Chude Jideonwo, the media personality, has claimed that Nigeria’s biggest filmmakers are predominantly from the Yoruba tribe.

In an Instagram post, Jideonwo mentioned notable names like Toyin Abraham, Funke Akindele, Kemi Adetiba, Kunle Afolayan, and Mo Abudu as examples, while discussing the dominance of Yoruba filmmakers in Nollywood.

He argued that Yoruba-language films have the most presence on global streaming platforms and that Hausa or Igbo-language films are nearly absent.

He added that the Yoruba film culture has successfully blended into other groups, thereby aiding its continued dominance in the Nigerian film industry.

“The biggest filmmakers in Nigeria now are all Yoruba,” he said.

“Think about it: Kemi Adetiba, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Mo Abudu, Kayode Kasum, Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Mercy Aigbe, Oga Bello’s sons—the ones that do every movie, including ‘Beast of Two Worlds’ and ‘Jagun Jagun’—and Bolanle Austin-Peters.

“Think about it: most of the mainstream, big cinema, and streaming movies are all by Yoruba people.

“What has happened is that the Yoruba filming culture has merged itself into the other groups that are leading again. Can you name one Hausa-language movie on Netflix or Amazon? Or can you name one Igbo-language movie on Netflix or Amazon? The closest was… Genevieve’s ‘Lionheart’ many many years ago. Only Yoruba movies are able to exist on Amazon on Netflix and become mainstream cultural hits.”

Jideonwo is the co-founder of Red Africa and Joy, Inc. He is the executive producer and host of #WithChude, a multimedia show.

In August, the TV host released the first part of a docuseries about the organ trafficking scandal involving Ike Ekweremadu, former deputy senate president.

He was recently appointed Creative-in-Residence at the London School of Economics (LSE).

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Saturday governorship election in Edo State. According to the Returning Officer who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat his arch rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who secured 247,274 votes.

Daily Trust reports that the APC won in 11 local government areas while the PDP won seven. The APC won the six local governments in Edo North Senatorial District and two out of the five local government in Edo Central Senatorial district. Beyond the loss and victory, this piece focused on some individuals who played key roles in the election and contributed to its outcome.


NYESOM WIKE

At the time APC denied Obaseki returning ticket in the build-up to 2020 Edo election, Nyesom Wike, then governor of Rivers State, and some other PDP gave him a solid backing to secure the party’s ticket. Wike, now Minister of Federal Capital Teritorry (FCT), worked for Obaseki’s victory against APC’s Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the 2020 election.

Not long after his re-election, Obaseki and Wike fell apart. In fact, Obaseki supported former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, against Wike, as the Presidential candidate of PDP in the last election. Wike would later tender apology to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Obaseki’s estranged godfather, to forgive him for “helping Obaseki win re-election.”

The FCT Minister in the build-up to the Saturday’s election stated he would not support the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, having fallen out with Obaseki.

But during an interview, Obaseki said Edo voters do not need Wike’s influence to decide who they would vote for.

He said, “He (Wike) came to get Edo people to vote for me, right? Wow! Edo people are not that dumb. They know who to vote for. They don’t require the services of an outsider to make their decisions. Edo people will make decisions this time because they know what they want.”

At a point, the PDP through its Edo State Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, demanded redeployment of the State REC, Anugbum Onuoha as well the Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Edwin-Iwo, over their alleged ties with Wike.

Aziegbemi said, “We are worried that the election may have been compromised even before it start. This is because we are certain that the officials responsible for conducting a free, fair, and credible election are close associates of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.”

Wike dismissed allegations of him influencing the appointment of his cousin, Onuoha, as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, warning propagandists that ‘nobody born of a woman’ can intimidate his cousin.


PHILIP SHAIBU

During the rift between Obaseki and Oshiomhole in 2020, Shaibu stood behind Obaseki against Oshiomhole, noting that the former governor was playing godfather when they both never allowed such to happen in Edo. Like Wike, Shaibu was another key factor in securing Obaseki’s reelection. He particularly took the political battle to Oshiomhole’s doorstep, attacking with foul languages at different fora.

However, the table turned as Shaibu, fell out with Obaseki over his governorship ambition. Obaseki didn’t only deny him PDP ticket, he masterminded his impeachment. There was a twist in July as Shaibu was reinstated as the deputy governor by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Following his reinstatement, Shaibu, defected to APC alongside several key PDP legacy coalition members.

Shaibu’s defection to a large extent depleted PDP’s strength going into the Saturday’s election. He described Obaseki’s candidate as an outsider, saying he would rather back APC candidate.

“I will support a homeboy. I came into the contest to be governor of Edo State because I needed governance to return to a homeboy, somebody who understands our plight and somebody who understands what the people are feeling.

“We don’t want an outsider. We have experimented with an outsider and it is not working, so this time, we want a homeboy. We have only two home boys in the major political parties; one is in the Labour Party and one is in the All Progressives Congress,” Shaibu said.


DAN ORBIH

Dan Orbih, former National Vice Chairman, South-South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and immediate past Edo Chairman of the party, is another political leader, who worked against Ighodalo’s victory.

Orbih, one of the allies of Wike, did not hide his hatred for Obaseki and his anointed candidate. He is the leader of the Legacy Group, comprising leaders of PDP worked for Obaseki’s victory in 2020. The group members were at loggerhead with governor for not fulfilling promises he made to them during the Edo 2020 election.

When Ighodalo emerged party’s candidate, Orbih declared he would not support him. Infact, he rejected PDP’s governorship campaign council’s membership.

The leader of anti-Obaseki’s Legacy Coalition, who hails from Etsako Central Local Government Area in Edo North, said: “Nobody told me of any governorship campaign council membership in Edo PDP. I am not aware of it.

“Some persons, who saw my name on the list, called me. I have not seen the list, and I am not aware of it. I am not party to the composition of the campaign council.”

In June, pro-Obaseki PDP leaders expelled Orbih, from the party, for alleged anti – party.

The party said it has also expelled Shaibu, and Hon. Omorgie Ogbeide Ihama, an immediate past House of Reps member, representing Oredo Federal Constituency.


ANSLEM OJEZUA

Ojezua is another Obaseki’s ally turned political enemy. He was State chairman of the Edo State chapter of APC and led members of executives from state to ward to pitch tenth with the PDP when Obaseki was denied returning ticket in 2020. In leading the party leaders, he cited loss of confidence in the national leadership of the APC and alleged disobedience to the party’s constitution.

The resolution which was signed by 22 members of the Executives of the party led Ojezua and Chairmen of the party across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State, said over 150, 000 supporters of their supporters have concluded plans to defect with them.

However, Ojezua like Shaibu fell out with Obaseki over his governorship ambition on the platform of PDP.

After Obaseki’s man emerged PDP candidate, Ojezua faulted the primary and dragged Ighodalo to court.

Ojezua said he sought redress in court because Obaseki, “played a huge role in ensuring that the primary was not transparent”.

“I am not satisfied with the outcome. From the onset, I have expressed my impression that the process was neither transparent nor was it in obedience to the rules,” Ojezua said.

Early this month, a Court of Appeal, Abuja division, dismissed Ojezua’s suit seeking disqualification of Ighodalo’s candidacy.


KABIRU ADJOTO

He is a former Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly who defected from PDP after falling out with Obaseki. There are allegations that he fell out with Obaseki over his failure to name his deputy after the controversial impeachment of Shaibu.

Obaseki named Marvellous Omobayo as his deputy, a development which reportedly set him up against Adjoto.

At a meeting of the Legacy Group held at Orbih’s country home in Ogbona, Adjoto tackled Obaseki over his failure to manage 2020 electoral victory.

He said that instead of consolidating on the victory recorded in 2020 election by rewarding those who worked for his re-election, Obaseki opted for others in the party who did not work for the party.

“Dan Orbih, we have seen what you saw and we are here to queue behind you anywhere you go, we go. We are waiting for you instruction,” Adjoto said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday, declared the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo, as the winner of the Edo State gubernatorial election held on Saturday.

Naija News reported that the Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Faruq Adamu Kuta, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, announced at the INEC collation centre in Benin City.

Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, winning 11 out of the 18 local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

Here are ten key points about Senator Monday Okpebholo, the newly elected governor of Edo State:
Born in 1970 in Uromi, Edo State, Okpebholo was raised in a modest family that instilled values of integrity and diligence, which have greatly influenced his life and career.

Okpebholo’s education journey began in local schools in Uromi before he advanced to the University of Benin, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. He furthered his education with a Master’s in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning.

Beyond politics, Okpebholo is an entrepreneur with investments in hospitality, construction, oil and gas, and agriculture.

Through the Monday Okpebholo Foundation, he has dedicated resources to charitable work, including scholarships, healthcare services, and vocational training for underprivileged communities.

Okpebholo is deeply connected to his family, maintaining strong ties to his roots in Edo State. He is married with four children.

Okpebholo’s political journey started in 2003 when he was elected to the House of Representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Throughout his political tenure, Okpebholo has been a vocal advocate for issues such as agriculture, rural development, and legislative reforms, working tirelessly to represent the needs of his constituents.

Okpebholo is a devout Christian and an active member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Okpebholo’s dedication to excellence in business and politics, along with his efforts to promote inclusive growth and support marginalised communities, have earned him widespread respect and recognition.

As governor, Okpebholo envisions a prosperous, inclusive, and thriving Edo State. His campaign focused on driving development, economic empowerment, and sustainable growth to benefit all residents and future generations.

The Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Jeret Tenebe, has said the prayer of the party is for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to conduct elections the way it was done in Edo governorship election held on Saturday.

Jeret Tenebe said Saturday’s Edo governorship election was the fairest election he has seen. He dismissed allegations that the APC rigged the election in favour of its candidate, Monday Okpebholo.

The Edo APC chairman said this while speaking to newsmen on Sunday evening. He noted that if INEC continues conducting the elections the way it did in Edo, Nigeria would be seeing a good electoral process.

“Our party cannot rig election, because we are not INEC. And the elections that we saw yesterday is the fairest election ever conducted in this state. And we pray that INEC continue like this. And if they continue like this, it then means the country is going to be advancing to be seeing a proper and good electoral process,” Tenebe said.

He further explained that Governo-elect Monday Okpebholo would bring development to the state. He said women and youths would be empowered.

According to him, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, lost because of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

“This victory is victory for Edo state. It is victory for all Edo people. This victory means so much for us.

“Okpebholo will bring development. He is going to empower the youths. He is going to empower the women. Okpebholo will unite the state. No respect for traditional rulers that will stop. This result reflects what happened yesterday (Saturday).

“Nobody would see anything that has to do with Obaseki and touch it. Nobody wants to touch Obaseki,” Tenebe added.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would win the Ondo governorship election as it did in Edo governorship election on Saturday.

Naija News reported that the Ondo governorship election would be held in November.

Akpabio said the victory of Monday Okpebholo in Edo has marked a turning point in the state’s politics.

The former governor of Akwa-Ibom State stated this on Sunday evening, in Benin, while speaking with newsmen, after Okpebholo was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“I believe that this a turning point in the politics of Edo State. I regard this day as a day of liberation. The will of God has been done today in Edo state. God’s will has been done today in Edo.

“I also want you to know that the will of God for people is nothing but progress, happiness, joy and prosperity for people,” he said.

The Senate President added that the people of Edo by voting for the APC candidate showed they have confidence in President Bola Tinubu. He enjoined Nigerians to exercise patience with the President.

He noted that the President met mess on the ground and had been working to turn the fortunes of the country.

“I believe the election of Edo, though very tense at the beginning, the outcome is a reflection of confidence that Nigerians have continued to express in President Bola Tinubu, that his administration met a mess on the ground but they are doing their best to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria.

“I want to tell you to remain patient and continue to support the president. What has happened in Edo is a clear reflection of what will happen in Ondo by special grace of God,” Senator Akpabio added.

The Executive Director of pro-democracy group Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has alleged that major political parties engaged in vote buying during the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday.

The election, which concluded with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaring Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, has drawn scrutiny from various civil society organizations.

Itodo in an interview with Channels TV, noted that observers from Yiaga Africa and other groups reported instances of voter bribery, with parties distributing between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 to influence voters at polling stations.

Naija News had earlier reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome of the governorship election.

PDP on Sunday, declared that its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, won the 2024 governorship election.

The party, in a statement released through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, insisted that the results of the Edo State Governorship election, as garnered by its polling agents across the State, indicate that the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, clearly won the election.

Ologunagba added that the same position was echoed by the Chairman of the Edo PDP National Campaign Council, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and warned both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the All Progressives Congress (APC) against tampering with the results.

The PDP accused the APC of trying to steal the mandate of its candidate.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has said the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu by Edo people.

Naija News reported that Senator Okebholo defeated the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) Asue Ighodalo and Olumide Akpata, respectively, during Saturday’s Edo governorship election.

In a statement on Monday, Senator Jibrin stated that the victory of Okpebholo was well deserved. He noted that it was a victory for democracy and the people of the state.

The Deputy Senate President said, “The victory of our great party, the All Progressives Congress in last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State is well-deserved. I congratulate the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo and all our supporters for this victory. It is not just a victory for the APC but for our democracy and the people of Edo State.

“This victory is a further expression of the confidence of the people of the state in the exemplary leadership and performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since his assumption of office in May last year.

“It is also a result of the visionary leadership of our national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who has made the party more cohesive and paved the way for its victory in this election.“

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has alleged that Governor Godwin Obaseki brought ₦73 million to his ward to buy votes during Saturday’s governorship election.

Philip Shaibu made the allegation on Monday while speaking in an interview with Arise TV.

He added that Governor Obaseki was responsible for the loss of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

Shaibu said, “The gamechanger was Obaseki refusing to share his program and feeling he can be an autocrat, a dictator and wants to enforce. He feels he now has money which he didn’t have in 2016 to use to buy his way through.

“He feels he can bring 73 million to my ward and make sure he wins my ward. I will show you the print of the amount of money he earmarked to buy votes in my ward and when I saw the document. I laughed. It also pushed a lot of people to transfer their voting unit to my unit and that is why in the state today, I have the highest PVC voters in my unit.”

According to him, a total of 618 key members of the PDP joined the APC. He added a total of 1018 of his supporters left with him to the APC.

“We had 10 of us that contested for primaries in PDP and 9 of us, he told us to go to hell. The last time I counted, it was about 618 key leaders that left PDP to APC. The total number of people that resigned from my own side that I have on the list is about 1018 persons to join APC.

“When you put these numbers together, there was no Obaseki and Asue could win and this election was not just about Asue but about the wickedness of the governor,” Shaibu stated.

He further advised Asue Ighodalo against filing suit in court to challenge the victory of Senator Okpebholo.

He continued, “Asue’s option now is to go to court. As far as what happened in my unit, ward and local government is what he wants to go and challenge, I think it is an effort in futility. I will also join Mr. President to say that if you feel there are areas where things are not regular, you can go to court. We will be meeting there. I would say everything that happened, using my own area, was free and fair.”

He declared that the loss of PDP in the governorship election was an end for Governor Obaseki’s era.

