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Keep My Daughter Out Of Your Affairs - Actress, Iyabo Ojo Slams Media Personality Who Called Out Her Daughter
AFOLABI
Iyabo Ojo, the popular Nollywood actress, has responded hotly to Tanzanian activist and media personality, Mange Kimambi, defending her daughter Priscilla and her husband, Juma, following criticism over their recent posts.
The activist had accused the couple of distracting Tanzanians from the ongoing political unrest in the country, labelling their social media posts as “stupid” and irrelevant.
She also urged them to stay off the radar while citizens were focused on fighting the government.
Iyabo didn’t take it lightly.
In a strongly worded Instagram post, she addressed Kimambi directly and defended her daughter: “@mangekimambi80
I'm appalled by your audacity! Referring to my daughter and her husband in such a manner, calling their content stupid, trying to drum fear and intimidation, this is unacceptable. As a parent, I've taught her to be confident and authentic. The Mkambala are very peaceful, but note I don't joke with my daughter.
Regarding the wedding rumors, it's not your government who gave us money, it's a cultural tradition in my family, the wife's family cover costs. I wanted an elaborate wedding for my daughter in Nigeria and we the Nigerians gave her one.
I'm an activist, and as one, I stand by my principles and fight for what I believe in, without insulting anyone or targeting anyone. True leadership requires presence and courage. It's laughable that you, living in America, think you can dictate to my daughter and her husband, who are living their lives in Tanzania.
Keep my daughter out of your affairs. She'll post what she likes, when she likes, and how she likes. She doesn't need you to love her. She is very loved and well loved.
We protect our own… Never forget that…”
The clash has since sparked reactions online, with supporters on both sides weighing in on the situation.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, the veteran Nollywood actress, has renewed calls for structural reforms in Nigeria’s film industry, drawing comparisons between her experiences in Nollywood and Hollywood.
In a post shared via her Instagram story, the actress highlighted the stark contrast in royalty payments between the two film industries.
Omotola, who has spent over three decades in Nollywood with more than 310 projects to her name, lamented the absence of residual payments for actors in the Nigerian film industry.
In contrast, she revealed that she continues to receive monthly residuals for just two test projects completed during her brief four-year stint in Hollywood.
“Just 4 years in Hollywood, 2 test projects, monthly residuals,” she wrote in the post, accompanied by an image of envelopes from SAG-AFTRA, the American union representing film and television actors.
“30 years in Nollywood, 310+ projects, no residuals,” she added.
She ended with the hashtags #NollywoodNeedsStructure and #UnlearntoRelearn, reinforcing her call for systemic change in Nollywood’s compensation model.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has advocated for a constitutional amendment to establish a single five- or six-year term for elected public officials in Nigeria, asserting that the current two-term structure creates distractions that undermine effective governance.
Makinde made the remarks at his residence in Ibadan while receiving a delegation of Muslim faithful, led by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who visited him after Eid-el-Kabir prayers. The delegation included traditional and political leaders.
Reflecting on his own tenure, Makinde, who has been in office for six years, said his experience suggests that elected leaders are typically focused on governance for only five of the eight years due to the pressures of re-election campaigns and political speculation.
“I have spent six years already, and due to no fault of anybody, we lost the year 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Makinde said. “We lost almost one year campaigning all over the place for the second tenure. Now, people have started distracting us on what I want to do next and all of that.”
The governor noted that if such political distractions were eliminated, a single term of five or six years would allow leaders to focus fully on delivering their mandates.
“That is why I feel if you remove all these distractions, a single tenure of five or six years is actually enough to focus and do the work that we are trying to do in eight years,” he added. “It has nothing to do with me. If they say I should end it, so be it.”
Makinde emphasised that his proposal is based on data and practical experience, urging Nigerians to begin a serious national conversation about the possibility of amending the constitution.
“This is a constitutional issue. We should start looking at it. I know that it has been brought to the attention of the National Assembly, but, quite frankly, it is a model that should work for this country,” he said.
Under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), presidents and governors are currently allowed to serve a maximum of two four-year terms.
