Connect with us

Featured

Real Reasons Ojudu Withdrew from Ekiti APC Primary

Published

on

By Eric Elezuo

When the drumbeats of war sound louder, it is only the very brave that steps outside, and most times, it is only the most strategic, most calculative and proactive that stays indoors. Whichever way one looks at it, there is always a reason to either be in the front burner or behind it. Both are allowed so long as the reasons are noble and people oriented.

The much talked about Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary has come and come much as the echoes are still very much around – winner has emerged while ‘gallant’ losers also emerged.

However, the Boss can reveal why out of the 33 aspirants that expressed their desire to pick the governorship ticket, only Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the Presidential Adviser on Political Matters, withdrew his intentions to continue after what seem like a failed primary on the first day of voting.

Sources close to the former lawmaker confided that he was actually mandated to step down his ambition though for no one in particular, but for the simple reason that the other camp was ‘at it again’ and was having an upper hand in the politics of intrigues.

The trained journalist, who once represented Ekiti Central constituency in the senate, we reliably gathered, was the trump card for the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu faction of the APC as far as the Ekiti election was concerned.

Three days after the May 5 botched primary election, the leaders of the party from the South West geo-political region had sort to bring about ‘peace’ among the contestants. The meeting was held in Abuja under the supervision of Tinubu and former interim Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande. The meeting was deadlocked with Dr. Kayode Fayemi technically walking out of the group in what insider source meant refusal to step down as was being canvassed.

In a last ditch to save face and not repeat the disgraceful outing of Mr. Segun Abraham, another Tinubu front in Ondo State  in 2016, when the camp of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun carried the day, the caucus prevailed on Ojudu to withdrew and blame it on the need to bring about peace. He did, albeit reluctantly as his withdrawal speech suggests, 48 whole hours after the Abuja unproductive meeting.

“It was actually the need to save face amid imminent election loss that prompted the godfathers to prevail on Ojudu to step down. It was a tough for him as he so much believe he is the only person that can beat the incumbent governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, having beaten him once in 2011 when both came head to head in contest for the Ekiti Central Senatorial seat.

Born on March 27, 1961 in Ado Ekiti, Ojudu, like the other aspirants believes he has what it takes to rule the fountain of knowledge state as his story is a typical example of from grass to grace considering that his education was a result of a jointly sponsored scholarship by the late activist and lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi, and juju music crooner, King Sunny Ade, he won in 1976.

In 1980, he was admitted to the University of Ife to study English. While at the university, he developed interest in journalism, and joined the Association of Campus Journalists and reported for COBRA, a campus journal. In the course of time, he and two friends founded a journal called The Parrot, which he edited until he graduated in 1984.

After his compulsory one year youth service, he worked as a reporter with The Guardian. This was even as he was attending the University of Lagos (1985–86), for his master’s degree in Political Science.

He also worked with African Concord magazine in 1987 where he rose to the rank of Assistant Editor, and travelled extensively. In 1992, he left the job because he was pressured to to apologise to Ibrahim Babangida over an article critical of the military regime. A year later, in company of other colleagues, he The News magazine, and became its first Managing Editor. The first version of The News did not last long before it was banned by Babangida in 1993.

He was one of the journalists that suffered humiliation as result of their reportage as he was arrested, tortured and detained several times during Sani Abacha’s regime between 1993 and 1998. His article in The News about Oil Minister Dan Etete giving government contracts on behalf of the Nigerian State Oil Company to his family and friends landed him in the notorious Shangisha Prisons in 1996.

In June 1997, he was appointed Group Managing Editor of Independent Communications Network Ltd, publishers of The News, P.M. News and Tempo.

Ojudu has also been a member or chairman of several organizations and committees involved in media and human rights, spending a total of 26 years in media practice before venturing into politics in 2010.

Ojudu has to wait another day when he can muster the courage to take up the challenge without third party interference.  However, he would be 61 when the next Ekiti governorship election comes around again. Time is fast running out on his ambition.

 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured

Dominican University Hails Peter Obi on 65th Birthday

Published

on

By

The Dominican University, Ibadan, has paid glowing tribute to its Pro-Chancellor and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment to education, youth development and national progress continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.

In a goodwill message issued on Sunday, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Jacinta Opara, lauded Obi’s enduring passion for quality education, noting that his consistent investments in human capital and advocacy for educational excellence have strengthened institutions and offered hope to young people across the country.

According to Opara, Obi has, through his public service and private engagements, remained a steadfast champion of education, making it a cornerstone of his vision for national development.

