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Tribute To Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal at 50 By Victor Ganzallo

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It is the 50th birthday celebration of Kabiyesi Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, Oniru of Iru Kingdom. Indeed, it is worthy to celebrate this hardworking, focused and dedicated monarch who has served his country and state with uncommon dedication and was recently chosen by his people to lead them as their traditional ruler.


50 years on earth is no joke and to be celebrating it a few weeks after ascending the throne of his forefathers calls for celebration and rolling out the drums, but Kabiyesi Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II as decided that the celebration should be a very quiet one. One is because of the need for people to observe social distancing in order continue the global fight against the pandemic coronavirus and two, because Kabiyesi feels it’s a time for him to quietly reflect, even while offering prayers to the Almighty for His mercies and love towards him, his family and Iru Kingdom as a whole.


To this end, Kabiyesi we hear has directed that the palace will not be taking visitors nor having any ceremonies at all, but that all well wishers should please pray for him and the kingdom and celebrate his golden jubilee from their various homes.


Since ascending the throne a few weeks ago, he has embarked on a number of initiatives to reposition Iru and chart a course of prosperity for the kingdom. One of his initiatives that have been applauded by indigenes, residents and businesses in the kingdom is the ‘Let’s Grow Iru Land Together’ project which took off shortly after his ascension.


According to the Oba Gbolahan Lawal, ‘My vision for Iru is to ensure we become one of the most desirable places to live, work and do business in Lagos, Nigeria and the continent, especially in the area of tourism, culture, health and environment’.
A peace loving gentleman, Abdulwasiu was the Aide de Camp to Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu throughout his tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, and carried out his assigned duty with admired candor and diligence. In spite of how tempestuous the politics that characterized the period was, his name never came up in any negative report or controversy.
Upon retirement from the force after the completion of his service to the nation, rather than return home and make politics a career, which would have happened on a platter of gold, considering his royal background and political connections, the lover of cerebral debates and intellectual stimulations opted to go back to school to further deepen his intellectual wells. He obtained an M.sc in Violence, Conflicts and Development, from the School of Oriental and African Studies, SOAS, University of London in 2008. Kabiyesi Abdulwasiu Gbolahan Lawal also did a program in International Housing Finance Program and Advanced Management Program, AMP at the prestigious Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, United States in 2015. These are strong testimonials to his quest for knowledge and personal development, which are his dream for the kingdom of Iru as its ruler.
Happy 50th birthday, Kabiyesi Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II. May the Almighty bless and keep you, and continue to bless you with wisdom and strength to lead the good people of Iru Land.

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Buratai Lauded by Top African Literature Scholar for Honouring Ekwensi

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Buratai Lauded by Top African Literature Scholar for Honouring Ekwensi

 

The posthumous conferment of the inaugural T.Y. Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) Young Adult Literature Award on legendary Nigerian author Cyprian O.D. Ekwensi has drawn international acclaim. One of Africa’s most renowned literary scholars, Prof. Ernest N. Emenyonu, described it as a “historic honour” and a vindication of Ekwensi’s enduring legacy. In a personal letter to Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd), Chairman of the TYBLI and the Tukur & Tukur Foundation, Prof. Emenyonu, emeritus Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint and Editor of the globally recognised African Literature Today, expressed profound gratitude for the initiative. He praised the recognition of Ekwensi as a timely intervention that will inspire a renewed appreciation of Young Adult Literature (YAL) in Nigeria.

If Cyprian Ekwensi were alive today, he would cherish this award as his most indisputably merited recognition as a Nigerian writer,” Emenyonu stated. “This award is a clear and firm vindication of his pioneering contributions to Young Adult Literature in Nigeria.”

The professor, who has written two seminal books on Ekwensi—Cyprian Ekwensi (1974) and The Essential Ekwensi (1987)—revealed that he is currently editing the late author’s unpublished autobiography, which Ekwensi had entrusted to him shortly before his death in 2007.

“This award has added enormous inspiration and momentum to my work on his autobiography,” Emenyonu noted. Responding with appreciation, Lt. Gen. Buratai (Rtd) expressed humility and joy at the commendation, reiterating his commitment to celebrating icons of Nigerian literature. He said the TYBLI Award aims to highlight and reward authors who have shaped the nation’s literary landscape, particularly in the realm of youth literature. In his letter, Buratai affirmed: “Your words of praise and acknowledgment of the significance of the award in the global literary community encourage the efforts of the Initiative… I look forward to the publication of Ekwensi’s autobiography.” The TYBLI Award, created to honour authors of Young Adult Literature in Nigeria, was launched to elevate the genre’s status and promote literacy among younger generations. Cyprian Ekwensi was recognized as the inaugural recipient in November 2024, cementing his place in Nigeria’s literary hall of fame and energized ongoing efforts to immortalize his work for future generations. Prof. Emenyonu concluded his letter with heartfelt thanks, writing: “Personally, too, the award has added enormous inspiration and momentum to my work now on his autobiography. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” This transatlantic literary exchange marks a historic moment in Nigerian cultural recognition, uniting past and present champions of literature through honour, memory, and continued scholarship.

