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Tommy Lasorda dies at 93

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Tommy Lasorda dies at 93

Sadly, growing more and more frail, Tommy Lasorda looked on from a suite at Globe Life Field in Texas, watching as the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the World Series in Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Tommy Lasorda dies at 93

Surrounded by family and friends, Lasorda celebrated the team’s first championship in 32 years that October evening amid the coronavirus pandemic. While his mobility was slowed, his mind was still sharp.

Fittingly, it was the last game he ever attended.

“He always said he wanted 2 things, to live to be 100 and to see another championship brought to the city of LA,” Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner tweeted. “Although he fought like hell to hit triple digits, I couldn’t be more proud to know he got to see the Dodgers on top again, where he knew we belonged”

The Hall of Fame manager who was true blue to the Dodgers for more than seven decades died Thursday night after having a heart attack at his home in Fullerton, California, the team said Friday. Lasorda was 93. He had just returned home Tuesday after being hospitalized since Nov. 8 with heart issues.

Lasorda had been the oldest living baseball Hall of Famer — that distinction now belongs to Willie Mays, who turns 90 in May.

Flags at Dodger Stadium were being lowered to half-staff and Lasorda’s No. 2 was painted in the outfield. A jersey with his number hung in the dugout and fans showed up with flowers, candles and Dodgers memorabilia at the ballpark.

Lasorda had a history of heart problems, including a heart attack in 1996 that hastened the end of his managerial career and another in 2012 that required him to have a pacemaker.

“It feels appropriate that in his final months, he saw his beloved Dodgers win the World Series for the first time since his 1988 team,” commissioner Rob Manfred said.

Lasorda spent 71 years in the Dodgers organization, starting as a player when the team was still based in Brooklyn. He later coached and then became its best-known manager for 21 years in Los Angeles, leading the franchise to two World Series championships. After stepping down in 1996, he became an ambassador for the sport he loved.

Alternately fiery, comforting, profane and full of flair, Lasorda used to say, “I bleed Dodger blue.”

Lasorda was a master motivator among his players, always knowing just the right amount of confidence or candor required to induce stellar performances.

“He believed all that stuff that he said, he really did,” said former Dodgers second baseman Steve Sax, who played on both of Lasorda’s championship teams and was a five-time All-Star. “He really believed that you were better if you wore a Dodger uniform. He was all in. And because he believed it, we did, too.”

Lasorda served as special adviser to team owner and chairman Mark Walter for the last 14 years, and maintained a frequent presence at games sitting in Walter’s box.

“In a franchise that has celebrated such great legends of the game, no one who wore the uniform embodied the Dodger spirit as much as Tommy Lasorda,” said Stan Kasten, team president and CEO.

Lasorda compiled a 1,599-1,439 record as manager from 1977-96. He won World Series titles in 1981 and ’88, four National League pennants and eight division titles as the skipper.

Lasorda kept a bronze plaque on his desk reading: “Dodger Stadium was his address, but every ballpark was his home.″

He was elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1997 as a manager. He guided the U.S. to a baseball gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Lasorda was the franchise’s longest-tenured active employee since Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully retired in 2016 after 67 years.

“There are two things about Tommy I will always remember,” Scully said. “The first is his boundless enthusiasm. Tommy would get up in the morning full of beans and maintain that as long as he was with anybody else. The other was his determination. He was a fellow with limited ability and he pushed himself to be a very good Triple-A pitcher. He never quite had that something extra that makes a major leaguer, but it wasn’t because he didn’t try.”

As a pitcher, Lasorda had a limited career at the major league level, going 0-4 with a 6.48 ERA and 13

strikeouts from 1954-56.

He made only one start for the Dodgers — in 1955, the only year they won the crown while in Brooklyn, he threw three wild pitches against the Cardinals and was pulled after the first inning.

Overall, he pitched eight games for the Dodgers and compiled a 7.62 ERA.

Who would’ve ever guessed then that he would wind up meaning so much to the franchise?

Born Thomas Charles Lasorda on Sept. 22, 1927, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, his pro career began when he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as an undrafted free agent in 1945. He missed the 1946 and ’47 seasons while serving in the Army.

