Headline

50th Birthday: How Seyi Vodi Brought Abuja to a Standstill

Published

7 months ago

July 22, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

This is the story of how one man, through dedication, commitment, steadfastness, hardwork, focus and integrity conquered the world of enterprise, built empires and continue to affect humanity positively. This is the story of Seyi Adekunle, known professionally as Seyi Vodi. This is the story of a young man, who transmuted temporary setback to permanent success. The is the story of a proud ‘tailor’, who turned his ordinary craft to a goldmine. This is the story of never-say-die.

On July 19, 2025, Seyi Vodi struck gold when he turned 50 years. He pulled all the stops to celebrate God’s kindness, mercies and provision, drawing to Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, the creme de la creme of the society, ranging from traditional rulers, top government functionaries, top politicians, A-list entertainers from both Nollywood and the music industries, top legal practitioners, industrialists and a host of very important personalities across board.

The soiree kickstarted with an all-white praise and worship session that unleashed all the emotions the celebrant had soaked in many years of striving and thriving. It was held at the newly constructed elegant Vodi Towers, in Mabushi, Abuja, where the renowned fashion designer, who tailored his way into stardom, in league with lovers of great tidings released a no holds barred worship to God for His faithfulness, love, sustenance and provision.

The ambience that surrounded the environment spoke volumes of the level of appreciation and affection about to be unleashed on the night. From the entrance of the edifice to the red carpet, and straight to the main hall, where soft LED pin lights, gold accents, and pristine white chairs littered casually in spendour, the stage was set for a gracious encounter with the Divine Being, even as guests appeared like angelic vessels in their sparkling white attires. Also lending credence to the lofty image of heaven that themed the event was a towering, gold-trimmed portrait of Vodi. The decorator did not forget to include series of confetti, loud fireworks and more to steadily define the pomp associated with the event. It was in practically terms the celebration of ‘what God cannot do does not exist’.

Owning to exactly what it was, the praise and worship sessions took place in quick succession with notable praise and worship leaders, Tope Alabi and Adeyinka Alaseyori setting the tone for a spiritual renewal.

The atmosphere drew tears of joy from the eyes of the worshippers, especially when Vodi dropped to his knees in unhindered adoration. With hands raised, tears flowing and lips moving in ecstatic confession of gratitude and humility, Vodi released his love for his maker.

Then the moment when the adorable happy birthday song was sung, amid fireworks, Vodi was stretched on the floor. His was an acknowledgement and admiration of the Godfactor in all his dealings.

Then comes the birthday party a day after, at the refurbished Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, where more celebrities and elites throng the venue. From former Liberian President George Weah to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, and HRH Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the green decked atmosphere and hall was filled. Also in attendance were super entertainment buffs including like Funke Akindele, 2Baba, AY Makun, Kate Henshaw, Timi Dakolo and Patoranking, giving the night a unmistakable blend of everything that makes life.

There was also in attendance Chief Dele Momodu, Obi Cubana, Ned Nwoko, Ifeanyi Odii, and many others. The events confirmed Vodi’s influence, unlimited clientele and the prestigious position he commands in the society. This is the story of a discharged Corps member, who was rejected after a bank job interview. A story of grass to grace.

To top the luxury associated with the celebrations, Vodi gifted himself a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series 2 with market value of $700,000 (over ₦1.09 billion).

A roll call of notable personalities at the event were former Liberian President George Weah, former president of Liberia and Africa’s sole ballon d’or winner, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Bishop David Abioye, Chief Dele Momodu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Interior Affairs Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (the Ọjájá II); Chairman, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede; Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Dino Melaye, Chief Ebenezer Obey, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, Seyi Tinubu, Ayiri Emami, Sumisola Agbebi, Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Lateef Adedimeji, Enyinna Nwigwe, Seyi Awolowo, AY, The General, Ashiri, MC Papi, Tubaba Idibia, Patoranking.

There was also presence of CEOs of top companies and top fashion designers across Nigeria, including Mai Atafo.

WHO IS SEYI VODI?

Born Seyi Adekunle (OON) in Lagos, on July 19, 2025, the fashion entrepreneur, who hails from Osun State, is the founder and chairman of the Vodi Group of companies, comprising Vodi Tailors, Vodi Debo, Vodi Kleen, Vodi Textile, the Vodi Training and Mentorship Institute, Gazza and Real Estate investments.

Popularly known as ‘Seyi Vodi’, he helped to evolve a modern iteration of the agbada that has gone on to be mainstream by extending its representation beyond what was the traditional look. His research work and deployment of his findings helped to bring about a modern outlook for traditional outfits in a way never seen before, until Seyi Vodi’s pioneering work.