She said his words, actions and unwavering support for learning had reinforced the conviction that education remains the most effective instrument for building a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable society.

The university also expressed appreciation for Obi’s contributions to the institution as Pro-Chancellor, describing his leadership, generosity and guidance as instrumental to its growth and development.

The statement noted that under his stewardship, Dominican University has continued to pursue academic excellence while remaining committed to its mission of producing morally upright and globally competitive graduates.

It read in part: “As a university founded a decade ago on the rich 800-year educational heritage of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), we remain profoundly grateful for your visionary leadership, generous support and invaluable contributions as our Pro-Chancellor.”

The institution joined family members, associates and well-wishers in celebrating Obi’s milestone, praying for continued good health, wisdom, strength and divine guidance as he continues to advocate good governance, human dignity, hope and national development.

The message, signed by the Vice-Chancellor, reaffirmed the university’s pride in its association with Obi, whose dedication to education, integrity and selfless service, it said, continues to leave a lasting impact on the nation and inspire future generations.

Continue Reading

Featured

Ooni of Ife Loses Elder Brother Prince Adetunji

Published

on

By

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has announced the passing of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi.

The monarch made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday through the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal.

Describing the late prince as a respected businessman and compassionate leader, the Ooni said Prince Adetunji lived a life dedicated to service, humility and the wellbeing of others.

According to the statement, the death of Prince Adetunji has left a deep void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

Prince Adetunji, who was born on December 8, 1967, was a member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was also the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings, where he earned recognition for his contributions to business development and entrepreneurship.

The Ooni noted that his late brother built a reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and visionary leader. Through his business activities, he created opportunities for many people and contributed to economic growth in different sectors.

The monarch further stated that beyond his achievements in business, Prince Adetunji was known for his generosity, kindness and commitment to humanitarian causes. He was said to have quietly supported many individuals and families, offering assistance, guidance and encouragement whenever needed.

The statement added that Prince Adetunji’s influence extended beyond the corporate world, as he remained deeply connected to his roots and maintained a strong interest in the progress and development of Ile-Ife and its people.

The Ooni described his late brother as a dependable adviser, a loving family member and a man whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Family members, friends, associates and well wishers have continued to pay tribute to the late prince, remembering him for his humility, wisdom and positive impact on society.

The palace said further details regarding funeral arrangements and other ceremonies would be announced by the family in due course.

Prince Adetunji’s death marks a significant loss to the royal family and the people of Ile-Ife, who will remember him for his service, leadership and dedication to humanity.

Continue Reading

Featured

Harakati Za Holds Pan-African Conference on Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms, Regional Integration in Accra

Published

on

By

More than 200 delegates from across Africa are expected to converge in Accra on July 24, 2026, for an international conference on “Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms and Integration for Sustainable Development in Africa.”

The conference, organised by Harakati Za Muungano, will take place at the GNAT Hall and will bring together policymakers, academics, business leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, youth leaders and development partners to explore practical solutions for accelerating Africa’s development through deeper regional integration.

Harakati Za Muungano, a Swahili phrase meaning “Union Movement,” is a pan-African movement committed to promoting African unity, economic transformation and governance reforms that support sustainable development.

The organisation believes that Africa’s vast human and natural resources can only be fully harnessed through stronger regional cooperation, enhanced intra-African trade and governance systems that place the continent’s long-term development at the centre of public policy.

Since its establishment in November 2023, the movement has expanded its operations to 17 African countries, engaging governments, regional institutions, traditional leaders, professionals, youth groups and community organisations.

Its work focuses on policy advocacy, research, civic engagement and humanitarian initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive development, strengthening regional cooperation and encouraging reforms that improve the quality of life of Africans.

The conference will provide a platform for participants to deliberate on critical issues affecting the continent, including constitutional reforms, economic restructuring, regional market integration, industrialisation, governance continuity and sustainable financing models for development.

Organisers expect the discussions to produce practical recommendations that can inform policy decisions at both national and regional levels.

A major focus of the conference will be the movement’s vision of a more integrated Sub-Saharan Africa where barriers to trade and movement are reduced, economic collaboration is strengthened and governments adopt policies that encourage long-term planning, investment and shared prosperity.

The organisation believes that greater integration will unlock new opportunities for businesses, create jobs, promote industrial growth and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.

Organisers say the conference represents an important opportunity for African leaders and stakeholders to collectively examine bold and innovative approaches to the continent’s future.

With over 200 delegates expected from across the continent, the event is anticipated to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships and advance a shared vision of an economically resilient, politically stable and fully integrated Africa.

-Overseeronline.com

Continue Reading

Trending