Boss Picks
Cracks on the Walls of Zazzau Emirate As New Emir Bungles First Assignment
By Eric Elezuo
Following the death of the substantive Emir of Zazzau, Shehu Idris, who died on September 20, 2020 and days of consultations, considerations and reviews, the Governor Nasir el-Rufai-led administration of Kaduna State, named Ahmed Nuhu Bamali as the replacement Emir. This received total applause, especially as the appointment was said to correct years of colonial error. Late Shehu Idris was on the throne for 45 years.
The Kaduna State government reportedly put in much diligence to ensure that the right Emir was appointed including cancelling an initial selection process for a new one after two aspirants were left out.
In addition, Governor el-Rufai informed that he embarked on a reading spree to get the right direction.
The state government announced the appointment in a statement signed by Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Ja’afaru Sani.
”Until his appointment as Emir of Zazzau, Alh. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli held the title of Magajin Garin Zazzau and served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Thailand, with concurrent accreditation to Myanmar. He has been a permanent commissioner in the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission in 2015. He has worked in banking and as Executive Director and later acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Corporation. He was a staff of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency before a stint as head of Human Resources at MTel, the mobile communications arm of the old Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL),” the statement read.
”Born in 1966, Alhaji Bamalli studied Law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a Diploma in Organisational Leadership from Oxford University. He is also a fellow on Conflict Resolution of the University of York, United Kingdom (UK).
”On behalf of the Kaduna State Government, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has congratulated HRH Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli on his appointment and wished him a successful and peaceful reign as Emir of Zazzau.”
However, days after the inauguration of the new Emir, cracks are beginning to be noticed on the walls of the emirate as it has been alleged that the Emir has toed the path of nepotism, appointing his immediate younger biological brother to the revered office of Magajin Garin Zazzau. Many respondents, who are conversant with the administrative hierarchy of the Zazzau Emirate has said it is not supposed to be so. They maintained that the office of the Magajin Garin, surely is reserved for the younger of the Emir, but it must not be his younger brother from his own mother, especially if he has a step brother, who is older than his younger brother.
Muazu Nuhu Bamalli
“There lies the mistake. The Emir failed in his very first assignment when he appointed his immediate younger brother Mansur Nuhu Bamalli, a Director with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the Magarin Garin Zazzau, instead of his half brother, Muazu Nuhu Bamalli, a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” a source told The Boss
The source continued: “Morally, logically and and according to Islam, traditional title is hereditary and by succession, and the eldest son of the family inherits the title from his father or elder brother.
“It is surprising that the king chose his biological brother instead of the step brother to occupy the title he held before becoming Emir and the title their late father held for many years.
“The actions of the Emir seems to have caused disunity among their family as it did not sit well with many people in Zaria and environs. His action is a yardstick to measure if the king will be just and fair in his reign,” he suggested.
Further investigation revealed that the Emir snubbed his half brother, who is the second son of the family when he went against the norm and tradition to confer the title on the third son of the family just because he is his own mother’s son.
He said: “Again the Emir conferred the title of Iyan Zazzau on his brother from the Mallawa clan, Abbas Tajudeen, instead of conferring the title on the son of the immediate past Iyan Zazzau who happens to come from the Katsinawa clan.”
Mansur Nuhu Bamalli
Traditionally, Zazzau has four ruling houses, namely Mallawa, Bare Bari, Katsinawa and Sulubawa clans. It is believed that the new Emir’s refusal to confer the title on the son of Iyan Zazzau or somebody from the Katsinawa clan has further created hatred and animosity among the clans.
The action, which has not sat well with followers of the late Iyan Zazzau and the Katsinawa clan, is recreating the contest, which began when the new Emir was selected. Note that Iyan Zazzau was the main challenger to the Zazzau stool. The Iyan, now deceased was the top contender to the stool and even after the appointment of the current Emir, he filed a suit challenging the Emir’s appointment.
He argued that he scored the highest number of lawful votes cast by the kingmakers and thus stood selected. Consequently, he maintained that he has acquired the inalienable right to the stool of the Emir of Zazzau from the date of his selection henceforth.
