Connect with us

celebrity radar - gossips

Who advises Yahaya Bello?* *By Kehinde Osifisan

Published

on

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.

Who advises Yahaya Bello?*
*By Kehinde Osifisan

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

Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

Published

on

Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

King of the Screen: Why Odunlade, Muyiwa, Femi Adebayo Remain Yoruba Movie Giants

 

The Yoruba movie industry has continued to produce legendary talents whose influence stretches beyond Nigeria to global audiences. Over the years, some actors have distinguished themselves through consistency, versatility, box office success, and cultural impact.

 

Among the numerous stars in Nollywood’s Yoruba sector, three actors have remained dominant figures whose names constantly resonate with fans and filmmakers alike — Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo.

Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

Odunlade Adekola: The Street King of Yoruba Cinema

 

Popularly regarded as one of the most entertaining actors in Nollywood, Odunlade Adekola has built a unique reputation through his energetic delivery, comic timing, emotional depth, and strong connection with grassroots audiences.

From comedy to action and emotional family dramas, the actor has consistently proven his versatility in blockbuster productions. His ability to interpret diverse roles effortlessly has made him a household name across Nigeria.

Industry observers believe his dominance on social media platforms, where his movie clips frequently go viral, has further strengthened his popularity among younger audiences.

Beyond acting, Odunlade has also contributed immensely to mentoring upcoming talents and expanding the commercial value of Yoruba films.

 

Muyiwa Ademola: The Master Storyteller

 

For many lovers of indigenous movies, Muyiwa Ademola remains one of the finest storytellers the Yoruba film industry has produced.

Widely respected for producing emotional and morally driven movies, the actor earned massive recognition through classic productions that focused on family values, culture, betrayal, perseverance, and societal lessons.

His calm delivery, deep scripts, and originality have kept him relevant despite changing trends in the entertainment industry.

Film critics often describe Muyiwa Ademola as one of the few actors whose productions combine entertainment with strong cultural education, making his movies timeless among older and younger viewers alike.

 

 

Femi Adebayo: The Modern-Day Box Office Force

 

Femi Adebayo Unveils Cultural and Romantic Inspirations Behind New Film, ‘Seven Doors’

Femi Adebayo has successfully combined traditional Yoruba storytelling with modern cinematic excellence, helping to project indigenous films to international audiences.

The actor, filmmaker, and producer has recorded major successes with high-budget productions that gained attention on streaming platforms and cinemas.

Known for his professionalism and attention to detail, Femi Adebayo has continued to push Yoruba movies beyond local boundaries while preserving cultural identity.

Entertainment analysts say his ability to blend culture, technology, and quality production has positioned him among the leading faces shaping the future of Yoruba cinema.

Growing Global Influence

The success of these actors reflects the increasing acceptance of indigenous Nigerian content globally. With streaming platforms creating wider access to local movies, Yoruba actors are now gaining international recognition and attracting new audiences.

Fans and stakeholders in the entertainment industry believe the contributions of Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo have not only sustained Yoruba culture through film but have also elevated Nollywood’s global reputation.

 

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

Published

on

Olowu Kuta To Yoruba Obas: Uplift Culture And Tradition Of Our Forebears

Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

 

The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, has called on the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians to make peace, unity, and selflessness their guiding principles as the world marks this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

 

 

In his Sallah message, the revered monarch described Eid-el-Kabir as a “highly spiritual occasion that demands dedication, commitment, and selflessness.”

 

 

Oba Makama said the period should be used to reflect on societal happenings and promote messages of hope and unity without inciting provocation.

 

 

He urged Nigerians to live together harmoniously, irrespective of religious, political, or tribal affiliations, stressing that politicians should exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

 

“What should be uppermost in the mind of every patriotic Nigerian is **‘Country first,’” he said.

 

 

The monarch also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant in the face of insecurity, reassuring that the armed forces and paramilitary agencies are working round the clock to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

 

 

“The price wise men pay for eternal liberty is vigilance. I urge everyone to celebrate moderately and extend a helping hand to the less privileged, widows, and orphans, embracing them as our brothers and sisters,” Olowu Makama added.

 

 

He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration

Published

on

Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration

By Adeyemi Obadimu Veron

The Oloworo of Oworosoki Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II, has extended warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and the world at large on the joyous occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

In a statement made available to Newsmen, the revered monarch urged Muslims to embrace the true teachings of Islam by promoting peace, love, unity, sacrifice, and compassion during and after the festive period.

Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II noted that Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Salah, remains one of the most significant celebrations in Islam as it symbolizes total obedience, faith, and devotion to Almighty Allah, drawing inspiration from the unwavering sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated complete submission to the will of God.

According to the monarch, the Holy Qur’an teaches believers the importance of righteousness, kindness to humanity, tolerance, and support for the less privileged in society. He emphasized that the season should serve as a reminder for all Nigerians to live in harmony irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political differences.

The royal father further called on Muslims to use the sacred period to pray fervently for peace, stability, economic growth, and sustainable development in Nigeria, stressing that national progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and mutual understanding.

Oba Saliu also encouraged the faithful to extend hands of generosity to widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society, noting that the essence of Eid-el-Kabir goes beyond celebration and feasting, but also reflects the spirit of sharing and caring for humanity as instructed in the Qur’an.

While wishing Muslims a peaceful and memorable Eid celebration, the Oloworo of Oworosoki prayed for divine blessings, prosperity, good health, and continued harmony in homes and communities.

“May this year’s Eid-el-Kabir strengthen our faith, deepen our love for one another, and bring renewed hope and abundant blessings to our nation,” the monarch stated.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending