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2019 Guber Election: Who Wears the Crown?

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…Lagos, Imo, Ogun, Kwara, Sokoto…Hotbeds of Contest

By Eric Elezuo

The die is cast! After many months of campaigns and debates, Saturday, March 9, 2019 is eventually here and we are set to have new Governors in at least eight of Nigeria’s 36 states. In all, 29 states will witness Gubernatorial election. The states like Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, Imo, Zamfara, Gombe, Nasarawa and Oyo will surely have a new governor as their today’s incumbent will be ending their tenures on May 29, 2019.

But, Kogi, Osun, Ekiti, Edo, Bayelsa, Anambra and Ondo will not be participating in the governorship elections as their present governors are yet to use up their four years tenure. However, House of Assembly election will hold in all 36 states of the Federation

The March 9 date became sacrosanct after INEC made an unceremonious shift in the date of the Presidential and National Assembly elections originally billed for February 16, 2019 to February 23, 2019. The shift affected the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections which was originally earmarked for March 2. But baring any last minute unforeseen circumstance, the day has finally come.

The governorship elections are much more local and grassroot in outlook and as such is expected to draw a lot of intrigues.

Again, most prominent politicians, who lost out in the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections will seek to redeem their image and political future with today’s elections. Among such gladiators are Senate President, Dtr. Bukola Saraki, Senator Abiola Ajumobi, Senator Godswill Akpabio among others.

There are also sitting governors whose seats are likely to be pulled from under them because of stiff opposition from contesting rivals, and they wouldn’t want that to happen. As a result, it is an all out war in various states of the federation.

Another category of jittery sitting governors are those believed to have failed in their stewardship in the last four years as well as those who have backlog of issues including corruption charges and sectionalism following them. Some of them may include Governors Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State among others.

There are also outgoing governors who are finding it difficult to install their preferred and anointed replacements following either public or party outcry. The governors of Imo and Ogun states, Rachas Okorocha and Ibikunle Amosun respectively are in this category.

In this regard, some states to watch include Ogun State where the incumbent is supporting a candidate and party other than his own. The same scenario is also playing out in Imo State. There is also Kwara State where the philosophy of O TO GE is bent on playing itself out completely with this Saturday’s election. Opponents of the Senate President are bent on retiring him completely from politics. This is even as he is playing his last card to clutch at straws to save his political future. If the governorship seat should fall for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Saraki will by all means go into oblivion and obscurity for another four years.

Here is a blow-by-blow account of battle ground states and the men that may wear the coveted crown.

In Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence, two gladiators from the two mega parties, among many others, are set for battle.

They are: Mr. Jimi Agbaje of the PDP, who is making a third attempt at the Lagos governorship seat, and  Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, an insider and technocrat, who has within a short spell of time garnered accolades, goodwill and acknowledgement.

Born on June 25, 1965, Sanwo-Olu is a graduate of the University of Lagos, as well as the London Business School, Lagos Business School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Prior to his gubernatorial ambition, he was the Managing Director/CEO of Lagos State Property Development Commission (LSPDC), and had been Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget and Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions

Sanwo-Olu is widely regarded as a public sector expert in human resources and policy formation,  a power sector consultant per excellence, an astute banker, a compelling public speaker and an inspirational leader.

Born on March 2, 1957, Jimi Agbaje, on the other hand is a private sector practitioner, who founded his own company, JAYKAY Pharmaceutical and Chemical Company Limited and was Managing Director until 2005 when he decided to venture into politics.

Among many prolific assignments he had undertaken, Agbaje also sits on the Board of other organizations including Oakwood Park Ltd, Atlantic Hall Secondary School Epe, Jimi Agbaje Outreach (a project dedicated to helping the less fortunate) and has served as business mentor at Fate Foundation

In Lagos, a certain O TO GE is also playing out silently, and the ruling party, APC, is on edge, not knowing what the elections portend. With the minute number of votes with which the party defeated their bitter rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it is obvious that the election can go either way.