Makinde's comments align with similar calls made in October 2024 by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who proposed a six-year single term for the presidency and suggested that the role should rotate among Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
However, in November 2024, the House of Representatives voted against a bill seeking to introduce a single six-year presidential term.
BBNaija Star, Uriel Oputa Decries The Alarming Rate At Which Igbo Men Are 'Marrying Older Women'
AFOLABI
Big Brother Naija star, Uriel Oputa, has made an observation about Igbo men.
The reality TV star decried the alarming rate at which her Igbo brothers are marrying women old enough to be their mothers.
She opined that the trend, which has risen in recent times more about men securing foreign passports than about actually being in love with these women.
Below is what she wrote.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, the Afrobeats sensation, who is popularly known as Wizkid, has expressed his hope for improved governance in Nigeria and across the African continent.
Speaking at the premiere of his documentary “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on Friday, the Starboy boss emphasised that governance is one of the key areas he hopes African countries will get right.
He encouraged other African creatives to share their stories, stressing that he has high hopes for the continent despite poor governance.
He said, “I hope that every artist from Africa gets to tell their story like this. Because I’m not the only one from that hustle, we all came from there. I feel like everyone deserves the chance to tell their story like this.
“I always wish for more success for the whole culture; from music to film to sports. And I wish for better government. I’m just a very positive human being regardless of any thing. I wish the best for everyone making amazing music and amazing art from Africa.”
Kylian Mbappé, the France captain said on Saturday that he holds no bitterness over Paris Saint-Germain winning the Champions League just a year after his move to Real Madrid.
“I didn’t leave too soon; my story with PSG was over. I am not bitter; I had reached the end of the road,” Mbappe said in a press conference ahead of Sunday’s Nations League third-place match against Germany in Stuttgart.
PSG crushed Inter Milan 5-0 to win the Champions League in Munich last Saturday, the first time the club has won the competition.
“I tried everything, and it was destiny that meant it had to happen without me,” said Mbappe.
“PSG winning the Champions League without me doesn’t affect me. I was happy. I think they deserved it.
“They’ve had so many years where they struggled. I’ve been there too; I’ve played in every Champions League stage in Paris except for the victory.
“They’re the best team in Europe.
“I don’t remember seeing a team win 5-0 in a major final.”
Renowned Nigerian constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has cautioned that the country is “unknowingly drifting toward a one-party state,” warning that such a path could ultimately result in a full-blown dictatorship if citizens do not push back.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Hard Copy” program on Saturday, Ozekhome expressed deep concern over the current political landscape, lamenting what he described as “bootlicking at its highest level” and the increasing trend of political decampments and cross-carpeting by elected officials.
He argued that such actions demonstrate a lack of ideological grounding among politicians, who appear to prioritise personal gain over party principles.
“It’s like beans, akara, and moi-moi; they’re the same,” Ozekhome stated, criticising the lack of scruples among those who switch parties.
He contended that this erosion of ideological differentiation is a dangerous move, as a one-party state inevitably leads to unchecked power.
He said, “In a one-party state, dictatorship reigns supreme.
“Everybody will agree. National Assembly pocketed, judiciary will be pocketed, and everybody will be saying ‘yes, yes, yes.'”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria drew historical parallels, citing the example of the PDP’s 16-year rule when they famously boasted of governing for 60 years, only to implode.
He suggested that while President Bola Tinubu has strategically placed his people in critical sectors of governance, this could lead to a scenario where Tinubu “virtually runs against himself” in the 2027 elections if the opposition remains fractured.
Ozekhome also expressed dismay at the public’s apparent docility, which he likened to a “Stockholm Syndrome.”
He argued that the average Nigerian, pushed to the wall by hardship, would rather retreat than challenge their aggressors, leading to a state of “helplessness and hopelessness.”
He urged Nigerians to be resilient and hold their governments accountable, reminding them that “the power is yours; it is not theirs.”
Singer Darey Art Alade and his wife Deola on Friday survived a car fire on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.
The pair posted videos on social media on Saturday showing the car burning.
Some of the videos showed people trying to stop the fire albeit unsuccessfully. Fire service personnel later put out the fire.
“Yesterday, around 4pm, our car caught fire on the 3rd Mainland Bridge and burnt to the ground,” the couple wrote in a joint post.