Lasorda returned in 1948 and once struck out 25 in a 15-inning game. In his next two starts, he struck out 15 and 13, gaining the attention of the Dodgers, who drafted him from the Phillies. He played in Panama and Cuba before making his major league debut on Aug. 5, 1954, for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Although he didn’t play in the 1955 World Series, he won a ring as a member of the team.

Lasorda pitched for the Dodgers for two seasons but lost his roster spot when Brooklyn had to make room for another lefty — young Sandy Koufax.

The Kansas City Athletics bought Lasorda’s contract and was traded to the Yankees in during the 1956 season. Sent down to the Triple-A Denver Bears, he was sold back to the Dodgers in 1957.

Lasorda stayed on with the Dodgers as a scout after they released him in 1960. That was the beginning of a steady climb through the Dodgers’ system that culminated in his 1973 promotion to the big league staff under longtime Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston.

Lasorda spent four seasons as third base coach while considered to be the heir apparent to Alston, who retired in September 1976. Lasorda’s 21 years as manager was second-only to Alston.

Lasorda’s gregarious personality was in stark contrast to his restrained predecessor. He was known for his enthusiasm and outspoken opinions about players. He would jump around and pump his arms in the air after Dodgers victories and embrace players in the dugout after home runs or other good plays.

In L.A., Lasorda found many of the players he had managed in the minors, including Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, Bobby Valentine and Bill Buckner.

As beloved as Lasorda was publicly, behind the scenes he was known for cussing a blue streak with reporters, rendering many of his quotes unusable.

Some of his most memorable rants live on via the internet, notably one from July 1982 involving Kurt Bevacqua of the San Diego Padres, who called Lasorda “that fat little Italian″ after Dodgers pitcher Tom Niedenfuer was fined $500 for beaning Joe Lefebvre, Bevacqua’s teammate.

Lasorda denied ordering Niedenfuer to hit Lefebvre while unleashing a series of F-bombs.

“If I ever did,″ Lasorda said, his voice rising, “I certainly wouldn’t make him throw at a (expletive) .130 hitter like Lefebvre or (expletive) Bevacqua who couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a (expletive) boat.″

In 1978, Dave Kingman of the Chicago Cubs hit three homers and drove in eight runs in a 10-7, extra-inning victory over the Dodgers and a reporter asked Lasorda what he thought of Kingman’s performance.

“I think it was (expletive) (expletive). Put that in,″ Lasorda said. “He beat us with three (expletive) home runs. How could you ask me a question like that?”

Or just read his lips in a clip where has Youppi!, the furry mascot of the old Montreal Expos, tossed from pranking around atop the Dodgers dugout at Olympic Stadium.

Lasorda was known for his friendship with Frank Sinatra and other Hollywood stars. Sinatra sang the national anthem on opening day of the 1977 season to mark Lasorda’s debut as manager. The faux-wood paneled walls of Lasorda’s office were crowded with black-and-white autographed photos of his celebrity friends, the framed glass stained by red sauce from the pasta served in large foil trays after games.

Lasorda’s appetite for winning and eating was equally voracious. His weight ballooned throughout his years as manager, and he explained, “When we won games, I’d eat to celebrate. And when we lost games, I’d eat to forget.″

Lasorda managed nine National League Rookie of the Year winners, including Fernando Valenzuela, Steve Sax, Steve Howe, Mike Piazza, Eric Karros and Hideo Nomo.

“You have to know who to pat on the back, when to pat him on the back, when you have to kick them in the butt and when you have to stroke them a little bit,” said Mike Scioscia, former Dodgers catcher and major league manager. “And Tommy had that gift, to know what players needed what.”

Lasorda managed in four All-Star games. He was serving as third base coach in the 2001 game when he tumbled backward while trying to avoid the shattered barrel of Vladimir Guerrero’s bat in a comical scene.

In 1998, Lasorda became interim general manager after Fred Claire was fired in the middle of the season. He resigned from that job after the season and was appointed senior vice president. After the team was sold in 2004 to Frank McCourt, Lasorda became special adviser to the chairman.