A lot of Lagosians have it at the back of their minds that decisions concerning the state is a function of one man, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and sees Saturday’s election as a perfect opportunity to bring the hegemony to a glorious end. This explains why the PDP’s candidate, Jimi Agbaje’s slogan, is ‘freedom for Lagos’. Much as the APC candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is known to be a thoroughbred technocrat, there are fears in every quarter that he will be solidly controlled by the Tinubu factor, which single handedly picked him. His victory will ensure a sustained grasp on Lagosians and Lagos state resources by Tinubu. This, most Lagosians are aversed to.

But considering the resources and outreach efforts made by Sanwo-Olu and the campaign of fear unleashed on most voters, notably of Igbo origin, the APC camp may just carry the day by a few number of votes. This is as even Agbaje of the PDP is not doing much to reach out to voters, and only makes a political appearance when elections draw near.

In Ogun State, the contest is rather stretched – accommodating varieties of political giants from diverse political parties.

Akinlade is a 49 years old Political Science graduate of Lagos State University. He is representing Egbado South and Ipokia constituency in the House of Representatives.

Akinlade’s emergence in the governorship race is a direct prompting of the incumbent governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. He had to decamp to the APM when his party, the APC denied him ticket in the primary election.

A founding member of the PDP, and the managing director/CEO of Heyden Petroleum Ltd [HPL], one of the largest indigenous players in the downstream, midstream, and upstream oil and gas industry in Nigeria, Dapo Abiodun is the flag bearer of the APC.

He has manifold experience in both the private and public sectors. He has served as a member of various presidential committees and organisations, including the Presidential Think-Tank in 2001, appointed Chairman, Oil and Gas Committee, Ogun state in 2009, chairman, Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) in 2012 and also appointed chairman, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2018.

The Ogun contest will bring to a close the stretched days of mudslinging and character attacks as well as intense drama hitherto exhibited by the players. This is one state which parades a roll call of very important personalities as contestants including the incumbent governor’s anointed candidate, Mr. Adekunle Akinlade of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Kashamu Buruji, who has been abandoned completely by his party, the PDP, Nasiru Gboyega Isiaka of African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Dapo Abiodun, standing for the ruling APC. While Governor Amosun and Ladi Adebutu are rooting for Akinlade, the duo of former Governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel are rooting for Abiodun.

In Oyo State, the contest is between the duo of PDP’s Seyi Makinde and APC’s Bayo Adelabu, supported by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who is still licking the wound of rejection at the polls as he lost his bid for senatorial seat.

PDP’s Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde who was born on December 25, 1967 is making a second appearance after a failed attempt in 2015 with SDP. He is an Engineer and a subject matter expert on fluid and Gas Metering as well as the Group Managing Director of Makon Group Limited; an indigenous oil and gas company in Nigeria.

He established his first oil and gas private business called Makon Engineering and Technical Services, (METS) at the age of 29 in the year 1997, after earning years of work experience with international oil and gas companies.

His rival, Adelabu, who was born in 1970, started his career with PriceWaterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), an international firm of Chartered Accountants and Management Consultants. During his seven years with the firm, he led and managed various audit and consultancy engagements for large banks and non-bank financial institutions within and outside Nigeria.[9]

He was on secondment to the Central Bank of Nigeria for one year in 1999 when he led the finance team on the CBN re-engineering and corporate renewal project tagged “Project EAGLES”. He left the firm in year 2000 as an Audit Manager and Senior Consultant to join First Atlantic Bank as the Financial Controller and Group Head of Risk Management and Controls. He was later promoted to Chief Inspector of the Bank in 2002 and Group Head of National Public Sector Business in 2003. He is the immediate past Deputy Governor of the Central Bank

In this election, Ajimobi is fighting to enthrone Adelabu, if not for anything, to rescue his drowning political life. His bid is supported by the return of former governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala to the APC.

But the PDP’s alliance with other gladiators in the state, such as Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Femi Lanlehin and others to oust the APC from the state, arguing that the emergence of Adelabu will be a third term for Ajimobi is making waves for Engineer Makinde of the PDP. The battle promises to be tough and full of intrigues.

In Imo State, nobody should be in a hurry to write Okorocha and his son-in-law, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu off. This is because all those who wish to see the end of the incumbent governor are in separate parties contesting the same governorship seat. Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Re[presentatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, is fighting from the PDP; Senator Hope Uzodinma fighting from the APC just as former governor Ikedi Ohakim is with the Accord Party, AP. They all want to defeat Okorocha’s stooge in the Action Alliance (AA).

