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Oba Titus Martins Tadeniawo Adesoji Aderemi: Remembering a Quintessential Yoruba Monarch 40 Years After

Published

6 years ago

July 2, 2020

Eric

By Hon Femi Kehinde

Some people demand honour from their fellowmen, and sometimes, by sundry devices, succeed in forcing and enforcing it. Others, who are very rare in their breed and number, command honour: they evoke it, they deserve it; and they do so because of their profound, worthy and abiding contributions to the welfare and happiness of their fellowmen, and the greatness of their fatherland. Oba Adesoji Aderemi, who became the Oni of Ife in 1930, is one of such men.

At that time, 50 years ago, the only reputation Ile-Ife had was that it is the cradle of the Yoruba people. But within 10 years of this rule, Aderemi had transformed Ile-Ife, by Nigerian standards, into a modern town, a virile business centre and a haven for the acquisition of secondary education, which was a very rare facility in those days.

As a natural ruler, Oba Adesoji Aderemi can be described as a “radical traditionalist” and furthermore,
through out his time, his “sole concern at all times was the welfare of his dear people in Ile-Ife and Nigeria.”

This was the beautiful eulogy delivered by Chief Obafemi Awolowo at an open air memorial service for the late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, at Enuwa Square in Ile-Ife on Saturday, July 11 1980.
This eulogy aptly and succinctly, described the life and times of Ooni Adesoji Aderemi.

It is a settled historical fact, that Ile-Ife is the cradle of the Yorubas. We may not believe the myth of Ile-Ife as the origin of human race, but we cannot deny the historical root of Yoruba people as a whole in Ile-Ife.

Adesoji Aderemi, dominated the landscape of the Yoruba nation, for an uninterrupted period of about 50 years, until his demise on the 3rd of July, 1980.
He was a member of the Oshinkola ruling house of Ife. He succeeded Ooni Ademiluyi Ajagun, who died on the 24th of June 1930. Adesoji was the first literate Ooni.

It is an interesting historical fact, that Adesoji Aderemi was destined for the royal stool of Ooni right from birth.
He was born on the 15th of November 1889, every inch a king, to the family of Osundeyi Gbadebo and Adekunbi Itiola, his 19th and last wife and a native of Ipetumodu. On the day of Adesoji’s birth, his father, Prince Gbadebo Osundeyi had just arrived from a war expedition and as a gifted seer, Prince Osundeyi carried the baby into his laps, gazed intently into his face and was happy at what he saw.

He instructed Adekunbi to search for red beads, which they presented this special baby, pronouncing him an Ooni, a future Ooni, who is however, an ancestor Ooni, who had come back through their family.
Prince Osundeyi named this unusual baby, who took his first steps at seven (7) months and started walking, Tadeniawo Ayinla Adesoji Aderemi.

As a restless spirit, everything about Aderemi was quick and fast. He started schooling in January 1900 at the St. Phillips School, Iyekere, Ile-Ife.

He left school in 1906, became a pupil teacher in 1907, and immediately registered with an overseas correspondence school, for private tuition, backed up with private lessons from the late Bishop A. B Akinyele, to whom he paid visits at Ibadan. He joined the Nigerian Railway corporarion in 1909 in the construction section and worked in various other departments as station Manager at Port-Harcourt, Iwo, Ile-Ogbo, Offa, Ibadan and several other places in the Western Region from 1919 to 1921, when he resigned from the railway corporation having saved some money to set up his own business. Adesoji Aderemi came into instant success when he started a Motor Transport business as well as a trade in produce-buying and general merchandise.

After a brief tutelage with John Holt of Nigeria, he became an agent for UAC and later a Factor for John Holt Ventures, Mc lever and OLGeyser.

He traded in three cash crops; cocoa, cotton and palm kernel, which he brought from Iwo, Ede, Ipetumodu, Gbongan, Ile-Ogbo and Ibadan. He hoarded these produce while speculating an upturn in prices. He was reported to have made so much money as a result of the upturn in prices that he threw a party for the people of Ile-Ogbo, where he was living at the time to show his joy.

He started his transport business with a fleet of lorries, ferrying people and goods to and from many places around the country including Onitsha and Kafanchan.

