Headline

Iwo Stands Still As Dele Momodu, Wife Become Aare, Yeye Aare

Published

4 years ago

October 2, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

As the ancient of Iwo in Osun State comes alive today as a result of the magnificent conferment of chieftaincy titles on a great son of Nigeria, Chief Dele Momodu, and his amiable wife, Mobolaji Momodu, with Aare and Yeye Aare by the Paramount Ruler of the kingdom, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, a cross section of Nigerians from various walks of life have responded in solidarity.

Below are aggregated opinions of goodwill messages sent in by loved ones among others:

CONGRATULATIONS CHIEF DELE MOMODU: A MAN OF HIS WORDS – Dolapo Aina

With great joy, I felicitate with the family of Chief Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu on his installation as The Aare of Iwo Kingdom by His Royal Highness, the Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, (Dr.) Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi.

Chief Dele Momodu, fondly called Bob Dee by his close friends, colleagues and contemporaries, is one of the most straightforward and honest global figures I have come to respect and regard with high esteem. A very busy individual whose every word is his bond. There are several personal experiences stretching from my first encounter with Chief Dele Momodu at the departure hall of Kigali International Airport to his penthouse in Ikoyi and back to Kigali in Rwanda.

Chief Dele Momodu’s giant strides which span several countries and several continents speak for themselves. Congratulations to a very honest gentleman on this significant milestone as the Aare of Iwo Kingdom. More milestones in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Congratulations My dearest mentor and leader – Elisha Attai

I congratulate you on your well-deserved honour. A mere Congratulations is just a token appreciation for all your tireless efforts in making this world a better place. You have by every standard, reached the pinnacle of heights, and I pray you continue to amass success and honours in all your endeavours.

Congratulations! Your hard work is speaking.

Dr. Elisha Attai
CEO – Studio 115 integrated services
Founder – African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO)
Global Board Member/Chairman Nigeria – International Hospitality Institute (IHI),USA.

You Have Played Active Role in the Development of Our Society – Isaac Oyedokun

Sir,
On behalf of TREKK SCOOTERS AFRICA, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations you on your conferment Chieftaincy Title as the Aare Tayese and Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland.

It is my utmost prayer that the Almighty God will continue to grant you good health and strengthen you in the many more years of fulfilling service ahead of you.

It is a day to celebrate your stupendous and unrivalled contributions to the growth of your homeland and country. My Chairman, you deserve the title because of your sterling leadership and active role you have played in the development of our society.

I humbly and sincerely congratulate you and your beautiful wife on this wonderful milestone as the Aare Tayese and Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland.

I thank the entire people of Iwoland and His Royal Majesty OBA(DR)ABDUL RASHEED ADEWALE AKANBI ILUFEMILOYE TELU 1, THE OLUWO OF IWOLAND for the honour

Congratulations Aare & Yeye Aare Tayese Momodu.

Isaac OYEDOKUN
CEO, TREKK

This is a Well Differentiated Achievement – Aminu Owo

Felicitations Bashorun (Dr.) Dele Momodu on your well-differentiated achievement bestowed on you by his Royal highness Oluwo of Iwo: Oba Abdul Rasheed Akanbi. It is well deserved Sir! I am a beneficiary of your kindness and generosity. You gave me an excellent pedestal through BOSS Newspaper to express my innovative thoughts and published my research articles. This opportunity has exposed me and my company (African Manufacturing Group – AMG) to the world. Many thanks Sir! I am indebted to you and your BOSS Newspaper’s team.

May this unique Chieftaincy be an added blessings to you, your family and your businesses.

Congratulations again Sir!

Aminu Owonikoko MPhil (UK), MSc (UK), B. Tech- Hons (Nigeria) ( Founder of African Manufacturing Group – AMG)

The Oluwo Has Made a Good Choice – Yemi Edun

My Dearest Brother, Chief Dele & wifeChief Mobolaji Momodu

Hearty congratulations on your conferment as the AARE, and Madam, the YEYE AARE of IWO, by His Royal Highness Oluwo of IWO, OBA ABDULRASHEED ADEWALE AKANBI.

This is an honor that is well deserved, and you would undoubtedly enhance and illuminate the ideals of the title with your usual forthrightness and energy. His highness has indeed made a good choice with the conferment.