Political pundits believe the fight could have made meaning if the opposition including APC has a united front. They think Okorocha and his son-in-law may just effortlessly carry the day. But that is left for the Imo citizens to decide.

In Akwa Ibom State, the super weight politician, whose activities of whatever kind, is nowadays preceeded with the tag ‘uncommon’, Senator Godswill Akpabio, will also be fighting a battle of his life. He is pitched against his godson, Governor Udom Emmanuel, using his sponsored candidate, Nsima Ekere.

Born on July 11, 1966, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel’s story is that of grass to grace. It is the story of a Sunday school leader at United Evangelical Church (QIC) (formerly Qua Iboe Church) who rose to become a bank director, and then to governor.
Emmanuel, a 1988 graduate of the University of Lagos, served as an audit manager of Price Waterhouse Coopers. He is an associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. He served as chief financial officer of Zenith Bank Plc.

Emmanuel qualified as a Chartered Accountant and trained with Price Water house Coopers. He also served as group head of Income Optimization, Financial Control & Strategic Planning Department at Zenith Bank.

Nsima Udo Ekere, who was born on May 29, 1965, is a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

He has chaired the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency and simultaneously as Chairman of Ibom Power Company, the independent power generating company owned by Akwa Ibom State. He is supported by ex-Governor Akpabio.

Akpabio’s lost of his senatorial seat to his former deputy, Chris Ekpeyong, consequent upon defecting to the APC, is still a rude shock to him, and he is seeking a resurrection through an APC victory on Saturday.

But emboldened by recent victories in the state, the PDP and Emmanuel are bent on pulling the carpet off Akpabio’s feet, thereby dimming his political light in the state. Whatever happens in Akwa Ibom, Akpabio may not totally be burial as he stands a chance of receiving appointment from the Federal Government.

In Bauchi State, the duo of incumbent governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of the APC and Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of the PDP, are striving on an equal pedestal. Both parties secured electoral victories during the NASS election and seems to be individually hopeful.

However, while Governor Abubakar may play the Federal might card, the PDP will be relying heavily on Speaker Yakubu Dogara’s clout as well as grassroot bargaining.

In Sokoto State, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who despite decamping to a new party, failed to carry his loyalists along, as they slipped away from him half way. This explains the loss of the party to the APC in the Presidential election. If situation remains the way it was on February 23, 2019, Tambuwal may just kiss his seat goodbye to Ahmed Aliyu of the APC.

In Kano State, there is a governor who is coming to the election with a backlog. He is Abdullahi Ganduje. He was caught on tape collecting bribe in dollars from a contractor – an allegation he has since denied and backed by the Presidency.

If Kano people remembers, Ganduje may just be another incumbent that lost his seat. Again, the Kwankwaso angle which necessitated the lifting of PDP votes in the presidential election could soring a surprise that may prove decisive, and give Abba Kabir Yusuf of the PDP a desired victory.

In Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu’s battle to save his political future will be facing a litmus test, with two heavyweights though from separate parties are giving him a run for his money. Ikpeazu, from feelers from the Abians, has performed abysmally, and that raises the goose pimples that gives PDP sleepless nights.

But his opponents, who are operating from different camps, may just make it easy for him to return to power after thge may have shared their votes. The duo of Uche Ogah of the APC and Alex Otti of APGA only need an alliance to oust the incumbent. This they did not do. This they may regret after Saturday.

In Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike uhuru is not yet as his arch rival and Transport Minister, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi, has pitched tenth with another party as the courts barred APC from fielding candidates.

But the camp of Wike believes that Amaechi is fighting a loss battle as the election is just a formality since the Rivers people has settled behind Wike. Barring any form of crisis, the results of the election is supposed to reflect the will of the people.

In all the states, tension stands erect, and only the unbiased refereeing of the election umpire, Prof Yakubu Mahmood, and his team, can determined who the people’s choices really are.