He is survived by Jo, his wife of 70 years. The couple lived in the same modest home in Fullerton for 68 years. They have a daughter Laura and a granddaughter Emily. The couple’s son, Tom Jr., died in 1991 of AIDS-related complications.

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Ogun State Police Issue Warrant for Portable Over Violent Assault Allegations

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Ogun State Police Issue Warrant for Portable Over Violent Assault Allegations

Ogun State Police Declare Controversial Singer Portable Wanted for Leading Violent Assault on Government Officials

The Ogun State Police Command has declared Habeeb Olalomi, popularly known as Portable, wanted for allegedly leading a violent attack on government officials in the Ota area of the state.

In a statement issued Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that Portable, accompanied by nine armed thugs, launched the attack during an enforcement exercise conducted by the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development on February 5, 2025.

The three officials – TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi – were conducting lawful enforcement duties at Odogwu Bar, a property associated with Portable, in Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota.

Upon arrival, the officials met Portable’s father and requested to see the property’s approved building plan. While waiting for further information, Portable reportedly stormed the premises wielding firearms and dangerous weapons. The officials were violently assaulted but managed to flee and later reported the incident to the Ota Area Command.

Police Launch Manhunt as Portable Evades Arrest

Odutola revealed that the case was immediately referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further action. While nine of Portable’s accomplices were arrested, the singer fled the scene and has since gone into hiding.

Despite multiple formal invitations to appear at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters in Abeokuta, Portable reportedly ignored all attempts to contact him.

“Following his repeated evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted,” the police spokesperson confirmed.

Authorities are now urging the public to come forward with any information that may lead to Portable’s arrest. “Anyone found aiding or harbouring the suspect will face legal consequences,” the police warned, encouraging citizens to report tips through official communication channels or their nearest police station.

Court Proceedings Against Portable’s Accomplices

The development comes two weeks after nine of Portable’s associates were arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta. The accused – Nurudeen Warris (21), Adetola Alashe (25), Samuel Adeleke (28), Oluwaseun Ayenuwa (19), Oluwapelumi Adeosun (20), Gospel Kanu (20), Precious Ohiegebo (19), Ifeoluwa Babatunde (27), and Fatimo Muhammed (26) – were charged with multiple criminal offences, including felony, assault, unlawful restriction, possession of dangerous weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

According to police prosecutor Sunday Ekong, the accused, alongside Portable, allegedly assaulted and obstructed the officials during their enforcement duties. Ekong stated that the group was armed with dangerous weapons and caused a public disturbance.

The offences were said to have violated Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Bail Granted Amid Tight Conditions

Presiding Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted each defendant bail set at N5 million, with sureties of the same sum. The magistrate specified that the sureties must be licensed bondsmen registered with the Ogun State Government.

The case has been adjourned until March 17, 2025, for hearing.

The Ogun State Police Command has vowed to apprehend Portable and ensure justice is served. Citizens remain on high alert as tensions surrounding the incident continue to escalate.

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DAVIDO SLAMS OSUN POLICE COMMISSIONER AMID RISING POLITICAL TENSIONS

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DAVIDO SLAMS OSUN POLICE COMMISSIONER AMID RISING POLITICAL TENSIONS

Nigerian music superstar Davido has launched a scathing attack on Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Umar Abba, accusing him of acting on directives allegedly aimed at inciting chaos in Osun State. This public outburst follows Governor Ademola Adeleke’s accusations against former Governor and current Minister Gboyega Oyetola for allegedly plotting to reinstate sacked local council chairmen in a bid to destabilize the state.

DAVIDO SLAMS OSUN POLICE COMMISSIONER AMID RISING POLITICAL TENSIONS

DAVIDO’S OUTBURST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Taking to Instagram, Davido did not mince words. He shared a photo of Commissioner Abba and demanded that the police official respect the rule of law. In a fiery post, the artist wrote:

“Mr commissioner respect the rule of law!!! You are not madder or crazier than us!! Make we all kuru mad!! MEN MOUNT WALAI TO KRF!!! I will post u every day everywhere Mr man!!! Try me fucker.”

The post has since gone viral, sparking widespread reactions from fans and political observers.