Wishing you and Madam the best of luck and warm regards,

Bashorun Dele Momodu is a Custodian of Traditional Ethos – Jamil Eniola

I write to rejoice with Chief (Dr.) Dele Momodu and his better half Chief (Mrs.) Mobolaji Momodu as they becomes Aare and Yeye Aare of Iwoland.

Chief Momodu is a man of many enviable attributes and a wizard of strategic deals, with worldwide acclaim for his performances.

I have known Chief Dele Momodu for many years as millions of others probably do: as a professional, entrepreneur, philanthropist and community change maker. But since coming closer to him in the United Kingdom almost ten years ago, I have enjoyed his continued support and encouragement of my foundation for humanitarian initiatives in the United Kingdom and Nigeria with free access to him at any time.

I have been further privileged to know at a more brotherly level as well as interacting more intimately with the man we love to call Bob Dee.

Perhaps one striking quality in the Chief Momodu’s persona is his ability to maintain a strategic balance between two fascinating worlds – a successful media entrepreneur and a passionate philanthropist without barrier.

Chief Dele Momodu is a custodian of traditional ethos. His avuncular but affable disposition has earned him the patronage of many organisations. The Yorubaland will benefit positively from this great cultural ambassador as Aare of Iwoland in access to better education, good healthcare, youths, girls and vulnerable empowerment and basic social activities.

He is always very calm even when under a stressful situation. Above all, he is a devoted father and a caring husband to his brainy and beautiful wife.

Once again, I salute a worthy big brother and a distinguished Nigerian. We rejoice with you and your wife, may your shadow never grow less. May your reign as Aare and Yeye Aare of Iwoland be fulfilled and your future, bright and beautiful with good health and much more happiness. Oye Amori ooo.

Jamil ‘Mobolaji Eniola
President UI Alumni Global Network
President/Founder Hen & Associates/ Hen Foundation

An Honour well deserved – Princess Adebowale Odutola

My darling brother (Bashorun Dele Momodu) and his adorable jewel of inestimable value (Chief (Mrs) Bolaji Momodu), I felicitate with you both on your Chieftaincy as the Aare Tayese & Yeye Aare Tayese by Oba (Dr) Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi Telu 1, Oluwo of Iwo.

I pray that God’s blessings and protection will be upon you and your family.
Congratulations!

Best Wishes,
Princess Adebowale Odutola.
COO/ Creative Designer.
TPS LUXURY LTD.

THE BASHORUN AND AARE OF THE WORLD – Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

Hearty congratulations to you my dear brother, Bashorun Dele Momodu, and your darling wife, my dear sister, Chief (Mrs) Mobolaji Momodu, on the conferment of the high chieftaincy titles of Aare and Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwo land.

This is a well deserved honour. It reminds me of the song Evangelist Ebenezer Obey sang for your Mentor (late Chief MKO Abiola), “ki a to fi enia je oye larin ilu oni lati je eni rere”.

Once congratulations to you and your beautiful wife on this great occasion.

My family and I rejoice with you.
“Oye a mori o” Amin.
Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

Congratulations Chief Momodu – Abdullahi Sa’i’du Baba

I wish to felicitate with you on your conferment as the Aare Tayese of Iwoland and your wife, Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland.

I received the news with great joy and happiness. It is my most noble desire that the Almighty God will continue to grant you good health, even as he guides and prospers you in fulfilling many more years of profitable service to humanity.

I humbly and sincerely congratulate you on this great milestone and pray Almighty God in his infinite mercy guide and protect you throughout your stay on earth.

I thank also the Oluwo of Iwo Kingdom, Oluwo Abdulrasheed Akanbi for such a worthy decision.

Congratulations Chief (Dr.) Dele Momodu.

Abdullahi Saidu Baba (Hafizi)

Bob Dee, a quintessential media Guru – Princess Aderemi Adebowale

Congratulations to the quintessential media Guru, Dele ‘Bob Dee” Momodu on your conferment as the Aare of Iwo kingdom.

Your entire life has been one big, exciting and inspiring tutorial on success garnered on the back of great vision, purpose, integrity and fervent patriotic fervour.

