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Vote buying allegation against Gov. Abiodun, belated and an afterthought; Appeal Court agrees with Tribunal

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Gov. Abiodun's Sun Award Well Deserved -Akume

Vote buying allegation against Gov. Abiodun, belated and an afterthought; Appeal Court agrees with Tribunal.

 

 

 

A special panel of the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday [today ]affirmed the decision of the Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which had earlier struck out all allegations of vote-buying and voter inducement that PDP and its guber candidate in Ogun State – Ladi Adebutu – made against Governor Dapo Abiodun and APC.

 

Vote buying allegation against Gov. Abiodun, belated and an afterthought; Appeal Court agrees with Tribunal.

 

 

The Court, in its lead judgment read by Justice MB Idris, also upheld another decision of the tribunal which confirmed the validity of the defence filed by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Recall that on 22 May 2023, Adebutu and PDP filed a reply to the defence filed by Governor Abiodun. In the said reply, Adebutu and PDP alleged, for the first time, that Governor Abiodun and APC bought votes in the 18 March 2023 Ogun State guber elections.

When Governor Abiodun received Adebutu’s reply, the Governor’s lawyers filed an application asking the Tribunal to strike out the reply in its entirety or in the alternative, to strike out offending paragraphs from that reply. The Governor’s lawyers argued that the reply filed by Adebutu and PDP contravened Para 16(1)(a & b) of the Schedule to the Electoral Act and the rules of court pleadings. The Tribunal agreed with the Governor’s lawyers and struck out the entire reply filed by Adebutu and PDP.

It was established before the panel that the allegation made by Adebutu and PDP was an after thought which was hastily put together after Governor Abiodun made weighty allegations backed up with police investigation report establishing that Adebutu and PDP bought votes during the elections in his defence.

It was as a result of this debacle that the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Oladipupo Adebutu hurriedly sneaked out of the country and still remains at large till now, while other leaders of the party in Ogun State are currently standing trial in court.

Today, the Court of Appeal confirmed that all allegations of vote-buying in Adebutu’s Reply were incompetent and as such, the Court of Appeal struck out paragraphs 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 of the Reply leaving some few hollow paragraphs.

In the same vein on Wednesday, the Court of Appeal threw out the entire appeal filed by Adebutu and PDP against the decision of the Ogun State Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal which upheld the validity of Governor Abiodun’s defence.

Earlier in his defence, Governor Abiodun had made a strong allegations of electoral fraud against the PDP and its candidate, Ladi Adebutu, which was perpetrated during the March 18 governorship election in the state. Rather than counter these weighty allegations, Adebutu’s lawyers belatedly introduced their own counter-allegations of vote buying (all of which have now been struck out) while also asking the Tribunal to strike out the Governor’s allegations of vote-buying.

Adebutu and PDP had argued that their petition did not include allegations of vote buying and so the governor’s defence should not also have included such allegations. However, in its ruling, the Tribunal unanimously held that Governor Abiodun was not restricted to the same issues that Adebutu and PDP raised in their petition and that the Governor was free to allege and prove acts of vote-buying against PDP and its candidate. The Court of Appeal today unanimously upheld that decision. The Court of Appeal described the appeal filed by Adebutu as unmeritorious and struck out the appeal in its entirety.

With these decisions, it is now clear that the afterthought allegations of vote-buying made by PDP have been thrown out and all evidence that they purportedly snuck into the Tribunal will be useless having been confirmed by the Court of Appeal to be based on incompetent claims. On the other hand, the allegations of vote-buying made by Governor Abiodun against PDP and Ladi Adebutu remain competent before the Tribunal whose decision will be rendered in due course.

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Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star’s Storytelling Legacy By Alhaji Arems

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Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star's Storytelling Legacy By Alhaji Arems

Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star’s Storytelling Legacy

By Alhaji Arems

 

In the vibrant world of Fuji music, where the artistry of storytelling and cultural commentary thrive, Saheed Osupa has carved out a unique role as both an artist and an influencer of thought. Recently, his name has been lighting up social media discussions and generating significant buzz—not just because of his music but because of the depth of his words. Osupa’s trending status is rooted in his ability to subtly address pressing issues, particularly those surrounding the ongoing tension between fellow Fuji musicians Taye Currency and Pasuma Wonder.

 

 

Osupa’s recent contributions to this situation have not been straightforward; rather, he has adopted an artistic approach, using parables and proverbs—sometimes through complex storytelling—to impart wisdom. These nuanced messages, often hidden within his lyrics, resonate with fans who appreciate the clever way he brings age-old Yoruba wisdom into contemporary issues. One notable example involves a story about an animal (traditionally symbolizing patience and resilience) that many believe reflects Osupa’s thoughts on rivalry and pride. Through this parable, he seems to suggest the importance of self-reflection and restraint, especially in the heat of conflict.

