorsement by the respected Fuji legend could boost investor confidence and encourage first-time buyers to make informed decisions about property ownership.
With this partnership, Dr. Saheed Osupa joins a growing number of public figures leveraging their influence to promote financial literacy and asset-based investments among their followers.
celebrity radar - gossips
One Lifestyle You Cannot Take Away from the Generational Prophet, Dr. Chris Okafor — His Prayer Life (Part 3)
One Lifestyle You Cannot Take Away from the Generational Prophet, Dr. Chris Okafor — His Prayer Life (Part 3)
By Sunday Adeyemi
There is a popular saying: if there is a man to pray on earth, there is a God in heaven who answers prayers. When prayer is offered with sincerity of heart, God perfects the request and causes all of creation to work in favour of the one who prays.
When a person understands the principles and workings of prayer, such a person becomes more than a conqueror. Prayer gives spiritual authority, enabling one to command outcomes beyond the ordinary. This understanding is one of the major tools deployed by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Worldwide, Dr. Chris Okafor, in seeking divine intervention.
Today, Grace Nation has become a global convergence point for testimonies and miracles.
This did not happen by accident. Dr. Chris Okafor is a prayer warrior who prays relentlessly, as though there is no tomorrow.
It is therefore not surprising that challenges, controversies, and allegations that arise around him often dissolve unexpectedly. He understands how to approach God and how to deploy the mechanics of prayer effectively. In record time, answers come, and solutions manifest.
Dr. Chris Okafor is, without doubt, a man of prayer. He prays consistently, and God responds swiftly.
Prayer as a Tool for Transformation
In this Part 3 of the series, we examine how Dr. Chris Okafor has used prayer to rewrite negative family patterns, dismantle evil altars and barriers, and drive foundational transformation within Grace Nation.
One of the most potent tools deployed by the Generational Prophet to confront spiritual resistance at the present headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was prayer. From the onset, forces of darkness resisted the establishment of the church. During the construction of the auditorium, several challenges emerged, but through persistent and strategic prayers, every plan to obstruct the project was frustrated.
Through prayer, Dr. Chris Okafor has consistently broken barriers and limitations in the lives of Grace Nation citizens across the globe. His understanding of spiritual warfare and precision in prayer has resulted in restoration where stagnation once prevailed.
Major Impacts of Dr. Chris Okafor’s Prayer Life
Prayer and Divine Preservation:
It is now a matter of public record that Dr. Chris Okafor was kidnapped and held captive for 58 days.
Despite being under the watch of his abductors, he reportedly did not cease praying—morning, afternoon, and night. When the time for his release came, his captors reportedly returned him to his hometown and advised him to continue serving the God he had been calling upon throughout his captivity. This episode further underscores that prayer is inseparable from his life.
Prayer and
Supernatural Intervention:
In another incident, while traveling within Nigeria, the aircraft conveying Dr. Okafor developed a mechanical fault midair. Panic spread among passengers despite reassurances from the flight crew.
Eyewitness accounts state that Dr. Okafor lifted his voice in prayer, saying, “My Father and my God, I am in this plane; let this siege stop in Jesus’ name.” Shortly afterward, the faulty engine was restored, and the aircraft landed safely.
Prayer and Control Over Circumstances:
At an “Enough Is Enough” open crusade some years ago, heavy rainfall threatened to disrupt the event. As attendees began seeking shelter, Dr. Okafor instructed everyone to remain calm. He knelt down and prayed, commanding the rain to shift from the crusade ground. Remarkably, rain continued to fall heavily in surrounding areas while the venue remained dry.
A Lifestyle Rooted in Prayer
Before making any major decision, Dr. Chris Okafor seeks divine direction through prayer. This prayerful lifestyle has reportedly led to the cancellation of untimely death within his family and the breaking of negative generational patterns. Through consistent intercession, long-standing transgenerational limitations were corrected and replaced with restoration.
This is why anyone seeking to contend with a deeply prayerful man like Dr. Chris Okafor is advised to think twice. It is important to understand the foundation before judging the outcomes. What many debate today is the visible success, without acknowledging the unseen labour of prayer behind it.
Prayer and answered prayers remain the source of much of what is being discussed today. This lifestyle is worthy of emulation, as it has the power to transform any life that embraces it sincerely.
Watch out for Part 4 of this series: Dr. Chris Okafor — A Prayerful Man: One Lifestyle You Cannot Take Away from Him.