Another source from the state noted that the Emir’s appointments has not gone down well with both the family and supporters of the step siblings of the Emir, chief among them Muazu Nuhu Bamalli.
The family source, who craved anonymity has called on well meaning indigenes of Kaduna State and Nigerians alike to call the Emir to order in the face of glaring injustice and bias as that could be a harbinger of full blown crisis.
Abdulkarim Aminu
The ruling houses of Zazzau Emirate, according to family source, are still surprised why late Iyan Zazzau’s son, Alhaji Abdulkarim Aminu, was denied his father’s title in addition to why his title was changed to Talban Zazzau from the original Kogunan Zazzau. More questions than answers!
ABOUT LATE IYAN ZAZZAU
The late Iyan Zazzau was the most powerful traditional title holder and wealthiest prince in Northern Nigeria till the time of his death. The step brother’s name is Muazu Nuhu Bamalli who is currently working with Central Bank of Nigeria and has reached the level of Assistant Director. The younger brother’s name is Mansur Nuhu Bamalli, who is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is also an Assistant Director.
When he was asked why a man of his status rarely goes to Abuja, he said nothing gladdens his heart than being closer to his people, feel their pulse and make positive contributions to their day to day wellbeing. He is referred to as the most popular Prince in the history of the Zazzau Emirate. He was known to have dedicated his life is service of his people with the singular intention of making everyone live in dignity, self-esteem and respect.
While many are cheering the emergence of the new Emir, some others are taken aback at the ways with which he made his very first appointment, saying such attitude will like give the Mallawa clan a negative image, and widen the cracks that are quite obvious on the walls of the emirate.
THE EMIR’S FAMILY
It is worth knowing that Alhaji Bamalli married four wives, namely Fatima (Mama), Zuwaira (Waya), Khadija (Goggo) and Khadija (Hajiya) in that order. However, it is only the third and fourth wives that were privileged to have children. While the third wife, Goggo has only one son, Muazu who happens to be the second son of the family, the fourth wife has nine children.
Of the 10 children therefore in the family, there were six males and four females. Among the males, Alhaji Muazu Nuhu is the only son of his mother, and supposedly the ideal candidate to inherit the title of “Magajin Garin Zazzau”, according to source. This is because he is the second son in the family while the incumbent emir is the eldest.
Consequently, denying him the right is seen as an aberation and great injustice capable of derailing and tarnishing the envious image of the family.
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.
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.
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!
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
UK PM Burnham Unveils 10-Year Plan, Begins Cabinet Overhaul
Where’s the Nigeria’s Oil Metering Fund?
ADC Tells Tinubu to Resign As World Bank Reveals 139million Nigerians Live in Poverty
Dominican University Hails Peter Obi on 65th Birthday
Ooni of Ife Loses Elder Brother Prince Adetunji
Spain Beat Argentina, Crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup Champions
Harakati Za Holds Pan-African Conference on Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms, Regional Integration in Accra
Argentina Stun England with Two Late Goals to Reach 2026 World Cup Final
Nigeria Doing Well Under My Watch – Tinubu
Tech and Humanity: Nigeria is Building the AI Ambition…
Investors at UBA Business Series Identify Africa’s Next Billion-Dollar Opportunities
Why GLO is the Gold Standard
Third Place Playoff: England Beat France in 10-Goal Thriller
Friday Sermon: The Sociology of Aging: Olusegun Osoba at 87
-
Sports6 days agoArgentina Stun England with Two Late Goals to Reach 2026 World Cup Final
-
National6 days agoNigeria Doing Well Under My Watch – Tinubu
-
Tech and Humanity3 days agoTech and Humanity: Nigeria is Building the AI Ambition…
-
Business4 days agoInvestors at UBA Business Series Identify Africa’s Next Billion-Dollar Opportunities
-
Opinion3 days agoWhy GLO is the Gold Standard
-
Sports3 days agoThird Place Playoff: England Beat France in 10-Goal Thriller
-
Islam5 days agoFriday Sermon: The Sociology of Aging: Olusegun Osoba at 87
-
Featured2 days agoHarakati Za Holds Pan-African Conference on Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms, Regional Integration in Accra