Below is a list of the main gladiators:

Delta State
Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (PDP)
Great Ovedje Ogboru (APC)

Abia State
Ogah Uchechukwu Samson (APC)
Alex Otti (APGA)
Okezie Victor Ikpeazu (PDP)

Adamawa
Mohammed Umar Jibrilla (APC)
Umaru Ahmadu (PDP)

Akwa Ibom
Nsima Udo Ekere (APC)
Udom Emmanuel (PDP)

Bauchi
Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (APC)
Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (PDP)

Benue
Emmanuel Jime (APC)
Samuel Ortom (PDP)

Borno
Baba Gana Umara (APC)
Mohammed Alkali Imam (PDP)

Ebonyi
Sunday Ogbuoji (APC)
David Umahi (PDP)

Enugu
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (PDP)

Cross River
Ben Ayade (PDP)
Owan Enoh (APC)

Gombe

Mohammed Yahaya (APC)
Nafada Usman Bayero (PDP)

Imo
Hope Uzodinma (APC)
Ihedioha Emeka (PDP)
Uche Nwosu (AA)

Jigawa
Mohammed Abubakar (APC)
Aminu Ibrahim Ringim (PDP)

Kaduna
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (APC)
Isa Mohammad Ashiru (PDP)

Kano
Ganduje Abdullahi Umar (APC)
Abba Kabir Yusuf (PDP)

Katsina
Aminu Bello Masari (APC)
Garba Yakubu Lado (PDP)

Kebbi
Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (APC)
Isa Mohammed Galadu (PDP)

Kwara
Abdulrahman Abbulrazaq (APC)
Razak Atunwa (PDP)

Lagos
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (APC)
Jimi Agbaje (PDP)
Babatunde Olalere Gbadamosi (ADP)

Nasarawa
Audu Sule (APC)
David Emmanuel Ombudagu (PDP)

Niger
Sani Abubakar Bello (APC)
Umar Mohammed Nasko (PDP)

Ogun
Adedapo Abiodun (APC)
Buruji Kashamu (PDP)
Isiaka Nasir Adegboyega (ADC)
Akinlade Adekunle (APM)

Oyo
Adelabu Adebayo Adekola (APC)
Oluseyi Makinde (PDP)

Plateau
Simon Lalong (APC)
Jeremiah Useni (PDP)

Sokoto
Ahmed Aliyu (APC)

Aminu Tambuwal (PDP)

Taraba
Abubakar Danladi (APC)
Darius Ishaku (PDP)
Alhassan Aisha Jummai (UDP)

Yobe
Mai Mala (APC)
Umar Iliya Damaggum (PDP)

Zamfara
Idris Mukhtar Shehu (APC)
Bello Mohammed (PDP)

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Glo Celebrates Executive Director, Sade Michael-Adenuga at 31

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By Eric Elezuo

Communications giant, GLOBACOM, has celebrated its Group Executive Director, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, as she clocks 31.

In a message via the Group’s X account, Globacom celebrated the go-getting abilities Ms Michael-Adenuga, recognising her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment, which have continued speak loud in the growth and development of the Gbobacom Group.

The message reads:

“Today, we celebrate Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, whose dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment continue to make a meaningful difference.

“As you mark another year, we wish you good health, happiness, and many more years of fulfilment and remarkable accomplishments. May the year ahead bring every opportunity to continue making an enduring impact.

“Happy Birthday, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga.”

Sade Michael-Adenuga is the last daughter of the billionaire businessman, philanthropist and founder of the Glo brand, among many other business concerns.

Beautiful and highly ceregral, Sade is a certified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She currently serves as a Group Executive Director of Globacom Group, and is the founder of QuickLaw.

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Adeleke and Momodu: A Classic Tale of ‘Twin’ Brothers

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By Eric Elezuo

The story of the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is one told from a multiple dimension. It encompasses passion, love, friendship, camaraderie, collaboration, and more importantly, brotherhood.

Here’s a classic tale of two individuals, who started as acquaintances, transmuted into being friends, and today has become inseparable, not just as brothers, but as ‘twin’ brothers. No wonder the Bible says, there’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother; that’s the story of ‘Demola and Dele. A typical example of Double D. A classic tale of friendship made in heaven.

