Connect with us

celebrity radar - gossips

Real Reasons Why Ambode Sacked Commissioners

Published

on

ambode

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, last Wednesday, caused a rumble within the state Executive Council when he relieved Commissioners for Tourism, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, Finance, Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi, and Transportation, Dr. Ekundayo Mobereola of their appointments in a minor cabinet reshuffle.

The reshuffle came exactly a year after Governor Ambode constituted his Executive Council, precisely on October 19, 2015. The sack, according to sources, could not be unconnected with poor performance, misdemeanour and inability to key into the goals, vision and mission of the present administration.

However, the Governor, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Tunji Bello, directed the Special Adviser, Arts and Culture to take over as the Acting Commissioner for Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Special Adviser on Transportation will take over as Acting Commissioner for Transportation, while the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance takes over as the Acting Commissioner for Finance pending appointment of new Commissioners in the respective ministries.

Acting capacity

It will be recalled that on September 19, 2016, Ambode sacked quite a number of heads of parastatals and agencies. Notable among them was General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Mr. Michael Akindele who was replaced him immediately with Mr. Tiamiyu Muyiwa Adesina in an acting capacity.

Also, on March 14, 2016, following the collapse of a five storey building under construction at Lekki Gardens, Kusenla Road, Ikate Elegushi, in Eti-Osa Local Government, Ambode sacked the General Manager of the state Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Engr. Adeigbe Olushola.

The governor also sacked the Head of Inspection and Quality Control in the Agency, Adeoye Thomas Adeyemi, the Zonal District Officer in the Agency, Dosunmu Gbadebo, while the Zonal Head of Eti-Osa West of the Agency, Mrs. Akinde Adenike Sherifat was compulsorily retired from the civil service.

Ambode, in a statement through the state Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, said the affected officers were dismissed having been indicted of negligence, which according to the governor is an act of misconduct under the Public Service Rule 040401.

According to the governor, Rule 040401 of the Public Service act of misconduct states inter alia: “A willful act of omission or general misconduct to the scandal of the public or to the prejudice of discipline and proper administration of the State Government,” should be visited with dismissal from the Public Service in line with the Public Service Rule 040503.

All these sackings, it was gathered, received the blessings of former governor of the state and National Leader All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is known to be the main backer of the governor.

Reasons for the sack

Sequel to the eventual sack, facts emerged that the affected commissioners were recently reprimanded by Ambode on the need to raise their game on performance or face exit. According to the source, the affected commissioners were sacked based on issues ranging from lack of capacity to deliver, disloyalty and flagrant disobedience of the Governor’s directives on several occasions and lackadaisical attitude towards government’s goals

Some of the commissioners were also said to be indifferent to the governor’s directive on some major issues, believing they owe their allegiance to their godfather, Tinubu. The source said like any other Governor or President, Ambode relieved the cabinet members of their appointments based on political expediency, capacity to do the job, among others.

He recalled that many of the cabinet members were appointed a year ago based on merit and the need to put round peg in round hole, but in the last 15 months, it had become apparent that some of them cannot cope with the pace of the Governor, while some have demonstrated utter disloyalty to the office of the Governor.

They were also accused of flagrant disrespect to the office of the Governor with impunity, thereby undermining his authority coupled with unresolved disputes with some cabinet members.

The source said: “You see, one of them for instance, (names withheld) falls in this category.

“Having been in government for the past 16 years, his carriage was that of a man who believed that he cannot be touched. So, it was not a surprise to close observers that he was among those sacked by the Governor.”

Yet another one was dropped on account of being arrogant and unable to work as a team player and above all, he was allegedly approving money without the governor’s consent.

Oversight function

In addition, he was also accused of treating lawmakers in the state with disdain. Sometimes ago, members of the relevant Committee of the state House of Assembly were stranded and embarrassed during an oversight visit to the office of the commissioner, who was not on hand to receive the committee members without a word or excuse for the action after being duly notified of the visit.

He was also accused of often delegating officials to represent him at key events without cogent reasons for doing so.

Hence, the decision of the Governor to wield the big stick to serve as deterrent to others in order to fall in line and key to his vision of making Lagos great and transforming the state massively.

It was gathered that the other casualty- Akinkunmi, was said to be found wanting.