The dynamism of the Nigerian media and freedom of the press were achieved on the back of great sacrifices made by you and other seasoned and committed professionals with undying love for the sector, just of course as the entertainment terrain has enjoyed tremendous leaps owing to the salient contributions by gurus like you.

The political and investment climates in the country are not left out of your Midas touch as these sectors have also witnessed remarkable strides owing to the creative and invaluable input of men and women like you, whose dedications to people-oriented causes and love for humanity have brought immense value to the socio- economic, political and cultural landscape of the country.

The entertainment sector is one that has over the years witnessed exponential growth, being also a terrain you hold sway in, and which has a strong affinity with you. Today the prime places of Ovation International magazine, Ovation Carol, The Boss Newspaper, Ovation TV as well as other weights you pull in several other areas of investment and humanitarian inclination all butress your unbridled commitment and desire to meaningfully contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

As a person with a kind heart, unassuming nature, friendly mien and integrity, you remain a role model and a shining light in the country, for which you are admired and respected for.

It is no surprise then that you have been chosen to be coronated with the crown, the Aare of Iwo Kingdom for which I heartily congratulate you and join others in felicitating with you on the remarkable milestone.

Princess Aderemi Adebowale

Tribute to a Quintessential Statesman – Raymond Nkannebe

Chief Dele Momodu represents the best of us in many ways. As a man he has proven by the sheer force of example that hard work and diligence are indispensable tools to life’s success and accomplishment.

As a Journalist par excellence of Ovation Magazine fame, he has told the Nigerian story from various perspectives; deploying the famous Ovation Magazine in particular to tell the story of the nouveau rich in the Nigerian society since its inception over two decades ago. I had caught on with his writings in the ThisDay Newspapers as a young undergraduate and suffice to state that I instantly fell in love with the man behind the pen whose eclectic writings helped to shape my understanding of the Nigerian polity before I ever attempted to be a contributor to the national question. I have always looked up to his famous Pendulum Column every Saturday on the back page of the ThisDay Newspapers where he wrote in his characteristic elegance on various issues including but limited to governance, politics, education, philosophy, culture, and entertainment.

He proved to be a mentor, and one with an uncanny interest in seeing others rise to their full potentials when on the 19th of June, 2018 he graciously afforded me the privilege to be published in The Boss Newspapers which he publishes. I had simply tweeted at him on that day, asking for a follow back, as I’d like to discuss something with him. Lo and behold, he did follow back, and much to my surprise. Conscious of his rather busy schedule, I knew I had to be brief and succinct in making my case. I needed a platform at the time, to take my writings to a larger readership and I found in the Boss Newspapers, one. This much, I articulated in that short message to him. “Please send your number”, he replied, and went further to introduce me to the Editor of the publication—Mr. Eric Elezuo. “Please tell him you’re from me”. He concluded. That was how what has been a Mentor-Mentee relationship began even though I am yet to personally meet him, on account of his frequent travels and tight schedules. That chance event bears eloquent testimony of Bob Dee’s distinctive persona and which has made him a source of inspiration to many young Nigerians.

Indeed, his well deserved conferment of the prestigious title of Aare Tayese of Iwo Land, by His Royal Majesty, Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo; and his beloved wife, Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu, as the Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwo Land, all together answers to his dynamic ability to influence and drive positive change through his numerous undertakings.

As an embodiment of Yoruba history, culture and civilization, I have no doubt that the traditional and spiritual essence of this title would not be lost on him, and we can all expect that he would, in his typical manner, deploy it in the best interest of the people of Iwo Land, the Yoruba Nation, and Nigeria at large.

Raymond Nkannebe, Lawyer and Public Interest Commentator.

FOR DELE MOMODU, HONOUR WELL DESERVED – Ichie Azuh Arinze (KSM)

And I will tell you why – Bashorun Dele Momodu is certainly not the most privileged Nigerian, but he’s undoubtedly one of the biggest promoters of our country, our people, our possibilities and our rich culture.

Rarely seen in foreign attires these days, Bob Dee, like close friends affectionately call him and his Ovation brand have done for Nigeria, especially our image, what some government officials who pocket millions of taxpayers’ money for that job can never, never do.

An unusual patriot and one of the most hardworking souls I’m privileged to know, doing good flows naturally in his blood.

