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You are not part of us, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Family Tells Queen Irene Cole
You are not part of us, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Family Tells Queen Irene Cole
By Ifeoma Ikem
Family of the late renowned philanthropist; Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony has publicly disowned Queen Irene Cole, a self styled “Executive Trustee” of the multi billion dollar estate of Bank Anthony.
Recently, Cole who reportedIy lived for many years in the United States of America organised a press conference where she told the media that as an ‘executive trustee’ of the late Bank Anthony’s Estate, she was collaborating with the late philanthropist’s family to recover the estate worth over $50billion from some Banks and Registrars whom she alleged had connived to deprive the statutory beneficiaries of the Will of their entitlement.
At a press conference on Thursday at Mike Okiro Press Centre, Ikeja Lagos, the Mobolaji Bank Anthony family told journalists that “Queen Irene Cole and her cohorts are not known to the family.”
According to Mr. Babatunde Bank Anthony, a grandson of Bank Anthony who spoke with journalists on zoom meeting from London, “Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony at the time of his death in 1991 left a clear and comprehensive last Will & Testament which depicted his last wishes. His last Will & Testament stated that his Estate be governed and to be in the run by a list of his chosen trustees. This list did not include anyone named Queen Irene Cole neither did it include some of her partners.
“Queen Irene Cole and her cohorts who, we as a family do not know, have spent the last couple of years attempting to insert themselves in the Estate and properties of the late Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony. Queen Irene Cole has continually claimed her relationship to the Bank Anthony family and has through various methods obtained a court judgement which is currently being legally challenged by the family and the Estate.
“It has been brought to our notice that Queen Irene Cole and some of her partners have been using this court judgement in an attempt to access Estate funds and engage with property developers.”
“We, the family are using this medium to inform everyone that Queen Irene Cole does not have the permission or the authority to represent the Bank Anthony family and anyone who enters into any business transaction with her in regards to the Bank Anthony Estate does so at their own peril.”
Explaining further, Babatunde Bank Anthony who was joined via zoom at the conference by the last daughter of the philanthropist Bolaji Bank Anthony said all the press conferences organised by Queen Irene Cole in respect of Bank Anthony Estate were full of fallacies and misleading to the members of the public. He cited a newspaper publication in which Queen Irene Cole claimed to be a Godmother of a beneficiary, adding that Funmiade Bank-Anthony who has been associating with Cole is though a grandchild of Mobolaji Bank Anthony but not a statutory beneficiary from the Will.
Speaking in the same vein, another grandson; Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Akintunde told journalists that Cole is a Godmother to Funmiade. He explained that some time in 2020, Cole had invited him and Funmiade to Sheraton Hotels during which both of them were persuaded to accept becoming Trustees to their late grand father’s Estate. While Funmiade consented to the request, Akintunde rejected it with the contention that such proposal could not fly without the consent of Mobolaji Bank Anthony’s children and larger family.
According to him, Cole later procured a Lagos High Court document purporting him as one of the Trustees of the late Bank Anthony’s Estate all in an attempt to have access to the Estate’s accounts. Akintunde was later to disclaim his inclusion when Bank Anthony’s family took the matter to court.
In the disclaimer dated 30th September, 2020 (copies of which were made available to the press) Akintunde expressly stated that he was not aware of the fraudulent act perpetuated that “I should become the new said trustee of the estate of the late Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony.
“I am a law abiding citizen of Nigeria and also one of the grandsons of the late philanthropist Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony. I would like the court to verify all necessary documents from Irene Cole where and at what time I sat down to sign the document that warrants me Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Akintunde to be a legal trustee of the said Estate.”
The eldest grand child of the late philanthropist, Fumilayo Bank Anthony who spoke via zoom like Babatunde and Bolaji said she is a beneficiary in the Will while her cousin Funmiade who was associating with Queen Irene Cole is not a beneficiary like some other grand children.
The family disclosed that the case relating to the Estate was still in court pointing out that Cole and her cohorts “initially got a judgement due to improper disclosure of facts to the court during the filing process; the name of a Beneficiary has been altered to match the name of one of the Beneficiaries stated in the Will. They have tried everything and anything possible to try to get their hands on the funds of the Estate.
The judgement they are parading around is dated 5th August, 2020 but subsequently the case was referred to the Court of Appeals on 5th November, 2021. A Notice of Appeal has been put forward and we are presently waiting for an Appeal date,” Babatunde Bank Anthony explained.
