Boss Picks
Fani-kayode vs Ex-Wife, Precious: The Whole Story
By Eric Elezuo
The last has not been heard of the imbroglio between former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, and his ex-wife, Ms Precious Chikwendu, as both parties are still busy using high expletives to describe each other, an aftermath as their marriage of seven years, which came crashing like a pack of cards recently.
A former beauty queen and mother of Fani-Kayode’s four children, Precious had at various occasions described her marriage to the former minister as fake with Fani-Kayode describing her in return as an immoral woman, who was neck deep into infidelity.
“I want to state clearly that my marriage to FFK was based on false pretence as he lied that he had divorced his last wife, Regina. I found his marriage certificate in 2016 during the EFCC raid at our then home. When I confronted him about this, he said that he is about starting Regina’s divorce process and added that he had not seen her in the last ten years,” she stated
After much ups and downs in the marriage, the couple called it quit with each other in August 2020, and ever since, has been locked in a war of attrition and blames with Precious instituting a law suit over child-custody. She had alleged that her ex-husband had taken custody of their four children, and denying her access to them.
Levelling her series of allegations against Mr Fani-Kayode in series of filings in the suit which she had instituted to obtain an order to compel her ex-husband to yield custody of their children to her, she had alleged that Fani-Kayode “beat her up on several occasions even while she was pregnant.”
The ex-beauty queen, had told a Customary Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, that FFK never consummated his six-year relationship with her because he allegedly had erectile dysfunction.
She said her relationship with Fani-Kayode, who she referred to as “estranged cohabiter,” was full of “woes, lies, deceits, quarrels, assaults, battery, and domestic violence.
The 32-year-old model also said that since August 2020 that she walked out of the cohabitation with Fani-Kayode, she had been continuously denied access to her children and her children have been continuously deprived of parental motherly care and protection.
With the series of allegations and counter allegations, Precious hit the media space with an official statement on the situation surrounding the ended marriage. She wrote:
My name is Precious Chikwedu, a graduate of the University of Calabar, Miss Untied Nation 2014, and a Nollywood actress since 2007. Naturally, I maintain a calm disposition when in crisis, being goal-oriented and not a talker of any sort. But I am now forced to respond to these allegations for my children, well-being and career path.
As a student, I lived a moderately comfortable school life with self-sustaining businesses. Upon graduation, I got a job in a construction company. I bought my first car as an undergraduate and have chains of businesses before meeting FFK.
I was also into modelling and had several endorsements as an International beauty queen, in addition to my job; these are verifiable facts.
My Financial Status Before Marriage
I am from a middle-class home where my Dad provides for all my needs. Moreover, I have always been industrious and a provider rather than a collector. Before I met FFK, I worked in a quarry/construction company in Calabar and lived an extremely comfortable life.
I could afford cars within my means, caring for my parents and siblings. I built my parents a house in Nanka, my hometown, in 2012 before heading over to Kingston to win the Miss United Nations title in 2014.
The Gold-Digger
I am tagged a gold-digger due to misconception, ignorance and some people relying on deliberately planted falsehood. It is unfortunate that when I met Femi in 2014, he already had his bank accounts frozen by the EFCC, and they remain frozen to date.
He opened another bank account when he joined the Goodluck Jonathan campaign team in 2015. The present government initiated an investigation based on the campaign funds source. And his campaign account was frozen again. Common sense can show that he may have been financially constrained while I was with him.
My relationship with Femi at the time we met was more of me caring and having a deep concern for him while he was UNDER EFCC PROSECUTION. However, it later transited into a supposed romantic relationship that became oppressive, obsessive and abusive. Femi turned into a control freak that tried to control even the very breath that I took.
Femi posed as a lonely and abandoned man who gave his all to his loved ones but was left alone in his moment of need (EFCC trial). He spoke bitterly of a Regina, who he said fled to her country, abandoning him when President Yar’Adua’s government ordered the EFCC to investigate him for money laundering. The court also mentioned her name.
Marriage Under False Pretence
I want to state clearly that my marriage to FFK was based on false pretence as he lied that he had divorced his last wife, Regina. I found his marriage certificate in 2016 during the EFCC raid at our then home. When I confronted him about this, he said that he is about starting Regina’s divorce process and added that he had not seen her in the last ten years. He further explained that he never fancied her and that their relationship was that of a mother and son kind. At the time I left, he was technically married to her former wife.
On Regina’s claim that she gave her consent for me to be married to FFK, this is a ridiculous and blatant lie. How could she have permitted a relationship she only found out about through social media? This event happened precisely on FFK’s birthday when he deliberately leaked my pregnancy photos after another argument between us and I had to leave the house. He did that to show the world that I was pregnant with his baby. Suffice it to say that we had agreed to keep the pregnancy private before then.
FFK’s Aggressive Behaviour
While I was pregnant with the first child and later the triplets, FFK was habitually beating and mostly punching my stomach.
Anytime he was angry and moody, describing my unborn babies as cockroaches or “a thing” that he will knock off my belly. In one of these attacks and kicking on my tummy, my late mom and my sister visited, and they threw themselves in between us to stop him from further attacks. In his anger, he hit my mum in the head. After that, FFK ended up accusing my sister of assault and got her detained at a police station for coming in-between his punches and me.
Whenever I resist his humiliation and beating, he will deploy his bodyguards to wrestle me down.
