celebrity radar - gossips
Who advises Yahaya Bello?* *By Kehinde Osifisan
*Who advises Yahaya Bello?*
*By Kehinde Osifisan
The above question arose out of one’s curiosity based on the way the detained former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has conducted himself since his ordeal with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) came into the public knowledge around April this year.
In April this year, Yahaya Bello was said to have been invited by the EFCC to help its investigations into the multi-billion naira fraud that allegedly occurred during his eight year reign as governor of the “Confluence State.”
The former helmsman, whose nickname is “white lion”, ignored the invitation. The tall and lanky Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, bent backwards and out of his way, put a telephone call to Bello and persuaded him to honour the invitation of the anti-corruption agency. Still, Bello did not budge.
There is a saying in Yoruba language that: “You are told that you have a problem and you said you are going to the stream first, when you return from the stream, you will come back to meet the problem, even the problem would have increased”.
The “white lion” went on the stream of sponsored media applause, pliable civil society groups and buyable activists. Barrage of simulated attacks were unleashed on the EFCC and its chairman, Olukoyede. In fact, the Kogi House of Assembly, acting as accessory after the fact, passed a resolution that the EFCC Chairman should be sacked!
One had wondered whether Bello will be able to forever stay away from the EFCC; and if that was even possible. Bello’s cousin, successor and current governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo effectively expanded his immunity to cover Bello as he severally shielded him away from being arrested by the EFCC.
The court had no choice but to declare Bello wanted when he won’t honour court summons for his arraignment. His orchestrated antics became so nauseating that one of his senior lawyers, Adeola Adedipe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in June, applied to withdraw his representation for Yahaya Bello. Adedipe notated that: “…given the direction the case had taken, he would like to withdraw his appearance for the defendant pursuant to Section 349(8) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.” The court even threatened to report his lawyers to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Council (LPDC) for their inability to produce Bello in court despite previous commitments and assurances to do so.
Yahaya’s forum-shopping, with Kogi State government as proxy, went as far as the Supreme Court until it turned out to be a wild goose chase. One of the courts from which Yahaya Bello had consistently absent himself from was ready to commence his trial in absentia at a date fixed for November 27.
The EFCC arrested Bello who forayed into its premises for the second time on November 26, and immediately took Bello into custody. His first struts at the EFCC’s car park was on September 18, 2024 during which he held hands with Governor Ododo, took some photo shots and disappeared under Ododo’s wings of immunity.
Last Tuesday, he was arrested by the EFCC after he reportedly turned himself in.
The next day, the EFCC railroaded Bello to the court.
That was where Bello made his biggest blunder so far. Instead of showing remorse and humility, like a thief caught in the act, before a judge whose summons he had shunned many times, the egoistic Bello rather chose to behave like an unfaithful married woman coming from the home of her lovers and wanting to enter her husband’s house with strong-face.
Overnight, supporters of the drama-king have been mobilized to the court. No body could advise Bello. He was unable to advise or comport himself. He sat grinning, shaking and pumping hands of friends and lawyers. His mobilised supporters already occupied the court room to its brim. Not only that, Bello could not advise or control his supporters as they became rowdy, unruly and noisy even while the judge sat! Until the judge stormed out of the court room in annoyance and vowed not to return until Bello’s supporters are comported!
The judge returned to listen to the parties, especially the application for bail presented by lawyers to Bello and his two co-accused. The presiding judge later adjourned the matter for two weeks during which Bello and the other two co-accused were to remain in EFCC’s custody.
Perhaps, if the judge has not been angered with the unruly supporters of Bello, who already disrespected the court severally, thereby adding salt to injury, perhaps the period of adjournment would not have been that long.
Perhaps, the two weeks Bello will spend in EFCC’s custody will make him to be sober and listen to people on expected conduct from him and his supporters. Perhaps humility will set in for Bello to avoid further humiliation. Just perhaps!
*Kehinde Osifisan is the Programme Coordinator at Journalists Against Corruption (JAC)*
celebrity radar - gossips
Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu
Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu
Taofik Afolabi
The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.
Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.
The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.
Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.
In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.
celebrity radar - gossips
Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch
Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch
Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.
From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.
Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);
Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);
Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;
Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;
Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.
Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.
The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.
” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.
To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.
Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.
The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.
The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’
Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.
” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.
The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.
Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.
” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.
celebrity radar - gossips
Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta
Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta
The ancient city of Abeokuta came alive in a grand display of culture, history, and unity as dignitaries from across Nigeria converged at the iconic Ake Palace Ground for the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival, an annual celebration deeply rooted in the Egba people’s heritage.
The event, proudly supported by Adron Homes and Properties Limited, witnessed an impressive parade of distinguished personalities, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, and cultural enthusiasts, all captured in vibrant pictures that tell the story of a people united by history and pride.
From richly adorned monarchs in regal attire to elegantly dressed guests reflecting the depth of Yoruba tradition, the images from the festival encapsulate moments of honour, reverence, and celebration. Each photograph portrays not just faces, but influence, leaders, and stakeholders who continue to shape cultural preservation and community development.
At the heart of the celebration was the revered Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, whose presence underscored the festival’s significance as a symbol of Egba resilience and identity. Surrounding him were eminent dignitaries whose attendance further amplified the prestige of the event.
Adron Homes and Properties Limited stood out prominently, not only as a sponsor but as a key driver of cultural sustainability. Through its strategic support, the company reinforced its commitment to preserving indigenous heritage while fostering community engagement. The brand’s visibility across the venue and within the pictorial highlights reflects a deliberate alignment with culture, tradition, and people-centered development.
Beyond real estate, Adron Homes has continued to position itself as a cultural partner, investing in platforms that celebrate history and strengthen communal bonds. Its involvement in the Lisabi Festival is a testament to its broader vision of building not just homes, but legacies rooted in identity and pride.
The 39th Lisabi Festival, as captured through the lens of dignitaries in attendance, is more than an event, it is a narrative of continuity. And through its unwavering support, Adron Homes has once again set the pace, demonstrating that corporate institutions can play a vital role in sustaining the cultural heartbeat of a people.
As the echoes of drums fade and the colours of the festival linger in memory, one thing remains clear: the story told through these images is one of unity, heritage, and the enduring partnership between tradition and progress.
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