“It was a shocking and painful experience, but we’re incredibly grateful that the driver made it out safely. No lives were lost, and that’s what truly matters.”
They stressed that the incident reminded them about the irrelevance of material possessions compared to life.
“We’re not sharing this for sympathy but to remind someone that things can be replaced. Lives cannot. We’re choosing to remain thankful to God for protection, for perspective, and for the quiet strength to keep going,” they added.
“If you’re navigating a sudden loss of any kind, we hope this reminds you: we can rebuild. We can begin again and find the strength to keep going. One breath, one prayer, one step at a time. We give thanks in all things. Thank you to everyone that stopped to help.”
- Lagosians abandon freezers, pressing irons, others, cite outrageous electricity bills
- Regulatory authorities will develop appropriate tariff methodology —Govt
- We are all to blame —DisCo official
THE Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently beat his chest regarding the feats his ministry had achieved since he assumed office a few years ago.
One of such feats, he stated, was the additional N200 billion realised by the ministry in 2024 under his watch. But many Lagos residents, especially consumers in the power sector, do not share in the minister’s excitement.
Of late, it has been a litany of woes from the consumers, who insist that the reforms introduced by the minister since assuming office have left them worse off. They can no longer use their freezers, pressing irons and other energy-sapping appliances.
Unfortunately, they believe the minister has abandoned them to the whims and caprices of the distribution companies (DisCos) in the state. The DisCos, they claim, have continued to rip them off under the noses of the minister and other relevant regulatory authorities in the sector.
Some of them argue that despite being placed on Band A, they have been contending with epileptic power supply in their localities.
Recently, residents of Aguda and Ayetoro CDA in Surulere expressed their displeasure over exorbitant electricity bills despite poor power supply to the supposedly Band A consumers. They allege that they receive less than 10 hours of electricity daily, instead of the over 20 hours meant for Band A consumers. Besides, they claim that N10,000 worth of electricity units last less than two hours.
They are therefore calling on the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to return them to Band C, where they believe they truly belong based on the hours of electricity their community receives.
“What they are giving us is even more than our house rent. If you load N10,000 now, it won’t last two hours. Despite the high tariff, we are not getting electricity adequately,” Mr. Jimoh Ajala, the Aguda CDA leader, lamented in a video.
Ajala said, “I am here because of EKEDC. This is a residential area, not commercial. Like yesterday, they took the light four times for four hours each. We are requesting that the DisCo should return us to Band B or C. The tariff is for commercial users and we are not; we are residential.”
Another resident, Adeyanju from Ayetoro CDA, corroborated Ajala’s claims, saying that what they pay for electricity is more than their house rent.
“We are paying more than our house rent for light. This is killing us. They should return us to Band D,” he said.
Jimoh Ajala and other Aguda CDA residents in Surulere protested at the Ikoyi Federal High Court, demanding government action against their exorbitant electricity bills.
Interestingly, they are not alone. Many Lagos residents are finding it increasingly difficult to pay their electricity bills due to several factors, including the harsh economy, rising inflation, high transportation costs and rent, among others.
For instance, Adeniran Olorunsogo, a resident of Aboru, Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos, expressed the belief that his landlord’s decision to install a prepaid meter in the building where he has his shop was the “best thing to have happened in recent years.” Paying estimated bills, which were always outrageous, at the end of every month was an experience he was eager to leave behind. When the meter was installed, he thought the worst was over.
The installation of the meter was seen by this Lagos-based fashion designer as a way of putting an end to his electricity ordeal. But months after the installation, it seems it is not yet uhuru for Olorunsogo, who has his shop on Akinola Road, Aboru, in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA of Lagos, and other electricity consumers in the community.
Besides being outrageously expensive, sharing one meter in a building is becoming a nightmare and a huge burden.
“The hurdle I thought I had scaled has suddenly resurfaced and is beginning to take its toll on the job.
“Some of the guys I share the meter with are simply unreasonable. They only want to recharge at their convenience. The arrangement has been that we all contribute to buy tokens. But most times, you don’t get their cooperation. And when you buy without them, they still want to use it. I had to leave the shop early yesterday because of this issue,” he stated.
