Boss Picks

OBA YESUFU OLOYEDE ASANIKE I: The King and His Humour, Wit, Sarcasm

Published

5 years ago

April 2, 2021

Eric

By Hon Femi Kehinde

In the midst of the current Olubadan Chieftaincy brouhaha, it is necessary to go down memory lane and celebrate with fondest memory, an Olubadan that reigned for ten years, with abundant wit, humour, native intelligence and sarcasm.
Olubadan Yesufu Oloyede Asanike, ascended the throne on the 4th of February, 1983 and died on the 24th of December, 1993.

His immediate predecessor, was Oba Daniel Tayo Akinbiyi, that also reigned between 1977 and 1982. D.T Akinbiyi was highly educated, having trained as a teacher, in the famous Wesley College, Elekuro, Ibadan, between 1916 and 1918. He was also involved in Ibadan local politics in 1925 and was a founding member of the Ibadan Progressive Union (IPU), that was formally inaugurated in 1930.

Daniel Tayo Akinbiyi was a Customary Court judge and he was a judge that almost jailed Adegoke Adelabu, who was arrested for contempt, for drumming right in front of the court room, whilst the court was in session.

D.T Akinbiyi was an Action Group apologist, while Adegoke Adelabu was a strong NCNC Party Chieftain. D.T, was a successful business man and had a flourishing factory that produced Aerated waters named “Akinbiyi Exelsoir” otherwise known as “Oti Akinbiyi” and also a soap factory that he started in 1958.

Mr. D.T Akinbiyi, later Oba D.T Akinbiyi (Olubadan), in an article in the Nigerian Tribune of December 22 1951, whilst tolerating Adelabu’s “garrulity and insolence”, admonished that an “old Horse knows more than a young Colt”, which however, according to him did not diminish the fact that Adegoke, was highly intelligent and dynamic.

D.T Akinbiyi started his chieftaincy career in 1946 as Mogaji of the Akinbiyi family and later took the title of Aare Onibon in 1953. He continued to climb the 23 chieftaincy steps by series of promotions, until he got the highest title of Otun Olubadan and became the traditional ruler of Ibadan in 1977.

He composed the famous- “Ibadan ilu mi,” with music by the Late Mr. F.J Adeyinka. This was the intimidating credential of the Olubadan whom Asanike succeeded in 1983.

Oba Oloyede Asanike was the 37th Olubadan and descended from the great Asanike dynasty, of Idi-aro, Ibadan. Oba Asanike was a prominent cocoa produce merchant at Akanran, Ibadan, and was first made Mogaji of the Asanike dynasty in 1947. In 1957, Oloyede Asanike was installed a chief at Alafara Ibadan, by the late Oba I.B Akinyele and rose steadily through the ranks, to become the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

He was a member of the popular Egbe that had Sanusi Adebisi Idikan as its Giwa, i.e. head of the society, before Adebisi’s demise in 1938.

In this Egbe, (society) he was in the good company of successful merchants like Otiti, Ekolo, Afunleyin, Ladimeji from Isale Ijebu and Adeyemo Owonbuwo from Oopo-yeosa. On the throne as Olubadan, Asanike’s deputy Emmanuel Adegboyega Adeyemo, was another highly educated Ibadan Chieftain, who succeeded Oloyede Asanike in 1994 and was on the throne till 1999.

Adeyemo was in the military in 1940 as a volunteer, to train the newly recruited army clerks at Kaduna, during the Second World War and was appointed a liason officer for communications, as a result of his ability to speak and understand Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and English Languages. He had served in Burma, India, Somalia and Malta and rose to the position of Staff Sergeant before his demobilisation in 1946, having rejected the offer to proceed to Sandhurst Military Academy in London.

After his demobilisation, he was seconded to then Ibadan Native Aurthority as treasurer in 1947. As the chancellor of the ex-chequer of the largest city, in Africa’s south of the Sahara, he was Chief Adviser to the Native Authority and Olubadan in council. He was also in 1956, the Sole President of the Ibadan Customary Court at Oke-Are. He was also appointed the Minister for Local Government affairs in 1962, under late Chief (Dr.) Moses Adekoyejo Majekodumi, then as the Administrator of the Western Region.

Adeyemo, started the first chieftaincy steps in 1953 and rose steadily through the ranks, by scaling 23 rungs of promotion ladder in the Olubadan line of Chieftaincy hierarchy, that saw him to the covetous throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland on the 14th of January, 1994.
Adeyemo, as Asanike’s deputy was his formidable deputy and close ally. When Asanike became Olubadan in February 1983 at an advanced age, nobody ever thought that he would reign for ten years. He was frail, fragile and walked with extreme difficulty. But despite his advanced age, he was an Oba filled with wisdom, wit, humour, sarcasm and native intelligence. He had a deliberate melancholic and askance look. He also had an unsmiling face that was laced with dignified candour.

In the ten years of his reign as Olubadan, there were so many beer parlour tales and stories, some unverifiable of Late Oba Asanike. There was a popular story of a cocktail party, organised by the then military governor of Oyo State, that Olubadan Asanike attended, in the company of his formidable deputy and close allay, Emmanuel Adeyemo- Otun Olubadan. At the party, scotch egg was served. As his deputy- Adeyemo, picked some scotch eggs. The late Asanike was said to have turned to Adeyemo remarking – “Deyemo, o ma fi Akara yi je tan, won ma ngbe eko bo?” meaning- Adeyemo, do not finish the Akara Beans, they will soon bring the accompanying corn pap (eko).

