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The Significance of Oba of Benin’s visit to the Arole Oduduwa in Ile-Ife

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It is no longer news that Ile-Ife, the Source and Cradle of the Yoruba race have a calendar of three hundred and sixty-five less a day in respect to its festivals. These festivals come as a way of life, that is, culture of the people. It is no gainsaying that since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Ogunwusi has made significant effort by promoting the Africa traditional beliefs and culture and ensuring performance of all festivals since October 2015 to date.
In the few years of his reign to date, Ooni Adeyeye has endeavoured to touch lives, physically and materially. He has been a household name in terms of promoting our cultural values as well as being a frontier for unity and peace, both at the national and international level.
At this year’s Olokun Festival, H.I.M got a collaboration in the area of peace keeping across the divide and this is no other person than his brother King, a descendant of the Oduduwa kingdom and a foremost custodian of the Africa Culture; The Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba Akpolokpolo Ewuare II. The Oba was hosted by H.I.M on the first day of the Olokun celebration, 28 April 2018 at an elaborate reception at the Royal Court, Enuwa, Ile-Ife.
The visit showcased a display of culture of both the Benin and Yoruba people; the performance of the Benin cultural group, the Ooni’s palace troops among others was not only beautiful but the similarity in culture was highlighted. The Kings guards, music and the waist-twist on the dance floor were actually “things to write home about.”
I must recall that the last time such visit happened between both kingdoms was some thirty-nine years ago. The last visit which occurred in 1979 at the Royal Court, was done by the reigning Oba of Benin, Omo n’oba ni Edo Erediauwa to see the Ooni  Adesoji Aderemi, on his ascension to the throne of Benin. The following year, Ooni Aderemi joined his precursors. It is however noteworthy that, Baba was delighted with Omo’n’ba to the extent that he swapped his revered black leather seat with Erediauwa.  Ooni Adesoji Aderemi was blessed to have witnessed three reigns of Oba of Benin before he passed. May our kings be blessed with long life in the land of the living (amen).
The crust on the visit this time is: the visit to the ‘Orun Oba Ado’ and the symbolic gift presented to the Ewuare. Need I tell you to seat tight, fasten your seat-belt as I take you through the significance of the coatings.
Both selfless monarchs decided to visit the place named ‘Orun Oba Ado’ meaning ‘the resting place of Edo kings.’ Tradition has it that when a Ọba of Benin passes, his head was sent from the Edo kingdom to the Orun Oba Ado in Aku (Ile-Ife) for burial while a bronze-head replica was sent from Ile-Ifẹ to Edo where the rest of the body would be buried. This goes to show the existence of a very close relationship between the Aku and Edo I suppose. On same note, Feyistan Opeyemi in a publication made on the 25 March 2012 stated that the reason may not be far-fetched from the belief that Aku and Ado are siblings and represent the Biblical Esau and Jacob. Reference was made to the book of Jasher 56:48 – 57:5. The major factor is that strong ties exist between Benin Kingdom and Ile-Ife as a descent of Oduduwa. Therefore, the monarchs were thoughtful to pay a visit to this site where they prayed to their ancestors, asking God for unity and peace within their kingdoms and Nigeria at large.
The choice of gift for the Oba of Benin was cardinal and a thoughtful move was made by H.I.M as he presented a gift which transcends beyond the physical, it is symbolic; it illustrates the bond between the two kingdoms, their vocation as professional hunter, and the link of brotherhood to Oranmiyan and further to Oduduwa.
To mark this historic visit, the two powerful brother-king and their entourage were hosted to a reception by the Osun State Governor, His Excellency, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola at the government house in Osogbo, Osun State.
The take-home of the visit according to H.I.M Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi and the Omo N’oba Akpolokpolo Ewuare II is that, both kings have the intention to foster unity and better understanding of the kingdoms. They also admonished the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Mohammed Buhari to ensure coexistence among Nigerians by resolving issues that impact the security of the country.
The Olokun festival which was rounded up on 29 April 2018 witnessed a good number of people from within and outside Nigeria in attendance. The Olokun festival is an annual cultural festival in Nigeria, it is celebrated throughout Yoruba land and the Edo. The word Okun means sea while Olokun means the owner of the sea; the owner who is deemed the  goddess of the sea. It is believed that the Olokun has the power to give children to barren women. She is also believed to be in control of ocean waves and could capsize sea vessels of evildoers at will. Olokun is also the goddess of riches and she has the power to bestow wealth to her devotees. The worshippers of Olokun are generally dressed in immaculate white attires with their faces paintedted with white chalk.
The Edo people celebrate Olokun in late February that is; 1st moon after the 12th moon. This takes place in Usonigbe, the site of Olokun’s shrine, in Edo State while the Chief Olokun shrine is located in the Ilode quarter of Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Long may our Kings live!!!
Gbemisola Bis-Taiwo
PhD Candidate, Maynooth University, Department of Law.