As a prodigiously creative mind, he’s constantly reinventing himself and breaking new grounds. Unafraid to speak his mind, his ability to access and penetrate all those that matter and at the same time, continue to sit pretty on top of his industry, inspire proteges like us a great deal. However, it will be a disservice not to remember that this uncommon and extraordinary journalist is always working for a better and egalitarian society.

Loud and unapologetic, his brilliance is both unmistakable and unparalleled, especially in the high society where he is a Don.

A very, very emotional person, once you upset him and he pours it out, that would automatically be the end. No time for him to bottle things up, and remember old issues and wounds. Bob Dee is equally too large-hearted and cosmopolitan to unsettle his mind by looking back. For all these and more, I love and admire him and will continue to do so.

Today, as the Oluwo of Iwo, HRM Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi adds another feather to his big cap as the Aare Tayese and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Bolaji Momodu, as Yeye Aare Tayese, my prayer for him and his family is that the OVATION will continue to be louder and louder. And as our BOSS, may his FAME also continue to spread throughout the world.

Congratulations, Bob Dee and thanks immensely and immeasurably too for showing us love, hope and the way.

The recognitions, by the way, have only just begun!

Ichie Azuh Arinze (KSM)
Odenigbo 1 of Azia and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine

The Most Detribalized Nigerian I know – Sani Sa’idu Baba

Many may wonder how Chief Dele Momodu was severally spotted and conferred many chieftaincy titles by many high profiled traditional rulers from far and near, but not me owing to the magnitude of goodwill and contacts at his disposal with which he has piloted uncountable programmes that led to human development in the country.

We are aware that all these goodwill emanated from his stupendous and unrivalled generosity that can only be compared to that of his late boss, His Excellency, Chief Moshood Kashimowo Abiola (MKO), a man that Nigeria love, admire and missed so much.

Chief Dele Momodu is a man of capacity, I know that this traditional chieftaincy title will spur him to do more for the growth and development of Iwoland. In fact, it has started already. Just two weeks ago, he solicited the repairs of the dilapidated Iwo-Ibadan road, and results immediately derived

Consequently, the conferment on Chief Dele Momodu as the Aare Tayese of Iwoland, and his wife chief (Mrs) Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu as the Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland, Osun State is a welcome development.

I congratulate him on behalf of myself, family and my friends, and pray that GOD will give him wisdom and the needed strength to continue contributing his quota for the advancement of Iwoland and other deserving places in general.

It would be recalled that Chief Dele Momodu has been conferred with such valuable chieftaincy titles from both Nigeria and International communities, notably Ghana and Liberia. Now about to be conferred with the seventh title.

I am very much confident that if all traditional rulers will confer chieftaincy titles to people of Momodu’s pedigree across the country, Nigeria will soon become truly united. He’s the most detribalized Nigerian I know.

We will continue to place him on a very high premium and pedestal and pray that GOD will continue to strengthen him as he moves from glory to Glory!

Congratulations Chief Dele Momodu

I celebrate with you and wish you even greater heights and acheivements.
Queendalyn Yurglee

To a Rare Mentor, Congratulations sir!

In everyone’s life, there is that special being who makes a definite impression on us. I have a companion who is just like that, my mentor. He’s just like a soaring kite. We were led by the path he took. In scorching sun, he is like a patch of shade In the endless desert, like an oasis On a bruised heart, like soothing balm he is You’ve shaped our intellect, interest and life in general We’ve learned from your views and perspectives and wealth of knowledge . You carve your name on hearts. You’ve been an inspiration to us all.

Once again, congratulations sir! It’s a well deserved title. Your selfless service and contribution to humanity has earn you this distinguished honour.

WALE BOB-OSENI

You Are Appreciated for Your Contributions

Dear Uncle and Aunty,
Congratulations on your Chieftancy titles as the Aare and Yeye Aare of Iwoland. l rejoice with you as you add another feathers to your cap, this shows that you are appreciated for your contributions to the development of this great nation and to mankind.
Ewe oye a mori ooo.
With love from Adesoji Adeyanju
Atlanta Georgia.

