Afrobeats sensation Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has made amends with his ailing father, Fatai Odunsi, and promised to purchase a house for him and as well cover his medical expenses.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odunsi made this known in a new video released online, confirming that his son has reached out to him following a recent public fallout between them.
The ailing Odunsi had in a viral video accused Asake of abandoning him since his health started deteriorating in 2022, alleging that despite the singer’s fame and fortune, he had not been financially supportive.
However, in a swift reaction, the “Lonely at the Top” crooner flayed the accusation with a cryptic message on social media, singing in Yoruba.
He said: “You can’t please everyone, you can’t please the world. But anything you are doing, just do it for God.
“My own father wants to cajole me, and I have sent so much money to him. I have struggled for so many years, but they want to make life tire me.”
The recrimination, however, generated a buzz on social media, with many fans and netizens expressing sympathy with the father, while others took sides with the artiste.
As the intrigues continued between the father and son, their extended family members intervened and called on Asake to come to his father’s rescue by purchasing a house for him and also providing medical support.
However, in video released on Sunday night, Odunsi revealed that his son has reached out and promised to support him.
According to him, Asake has committed to purchasing a new house for him and covering his medical expenses.
Speaking in Yoruba, Odunsi expressed pride in Asake and showered him with prayers, adding that he called out Asake because it had been a long time since he saw him.
He further revealed that Asake has instructed real estate agents to find him a new home.
He said: “His mother ought to ask him when last he saw me. That was what got me angry, but we have sorted all the problems.
“We are no longer fighting. Asake said he will do everything that I want.We have settled, no more problems.
“They are now looking for a new house that he will buy for me. He has settled everything.”
Odunsi also confirmed that the artiste has agreed to take full responsibility for his 11-year-old daughter, Zeenat.
“He has never denied his child, but he has now promised to take full responsibility for the child.”
He also mentioned that he would be going to the hospital the next day, as Asake had sent him all the necessary funds for his treatment.
[Vanguard]
The Barcelona game against Osasuna postponed after a club doctor died unexpectedly before kick-off on March 8 has been rescheduled for March 27, the Spanish Football Association said on Monday, although the Catalan club is reportedly unhappy with the decision.
The club said at the time that Carles Minarro, the first-team doctor, “unexpectedly passed away” shortly before the home game against Osasuna.
According to local media, Barcelona are considering an appeal against the Thursday date which immediately follows the international break.
They are reportedly arguing that some of their players, such as Brazilian Raphinha and Uruguayan Ronald Araujo, are due to play with their national teams in South America two days earlier and will not have time to return to Barcelona.
Osasuna have a game at Athletic Bilbao scheduled for the next night.
Barcelona are top of La Liga, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference and with a game in hand.
AFP
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the new minimum wage of N70,000 which was approved for workers by President Bola Tinubu last year.
Obasanjo has claimed it is not enough to cover their basic needs, including transportation, food, and housing.
The former President also said labour leaders have betrayed workers by prioritising personal interests over collective welfare.
“That is the situation in Nigeria in the third decade of the 21st century.
“The minimum wage does not even cover transportation costs for some workers, let alone food, housing, and family upkeep,” Obasanjo wrote in his newly released book, “Nigeria: Past and Future”.
Obasanjo also claimed labour leader are more interested in pursuing personal interests.
“Because of their political ambitions, most union leaders are ineffective compared to the founding fathers’ expectations.
“The workers thereby become victims of selfish leaders who use their positions to achieve political heights.
“Rather than negotiate in the interest of the workers, they do sabre-rattling and they are called into the room and money in large amounts is stuffed into their hands and they keep quiet.
“That has been the case since 2015. And, if anything, it is going from bad to worse,” Obasanjo added.
[DailyPost]
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party’s Peter Obi have expressed support for Lagos-based corps member Ushie Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, following her viral video criticizing the Federal Government’s policies.
Raye had gained widespread attention after condemning President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the rising cost of living.
She also alleged that some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) officials threatened her over her remarks on the country’s economic situation.
However, Atiku and Obi praised Raye, calling her a brave young woman who deserves support rather than condemnation.
Atiku who wrote on X, said: “Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere. I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.
“She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defense of the common good.
“Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”
For Obi, Raye’s experience “highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement”.
The former Anambra Governor said the NYSC member’s experience is also “not isolated”.
“I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments. I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies. Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt,” Obi wrote on his X handle.
He called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to “reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.
“To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation,” the LP presidential candidate for the 2023 election said.
“Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
“A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.”
Human rights activist and presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Omoyele Sowore, has thrown his support behind Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, the National Youth Service Corps member facing backlash over her viral video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Sowore, in a video shared on X on Monday, revealed that he had met with Uguamaye in Lagos and would be accompanying her to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s office alongside a team of attorneys.
“The journey with youth Corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos.
“She is scheduled to appear before the LGI (Local Government Inspector) today and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys,” Sowore captioned the video.
The corps member had recently gone viral after posting a video on TikTok where she lamented the country’s worsening economic conditions and openly criticised Tinubu’s leadership.
She later alleged that she had received threats over her comments, sparking widespread debate on free speech and political dissent in Nigeria.
She also shared a screenshot of an invitation from the NYSC, summoning her to appear before the LGI office at Eti Osa 3 on Monday at 10:00 a.m
Sowore’s involvement has further amplified the situation, drawing more attention to Uguamaye’s case and the potential repercussions she may face from the NYSC or other authorities.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the NYSC regarding the matter.
China have included Brazil-born midfielder Serginho in their squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers, less than a week after he obtained Chinese citizenship.
In recent years China’s struggling national team has followed some other countries by turning to naturalised players, with limited impact on results.
Also named in Branko Ivankovic’s 27-man squad is Liverpool-born former England youth international defender Tyias Browning, now called Jiang Guangtai.
Serginho, known in China as Sai Erjiniao, obtained citizenship on March 12 and played his first minutes for the national team in a closed-doors friendly against Kuwait on Sunday, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The 30-year-old, whose birth name is Sergio Oliveira, has played in China since 2020.
China are away at Saudi Arabia on Thursday and home to Australia on Tuesday next week as they battle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
They are bottom of their group on six points but only trail Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on goal difference, with Australia one point ahead. Japan lead the group on 16 points.
The top two will qualify automatically while the third and fourth-placed teams enter another qualifying round.
Serginho began his senior career at Brazilian club Santos, before moving to Japan’s Kashima Antlers in 2018.
He joined Changchun Yatai in 2020, scoring 30 goals in 100 appearances, before leaving for their Chinese Super League rivals Beijing Guoan in February.
Teenage prospects Wang Yudong and Liu Chengyu are also in the squad selected by Croatian head coach Ivankovic.
Brazil-born players Elkeson, Alan and Fernandinho, who had been regular performers for China, were not included in the latest squad.
China are ranked 90th in the world and have only qualified for the World Cup once, in 2002, when they failed to earn a point or score a goal.
AFP
The Rivers state house of assembly has issued a notice of “gross misconduct” on Siminalayi Fubara, govenor of the state, and Ngozi Odu, his deputy.
Martins Wachukwu, special assistant on media to Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers assembly, relayed the development to TheCable on Monday.
The “gross misconduct” allegation is the first stage of impeachment proceedings.
BACKGROUND
Rivers state has been bogged in a political crisis stemming from the power struggle between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
The rift led to the ploarisation of the Rivers assembly.
The crisis took a new twist on February 28, when the supreme court upheld a federal high court ruling barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the accountant-general of the federation from releasing Rivers state’s statutory monthly allocations.
The court also nullified the local government elections conducted in the state on October 5, 2024.
In response, Fubara pledged to comply with the apex court’s ruling in an attempt to address the state’s political impasse.
He invited the lawmakers to a meeting but the legislators shunned the proposed parley, accusing Fubara of not following due process.
Days later, the governor wrote again to the assembly, requesting a new date to present the 2025 appropriation bill.
About 24 hours after the governor issued the letter, the assembly adjourned plenary indefinitely.
At the peak of the crisis in 2023, an attempt to impeach the governor resulted in the demolition of the Rivers house of assembly.
On Saturday, the faction of the assembly loyal to Wike accused the governor of playing to the gallery.
[TheCable]
Some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the party’s state chairman, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, of selling the soul of the party to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in exchange for PDP’s support for Akpabio’s 2027 third-term ambition.
The allegation was made in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, titled “The Worrisome State of the APC in Akwa Ibom State: A Call for Your Intervention”, jointly signed by Elder Okokon James, Peter Ibanga, and Chief Victor Affiah from the Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial districts, respectively.
A copy of the letter, made available to newsmen on Sunday in Uyo, reads in part:
“We, the founding fathers of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, are compelled to write this open letter to you.
“The state chairman of the party, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, are openly declaring that they were directed by the Senate President to cripple the party in the state, giving the PDP an easy ride to victory in the 2027 polls in exchange for PDP’s support for the Senate President’s third-term ambition.