Olorunsogo is now considering getting a separate meter, despite the financial burden it would place on his struggling business.
This issue is not unique to Olorunsogo. Mr. Makinde, another fashion designer who lives around Olorunto Street in the same LCDA, told one of our correspondents that electricity usage has become a “big deal” in the community, especially for those in Band A, as power is no longer affordable.
“We have light now, but we intentionally switched it off because of the cost. We only use it when everybody is home. People who want to use it outside the agreed time must contribute and recharge. The talk has changed from irregular power to unaffordability,” Makinde said.
Saturday Tribune’s investigation confirmed Makinde’s assertion. Each building now has a power usage timetable. When one of our correspondents visited, power was off across the board.
“We switch it on when everyone is around to ensure fairness. Since we all paid the same, it’s only fair that no one uses more than others,” said a landlord in the area who preferred anonymity.
Asked whether this is fair to those who have paid but are still denied usage, he replied, “That’s the arrangement. If they want extra usage, they can always buy.”
In Agbado-Ijaiye Ojokoro, the situation is no different. Band A customers are unhappy not only due to the high tariffs but also because they don’t receive the promised 20 hours of power per day.
Forcefully upgraded to Band A simply because of their 33kVA connection, they say they barely receive 15 hours of supply daily.
Sadly, most residents are low-income earners: petty traders, artisans, market women and unemployed individuals.
Due to the Band A classification, some no longer bother ironing clothes or using security lights at night. Many have abandoned electric fans and fridges. Freezers are no longer in use.
In crowded homes, even watching television or listening to music during the day is becoming a luxury.
Mr. Mukaila Alatise, who lives in Jankara in Ijaiye-Ojokoro, narrated the community’s ordeal under Ikeja Electric: “We have eight rooms, six occupied by tenants, each with at least three members. We suffered for years without prepaid meters, were placed on estimated billing, and then forced into Band A. The crazy bills from before were transferred to our new meters.
“Band A is fraud. They promise 20 hours of power but deliver only 13 on average, and even that is interrupted. Sometimes, there’s no power all day. Yet, we are Band A.
“Everyone should be in the same band and pay based on actual consumption. N20,000 gives less than 90 units—it barely lasts three weeks. We’ve banned heavy equipment like irons, heaters and freezers.”
Mr. Joseph Alore, a community leader, narrated another ordeal involving new meter installations.
He said, “We have four flats, each with a separate meter. They came five weeks ago and installed new meters with 200 free units. Only two of the meters could be recharged after 10 days. The other two are still not functional.
“Because the units got exhausted after three weeks, we reverted to using generators at night. I eventually requested a reconnection to the old meter.”
For the two affected meters, each resident must first pay N45,000 (for the initial 200 units) before they can begin recharging again, an amount many cannot afford, given other pressing expenses.
They have called on the Federal Government to investigate DisCo practices and stop the exploitation of the masses.
Govt’s response
Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, responded to allegations of exploitation by DisCos: “It’s painful when they don’t deliver up to four or five hours, let alone 10 or 20, yet you’re charged Band A rates. Regulatory authorities are looking into it and will develop an appropriate tariff methodology driven by performance.”
Tariff categorisation
Electricity consumers in Nigeria are categorised into five tariff bands A to E based on their daily supply hours.
Band A customers receive a minimum of 20 hours of supply daily and pay the highest tariff, reflecting the premium service promised.
We all to blame —DisCo official
A staff member of one of the DisCos servicing Lagos said, “No service provider enjoys causing pain. Government and all stakeholders must play their part. We’re not the only ones in the value chain. Everybody is guilty.”
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has revealed that God warned him that his first born would die if he leaves the RCCG.
Adeboye disclosed this during the June edition of the Holy Ghost Service, themed “Destined for Greatness (Part 2),” on midnight of Saturday, June 7, at the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.
Adeboye, while speaking on the importance of divine direction and spiritual consistency, made reference to a sermon earlier delivered by his son, Pastor Leke Adeboye.
He lamented that many young Christians today frequently move from one church to another, constantly identifying as first-timers in new congregations.