He became so financially successful that, he was nicknamed “Atobatele” (already famed as king) by his contemporaries and the people of Ile-Ife and also ‘Ooni Ola’ (Tomorrow’s King). Adesoji bought his first car in 1920 and by 1930, he had used three cars which included an open roof car. His fame and popularity was a pain in the neck of the then reigning monarch, Ooni Ademiluyi Ajagun, that he was charged with impersonation and large flamboyant display of wealth at the upper palace court of the Ooni. He was fined 25 pounds. It is a funny coincidence and instructive that this sum of 25 pounds which he paid as fine was returned to him by the Ife Local Council on his ascension to the throne in 1930.

It is important to note that the Rev. Josiah Stanley Adegun Adejumo was Adesoji’s mentor, teacher guardian in primary school. Rev. Adejumo was vicar of the St. Phillips Anglican Church, and also doubled as the Headmaster of the St. Philips Primary School, Iyekere, Ile-Ife.
Rev. Adejumo was to Ile-Ife, an early pathfinder.

As an interesting coronary, Alaayeluwa Okunade Sijuwade II, born on the 1st of January 1930, to Prince Adereti Olubuse and grandson of Oba Adelekan Sijuwade Olobuse I, who was the first Ooni ever to travel out of his domain, succeeded him on the 6th of December,1980.

At the invitation of the colonial governor, Ooni Adelekan Olubuse I, visited Lagos in 1903 to give his ruling, whether the Oba Elepe of Epe was entitled to wear a beaded crown. That unprecedented journey to Lagos, according to the government gazette, caused a stir in Yoruba land. As a mark of respect to the Ooni, all Obas and princes momentarily vacated their thrones throughout the period of the Ooni’s sojourn in Lagos. When the Ooni finally arrived in Lagos, transported in his hammock, under a flutter of colourful, gigantic royal umbrella with his retinue of courtiers in toe, he was a sight to behold. And when he finally gave his verdict, presumably through an interpreter, he had his back to the colonial governor since no mortal, not even the representative of the English monarch could behold his face.

Oba Adesoji Aderemi upon ascension to the throne in 1930 began his modernist policies for the growth and development of Ife land and the Yoruba nation. He founded Oduduwa College on the 22nd of January, 1932 at Ajamapo, Ile-Ife.

On the 19th of December, 1931, Rev. M. S Cole, an Anglican priest, was on his way to Lagos from Ilesha from where he had gone to conduct a feasibility study sponsored by the Ilesha indegenes and elites in Lagos, as to the desirability of a secondary school in Ilesha.

On his way back to Lagos, he stopped over at IleIfe to see his friend – Rev. J. S. A Adejumo.

Rev. Cole was well received By Adejumo, and in the evening of that day, he took him to the Palace of the Ooni for traditional salute and felicitations.
Cole told the Ooni the essence of his visit to Ilesha and his intention to establish a secondary school on Ilesha soil, on the sponsorship of Ilesha indegenes in Lagos.

The Ooni, quite impressed by these proposals rather asked Rev. M. S. Cole to stay in Ile Ife and establish a secondary school for him. On the 22nd of January 1932, the Oduduwa College, under the proprietorship of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi and with M. S Cole as its first principal was established at Ajamapo, Ile Ife.

The first Ile Ife graduate in 1946, who had just returned from Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone, with a B.A Degree of Dunelm, and whose mother was Ooni’s classmate in primary school, also became a principal of Oduduwa College in 1946.

The Oduduwa College became the first privately owned college in Nigeria followed by the Aggreh Memorial college established by Dr. Alvan Ikoku in 1934.

In 1935, the Ooni aided the installation of the Ife water works at Mokuro Ile-Ife. Adesoji Aderemi also brought telephone services to Ile-Ife in 1938, when telephone services were hitherto unknown, and built an official residence for the Ooni.

In 1943, the colonial government had acquired a site, and built structures for a proposed military barracks in Ile-Ife.

The men of Ile-Ife resented this move, on the ground that soldiers would begin to acquire their wives. The Ooni took this protest to the colonial officers, who immediately abandoned the moves and left the structure unoccupied. The military Barrack was eventually relocated to Ede.

In 1944, the Seventh day Adventist mission were also desirous of establishing a mission hospital in Ile-Ife and the Ooni allocated these abandoned structures, meant for the soldiers to the Seventh day Adventist mission, and thus in 1944, the Seventh Day Adventist mission hospital in Ile-Ife was established.

I’m 1948, he inaugurated the Egbe Omo Oduduwa, and in the same year, he visited England and served as a delegate at the African Conference in London, held at the Lancaster House.