In most cases, he called CSP Aisha Yusufu, the then Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Asokoro Police Station. Who usually would come with her team to harass, handcuff, arrest or lock me behind the counter for hours until Femi was satisfied that I have been punished enough. My siblings were locked up countless times as well.
He would always boast of his connections to the government and the system, saying nothing any member can do.
During one of his domestic abuse with the DPAisha and her team from Asokoro police station, FFK instructed that they handcuff and strip me Naked. It was done in the presence of his domestic staff, bodyguards and attached VIP police officers. They injected me with a strange substance, and I lost consciousness.
I woke up in a facility, which they later told me is a hospital, not knowing the number of hours or days I stayed there. My triplets were six months old at that time.
As I say this, I am very afraid for my life. He keeps threatening me at every turn. I have since petitioned the Police but nothing has been done yet but I’m only trusting God.
The Breakdown of the Marriage.
The intervention of family members and FFK’S social circle was one hold back factor that kept me in the relationship much longer.
Notwithstanding how dangerous, especially from Femi’s Mental Health challenges. I wanted to leave the marriage a long-time ago but could not due to the fear factor of FFK. He often lectured me on the crime of passion and how I will not live to tell the story or being looked at by another man.
The fear of Femi losing it and hurting my children in retaliation for my leaving did not help matters. Moreover, the death of both my parents within a short space of time made me more vulnerable.
The verbal and physical abuse increased upon my refusal to have another set of children he had instructed and further used his doctor. I planned to travel overseas for delivery during my pregnancy, a decision that made Femi uncomfortable. The doctor told lies that I have certain conditions like placenta previa in my early first trimester and made it unsafe to travel. Other events happened where bullet shells were planted in my shop, my siblings accused and locked up by SARS, and my passport seized by Femi also hindered me from travelling. I concluded that something was not adding up and decided to go for a second medical opinion. I had no medical condition and was misdiagnosed. FFK planned all these incidents to stop me from travelling overseas.
I had a myomectomy on 31st July 2020; FFK disapproved of the doctor; after my surgery at the Hospital, he instructed the domestic staff not to give me food or drinks. Upon discharge, I arrived home to his usual stage-managed drama. I had no strength to deal with that at that point, so I picked my handbag and left with nothing to allow him to calm down, considering his mental health challenges.
He shortly sent messages through friends to tell me never to put a foot in his property, or he would get me locked up for good. It was how he ended the marriage; I left with only the clothes I wore from the Hospital. He never allowed me to park my properties or take my children.
FFK Media Story About My Parents
FFK claims presented on social media that he took care of my parents for years, got my siblings jobs and a residential apartment. The truth is that FFK asked for my mother to be brought to Abuja to stop me from my frequent travels to the East.
He could not get me to pay less attention to her as my mom and I was inseparable. My mother was already down with cancer a year before I met FFK. I had provided for her needs to help tackle it but based on her religious convictions, and my mom refused to get rid of her lumps. By the time she got to Abuja, her cancer had spread.
Not denying that FFK made contributions to her chemotherapy and some hospital bills, but I funded most of the money from my savings.
Furthermore, FFK was locked up in detention then. On burying my mom, FFK made his contribution, which Rev Okey Onyemachi received, my mother’s brother. It was mostly money to tend to his high-profile guests and give them a comfortable sitting area. My family catered for the rest of the burial expenses.
My Dad was in Abuja for treatment in late November 2019 and passed on on 7th January 2020. The apartment FFK claimed to have rented on social media was the house I rented in December 2019 before my Dad’s birthday. It was because FFK refused to bring my Dad down to Abuja to care for him. He claimed that my father’s people are responsible for the lack of financial flow, according to his prophets.
Sadly, my Dad only spent a week in the house I rented for him before he got critically ill on the night of his birthday. After that night, my Dad was rushed to a hospital, where he eventually passed on.
To date, none of my siblings got even a single referral from FFK for anything, let alone a job. As an in-law, FFK contributed 1.5 million Naira to my Dad’s burial and later said that the money was part of my dowry. He grudgingly did it to allow (traditionally) him to mourn my Dad as an in-law. He had earlier refused to do the rights after our introduction in 2015, after my first son’s birth.
Allegations of Cheating
My years with FFK were completely shrouded; I walked around with at least four police officers and three bodyguards. Friends avoided me even in church as I had a heavy security presence even during offerings and thanksgiving. He perceived every schoolmate, ex, cousin, or male voice as a potential lover over the phone.
I have never had an extramarital affair as dubiously alleged. On the contrary, FFK brought strange women into our matrimonial home at the slightest opportunity.
Claims of Cruelty to My Kids.
It is laughable to read the claims of cruelty from someone who has never raised any of his kids physically since I have known him. How can I be cruel to children that I took lots of pains to bear, to make an ungrateful man who complained about having no sons happy? Both births were IVF conceived, and I took needles for months before and after. I take my kids to school, church, playgrounds and shopping and every other thing that could make them happy as kids. I practically shared my days in his house on my social media pages out of boredom. People who followed loved my boys’ love, as these memories still linger on my social media walls today. I love my kids, and they mean everything to me.
I run an NGO that deals with education for the less privileged. I started with primary and secondary school projects as miss United Nations.
My love for children has been traceable from time. My accuser is the one who deceived innocent children with a scholarship scheme that turned out to be a fraud.