Being a finance expert himself, Governor Ambode, according to another reliable source, was uncomfortable with his style of operation to the extent that he had to be tongue-lashed at cabinet meetings by the Governor on issues that bordered on abysmal performance.

Commissioner reacts

Meantime, Folarin-Coker, in a swift reaction to the development, denied being removed for poor performance but said it was in the interest of moving Lagos forward.

His words: “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is my leader and boss. He is a visionary leader and understands well what Lagos needs best. He is also a close personal friend. There was no clash between us whatsoever. Lagos needs to move at an accelerating pace and my time to depart just happened to be today.

“I remain totally loyal to him and the party. Change is always good thing and I am grateful to God to have been able to serve my state for 18 years.”

A text message sent to Moberola and Akinkunmi’s mobile phone lines were yet to be responded to at press time.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

celebrity radar - gossips

Olori Aderonke EmmanuelKing Honoured in Spirit-Filled Birthday Celebration as Valiant Special Prayer Squad Marks Third Anniversary

Published

on

Olori Aderonke EmmanuelKing Honoured in Spirit-Filled Birthday Celebration as Valiant Special Prayer Squad Marks Third Anniversary

 

The atmosphere was charged with spiritual fervor and heartfelt celebration as the Valiant Special Prayer Squad, an intercessory arm of Adron Group’s spiritual framework, commemorated its third anniversary in an all-day prophetic gathering that also marked the 48th birthday of its founder, Olori Aderonke Omotola EmmanuelKing.

More than just a ceremonial event, the gathering was a fusion of spiritual depth and leadership tribute, highlighting the synergy between faith, corporate responsibility, and personal devotion. Olori Aderonke, who also serves as the Vice Chairman and Group Executive Director of Adron Group, has over the years exemplified a model of prayer-driven leadership and values-based stewardship.

Since its inception three years ago, the Valiant Special Prayer Squad has evolved into a spiritual backbone for Adron Group, mobilizing staff members, directors, and stakeholders into consistent intercession, prophetic declarations, and communal worship. The third anniversary, therefore, marked not just a chronological milestone, but a testament to divine guidance, unity, and spiritual growth within the organization.

The day-long celebration was rich with vibrant praise, worship sessions, moving testimonies of answered prayers, and exhortations from ministers of the gospel. Spiritual leaders and squad members led fervent sessions of intercession for the celebrant, the company, its leadership, and the nation at large, reinforcing the squad’s identity as a watchtower over corporate and national concerns.

One of the most touching moments was the outpouring of love and tributes directed at Olori Aderonke, whose commitment to spiritual discipline, staff welfare, and personal mentorship was lauded by all in attendance. Colleagues, friends, and mentees shared stories of transformation and growth under her leadership, painting a picture of a woman whose quiet strength has built bridges between the boardroom and the altar.

Adding to the beauty of the moment was the presence and participation of her husband, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, Chairman and CEO of Adron Group. His visible support, actively engaging in the entire day’s spiritual sessions was a reflection of their personal bond and a strong endorsement of the spiritual structure his wife has built within the company.

In her address, a visibly moved Olori Aderonke gave thanks to God for the grace to lead and impact lives. She expressed deep appreciation to the squad members, her family, and the entire Adron community for their loyalty and spiritual alignment. She also stressed the need for sustained prayer altars within institutions and homes, declaring that every lasting legacy must first be rooted in divine alignment.

The event concluded with a solemn benediction and communion service that left many in renewal and spiritual empowerment.

As the Valiant Special Prayer Squad marches into its fourth year, it does so with renewed strength, carrying a mandate to not only intercede for Adron Group but to be a beacon of spiritual order in corporate Nigeria.

 

Olori Aderonke EmmanuelKing Honoured in Spirit-Filled Birthday Celebration as Valiant Special Prayer Squad Marks Third Anniversary

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

May Ekayoda’s MEHOPE continue to Empower Vulnerabke Communities

Published

on

May Ekayoda's MEHOPE continue to Empower Vulnerabke Communities.

May Ekayoda’s MEHOPE continue to Empower Vulnerabke Communities.

 

Ex Face of Delta Beauty Queen 2014/2015, May Ekayoda, is a Nigerian-Canadian Certified Home Stager, Interior Designer, Entrepreneur, and dedicated humanitarian. She is the visionary founder of M.E.H.O.P.E (May Ekayoda Helping Orphans & Protecting the Elderly)—a nonprofit organization born from a deep-rooted passion for serving vulnerable communities.

