By Deji Agunbiade

1. Prince Kolade Afeez Siyanbola Oladigbolu is a biological grandson of the late Oba Abubakar Siyanbola Oladigbolu, the Alaafin of Oyo between 1911-1944. His great-grandfather (Oba Muhammad Lawal Akanbi Agogo-Ija ) was also the Alaafin of Oyo between 1905 and 1911. Alaafin Agogoija, who reigned for six years, is also the son of Alaafin Adelu Agunloye, son of the founder of the new capital, Alaafin Muhammad Soliu Atiba Atobatele.

2. Siyanbola Jnr was named after his grandfather, the second longest reigning Alaafin of Oyo after Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away in April 2022, Alaafin Abubakar Akanbi Adedokun Siyanbola Oladigbolu, who ascended the throne at the age of 65 years and ruled for 33 years.

3. Prince Siyanbola Jnr is the last born of a mother of seven and number 12 of the father of 15.

4. Prince Siyanbola is a mariner by profession and was a third officer on board of vessel before channelling his energy into other sectors in the year 2010.

5. Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu is the founder of popular real estate firms in Lagos, Royal Colony Homes Limited and Chairman, Board of Directors, Oceantrack Holdings, Alkafiz Energy Limited, Captain Black Heavy Duty (CCL) and Afcom Media Limited.

6. The intelligent young Prince is highly familiar with Yoruba culture and tradition due to experiences he has gathered from royal palaces in Yorubaland. For his formal education, Prince Siyanbola attended St Mary R.C.M Primary School, Asogo, Oyo; Islamic Comprehensive High School, Olope Ibadan; Federal College of Fishery and Marine Technology, Victoria Island, Lagos; and Regional Maritime University, Accra, Ghana.

7 . He is a member of Nigerian Sea Ferrers (Sail Navy). The young and vibrant front-line contender for the vacant stool of Alaafin doesn’t sound like someone who is not ready for the task surrounding being an Alaafin. His historical facts about the Oyo Kingdom are marvellous for anyone who cares to know about Oyo, the position of Alaafin, and the Yoruba historical journey.

It was from this audacious Prince that one hears that the word “Aafin” (palace) singularly belongs to Oyo. He further explained that Aafin was the official residence of Alaafin. How can any Oba have an Aafin when he is not an Alaafin? The prince asked.

Other parts of Yorubas have names for their palaces, such as Iga, Iyewu, Ile-Oba, and so on. But the word “Aafin” was coined by Oyos. So, using it generally doesn’t mean it has no genesis

The findings revealed that the father of 38-year-old’ Prince (Prince Azeez Akano Siyanbola Oladigbolu) is a younger brother to the late Oba Bello Orimadegun Gbadegesin The predecessor of Oba Adeyemi, who joined his ancestors in April 2022.

The whole world is patiently waiting for the emergence of the reincarnation of Oba Siyanbola Adedokun Ladigbolu, who never lost any battle of defending Yorubas home and abroad during his reign.

Alaafin Abubakar Siyanbola Oladigbolu was the Alaafin between 1911-1944. The unification of the protectorate of North, South, and Lagos Colony was amalgamated two years after he (Oba Ladigbolu) became the Alaafin of Oyo.

Some historical facts established the fact that it was Oba Siyanbola Oladigbolu who represented the whole Yorubas during the ceremony of Nigeria’s amalgamation in 1914.

The unforgettable event earned Oba Ladigbolu a British honour of CMG. (The Commander of St Michael and St George. Now equivalent to Sir.

Alaafin Ladigbolu and the likes of former Yoruba monarchs, Oba Sir Musediku Adeniji Adele, (Oba of Lagos) Oba Sir Titus Matins Adesoji Aderemi, (Ooni of Ife), Oba Sir Samuel Ademola Oladapo (the Alake of Egba) Oba Sir Afunbiowo Adesida, (Deji of Akure) and Oba Fesogbade Ademolu, the Awuajale of Ijebu, were contemporaries in the circle of royalty across the Niger, now Nigeria during the pre-colonial political system of Nigeria before the introduction of the constitution.

• Agunbiade writes from Oyo.

 

 

As President Bola Tinubu’s Administration assigns portfolios to appointed ministers laced with the upcoming swearing-in ceremony on Monday the 21st of August 2023 at the Presidential Villa, some ministers are on the radar of those who would perform exceptionally well as they add their wealth of experience into bringing the current administration to a positive landmark achievement in its quest to make Nigeria great again. Oladapo Sofowora X-rays 5 super ministers who will be the cynosure of all eyes with their overall performance and also bring into life the hope and aspirations of President Bola Tinubu to make Nigeria soar again as the pride of Africa economically.

 

 

Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite

Youthful and highly cerebral Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite is a woman who has proved beyond doubt that she will be a proverbial Swizz knife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The trained medical Doctor from the University of Benin (UniBen) was born in Oguta Local Government Area in Imo state. Her inclusion has further strengthened the women in politics and leadership and also youth in Governance mantra of the present administration.

 

Her Nomination brings forth novel perspectives and innovative problem-solving approaches, which are vital for addressing the intricate challenges confronting Nigeria most especially in the area of attracting foreign direct investment into Nigeria and also positioning Nigeria as an investment hub also to back the ease of doing business goals of the current administration. Her inclusion sends a strong message highlighting that women in governance are valuable and their contributions are indispensable for the country’s progress and development as they are potential home builders.

 

Dr. Anite is a trained medical doctor by profession but also holds a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter, specializing in Financial Risk Management and Portfolio Management. Doris bagged a double MBA from the London School of Economics and the New York University Stern School of Business. She also acquired certifications in Fintech, Algorithmic Trading and Advanced Risk and Portfolio Mgt from the University of Oxford. This is in addition to advanced training in some of the best Corporations in finance such as Goldman Sachs, Citibank and the London Academy of Trading, building her capacity in Advanced Financial Engineering and Data Science for Finance. In 2002, she made a career shift from the medical profession to the banking industry, rising astronomically to become the General Manager of Zenith Bank Plc charged with various critical functions which include Fixed Income and Currency Trading, Asset and Liability Management, Treasury Corporate Sales, and Financial Institutions. She was responsible for the bank’s investment strategy, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and managing risks. Her banking career kickstarted in the Human Resources and Training department, before venturing into Treasury in 2011 where She successfully handled roles in trading Fixed Income and Currencies, and eventually became a Treasurer at Zenith Bank.

In 2021, she later become the youngest commissioner in Imo state under the leadership of Governor, Hope Uzodinma. During her tenure as a commissioner, Dr. Uzoka displayed her dexterity in finance laced with exceptional interpersonal skills, which she acquired through her human resources training. These skills have been instrumental in managing the diverse local and international relationships required in her role which saw Imo State grow in finance.

 

As a member of CFA Society Global, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and Fellow Chartered Institute of Banking. She is also a Fellow, of the Institute of Credit Administration, Fellow, of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, Member Federal Accountability and Allocation and Member, Financial Market Dealers Association of Nigerian Banks, she is set to bring all critical stakeholders on board in her drive to ensure Nigeria grows in its trade and industry sector inline with the vision and mission of the president for the country.

 

 

 

Barr. Nyesome Wike

His Excellency Barr. Nyesome Ezewo Wike has over the years proved to be a man who loves the development of his people. As a grass root politician, he graduated through the different classes of politics as a Local Government Chairman, Chief of Staff to the governor, Minister for State for Education, Governor of Rivers and now his Nomination as Minister for FCT by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. Very dogged and a tough politician, Wike has shown the world that he is a force politically with his political prowess as he displayed at the just concluded presidential election. He was able to make his stand on Presidency’s return to the South and worked for the actualisation regardless of party affiliation. In the same vein, he also worked for the reelection of his successor which further cement his place as a force in Rivers politics and Nigeria at large. As governor of Rivers, he ensured infrastructural renewal in all nooks and crannies as he worked till his very last days in office as Governor. He constructed roads, hospitals, and schools among others which further cemented his name in gold in river politics. His addition as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT will further place him as one of the few ministers to watch out for as he is set to replicate his magic wand as Rivers Governor to the FCT. He will bring into bear his strength in building roads and infrastructure to strengthen the FCT and also enable a more beautiful outlook for the seat of power in the country. Wike is set to hit the ground running as he will not relent in working to bring the president’s administration to a positive scorecard with his knowledge.

 

Engr. David Umahi 

Engineer Senator David Nweze Umahi is not a pushover when it comes to Nigeria’s political landscape. As governor of Ebonyi State, his performance can never go unnoticed. Taking a trip around the state will further show the level of development that the state witnessed under his watch. He never failed to display his knowledge as an engineer in the infrastructural development of the state with the quality of construction among others. As governor, he invested heavily to ensure the state enters the map. He also made his mark with the construction of an airport which is today adjudged one of the most beautiful in modern times with installations of modern aviation equipment that makes the smooth running of an airport. With the construction of many state roads, Umahi ensured Ebonyi never lagged behind. As an engineer, he is bringing onboard his wide knowledge as a seasoned engineer that will corroborate the quality of infrastructure in the country and also ensure that as minister for works; the development of key infrastructure that will contribute to the socio-economic of the country is carried out. With his sterling performance as Deputy Governor and Governor of Ebonyi, he will be one of the super ministers to watch out for as he will dazzle in the role ascribed to him by President Tinubu.