You are an icon of integrity and hard work – Kayode Emola

I congratulate you for the honour being bestowed on you today by the Oluwo of Iwo which epitomises the good work you are doing in the society. May you be gifted with life’s biggest joys and never-ending bliss. As you yourself are a gift to earth, so shall the best things in life continually be your lot. Thank you for the smiles you put in the faces of millions of people around the world who are inspired by your good works of your hand. You have been an exemplary and visionary mentor to me, a great leader who has dedicated his life to the service of humanity. You are an icon of integrity and hard work, as well as a great philanthropist. Your achievements and outstanding leadership qualities are worthy of emulation. Thanks once again for all your encouragement and support.

Kayode Emola

You are a man of the people – Comrade Ayodele Adewale

I congratulate you Chief Dele Momodu and your wife, Bolaji, on this historic occasion. Long may you live with all members of your family, team and loved ones to serve GOD and humanity better.

You are a very good man no doubt, fearless and productive. Your giving and loving nature is unmatched He risk all to get nothing.

You are a man of the people, and I respect you so much. The fact that you are a leader that leaves no one behind makes me look up to for that much desired inspiration. Congratulations!

A Big Congratulations to Chief Dele Momodu – Henry Ukazu

According to John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Chief Dele Momodu, you have truly been a patriot to Nigeria and a great ambassador of Nigeria and Africa to the world. As you add a new title and feather today to your numerous caps, I pray our gracious God will continue to use you as a vessel to serve humanity.

Henry Ukazu – Lawyer, Author, & Public Speaker- New York

Headline

Senate Passes Electoral Bill 2026, Rejects Real-time Electronic Transmission of Results

Published

2 days ago

February 5, 2026

Eric

The Senate, yesterday, passed the Electoral Bill 2026 following hours of robust debate. But it rejected a proposal to mandate real-time electronic transmission of election results while approving significant reforms to election timelines, penalties for electoral offences and voting technology.

At the centre of the controversy was Section 60, which governs the transmission of polling unit results. Senators voted down a recommendation by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters that would have compelled presiding officers to upload results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal in real time.

Instead, lawmakers retained the approach in the 2022 Electoral Act, which allows electronic transmission after votes are counted and publicly announced at the polling unit.

Relatedly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which concluded work on the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, is unable to release it due to ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act by the National Assembly.

It also identified the inclusion of deceased persons on the voters’ register, prompting plans for a nationwide verification exercise.

On its part, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) raised the alarm over the National Assembly’s delay in passing the Electoral Act amendments, warning that the situation could expose political parties to technical and legal pitfalls ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Under the retained provisions, presiding officers are required to: count votes at the polling unit, record results on prescribed forms, announce them publicly and transmit them electronically to the appropriate collation centre.

Copies must also be provided to polling agents and security personnel where available. Violators face fines of up to N500,000 or a minimum of six months’ imprisonment.

Senators opposing the real-time upload argued that inconsistent network coverage and logistical challenges could trigger legal disputes and undermine electoral credibility.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Adeyemi Adaramodu, described the debate as largely semantic.

“Electronic transmission remains part of the law,” he said, “and results will continue to be available to the public both electronically and through physical forms, ensuring verifiable records for disputes.”

Beyond the transmission debate, the Senate approved far-reaching amendments to Nigeria’s electoral calendar. The election notice period was reduced from 360 days to 180 days, the deadline for submission of party candidate lists was shortened from 120 to 90 days, and the nomination period was cut from 180 to 90 days.

To deter electoral malpractice, the fine for unlawful possession of voters’ cards was increased from N500,000 to N5 million, though the Senate rejected a proposal for a 10-year ban on vote-buyers, opting for stiffer financial penalties instead. The smart card reader was officially removed from the electoral framework and replaced with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, noted the delay yesterday in Abuja at INEC’s first quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The e-transmission of results, if approved, would have required INEC presiding officers to upload results from each polling unit to the IReV portal in real time, immediately after completing Form EC&A, which must be signed and stamped by the presiding officer and countersigned by party agents.
Instead, the senators chose to retain the present Electoral Act provision, which mandates that “the presiding officer shall transfer the results, including the total number of accredited voters and the results of the ballot, in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”

The rejected proposal was contained in the new Clause 60(5) of the draft bill, which aimed to mandate presiding officers to electronically transmit polling unit results in real time after completing and signing Form EC8A.

The clause was designed to strengthen transparency and reduce electoral malpractice through technology-driven result management.

