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Oba Adedokun Abolarin Gives Mother Befitting Burial in Oke-Ila

Published

1 year ago

February 2, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The busy town of Oke-Ila, Orangun in Osun State, came much more alive as the remains of Mama Mary Ibiteye Abolarin, the mother of the paramount ruler of the town, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, made her final journey to her final resting place.

With an array of dignitaries and community leaders in attendance, the event turned into another carnival of some sort.

The obsequious moments reached an elaborate crescendo on January 29, when a service of songs was held at Obasolo’s Compound with ministers from the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Oke-Ila, Orangun, supervising proceedings.

The night featured tributes, eulogies and encomiums from children, well wishers and friends of the deceased, who passed away at the riped age of 92 as well as Bible readings and recitations. It was capped with a short sermon by the officiating minister before members of Mama’s family were prayed for.

The following day featured an elaborate Christian funeral service at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, before a mother of all reception was held in her honour, following the interment.

The frontline traditional ruler and philanthropist, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Osun State, Oba Dr Adedokun AAbolarin did not spare any expense to give his mother a well deserved burial, gathering the men and women of timbre and calibre, movers and shakers of Osun politics and traditional rulers across Yorubaland.

Among the dignitaries were Chief Dele Momodu, Senator Fadeyi Ajagunla and a host of other

The Matriarch of the Abolarin Family, whose death in November 2024 was confirmed by Oba Abolurin, died peacefully in her sleep.

“Mummy died the way she predicted almost 25 years ago.

“No major illness! Routinely, a medical doctor saw her a day preceding her death and certified her okay for her age, she slept later in the night and didn’t wake up.

“She died at her appointed time with her Maker.

“A radiant soul, a loving heart, Mama’s sojourn on earth was a life well-lived with legacies to impart. Her 92 years on earth were truly a blessing filled with industry, patience, and love shining through.

“With unwavering devotion, my mummy served the Lord, she was a faithful servant, with a heart forever adored. Her candour was refreshing, her spirit bold, and woman of principle, never to grow cold. Mummy, you were not just diplomatic, not like us, Igbomina, Oyo, Ibadan!!”

According to him, Mama showed kindness to family and friends, leaving behind fond memories that will forever be shared.

The late Mama Abolurin, Nee Olayomi, who hailed from Ile Aro Owa, Ipoti-Ekiti, was born on October 26, 1932 and transited on Thursday November 21, 2024.

She started life as a teacher and later engaged in trading from 1960.

She was blessed with wonderful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her first child, Elder Oladapo Abolarin, an Environmentalist and one-time Director of Forestry in Osun State, pre-deceased her in 2014, leaving behind the immediate brother, Alayeluwa Oba Dr Adedokun Abolarin and four siblings.

The monarch is followed by Mrs Omolayo Bamiduro, a retired Nurse, Abimbola Farinola, a school teacher and Bamidele Durotade Abolarin, an Ibadan based, Legal practitioner.

THE MAN, OBA ADEDOKUN ABOLARIN

A man of the people, with many glorious caps, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Òràngún of Òkè-Ìlá in Osun State, who in the recent past, was honoured with the degree of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) of the prestigious Leeds City University, Ibadan Oyo State, is more than just a traditional ruler.

A letter of award, signed by the School’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mrs. Oyebola Ayeni, places Oba Aboderin on a high pedestal in humanity, staing that his “immeasurable support and selfless service to the University since inception, your credentials as a worthy role model to the our students and academic community, your solid credentials in grassroots and urban development and your excellent example of royalty worthy of emulation; not forgetting your philanthropic gestures by way of sponsorship of many indigent students in your community to be educated and lifting your subjects out of poverty with your varied development efforts.”

It is worthy of note that the award of honorary degrees of Lead City University is specially given to people of exceptional merit and character. Consequently, the Oba is eminently qualified to be so honoured. The award was presented to Oba Abolarin during the University’s 12th Convocation ceremony on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at the school premises.

Born on September 24, 1958, the Òràngún of Òkè-Ìlá, in Ifedayo Local Government area of Osun State, Oba Adedokun Abolarin hails from the Obasolo Ruling House, one of the three ruling houses among which the title rotates in Òkè-Ìlá.

Oba Adedokun Abolarin, who was installed on December 8, 2006 is reputed as a well educated professional, versed in law. He attended the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (formerly University of Ife) where he merited a Bachelors of Law degree, a Master’s Degree in International Relations, as well as B.Sc degree in Political Science. At installation, Oba Abolarin chose the title, Aroyinkeye I, which is translated as “one who finds honey to tend the title.”

Until his installation 2006, the Òràngún of Òkè-Ìlá was a licensed law practitioner with the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He was also the Principal Partner of Dokun Abolarin & Co., a firm of Solicitors and Legal Consultants, which had served as Company Secretary to various corporations among whom are Tell Publications (Publishers of Tell Magazine), Pacific Holdings, Peachtree Communications Ltd, Sportsmark International and Springtime Development Foundation.

