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King Mswati: Legend of a Man Who Loves Fresh Bosom

Published

7 years ago

September 22, 2018

Eric

By Timothy Edaki

So, few days ago, my editor stepped into the dinghy newsroom crowded with papers, files, cameras and other media paraphernalia and broached the idea of this article to me or rather implored me to write an article on a Swaziland king who I must confess I have never heard of before now. When he gave me the topic he wanted, King Mswati III: Legend of a man who loves fresh bosom, I doubled over in a loud guffaw, chortling and squeaking with laughter to the amazement and obvious surprise of my fellow reporters and the editor himself.

After apologizing, I decided to get to work with a benign smile still resting on my face. Only when the search engine brought back results for my request did the smile dry on my face and a crease begin to form upon my forehead.

Born some 50 years ago, King Mswati ascended the throne in 1986 at 32 years of age after the death of his father, Sobuhza II making him the youngest reigning monarch as at that time. Just as the popular saying, his reputation precedes him and it is not one that would leave smiles upon the face of anyone. His reputation for unrivalled and unrestrained love, lust and desire for young women usually between the ages of 14- 19 is predominantly the results the search engine has of him.

The monarch is said to have 50 wives and 23 children. One can boldly assert that he is working in the footsteps of his father who was said to have had over 125 wives during his 82-years reign.

What is quite worrisome is that King Mswati is the last of the absolute monarchs in the world, hence a number of eyes are always on his every move. In fact, he was present at the wedding ceremony of the Prince Harry and Megan Markle in England. In essence, his every move is monitored and each step shows the world how Africa is. His moves, responses, steps provide answers to questions like: Is Africa moving in the right direction? How can we judge Africa in terms of justice, equality, equity and fairness?

One can say, if this Swaziland monarch is the yardstick for providing responses to this question, then Africa has regrettably and undeniably failed. And yet we wonder why the international community sees us as animals.

His reputation for young girls is one that the world has come to know him for. Interestingly, two of his wives are chosen for him by a council which gives him and wile that is legal, the monarch has come under fire a number of times by the public for his interest in young girls. Reports also state that about two of his wives have died or rather committed suicide following the brutal treatment by the King.

Early this year, his 8th wife, Senteni Masango, was found dead after consuming an overdose of a drug for mental patients. Online sources stated that she was unhappy in the marriage and perhaps saw suicide as her best form of escape from Mswati’s brutality.

A number of his wives have even fled the palace to neighboring countries such as South Africa and some to United Kingdom and England.

He was even accused of kidnapping his wives but lack of evidence and witnesses to present a watertight case has seen him always go scot-free.

Mswati has been under heavy fire of criticism by the media in recent years for his lavish and flamboyant lifestyle and spending. Swaziland media reports that the King lives a lavish lifestyle in sharp contrast to the starvation beguiling his people. In the 2014 national budget, parliament allocated $61 million for the king’s annual household budget, while 63% of Swazis live on less than $1.25 per day. In response to the growing criticism of his purchase of luxury cars, including a $500,000 Maybach, he banned the photography or taking of pictures of his vehicles. According to the Forbes 2009 list of the World’s 15 Richest Royals, King Mswati is worth a reported $200 million.

I continued to do more research on this King as I wrote the article hoping that something would exonerate him from these claims or that I would be pointed in the right direction of his goodwill and benevolence but to say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I found nothing of respite and yet we wonder why Africa is backward, we wonder why we are still in the dungeons of poverty, we wonder why we never make progress, we wonder why our growth is stagnant and static, we wonder why things always look bleak., we wonder why development seems like a mirage.

I am quite doubtful that what I have written down is what my editor had in mind when he requested me to write this article but I just saw a bigger picture. The bigger picture of inequality, continued fairness in our continent and the inherent evil nature of the black man and why concepts like gender equality and feminism cannot gain grounds and stability in Africa.

And although, I am tired of the cliché and trite anthem of hoping that something happens, that a difference would happen soon, it is my best prayer now. Africa would rise again.

Featured

Governor Adeleke Celebrates First Lady, Titilola Adebusola Adeleke @60

Published

7 hours ago

December 9, 2025

Eric

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has celebrated his wife, the First Lady, Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adebusola Adeleke, as she marks her 60th birthday, describing her as “a pillar of support and a symbol of discipline and morality”.

In a birthday message he personally signed, the governor recalled with nostalgia how the bonding started and how the good Lord blessed the relationship with innumerable achievements and successes , noting that “ the first lady stands for all that a man wants in a woman as to discipline, self control, courtesy among others.

While praising her humility, respect for fellow human beings and capacity to manage people, the governor commended the first lady for her consistent perseverance, her passionate support for the family and her huge contributions to his development and progress in all facets of life.

“My dear wife, you have always been there for me in rough and good times. You are a strong pillar of support who strengthens me in all spheres of life. You remain a paragon of beauty, self control and discipline in your private and public conduct.

“Ever since we met, you have demonstrated your deep love and affection for me. And in the last few decades, your contributions to the family growth and successes cannot be under-estimated. Your day is therefore blessed as you are a blessing to countless beings on this earth.

