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The 99th Minute Decision; How Oba Otudeko, Tinubu Secured Oyo APC’s Guber Ticket For Bayo Adelabu

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The roles of the godfathers cannot be undermined in the game of politics, if you doubt this ask Bayo Adelabu, a former Central Bank Deputy-Governor and the APC’s governorship candidate for Oyo State in 2019.

Those in the know hinged his victory to the power of his godfathers who intervened at the last minute to seal the deal that got him the ticket.

The game changer was the late meeting between businessman, Obafoluke Otudeko and the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi that sealed the deal that got Bayo Adelabu the ticket.

An insider revealed to papermacheonline that Governor Ajimobi had already found his choice in  KPMG topshot, Joseph Tegbe and he had made this known to party chieftains.

Tegbe, a close ally of the Governor was said to have been the most confident of the aspirants as he was said to have met Governor Ajimobi who had assured him of the direction the party is heading.

The source also hinted that the major reason given by  top politician, Bayo Alao-Akala who backed down from the primaries was that Ajimobi had imposed his choice, Tegbe on the party.

Some 24 hours before the election, the pendulum swung! The calculation changed and Tegbe’s dream was dashed while the jubilation went to Adelabu’s camp.

An insider disclosed that a meeting between Governor Ajimobi and businessman, Obafoluke Otudeko changed the formation.

The closed door meeting was between Ajimobi, Otudeko and Adelabu.

It was their that the businessman assured Ajimobi of Adelabu’s total loyalty.

The source even claimed that the Governor wrote down some request and an agreement which was signed by both parties.

Otudeko who was late business mogul, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola’s best friend was said to have reminded the Governor of the contribution of the late islamic scholar in his emergence as the Governor and he also said Ajimobi’s endorsement of Adelabu would have been Arisekola’s biggest wish.

At the Adamasingba stadium of the primaries, the Governor sent a powerful message to the party hierarchy and all other contenders who all backed out of the race except legal luminary, Niyi Akintola who insisted the voting must continue.

After much persuasion and pleas, Akintola mounted the rostrum and announce his withdrawal in a touching remarks.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria who like Osinbajo and Akeredolu were legal counsels to the APC disclosed that his decision to back down was as a result of a call he just received from a very powerful party member from Lagos (Tinubu) and he hinted ‘this is a man I can not say no to’.

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The Story Of Ibadan High Chiefs Who Died Two Months, Two Weeks Before They Could Become King

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-Tunde Ayanda

 

With the passage of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun some days ago, the ‘irukere’, (the horsetail, symbol of authority of Yoruba Obas) has pointed to where it’s going.

 

Without any consultation or appointment, the whole of Ibadanland understand it’s now the turn of High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin.

 

Such is the uniqueness of the Obaship tradition of Ibadan. It is the only kingdom in the world where every true son of Ibadan is a potential king. You don’t have to be a prince, all you need is a selection from your family house as a Mogaji (representative).

 

While the Obaship system and ascension to the coveted throne of Olubadan is unique and predictable, getting to the top of the ladder means a gift of long life for the highest ranking chiefs of the ancient Yorùbá capital city of Oyo State.

Becoming Olubadan is on rotational basis between the two lines of ascension to the throne headed by Ọtun Olubadan (Civil line) and Balogun (Military line). But in recent years, over a decade, there have been two high chiefs and of course, next-in-lines to the throne who never get to the top.

 

 

High Chief S.A. Omiyale (Balogun of Ibadan)

High Chief Sulaimon Adegboyega Omiyale was the Balogun of Ibadan land and next-in-line to Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, the 40th Olubadan who reigned from 11th of August, 2007 to 19th of January, 2016 and died at the age of 101 years.

With Oba Odulana, who succeeded Oba Yinusa Ogundipe Arapasowu 1, as next-in-line from the Civil line, it was supposed to be the turn of High Chief Omiyale, had it been he lived to succeed the aged monarch.

But the Balogun of Ibadan land died on Saturday, 7th November, 2015 at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, at the age of 91.

Two months after his death, the reigning Olubadan, Oba Odulana died on 19th January, 2016.

High Chief Omowale Kuye (Ọtun Olubadan)

High Chief Omowale Kuye was the Ọtun Olubadan, traditional head of the Civil line. With Omiyale’s death, Kuye was a step closer to becoming Olubadan, but he also didn’t live to succeed the monarch.

Kuye, who was a former Director General, Special Duties and later Budget in the Office of the President of Nigeria — under both Alhaji Shehu Shagari and General Olusegun Obasanjo — died on 20th November, 2015; barely two weeks after the demise of Balogun of Ibadan land.

Because of the earlier death of Balogun Omiyale whose line was supposed to produce the next monarch after the reigning Olubadan, High Chief Kuye would’ve become the next Olubadan being the highest ranking of the Olubadan-in-Council, but he also passed on before Oba Odulana.

Additionally, the demise of both Balogun Omiyale and Ọtun Olubadan Kuye, paved the way for the then Otun Balogun, Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, who eventually succeeded Oba Odulana as the 41st Olubadan in 2016. He was also succeeded in 2022 by the recently deceased 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.

 

Additional report from Tribuneonline

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Tinubu, Daniel, Zulum Top 40 Most Influential Nigerians List

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Professor Babagana Zulum, and Lt.General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) have been named among the 40 influential people in Nigeria in a new book written by journalist and PR consultant, Bode Odeseye.

The 40 Most Influential People in Nigeria listed other eminent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in different areas of endeavors and have enormous influence in different spheres including politics/governance, democratic ideals/activism, economic, infrastructural and social development, banking and finance, commerce and industry, telecommunications/technology, education, philanthropy, legislative enactment and international relations.

According to the author, a series of assiduous research conducted revealed that these eminent personalities have carved a niche for themselves by breaking boundaries and adding immeasurable values in various areas of endeavors, through milestone achievements and impact on mankind.

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Amidst Controversy, Ibrahim Dende To Celebrate 54th Birthday

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Ibrahim Egungbohun popularly known as ‘IBD Dende’  is 54 today Sunday, March 3, 2024.

 

The celebration comes amid intense scrutiny about the source of  wealth of the socialite whose 50th birthday celebration in March 2020 remains the talk of the town.

 

Dende is presently fighting to save himself from what he termed ‘malicious attack against my personalty’ after an expose from investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo who shed light into his claim to fame, linking it with smuggling and arms dealing.

Soyombo’s reports have magnified quiet talks about Ibrahim Dende to the status of national consciousness.

 

The reports play up assertions that Dende is a legend of the behind-the-scene importation business (smuggling) with top-level collaborators in government quarters.

“The talks were there about Dende but his massive giving dwarfed them” according to those in the know.

Formerly known as a carpenter in Ebute-Igbooro – Yewa North Local Government, Ogun state – Dende hit wealth after he left the trade to embrace the “Freight Forwarding Business” according to those defending accusations of smuggling against him

Married to Lara – an indigene of Ondo state and businesswoman – Dende’s chieftaincy title of the Oluomo of Yewa land ( his wife is the Yeye Oluomo) speaks volumes of how much influence he wields in his base.

Usually celebrated lavishly, even in absentia, those who should know say there are talks about downplaying his birthday celebration this year – to avoid amplifying the allegations raised by Soyombo with a seemingly “I don’t care attitude”.

His friends and fans have, however, started showering him with birthday wishes in a strong show of solidarity.

Away from allegations against him, Dende is officially a licensed clearing and forwarding agent and Chairman of IBD Impex Limited.

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