Pastor Adeboye stated that when he got born again, there were three major ministries that were prominent and thriving at the time, but despite the allure of joining them, God instructed him to stay in RCCG.
“When I got born again, there were three major ministries that were making waves, and they were very good. There were different temptations to go from one to another,” he recalled.
“But God said to me, ‘Son, I brought you here. This is where you will stay. The day you leave this denomination, your first born will die.’”
He noted that RCCG was relatively unknown at the time, and its headquarters was a small building in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
Despite being a university lecturer, Adeboye said God still instructed him to submit under the leadership of his spiritual father, who had no formal education.
“I was a lecturer in the university. My father in the Lord didn’t go to secondary school, not even primary. But God said this is where you will stay,” he added.
He urged the congregation, especially the youth, to seek and remain in the place God has appointed for them.
“Discover where God wants you to stay, and stay there,” he advised.
Adeboye, however, emphasised that his statement was not a declaration of superiority over other Christian denominations.
“I am not saying we are better than any other denomination,” he clarified.
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IN Nigeria’s fast-moving political world, where loyalty shifts like sand in a Harmattan gust, Nyesom Wike this week caused a massive stir. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a key figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) announced his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“I am a politician who says it the way it is. I will support Tinubu for a second term, and I will lead the campaign in Rivers,” Wike declared during a media chat in Abuja.
For Nigerians, whether traders in bustling markets or teachers in small towns, this news hits hard. It’s a story of conflict, broken trust, and a nation hoping for better days. Wike’s move has also thrown the PDP into chaos, raising big questions about Nigeria’s political future.
Wike’s Bold Move
Wike’s support for Tinubu isn’t mere talk; it’s a shockwave that’s rocked the PDP. As the former governor of Rivers State, Wike is a political heavyweight known for making waves. His decision to back Tinubu, who belongs to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC) for a second term in 2027, whilst remaining in the PDP is a daring choice.
“I am not a liability. I am an asset, whether you like it or not,” he asserted, challenging his party to act against him. It’s a move that makes you wonder if Wike is playing a clever game or simply stirring up trouble.
Wike has never shied away from drama. His time as Rivers governor was filled with big fights and bold decisions, earning him a reputation as both a hero to some and a troublemaker to others. Now, as FCT Minister, he’s shaking things up again.
His announcement comes at a time when Nigerians are struggling with high fuel prices, rising food costs, and joblessness. For the trader in Lagos or the teacher in Kano, Wike’s actions feel like a betrayal when they’re already facing tough times. Their daily struggles make this political fight feel personal, as the PDP grapples with a crisis that could shape its future. But for those in the ruling party. Wike is a hero. And he appears to be winning, at least for now.
PDP’s Inner Conflict
The PDP is no stranger to arguments, but Wike’s support for Tinubu has pushed it to the brink of collapse. Amid growing tensions, the party has said it won’t expel any member, including Wike, despite some wanting him gone for working against the party.
Umar Bature, the PDP’s National Organising Secretary, spoke to Saturday Vanguard, stressing the need to keep everyone together.
“Who will remove him? He has expressed his view, so let’s leave it at that. It’s his personal opinion. We are not in the business of removing anyone from the party, as we need everyone to return. It’s unnecessary for us to persist with this conflict,” Bature said.
His words show a party trying to stay united, even as Wike’s actions threaten to split it apart.
Bature’s pragmatism stems from Wike’s undeniable influence. As a former governor and current minister, Wike has a strong following in Rivers State, a key area for winning elections. His influence is both a strength and a problem for the PDP.
Another source spoke about the challenge: “Wike’s influence in Rivers is a reality we cannot ignore. Expelling him could cost us dearly in 2027.” These words highlight the tough choice the PDP faces; punish Wike and lose his supporters, or ignore him and risk appearing weak. However, Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, dismissed Wike’s actions.
“Wike’s utterances are not worth the attention of serious-minded party faithful and supporters. He is not worth the attention of the party,” he said.
The differing views reveal a party fighting itself, unsure whether to confront Wike or let him be.
The PDP’s problems run deep. For years, Wike has clashed with party governors and leaders over who controls the party, turning small disagreements into major fights. His support for Tinubu has made things worse, turning personal issues into a public crisis.