Long before MEHOPE was officially established, May was already engaged in meaningful humanitarian work. As a beauty queen, she championed various outreach projects, focusing on orphans, women, and the elderly—causes that remained close to her heart.

Her journey of compassion began in childhood, witnessing the harsh realities faced by widows, single mothers, orphans, and elderly women in her community. These early encounters with hardship left a lasting impression, igniting in her a deep sense of responsibility and purpose.

What began as small, self-initiated acts of kindness evolved into a larger mission. These formative experiences became the foundation for MEHOPE—an organization driven by empathy, purpose, and a commitment to meaningful change.

May envisioned MEHOPE as a sanctuary for the overlooked and underserved. She believes that by empowering women—particularly those marginalized by society—and safeguarding the well-being of children and the elderly, we can inspire a lasting ripple effect of strength and resilience across generations.

Today, MEHOPE stands as a nonprofit rooted in compassion and action. Through its programs, May channels her vision into real-world impact—offering support, resources, and advocacy to ensure that everyone the organization touches feels seen, valued, and empowered.

May Ekayoda's MEHOPE continue to Empower Vulnerabke Communities.

*Contact*
To learn more about MEHOPE and May Ekayoda’s humanitarian initiatives, please visit www.mehopefoundation.org or reach out via email at [email protected].

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Becoming Ooni: How I Wore the Crown On Screen” — Adedolamu Awolowo Tells His Story

Published

on

Becoming Ooni: How I Wore the Crown On Screen” — Adedolamu Awolowo Tells His Story

If you’re meeting Adedolamu Emmanuel Awolowo for the first time, three things will immediately stand out: his towering presence, charismatic energy, and captivating storytelling. But beyond his striking looks and charming personality lies a man deeply passionate about the Nigerian movie industry — both in front of and behind the camera.

How i acted OONI in a forthcoming movie- Fast Rising Actor, ADEDOLAMU AWOLOWO

The fast-rising actor and director has built his career quietly but steadily, earning his stripes with some of Nollywood’s finest. Recently, he grabbed major attention for his portrayal of the revered Ooni of Ife in an upcoming epic film chronicling the reign of Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

In a candid conversation at the City People office in Gbagada, Lagos, the Ibadan-born talent shared his inspiring journey with Senior Editor, Wale Lawal, including the pressure of carrying the Awolowo name and what it meant to step into royal shoes on screen.

A STAR IN THE MAKING
Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Adedolamu relocated to Lagos over four decades ago and attended Unique Children’s School and Unique Heights for his primary and secondary education. Later, he pursued Theatre Arts in university — but his passion for acting started much earlier.

“Even in primary school, I was in the drama club. I always knew I was born to act,” he recalls. Despite being encouraged to pursue a science career — even writing WAEC as a science student — his heart remained with the arts.

From drama clubs to street hustle, Adedolamu’s journey wasn’t a straight line. Coming from a broken home, he worked multiple jobs — including cooking for parties, shoemaking, and event ushering — just to fund his education. “An idle man is the devil’s workshop,” he says. “I had to keep pushing.”

WALKING IN ROYAL SHOES
Adedolamu’s big break came with a lead role as the Ooni of Ife in a yet-to-be-released movie directed by Yomi Amodu and produced by Tunde Adesoye. The film, shot in Ile-Ife, captures the achievements of the Ooni in recent years.

“I spent three weeks in Ile-Ife preparing and shooting. It was an intense, spiritual experience. Playing the Ooni is more than acting — it’s carrying a legacy,” he says. The cast included heavyweights like Peju Ogunmola, Taiwo Hassan, and Yinka Salau.

CRAFTING HIS OWN STYLE
Having trained under the late Yomi Ogunmola and later Muyiwa Ademola, Adedolamu has appeared in over 100 movies, including Owo Okuta, Abegbe, and most recently, “Ori Ade Fadaka” — a cinema release starring Bimbo Akintola, Antar Laniyan, and Jide Kosoko.

He recently directed two upcoming films for Africa Magic, titled Curiosity and Iwo Lo Pa. Shot in 4K and built on cinematic standards, they reflect his commitment to high-quality production.

“My set was intense,” he laughs. “We worked from 7 a.m

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending