The world’s highest paid CEOs are not just business leaders: they are visionaries shaping industries and driving massive financial growth.

Their compensation, often tied to stock performance and company success, reflects their impact on the global economy.

Here’s a look at the highest paid CEOs and their contributions to their respective companies, per TOI World Desk data:

1. Elon Musk (Tesla) – $23.5 Billion

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has played a transformative role in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. His compensation package, estimated at $23.5 billion, is primarily tied to stock options linked to Tesla’s market performance. Under his leadership, Tesla has maintained its dominance in the EV market, demonstrating remarkable financial growth and innovation in sustainable technology.

2. Tim Cook (Apple) – $770.5 Million

Since taking over as Apple’s CEO in 2011, Tim Cook has guided the company to unprecedented success and finds himself among the highest paid CEOs in the world. Under his leadership, Apple became the first company to reach a $2 trillion valuation. His compensation, totaling $770.5 million, includes stock grants and bonuses, reflecting his pivotal role in driving innovation across products like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

3. Sundar Pichai (Alphabet) – $280 Million

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has been instrumental in the company’s dominance in search, advertising, and cloud computing. His estimated salary of $280 million underscores his leadership in steering Google Search, YouTube, and Google Cloud toward continued global expansion and innovation.

4. Jensen Huang (Nvidia) – $561 Million

Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, has led the company to remarkable heights, particularly in AI and gaming technology. His compensation of $561 million is largely based on stock options, reflecting Nvidia’s rapid growth and its emergence as a leader in AI and graphics processing.

5. Reed Hastings (Netflix) – $453.5 Million

Reed Hastings, co-founder and CEO of Netflix, has reshaped the entertainment industry with his pioneering leadership in streaming services. His compensation of $453.5 million highlights his role in Netflix’s global expansion and its dominance in digital content distribution.

6. Leonard Schleifer (Regeneron Pharmaceuticals) – $452.9 Million

Leonard Schleifer, CEO of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, has overseen groundbreaking advancements in biopharmaceuticals. His $452.9 million compensation, largely derived from stock options, is a testament to Regeneron’s success in developing innovative treatments for diseases such as cancer and eye disorders.

7. Marc Benioff (Salesforce) – $439.4 Million

Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, has revolutionized customer relationship management (CRM) software. His $439.4 million compensation reflects his leadership in expanding Salesforce’s reach through acquisitions and advancements in cloud computing and AI-driven business solutions.

8. Satya Nadella (Microsoft) – $309.4 Million

Under Satya Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has evolved from a software giant to a cloud computing powerhouse. His $309.4 million compensation underscores his role in driving success through Azure, gaming, and productivity tools, significantly boosting Microsoft’s global influence.

9. Robert A. Kotick (Activision Blizzard) – $296.7 Million

Robert A. Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, has overseen the company’s success in the gaming industry, with franchises such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. His $296.7 million compensation package, heavily based on stock options, reflects his role in the company’s expansion and market dominance.

10. Hock E. Tan (Broadcom) – $288 Million

Hock E. Tan, CEO of Broadcom, has played a strategic role in the semiconductor industry, leading the company to significant growth. His $288 million compensation underscores his impact on innovation and acquisitions that have strengthened Broadcom’s position in telecommunications, data centers, and consumer electronics.

Vanguard News

Patrick Doyle, the ace Nigerian actor, has weighed in on the sex-for-Lamborghini controversy between Burna Boy and Sophia Egbueje, the socialite.

The controversy began after an audio recording where Sophia claimed that Burna Boy had promised to buy her a Lamborghini, but reneged on his pledge after they became intimate.

She alleged that he gave excuses for not buying the car, prompting her to block him and purchase the vehicle herself.

A few days after the audio circulated online, she shared a video of a Lamborghini being delivered to her house.

Doyle took to his Facebook page to criticize Sophia and those who congratulated her on acquiring the luxury vehicle.

He questioned how people could praise her despite the rumours surrounding her means of livelihood, which he described as “shameful”.

Doyle condemned the “romanticising of iniquity” and the tendency to celebrate questionable behavior, calling out those who congratulated Sophia as “half-wits” and “dim wits.”

“She boasted about the value of her wrist watch and flaunted a 600 million naira car. The combined value of both items is in the range of 650 to 750 million naira,” he wrote.

“Some half wits were impressed and effusively congratulated her as she smiled and flaunted both items. As if we hadn’t heard about her shameful means of livelihood.

