Boss Picks

Obaseki vs Senate: The Crisis Gets Messier

Published

6 years ago

August 3, 2019

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

By all means, the last has not been heard of the imbroglio between the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led Edo State government and the Nigeria Senate over who has absolute right or rather who is right or wrong in the crisis bedevilling the state House of Assembly.

On Tuesday, July 30, 2019, during plenary, the Senate, against all odds, ruled that the Edo State government, through Governor Godwin Obaseki, must issue a fresh proclamation with all the 24 members of the state House of Assembly present. The order set the stage for a fresh crisis – this time, a crisis of power tussle.

It was initially believed that the crisis which engulfed the House of Assembly in the past few weeks was pitched between the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his hitherto godfather and the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. However, events have taken a dramatic turn ever since the National Assembly took over and investigated the matter that prompted the proclamation of the Edo House of Assembly with only nine members, purportedly loyal to the governor, in attendance.

Contrary to expectation, the Senate took sides with the group alleged to be sponsored by Comrade Oshiomhole, and issued a one week ultimatum, asking Governor Obaseki to issue a fresh ultimatum or risk take over of the business of the Assembly by the Senate. That order did not go down well with the Edo State government, and they have vowed never to play along thereby creating a new rift between the national lawmaking body and the government in Edo State.

It was the former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who stood against the senate’s recommendation, describing it as “an insult” on the state governor, adding that the crisis is a family matter as it involves members of the All Progressives Congress. But his contribution was not necessary as the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, already insisted on the ultimatum.

Notable personalities such the Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark and other human rights groups also condemned the Senate’s decision, describing it as illegal.

A statement by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, noted that the move by the Senate to take over the house was premeditated, blaming high profile political pressure on the Senate to the disadvantage of Edo people.

“This is borne out by the recorded statements made by one Seid Oshiomhole (a Member-elect and younger brother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Comrade Adams Oshiomhole) wherein he boasted that both the Senate President Senator Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila have been instructed on what to do in this matter,” he said in the statement.
The SSG alleged that the Ad-Hoc committee sent to monitor events in the state only played to the gallery, and “failed to inform the senate of the existence of a valid injunction in Suit NO FHC/B/OS/70/2019 wherein the Federal High Court restrained various parties from interfering in any manner with the activities of the Edo State House of Assembly which said order had been brought to their attention in the course of their visit to Edo State.”
The government is holding on to the fact that a High Court judgement has ruled maintenance of status quo as at July 25, 2019, and as result, the National Assembly has no mandate whatsoever to take over the business of the Edo House. Any action therefore, taken by NASS will be regarded as subjudice since the matter is already a subject of litigation.
“It is unfortunate that the Distinguished Senate would act in flagrant breach of these various court orders and purport to come to factual and legal conclusions concerning a matter in which the parties are already before the courts and therefore subjudice,” the statement noted.
The Edo State government further observed that members of the Senate are busy acting out a script as they have displayed little or no regard for the principles of separation of power.

“We are also concerned that the Members of the Distinguished Senate appear to have very scant regards for the principle of separation of powers as enshrined in our constitution which is manifested by their taking over the functions of the judiciary in dispute resolution and giving directives to a Government of a state who is certainly not subject to the supervision of the National Assembly,” the government stressed.

The Senate, on its part, has insisted on the one week ultimatum, hanging on the constitutional provision embedded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which allows it take over the functions of the state assembly.

It asked the governor to as a matter of urgency, formally inform all the 24 members-elect of the new proclamation via print and electronic media platforms.

The amended section of the constitution provides that “at any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions;

“And any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State: Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as conferring on the National Assembly power to remove the Governor or the Deputy Governor of the State from office.”

However, in a twist of fate, a Port Harcourt High Friday ruled that the National Assembly, the Police or the Department of State Service (DSS) has no right to take over or interfere with the activities of the Edo State House of Assembly. This brings to a partial end of the brouhaha, but at the same time raises standards for counter attack from the Senate.

The High Court, which also restrained Governor Obaseki from issuing another proclamation letter, ruled that all orders are permanent until the determination of the case. A typical case of stalemate, at least for the Senate.

The crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly is centred on its inauguration and the election of a new speaker in the person of Mr. Francis Okiye.

Although all the 24 members of the state assembly belong to the APC, they are however, divided in loyalty.

The Edo Assembly crisis became pronounced when nine members out of the 24-member legislature,, allegedly prompted by the state governor, hurriedly met at night to inaugurate the House and also elect a speaker.

The other lawmakers-elect were supposedly excluded in order to prevent Oshiomhole’s loyalists from taking control of the legislature.

Stakeholders have blamed the crisis on the issue of succession. A former Chairman of the APC, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Chief Ray Murphy, noted that Oshiomhole is after Obaseki because he does not want him in office by 2020.

“Today, there are all kinds of rancour coming from Edo State. They all boil down to attempt by godfather and godfatherism heating up the polity in the state.

“To what purpose is this idea of the APC chairman putting the state under tension? Ask anybody from Edo state: what is Obaseki’s biggest distraction and they will tell you that his distraction is not whether he has governed well or not, but from his immediate predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole.

“What has been trending is how his predecessor who happens to be the party chairman doesn’t want him back in the office,” Odigie said.

In his response, Oshiomhole denied having personal issues with Obaseki. He said that as a ‘democrat’, he is more concerned with good governance.

“For me, it’s very embarrassing if any state governor, particularly of APC extraction, will do anything that is less than what the constitution says and the example that our president has set,” Oshiomhole stressed.

As the senate’s ultimatum expires on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, and with a court injunction restraining any form of takeover, it would be recalled that the Members of the House of Representatives had on July 17, given a one-week ultimatum to the Edo State Governor to issue a fresh proclamation for the Edo State House of Assembly, a development that is yet to yield fruit as the ultimatum has since expired. It is not even known how the Senate intends to run the Edo as it has embarked on a two months recess.

While both the Senate and the Edo State government (Obaseki) have legitimate grounds to make their cases, time will tell whose muscle will be strong enough to intimidate the other.

Boss Picks

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

Published

8 hours 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

3 days 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

5 days 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.