“It is Ofonee (finished) for Obaseki, but not the end of the era for Shaibu,” he stated.

A member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West federal constituency, Hon Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to learn from their past mistakes.

The lawmaker stated this while reacting to the outcome of the gubernatorial election held in Edo State.

Olajide, who was elected on the platform of the PDP, pleaded with the the party’s leaders to close ranks and unite so as to win future elections.

Speaking via a statement made available to Naija News through his media aide, Tolu Mustapha, the legislator asserted that the PDP failed due to internal wranglings.

He said, “The party should put aside its differences and work together to achieve victory in the 2027 general elections.

“Unity is a necessary and strategic tool needed to strengthen the party’s position and ensure a more cohesive approach to future elections.

“The Peoples Democratic Party should learn from past mistakes and move forward with a united front as the 2027 general elections approach.

“The PDP’s ability to put aside internal differences and present a united front will be crucial in determining the success of the party in future polls.”

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in partnership with Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), has started a high-quality, safe bone marrow transplant programme that meets international standards for the cure of sickle cell disease.

A joint statement by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo and the National Director of Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), Dr. Annette Akinsete, announced this yesterday in Lagos.

It said Nigeria had the most significant burden of sickle cell disease worldwide, explaining that individuals affected by the disease suffer life-threatening complications from early childhood, serious damage to their organs and reduced life expectancy.

The statement said: “Recognising the gaps in care for individuals affected by the disease in Nigeria, SCFN and LUTH established a bone marrow transplant programme at LUTH.

“In preparation for a locally adapted and cost-effective bone marrow transplant programme in Nigeria, a post-transplant clinic was initially established in 2019, a first in sub-Saharan Africa, to provide post-transplant care to patients who had travelled to other countries for bone marrow or stem cell transplants…

“The establishment of comprehensive care programmes includes newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis, and Transcranial Doppler screening in children to identify those at risk of stroke.

“This is followed by chronic blood transfusion therapy and the increasing use of hydroxyurea therapy has improved the proportion of children surviving into adulthood.

“But it has not improved the proportion of adults living to older age, especially for the most severely affected.

“Bone marrow transplant, using a donor from a family member, is an established cure for this disease,” the statement said.

According to the statement, bone marrow transplant is associated with known complications, such as infection and graft-versus-host disease (when donor cells can attack the patient), infertility, and even death.

It explained that the procedure has been much improved over the last 20 years to ensure good outcomes and limit complications.

“Bone marrow transplant is now an approved therapy for children and adults with severe sickle cell disease. Bone marrow transplant is a complex procedure requiring a multidisciplinary team approach and involves treatment and close follow-up for approximately 12 months,” it said.

The statement noted that the complexity and costs have severely limited those who can obtain this treatment.

It also said most have sought the treatment outside Nigeria, which causes severe hardship for patients and families.

According to the statement, LUTH/SCFN bone marrow transplant programme consists of a high-level multidisciplinary team that includes paediatricians, adult haematologists, psychiatrists, anaesthesiologists, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, and other ancillary health personnel.

It said the programme had been guided by the scientific expertise and leadership of Prof. Adetola Kassim of Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, stressing that to further strengthen expertise in the programme, Prof. Josudela Fuente from the Imperial College London Healthcare NHS Trust UK joined the team in 2022.

The statement said: “The first set of patients is currently undergoing bone marrow transplants at LUTH and was admitted in the last week of August 2024.

“They received a treatment regimen of exchange blood transfusions, chemotherapy and anti-infective prophylaxis to prepare them for the infusion of bone marrow stem cells that were harvested from family donors, processed and given September 17 and September 19, 2024.

“Both patients are currently undergoing immediate post-transplant care within the transplant unit at LUTH.

“We want to express our appreciation to patients and families, the management of LUTH and SCFN, board of directors, the Lagos State government, Chevron, collaborative and technical partners, and other dedicated workers who worked around the clock to ensure success of this programme.”