For Nigerians, this fight is more than politics. The mother in Maiduguri, struggling to feed her children, or the driver in Lagos, hit by high fuel prices, their hardships make this crisis feel urgent.
Opposition Fights Back
Wike’s announcement has upset more than just the PDP; it has angered other opposition groups too.
Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a leader in the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), called Wike out: “Wike is President Tinubu’s hatchet man. He’s an agent provocateur within the PDP. He’s not truly a member; he’s an agent to watch.”
Ugochinyere believes Wike is trying to destroy the opposition from the inside. The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) agrees, with spokesperson Ladipo Johnson predicting Tinubu won’t win.
“In 2027, the question for the Nigerian people will be whether they are better off now than they were in January 2023. That would be the golden question,” Johnson said.
The opposition’s anger is clear, but it shows they’re not united either. The PDP’s chaos could make it easier for Tinubu to win again, worrying those who want change in 2027.
A PDP chieftain warned about this: “Wike’s actions force us to confront our disunity. If we don’t resolve this, the opposition risks handing 2027 to Tinubu on a platter.”
His words resonate with Nigerians tired of political games whilst they face high food prices, power cuts, and insecurity. The student in Ibadan, hoping for a better future, or the farmer in Benue, praying for safety; their dreams depend on the opposition working together.
Big Names Clash
Wike’s support for Tinubu has sparked strong reactions from big political names. Chief Bode George, a senior PDP member, didn’t hold back.
“Wike is the same age as my first child and his comment that the PDP did not make him is a disgusting abomination. All these people junketing, do they think that the only man who can be President in 2027 is Bola Tinubu?” the former PDP national vice president (Southwest) asked. George’s strong words show the anger of party elders who see Wike as a threat.
Some, like Ugochinyere, want Wike and Senator Samuel Anyanwu kicked out of the PDP. But another source pushes back.
“Wike’s hold on Rivers State is a undebatable. Removing him could seriously hurt our chances in 2027,” the source warned. This calm approach contrasts with the calls for action, showing the PDP’s tough spot.
Wike is both a problem and a key player. For Nigerians, this fight feels personal. The market woman in Aba, dealing with rising costs, or the civil servant in Enugu, struggling to get by, they see Wike’s actions as a betrayal when they’re counting on the PDP for hope.
The drama during the media chat hit its peak when Wike challenged his party: “I dare anybody in PDP to suspend me, and they will see.”
This bold statement, along with his claim to stay loyal to the PDP whilst backing Tinubu in 2027, has made the party’s problems public. Wike doubled down on his position:
“Tinubu made me the FCT Minister and I won’t allow anybody to crumble our political structure. No! Tinubu made me minister, people do not understand, I have character.”
What Experts Say
As the drama settles, experts are trying to understand Wike’s plan. Pat Utomi, a political expert, said: “Power in Nigeria is about strategy, not sentiment. Wike knows this better than most.” Utomi sees Wike as a clever player, planning for the long term. Prof Jibrin Ibrahim, a political scientist, warned: “A divided opposition is a gift to the ruling party. Wike’s move could reshape 2027.” Segun Sowunmi, former PDP governorship candidate in Ogun state, added a sharp take: “Tinubu, being streetwise, knows that politicians would always sing songs that would swell the head of the leader.”
A source spoke about the bigger picture: “Wike’s actions force us to confront our disunity. If we don’t resolve this, the opposition risks handing 2027 to Tinubu on a platter.”
His words connect with Nigerians who see 2027 as a chance to address their problems; poverty, insecurity, and tough economic times.
[Vanguard]
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Elder Statesman and Secretary of the Commonwealth (1990-2000), has paid glowing tribute to former Nigerian Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais, who passed on Friday, 6 June 2025, aged 88.
“I have received the news of the passing of Justice Uwais with considerable sadness,” Chief Anyaoku said in his condolence message, recalling that “Justice Uwais rendered outstanding service to his country of Nigeria and the Commonwealth country of Sri Lanka.”
“He was one of the three Supreme Court judges who, at the request of the Sri Lanka government, I, as Commonwealth Secretary-General, nominated to serve on a Commission that the government appointed to enquire into the assassination of the head of the country’s defence forces, which portended a major national crisis.