“Meanwhile, I can bet that there are members of her extended who are going through a tough time. The romanticising of iniquity has become the stock in trade of dim wits amongst us.”

Burna Boy had earlier shared a video of himself singing, seemingly mocking Egbueje for making a fuss about the issue.

[TheCable]

Hon. Mojisola Meranda, the first female speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has tendered her resignation, effective immediately. This dramatic exit comes just 49 days after she made history by becoming the first woman to assume the role.

Meranda's resignation was announced after a meeting with key stakeholders, including embattled former Speaker, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, who has been challenging her legitimacy in court. The meeting, which also included APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi and Attorney-General Lawal Pedro, seemed to have sealed Meranda's fate.

Meranda's brief tenure was marked by controversy, with Obasa questioning the legitimacy of her election. Despite this, she had garnered support from some lawmakers, who passed a vote of confidence in her leadership just yesterday.

Her sudden exit had left many wondering if the assembly would plunge into further turmoil or if a new leader would emerge to steer the ship. Obasa's return has brought a mix of reactions, with some lawmakers expressing relief and others questioning the implications of his re-election.

As the assembly seeks stability, Obasa's re-election raises questions about the future of the institution. Who is the unseen hands behind the sceen? Will he be able to restore order and confidence among lawmakers, or will the controversy surrounding his return create more challenges?

Despite her sudden exit, she has reaffirmed her commitment to serving the people of Apapa 1 constituency. In fact, she was re-elected as Deputy Speaker in a surprise move, sparking speculation about her future plans.

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed sincere felicitations and best wishes to esteemed Muslim brothers and sisters in Anambra State and across Nigeria as they commence the holy month of Ramadan fast.

In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo stated that Ramadan, a period of profound spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and heightened devotion, offers a unique opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their connection with the Almighty Allah, foster unity, and extend compassion to those in need.

This sacred month reinforces the timeless values of charity, empathy, and peaceful coexistence, which are fundamental to building a harmonious and progressive society.

The Governor went further to assure that Anambra State deeply values the contributions of the Muslim community to the socio-economic dynamism of the state, encouraging all faithful to use this auspicious period to deepen their faith and pray for the continued peace and prosperity of Anambra State and Nigeria.

Governor Soludo, therefore, wishes all Muslims a blessed and rewarding Ramadan and prays that the Almighty Allah grants them the strength and grace to successfully complete the fast.

Signed:

Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor

Organised crime in Nigeria is like a tap root with its grip firm and difficult to detach, all thanks to systemic weaknesses and institutional failures. This crime epidemic is not just a statistic, but a harsh reality that affects Nigerians daily. Most citizens agree on three fundamental issues regarding crime in Nigeria: the high success rate of organised crime, the fact that socioeconomic conditions create a breeding ground, and the weakness of governmental structures and institutions.

 Criminal enterprises continue to grow with little resistance from law enforcement, and widespread poverty, hunger, and unemployment push many into criminal activities as a means of survival. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s unemployment rate stood above 34% in 2023, with youth unemployment exceeding 42%, creating a vast pool of potential recruits for organized crime. 

Corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability have allowed criminals to overpower the justice system. The inability of security agencies to curb the growing influence of organized crime has emboldened criminals, who operate with little fear of repercussions. This situation has created a vicious cycle where crime flourishes, law enforcement remains ineffective, and public confidence in governance continues to erode. The Global Organized Crime Index 2021 ranked Nigeria as the 6th most criminally entrenched country globally, highlighting the country’s struggle with illicit markets, criminal networks, and state-embedded actors. The absence of a strong judicial deterrent has led to an increasing number of young Nigerians being drawn into illegal activities. 

A recent warning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman highlighted how foreign criminal groups embed themselves within Nigerian cities. These syndicates recruit young Nigerians into sophisticated cybercrimes, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, with global financial implications. Adding to the concerns, the EFCC has alleged that foreign fraud syndicates are importing arms into Nigeria using cryptocurrency as a payment mode. This development raises serious national security concerns and underscores the critical need for stricter monitoring of digital financial transactions. International collaboration is not just beneficial, but necessary in our efforts to combat crime. 

High-profile cases of fraud, drug trafficking, and financial crimes fuel Nigeria’s reputation as a centre for organized crime. Failing to combat these crimes has led to travel restrictions, financial monitoring, and diplomatic strain between Nigeria and other nations. The reputational damage is enormous, and the implication is visible when you see how innocent Nigerians are searched and treated like criminals at airports and other gateways in countries around the world. 

Despite efforts by law enforcement agencies, organized crime thrives due to systemic weaknesses. Nigeria has become a global hotspot for internet fraud, ranging from phishing scams to Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud. The rise of “Yahoo Yahoo” (online fraudsters) has normalized cybercrime among youths, many of whom view it as a lucrative alternative to legitimate employment. A Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) report estimated that cybercrime costs the Nigerian economy over $500 million annually. 

The infamous “419 scam” (named after Nigeria’s penal code section on fraud) remains a persistent issue, targeting individuals and businesses worldwide. Nigeria has become the butt of jokes around the world when comedians and the likes evoke the image of “a scam Nigerian rich prince looking for someone in the West to help him luander his family wealth”. 

Nigeria faces severe security challenges from Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other militant groups. However, the Nigerian government is not sitting idly by. Due to regulatory loopholes, the banking system has become an avenue for terrorist financing. In response, the Nigerian government implemented the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 to curb terrorist financing. However, enforcement remains weak, and more needs to be done to strengthen these measures. 

Kidnapping for ransom has become one of the most lucrative criminal activities in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS}, Nigerians paid approximately N2.23 trillion as ransom to kidnapers between May 223 and Aril 224. Victims range from schoolchildren to high-profile politicians and business executives. Many kidnappers operate with impunity due to compromised security forces. 

Fraudulent investment schemes prey on Nigerians’ economic desperation, often collapsing and leaving thousands financially devastated. High-profile Ponzi schemes such as MMM Nigeria defrauded millions of Nigerians, and most recently, investment scams such as MBA Forex and Chinmark have left investors with billions of naira in losses. The government’s failure to properly regulate investment platforms and prosecute perpetrators has contributed to the continued rise of Ponzi schemes.

Nigeria is also a transit point for illegal arms trafficking, fueling conflicts and criminal enterprises. The porous borders allow weapons to flow freely into the country, exacerbating insecurity. Reports by the Small Arms Survey indicate that over 70% of the estimated 500 million illegal small arms circulating in West Africa are in Nigeria, aiding insurgents, bandits, and criminal syndicates. The unchecked smuggling of firearms contributes significantly to rising violence and organized crime activities, including armed robbery and terrorism.

Nigerian drug syndicates operate both locally and internationally, with high-profile cases of cocaine and heroin trafficking. In 2022, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized over 3.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, across various states. Despite these efforts, corruption within law enforcement agencies often compromises investigations, allowing drug barons to operate with impunity. The international reach of Nigerian drug cartels has been evident in cases such as the arrest of Nigerian nationals involved in heroin trafficking in Southeast Asia, where drug-related offences carry the death penalty.

The theft and illegal crude oil refining have cost Nigeria billions in revenue. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) estimates that the country loses about 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily to theft, amounting to over $3 billion annually. Militants, local cartels, and corrupt government officials are deeply involved in this illicit trade. The environmental consequences of illegal oil bunkering are severe, with widespread pollution in the Niger Delta region leading to health crises and economic devastation for local communities. 

Additionally, illegal mining of valuable minerals like gold and lithium is widespread, often controlled by criminal groups that exploit weak regulations. Reports by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) reveal that the country loses billions in revenue due to unregulated mining activities. In Zamfara and Osun states, illegal gold mining has been linked to armed banditry, with criminal gangs using proceeds to fund violent attacks. Foreign companies, often operating with local collaborators, smuggle precious minerals out of Nigeria, depriving the nation of much-needed economic gains. 

Several factors contribute to the high success rate of organized crime in Nigeria. The lack of a reliable national identification and address system makes tracking criminals difficult, as many citizens operate without proper documentation. Nigeria has created a NIN data base but still it has not been appropriately used to combat crime. Rapid urbanization has led to an unregulated population boom, overwhelming security agencies. Unemployment remains a key driver of crime, pushing many young people towards fraudulent activities. The societal pressure to attain wealth at any cost has normalized corruption and criminal behaviour. 

Many criminals evade justice due to bribery and judicial inefficiencies, further eroding trust in the legal system. Corruption at all levels of government enables organized crime to flourish, from law enforcement officials who accept bribes to policymakers who ignore illicit activities. Ineffective policies and weak political will prevent meaningful reforms, allowing criminal networks to strengthen.

Despite the challenges, Nigeria can still reverse the trend of organized crime with strategic interventions. The first necessary step is a comprehensive process of reform, involving de-criminalization of the relevant agencies. You cannot use officially licensed criminal cartels to fight casual criminals. Strengthening law enforcement and judicial systems is critical, but the role of the public is equally important. Citizens should be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Security agencies require better funding and training, and the public can support these efforts by providing information and cooperating with investigations. 

Judicial reforms should ensure speedy trials and strict sentencing for criminals. The judiciary must uphold strict interpretations of the law, and courts should deliver appropriate punishments for criminal offences. Judges must resist external influences, bribery, and political interference. Enforcing harsher penalties for criminal activities is essential. Laws against cybercrime, kidnapping, and fraud should be strictly enforced, and high-profile criminals should be prosecuted as deterrents.

Enforcing stricter financial regulations will help disrupt criminal financing. Strengthening anti-money laundering measures and improving surveillance of cryptocurrency transactions are necessary steps. Implementing a national identification and address system will help track criminals and reduce identity fraud. Citizens should be required to register with verifiable addresses. 

Addressing unemployment and poverty through job creation programmes and entrepreneurship initiatives will discourage youth involvement in crime. Combating corruption and improving governance will require more assertive and independent anti-corruption agencies. Government officials found complicit in organized crime should be held accountable. 

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The country can either continue on its current path, where crime syndicates dictate the rules or take bold and decisive action to reclaim national security and stability. The government must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to justice, ensuring crime is met with swift and appropriate punishment. Citizens must demand accountability from leaders and refuse to normalize corruption. 

A functioning society cannot exist where crime thrives unchecked. It is time for Nigeria to embrace the rule of law, restore public trust, and build a nation where security and justice prevail over criminal enterprise. The fight against organized crime is not just a fight for governance—it is a fight for the nation’s soul. Without urgent intervention, Nigeria risks deeper instability and economic decline. The future of Nigeria depends on a collective effort to restore law, order, and justice.

Bitcoin experienced a substantial increase, climbing around 20% from its recent lows, while other cryptocurrencies mentioned by President Donald Trump in a recent Truth Social post also experienced a sharp rise.

Market action showed Bitcoin rallied as high as $95K on Sunday after the president’s announcement via social media. Bitcoin cooled at $93K at the time of publication.

Trump suggested that his January executive order on digital assets would create a reserve of currencies in the U.S., including Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano.

The president of the world’s most powerful economy revealed the plan in a Sunday post on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that a presidential working group had been instructed to move forward with the reserve’s establishment

“The initiative aims to support the crypto industry and strengthen America’s position in the global digital asset market,” he said. “After years of corrupt attacks by the Biden Administration, a US Crypto Reserve will elevate this critical industry, which is why my Executive Order on Digital Assets directed the Presidential Working Group to move forward on a Crypto Strategic Reserve that includes XRP, SOL, and ADA,” Trump stated. 

This announcement led to a positive change in sentiment for the world’s largest cryptocurrency, which had been losing ground since mid-January due to disappointment over Trump’s inaction in relaxing regulatory policies. Over a fifth of Bitcoin’s value has been taken off the price since it peaked at $109,000 in early January

Trump disclosed plans to create a Crypto strategic reserve in the United States in the last quarter of 2024, indicating his support for the cryptocurrency industry.

He declared, “We’re going to do something great with crypto because we don’t want China or anybody else to embrace it, but others are, and we want to be ahead.” 

Bitcoin dropped more than 17 percent last month, marking its largest monthly percentage decline since June 2022.

Optimism that the crypto-friendly president would support a strategic Bitcoin fund and end the Biden administration’s crackdown on the sector has propelled its rally since Trump’s election in November.

However, investors haven’t heard much specific news about that policy thus far, aside from the rush of tech-friendly officials Trump appointed to office.

Technical analysis  

Recent market activity shows that Bitcoin could extend the rally to retest its next resistance level at $100,000 if it continues to recover.

The daily chart’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) now stands close to neutral, suggesting improved market sentiment.

The RSI needs to move above its neutral level of 50 for the bullish momentum to continue. However, if Bitcoin continues to fall and closes below the $90,000 support level, it may retest its $85,000 daily support.

President Trump’s position on cryptocurrencies has changed over time. He was initially dubious, but in keeping with his pledge to make America a center for cryptocurrency innovation, he has lately taken a more encouraging stance.

This commitment is demonstrated by the issuance of Executive Order 14178, which instructs federal agencies to create frameworks that facilitate the integration and regulation of digital assets.

America’s Crypto Czar confirms Trump’s strategy 

White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks has endorsed President Donald Trump’s declaration of an American strategic reserve for cryptocurrency.

“President Trump has announced a Crypto Strategic Reserve consisting of bitcoin and other top cryptocurrencies,” Sacks wrote in a post on the social media site X.  President Trump is making the U.S the “World’s Crypto Capital.’

Sacks announced plans for a major industry gathering: “On Friday, March 7, President Trump will host the first White House Crypto Summit.. Prominent CEOs, investors, and founders from the cryptocurrency sector will be among the attendees. I hope to see you all there!”

The summit is anticipated to help the administration and important stakeholders communicate, strengthening America’s prominent position in the global crypto industry

[Nairametrics]

As the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly deepens, sources within the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership have hinted at a possible judicial resolution if efforts to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa fail.

Despite intense lobbying from political heavyweights, the majority of lawmakers remain steadfast in their support for Speaker Mojisola Meranda, creating a stalemate between the two factions.

Naija News reports that a highly placed source within the Presidency told Vanguard, “The President is insisting Obasa must return but the Assembly members are also throwing their weight behind Meranda.

“The two camps do not want to shift grounds. As it is, the court will decide who the Speaker is and you know how judicial process works, it will move from the High Court to Appeal Court and from there, to the Supreme Court; the court will decide.”

The legal process, according to insiders, could be drawn out, moving from the High Court to the Court of Appeal, and eventually, to the Supreme Court a situation that could leave the Assembly in limbo for months.

Meanwhile, Obasa has taken the legal route, suing Meranda, the Assembly, and 36 lawmakers in a bid to overturn what he describes as his “unlawful removal.”

The case, currently before Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, was adjourned last Friday to March 7, when pending applications are expected to be heard.

[NaijaNews]

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, to halt the increase in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees pending the conclusion of the lawsuit on its legality.

SERAP stated that if the CBN implements the ATM fee increase while the suit is still pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos, it would undermine the judicial process and the rule of law.

The civil society organisation, which made the argument in an open letter dated March 1, 2025, signed by its Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, also asserted that the apex bank must suspend the increase and wait for the lawsuit’s outcome.

SERAP further urged the president to seek legal advice from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN),, regarding the CBN’s legal responsibility to uphold the rule of law by suspending the ATM fee increase while the lawsuit is pending.

This lawsuit followed the CBN’s announcement that ATM withdrawals at bank-owned machines outside their branch premises would now incur a fee of N100 for every N20,000 withdrawn.

Withdrawals made at shopping centres, airports, or standalone cash points would incur a fee of N100 plus a surcharge of up to N500.

In the open letter, SERAP stated that suspending the fee increase would align with the letter and spirit of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), the president’s oath of office, and repeated promises to uphold the rule of law.

The organisation insisted that the CBN has the responsibility to uphold due process, protect the integrity of the judicial process, and ensure that its operations do not undermine the rule of law or the court.

It also maintained that the CBN must maintain the status quo as of February 26, 2025, when the court documents were duly served, and during the lawsuit filed by SERAP concerning the ATM fee hike before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

SERAP stated, “The CBN is not permitted to act in ways that would disregard the public interest or create a situation of complete helplessness for the Federal High Court.

“Nigerian courts disapprove of acts of self-help and respond swiftly to such conduct to reinforce that they will not be manipulated to hinder one party while allowing the other to benefit extrajudicially.

“Implementing the increase in ATM transaction fees while the upheld court processes and lawsuit are pending would directly threaten the integrity of the country’s judicial system and the rule of law.

“The credibility and relevance of the judicial system are at risk of being compromised, which could encourage other ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to adopt similarly dismissive attitudes toward pending legal cases.

“The CBN must fulfil its general duty to act in good faith and avoid actions that might undermine the integrity of the judicial process by promptly suspending the increased ATM transaction fees until the lawsuit is heard and resolved.

“We would appreciate urgent action on the recommended measures to uphold the integrity of the judicial process and the rule of law.

“It is in the public’s interest to ensure that the streams of justice remain clear and pure, maintaining the authority and integrity of the court in this matter.