Both have seen measured successes in their various fields of endeavours. Adeleke, besides being an accomplished entrepreneur, has in his own way, conquered the field of politics, having served as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and presently serving as the Executive Governor of Osun State.

Momodu, on his part, has not in any way lacked behind. Beyond establishing and sustaining Africa’s number one celebrity magazine, Momodu is an iconic journalist, publisher, businessman and a motivational speaker, who has both working and personal relationships with many influential world leaders. He has been one shot away from the highest office in the land, having contested for the Nigerian presidency, first as a candidate in 2011, and as an aspirant in 2023.

Born same year, 1960, same month, May, the brothers have from time in memorial, shared a common bond that has given onlookers the apertite to ask more questions about their originality. But while one is from Edo State, the other is from Osun. However, the state barriers notwithstanding, Adeleke and Momodu has proved to the world what true friendship means.

Over the weekend when Momodu celebrated his 66th birthday, just three days after Adeleke celebrated his at the Government House, in Oshogbo, the Governor gladly referred to Momodu as his ‘twin’ brother, a motion that everyone readily agreed with. It is worthy of note that while Adeleke was born on May 13, 1960, Momodu was born on May 16, 1960. Friends and associates always insist that Adeleke is three days older than Momodu, and that one fact Momodu has come to live with, and joyously celebrates.

In his message at the birthday celebration, held with incisive discussion on the theme, Ignorance and The Danger of Xenophobia, at the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre, Alalubosa, Ibadan, the Governor extolled the qualities of Momodu, fondly referring to him as ‘my twin brother’. He hailed Momodu for always using his birthday to speak to the conscience of Africa, especially in the last three years.

At the event, organized by The Dele Momodu Foundation, with the theme, “Ignorance and the Danger of Xenophobia.” Speakers at the occasion condemned the rising tide of xenophobic attacks, particularly those targeting Nigerian citizens in South Africa, warning that such hostility undermines regional progress, peace, and continental unity.

 
Taking the podium to honour the celebrant, whom he affectionately described as his “twin brother,” Adeleke praised Chief Momodu not only as a towering figure in African journalism and publishing; serving as the CEO and Publisher of the celebrated Ovation International magazine but also as an advocate for unity. The governor further called for urgent action to protect Nigerian citizens abroad in relation to the theme of the day, and the body language of the continent as a result of the present situation in South Africa, where black foreign population is being persecuted and threatened. 
 
“Xenophobia is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of our shared humanity,” Governor Adeleke said. “The attacks on our citizens in South Africa and elsewhere demand serious and immediate attention. As leaders, we must come together across borders to ensure that these hostilities stop. We cannot speak of a united Africa while our brothers and sisters are targeted simply for being Nigerian,” the governor said.
 
The governor further pledged his administration’s full support for initiatives aimed at ending xenophobic violence against Nigerians in the diaspora, emphasizing that diplomatic and collaborative efforts are necessary to safeguard the dignity of African citizens everywhere.
 
The event drew a distinguished array of guests. The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Eghosa Emmanuel Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, who provided an incisive analysis of the socio-political roots of xenophobia and its impact on pan-African integration.
 
The Chairperson of the occasion was Her Excellency Jewel Howard-Taylor, former Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, whose presence emphasized the pan-African significance of the gathering. A somber yet inspiring musical performance was delivered by Sir Shina Peter, the guest musician, who paid tribute to a life well lived in service of journalism and humanity.
 
In his remarks, the celebrant thanked the governor, the dignitaries, and the foundation for turning his birthday into a platform for meaningful dialogue and action.
 
 

DELE MOMODU – MAY 16, 1960

Dele Momodu, without an iota of doubt stands tall among those who have been diligent in businesses, and it is therefore, no surprise that he has stood, and is still standing not just before kings but with kings.

Born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu on May 16, 1960, some 63 years ago, Chief Dele Momodu as he is known in the business circle, and Bob Dee, in the social stage, is by every standard a man who is diligent in his business. And it is no wonder that he has not only stood before kings, he had and continues to dine with kings. There is practically no influential person that Dele Momodu does not know across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Africa and on the inter-continental stage. He is that large!