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UBA’s Abiodun Coker Named “Future Leader in Media Management” at The Industry Summit/Awards

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UBA’s Abiodun Coker Named “Future Leader in Media Management” at The Industry Summit/Awards

UBA’s Abiodun Coker Named “Future Leader in Media Management” at The Industry Summit/Awards

The communications team at United Bank for Africa (UBA) has another reason to celebrate as Abiodun Coker, Media & External Relations Lead, has been honored with the “Future Leader in Media Management” award at the upcoming 6th edition of The Industry Summit/Awards.

UBA’s Abiodun Coker Named “Future Leader in Media Management” at The Industry Summit/Awards

Organized by The Industry Newspaper, the leading brand marketing publication in West Africa — the prestigious awards recognize outstanding professionals shaping the future of brand marketing and communications across the region.

The award jury, chaired by Mr. Tolulope Ogunjobi, renowned broadcast business correspondent and Business Editor at TVC News, cited Coker’s exceptional achievements in the public relations field during the year 2024. Particularly noted were his masterful handling of UBA’s 2024 Rights Issue, which successfully closed on December 24, 2024, and the impactful execution of the bank’s 75th Anniversary Campaign, both of which were described as commendable and exceptional.

A seasoned professional, Coker’s journey from an acclaimed financial journalist at BusinessDay Newspapers to a powerhouse in corporate communications has been nothing short of inspiring. With over eight years of robust journalism experience, coupled with leadership roles at top-tier public relations firms such as BD Consult Ltd and Quadrant, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to transform and manage leading brands successfully.

According to the jury, Coker’s management of UBA’s media ecosystem during the year under review was remarkable, with several media professionals praising his public relations craftsmanship and ability to skillfully manage the image of one of Africa’s most formidable financial brands.

“Abiodun Coker’s achievements in 2024 are a beacon for greater accomplishments ahead,” the jury noted. “He is undoubtedly one of the strategic communication experts to watch in 2025.”

The Industry Summit and Awards held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at CIBN House, Adeola Hopewell, Victoria Island, Lagos, and the awards ceremony took place at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Abiodun Coker’s recognition further cements his growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and future-ready communications leaders, with his eyes firmly set on redefining the media management landscape.

He is purposefully forging his path at UBA Group, widely regarded as a formidable team player in the communication strategic industry, his contributions are both impactful and impossible to overlook. He is undoubtedly a strong candidate for future leadership roles in the communications industry.

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President Tinubu: Anambra visit and the petals of inclusive leadership, by Fredrick Nwabufo

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President Tinubu: Anambra visit and the petals of inclusive leadership, by Fredrick Nwabufo

In botanical terms, inclusive leadership is like a flower of which beauty proceeds from the anatomy of each petal or the leaves of its corolla. It takes different parts to form a whole, and there is no stronger force than a united people.

President Bola Tinubu has steadily demonstrated a rare rallying quality; pulling together and not setting asunder. Whether north, south, east, or west, he has remained consistent as an even-handed arbiter, dealing graciously and honourably with everyone.

On May 2, he visited Katsina State, where he made bold and decisive declarations against banditry and terrorism in the North-West zone. He reiterated his resolve that Nigeria would never succumb to the designs of terror and asked the military to intensify its efforts to remove the vestiges of the menace.

The President visited Enugu State on January 4. The visit, his first port of call in the year, underscored the importance accorded to the South-East zone, as well as the President’s genuine effort at bringing all Nigerians together.

In Enugu, President Tinubu interacted with a melange of leaders in the South-East, listening, taking note of their concerns, and ending with a fine lexical smorgasbord of unity, hope, and compassion.