He offered scholarships to three hundred students for top schools in the Benin Republic through my foundation in May 2020.
He did not send One kobo to any student or school. To uphold his honour, I went through the detailed vetting of another scholarship scheme in a better school. FFK abandoned these children and plan after making an empty promise and putting them through complete admission procedures. Suffice it to say that the school and I still bear the responsibility of seeing these kids through.
I tried unsuccessfully to see my kids even at natural grounds, but Femi made it impossible. I refused to go back to the house to see them as every corner of the house, Toilets, Bathroom, Kitchen, Sitting room, Bedroom, the Gate, front of the House reminds me of Femi beatings, stripping me naked in presence of his workers, instructing his Bodyguards to beat me or using the Police to wrestle me down before putting handcuffs.
These were the demons I have been battling including ignoring his lies and fabrications.
An Indictment on his not so Intelligent Person
Honestly, I have just bared my life of over 20years to the world, but then again, what can I say? I take complete blame for my wrong judgment on the choice of FFK based on empathy and naivety.
However, I cannot help but wonder if all these frivolous claims of my indecent lifestyle as portrayed by FFK is not an indictment of his insecure mind.
You cannot have a harlot for a wife and showcase her to the world almost every day with the best captions and poetry to go with it if she is not a fantastic soul. Except for cause, he hides the demonic atrocities he committed while trying to appear as an excellent husband. The FFK I lived with will have the said videos shared if any infidelity claims are distantly valid for ALMOST SEVEN YEARS OF MARRIAGE!
After two heartbreaks, I made one wrong decision, believing that an older man will love and make me happy. All I did was love FFK, fight for him and gave him sons he never had. I did everything for him – I was his barber, editor, nurse (before and after he had his presumed COVID 19), chef, image-maker, and stylist without limit. Physical and verbal abuse was what I got for all these sacrifices. Lies, all sorts of inhumane treatment, and now attempting to keep my tender age children away from their mother.
In response, Fani-Kayode said Precious Chikwendu was suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia., through a statement issued by his lawyer, Ayodeji Ibikunle. He accused her of a disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs as well as ability to think, feel and behave clearly.
The ex-minister’s response came days after Chikwendu said she was forced to remain celibate for six years while they ”cohabited” and alleged that their four children were conceived via artificial insemination.
Fani-Kayode, in the statement, also alleged that Chikwendu is clinically unstable, and is as mad as a hater, prone to telling monstrous lies and making delusional statements. While describing the allegations as “pernicious lies and diabolical fabrication from the pit of hell, he stated that none of his client’s sons was suffering from COVID-19 or that any of them had head injuries, contrary to Chikwendu’s allegations.
The statement partly reads:
“We are constrained to point out the fact that Miss Precious Chikwendu, the former partner of our client Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Sadaukin Shinkafi, is suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and we acknowledge the fact that she is totally insane.”
“Ordinarily we cannot be expected to respond to the crass, filthy, delusional, salacious, disgraceful and absurd allegations of an insane person.”
Thereafter, Chikwendu made claims in an affidavit against Fani-kayode detailing as follows:
“The respondent and I were soon involved in an intimate romantic relationship which lasted for over six years, during which we cohabited together at the respondent’s residence at No. 5, Zuma Close, Off Udi Hills Street, Also Drive, Abuja,” she stated.
“That my relationship was blessed with four children; Master Aragorn Fani-Kayode (five years old), Master Regnar Fani-Kayode (two years old), Master Aiden Fani-Kayode (two years old), and Master Liam Fani-Kayode (two years old).”
“My relationship with the respondent witnessed fear, harassment, and series of assault both perpetrated by the respondent himself or with the use of the Nigerian police force, his security details and, or his personal bodyguards,” she said
“From the early days of our relationship, the respondent has always maintained a lifestyle of utter disregard to my feelings. This was evident in the way and manner the respondent assaulted me while pregnant with our first son, Aragorn.
“The respondent kicked me severally on my stomach over a petty argument that ensued. It was my friend, Vanessa, who was around at the material time, that intervened in the nick of time to save me.
“I had to leave the respondent’s house a few days after this incident. The respondent repeated the same act when I was pregnant with the triplets. This time, it was my mother and sister, Faith, that intervened.
“That the respondent at the slightest provocation, abuses, beats and assaults me, my late mother and my siblings when they visited.
“That as we progressed in the relationship, the beatings became so severe that on many occasions, I feared for my life.”
Countering the affidavit, Fani-Kayode, asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the N800 million suit that was instituted against him, told the court that his ex-wife deprived his children of breast milk on the account of the need to preserve her shape.
He also said it was “coupled with a contrived medical condition which she claimed would not permit her to breastfeed them”.
He further told the court that rather, “she elected to leave her matrimonial home and consciously abandon the children, in order to optimise without restraints, her extra-marital and inordinate sexual escapades.
“As a fact, it is not surprising that Ms. Precious Chikwendu is capable of such reckless abandonment, because: whilst she was with me in the house afore-described, she employed 12 in-house nannies to cater for the children, excluding supervisors and nurses who equally attend to them.”
“The applicant did not at any time extend maternal care to the children, for the reason that she had a medical condition which deprived her of any filial bond with them; she deprived the children of the natural sucks or breast milk, also on account of the need to preserve her body shape, coupled with a contrived medical condition which she claimed would not permit her to breastfeed them,” the statement read in part.