By every standard a rare breed, Momodu is many things in one; journalist/publisher, businessman, philanthropist, actor, politician and motivational speaker. Among all these he considers himself simply as a reporter, and even with a retinue of seasoned staff still ventures into the field to scoop exclusives. Those who have referred to him as a workaholic are not far from the truth. Even he, himself has an oft quoted line thus “those who come from poor background cannot afford to sleep too much”.

A beacon of the Momodu family, Dele, the last of three siblings, was ‘privileged’ to lose his father at the age of 13, and was therefore sentenced to the complete tutelage of his mother, and sometimes relatives. His mother became practically his mentor, teacher  and soulmate until she passed away on May 18, 2007, two days after Dele’s 47th birthday. According to him, one of the many morals his mother, who he revered next to God, taught him, is never to despair even when times are tough. Even in her near poverty state, Dele maintained that ‘she didn’t give up on me.’

The accomplished journalist, whose first name was derived from Ayobamidele, meaning “my joy has followed me home”, is a proud 1982 graduate of the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) where he obtained a degree in Yoruba Language, and followed it up in 1988 with a master’s degree in English Literature.

He kicked off his professional career as a lecturer at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife, between 1982 and 1983 while serving as a corps member. He went on to become the private secretary to the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo, a position he held from 1983 till 1985. In 1986, he was elevated to serve the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, managing his Motel Royal Limited.

Momodu is the proprietor of the no 1 celebrity journal, Ovation International Magazine, The Boss Newspaper and Ovation Television.

The Akinrogun of Gbonganland, who is also the Aare of Iwoland, has also been honoured with the Prestigious Value Leadership award by an organisation, Nigeria, which is a subsidiary of Moonlite Integrated Concept, among an avalanche of awards, honours and tags. Momodu us consistently praised for his admirable efforts, which have not gone unnoticed.

 

ADEMOLA JACKSON ADELEKE – MAY 13, 1960

Born of the Adeleke family of Ede in Osun State on May 13, 1960, Adeleke commenced his primary education at Methodist Primary School, Surulere Lagos State before he was privileged to relocate to Old Oyo State to continue his education at Nawarudeen Primary School, Ikire.

Adeleke was born Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke to a Muslim father and Nnena Esther Adeleke, an Igbo Christian mother. Like him, Adeleke’s father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was a Senator and the Balogun of Ede land in Osun State. His father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was also the leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

On completion of his primary education, he moved on to The Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Ede to begin his post primary schooling. In the later years however, he attended Ede Muslim Grammar School Ede, where he completed his secondary school education and subsequently relocated to the United States of America, joining his two older brothers, who were also studying there.

In the United States, he joined Jacksonville State University, Alabama, and studied Criminal Justice, with minor in Political Science.

To prove doubting Thomases, who wiped up controversies around his educational qualification, wrong, he went back to school and got enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2021.

A businessman and administrator of no mean repute, Adeleke was the humble Group Executive Director at his brother’s company, Pacific Holdings Limited from 2001 to 2016, where his credible performances shot the company to enviable heights; a height it is still enjoying till date.

It is imperative to note that before he joined Pacific Holdings Limited, Senator Adeleke worked with Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta, Georgia, US, as a service contractor from 1985 to 1989. His dexterity to work earned him a progression in career, and he berthed as Vice President at Origin International LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, US, a flavours and fragrance manufacturing company. His meritorious stewardship lasted a period of five years, from 1990 to 1994.

Not a few has described Adeleke as the philanthropic capital of Ede, as his influence in aiding the less privileged and downtrodden remains top notch. He is a voracious believer in community development, and has not spared any expense to see that his community receives global influence.

Politically, Adeleke is a beacon of light and hard nut to crack, having remained an albatross to opposing powers and a reference point to ideal administration.

Shortly after he lost his brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who died in April 2017, he contested the Osun West 2017 Senatorial by-election, emerging as the winner under the Peoples Democratic Party, where he decamped to from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Having emerged senator, Adeleke’s political influence waxed stronger, an on July 23, 2018, he emerged as the governorship candidate of PDP in Osun State.