Sunday Adeyemi is a Lagos-based journalist, society writer, and editor with Society Herald Magazine and Online.
celebrity radar - gossips
OTUNBA ADEMORIN ALIU KUYE: A SCION OF ROYAL LINEAGE, TESTED SERVICE, AND ENDURING NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
OTUNBA ADEMORIN ALIU KUYE: A SCION OF ROYAL LINEAGE, TESTED SERVICE, AND ENDURING NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
In the evolving discourse surrounding leadership, tradition, and service in Ijebuland, Hon. Otunba Ademorin Aliu Kuye stands out as a figure whose life reflects a rare convergence of royal heritage, professional excellence, and sustained national service.
A Prince of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode, Otunba Kuye is rooted in a lineage deeply woven into the historical and cultural fabric of Ijebuland. He is the son of the late Alhaji Ishola Ganiyu Kuye of the historic Gbelegbuwa Compound, Gboguja, Ijebu-Ode, and the late Princess Adetutu Idowu Kuye of the Erelu Okutuwo/Sabe of Jadiara lineage, a recognised branch of the Fusengbuwa royal family.
Born in the early 1960s on Lagos Island, Kuye’s formative years were shaped by a strong educational foundation. He attended Christ Church Cathedral School, Lagos, completed his secondary education in Lagos, and proceeded to Ibadan Grammar School for his Advanced Level studies. His academic journey culminated at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Law. He was called to the Nigerian Bar over three decades ago and later obtained a Master’s degree in Law, reinforcing a lifelong commitment to justice and public order.
A Career Defined by Service
Otunba Kuye’s professional and public service career spans more than three decades and cuts across law, governance, legislation, and administration. He served as Company Secretary of Vigilant Insurance Co. Ltd. and as Principal Partner at Adekanola, Kuye & Co., Legal Practitioners, before venturing fully into public service.
At the grassroots level, he served as Executive Secretary of Somolu Local Government (2003–2004) and later as Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government (2004–2008), where he gained practical experience in governance and community administration.
His elevation to the Lagos State Executive Council as Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (2011–2015) marked a defining phase of his public career. During this period, he played a notable role in the institutional reform of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, modernising its operations while preserving the dignity, hierarchy, and authority of traditional institutions.
He was also part of the Lagos State leadership involved in the historic dispute over the withholding of statutory allocations following the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in 2004. The ensuing legal and political battle culminated in a landmark Supreme Court judgment in favour of Lagos State, affirming constitutional clarity and fiscal justice, an outcome widely regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s federal evolution.
He further served as Senior Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Labour on Arbitration (2016–2019), contributing to dispute resolution and industrial harmony at the federal level.
National Legislative Impact
At the national level, Otunba Kuye has served two terms in the House of Representatives (2019–2023; 2023–present). He distinguished himself as a disciplined parliamentarian and institutional stabiliser, serving as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business.
Notably, he was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Government Abandoned Property, a sensitive and strategic assignment reserved for lawmakers of proven integrity, discretion, and national confidence. His legislative work has been marked by quiet effectiveness, procedural rigour, and consensus-building. Owing to his outstanding performance, a new committee, the House Committee on Public Assets was established in 2023, and he was privileged to serve as its inaugural Chairman.
Traditional Titles and Cultural Accolades
Beyond politics and national service, Otunba Kuye’s standing within Ijebuland’s traditional order is well established. In 2018, he was appointed Baba Egbe Obayori Okunrin (Asiwaju), Akile Ijebu. In August of the same year, he led the Ijebu age grade to the Awujale’s Palace to receive royal blessings and recognition from His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, GCON, Ogbagba II, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.
As a Prince of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, he was later installed as the Otunba Ajana of Ijebu-Ode, a title conferred by the late Awujale himself. This honour is widely regarded as recognition earned through loyalty, service, and consistent engagement with traditional institutions.
A National Outlook Rooted in Custom
Otunba Kuye stands as a bridge between tradition and modern governance, a Prince of national outlook, yet deeply grounded in custom. His exposure across law, executive governance, legislative practice, and traditional administration has positioned him as a unifier, capable of navigating complexity with restraint and dignity.
As conversations continue around leadership, heritage, and continuity in Ijebuland, Hon. Otunba Ademorin Aliu Kuye remains defined by lineage, competence, experience, character, and historical legitimacy; a profile shaped not by noise, but by consequence.
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