He narrated further:
The statement of claim and affidavit that was filed in court by one Precious Chikwendu against Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is filled with lies and falsehood.
Not one thing that she has alleged there is true. She is a pathological liar and a slanderer and we intend to prove this in court.
We also believe thet she is unfit to be a mother and that she has shown nothing but cruelty to her children whom she has never taken care of or shown the love and affection.of a mother.
We believe that the children’s lives would be in danger if they are with her and we shall prove this in court.
For the avoidance of doubt at no time did Chief Fani-Kayode expose his children to danger and he has always provided them with the best of care inckuding 12 nannies and nurses who did all the work even when their mother was in the house and whom she herself employed.
Chikwendu’s only pastime was to post pictures and words on Instagram and sleep with men outside.
She also tried to seduce a number of Chief Fani-Kayode’s friends when he was in detention and extort money from them.
Neither is it true that she was ever beaten by Chief Fani-Kayode or anyone else in his staff and security team, either when she was pregnant or not pregnant and it is not true that she was subjected to any form of physical or mental abuse from them.
As a matter of fact she was the abuser and not Chief Fani-Kayode or any of his security team or staff.
On one occassion she cut two people with a knife and almost bit off the finger of a third when she was trying to attack and kill her own children and husband with two knives. Thirty people witnessed this and we have it on video.
On another occasion when she was caught in bed with a married naval officer in a hotel she cut her own foot with a broken bottle and said she would tell the world that her husband did it. At least three people witnessed this.
She and her lover begged not to be prosecuted for adultery even after there was evidence to show that they were planning to have Fani-Kayode murdered.
At a later date she was committed to a mental health facility for one month.
We urge members of the public to wait until the truth is revealed about Chikwendu, her mental and physical abuse of her own children, her mental illness, her numerous attempts to murder Chief Fani-Kayode and his four children, her adulterous ways, her unfathomable cruelty, her gold-digging ways, her violence and so much more before they make up their minds.
Responding, Chikwendu practically hit back at the former minister, threatening to respond with pictures and video evidence.
“I am a mother who is only interested in raising her kids and not dragging with a man who sees no value in respecting at least his over hyped past offices and records. Soon you would force me to release videos of the much damages you did. You are obviously shocked I have pictures and figured the school right?”.
In the course of the litigations and accusations, Chikwendu had dragged in some personalities, who she felt were against her in the fight. The first was Senator Folashade Bent, who she accused of plotting to kill her and Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba, who she said was responsible for some of the fights she had with FFK as well as called her derogatory names.
In their separate responses, they denied the allegations.
In Senator Bent’s rebuttal through a statement by signed by her Public Relations Officer, Timothy Williams maintained that at no time did she prevail on the estranged wife of the former minister to abandon her paternity suit, nor was after her life, noting that she had duly reported the matter to the Police as a responsible citizen.
In Rev. Olorunmagba’s remarks, which captured the essence of the 16 months brouhaha, the cleric revealed the genesis of the crisis, and the supposed efforts he made in between.
RESPONSE TO PRECIOUS CHIKWENDU’S FALSE ACCUSATIONS
“Precious Chikwendu claimed that I was responsible for most fights between her and Chief FFK and claimed I called her derogatory names which are just lies and cheap way of getting sympathy from the general public as her custom is. It’s so unfortunate that she turned out to be an ingrate and chose to employ lies on me because I posted that those issues in circulation on social media are not good for her four sons to read in the future. And I have personally said same to Chief FFK, who to the best of my knowledge, I have not seen him posting on her issue, rather it was his lawyer’s response that I saw and he has even said he won’t say anything personally on her issue. But funny enough some Nigerians don’t used to care to hear the other side of issues before jumping to conclusions especially if it has to do with a female accusing a pastor. Of course the new trend now is that social media has become a tool of cheap blackmail against pastors. And social media has turned many people to “journalists” even when they don’t understand the ethics of journalism that if a person is accused you (bloggers) don’t just post one sided story you reach out to the person and hear his own side so as to balance your report. Amusingly some bloggers carried her lies without anyone trying to contact me in any way to even hear my own side.
“Note that I am not one that would publicize the good I have done for someone but just for the record, I have to respond to her childish and cheap lies and will be forced to say just little out of many things.
“{Precious Chikwendu, on more than two occasions, I have settled issues between you and Chief FFK. An example was the Anambra State incident where you angrily left the hotel room where you were lodged with Chief at odd time, even hit the police man that was begging you not to go to your father’s house. But you left and still the lawyer that was with us then and I, had to plead for you with chief and we got down to your father’s house with chief to ensure reconciliation.
“Or was it that of 28th December 2019 (I am mentioning this case because it’s already on social media) when chief called me and told me of how he caught you in the act of adultery in a hotel room with a Naval Officer, and how he was done with you and will release the video of you and the guy on social media. But I took the next available train from Kaduna to Abuja only because of that and still pleaded with chief not to make any post that will tarnish the image of his children’s mother. He listened to my plea but vowed before me and others not to ever make love to you from that day on.
“And I was still preaching to him for forgiveness and reconciliation of you both even when others were shouting ,”send her away” to the extent that the staff in the house did not only celebrate that you would never return, they even went to House on the Rock Church to thank God that the person deducting their salaries and oppression them had been shown the way out. But as I returned to Kaduna I still kept calling and talking on the need for forgiveness until Chief FFK brought you back to his house.
“On another occasion that you packed out of the house among many occasions (of packing out and packing in), I even called you on phone and spoke with you after talking to chief so that both of you can get back together for the sake of the kids who are entitled to both parents’ love and presence.
“Even the night I received call that you carried knife and was jumping from on top of chair to another chair; that the entire staff were scared, that Chief FFK said he had to call a female police DPO to come with female police officers and it took several hours till late into the night, before they could get the knife out of your hand and you were taken for psychiatrist attention the next morning. While others were expressing fear that what if it starts happened to you in the dead of the night while you are alone with Chief FFK and you stab him, I still prayed that God heal you. Now you are turning against me?
“You even lied to the extent that you that once claimed Chief FFK can’t perform on bed now turn to lie again that I anointed WOMEN that were brought on your BED. Ha, Precious Chikwendu, I have never and will never introduce any single lady to another single man for marriage not to talk of ever introducing women to a married man. God forbid!
“As per the prayers, not only have I and is still praying for chief, I have prayed for you as well and I do pray for anyone that I am close to and I will still continue praying for all the people I am close to and no devil can stop that because I am called to bless. Before you went for your last surgery, chief called me and I prayed for you, both during and after the surgery. I have always prayed for peace in the family and your children as well. You are in the know of all these but you always take to social media to solicit for sympathy through lying. On the false and laughable allegations that I am living in Chief FFK’s house: since you claimed that my members don’t see me in church, then give my church address to your followers and tell them to come any Wednesday 5pm during our Midweek Service or any of our two services on Sunday at 7 am and 8:45 am respectively. Then if they don’t see me and I am in the country they can conclude on that. I won’t say more than this.
“Over this your relationship issue, you have lied on Chief FFK, Mrs Regina in Ghana, a Senator, police personnel, lawyers and now it’s the turn of pastors and my turn for you to lie on. Ironically, some Nigerians are still believing you despite that you have two criminals cases in different courts over defamation of character, falsehood, conspiracy and cybercrime. The cases are still ongoing, yet you still continue for the media attention through false and malicious allegations on people.
“GET THIS CLEAR TODAY, I HAVE NEVER BEEN PARTY TO ANY BROKEN MARRIAGE AND I WILL NEVER BE PARTY TO SUCH. RATHER BY THE GRACE OF GOD, MANY MARRIAGES THAT WERE AT THE VERGE OF COLLAPSE HAVE BEEN RESTORED THROUGH ME, AS FAR AS BOTH PARTY TAKE COUNSEL AND PRACTICE THE WORD OF GOD AS TAUGHT.
“And I still stand on my point that continuous social media ranting will only keep exposing things your children will not be happy to read when they grow. I just hope you realise what you are doing yourself before it becomes too late…
Speaking in defence of the ex-minister, Fani-Kayode’s first wife, Mrs. Regina Fani-Kayode, whom he married in 1997, called Chikwendu a strange and sick woman.
“Precious Chikwendu, a strange woman that he took under his roof, married under law and custom and lived with for seven years has written things about my husband which are not only untrue but also downright defamatory and scandalous and I will respond to her with the following as a first salvo.
“Precious, you are just a sick woman and a big liar. I know you collected over half a million USD dollars from Femi within the first few months of meeting him for a fake investment. We have witnesses to prove it and remember that you even asked me to thank him for it. I also know he set you up in one business or the other four times in 7 years and got you offices etc. but you squandered it all.
“When you came to my husband and took over my home you and your family were like hungry refugees. You had nothing but rubber slippers and you were desperate for help.
“My husband sent three of your siblings to tye hest schools for seven years and took care of their every need yet you now slander him and insult him not minding the effect it will have on your own children. That in itself proves that you are insane…,” she said.
According to Chikwendu, this same Regina, “fled to her country, abandoning him (Fani-Kayode) when President Yar’Adua’s government ordered the EFCC to investigate him for money laundering. The court also mentioned her name.”
Also responding to the Rec Olorunmagba’s retort against, Chikwendu wondered why a clergy would sound ‘un pastor like’ in his grammatical tone, which he described as abusive style.
She however, accused her estranged husband as the one who responded on behalf of Olorunmagba, wondering as well why Fani-kayode would do that.
She wrote:
“How come Femi Fani Kayode is the one responding for Mr Olorunmagba? The grammatical tone and abusive style sounds “un pastor like” and the mailing list all from Femi Fani kayode. These have been his usual stories without proofs since I left in August last year. Emmanuel Olorumagba, other pastors whom I won’t make famous and Femi will not distort my focus and resolve to have access to my children this holiday just as the court ordered last Wednesday.
“Whatever stories came from cohabiting with him and his pastors are irrelevant. I would not loose my focus, but instead appeal that Mr Fani-Kayode obeys the court order and let me have access to my children at a neutral environment and in presence of both my lawyers and his lawyers if need be. My children are all that matters to me.”
For as many that has been following the war of words between the former minister and the former former beauty queen, it is obvious that only time will reveal who will blink first even as the Wednesday, the D-Day draws closer.