“SERAP filed the lawsuit on February 21, 2025, under number FHC/L/CS/344/2025, against the CBN due to its failure to reverse the unfair and unreasonable increase in ATM transaction fees.

“The court documents were officially served to the CBN in Abuja on February 26, 2025, and the CBN has acknowledged receipt.

“In the lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is asking the court to determine whether the CBN’s decision to increase ATM transaction fees was arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable, and contrary to the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018.

“It is crucial to keep the streams of justice clear and pure and to uphold the authority and integrity of the court in this case,” SERAP stated.

[Leadership]

In his column last Saturday, my friend and brother, Farooq Kperogi, reminisced his previous piece on unusual Muslim names in Nigeria which do not “seem to have any links with the rest of the Muslim world.” He listed ‘Badamasi’ as one of them.

Kperogi said some readers of his column traced for him what they thought was the etymology of ‘Badamasi’ to an Arab poet “whose book advanced students in traditional Arabic schools” in Hausaland. He said his readers added that the book, “a Sufi poem, is used as a resource for Arabic vocabulary lessons and that over time, it became popularly known as Badamasi, named after its author.” Kperogi, however, held that he had “not found any scholarly corroboration for the claim that Badamasi is the name of an Arab poet.” Instead, he noted that “there is a late nineteenth-century Ilorin Muslim scholar and poet by the name of Badamasi whose poems are often utilized to enhance Arabic vocabulary and are a staple in the curriculum of traditional Islamic schools. But it’s not clear if he is the original bearer of the name.”

Both Kperogi and his readers may be right. But, even if they are right, the question still remains: How did the author(s) get the name and what does it mean?

A few months before the British invaded and conquered Kano in 1903, a young man wandered into that city with the panache of the literate. He gave his name simply as Abd Allah. As usual in those days, he came with no surname. Historians say he was found to have originated in a place called Ghadames (Ghadamis) in the far north of Africa. He was not alone in Kano; he had uncles who formed the Ghadames community of Arabs. But, because he was well-loved in Kano, he became popular and known as Abd Allah el-Ghadamisi (Abd Allah the Ghadamisi); the toponym, Ghadames (Ghadamis) had provided for him a surname – Ghadamisi, a citizen of Ghadamis.

Because a man’s skill and competence will feed him even in a season of famine, Abd Allah soon found favour before God and man because his primary language was Arabic and he was literate in it. And, because he could read and write Arabic and had quickly amassed enormous competence in Hausa language, C. L. Temple, northern Nigeria’s Lieutenant Governor, employed him as an assistant. He spent some time with Temple, then moved to H. R. Palmer, another top colonial officer who was employed by the authorities to do rural tax assessment. It was Palmer who got Abd Allah to write his memoirs. That book, ‘Your Humble Servant: The Memoirs of Abd Allah Al-Ghadamisi’. There is a 1996 seminal article on it authored by Muhammad Sani Umar and John Hunwick. Because, sometimes an author gets more famous than his work, al-Ghadamisi’s name appears to have overwhelmed the book’s title.

We read former President Ibrahim Babangida in his autobiography (page 2) crediting his father’s name, Badamasi, to the title of a book. He wrote: “As I understand it, my grandfather named my father ‘Badamasi’ after a particular religious book that he consulted regularly. My grandfather was so fond of the book that he decided to name his second child after it, and that was how the name ‘Badamasi’ came into our lineage!” Could he be referring to Abd Allah Al-Ghadamisi’s memoirs?

Sheikh Adam Abdullah el-Ilory (1917-1992) was the founder of the Markaz, Agege, Lagos. He was a highly regarded Islamic scholar and historian, and for that, he got decorated home and abroad. John Hunwick, British academic, author and Africanist, in his ‘The Arabic Literary Tradition of Nigeria’ published in 1997, described Sheikh Adam as “the greatest (Arabic/ Islamic scholar) that Nigeria has produced in the twentieth century.” Adam was educated far and wide and, he, significantly, was at Al-Azhar University, Cairo. He wrote books on Astronomy and Philosophy, on Yoruba origin and history; Islamic history and jurisprudence, Arabic language and its history, etc, etc and delivered hundreds of very seminal lectures.

In one of his lectures that I uploaded on my Facebook wall on 22 March, 2024, Sheikh Adam traced the history of Islam in Hausaland to a group of itinerant clerics and merchants from Ancient Mali. The cleric added that “with the Malians were the Ghadamisi”, the people of Ghadames, a town built on an oasis in northwestern Libya. Geographers locate that place today near the Tunisian and Algerian borders. For centuries, the town was very popular as a centre for Trans Saharan Trade, particularly, the Arab flank of the Slave Trade.