GOVERNOR ADELEKE’S WARNING

Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle, had earlier accused Minister Oyetola of orchestrating plans to destabilize the state. Speaking at a press briefing, Adeleke claimed that Oyetola’s camp was working behind the scenes to reinstate local government chairmen sacked by the new administration.

“We will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the peace in Osun. The people have chosen a new leadership, and we expect all parties to respect that choice,” the governor stated.

POLITICAL CLIMATE TURNS VOLATILE

Osun State has seen heightened political tensions since Governor Adeleke took office. The decision to remove the local council chairmen was one of Adeleke’s first moves, prompting fierce backlash from the opposition. Reports of clandestine meetings and alleged plots have further escalated concerns about potential unrest in the state.

Davido’s latest comments add a celebrity dimension to an already volatile political environment, with many calling on both state and federal authorities to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.

PUBLIC REACTIONS AND CALLS FOR CALM

Davido’s post has ignited a social media storm, with mixed reactions from the public. While some fans applauded his courage and called for accountability, others criticized the language used, urging the artist to promote peace rather than escalate tensions.

Osun State residents and political observers have expressed concerns about the rising rhetoric. Civic groups have called for dialogue and peaceful resolution, emphasizing the importance of rule of law and respect for democratic processes.

POLICE RESPONSE PENDING

As of the time of this report, Commissioner Mohammed Umar Abba has yet to issue an official statement in response to Davido’s allegations and public outburst. The Osun State Police Command has, however, previously maintained its neutrality in the ongoing political disputes.

A CALL FOR NATIONAL ATTENTION

With a celebrity of Davido’s stature now involved, the situation in Osun State is attracting national attention. Analysts warn that continued provocations and inflammatory statements could lead to further unrest.

As tensions rise, all eyes are on both the federal government and Osun State leadership to take decisive steps to restore calm and uphold democratic principles.

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Activist Dele Farotimi Still Faces Four Lawsuits Despite Afe Babalola’s Case Withdrawal

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Activist Dele Farotimi Still Faces Four Lawsuits Despite Afe Babalola’s Case Withdrawal

Activist Dele Farotimi Still Faces Four Lawsuits Despite Afe Babalola’s Case Withdrawal

Activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, revealed on Sunday that he still faces four separate lawsuits filed by members of the Aare Afe Babalola law office, despite the withdrawal of criminal charges against him.

Farotimi made the disclosure during the Toyin Falola Interviews, themed “Politics, Law, and Society.” His revelation followed the announcement on January 27 by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, that cases against Farotimi would be withdrawn after the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other traditional rulers.

Activist Dele Farotimi Still Faces Four Lawsuits Despite Afe Babalola’s Case Withdrawal

The suits stem from a defamation claim over Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which led to his arrest and trial for alleged criminal defamation and cyber-bullying in Ekiti State courts. While the criminal charges were withdrawn after Babalola’s petition was rescinded, Farotimi revealed ongoing civil cases in multiple states.

“My inability to speak to certain aspects of this issue is borne out of the fact that, despite the discontinuation of the criminal proceeding, I still have four suits that I am aware of, in four different states, filed by members of the same law office,” Farotimi explained.

He emphasized that his book is a well-researched critique of systemic corruption in Nigeria’s judiciary. “I did not sit down in a beer parlour or gossip,” he stated. “I wrote a book. Let us deal with veracity. Anybody can go and read it, then challenge me with the lie that I have told.”

Farotimi dismissed suggestions that the lawsuits are personal attacks. “This is not a trial of Dele Farotimi. It is a trial of the legal system that we have built as a collective,” he asserted.

He further clarified that his book was written to highlight institutional failings rather than to tarnish individuals’ reputations, particularly that of Chief Afe Babalola. “Chief Afe Babalola is more than old enough to be my father. I did not set out to destroy the man. I was writing about the institution of the judiciary,” Farotimi said.

Farotimi criticized those who dismissed his book without reading it, calling such actions “intellectually lazy.” He also stressed the importance of Nigerians engaging with difficult truths if the country is to see meaningful reform. “We have built a system that rewards deception and punishes truth. I am being sued not because I have lied, but because I have dared to speak the truth.”

With the lawsuits ongoing, Farotimi’s battle for free speech and judicial reform continues.

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