Boss Picks

Osun Decides 2018: Who Replaces Aregbeola?

Published

7 years ago

September 22, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Finally, September 22, 2018 is here, and a plethora of political gladiators are set to await the outcome of their long drawn combat. The mantle and seat of Abere Government House, home of the Osun state governor is the coveted trophy. A lot of discordant tunes from political gladiators had been the order of the day as each bombarded the sensibilities of the electorate with slogans such as ‘experience is all that counts’, ‘let new voices be heard’ among many others. However, the big question on the lips of the voters as well as observers is who takes the seat of Aregbesola?

While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that 48 parties will be participating in the election, it is reported that AD’s James Olugbenga Akintola and ADP’s Moshood Adeoti have collapsed their structures in favour of Iyiola Omisore of the SDP further brightening the chances of the former deputy governor. However, it is common that while some are real contenders based on their popularity and structure already put in place, many others are pretenders. Going by the fires the aspirants are spitting, the election promises to be very interesting and keenly contested even as the primaries presented no less an intriguing contest.

For the ruling party in the state, the All Progressive Congress (APC), a new card was played which practically deviated from using the delegate system of election which is in fact the routine and opted for the direct method which gave power and franchise to members of the party in the various wards to choose their own aspirants. This move elicited a number of controversies as some of the party’s members were against the move, stating that it smacks of favouritism and was filled with shenanigans of unfairness to favor the eventual winner, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

Following the drift in the APC, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti defected to the Action Democratic Party on the last day of submission of candidates name to INEC and following a hurried primary, he was crowned as the sole candidate for the party.

Meanwhile, the major opposition party was having its own crises as Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi who came second vowed to get to the end of the earth to get his mantle from the said winner, Senator Ademola Adeleke. Petitions were written for the exercise to be conducted again or the votes be recounted but everything seemed a futile approach. That was not all, the issue of Adeleke’s inability to write WAEC was brought to the fore, and much as the exam body declared that he wrote the exams, Police still invited for legal prosecution. The move was halted by President Buhari till after the elections.

Senator Iyiola Omisore, a former deputy governor of the state emerged as the flag bearer of his new party, the Social Democratic Party in what could be termed a landslide victory in a primary election led by Dr. Bayo Faforji. However, that was not without its own raise of dust as another primary led by Chief Ademola Ishola using delegates method produced Mr. Kehinde Atanda as its candidate.

The Accord Party on its part gave its mandate to a United States of America based cleric of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Olopade Okunola.

While a number of the candidates have experience having served in one way or the other in the political space, the people of Osun State would be looking forward to voting that person who appears certain of fulfilling promises made during the campaign, not one who would turn a deaf ear to their pleas once they assume power. They will be seeking to vote an individual who has what it takes to lead the state to the proverbial Promised Land.

Below are the real contenders, one of whom will occupy the prestigious Abere government House.

IYIOLA OMISORE – SDP

A former deputy of the state of the state, Iyiola Omisore was born on September 15, 1957, into a royal family in Ile-Ife, where he also grew up. He is the son of Oba David Olajide Omisore and the grandson of Lowa Omisore, both of Ayepe, Olode.

Iyiola is also the grandson of the Late Olufewara Kabiyesi Oba Titus Adetoba of the Oseganderuku ruling house in Ifewara where his mother, Princess Emila Adejola ruled as Regent until her death in 2006. In August 2006, his father was crowned as the first Olu of Olode Town in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State.

Senator Omisore began his educational career at the SS Peter and Paul Roman Catholic School in Ile-Ife before proceeding to St. John Grammar School Ile-Ife, Osun State, for his secondary education between 1972 and 1977.

He later attended Federal Polytechnic Owo, Ondo State and the Technology College, Reading UK. Where obtained a diploma Certificate in Electrical/Electronics Engineering.

With two engineering degrees and a postgraduate certificate from Brunel University Uxbridge, as well as a Ph.D in Infrastructure Finance from the International School of Management, Paris, France, Omisore was set to excel. He is currently undergoing his DBA programme at the same institution.

A Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, England and Wales, he has undergone several courses in different high profile institutions including Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA; ABS Academy, Athens, Greece; University of Carolina; West London College; Harvard University and the Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklungg GmbH, Germany.

In January 2013, he completed and was awarded a Doctorate Degree by the International School of Management in Paris.

Omisore commands so great an influence in the political space of Osun that he won an election while in detention. He has held so many offices as a legislator including chairmanship of committees.