The Sheikh Adam story is better told in his very words but he spoke in Yoruba; I try some translation (and transliteration) here: “The Ghadamisi. They are a tribe, a whole city. Àwon olórúko president wa ní Nigeria nìyen (they are our president’s namesakes). That is where he (Babangida) got his name, Badamasi. Some pronounce that name as Bidimos. They use Badamasi in Hausaland; we use Gbadamosi in Yorubaland. Bidimosi (Badmus, Bidmus) is a recent variant…It is not as popular as Ghadamisi. With the Ghadamisi were the Wangara. The Wangara brought Islam to Hausaland.” The period he spoke of was around the 14th century.

Sheikh Adam linked the Wangara with the Ghadamisi. You would want to ask what brought together those two disparate tribes. The Malian city of Gao was a major hub for trade and cultural exchange in those distant days. History told us that the “westernmost of the three central routes of the trans Saharan trade was the Ghadames Road, which ran from the Niger River at Gao north to Ghat and Ghadames before terminating at Tripoli.” That route provided the common course for the lives of the Wongara and the people of Ghadames in their joint journey of trade and faith to West Africa. It is in The Kano Chronicles that “during the reign of Yaji, the King of Kano from 1349 to 1385, the Wangarawa came from Melle (Mali) bringing the religion of Islam.” The Wangarawa came as clerics, marabouts and scholars.

Kperogi thinks Hausa’s ‘Badamasi’ was “Yorubized to ‘Gbadamosi’ and later anglicized to ‘Badmus’ in Yoruba land.” If he reads me here, and if he agrees with Sheikh Adam that ‘Ghadames/ Ghadamisi’ is the root of ‘Gbadamosi/Badamasi’, I hope he will rethink this conclusion. I say so because between ‘Badamasi’ and ‘Gbadamosi’, the one with the ‘Gb’ sound sounds closer to ‘Ghadamisi’, their root.

There is a royal family in Lagos called Oniru. In the earliest times when there was no Lagos and Eko knew its boundaries, that family owned all lands that house today’s Awolowo Road, the prime area called Falomo, Tafawa Balewa Square, the Independence Building, Island Club, Yoruba Tennis Club, et cetera, et cetera. Add Oyinkan Abayomi to that list, and, in addition to those places, input 18 other villages – all in pricey Lagos Island.

The family that owned all those is the family that produced the new and contentious speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. Do not mind her surname; she is an Oniru. Her brother is the reigning Oba of their Iruland. She is a princess but being a princess is not enough for her to join the big league of Lagos. Her election as speaker by almost all her colleagues, means little or nothing. In the pantheon of Lagos politics, there is always one god whose one vote trumps a million ballots. In some places, you do not have to enter the grove before you become an elder; grey hair is enough. Not in Lagos. In Lagos, the godfather is the igbó’rò, the sacred grove that confers age, that vests authority in and breathes life into all figurines.

The search for that breath is what is making Meranda and her backers panting. And, she has just started. Breaking into the power vault of Lagos uninvited is akin to sitting on a million needles. She did that and must, therefore, writhe from the needle effect. Fortunately for her, she is a woman with a lot of fluid in her tear gland, and she has been generous with shedding princely tears since her colleagues invested her with the authority to be speaker of the president’s state. Last week, the sacked speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, borrowed some lines from Black Scorpion’s Third Marine Commando. Obasa landed at the House complex at dawn and sensationally announced his comeback. As cover, he had guns and boots of various shapes and sizes behind him.

I watched the video and saw his enemies under a tent, peeping like fearful, terrorized children of Gaza and the West Bank. It was obvious that the state was behind Obasa. With a wand, the herdsman runs his flock around. Lateef Jakande did what Bola Tinubu does with the politics of Lagos today. From his emergence in 1979 until he went to Abuja in 1994, Jakande was the god and father of Lagos politics. He decided who got what and who should and would not get anything. But because every godfather has an expiry date, hugely popular Jakande took a federal job, went to Abuja and lost his spell.