“In addition to his memorable service as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and as the Chairman of the Uwais Commission on our country’s electoral process, Justice Uwais, an undoubted pan-Nigerian figure and I worked together in the Selection Committee of the Obafemi Awolowo Leadership Prize Awards,” Chief Anyaoku noted.
He added: “I join his family and many friends and associates across Nigeria and abroad in mourning this quiet but truly great former head of the Nigerian judiciary. May his soul rest in peace.”
Justice Uwais, who would have been 89 on June 12, served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1995-2006.
After retiring from the Supreme Court, he chaired a panel on electoral reform that submitted a report in December 2008 with far-reaching recommendations, including the establishment of commissions to deal with electoral offences, Constituency Delimitation, and Political Party Registration and Regulation.
The committee also recommended that the National Judicial Commission appoint the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria, instead of the President.
Many of the recommendations were rejected by former President Umaru Yar’Adua and ignored by subsequent administrations.
However, with recourse to Uwais and similar Committees’ recommendations, there have been renewed strident calls for drastic electoral reforms as Nigeria heads towards critical elections in 2027, after several rounds of disputed polls since transitioning from a long spell of military dictatorship to civilian rule in 1999.
Similarly, apart from advocating for the restructuring of Nigeria and devolution of political power to the federating units, Chief Anyaoku and other eminent Nigerians are also calling for a new constitution to replace that of 1999, which critics believe has not addressed the diversity of Africa’s most populous nation with more than 200 million people of diverse culture, ethnicity and languages.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, joined Muslim faithful to observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Dodan Barracks prayer ground in Lagos State.
The president was accompanied by several top government officials and dignitaries, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of State, Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle.
Also in attendance were the former Minister of Power and one-time Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdul Rabiu; the Group Chief Executive of Oando, Wale Tinubu; and Tinubu’s friend, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo.
Speaking after the prayer, Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace unity, compassion, and generosity, especially towards the vulnerable.
He said, “As we make sacrifices, we should remember to pray and give to those who are vulnerable, we must come together to be one and another’s brothers keeper and love everyone fully. We must pray hard for our troops who are keeping us safe and making the sacrifices in the challenges of terrorism and banditry that we face.”
A statement by the president’s Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, also revealed that the Chief Imam called on worshipers to live in peace and consider the needs of their neighbours, the poor and vulnerable.
“If we are to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must be ready to make sacrifices. We must unite as Nigerians to make progress. We must rise above tribal sentiments. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments,” the Chief Imam was quoted as saying.
PUNCH reports that in his message to mark the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Tinubu called on Nigerians to be patient with his administration’s reforms, assuring that “the toughest days are behind us.”
“We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits,” he said.
Nollywood actress, Biola Adebayo, has debunked rumours of domestic violence in her now-dissolved marriage to her estranged husband, Seyi, with whom she shares a son.
Taking to Instagram, the actress clarified that no form of physical abuse or violence occurred in their relationship.
This follows renewed public speculation about the circumstances surrounding their separation, which was first announced last week.
Recall that Biola revealed that she and Seyi formally separated in April 2024, and have since been committed to maturely co-parenting their son.
While the news came as a surprise to many of her fans, she expressed her regrets about the marriage not working out and emphasised that it was more important to prioritise personal well-being.
She also shared that behind her public smiles and efforts to bring joy to others, she has endured personal grief in silence.
Amidst the swirling narratives, Biola returned to her original post to make a clarification, stating that no incidents of physical abuse or violence ever occurred during their relationship.
“Please note; we never! I mean never had any physical abuse or violence issue from either of us. (Seyi has never laid a finger on me and I never did as well),” she wrote.
She also urged the public to be more compassionate when responding to people’s private lives, saying, “Let us learn to be kind to people. You have no idea what others are going through until they say it.”
Their separation came less than two years after they welcomed their child.
Recall that in 2023, after many years of waiting, Biola welcomed her first child in her 40s after several failed IVFs.
She narrated her painful journey to experience motherhood, revealing how she had a failed IVF, one cancelled surrogate circle, and three failed surrogate attempts within two years before she was blessed with her son.