Boss Picks
My Achievements, a Function of Clear Vision, Strategic Plan, Dedicated Team – Senator Ajagunnla
By Eric Elezuo
While most Nigerians complain about the inefficiency of most of their representatives in the Senate, very many others are head over heels in joy and excitement regarding the humongous projects their frontliners are churning out, ranging from infrastructure development and human capacity development to sheer philanthropism.
One of such senators, who is at home with the reasons he is in the Senate, and dishing out maximum performance, is the Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, and the Basofin, Ajagunnla Olubiyi Fadeyi; a wholesome entrepreneur, family man and a man with an eye for details.
In this exclusive interview with The Boss, in his Abuja office, Senator Ajagunnla went down memorylane to provide answers to the myriad of firsts that make him the ceteris paribus of senatorial representation, as well as a deep reflection on his 18 months of stewardship as a senator, the magnificent launch of a Two Billion Naira Intervention Fund among a host of others.
Excerpts:
Senator Fadeyi sir, could you please start by sharing a brief of your educational background, and how it has shaped your political career?
Certainly! My educational journey dates back to my early days in Ife, where I attended the prestigious University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University. I followed it up with a Masters degree in the United Kingdom, and went ahead to attend the renowned Harvard School, Oxford, and London School of Economics. This great institutions have been, and make profound influence over my career trajectory.
Education for me has always been a pathway to make a difference, and Nelson Mandela’s words resonate deeply with me: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is this philosophy that motivates me daily to serve my constituents, and the broader Nigerian community, in the Senate, striving to use my platform for impactful change.
That’s really very obvious. Now, before joining politics, what was your professional journey like, and how did it prepare you for the Senate?
My career journey is a consequence of international engagements, which have taken me to over 20 countries, where I was fully engaged in financial business investment and infrastructure development in roads, bridges and deep seaport construction. These deepened my leadership and global outlook. Again, studying at the prestigious Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School and Harvard Kennedy School of Government strengthened my expertise in international business and now, in my legislative duties. As you can see, I use them to benefit my constituency and Nigeria at large.
Serving as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communication, Trade, and Investment, I’ve leveraged my background to support substantial projects in Nigeria including the $3 billion Green Line Rail Project, the $750 million Lekki Port Access Road, the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port investment and $1.6 billion Abuja-Keffi-Markudi-9th Mile-Enugu Dualization road project with my core partners in the last 14 years. These initiatives are bringing direct economic benefits and creating thousands of jobs for Nigerians. Each project reflects my commitment to fostering a globally competitive Nigeria through strategic partnerships and foreign investment.
What prompted or inspired your entry into politics, and how has that journey been so far?
My primary inspiration was my father; an educationist, elder stateman, Member of the House of Representatives (MHR) in the 2nd Republic under Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), representing Ila Federal Constituency, who devoted his life to mentoring young minds. His dedication to human capacity and capital development instilled in me the importance of public service.
John Quincy Adams captured it well when he said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Although it has been a journey marked by challenges, the chance to enact and effect change for my senatorial zone and country is a privilege that makes every effort worth the while.
Your achievements notwithstanding, there will always be challenges. Kindly talk about the challenges you faced on your way to the Senate?
Like you rightly said, as with any journey to leadership, there were obstacles. Leadership isn’t always comfortable, as Martin Luther King Jr. would say: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” The road was far from smooth, with both internal and external hurdles. Yet, these experiences have strengthened my resolve and solidified my commitment to bring positive change for the people who put their trust in me.
Who are the mentors or role models that have influenced your political career?
Again, I would say my father; he is undisputed, undoubtedly a guiding figure, a mentor, a teacher who taught me that leadership is about integrity, resilience, and service. Additionally, I look up to many world leaders whose lives exemplify commitment to public good. Their examples have been instrumental in my journey.
What are your main legislative priorities for Osun Central and Nigeria?
My goal is to foster sustainable development across our communities with total consideration to the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who said, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” My legislative focus is on job creation, educational advancement, and infrastructure development, aiming for a future where every Nigerian has the tools to thrive.
Now, how do you respond to critics, who say the Senate is overpaid and underperforming?
I take this criticism seriously, and understand why it exists. As a senator, I believe in working with dedication, transparency, and accountability. Theodore Roosevelt said it best: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” I work each day to show Nigerians that our commitment to their welfare is genuine.
Transparency is a major concern in the allocation of constituency projects. How do you ensure funds are effectively utilized?
Transparency is essential. I am a firm believer in the saying, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” By involving community stakeholders, and keeping an open line with my constituents, I make sure every project is monitored, every fund spent is accounted for, and that our resources truly impact people’s lives.
Many Nigerians feel the Senate does not focus on issues affecting the common person. How do you address this?
Each time we debate in the 10th Senate, we’re representing the people’s voices, raising concerns that reflect their daily challenges. My commitment is to continue advocating policies and projects that directly address the needs of the average Nigerian, ensuring that the Senate’s work resonates with them.
How do you stay connected with the people of Osun Central?
I stay engaged through grassroots efforts and personal visits, town hall meetings, and inclusion of Royal fathers is key. This helps me to address community needs directly. Recently, we rehabilitated critical roads, installed transformers, and set up solar-powered boreholes, among other projects. By listening to, and acting on the people’s needs, I am ensuring that they remain my priority.
Balancing public service with family can be demanding. How do you manage this?
My love for my constituents is profound, but my family is irreplaceable. With their unwavering support, I am able to balance these responsibilities, always aiming to serve both my family and my community with dedication.