Many however, believe that his administration, if he wins, will be full of excuses and complaints having been quoted as saying that it will take 22 years to clean up ‘Aregbesola’s mess’ in Osun State. They said he will blame whatever inadequacy on previous administration.

ADEMOLA ADELEKE – PDP

The PDP flag bearer gained political limelight when his brother, a serving senator, died in mysterious circumstance. He promptly filled the vacuum after winning the by-election in what many called ‘sympathy vote’.

A serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ademola Adeleke was born to the family of Ayoola Adeleke – a Muslim father and Nnena Esther Adeleke – an Igbo Christian mother on May 13th, 1960 in Enugu. His father was Late Senator Raji Ayoola Adeleke the Balogun of Ede land in Osun State, a second republic Senator with the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

Adeleke commenced his primary education at Methodist Primary School, Surulere Lagos then relocated to Nawarudeen Primary School, Ikire in the Old Oyo State. He progressed to The Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Ede also in the then Old Oyo State and later moved to Muslim Grammar School Ede. However, he did not finish his education at Muslim Grammar School as he later left Nigeria to study abroad with his two other brothers on a scholarship. He started higher studies at Jacksonville State University Alabama in United State of America where he majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science minor.

He is known as an accomplished businessman and administrator, making waves with like brother, Isiaka. The man who has come to be known as ‘dancing senator’ will need to fight off the stigma of certificate forger to lure voters to his side if he must have anything to do with Abere Government House after September 22.

GBOYEGA OYETOLA – APC

Currently the Chief of Staff to the Governor of State Osun, Gboyega Oyetola is described as a man endowed with untold skills that cut across politics, finance management, business and public administration. Through a dint of hard work, Oyetola has steadily progressed in the affairs of life.

Born in his native native Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun clan, Oyetola attended Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo for his secondary school education which he completed in 1972 and proceeded to the prestigious University of Lagos where he bagged a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Insurance in 1978. He followed it up with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the same institution in 1990.

Oyetola’s professional life kicked off in 1980 when he joined Leadway Assurance Company Limited as Area Manager and worked there till 1987 and joined Crusader Insurance Company Limited as Underwriting Manager between till 1990. He moved again in 1990 to Alliance and General Insurance as Technical Controller and served in that capacity until 1991. In the same year, he set up his own Company, Silvertrust Insurance Brokers Limited, which he managed until his appointment as Chief of Staff in 2011.

A technocrat of great repute, Gboyega Oyetola’s progress in politics has been encouraging. He was a founding member of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the state of Osun and has been a chieftain of the party through its metamorphosis to Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and now All Progressives Congress (APC). Also, he has assisted the party nationally, particularly in the State of Osun.

Political watchers believe he can swerve the votes to his side with the help of the much-touted Federal might. Already, his party has unleashed a 63-member committee comprising men versed in election matters.

Boss Picks

On a Mission to Rescue, Recover and Reset Nigeria – Soundbites from Dele Momodu’s Official Entry into ADC

Published

4 days ago

January 19, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The gathering was loud, impressive and purposeful as veteran journalists and Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, began another political journey of rescue, restoration and resetting of Nigeria with a grand declaration ceremony in Benin City, Edo State.

In his speech, Momodu informed that his interest is purely to serve the interest of Nigerians, shunning any form of call to contest either the senatorial or governorship seat.

Noting that his formal aligning with the ADC is far from personal ambition, he stressed that he is on a mission to help end the drift towards a one-party state.

Momodu, who said it took him years to reconnect with his homestead, added that the declaration for ADC marked a deeply personal and political homecoming after decades of self-discovery and professional life outside his ancestral roots.

He said, “Officially set to declare for the African Democratic Congress. It took me a long time, over 30 years, before I could discover my ancestral home,” Momodu said.

“Let me thank one of my fathers who is present here today, Senator Isa Raymond. From the very first day he met me, he adopted me as a child. When I came home for the first time, he coordinated everything.”

Reflecting on his years abroad, Momodu spoke of the effort it took to establish himself economically in the United Kingdom, saying this had given him both stability and perspective.

“It took me over 50 years, you won’t believe it, of excruciating hard work and meticulous planning to plant roots for my modest income,” he said.

“Today, nobody can say I have no roots. But today, I am standing before you as I firmly reintegrate myself into the political process of my state.”

Momodu dismissed speculation about any immediate personal ambition for elective office, stressing that his political engagement is broader and more ideological.

“People have asked me, ‘What do you want? Do you want to be governor or senator?’ No, I just want to promote the best interests of our people.”