“We want to assure Mr. President that if urgent action is not taken to revive and strengthen the party in the state, there won’t be party members left to receive you when you visit next year to campaign.
“The soul and spirit of the party in the state have been sold to the PDP-led government, and as a result, party members are gearing up to join an upcoming opposition coalition against your second-term ambition.
“How can party members be mobilized for you when the party itself has been intentionally crippled by the Senate President and his close allies? It is unbelievable that the party is dead in a state that produces the Senate President and the Minister of Petroleum Resources.”
The APC stakeholders described Akpabio’s actions as a betrayal of confidence and treachery against the party, which provided the platform for his Senate Presidency.
“Should members of the party in the state move en masse to the opposition coalition against your second-term ambition, hold the Senate President and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, responsible,” they asserted.
They further warned that Governor Umo Eno would neither join the APC nor commit to Tinubu’s second-term ambition, stating:
“While Governor Umo Eno and his team are strengthening their party daily, our party leaders are doing nothing to show that APC still exists in the state.”
However, responding on Sunday, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the allegations as spurious and mischievous.
“The writers of the letter are non-existent and not known to the party. Their allegations are spurious and mischievous.
“The Senate President has strengthened the party through various appointments he has secured for members. Do you call that working against the party?” Eyiboh said.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has installed the Onimope of Imope land, Oba Tajudeen Omotayo, as the first Onimope in Ijebu-North Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the installation and presentation of staff of office was a demonstration of the administration's unrelenting commitment towards ensuring that the State takes its rightful position in the comity of States.
"We realise the fact that traditional institution and its leadership must be properly positioned as it serves as a bridge between the government and the people at the grassroots", he said.
In his goodwill message, Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, represented by the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebayo, enjoined the people of the area to work together for the development of the land.
Speaking, Chairman, Ijebu-North Local Government, Hon. Omobolaji Odusanya, appealed to the people of the community to work in harmony with the new king for peaceful coexistence, saying, ‘’the job of communal peace and progress calls for everybody's concern’’.
The newly installed Onimope of Imope land, Oba Tajudeen Omotayo, expressed gratitude to the Governor, dignitaries and the entire community, promising that his reign would sustain the peace and bring anticipated development to the community.
In a related development, Governor Abiodun has installed the new Alaparaki of Aparaki, Oba. Prof. Julius Ogunfowora, in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the Governor noted that it was imperative that traditional institutions and its leadership were properly positioned, as they serve as the bridge between the government and the people at the grassroots.
"This is the reason why we have made it a matter of policy to reposition our traditional institutions by upgrading the deserving Chieftaincy stools in Ogun State", he said.
Governor Abiodun enjoined the monarch to justify the mandate and trust reposed on him by the State Government and the people of Aparaki-Ijebu.
In his acceptance speech, the newly installed monarch, Oba. Prof. Julius Ogunfowora, thanked the State Government for the opportunity given him, saying his reign would not compromise on set standards in the interest of the people of the State, calling on sons and daughters of the land to join hands with him for a successful reign.
Onimope of Imope land, Oba Tajudeen Omotayo, receiving instrument of office from the Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, at his installation as the first Onimope in Ijebu-North local Government Area of the state.
Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described his father as the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.
In a video that went viral on Monday, Seyi made the remark while addressing a gathering of youths in Adamawa State.
“It was never politics, but they keep coming for me, they keep coming for my family, they keep coming for your father, they keep coming for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the greatest president in the history of Nigeria,” he said.
He further praised his father’s leadership, claiming he had prioritised youth empowerment and economic growth.
“He is the only president that has kept your people at home, from when he was governor to when be became president, the only president that considers youths, the only president that created a platform for young people to fly.
“The only president that created an economy that has benefitted everybody, the only president that is not trying to enrich his own pocket,” he stated.
Seyi has recently been seen distributing food items during visits to northern states.
Earlier in March, he joined Kano residents, including the state chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Hashimu Dugurawa, in breaking the Ramadan fast.
He has also visited Yobe State as part of his engagements with youths.
More...
The political crisis rocking Rivers State took a fresh turn on Monday as the State House of Assembly accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu of gross misconduct.
The development is the latest in the series of political crises that have engulfed the oil-rich state.
The lawmakers, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, have forwarded the notice to the Governor and his deputy.
“In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office,” the notice reads in part.