His works have found pride of place on several Nollywood movies whilst Vodi himself has been an Executive Producer on a number of movie projects.

Seyi Vodi has been a reference point for tailoring on the continent. He now caters to captains of industry, presidents in the sub-region, governors, some of the continent’s billionaires, actors, super star musicians and a clientele base that could make for a who-is-who in Africa. The Vodi Green House has been referred to by some as the meeting point of Africa’s richest and most famous people. Vodi Tailors has a layered product offering that caters to the high and mighty, whilst also managing to prioritise the middle class.

Adekunle’s Vodi Training Institute has graduated thousands of tailors from every part of Nigeria who have gone on to set up impressive tailoring companies and platforms across Nigeria and beyond. Imbibing in them The Vodi Way, he continues to mentor and support young and not so young entrepreneurs across different sectors of the economy. Most of the graduates of his training institute enjoy full scholarships throughout their period of study. Whilst he has preferred to keep his philanthropy away from glaring eyes, Seyi Vodi has intervened via providing grants for corps members to start businesses, supporting young entrepreneurs whilst contributing to development projects in his alma mater, the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID).

A Barrack Boy, Seyi Vodi attended the Police Children School, Maiduguri and then proceeded to the Government Secondary School, Bama for his secondary education. He eventually obtained a degree in Geology from the University of Maiduguri. His experience has built him a network of friends, allies and clients that cut across every nook and cranny of Africa, comprising every ethnic group and religious leaning.
His journey as a tailor started during his National Youth Service Corp in Akwa Ibom State. He made friends with tailors and eventually learned the art of tailoring from spending time with them and intentionally picking his lessons during the period. He has gone from making shirts and boxers for his colleagues at the time, to building a multimillion-dollar group of companies. His range of products and services are proudly Nigerian brands.

Vodi Tailors started as Testimony Fabrics in 2001, before Adekunle settled for a shorter and an African name, Vodi, in 2003. It has gone on to become a reference point for tailoring and fashion on the continent. Now in its third decade, it is set to advance its expansion to the rest of the world with the Vodi Group having now completed its magnificent multi-story headquarter set to be the cynosure of all eyes when it is finally unveiled to the public.

Adekunle’s journey was not always a smooth one. He failed the test to join a bank in 2002. His application to work for the bank eventually fell through. Adekunle remained undeterred as he dedicated more time to his tailoring business. He eventually secured a job at the bank the following year but left the job to commit himself to a career in fashion designing. He had no office nor shop at the time, so he worked from home, travelled around to purchase materials and made his deliveries with a go-bag in tow.
The company that Adekunle built has gone on to build people, touch lives and birth new companies for himself and others.

Employing about 1000 people, the Vodi Group continues to expand its reach and range of products and services. He remains a telling proof of what is possible in Nigeria despite its numerous challenges. If there ever was a Nigerian dream and indeed there is, Seyi Vodi is a shining example of what we can do, of who we can become when the power of commitment meets persistence and dedication to duty.

Mr Seyi Adekunle was honoured by President Buhari as Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in recognition of his exemplary work as a business leader and fashion designer. He lives in Abuja and is happily married with three children.

SEYI VODI AND THE DELE MOMODU CONNECTION

Bob Dee is one of those people you could place in an exclusive list of icons that Vodi respects the most. He found inspiration in BobDee’s own story and was greatly inspired by the pioneering power and excellence of Ovation Magazine, to this day a reference point of contemporary culture and glamour in Africa. Vodi remains grateful for the many support Bob Dee lent him in years past and they continue to enjoy a deeply inspiring and beautiful relationship, which has spanned 15 years. It is noted that his biggest passion while pursuing his dreams was to be like Dele Momodu.

SEYI VODI: BACKGROUND AND EARLY BEGINNING: AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT

Seyi Vodi is an extraordinary Nigerian story. The first of seven children, Seyi was born in Ajegunle, that part of Lagos that is not popular for the opportunities available to its millions of inhabitants. The son of a petty trader mom and a police officer dad, Seyi’s prospects weren’t as glitzy as the world he occupies today, especially as emplified by the grandness of his 50th birthday party celebration in Abuja.

Things could have turned starkly different though because by the time Seyi’s dad was transferred to Maiduguri when he was five, he saw that as an opportunity to pick up some bad habits but this did not last long he was soon to be moved to his grandmother, before the dad picked up to Maiduguri where he enrolled in primary school. His secondary school was in Bama. It was from Bama he got admission to and attended the University of Maiduguri where he earned a diploma and a degree.