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Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends: The About Time Tour Coming to the UK in August 2025

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Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends: The About Time Tour Coming to the UK in August 2025

Laffmattazz, the electrifying comedy experience that has captured the hearts of audiences across Nigeria, is excited to announce its upcoming UK tour, “The About Time Tour,” featuring the renowned Gbenga Adeyinka and a lineup of four heavyweight comedians. This highly anticipated tour will take place in August 2025, bringing laughter and entertainment to cities across the UK.

Laffmattazz has become a household name in Nigeria, known for its unique blend of comedy, music, and performance. The live shows have consistently sold out, enchanting audiences with their captivating humor and vibrant atmosphere. The About Time Tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to UK audiences, showcasing the best of Nigerian comedy.

The tour will kick off in:

– Cambridge: August 22, 2025
– Nottingham: August 23, 2025
– London: August 25, 2025
– Manchester: August 29, 2025

In addition, we are thrilled to announce that SB Live Band will be joining us for two of the cities, adding an extra layer of excitement to the performances.

We are currently in discussions with additional promoters to expand our reach to more cities throughout the UK, ensuring that as many fans as possible can enjoy this spectacular show.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible tour! Tickets will be available soon, and we encourage everyone to stay tuned for further announcements.

For media inquiries, please contact:

– M-One Events: +44 7787 427862
– DNC Promotions: +44 7412 368190
– First Events: +234 7030011111
– Kinshow Promotions: +44 7877 587857
– oluBADAN: +44 7706 655327

 

About Laffmattazz:
Laffmattazz is a premier comedy platform in Nigeria that brings together top comedians for an extraordinary entertainment experience. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka, Laffmattazz has consistently provided laughter and joy to audiences through its innovative shows and events.

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“#NatashaLied: Senator Akpoti’s Defenders Accidentally Confirm Ties With Sandra Duru Despite Public Denial”

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"#NatashaLied: Senator Akpoti's Defenders Accidentally Confirm Ties With Sandra Duru Despite Public Denial”

#NatashaLied: Senator Akpoti’s Defenders Accidentally Confirm Ties With Sandra Duru Despite Public Denial”

ABUJA, NIGERIA — A spiraling scandal is engulfing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as her own media allies appear to have unintentionally exposed the truth she publicly denied — that she indeed held private conversations with US-based activist Dr. Sandra Duru.

The controversy erupted after Onyekachi Francis, a vocal online supporter of the senator, admitted during a live session with journalist Adeola Fayehun that she had received voice recordings and scripts from Natasha’s camp — materials that detail private conversations between the senator and Dr. Duru.

This comes in direct contradiction to Senator Natasha’s earlier categorical denial of ever knowing or speaking with Dr. Duru. In a Facebook post last week, the senator dismissed the activist as an “attention-seeker” who fabricated claims, including allegations of a falsified sexual harassment narrative involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

However, Onyekachi’s remarks have now unraveled that version of events.

“She [Natasha] said she was happy Sandra was supporting her,” the influencer disclosed during the live broadcast. “She never mentioned bringing down any Yoruba government or attacking Oby Ezekwesili in the audios I was sent.”

The comments, meant to deflect accusations against the senator, have instead triggered a political firestorm — confirming to critics that Natasha did indeed communicate with Sandra, despite her public denials.

Even more damaging, the influencer revealed she had been asked to voice over a script from Natasha’s team to discredit Sandra but chose to edit out defamatory sections and avoided using her own voice to avoid legal consequences.

This public relations misstep has set social media ablaze. Within hours, hashtags like #NatashaLied and #Lietasha began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with users accusing the senator of lying to the Nigerian public and attempting to manipulate the narrative through media proxies.

“If Natasha said she never knew Sandra, how come her defenders are confirming that her team sent them personal audios and political scripts?” asked one outraged analyst. “This goes beyond PR damage — this is a serious credibility crisis.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Sandra Duru has maintained her stance, claiming to possess original recordings, call logs, and text messages that support her story. According to her, the senator shared sensitive political plans and personal trauma, including alleged harassment by high-ranking officials.

With the situation spiraling, pressure is mounting on the National Assembly and relevant agencies to launch an independent forensic investigation into the recordings and claims of perjury or misrepresentation.

As of press time, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her media team have refused to respond to multiple inquiries seeking clarification.

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