 

Dr. Bosun Tijani

 

Dr Olatubosun Tijani who is the minister for Communications Innovation and digital economy is no doubt a passionate youth who is concerned about the growth of the country. He has previously vituperated his anger on the state of the nation on social media platforms which was used against him during his screening but he explained that his anger and frustration was borne out of his passion for Nigeria to grow and work like it should. His screening generated mixed reactions but after tendering his apology he became a cynosure of all eyes regardless of that he is a very brilliant chap who co-founded Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB).

Tijani is widely acknowledged for his role as an industry leader in the African technology ecosystem. He initiated the first visit of Mark Zuckerberg to Nigeria in August 2016, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2019 and 2023 and also hosted a fireside chat with Microsoft founder and co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates. This further places him as a voice in the innovation and technology sector as a significant game changer. After his screening, all eyes have been on him to replicate his magic in the industry to drive Nigeria from an analogue economy to a more digitised one with his ideas and network across the world. He is being tipped to digitalise Nigeria’s economy with innovative ways that will bring about more investors in technology into the country where Nigeria can produce more tech enthusiasts and also place Nigeria as a more tech hub across the continent. Bosun is on the radar as he is set to bring his experience in the sector to drive the economy to a more digitalized one and also to create more chances for the youths to thrive in tech.

 

Professor Ali Pate

Minister for Health; Professor Muhammad Ali Pate is a well-celebrated Nigerian physician and politician of Practice of Public Health Leadership in the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard University. He has previously served as the Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population and also as Director of the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) at the World Bank Group. Pate is also the former Minister of State for Health in Nigeria who understands the terrain owning to his pedigree. With Nigeria’s deficit in the public health system, Pate is looking to bring his knowledge of the landscape into play to reposition all health sectors to meet the global standard of practices and also reduce the brain drain in the medical profession. He is also one of the super ministers many are watching out for because of his solid pedigree in the health sector also as a member of various health bodies both locally and internationally. The Bauchi-born father of six is fully onboard to correct the wrongs in health care delivery in Nigeria and also looking to bring an end to the constant strike of medical personnel in the country. Pate will also help to draw the attention of various medical bodies to the need to [partner with Nigeria in ensuring its medical system functions optimally with the creation of more federal hospitals and also equipping it with modern types of equipment and adequate manpower. The Tinubu administration is more than confident that he will prosper and also bring into play his experience to ensure a more proficient healthcare system in Nigeria.

 

I read with so much amazement and dismay on the outrage on social media on Friday the 30th of June when King Wasiu AYINDE Marshall was bestowed with the Olori Omoba Ijebu title previously held by the late finance guru; Otunba Subomi Balogun by the Awujale of Ijebu Kingdom; Oba Sikiru Adetona.

While some congratulated him in excitement; some showed their displeasure while some casted aspersions on his persona on his eligibility and credibility. I read somewhere when someone compared the achievement of the erstwhile holder Otunba Subomi Balogun and that of the Fuji maestro King AYINDE Marshall and I can’t but shake my head in regret because I did a survey on those who vehemently opposed the idea and found out they are mostly Gen Z born between 1994-2005 and I wonder how much damage the removal of history from their curriculum has done to them. I thank God it was recently reintroduced by the previous administration because they know that history is an integral part of one’s life. And in an attempt of looking at the future, we make recourse to history. All humans are products of their own history.

The issue they raised was that Otunba Subomi, an elite billionaire, finance guru, and founder of the First City Monument Bank FCMB with degrees across top institutions in and outside Nigeria who holds the title should not have been replaced by King Wasiu AYINDE Marshall, a music performer, recording artiste and businessman. Some argued that the quality dropped and the person who should have inherited such a title should be shoulder to shoulder or even above the FCMB founder. Some argued that; people in K1’s circle hurriedly canvassed and influenced the Awujale to announce K1 not waiting for Otunba Subomi’s burial while some stated that the appointment is politically motivated because one of K1’s benefactor President Tinubu GCFR visited The Awujale a day before and that would have influenced the appointment of K1 as a replacement. On reading these, I laughed out loud at these baseless allegations knowing fully well that; these people are trying to undermine the achievements of this enigma called K1. Maybe because they don’t read or they don’t pay attention to things happening around them which might have influenced their thought that K1 is not worthy of such a highly coveted title and also to succeed the Late Balogun because of his status and charisma as a Multi-Billionaire.