How were you able to achieve so much for your constituents in such a short period?
It’s all about having a clear vision, putting together strategy plan with a dedicated team. As Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” Through partnerships and teamwork, we’ve implemented projects quickly, and my commitment to human capital development, including the Ajagunnla Olubiyi Fadeyi Bursary awards has impacted over 1,650 students across disciplines and Training of 20 youths in China in Agriculture development, IT, AI, Digital Economy and CNG Conversion.
On a finally note sir, how would you react to the advocacy for their own state by the Igbomina-speaking people?
In a democracy, everyone deserves a sense of belonging. With their rich resources, from gold to marble and talc, the Igbomina people present a viable case. Our role in the 10th Assembly is to consider these aspirations while balancing national priorities.
It’s been wonderful speaking with you sir. Thank you for your time.
The pleasure is mine, Eric, thank you!
By Eric Elezuo
It was electric, indescribable and absolutely emotional as the Nigerian Community resident in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, pulled all the stops to give veteran journalist, who is the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, a rousing welcome, as he visits the town.
Momodu’s international influence came to the fore as the Nigerians, led by the ebullient social media content creator, YYC Social Prefect, and their other African friends, rolled out the drums at the airport, singing traditional songs in royal welcome, and sweaty dance steps that say so much about the African culture, with special emphasis to the Nigerian way of life, which Momodu, in over three decades of journalism have dedicated his life to projecting.
Among many places he visited were the African Treasure Market, run by a princess of Ile-Ife, Mrs Tomi Ajayi nee Aderemi, where everything Africa in terms of groceries, was on display.
His other port of call was the Health Watch Medical Clinic where the duo of Mr Emmanuel Aladi and Dr. Flora Aladi along with their impressive staff, gave him a much deserved welcome. Momodu was presented a customary ‘kola’ in appreciation and welcome.
At the second branch of Health Watch Medical Clinic, Momodu was received by Dr. Robert Aka, who could not hide his joy at meeting the proverbial publisher of Ovation International Magazine.
Momodu also visited the Delish Restaurant (African Cuisine), which showcased the best of African food. The restaurant is a typical a home away from home.
There was also a visit to Beauty Sponge, where delectable proprietress, Tola Banks, took the special guest and every other person present on a round Robin journey of how she got to her present status. She was a delight to watch.
Chief also put up a cameo appearance at HODYYC, where Pastor Olatunbosun was in charge.
At Flavour Restaurant, the first Nigerian Restaurant in Calgary, owned by Mrs Bola Esan, Chief Momodu was treated to sumptuous lunch comprising dishes from not a few continents in company of Lanre Ajayi, Imole Ayo and Kazeem Shamshudeen.
However, the ultimate of Momodu’s visits was at the Osuji and Smith Lawyers, where diminutive Nigerian professionals showcased the mettle that make Nigerians great in the league of global business.
The visit is summed up in the speech presented by Barrister Juliet Omonigho as presented below:
WELCOME SPEECH IN HONOUR of CHIEF DR. DELE MOMODU ON HIS VISIT TO OSUJI & SMITH LAWYERS, CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA
Delivered by
BARRISTER JULIETTE OMONIGHO
OSUJI & SMITH LAWYERS, DIRECTOR, FOOT IN THE DOOR INITIATIVE
Date: SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
I cannot even believe that this is happening. My name is Juliette Omonigho. I am legal counsel at this firm, a Director at the Foot In the Door Initiative, and a huge fan!
So I have the greatest joy and honour to welcome a most distinguished guest: one of Nigeria’s most illustrious sons, a giant of Africa, a giant in the fields of journalism, publishing, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, a global icon, a visionary who changed the way Africa and its stories are told to the world—the epitome of glamour! Just look at him! We stand in awe of your achievements, Chief Dr. Dele Momodu.
Charles Osuji and the whole team of Osuji & Smith lawyers are deeply privileged to welcome you, whose name is synonymous with excellence, integrity, and cultural pride. Chief Dr. Dele Momodu, we humbly welcome you to our firm’s main location.
Chief Dr. Dele Momodu, your life is an inspiration. From the ancient and storied city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, you have not only risen to become a global force in media but have also remained true to your roots; you have committed to telling the African story from the African perspective. Your work through Ovation International, magazine and the Boss Newspaper has crossed borders and bridged cultural divides, reflecting a deep understanding of the beauty, diversity, and resilience of Africa and its diaspora.
ON OVATION MAGAZINE
Can I just talk about Ovation magazine for a moment, Africa’s finest magazine! Wow, I remember the first time I saw an Ovation magazine. Before then, we only saw celebrities from Hollywood in magazines, even in our own local magazines! It was powerful to see Nigerian glamour in print in a glossy, world-class magazine format!
Every Nigerian, from baby boomers to millennials, passed through the excellence delivered by Ovation International. Since its inception in 1996, Ovation has remained a beacon of glamour, culture, and sophistication. Chief Dr. Dele Momodu’s touch of publishing brilliance was unlike anything the continent had seen. It set a new standard, one that many tried to imitate but could never quite replicate. Like-minded magazines emerged, all attempting to be Ovation, which is great because Ovation International set the pace, but none ever reached the same heights. Every magazine wanted to be Ovation, and everyone wanted to be in Ovation.