“As you mark your day in good health and strong heart, I pray to the Almighty God to continue to strengthen, protect and prosper you in all your endeavours. Together, we have been winning. I know and pray that we shall continue to win together.

“As you clock 60 today, I pray for more wisdom and strength as you contribute your own quota to the development of the family and our dear state. You are an indispensable partner as we paddle the canoe of the state ship for good governance.

“My dear wife, I truly love you and I say happy blessed birthday”

Featured

Sunny Irakpo Launches SILEC International Magazine in America

Published

1 day ago

December 8, 2025

Eric

Drug Use Prevention Advocate, Founder and President of SILEC Initiatives, and U.S. Department of State Exchange Alumnus, Ambassador Sunny Irakpo, has unveiled SILEC International Magazine (SIM), a groundbreaking media platform exclusively dedicated to reporting drug-related issues across Africa, the United States, and the global community.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with partners in New Jersey, where Ambassador Irakpo is currently participating in a series of community-based and public-safety initiatives to deepen his expertise in combating substance use disorders and illicit drug trafficking both in the United States and worldwide.

A First-of-Its-Kind Platform for Drug-Focused Journalism

Ambassador Irakpo emphasized that SIM is designed to shape public consciousness by promoting value-driven storytelling and providing credible information on the rising tide of drug abuse and illicit trafficking—a crisis he describes as “a looming danger destroying the vibrant youth populations of many nations.”

He noted that the magazine will spotlight the work of NGOs, CEOs, advocates, and policymakers, churches, and companies with strong social responsibility particularly from African perspectives, while amplifying influential voices and advancing global understanding of effective anti-drug efforts.

Drawing inspiration from media leaders such as Dele Momodu, Chairman of Ovation Media Group, and Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Television, Irakpo described SIM as “a beacon of hope and a tool for societal transformation.”

Recognizing U.S. Efforts Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking

Ambassador Irakpo commended the United States for its continued commitment to combating drug trafficking and addiction—efforts strengthened under previous and current administrations. He particularly noted that the U.S. government under President Donald Trump demonstrated “exceptional courage, political will, and capacity in confronting the opioid crisis and the destructive forces fueling illicit drug trade,” encouraging world leaders to emulate such resolve.

He reiterated that addressing substance abuse requires a combination of drug-demand reduction, citizen sensitization, international collaboration, and sustained public education.

A Platform With Social Impact and Youth Empowerment at Its Core

Irakpo highlighted SIM as a top-tier media platform that will not only drive awareness but also create employment opportunities for young people and support underprivileged students—particularly in Nigeria, where more than 20 million children remain out of school due to financial hardship.

He added that SIM will serve as a sustainability engine for the ongoing anti-drug overdose campaigns of SILEC Initiatives, a leading nonprofit that has educated and sensitized communities for nearly two decades.

Experienced Editorial Leadership

As SIM prepares for its U.S. take-off, Irakpo announced the appointment of veteran journalist Julius Eto as Chairman of the Editorial Board. Eto brings more than four decades of experience across Nigeria’s premier news organizations, including The Guardian, ThisDay, The Punch, Daily Times, and The Trumpet.

He will be joined by distinguished academics including Prof. Oscar Odion Odiboh and other seasoned professionals committed to advancing the magazine’s mission.

A Call for Media Reawakening and Global Collaboration

Ambassador Irakpo called for a media renaissance in Nigeria to strengthen societal values and elevate African leadership in global discourse. SIM, he said, intends to claim its rightful place as “an African voice on the world stage.”

With the official launch of SILEC International Magazine (SIM) scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 in the United States, Ambassador Irakpo extended an invitation to corporate organizations, development partners, and well-meaning individuals worldwide to support this far-reaching vision.

“With hope, determination, and the resilience symbolized by the eagle, SIM is prepared to soar across the globe. Members of the public are respectfully enjoined to visit our friendly, rich anti-drug abuse website, www.silecinitiatives.org.ng,” he added.

Featured

How Tinubu Helped to Crush Military Coup in Benin Republic – Presidency

Published

1 day ago

December 8, 2025

Eric

The Presidency, on Sunday night, said acting on the two requests by the authorities of Benin Republic, President Bola Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

The Presidency, in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu commended the swift response of the gallantry of Nigeria’s military.

The statement read: “President Bola Tinubu has commended the gallantry of Nigeria’s military on Sunday for responding swiftly to the request by the Government of Benin Republic to save its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn today.

“Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

“The Republic of Benin, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, requested immediate Nigerian air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”

“In the second request, the authorities in Benin requested the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets within Beninoise airspace for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination.

“The Benin government also requested Nigerian ground forces, “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups.”

“Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said all the requests have been fulfilled, with Nigerian ground forces now in Benin.

“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he said.

He further stated: “Constitutional order was upended in the Republic of Benin, Nigeria’s neighbour, when some soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri announced a coup on Sunday morning. The putschists seized the National TV and claimed they had toppled President Patrice Talon and suspended all democratic institutions.

“It took some hours before the government’s loyal forces, assisted by Nigeria, took control and flushed out the coup plotters from the National TV.

“In his remarks after the restoration of the democratic and constitutional order, President Tinubu saluted the Nigerian armed forces for standing firm as a protector and defender of democracy.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”