He had earlier in 1947, established a news paper – New times of Nigeria as publisher, and chief Obafemi Awolowo, as the managing editor.

This newspaper was the precursor of the Nigerian Tribune that was established in 1948 with about 12 investors –
Oba Adesoji Aderemi.
Obafemi Awolowo
HID Awolowo
R. A Jagun
G. F Ojuntalayo
Johnson Omisore
M. S Sowole
J. O Longe.
A. I Aina
J. F Aina and
A. A Okunsanya Awoyemi

Oba Adesoji Aderemi and HID Awolowo had the largest share holdings of 1000 pounds each, with Obafemi Awolowo, had a share holding of 500 Pounds.

In 1953, Adesoji Aderemi was appointed a Minister without portfolio in the Nigerian House of Representatives.
On June 2, 1953, Ooni Adesoji Aderemi attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and was shortly thereafter conferred with the title of the Knight of the British Empire (KBE.)

In 1953, Anthony Enahoro, a Minister of the Parliament had moved a motion for the independence of Nigeria in 1956.

The Western Region had 4 Federal Ministers-
Ooni Adesoji Aderemi
Chief S. L Akintola
Chief Bode Thomas
Chief Author Prest.
whilst the Eastern region had three ministers-
Okoi Arikpo
Emi Njoku
A. C Nwapa

The North had four federal ministers-
Usman Nagogo, the Emir of Kastina
Alhaji Tafawa Balewa
Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim.
Alhaji Mohammadu Ribadu
The southern Cameron was represented by Dr Endelley.

But before the defiance, doggedness and perseverance of Adesoji Aderemi and Oba Ladapo Ademola, the Alake of Egbaland, the Governor-General, Sir John McPherson, who had resisted the listing of the independent motion on the order paper, caved in.

The motion was subsequently debated and defeated and Adesoji Aderemi had to tender his letter of resignation from the cabinet to Sir John McPherson, the governor general.

His colleagues from the western region followed suit to create a constitutional lock jam. In 1954, Adesoji was appointed the president of the western region by the House of Chiefs.

He climaxed this by becoming the first African Governor of the Western Region in July 1960, succeeding the former British Colonial Governor, Olola Sir John Rankine.

He was the first to hold such a post in the entire British Colonial Africa. He functioned effectively in the office as Ooni and Governor, with vigour, grace, panache, dexterity and humaneness as a true symbol of the royal stool of Oduduwa. He was in office till May 29, 1962. Oba Adesoji Aderemi used his position of influence to advocate that the proposed University of Western Region be sited at Ile-Ife in 1962, in recognition of the ancestral status of Ile-Ife as the religious and cultural matrix of the Yorubas. The University started from the current Ibadan North Campus of the present Ibadan Polytechnic and finally moved to Ile-Ife in 1967, which was to Aderemi, the fulfillment of a long cherished dream. Adesoji Aderemi and the people of Ile-Ife donated about 130, 000 Acres of land for the new University. He built a magnificient mansion; the Atobatele Lodge before he ascended the throne of Ooni in 1930. This lodge was later occupied by Barclays Bank.

Adesoji, being a man of deep foresight, built the Popular Glass House at Iremo Road, Ile-Ife, as his own family compound, which his family of several wives and over sixty children relocated to upon his passage from the royal stool of the Ooni of Ife in July 1980.

Oba Adesoji Aderemi lost his first son-magistrate Adedapo Aderemi on the 16th of October 1963. Obafemi Awolowo had also lost his first son, Segun Awolowo, on the 10th of July, 1963. Prince Adedapo Aderemi had in September 1963 celebrated his father’s 33 year anniversary on the throne, with a big party.

The death of Prince Adedapo Aderemi prompted the Ooni Adesoji Aderemi to write his will. His will was written in 1964 by the legal titan, Chief Rotimi Williams.
Unfortunately, Chief Fedrick Rotimi Alade Williams did not leave a will, despite a slim family of a wife and four children.
The will listed about 11 surviving wives and 64 children, with tremendous assets.

These surviving children who had been trail blazers in various fields of human endeavor are keeping afloat, his fondest memories and legacies.

May the soul of this rare breed of a monarch and quintessential father of the Yoruba nation continually find peaceful repose with the Lord.

Hon Femi Kehinde, legal practitioner and former Member, House of Representatives, National Assembly Abuja, represented Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State between 1999 and 2003.

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.

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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!

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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