One of my favourite ads from Ovation back in the day was the cheeky line: “If you’ve already had your wedding and it wasn’t featured in Ovation, you had to do it again.” It was a lighthearted take, but it carried so much truth. Ovation wasn’t just a magazine; it was a cultural movement. There was no denying its gravitational pull. The glitz, the colours, the glamour—we were all captivated. But even beyond that, you celebrated Africa, not just the grand celebrations of the elite of Africa, and I tell you they are grand but also the inspiring stories of everyday heroes. We are all proud that this is our magazine, from Nigeria to Africa and the world!
And as technology evolved, so did Chief Dr. Dele Momodu and Ovation. What’s fascinating is that while others were still trying to catch up, Chief Momodu was already leading the way, entering the digital space. Ovation remains unmatched, a testament to the lasting vision and drive of Chief Dr. Momodu. A great example for others to follow.
You are courageous, and you continue to innovate. Your impact on how the world perceives Africa cannot be overstated. Africa is not a continent of starving children but of unique sophistication and glamour. Because of your contributions, sir, Africa is no longer seen as merely a continent of challenges but one of limitless potential, immense culture, and success—lifting the image of Africa and promoting its stories in the most vibrant and authentic way possible. And now the world proudly sees that.
STILL ON OVATION AND CHARLES OSUJI
We showcase our glamorous music, film and cultural industries, and you took the lead in making that happen. Film and cultural industries You have won numerous accolades; you have met President Bill Clinton, President George Walker Bush and even the Queen of England, to name a few, and you have touched the lives of millions across the globe. But most of all, you are a wonderful family man and a loving father. We admire you for that.
As we celebrate his presence with us today, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between his inspiring journey and that of our very own Dr. Charles Osuji and the phenomenal growth of Osuji & Smith Lawyers.
Sir, let me tell you a bit about Dr. Charles Osuji; like Chief Dr. Momodu, he embarked on a journey fueled by vision and determination. Charles arrived in Canada and quickly rose through the ranks with sheer hard work, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In just a few short years, five years to be exact, he went from a young Nigerian boy in his twenties who, though graduated at the top of his class, seemed to have no prospects when he arrived in Canada, working three menial jobs to make ends meet, to finally getting an articling position after over 200 rejections! He bought the firm just three years after Articling and, in just five short years as managing partner, led it to become the largest black-owned law firm in Canada! His story is one of resilience, innovation, courage and the kind of tenacity that transforms dreams into reality.
Osuji & Smith Lawyers, under Charles’ leadership, mirrors the journey of Ovation International. Both entities began with a vision, faced numerous challenges, achieved feats that had never been achieved before… and ultimately became symbols of success and excellence in their respective fields. Just as Chief Dr. Dele Momodu has become a beacon of pride for Africa in the global media landscape, Dr. Charles Osuji and his firm have become shining examples of what can be achieved by a young immigrant lawyer with no connections in Canada but through hard work and a commitment to uplifting others rise to national recognition in this country.
Through the Foot in the Door Initiative, FIDI, an organization founded to empower internally trained lawyers Charles, our firm’s reach is international, giving incredible opportunities to internationally trained lawyers around the world to gain legal experience so they do not have to spend years writing hundreds of applications as he did before getting a foot in the door into a legal profession.
As a director of the program, we get contacted by lawyers from around the world about the opportunity to be part of the initiative, and we say yes, which gives them the confidence to move to Canada to pursue their legal careers. The impact of the FIDI innovation is truly global.
Our firm is so successful because Charles has assembled an incredible team of legal minds producing first-class work and the most dedicated and brilliant administrative staff. And collectively, we are all determined and dedicated to giving back. We are a full-service law firm with a diverse staff that speaks over 31 languages; by the way, Chief Momodu, we know you are a linguist who speaks several languages. Our ages range from twenties to seventies, and we serve a diverse Canada.
As a result of Charles’ leadership, Nigeria is uplifting others regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality. Over 200 FIDI students from different races have passed through our doors. Osuji & Smith has won landmark cases that established precedents, especially in employment law.
Our firm has won over 105 awards across Canada, and Charles was recognized as one of Canada’s 25 most influential lawyers at age 35.
Chief Dr. Momodu, you have led the way, setting an incredible example for a person like Dr. Charles Osuji—to rise to remarkable heights while keeping your focus on a larger mission: showcasing excellence, rewriting narratives, and creating opportunities for others. Your story continues to impact us even in the diaspora. It reminds us that with vision, determination, and the courage to stand for something greater than ourselves, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
Chief Dr. Dele Momodu, we are deeply honored to welcome you today to Osuji & Smith Lawyers. You are an icon! You inspire us all. Thank you for being a shining example of what is possible and for paving the way for future generations of storytellers, leaders, and change-makers.
Please join me again in giving a warm welcome to the one and only Chief Dr. Dele Momodu! I will now invite Dr. Charles Osuji for a presentation.
References:
https://omojuwa.medium.com/dele-momodu-more-than-meets-the-eye-3f6708022be6
Chief Dr. Dele Momodu: The Influential Voice in Media to Inspire at Calgary’s Cultural Trilogy
Chief Dele Momodu has remained a global figure, who has used his media platforms to project the integrity and class of the African continent. And of course, the people of Calgary Alberta, Canada, quite recognized his feat in all ramifications.
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