The motion to reject the electronic transmission clause was swiftly seconded by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin.

Similarly, the Senate also rejected a proposed amendment under Clause 47 that would have allowed voters to present electronically-generated voter identification, including a downloadable voter card with a unique Quick Response (QR) code, as a valid means of accreditation.

The Senate further upheld the provision mandating the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) or any other technological device prescribed by INEC for voter verification and authentication, rather than allowing alternative digital identification methods as proposed in the new bill.

With these decisions, the Senate reaffirmed the use of PVC and BVAS-based accreditation while rejecting efforts to expand digital voter identification and make electronic transmission of results compulsory.

The Guardian

Headline

Wike Remains Undisputed Rivers APC, PDP Leader, Tinubu Rules

Published

4 days ago

February 3, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has, again, intervened to halt the escalating feud between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor and estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike.

The peace deal came after months of failed settlements that had pushed the state to the brink of governorship impeachment, legislative paralysis, and prolonged instability.

The president had previously intervened in the rift between Fubara and Wike in December 2023, when he brokered a fragile peace, which broke down soon after, leading the declaration of a six-month emergency rule in the state on March 18, 2025 by Tinubu and suspension of the governor.

However, in the fresh push to defuse one of the country’s most combustible political disagreements in recent times, Tinubu ordered an immediate suspension of any impeachment moves against Fubara, but with very strict conditions.

Multiple highly placed sources familiar with the issue told THISDAY that Tinubu, who acted just before departing for an official trip to Türkiye on January 26, laid down the political terms aimed at restoring peace between the two key political actors in Rivers State, a state seen as critical to the president’s re-election in 2027.

Tinubu’s intervention came with a blunt message to Fubara: Wike remains the undisputed political leader of the party, whether APC or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, and he must be respected in that regard.

THISDAY was told that the president, visibly displeased by the depth of the rift, despite his efforts in the past, warned that continued hostilities would undermine governance in the state and lead to instability, a situation Tinubu said he was not ready to condone.

Tinubu was said to have clearly told Wike to back off any impeachment plots against Fubara and allow governance in the state.

Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, have had a cat and mouse relationship just within months of the governor’s swearing into office in May 2023. What is now out in the open is that Wike, who personally engineered Fubara’semergence as his successor, has sought to control the levers of power from Abuja, while the governor has resisted what many see as the FCT minister’s chokehold on him.

The relationship began to fracture within months of Fubara’s inauguration, as the governor quietly sought to assert his independence, with political actors in the state immediately taking sides. Notably, in the ongoing fight, almost all the state lawmakers align with Wike.

Subsequently, attempts to impeach Fubara emerged from the pro-Wike group in the House of Assembly. Although the governor has tried to wriggle out of the situation several times, the shadows of impeachment continue to haunt him every time there is a disagreement with the minister.

Several efforts have been made to resolve the crisis, all of which failed to produce lasting peace. The failure of one of the peace meetings eventually led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, which lasted six months.

While Wike’s camp continues to accuse Fubara of betrayal and political ingratitude, the governor’s allies argue that Rivers State cannot be run from outside the state by a former governor now serving as the FCT minister.

Still on the latest attempt to seek an end to the prolonged imbroglio, one insider recounted the president’s thinking, drawing a parallel with Lagos State, where Sanwo-Olu is the leader of the party.

Tinubu was said to have stated, “Is Babajide Sanwo-Olu my leader in Lagos, or was Babatunde Fashola my leader when he was governor?”, according to a source.

The president was equally said to have stated that Fubara should respect elders, saying Wike is an elder statesman in Rivers politics and should be regarded as such. Tinubu, one of the sources added, made it clear that political seniority could not be wished away because of personal disagreements.

As part of the peace deal, the president directed Wike and his camp to immediately halt all impeachment-related actions against Fubara, citing his overriding concern about stability in Rivers State.

In return, Fubara was instructed to make significant concessions. Chief among them was the formal recognition of Wike as the “political leader” in Rivers State, with final authority on party matters.

Sources said Tinubu stressed that all internal party disputes in the state must ultimately defer to Wike.

However, the complexity of Wike’s case is that he is not a card-carrying member of APC in Rivers State. Officially, he remains a member of the struggling opposition PDP, although he is a top minister under the ruling APC government – A position he has used to weaken his party, the PDP.

