Boss Picks

Edo 2020: APC and Rape of Obaseki

Published

6 years ago

June 12, 2020

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The tussle for supremacy in Edo State politics between the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and Governor Godwin Obaseki, came to a head Friday, when the APC Governorship Screening Committee disqualified the candidacy of the incumbent governor, Obaseki, from contesting the governorship primary of the party billed for June 22, 2020.

The Chairman of the seven man screening panel, Prof. Jonathan Ayuba, announced that Obaseki was disqualified because the committee could not vouch for the authenticity of the Higher School Certificate he claimed to have, but could not produce. The committee, while presenting the report, which it claimed was conclusive and signed by all the members, to Oshiomhole, explained that the document Obaseki produced only attested to his attendance.

Exonerating the committee from complicity, Ayuba said the committee was thorough in the process of conducting the exercise, stressing that the process was recorded and the unedited recording would be made available to the party. The panel also disqualified two other aspirants, Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen and Chris Ogiemwonyi.

However, the embattled governor, and the supposed beneficiary of the Obaseki’s disqualification, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, reacted to the verdict of the committee.

In his reaction, Ize-Iyamu, who lost to Obaseki in the 2016 governorship election when he contested under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the party must move forward and leave the disqualification of his rival behind them. He called on all party stakeholders to rally round the party victory.

Prior to the screening, about seven aspirants allegedly withdraw their candidacy in support of Ize-Iyamu, and now three other frontline aspirants including Obaseki, have been disqualified, paving easy access for the anointed Ize-Iyamu to clinch the ticket.

Reacting to his disqualification, Obaseki rejected the verdict in totality, but surprisingly vowed not to appeal the decision, while pointing accusing fingers at Oshiomhole as the mastermind of the process. He wished the party chairman well in his efforts to distabilise the party, and urged his supporters to remain calm.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Crusoe Osagie said it was not necessary because Adams Oshiomhole has carefully orchestrated the move from the beginning.

“We have watched the mockery of the democratic process, which Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is administering and superintending over in our great party the All Progressives Congress (APC). It has been an unfortunate, disheartening and dreadful spectacle”

“We had initially asserted that going by the open display and enthronement of illegality by one man in the party that comprises several organs and eminent personalities, there is no way that Governor Godwin Obaseki would get a fair assessment in the run-up to the nomination of candidates to fly the flag of the party in the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial election.

“It is unfortunate that this open show of shame, illegality and travesty of justice is the brand of democracy which Comrade Oshiomhole has reduced the APC into. The situation is quite saddening because this is a party supposedly reputed for change, equity and social justice”.

“We have therefore decided that it would be an effort in futility to appeal whatever the unjust outcome of the evaluation and screening process of the APC will be, especially when Comrade Oshiomhole has declared that he is the Supreme Court and ultimate determiner of the fate and future of our great party.

“We wish Oshiomhole luck in his maladministration of the party and trust that the Almighty will help our country to find the path to true liberty, freedom and justice.”

Lending credence to Obaseki’s rejection of the verdict and attendant calm disposition, a former National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said the party will suffer “dire consequences” in Edo State on account of the disqualification.

Also looking at the direction of the Oshiomhole, Odigie-Oyegun, who led the party to dismantle the 16 years rule of the PDP, described the outcome of the screening as a hatchet job aimed at installing a stooge that will allow some people unfettered access to the Edo Treasury.

In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Chief Ray Morphy, the former chairman noted “that internal democracy has been murdered in APC, a party which we founded on the principles of fair play and good conscience!”

He continued: “I daresay that APC will suffer dire consequences in Edo state if this disqualification is not speedily reversed.

“As a matter of fact, Oshiomhole is indeed the one who is guilty of anti-party (activities), not Obaseki. Oshiomhole is the one who is acting unconstitutionally not Obaseki. I hope that Oshiomhole will not go down in history as the undertaker of APC.”

In his response however, Oshiomhole boasted that everything was done to protect the party constitution, and that necessitated the thoroughness of the screening committee. He noted that the party wouldn’t want to repeat another Bayelsa scenario as it has learnt its lessons.