A well tutored academic on Nigerian government and politics, the royal father has a wealth of researched and flawlessly written books covering the period 1914 amalgamation to the present. In his writings, he evaluated component elements of federal, regional/state, and local government administration, analyzed Nigerian foreign policy, political parties and pressure groups.

A kind husband to his wives, dedicated father to his biological children and subjects, Oba Aboderin has left nothing to chance in his quest to see that the best happens to his community, bringing his knowledge and experience in life affairs to bear. As a result, his developmental strides have generated thrills and excitement among his people both at home and in the Diaspora as well as those who have cross his path.

An educationist to the core, Oba Abolarin is the Founder of Abolarin College, Oke-Ila-Orangun, Osun State. In his assessment, the school was set up to fight poverty through education and strictly for indigent students of Nigeria. The school has not fallen short in achieving the lofty ideal.

Oba Aboderin is married to many wives and is blessed by a good number of children.

ABOUT OKE-ILA, ORANGUN

The royal father rules over Òkè-Ìlá Òràngún, a mostly agrarian town of about 35, 000 persons according to the 2005 population census. The people of Òkè-Ìlá Òràngún kingdom speak a distinctive dialect of the Yoruba language called Igbomina (or Ogbonna). Apart from agrarian occupation, the town has a significant number of artisans, traders, hunters of wild game, school-teachers and other worthy professionals.

Òkè-Ìlá Òràngún is famous for the energetic dancing and acrobatic skills of its Elewe, the region’s primary Egungun, a dancing masquerade ensemble representing the ancestors during various traditional festivals. The Egungun Elewe is unique to the Igbomina Yoruba sub-group. There are other less popular but unique and peculiar Egungun in the kingdom.

May Mama’s soul rest in perfect peace!

Featured

Court Reserves Ruling in Times Multimedia Suit Against Afreximbank Over CAX IP Dispute

Published

1 day ago

July 5, 2026

Eric

By Andrew Orolua

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has reserved ruling in the intellectual property suit between Times Multimedia Ltd. and the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, and others, following arguments on a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

The matter came up on Thursday, July 2, 2026, before Honourable Justice Osiagor.

Times Multimedia Ltd., a Nigerian media and events company, is the originator and registered proprietor of “CAX” – the Creative Africa Exchange.

Court documents state that Times Multimedia conceived CAX in 2017/2018 as a continental trade and investment platform designed to finance, market, and monetize Africa’s creative and cultural industries. In 2018, the company formally presented the CAX concept, framework, and business model to Afreximbank for partnership and institutional backing.

Following engagements with Times Multimedia on the CAX proposal, Afreximbank in 2020 launched its own initiative known as the Creative Africa Nexus, CANEX. Times Multimedia alleges that CANEX substantially adopted the core concept, objectives, and structure of CAX without license, attribution, or contractual agreement, leading to the present suit for intellectual property infringement.

Afreximbank and other defendants filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection, contending that the bank enjoys immunity from judicial proceedings in Nigeria under the _Afreximbank Establishment Agreement, 1993_, Section 9 of the _Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act_, Cap D1, LFN 2004, and the _African Export-Import Bank (Privileges and Immunities) Order, 2014_.

Afreximbank was established in October 1993 by African governments and investors to promote intra-African trade. Nigeria is a founding signatory. Article 50 of the Establishment Agreement provides that the Bank enjoys immunity from legal process except to the extent that it expressly waives such immunity.

Counsel to Times Multimedia Ltd. opposed the objection. Counsel argued that the immunity claimed by Afreximbank is not absolute, and that the same Establishment Agreement contains provisions contemplating circumstances where the bank may be sued or subjected to judicial proceedings, particularly in respect of commercial transactions.

The claimant’s legal team further urged the court to interpret the relevant instruments holistically and to avoid any construction that would unjustifiably deny an aggrieved Nigerian entity access to court in the absence of a clear and express exclusion of the court’s jurisdiction, as guaranteed under Section 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.

Counsel for both sides argued extensively for over one hour. At the end of proceedings, Justice Osiagor reserved the matter for ruling and adjourned the case to Monday, 29 September 2026.

The ruling will determine whether the suit can proceed against Afreximbank before the Federal High Court.

Featured

Fake Agency Scandal: NDC Demands Gbajabiamila’s Sack

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to an alleged multi-billion-naira corruption scandal involving a purported non-existent government agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition party described the allegations as grave and said Gbajabiamila’s continued stay in office could compromise any credible investigation into the matter.

The NDC’s demand follows allegations made by Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, an agency the Presidency has publicly denied exists.

According to the party, the allegations raise serious concerns about transparency, accountability and integrity within the Tinubu administration.