In clear terms, the appointment of K1 is indeed not out of place because to qualify for ascending that title, you must first have true Ijebu Royal Blood running through your veins. For K1, both from his paternal and maternal sides, he is a Prince. His father is a Prince from the Fidipote ruling house in Ijebu-Ode while his mother is a princess from Ilupeju-Ekiti where he is also a prince. On both sides, he is royalty.

K1 all his life has been a good ambassador of Ijebu and in all his songs, he must appraise Ijebu, his ruling house and royal lineage. He wears his Princely-hood like a badge of honour on his chest and carries it high on his sleeves with pride. If you hear him sing, you would know he is royal and regal. More reason he left his home in Lagos to build a palatial country home worth billions of NAIRA in Ijebu-Ode called ‘Ule Omo Ojushagbola’. Not only that, he is a philanthropist of high note. Anyone who cries to his abode will surely smile while leaving. He also recently opened his ‘Maiyegun Royal Resort and Ranch’; an entertainment and lifestyle business worth millions of NAIRA to ensure those who visit Ijebu have something to enjoy. From the cosy ambience, its sartorial elegance and serene environment, its home away from home. He also recruited many Ijebu sons and daughters who work there and he pays their salaries which is part of empowering those around him.

On the issue of his education and social strata, I don’t know how wealth is measured but following the modes of popular Forbes Magazine; your income, liquid Cash, Asset and liabilities are used to determine your net worth. As regards education; you don’t need more than a school certificate to contest elections in Nigeria so getting a university degree is a personal choice and not a MUST. However, education is never a yardstick to attain a traditional title of any magnitude in Yoruba land. What is required is capacity, native intelligence, brilliancy, drive, right attitude, dignity and a host of other virtues must be upheld. So for him to have that title, be sure he has ticked all the boxes of the aforementioned. He is Blue blood, he has the capacity, he has the experience and age, he has the personality, he has the command and he is also respected. As for his net worth, officially and unofficially, I know K1 is in a billionaire status. He gross income weekly with his music and show performance, his business investment in real estate and general contract with his company and his royalties from music sales and all worth Billions of NAIRA so money is not the problem. But of course, to have that title it’s not a must you assume the billionaire status in Yoruba land Money does not come first.

While I was still a student in the University, Prof. Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi was conferred with a Professorship title and while it was being debated at the senate meeting, one of my lecturers told me that he raised a valid point that to become a full professor in academics, you need to have some amount of your papers published both in local and international journals. For Prof. Ebenezer Obey; who has over 50 Albums studio albums and has performed in several countries promoting the Juju genre of music for year’s also selling platinum and gold with his albums are worth such title as a professor because if he was in the academics, he would have attained the level of a full-fledged professor emeritus. That singular point sealed and won the conversation and everyone on the panel agreed instead of giving him a doctorate of music he was given the status of Professorship because of the reason stated by my lecturer. As for K1, who has globalized the Fuji Music genre with albums to his credits, taken his music performance outside the shores of Nigeria with tours celebrating his 50th years on stage as a musician, he also deserves the status of a professor of Music. He is an authority who can speak or address any local and international audience on the rudiments of African music most especially Fuji Music and can pass for a visiting lecturer in music and arts. He took the genre; redefined and shot it into global prominence waxing several albums that have been certified gold. So saying K1 is not well-read is relative; but in his craft, I am sure nobody can beat him at it. Yes, I said NOBODY. He is sure good at it and his old wine still tastes better. So that settles the issues of education. As long as he can express himself in his local dialect and can read and write in English, that’s enough for anyone to thrive. That should never be a yardstick. Moreover, he has trained children who are graduates in different fields.

Let’s not forget, he holds the title as Maiyegun of Yoruba Land from First Class Thorne of the Alaafin of Oyo. Also, the title as Oluomo of Lagos from the Oba of Lagos. This shows he is a man who has carved a niche for himself so the honour didn’t just come today, he has worked vehemently for it and those who seem to have issues about it should have a rethink of mind and purge themself of such mentality that he is not a round peg in the round hole. Initially, I was not a fan of him but was drawn closer to him for the first time by Egbon Kunle Rasheed publisher of CityRovers Magazine which changed my perception of of him. Although, we are not close till date and he does not know me personally, I am very sure he is the perfect fit. For what an 89 years Old Awujale sees while sitting; if we all climb the highest iroko tree, we can’t see. The Awujale is Wise in his decision and the decision of the King is final Nobody upturns it or says otherwise. Like the Yoruba adage “Oro hunu Hunu Inu Elede Loun Gbe” which means “The Pig is known for grumbling inside and will never speak up”.

For you all doubting his capacity, you can simply make your findings and stop undermining his achievements and capacity. He is more than capable. Congratulations to the Olori Omoba of Ijebu. Oye Amori oo.

Oladapo Sofowora writes from Lagos.