Among His Peers, Oba Orin Saheed Osupa Stands Out : The Fuji Star's Storytelling Legacy

By Alhaji Arems

In a genre that values not only musicality but also the power of words, Osupa has long been seen as a master of *itan*, or storytelling. His recent songs echo the traditional Yoruba way of imparting wisdom through tales that serve as lessons. This is a skill that few artists have mastered, making his approach particularly impactful in today’s fast-paced digital world, where nuanced messages can often be overlooked.

Beyond the Taye Currency-Pasuma Wonder issue, Osupa’s trending status is also due to his reputation as a voice of reason and maturity in Fuji music. As a genre that is often vibrant and full of competitive spirit, Fuji has its share of rivalries. Yet, Osupa has often stood out by promoting unity and peaceful dialogue among Fuji artists. By sharing these reflective stories in his music, he adds layers of meaning that fans continue to unpack and discuss, drawing new audiences who appreciate both the artistry and wisdom behind his words.

The charm of Saheed Osupa lies in his timeless approach. In a world where trends are fleeting, he reminds fans of the importance of timeless values, urging reflection, humility, and understanding. As fans interpret and share his latest stories, Osupa’s message continues to resonate widely—proof that, in Fuji, the power of words can be as influential as the beat of the drum.

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What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

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What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

 

Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade, born on January 1, 1989, in Ebute Metta, Lagos, is an accomplished Nigerian actor, producer, and filmmaker with a deep passion for Yoruba cinema. Originally from Abeokuta, Ogun State, he is the first child in his family. Sholagbade began his education at Kadara Primary School and continued at Sojomen Talabi High School, Akute, and Nawairudeen Secondary School, Ebute Metta. He later earned an Ordinary Narional Diploma in Business Administration from the Lagos State Polytechnic. Pursuing his passion for acting, he trained at Odunfa Caucus, where he graduated in 2010.

Sholagbade launched his acting career in 2005, making a name for himself in Yoruba-language films. His portfolio includes roles in popular films like Olowo Ghetto, Alaimo, Ebun Mi, Esi, Gold and Treasure, Liam, Emilomo Babaolowo, Oko Aunty Mi, Broken Bond (Tude), and Last Born. In addition to acting, he has also produced several films, further cementing his influence in the industry.

Beyond the entertainment world, Sholagbade is a versatile professional with experience in railway engineering, IT support, and site management in the UK. He is also a farmer and general merchant, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and diverse skill set.

Throughout his career, Sholagbade has collaborated with top figures in Yoruba cinema, such as Yinka Quadri, Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, Odun Adekola, Oga Bello, Baba Wande, Jide Kosoko, Funsho Adeolu, Fathia William Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Wunmi Toriola, and Mide Martins.

Sholagbade’s hobbies include traveling, business, football, filmmaking, and meeting new people, reflecting his dynamic and outgoing personality.

Sholagbade’s talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades, including: Best Actor Yoruba – BON Awards, 2024, Best Supporting Actor– Afro Nollywood Awards, UK, 2019, Best Supporting Actor– Heritage Awards, Atlanta, USA, Best Supporting Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards, Best New Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards.

With his achievements and versatility, Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade remains a notable force in the Nigerian film industry and a proud ambassador of Yoruba cinema worldwide.

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

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Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

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Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

 

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria has congratulated Major-General Olufemi Oluyede on his appointment as the acting Chief of Army Staff, (Ag COAS, Nigerian Army).

Coalition Congratulates Oluyede on Appointment as Acting COAS

The Convener of the Coalition, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, in a statement, said General Oluyede has the responsibility to consolidate the success achieved by the Nigerian Army under General Taoreed Lagbaja.

President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday, October 30, appointed Oluyede as acting COAS pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja.

The Coalition said his appointment is a welcome development. It said: “Major-General Olufemi Oluyede is well qualified for the position. He was a member of the 39th regular course and commissioned as an officer in 1987. Aged 56, he was promoted to the rank of Major-General in September 2020. A professional and top-notch security expert, he brings a lot of hope and inspiration to younger officers as acting chief of Army Staff.

“His appointment is the way to go. As the acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede has the responsibility to lead an army that will administratively manage the institution, consolidate on the success achieved by General Lagbaja and his team to mop up remnants of insurgents, bandits and the ragtag criminal elements in the North, and dismantle the ethnic militias in the Southeast to bring peace in the country.

“The 56-year-old Oluyede shares a long history with General Lagbaja, with a track record and excellent service to the nation. Both are members of the 39th Regular Course and were commissioned as officers in 1987.

“Oluyede’s meritorious career began as a Platoon commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, advancing to Company commander at 177 Guards Battalion and later Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade and commandant of Amphibious Training School.

“Oluyede has been part of many notable operations, including the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.

“He has received honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, and Grand Service Star, all recognition for passing the Staff Course and membership in the National Institute, and his dedication and achievements in service.”

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