Details later…
Buhari’s Loyalists Plotting Defection From APC, To Join Forces With Atiku, Peter Obi, El-Rufai
AFOLABI
Despite former President General Muhammadu Buhari’s insistence that he remains a dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his loyalists, who form the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) faction within the ruling party, are reportedly plotting their exit.
There have been growing dissatisfaction among CPC loyalists, many of whom backed Buhari in the 2011 presidential election under the party’s platform before he was defeated by former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
These individuals believe they have been sidelined, particularly in political appointments, which they claim have disproportionately favored the South West APC.
This sense of exclusion has intensified frustration among Buhari’s supporters, who feel marginalized within the party’s power structure. As a result, discussions have gained momentum regarding potential alliances with other political groups.
Sources within the CPC faction revealed to Daily Sun that their grievances stem from what they perceive as a diminished role in APC’s decision-making process.
In response, the CPC bloc is seriously considering forming an alliance with opposition parties, led by key political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.
El-Rufai, who recently joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has been vocal about his reasons for leaving the APC.
He stated that he had informed Buhari of his decision and claimed the former president had given his blessing.
However, shortly after his remarks, Buhari released a statement reaffirming his membership in the APC.
In his statement, Buhari reiterated his allegiance to the party, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his two terms in office.
He described this backing as the highest honor of his political career and emphasized the contributions of the party’s founding members.
The former president also stressed the importance of strengthening the APC as a vehicle for national progress. “I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means,” he said.
While Buhari’s remarks appeared aimed at reassuring party members, they have done little to ease tensions within the CPC bloc.
Many within the faction view Buhari’s loyalty to the APC as a personal choice that does not reflect their collective stance.
If the CPC faction proceeds with its departure, it could have significant consequences for the APC.
The CPC played a vital role in the party’s formation in 2013 and was instrumental in Buhari’s electoral victories in 2015 and 2019.
Political analysts warn that losing the CPC bloc could substantially weaken the APC, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The National Chairman of the Action Development Party (ADP), Yabagi Sani, has said Nigerians are experiencing the worst of economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu.
Sani said the policies of the President have prolonged citizens’ pains for too long.
Speaking on Trust TV’s Sunday Politics, Sani, who was the presidential candidate of the ADP in the 2023 election, stated that Nigeria’s economy promised greatness, but poor management is affecting the economy.
“Nigeria’s economy is a promise of greatness and I believe we can do much more better with what is happening today. Yes, the government took certain decisions that one would say are necessary.
“But today Nigerians are not happy. They are going through what is called hell because looking at Nigeria before President Tinubu took over power, it wasn’t anything good, but today we are worse off.
“I understand that you must go through pains before enjoying but don’t let the pains be prolonged, otherwise by the time all the goodies come, there will be nobody available to enjoy them,” he said.
The ADC National Chairman called on the government to do more to alleviate citizens’ hardship. He urged the government to address inflation, corruption and foreign exchange issues.
According to him, Nigeria, being an import-dependent country, must get its foreign exchange policy right to address inflation.
“So, it is expected for this government to do more than what it is doing. The reality is that the current inflation in the country is too high.
“The government should tackle the issue of corruption because it is there. Government should ensure that direct measures should be taken to ensure that the cost of transportation is addressed.
“Another factor the government should address is the exchange rate. It also plays a big role in what becomes inflation. Nigeria imports a lot of things, therefore the strength of naira is crucial, that is what we are asking government to look at this,” he stated.
The Trade Union Congress has backed a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, who claimed to have received threats for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said that the corps member spoke out of frustration, advising the government not to go after her but to be tolerant of critics.
The TUC boss, however, advised critics to always criticise the government within the expected norm and with some level of decorum.
He said, “They (government) have to develop this resilience to understand that people are frustrated, people are hungry, people are tired. So, if they decide to vent, I strongly believe that the government should not personalise it and come after such individuals.
“Imagine a young lady carrying out her NYSC function, what does she really have to do to bring down government? So, it is about personal frustration that she has aired.
“So, I think that the government has to persevere much more, they have to be more tolerant, and they have to have this deep level of patience with Nigerians because people are passing through a lot as it stands today.”
Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos, recently made headlines after a video she posted criticising government policies went viral.
She later claimed to have faced threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the video.
In the video posted on her TikTok account #talktoraye on Saturday, Raye voiced frustration over Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation, lamenting that hard work no longer guarantees financial stability.
She criticised Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned the government’s commitment to easing citizens’ hardships.
However, the NYSC has yet to release an official statement regarding the issue.