Describing his decision to formally take up ADC membership as a critical step, Momodu said: “It is hard to imagine the pride I feel at this moment as I undertake my self-led event in DC to pick up the membership card of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the new opposition coalition in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. This is only the first and most important leg of this political journey.”

He outlined what he described as his core political mission, warning against political domination by a single party.

“My mission in politics is to join hands of fellowship with citizens of like minds to rescue, recover, and reset Nigeria,” Momodu said. “Nigeria must be rescued from a one-party state and one parliament.”

In a lighter moment, he added: “I don’t think they manufacture people like Baba Eke in heaven.”

Momodu said the success of the political journey ahead would depend on the commitment of Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current direction of the country.

“This journey will require the total commitment of the majority of Nigerians who refuse to be enslaved in their own country.

“I am eternally inspired by our leader and father, Zipzon Oyebu, for his judiciousness, resoluteness, and sacrifice for the well-being of our nation. Thank you, Baba.

“Thank you all for your love, because for people to leave their homes and offices to be here on a weekday is not a joke. I promise you, I do not think it is a joke.”

A former presidential candidate, former presidential aspirant, teacher, inspirational speaker, actor, media guru and entrepreneur, Dele Momodu is a complete package of astuteness, enigma and ready-to-deliver personality, who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of his motherland.

Momodu is not new to political discipline and maneuver. Recall that the much traveled global citizen contested the presidency in 2011, where he represented the National Conscience Party (NCP), and was a presidential aspirant in 2022 under the umbrella of the PDP.

Momodu’s trajectory in the political terrain dated back to the Second Republic, when he functioned as Private Secretary to Chief Akin Omoboriowo, the then deputy governor of Ondo State. He was also prominent in politics during and after the much talked about June 12, 1993 era. His relevance and intellectual capacity in politics speak volumes, climaxing in the fact that his wealth of experience will be an added advantage to the ADC family.

Momodu’s entry into the ADC is expected to boost the coalition’s visibility towards creating more impact and positioning the party for the all-important duel with the APC come 2027.

Boss Picks

TWINSFAJA Shines As Africa’s Richest Man Rewards Top Dangote Cement Partners

Published

1 week ago

January 16, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The entire night was tailor-made to fit TwinsFaja Group of Companies as the activities practically revolved round the firm’s achievements, pedigree, style and devotion to customers, clients and parent bodies. It was the night organised by the Dangote Cement House to reward the loyalty of the Dangote Cement Partners, where TwinsFaja, with its amiable Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Kemi Fajana, featured prominently.

It was indeed a night full of glitz, glamour and razzmatazz as Dangote Cement rewards distributors, customers with substantial gifts and awards, leaving TwinsFaja Group of companies to shine brightest.

The glamorous which was held at Eko Hotel & Suites , Victoria Island, Lagos was anchored by a popular comedian Bovi, and attended by Africa’s richest man and Chairman, Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote among other industry greats including Founder of the Zenith Bank Group, Mr. Jim Ovia, and Founder of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu and others.

Representing the TwinsFaja brand, Mrs. Fajana, in company of her husband, majestically arrived the Eko Hotels venue of the event in style to the applause of guests, colleagues, co-awardees and well wishers.

Dabbed in yellowish-gold aso-oke attire, Mrs Fajana strolled gingerly supported by her better half, who was dressed in free flowing sparkling white agbada, to the warm embrace of achievement as the room radiated warmth, glory and success.

The event kickstarted with the arrival of the chief host, Alhaji Dangote, who after seranading the capacity filled hall with his happy disposition and pleasantries, stood in patriotism for the rendition of the National Anthem, alongside other dignitaries.

Thereafter, the Chief Host, Alhaji Dangote delivered his welcome address, admonishing the guests to feel at home at the well organised event, while welcoming all and sundry to the Distributors’ Award Ceremony, just as he commended TwinsFaja and other distributors for their unwavering commitment and resilience “in driving our business forward, even amidst economic challenges.”

He added that “their perseverance and determination in ensuring our products remain available in the market. Thanks to your efforts, we have secured over 57 per cent of the market share, and we encourage you to continue pushing for more growth.”

Dangote noted that “this year’s theme serves as a rallying call for unity and collective growth as we strive for unmatched market leadership in 2026. This theme reflects the strength of our partnership with valued customers, which continues to drive the success of Dangote Cement.”

Aliko Dangote identified and highlighted the distributors as the backbone of the company’s growth and success, and encouraged them to aim for even higher performance levels in 2025.