Seyi learned to trek extremely long distances to school. After school, he and his siblings would explore different avenues to make money, including hawking on the street or working on construction sites. They were kids who had to grow up quite fast, under the harsh elements and dangers of the streets. This is the world Seyi Vodi was made from, this is what chiseled and honed the man that has grown into such force of entrepreneurship, his detractors insist he doesn’t deserve his success.

One Monday morning whilst X users were debating the size of his Vodi Group, Seyi Vodi was delivering about 400kg worth of his finished products in Sierra-Leone. If you have ever picked up a shoe, t-shirt or dared to make a kaftan or agbada at the Green House Vodi HQ at Kampala St., Wuse 2 Abuja, you’d have a sense of what 400kg of Vodi products are worth. As a clue, an average Vodi agbada will get you about 3 from a ‘pricy’ tailor, at least 10 from a regular one.

Then I saw a post referring to the new Vodi House as a ‘multi-million-naira project’. That person obviously meant well even whilst posting from their own understanding of the capacity of ‘multi-million-naira’. On my part, I know enough to say that the air-conditioning system in that new Vodi HQ, Fashion House, is more in that range. There is no use checking the numbers for other parts of the project.

As with the cost projection made above, people understandably say things based on their depth of knowledge or lack thereof. I spend time at Vodi. I have an idea of the numbers. It is normal to be in there for just 2 hours and in that time see 4 groups of people or individuals pay up tens of millions for clothes, shoes, t-shirts, sweatshirts and other Vodi apparel. Amid this, Seyi is there nudging them to do more. He is never not looking to have you buy more. It does not matter whether you are old or new, Vodi is going to alert you to some new materials you aren’t aware of. And seeing as his clients always have money, they are happy to be led on.

Context is everything. N100m is a lot of money on a good day. However, you start to look at it differently when you see someone just ordered their agbada and kaftan for the quarter and had just forwarded same as payment. In a business like this, it does not take much time for N1b, dressed casual on a good business week, to pass through the bank. I cannot speak for myself because I am not one of his rich clients, but you should ask any of his regular clients how much they spend at Vodi.

I could easily speak about his other business interests or on the fact that for every other major new night life location in Abuja, Vodi was at least at the table for getting it started if his money wasn’t. When I spend time at Vodi’s, I see and hear things that blow my mind. I meet people who casually support causes I introduce to them with sums you’d need several posts on social media to raise over days. By design, his clients are people who have no elastic limit when it comes to what they want in this clothing store.

I understand the unwholesome and limiting reality in our country. The thinking that, one cannot build billion-naira business empires without some unwholesome practices. This thinking isn’t without reason. You and I know why. That, however, cannot excuse us from the consequences of such a mentality. The fact that this is the default thinking, explains why we are here, primarily poor individually and collectively. People who are born here generally know not to dream too big except they intend to steal or do some other thing that’d either land them in jail or land them into tens of billions.

The beauty of the Vodi Story is, it is one that his clients tell. A lot of them know where he started and how he started. They were not always as rich themselves. They share these experiences with as much excitement as he does, especially when the stories intersect his. Vodi’s leaves no gaps, he was out here in Abuja running around looking for people to buy his products. These days, he is running around African capitals delivering to business and political leaders. That is on days when he isn’t at the Vodi HQ hosting the elite of the Nigerian society who have made a home in his clothing empire.

The Spirit of Vodi, his upcoming book will shed more light on his story and hopefully help to codify his business methods and means. He’s got a powerful story to share. Until then, anyone who has ever spent time doing business with him must already know that this one is built different. And if there was one person who makes as much money as Vodi and stays prudent, that’d be a rare species. Because for all his success, Vodi will not splash money like we are used to seeing. He spends it like someone who knows the sweat and time it takes to make one agbada. One who toiled on the streets of Maiduguri and walked the length and Abuja to sell his wares. We need a Vodi Masterclass on building a creative business empire. There are more than enough practical lessons to shape lives for years and build business that’d have people refusing to believe their numbers. After all, in this clime, until such suspicions, you haven’t really done enough.

SEYI VODI’S APPRECIATION

Describing himself as blessed and privileged to be celebrated by guests from far and near, the fashion designer took to Instagram to express his gratitude to all who honoured his invitation.

He extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ooni of Ife, Ola Olukoyede, and others who contributed to the success of his golden jubilee celebration.

Seyi Vodi also expressed his appreciation to the Hausa/Fulani, Igbo, and Niger Delta communities for their support and contributions.

“You are proof we are indeed better together—members of the Diplomatic Corps, leaders of corporate Nigeria. My peers are tailors from across Nigeria, and my colleagues are staff members at Vodi Group.