But a former lawmaker, who represented Oredo East constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly and currently the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Political Matters, Osaigbovo Iyoha, has accused Oshiomhole, of disregard for the rule of law,saying it will be the bane of the party in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

It would be recalled that Obaseki, who is seeking the party’s re-election ticket, has enjoyed the national chairman’s festering support prior to 2016 until 2019 when the debacle between the duo surfaced in the public domain.

The origin of the feud could not be readily ascertained, but it became blown up when after the 2019 election, the new asssembly was due to be inaugurated. The Boss gathered that out of the 24 elected members of the House, 19 were answerable to Oshiomhole while only about five were loyal to Obaseki. For this, the Boss gathered, Obaseki hesitated from the inauguration.

Source told The Boss that there were plans to impeach the governor using the loyal legislators to Oshiomhole over acrimony that has been playing out between the duo not long after the inauguration of Obaseki’s administration. Both mentor and mentee have traded accusations bothering on the governance of the state. While Obaseki has alleged extortion of state funds, Oshiomhole has accused his successor of maladministration.

However, after the Oshiomhole lawmakers led by Julius Osifo, a former commissioner in the state, threatened Obaseki with repercussions if he fails to inaugurate the Assembly within seven days, the Obaseki camp reached out to the 19 other lawmakers, and was able to convert five. With 10 lawmakers on his side therefore, Obaseki hastily inaugurated the Assembly and Frank Okiye emerged the Speaker.

Both targeted the job of the other. At a stage, Obaseki was almost there when the federal High Court stripped Oshiomhole of his chairmanship position. He was about to be replaced when in a twist of fate, a superior restored status quo. He was able to breath a sigh of relief. And the battle continued.

Oshiomhole came for his pound of flesh, and almost trapped Obaseki with presenting phony academic papers from the University of Ibadan. But the University confirmed that Obaseki was actually a 1979 graduate of the institution. But Oshiomhole and his team were not done with the embattled governor. Again, he was denied screening, but admitted much later. Afterwards, Obaseki said he was not expecting any justice from the committee.

Speaking to journalists in Benin, Iyoha said the National Chairman has turned the APC to a one-man show, and is so obsessed to remove Godwin Obaseki from office. He also accuse the chairman of creating the Edo Peoples Movement, principally to push the governor out of office.

“For Oshiomhole, it is either Obaseki goes or he destroys the party. He is destroying the party’s ticket the way he destroyed Zamfara, Imo, and Rivers state tickets. I hope the party leaders and the President live up to their responsibilities and put Oshiomhole where he belongs.

With the exit of Obaseki from the APC list of aspirants, it is not hard to imagine that he would definitely choose to pitch his tent in another party to contest the forthcoming election. And the only he can decamp to, to make an impact, is the PDP.

Observers are wide eyed watching to see how the unfolding climaxes.

Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki was born on July, 1 1959 in Benin City, Nigeria. He was a prolific businessman before he ventured into the murky waters of politics. He was sworn in as the governor of Edo State on November 12, 2016.

Earlier to becoming governor, he served as the Chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team inaugurated by former Governor Adams Oshiomole in March 2009.

Obaseki holds post graduate degrees in both Finance and International Business,and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers, Nigeria.

Obaseki served as executive board member of several private companies including Afrinvest. In October 2019, he won the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) award for best performing Governor of the year.

According to Wikipedia, he attended the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classics, and observed his mandatory one year National Youth Service, he served in Jos, Plateau State before moving to the United States to attend Columbia University and Pace University in New York, where he obtained an MBA in Finance and International Business.

He is married to highly articulate Betty Obaseki, and they are blessed with children.

Obaseki may be heading the way of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, who was also denied second term by the APC.

Boss Picks

Glo Celebrates Executive Director, Sade Michael-Adenuga at 31

Published

3 weeks ago

July 1, 2026

Eric

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.

Boss Picks

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

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2026

Eric

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!

Boss Picks

Koumagnon Family Pledges Unalloyed Support for Romuald Wadagni As President

Published

3 months ago

April 9, 2026

Eric

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