In the 1983 election, shortly after he ascended the throne, there was a fierce political battle, between the incumbent governor of Oyo State- Bola Ige of the UPN and the cerebral Dr. Victor Olunloyo of the NPN. The election was fiercely contested. Olunloyo won amidst controversies and disputes.

During these disputes and judicial intervention, through the Election Petition Tribunal, Asanike went out, to drum supports for the Ibadan man saying- “Omo wa ni, e je o se”; meaning – “He is our son, let him be governor”, not minding the fact, that Bola Ige too, even though not a native, had lived in Ibadan all his life. He had his law practice in Ibadan and married an Ibadan woman- Atinuke Oloko, from the Oloko family of Agodi Ibadan and was the Alasa of Ibadan- (the holder of the shield to protect Ibadan city.)

One could take some of his remarks for senility or ignorance, but Oloyede knew what he was doing. He was mentally agile, with a fecund mind. Oloyede Asanike, during his reign, received many eminent visitors to Ibadan. One of this visitors, was the late General Sani Abacha, who had once served in Ibadan, as the GOC of the Second Mechanized Division of the Nigerian army. Sani visited the palace and Asanike was expecting, a big, tall, plump, rotund and fierce looking Abacha. Asanike could not hide his surprise, at the stature of Abacha before him and he remarked – “Abacha a se o ju bayi lo” meaning – “So here you are General Abacha, you are not more than this?” Abacha himself could not but laugh.

Asanike was never afraid of anybody, including military men. A particular Military Governor, had subtly accused him of doling out Chieftaincy titles, rampantly and randomly. Asanike was annoyed and he said in anger- Tell him to shut up! he (the governor) is king in his domain and I am also king in my domain) The governor then had, Chief M.K.O Abiola, who had recently been conferred with the Chieftaincy title of Bashorun of Ibadanland by Asanike, in mind. M.K.O was then not in the good books of the military. Asanike quickly remarked- “A i da lola ni”- we honoured him with the title.

To further brighten the mood, in demonstration of his native intelligence, Asanike also traced M.K.O Abiola’s ancestry to Ojoo Ibadan.

Still on chieftaincy titles, a group of distraught Ibadan Chiefs, perhaps in sync with the military governor’s admonition, had gone to the palace to tell Asanike, that there was no more Chieftaincy titles on the list to give to anybody again.

Asanike quickly retorted- “Oye tan, Oye na ni” meaning- Oye tan also could be a chieftaincy title!

Most times, he deliberately looked vacant, as if he would not see the next day. He would tell his Otun Olubadan- “Deyemo, emi o ti se tan a ti ku, emi nin je Akara re” meaning- “Deyemo, you will certainly die before me, because I am not ready to die now” It was a hard, mild, humour.

Adeyemo Otun Olubadan, was once embroiled in a hearty discussion, with a visiting governor and Asanike quickly looked at him and said- “Deyemo, o so fun Gomina pe emi ni Olubadan ni?” meaning – “Deyemo, did you tell the governor, that I am the Olubadan?”

A funny incidence also happened in the palace. Some thieves had entered the Palace and removed tyres and spare parts, from the Olubadan’s parked fleet of cars. They were quickly apprehended, by watchful palace guards. The Palace guards, in demonstration of bravery and gallantry, took the arrested thieves to the Olubadan. The guards expected accolades from the Olubadan Asanike. The guards were surprised when Asanike set the thieves free and instead, subtly advised the guards, that next time – “emi o ran yin pe kee so moto, iyawo mi ni mo ni e so” meaning – “I did not send you to guard my vehicles, you should be guarding my wives.” One couldn’t help but laugh. To Asanike, cars were material possessions, but his wives and children were his noble inheritance. He extolled to high heavens, the dignity of women.

As an interesting corollary of Olubadan’s romantic nature, a group of African Americans visited the Palace. As usual, the Late Olubadan made a pass at one of the beautiful ladies, by saying- “O le lo” meaning- you won’t go. The exasperated lady, thought it was a detention order and raised an alarm.

The joke had gone too far and Asanike realised it. He apologized, saying- “mo fi bao sie ni”(I am only teasing you!)

The executives of the Taekwondo Games Association, visited the Palace on a courtesy call. After the introduction, the Olubadan asked them:

“E wo tun wa ni Taekwondo o?” Meaning-
“which one is Takwando!?”

The visiting team bursted into immediate laughter.

As a last recap, the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida encouraged a general discourse on the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).
From the palace, Asanike said- “Eyi ti o ba je ti Ibadan ni nu SAP, e je kio te Ibadan lowo.” meaning- “Ibadan should not be denied of its shares of the Structural Adjustment Program.”(SAP). Aside from Asanike’s funny mien, wit, humour and sarcasm, he had a glorious moment on the throne.

Asanike was the first Oba to leave in a modern palace, situated at Oja Iba, Ibadan. Oba Asanike used his position, to weild a lot of influence in favour of Ibadanland and its indigenes. He assisted Ibadan indigenes, seeking admissions into institutions of higher learning and also assisted in sourcing for employment opportunities for Ibadan indigenes.
During his reign, he had as governors and administrators, both civilian and military- Chief Bola Ige, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, Lieutenant Colonel Oladayo Poopola, Col. Sasaeniyan Oresanya, Navy Captain Adetoye Oyetola Sode, Col Chinyere Ike Nwosu, who all had a good taste of Asanike’s humour and native intelligence.

Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike I, may your gentle soul continue to find peaceful repose with the Almighty Allah.

Hon. (Barr.) Femi Kehinde is former member of the House of Representatives representing Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State, (1999-2003)

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.

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