“The legendary Jide Kosoko leads Nollywood, and Chief Ebenezer Obey leads the music industry. Last but not least, | want to thank my family – my wife and children, siblings, parents and extended family. For the love and support through these years.”

Seyi Vodi noted that, although the ceremony was private, it held significant national importance.

“Our green aso ebi couldn’t have been more apt, being the national colour. This was one for us all. Thank you.”

Photos: Courtesy of Seyi Vodi Additional Info: ©Joshua J. Omojuwa

Headline

Wike Remains Undisputed Rivers APC, PDP Leader, Tinubu Rules

Published

2 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

3 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.

Headline

Incumbency Factor Will Not Determine 2027 Election, Atiku, Obi, Others Talk Tough

Published

7 days ago

January 29, 2026

Eric

The 2027 general elections will not be determined by incumbency, control of State power or wave of political defections, opposition leaders have declared.

They argued that voter choice, opposition unity, and the integrity of the electoral process would ultimately decide the outcome.

The opposition leaders made the declaration at the public launch of “The Loyalist,’’ a memoir by National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, in Abuja.

The event drew a wide mix of opposition leaders, former public office holders, lawmakers, intellectuals and party stakeholders.

Speakers included former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi; former Minister of Interior and ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark, and veteran columnist and public intellectual, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who reviewed the book.

Although convened as a book presentation, the gathering quickly assumed a strong political tone, with speakers repeatedly returning to the issues of opposition unity, leadership responsibility, and the limits of incumbency power, ahead of the next general election.

Addressing what he described as a growing misconception in Nigerian politics, Aregbesola argued that governors and incumbents do not automatically determine election outcomes.

Drawing on the 2023 electoral results, he said the belief that political office guaranteed victory was not supported by evidence.

“The fact that certain governors are defecting to the APC shows that our unity is weakened, but the statistics do not support the belief that governors win elections,” Aregbesola said.

Using the South-West as an example, he said ruling party dominance at the state level had not translated into overwhelming electoral success.

“In the South-West, the APC controlled all the states except one, yet the maximum performance of the party was 55 per cent, with the other parties sharing the rest,” he said.

On his part, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, speaking as special guest of honour, linked the political moment to the theme of the book, describing loyalty as both a moral test and a personal burden in public life.

Atiku, who noted that his participation was informed by his own role in the political history examined in the memoir, said: “I am honoured to be part of this launch because I was also involved in the eventual inauguration of the Bukola Saraki administration, which this book deals with in very great detail.’’

He praised the author for taking on difficult questions about loyalty and conscience, saying “this is a work that dares to question loyalties, illuminate conscience, and broaden our public imagination.’’

Drawing a contrast between military discipline and political life, Atiku said loyalty in politics was rarely absolute and often exacted a heavy price.

“For those of us who come from the military and paramilitary professions, loyalty is non-negotiable; there is only absolute obedience. But in political life, loyalty is not as rigid, and it comes with consequences,” he said.

The former vice president also spoke candidly about his own experiences.

“Many of us have suffered because of loyalty. I have faced exile as a result of loyalty. I have survived assassination attempts as a result of loyalty,” he said.

Atiku warned that loyalty should never become blind allegiance, adding that “loyalty should strengthen the common goal, not narrow the circle of belonging.’’

Similarly, a former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, who arrived late due to flight delays from Lagos, apologised for not observing traditional protocol before addressing the audience.

Obi also signalled political solidarity and regional commitment, saying: “I have been directed to represent the South-East, and I want to assure you that you will not be disappointed.’’

In one of the most direct political moments of the event, the author, Bolaji Abdullahi, appealed to opposition leaders to rise above rivalry and present a united front, ahead of 2027, adding that Nigerians were ready for change, though political leaders were not yet matching that urgency.

“For 2027, Nigerians are ready. But I don’t think we are ready. Nigerians look at us and see different enclaves and different entities. They see competition, rather than cooperation,” Abdullahi said.

Reviewing the book, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed said it initially provoked skepticism but ultimately impressed him.

“I brought to the book some prejudice and heightened curiosity. I expected the author to fall on his face somewhere. I was wrong,” he said.

He described the memoir as revealing and historically significant.

“This book is easily one of the most readable and revealing books I have read in a long while. It captures the essence of our contemporary social and political character,” Baba-Ahmed said.

Former Senate President, David Mark, described the task of rescuing Nigeria as a shared responsibility and praised Abdullahi’s character.

“He is a straightforward person. Even when I disagreed with him, his advice was always adopted,” Mark said.

He also clarified the long-standing controversy around the Doctrine of Necessity, saying “it was the sole responsibility of the Senate and had nothing to do with Kwara State or anyone from Kwara State.’’