In Anambra, his second visit to the South-East in 2025, the President reprised his accustomed nationalistic aspect – not a performance or a contrivance, but an organic and time-honed disposition.

President Tinubu paid a visit to Anambra State on Thursday, May 8. He was received with flourish, elegance, and exceeding excitement — an undisputed affirmation of the Igbo saying, “Nkea bu nke anyi” (He is our own).

It was a carnival in the streets of Awka as the President’s convoy entered the city, a welcome deserving only of a well-striped warrior — Dike. The President was honoured with the foremost traditional title — Dike Si-mba of Anambra — mighty warrior/hero.

Earlier, he had inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikwe University; the new Government House, and Solution Funcity.

Speaking at Ekwueme Square, a stadium, where an open meeting was held with an array of South-East leaders, opinion moulders and other citizens, President Tinubu thanked the people of Anambra for the warm welcome and their support.

“I know our diversity will lead to prosperity.

“South-East, I salute your enterprise, your innovation, and commitment to progress,” the President said.

In his address, Governor Chukwuma Soludo thanked the President for honouring the state by visiting. He said the last state visit by any President was in 2012.

He commended the President for having the courage to take tough decisions that were already turning around the economy and encouraged the President to stay the course.

The governor said his support for President Tinubu was rooted in ideology and principle and described the President as the “Professor of Federalism.”

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, also thanked the President, underscoring his expansiveness, accommodating, and fatherly disposition.

The significance of the President’s domestic trips is the exigency of solidarising, as well as of building bridges and fostering unity. Nigerians across the country can see, feel, and hear their President in the flesh. He comes to them with words of hope, encouragement, understanding, compassion, and action.

The President has shown time and time again that he is the leader that Nigeria sorely needs at this time to mend the fault lines, the fissures, and to disentangle the national antinomy.

Leadership is by example. It is in the doings. It is in the results. Little wonder Nigerians across all artificial aisles are rallying towards the President. The ability to bring people together, regardless of any unnatural boundaries, is the great stuff of leadership.

President Tinubu epitomises this outlier quality of leadership.

Fredrick Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement

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You Are My Everything’: Bullion Records Boss Sparks Romance Buzz with Birthday Tribute to Wife

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You Are My Everything’: Bullion Records Boss Sparks Romance Buzz with Birthday Tribute to Wife

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Ogun, Nigeria – May 9, 2025

It was a heartwarming celebration at the residence of the CEO and Chairman of Bullion Records, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, as he marked the birthday of his beloved wife, Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, with an intimate and spiritually reflective event.

The day began with a private prayer session held at the couple’s Ogun home, attended by close family members and friends. The quiet ceremony was filled with gratitude and reverence as Ambassador Ajadi expressed deep appreciation to Almighty God for granting his wife another year in good health and joy.

Speaking to journalists after the prayer session, the businessman, philanthropist, and political advocate described his wife as the pillar of his success and the heartbeat of his household.

“To my love! You are the reason I smile every day. You are my everything. I love you more than ever,” Ambassador Ajadi said with affection. “Wishing you the happiest day, my darling. Happy birthday to my soulmate.”

Mrs. Oyindamola, visibly touched by her husband’s emotional tributes and the warm atmosphere of the day, also expressed her appreciation. “I’m overwhelmed by the love and care I’ve received today, especially from my husband,” she said. “His words touched my soul, and I am grateful to God for giving me such a wonderful partner.”

The couple, known for their public service and humanitarian work, has been a model of unity and love in both social and business circles. While Ambassador Ajadi is a rising force in Nigeria’s entertainment and political landscape, Mrs. Oyindamola is admired for her poise, compassion, and support for youth and women empowerment causes.

Friends, family members, and fans of Bullion Records took to social media to celebrate the birthday, praising Mrs. Oyindamola for her humility and strength. Many described her as a “silent engine” behind the ambassador’s success story.

As the day unfolded, plans were also revealed for a modest evening dinner in her honour, with the presence of key personalities from the music, media, and political scenes expected.

Ambassador Ajadi’s message to his wife was not just a tribute to love but a reminder of the power of strong partnerships in achieving personal and collective dreams. In his words: “Behind every great man is not just a woman, but a woman who believes in the vision and nurtures it with love, faith, and strength.”

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