He added that “Queen Irene Cole and her partners are simply in a bid to race against time. They hope they can get to the Funds of the Estate before an Appeal hearing but we as a family will ensure they will not succeed.”
It was gathered that Queen Irene Cole and her group after addressing the press in May this year whereby she accused Banks and Registrars for holding to the Estate’s Funds have held meetings with some of the Registrars with a view to strengthening issues relating to the Funds.
Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration
…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance
LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.
Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.
The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.
The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.
The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.
The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.
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ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
– Another Prophecy Fulfillment by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Following the Passing of Ron Kenoly Ahead of February Open Prophetic Revival
– Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Records Another Prophecy Fulfillment as February Open Prophetic Revival Is Announced
In the released prophecies for 2026, renowned Nigerian cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, shared a series of revelations touching on Nigeria’s economy, global events, political transitions, natural disasters, religious transformations, and the future of world leaders.
During a special prophetic session, the prophet stated that he foresaw the departure of two world-renowned musicians in 2026 and urged the Nigerian people and the global community to pray for them.
He urged Nigerians and everyone around the globe to pray for the musicians, among other prophecies, and already gave insight concerning them.
On February 3, 2026, American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader Ron Kenoly passed away at the age of 81. Widely known as the “Professor of Praise,” Kenoly was celebrated for anthems such as “Majesty” and “Lift Him Up,” which have significantly influenced modern congregational worship around the world.
He was recognized as a pioneer of the contemporary praise and worship movement, leading Scripture-based worship services that became widely adopted in churches across different nations and cultures.
The development has been described by followers of Prophet Kingsley Aitafo as a confirmation of the prophecy earlier declared in the year.
Meanwhile, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, leader and shepherd in charge of Oneness in Christ, in conjunction with CCC Living Grace Tabernacle, invites everyone to its February Open Revival. It is a prophetic service determined to change lives through miracles, healings, signs, and wonders.
It is not an ordinary service; it is another time for a divine encounter where your faith is strengthened, prayers are answered, and breakthroughs and favour are about to rain. With its theme — Jesus Christ is the same forever — the revival is promised to release the power of Jesus Christ like never before. It is a period of shift and divine encounter.
This revival service is said to hold on the 25th of February, 2026, from 5pm – 8pm at 20, Showole Street, Ewupe, Singer Sango, Ogun State.
It is a season where God is ready to reveal Himself like never before. Members of the public are invited to attend.
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has commended the Zamfara State Government for its decisive contribution to security operations through the donation of newly acquired armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and other critical operational equipment to troops and security agencies in the state.
This commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the GCGMSI, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
The equipment was formally commissioned on Wednesday, February 18, by the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR (rtd.), in a ceremony at the Government House, Gusau. The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, and top officials of the Zamfara State Government.
The GCGMSI, in its statement, hailed the donation as a “transformative and timely intervention” that aligns perfectly with its core objective of advocating for and supporting tangible measures that enhance the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s security forces. The Initiative praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for moving beyond rhetoric to actionable, material support, describing the move as a “blueprint for state-level collaboration in national security.”
“The provision of these assets by the Zamfara State Government is a testament to visionary leadership and a profound commitment to the peace and stability of its people,” the GCGMSI statement read. “It represents the exact kind of synergistic partnership between state and federal authorities that the GCGMSI champions. This initiative will significantly close operational gaps, boost the confidence of our gallant troops, and send a strong message to criminal elements.”
Speaking at the commissioning, General Musa emphasized that sustained collaboration is indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges. He specifically commended Governor Lawal for his proactive support.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering dedication to the security of Zamfara State,” the Defence Minister stated. “The provision of these armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment will undoubtedly boost the morale and operational effectiveness of our troops and other security agencies on the ground. This is a commendable effort that should be emulated by others.”
The newly commissioned assets, which include multiple APCs and advanced surveillance drones, are expected to dramatically enhance the mobility, protection, intelligence-gathering, and rapid response capabilities of security forces, particularly in the state’s remote and difficult terrains where anti-banditry operations are ongoing.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner in the security architecture. He urged security agencies to deploy the new resources responsibly and effectively to safeguard lives and property.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and deepening such partnerships with state governments across the nation to strengthen coordination and resource allocation in the collective fight against insecurity.
The GCGMSI concluded its statement by urging other state governments to take a cue from Zamfara’s “bold and pragmatic” approach, affirming that such concrete support is vital for achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
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