The awards categories were in phases; Regional Award, Growth Award, Best Performing Customers, and for their continued loyalty and patronage, Dangote Cement rewarded the distributors and customers with various choice gift items and cash worth N11 billion.

At the 2026 edition of its Customers Awards & Gala Nite Veentage band and the invincible Flavour Nabania were on hand to dish out the best of entertainments to the guests with spectacular performances, prompting them to shuffle endlessly to rhythm of togetherness.

While speaking with Ovation Media Group, a very elated Mrs. Fajana expressed her heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, staff and her customers for their contribution and support. She noted that out if a dint if hard work, TwinsFaja has successfully emerged the number one company in Lagos and Ogun, and number seven in Nigeria.

“I am so happy. I appreciate my president, Alhaji Aliko Dangote. I worked very hard and to God be the glory, we are number 7 nationwide customer. This means that we are number 1 both in Lagos and Ogun State. I thank God and all our customers because without them, I can’t achieve this. Thank you to all our customers and staff. God bless you all,” Mrs Fajana enthused.

Among Dignitaries that turned up for the all-important event were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Former Governor of Ekiti state, Chief Niyi Adebayo, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Founder, Zenith Bank International, Mr. Jim Ovia, Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Mrs. Adaora Umeoji, Chief Executive Officer of UBA, Mr. Oliver Alawuba and a host of others.

ABOUT TWINSFAJA GROUP OF COMPANIES

Established in 1994, and incorporated in 2007, the TwinsFaja Group is a major Nigerian conglomerate founded by accomplished entrepreneur, Mrs Kemi Fajana, and her husband. With minimal formal education, but with great business acumen and entrepreneurial discipline, the duo launched into the deep murky waters of business, and triumphed.

The conglomerate is focused on providing essential daily needs, especially in construction materials (cement, iron rods) and retail groceries through its large supermarket chain. Known for quality, integrity and customer service, the group aims to be a leading supplier in Nigeria and West Africa, expanding from building materials to a diverse online and physical retail presence, including fashion and home appliances.

The story of TwinsFaja, Kemi Fajana and her husband, is the typical example of how a little beginning can blossom into a huge and happy ending.

Reports have it that the couple dabbled into cement sales in the 1990s with just 50 bags, after Kemi diversified from her sales of baby items, and today, with resilience, focus and hard work, have spread across lengths and breadths, controlling over 13 supermarket outlets in both Lagos and Ogun states. They have have stakes in the oil and gas industry as well as the building materials sector.

TwinsFaja exemplifies the process in growth and development of the great oak, whose seed is infinitesimally small, but grows with an expansion that is great and imagine to imagine.

Today, apart from its stake across relevant sectors, Twinsfaja is recognized as one of the biggest distributors of Dangote Cement in Lagos and Ogun. It is believed that its capacity equals ability to move tens of thousands of tonnes of cement in a strong week, and with over 2,000 employees in its payroll.

Though the company’s annual turnover is a matter closeto the chest of the CEO, Kemi Fajana, a platform, Billionaires.Africa estimates that the group’s turnover could be in the neighborhood of $20 million annually or more.

We congratulate Mrs Fajana, the TwinsFaja conglomerate and family, and their loyal customers for another gracious milestone in their quest to provide quality in its everyday business life.

Photos: Funmi Ilelabayo

Boss Picks

Benin Agog As Accomplished Entrepreneur and Journalist, Dele Momodu Set to Formally Declare for ADC

Published

1 week ago

January 14, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

All is set for the grand declaration of veteran journalist and publisher, Chief Dele Momodu, as he formally joins the coalition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), in Benin City, the capital of his home state, Edo.

The event, billed to take place at the New ADC State Secretariat, Ogbelaka Road, Benin City, on Thursday, January 15, 2025, is expected to bring together the creme de creme of the ADC family and more.

Speaking exclusively to The Boss, Momodu, who announced his switch to ADC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a few months ago following irreconcilable crises that had ravaged the party, said that the coming together of political juggernauts to make up the ADC is the best thing that has happened to the nation in recent times.

“Our coming together is divine, and has paved the way for the restoration of life for Nigerians, towards rescuing everyone from the shackles of oppressive rule in the last 10 years, and counting.

Momodu with former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar

“ADC is a testament of readiness towards taking back what belongs to us as Nigerians,” Momodu said.

With the leaders of the party expected to be in attendance, the declaration event will be broadcast alive across major media platforms including Arise News Television.