Besides, the understanding covered the upcoming state House of Assembly bye-elections in Rivers State. Tinubu directed that candidates loyal to Wike should be recognised by the APC leadership for the two vacant assembly seats. “It was explicitly stated that Wike has two candidates for the by-elections and that those candidates are to be recognised by the APC party structure,” one source said.

Already, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 21, 2026 for the contentious by-elections into Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of the state.

THISDAY learnt that while the Ahoada-East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its former occupant, Edison Ehie, who was appointed Chief of Staff (CoS) to Governor Fubara, the Khana II seat was vacant since the death of its lawmaker, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.

Notably, the sensitive issue of Fubara’s second term ambition also came up for deliberation, the source said, but was deliberately side-lined, with the president alleged to have said such discussions were too early for now. One source said Tinubu described any talk about the 2027 governorship in the state as still premature.

ThisDay/Arise News

Headline

Otunba Adekunle Ojora: Farewell to a Good Man

Published

6 days ago

February 1, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The curtain dropped on the elitist life of prominent Lagosian, traditional custodian, boardroom guru, refined journalist and elaborate philanthropist, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, on January 28, 2026, bringing to an over nine decades of spreading good tidings, prosperity, unity and humanity. He was 93 years.

His death was announced via a statement by his daughter, Mrs Toyin Ojora-Saraki, on behalf of the Ojora Family, saying he died early in the morning in full submission to the will of Almighty Allah (SWT)

“With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah (SWT), the Ojora family of Lagos hereby announces the passing of our beloved patriarch, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, the Otunba of Lagos and Lisa of Ife, who returned to his creator early this morning.

“We say Alhamdulilahi for a life well lived, and we comply with Allah’s words: ‘Surely, to Allah we belong, and to Him we will all return’ (Q2:156),” the statement reads.

A distinguished businessman, people-oriented-person, the Olori Omo Oba of Lagos and the Lisa of Ife, Adekunle Ojora’s passing came with a much ancipated heartbreak, wailings and regrets, among his hugely extended family members, circle of friends, mentees, colleagues in and across business and traditional terrain, associates and the well impacted general public.

With the announcement of his death came the heavy traffic of personalities, dignitaries and nobles to his Ikoyi palatial home, where his adorable wife, Ojuolape Ojora, and one of his distinguished daughters, Mrs Toyin Saraki, who is the wife of the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, played significant hosts.

President Bola Tinubu was one of the first mourners with a statement signed by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, acknowledging the dimunitive personality of the deceased, noting how he had affected humanity in a positive light.

Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Lagos State, as well as the Ojora and Adele royal families.

“The passing of Otunba Ojora is a significant loss to the country, the private and public sectors, and traditional institutions,” the President said, describing the late industrialist as a man whose life was defined by humility, perseverance, hard work and generosity. He further noted that his values shaped his long and distinguished career.

“He remained a towering figure whose counsel and experience benefited institutions at both national and subnational levels,” Tinubu added.

In his condolence message, former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Ojora’s death as painful, saying his absence would be difficult to fill, according to a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi.

The ex-president described Ojora as “an amiable and distinguished Nigerian who, during his lifetime, built a remarkable legacy of integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication.”

“By his death, the country has lost a notable captain of industry and commerce, but there is no doubt that his memory lingers on through his many landmark contributions to the development of the South-West zone in particular, and the country in general,” Obasanjo added.

He also stated that “He was a remarkable entrepreneur whose vision, determination, and resilience added value to the community and to hundreds of families who depended on his commercial activities. He was a role model and exemplar whose personal life and achievements inspired a generation of entrepreneurs, industrialists, and merchants. Over the years, with his wise counsel, unquestioned strength, and gentle guidance, Otunba Ojora commanded respect and reverence, and took particular pleasure in mentoring younger men and women to succeed in life.”

Also reacting, a former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd) described Ojora as a “veteran journalist and boardroom titan”.

The former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army noted that he made positive contributions to the industrial and entrepreneurial sectors of the economy, lightened up the social fabric of his time in Lagos, in particular, and across our nation.

Among dignitaries that called to the home of the Ojora’s to express heartfelt condolences were the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke and his elder brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke; Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Femi Otedola and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel.