He returned to Lagos, to a palace without people. Bola Tinubu is in Abuja. The spell in Lagos is unraveling. I hope he knows this and quickly cements his cracked walls. He cannot keep Lagos by overtly having favourites among his disciples. Every parent knows how slippery it could be not to respect the choice of boys who have become men. What do you think are the consequences of a blind king riding a blind horse through the market of the blind? The king will fall; the horse will maim and kill; the market will be over. That is what I fear happening in Lagos.

The casualties will be unimaginable. The possibility of the market being stung by bees is the reason I wonder why the principalities driving this crisis are not seeing what we see. The brake is there, press it! Enemies are saying that Lagos won’t stop the war because it is God at work. A river, no matter the length of its course, must necessarily empty its waters into the ocean. It is the natural course of power.

A village, town, or city’s foundation stone orders its affairs. Ìdálu ni ìsèlú is the Yoruba construction for that English phrase. With one lone, worn-out stick, the Fulani commands his herd. That is Lagos. Lagos has always been godfathers’ playground. It may keep preening itself as the landing bay for civilization in Nigeria but it has a sorry history of being herded by political herdsmen. If everything escapes your memory, I do not think you would forget the 1991 miracle of Otedola. When siblings fight without looking back, outsiders grab and pack their everything and run with it.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) thought it owned Lagos in 1991 and could do anything there and get away with it. In its fold were two irreconcilable groups, each backing an aspirant for the governorship. There was the Primrose Movement with Chief Dapo Sarumi as its anointed candidate. Mr. Bola Tinubu belonged to that group. Primrose drew its strength from the Patriotic Front (PF) owned and funded by Fulani aristocrat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

The second group’s anointed was Professor Femi Agbalajobi. He is now late. Lagos godfather, Lateef Jakande, was the father and guardian spirit of Agbalajobi’s group. The war between the two ended only with the disqualification of both aspirants by the then all-powerful National Electoral Commission (NEC). Yar’Adua’s group then did a coup. The General used his influence and wealth to foist his protégé, Yomi Edu, on the very popular SDP as its governorship candidate. The result was a defeat that shocked everyone home and abroad. Sir Michael Otedola was the governorship candidate of the rival National Republican Convention (NRC), a very unpopular party in Lagos. NRC had only two seats in the Lagos House of Assembly; the rival SDP had 38.

But SDP lost the governorship to the unpopular NRC. NRC’s Otedola won the election because Lateef Jakande, the reigning godfather of that era, was sufficiently incensed to kill his goose rather than watch an outsider appropriate its golden eggs. But, did that action have consequences? If it did, what were they? In all these, I pity two persons as they hide behind their fingers while their Lagos burn from their match sticks.

They have my pity; they do not have my sympathy. The first is President Bola Tinubu. Elders don’t get angry; they don’t fight all wars. Brigadier General Benjamin Maja Adekunle in his ‘Biafra War Letters’ said his middle name, Maja, which means ‘Don’t fight’, was given to him as a leash for his incessant street brawls. Yoruba bards say a careless, listless owner will have the oil in their lamp dissipated before their very eyes. It is happening in Lagos. The puppies that Eko carefully nursed for a day like this are openly barking resentment at his preference and choice.

That is classic demystification. He should pause, ponder and re-plan. More importantly, the ponderous should repossess himself from hubris; for the king who cannot master himself may find mastering others very impossible. The second person I invest my pity in, with a heavy heart, is Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The sacrifice he took to the Lagos intersection last night is still there; those who should eat it did not. Check the Ìrókò and its branches. The squirrel that used to dance with its head is no longer rejoicing with its tail.

The omens are not good. The man is fast becoming a bigger Fubara and I ponder his fate as he fords this flood. Neither iyán lébé nor okà lèbè will satisfy those he might have offended. He should just hurry home to his fathers and ask them what the gods want. Unfortunately, he cannot be heard complaining about anything that is not fair in the Lagos arrangement – he is a product of that system. May God help him and help his godfather. ‘Why Empires Fall’ is a book by two western scholars, Peter Heather and John Rapley.

It is in that book that I got a perfect imagery to describe what is unfolding in Lagos: the image of broken pottery. They note, and I agree with them, that once broken, a pot becomes useless but the individual shards endure to cry the story of their collective tragedy. From Ikate to Iru to Marina to Alausa, the spell that binds the Lagoon and the sea; the mainland and the Island is flooded and its potency now watery. The shattered crockery of the Lagos establishment is getting flung hither and thither. Unless sanity is allowed to reign there, there may be more there to break in days ahead.