Adeleke ran for Osun state governorship election under the PDP against top contenders Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of APC and Iyiola Omisore of SDP on 22 September 2018. The election was declared inconclusive by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) while Adeleke was leading, and a rerun slated on September 27, 2018. The candidate of the APC Oyetola was declared winner after the run-off. Adeleke protested the result describing the election as a “coup”.

Much as on March 22, 2019, the tribunal sitting in Abuja declared Adeleke the winner of the election, the Supreme Court later affirmed Gboyega Oyetola as the authentic winner of the 2018 Osun State governorship election on Friday, July 5, 2019

Popularly known as the Dancing Senator because of his penchant to joyfully react to the sounds of music, Adeleke is uncle to one of Nigeria’s popular musicians, Davido.

Governor Adeleke is married to two beautiful women. They are blessed with three children who are all entertainers. They are B-Red and Shina Rambo and a daughter, Nike Adeleke. He is the uncle of one Nigeria’s primus inter pares in entertainment, Davido.

As expected, Adeleke is moving Osun State to the greatest of heights as he promised, and many who know him agree that there are still very many more in the offing even as he navigates his political prowess to win again on August 15.

These ‘twin’ brothers have become a toast of reference. They are hardworking, philanthropic in nature, and always happy.

Yes, always happy as the smiles and dance in their gaits at all times are unmistakable.

Cheers to brotherhood!

Cheers to Ademola Adeleke and Dele Momodu!

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Koumagnon Family Pledges Unalloyed Support for Romuald Wadagni As President

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By Eric Elezuo

The Koumagnon Family and Allied Families of Seme-Kpodji, of the Republic of Benin, led by Monsieur Alberto Koumagnon, has declared their unflinching support for the candidacy of Romuald Wadagni as he steps out on Sunday to vie for the presidential seat of the Republic of Benin.

In statement of declaration, the families observed that Wadagni is propelled by a ‘vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country’.

The declaration is presented in full:

DECLARATION OF SUPPORT BY THE GREAT KOUMAGNON FAMILY AND ALLIED FAMILIES OF SÈMÈ-KPODJI FOR CANDIDATE ROMUALD WADAGNI

The great KOUMAGNON family and allied3 families of Sèmè-Kpodji, deeply committed to the values of peace, progress, and development, followed with particular interest the presentation, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, of the “Further Together” (Plus loin ensemble) social project by our dear candidate, President Romuald WADAGNI.

Following this important political event, and gathering on this day, 04/04/2026, we wish to express our full support for the vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country.

From the outset, we, descendants of the KOUMAGNON family and allied families, commend the enlightened leadership of President Patrice TALON who, faithful to his commitment to building a modern and prosperous Benin, has been able to propose to the presidential majority a competent, credible candidate who brings hope for consolidating achievements.

In this dynamic of continuity and progress, the candidacy of President Romuald WADAGNI is fully in line with the continuation of the structural reforms undertaken over several years in all sectors, particularly in infrastructure.

In this regard, we recognize and commend the many achievements of the government, especially road infrastructure, which has significantly improved mobility and living conditions for the populations of the communes of Sèmè-Kpodji and surrounding areas.

Moreover, these remarkable efforts reflect a constant determination to connect localities, stimulate economic exchanges, and sustainably strengthen the attractiveness of our territories.

Building on these achievements and firmly oriented toward the future, we are convinced of the relevance of the “Further Together” project.

Therefore, the great KOUMAGNON family and allied families of Sèmè-Kpodji give their firm, committed, and unconditional support to candidate Romuald WADAGNI, as well as to his running mate, Mrs. Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima.

In the same spirit, we call on all daughters and sons of Sèmè-Kpodji, as well as all citizens committed to peace and development in our country, Benin, to mobilize massively in support of this hopeful momentum by turning out in large numbers on April 12.

We also wish to assure our dear candidate of our commitment to mobilize widely to ensure a high voter turnout in the commune of Sèmè-Kpodji.

Together, let us continue the efforts undertaken.

Together, let us consolidate our achievements.

Together, let us go further.

Long live Benin on its path toward progress!

Long live the WADAGNI–TALATA ticket!
Thank you.

Done at Sèmè-Kpodji, on 04/04/2026

The great KOUMAGNON family and allied families

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