As a revered Muslim, versed in Islamic doctrines, the nonagenarian’s burial followed the very next day, drawing an avalanche of well wishers and mourners to the Central Mosque, on Lagos Island, where the funeral rites or the Janazah, led by the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou-Nolla, and assisted by other prominent Islamic clerics, were conducted, and finally to the Vaults and Garden, Ikoyi, where the remains were committed to mother-earth. The events were a meeting point of some sort, as they drew together prominent Islamic scholars, family members, political bigwigs and other distinguished guests.

A roll call of the elite callers at the events include the deceased’s wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora; his daughter, Toyin Ojora-Saraki, and her husband, former Senate President and Kwara State Governor, Bukola Saraki. Also in attendance were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly Ali Ahmad, former PDP National Chairman Kawu Baraje, Mufti of Ilorin Sheikh Sulaiman Onikijipa, and National President of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Prince Adeniji Kazeem.

The burial ceremonies began with a recovery of the remains, which were borne by pallbearers for a burial procession before it was a motorcade bore it to the venue of the Janazah.

The long convoy of dignitaries that accompanied the body to the mosque spoke volumes of the personality of Adekunle Ojora. As the solenm approached, Imam Sulaiman Abou-Nolla led the congregation in prayers, asking for the repose of the siul of the deceased.

At the conclusion of the prayers, the body was conveyed to the Ikoyi Vault, where pallbearers and Muslim Ummah as well selected members of the family and notable dignitaries accompanied the remains, amid chants, to its final resting place.

THE MAN, OTUNBA ADEKUNLE OJORA

The highly principled businessman was born Isiaq Adekunle Ojora on June 13, 1932, into the distinguished Ojora Royal Family of Lagos, where he grew with a deeply-rooted tolerance for the history, culture and traditional governance of the Yoruba race and Lagos in particular.

His lineage placed him among the foremost royal families in the state, a heritage he upheld with dignity throughout his long life. Over several decades, he emerged as one of the most influential figures within Lagos’ traditional institutions, commanding respect across royal, cultural and civic circles.

Ojora was a member of the Ojora and Adele royal families of Lagos and was himself the holder of the chieftaincy of the Otunba of Lagos. He studied journalism at Regent Street Polytechnic, with the intention of developing a career in journalism. He started work as a staffer at the BBC where he rose to become an assistant editor.

In 1955, he switched his services to the Nigerian government as a reporter with the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. He was soon transferred to Ibadan as an information officer in the office of the regional premier. Ojora’s stint with NBC lasted until 1961 when he took up appointment as the public relations manager at United African Company.

Ojora soon developed interest in the commercial units of enterprises, he became an executive director of UAC in 1962. After a military coup truncated the first republic, Ojora was nominated as a member of Lagos City Council in 1966. A year later, he was given political appointments in two government agencies, in 1967, he was managing director of WEMABOD, a regional property and investment company and also in 1967, he succeeded Kola Balogun as chairman of Nigerian National Shipping Line.

After leaving WEMABOD, he became an investor in various firms including AGIP petroleum marketing and NCR Nigeria. He also founded the private firms Nigerlink Industries, Unital Builders and a holding company Lagos Investments. After the Nigerian Enterprise Promotion Act, he took equity interest in some foreign companies operating in Nigeria such as investments in the Nigerian operations of Bowring Group, Inchape, Schlumberger, Phoenix Assurance, UTC Nigeria, Evans Brothers and Seven-Up. He married Erelu Ojuolape, and among their children is Toyin Saraki.

Beyond royalty, Otunba Ojora was widely regarded as a bridge between tradition and modern governance.

The Otunba Adekunle Ojora would be remembered as a quintessential gentleman, astute businessman, excellent in speech, dignified in conduct, and deeply respected across generations.

For as many as those who know him, Ojora has for decades, remained a familiar and revered presence in elite social and cultural spaces, where his highly sought-after counsel and calm disposition have proved relevant and needful.

He is also known for his refined lifestyle and strong family values, an embodiment of a “brand of old-school nobility that earned him admiration well beyond wealth or status. He was often described as a man of honour whose life reflected discipline, tradition, and unwavering integrity.

Otunba Adekunle Ojora is survived by his wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.