The NDC alleged that despite the Presidency’s denial of the agency’s existence, the PFIPC purportedly secured budgetary allocations in the 2026 Appropriation Act and opened a domiciliary account, a Pound Sterling account and a Treasury Single Account (TSA) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The party questioned how an agency described as non-existent could allegedly establish multiple high-level government financial accounts without official approval or the required documentation.

It also called on the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to explain whether forged documents were used in processing the accounts.

The statement further alleged that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation approved 314 staff positions for the purported agency, describing the development as another issue requiring urgent explanation.

According to the NDC, the allegations also include claims that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s take-off grant, reportedly valued at N27.39 billion, a request Adeyemi allegedly rejected.

The party also cited Adeyemi’s claim that he secured his appointment through the Chief of Staff after allegedly paying N600 million, of which N400 million was allegedly paid through proxies, while N200 million remained outstanding.

It said the alleged unpaid balance reportedly contributed to the Presidency’s subsequent denial of the agency’s existence.

The NDC further alleged that the claims point to a wider pattern of institutional corruption, including the alleged sale of public appointments.

The party also linked the controversy to the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom it described as an intermediary between Adeyemi and the Chief of Staff.

According to the statement, Tanimola reportedly died in a fire incident at a hotel in Utako, Abuja, on October 22, 2025, a day after the police reportedly received a petition from the Chief of Staff.

The NDC also referenced Adeyemi’s claims that he survived multiple assassination attempts, including an attack along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on September 7, 2025, and alleged that certain individuals within government are plotting to eliminate him.

Against the backdrop of the allegations, the party demanded the immediate removal of Gbajabiamila to allow what it described as a full and impartial investigation.

It also called on President Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine the alleged operations of the PFIPC, including its budgetary allocations, financial transactions, account openings and staff recruitment.

The NDC further urged investigators to probe the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death and the alleged assassination attempts on Adeyemi, while recommending that Adeyemi be granted witness protection.

The party also demanded that the Chief of Staff produce all official documents signed since assuming office for forensic examination.

In addition, it called for the questioning of officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation over their alleged roles in the matter.

The opposition party also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to commence what it described as a thorough investigation without fear or favour.

“The NDC will not accept the usual tactic of issuing a mere defensive press release from the Presidency as a deflective ploy. Nigerians deserve to know the truth through a transparent process that promotes fairness and justice,” the statement said.

The Presidency has previously maintained that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila had responded to the fresh allegations contained in the NDC statement.

Featured

Glo-sponsored African Voices Features Former CNN Anchor, Isha Sesay

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

Accomplished journalist and former Cable News Network (CNN) International anchor, Isha Sesay, will this week return to the studios of the global news network, not as an interviewer, but as the subject of its celebrated 30-minute magazine programme, African Voices, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.

The episode will shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of the distinguished broadcaster whose career has traversed some of the most influential corridors of international journalism.

The 50-year-old British-Sierra Leonean media personality, born on January 6, 1976, rose to prominence through an illustrious career at CNN, which she joined as a news anchor in 2005 after distinguished stints with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Sky News. Over the years, Sesay became one of the most recognisable and respected faces in global television news, bringing clarity and composure to some of the world’s most consequential stories.

An alumna of Trinity College, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Sesay steadily carved a distinctive niche for herself in broadcast journalism. In 2009, she became the host of the inaugural edition of International Desk, CNN’s weekly news programme, further cementing her reputation as a journalist of substance and international standing.

Her career afforded her the opportunity to engage with numerous eminent personalities, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and his successor, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, among other notable global figures.

Sesay also contributed to Anderson Cooper 360° as presenter of the 360 Bulletin, a role she assumed on January 17, 2011. Subsequently, she was reassigned as anchor of another flagship news programme, CNN NewsCenter, continuing a professional trajectory that reflected both versatility and excellence.

Beyond the newsroom, Sesay has demonstrated a deep commitment to social impact. In 2014, she launched her educational and humanitarian non-profit advocacy initiative for the African girl-child. The organisation, aptly named Women Everywhere Can Lead, has since provided educational support and empowerment opportunities aimed at nurturing a new generation of female leaders across the continent.

More recently, Sesay captured public attention with her personal journey into motherhood, welcoming her first child through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) as a single mother. Her experience has resonated with many women around the world, adding another compelling chapter to a life story already rich in courage, resilience and inspiration.

On this edition of African Voices, Sesay will share insights into her distinguished career, her enduring advocacy for girls’ education and empowerment, as well as her new and deeply personal adventure into motherhood. The programme will air on Saturday at 7.30am.

Repeat broadcasts will follow at 11.00am on the same day, while additional screenings are scheduled for Sunday at 3.30am and 6.00pm. Further rebroadcasts will air on Monday at 3.00am and 5.45pm, and on Tuesday at 5.45 pm, with the same time belt continuing into the following week until Monday at 3.00am