Tchidi Chikere moves in with Nuella Njubigbo as ex-wife finds love again

According to a new report by City People magazine this week, actress Nuella Njubigbo & Nollywood movie producer Tchidi Chikere have moved in together. Nuella, who has been dating Tchidi since before he divorced his actress wife Sophia Chikere, moved out of her Okota family home and moved into a new house with Tchidi at Graceland Estate in Ajah.

The couple reportedly moved in together a few months ago and are still decorating their new home. After reading this report I contacted Nuella's people to confirm the story and they said they have no comment on the matter. Nuella is known to vehemently deny reports if not true, she ain't denying this.

Meanwhile, Tchidi's ex-wife Sophia Chikere has also moved on. The mother-of-three is currently dating a UK based businessman. See their loved up pics after the cut...

Ahmadu Ali, Edwin Clark’s wife, get board posts

Chief Clark and his wife Bisola
Dr. Abisola Clark, the new wife of octogenarian Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark was prominent among the Chairpersons and members of governing boards of 20 federal parastatals and agencies whose appointments were approved on Monday by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The appointments were contained in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.
Clark, an Ijaw of South-south Nigeria origin like Jonathan is regarded as one of the most influential personalities in the present administration.
Clark wedded Abisola nee Harold Sodipo, a medical doctor turned businesswoman at a traditional ceremony in March this year.

 She was appointed the Chairperson of the Governing Board of National Ear Centre, Kaduna.

Also prominent on the list is Dr. Ahmadu Ali, former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party who was appointed the Chairman of the Governing Board of National Universities Commission.
Ali was a former federal commissioner for education during the military era of Olusegun Obasanjo.
And his tenure was marred by the students’ demonstration nationwide in April 1978, over the 300 per cent hike in accommodation and feeding costs introduced by the Obasanjo regime. The students wanted Ahmadu Ali to be sacked and thus the demonstrations became known with the marchers slogan: ‘Ali Must Go’.
The full list of the Chairmen and non ex-officio members of the Governing Boards is as follows:
1 Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
i Maj. General Barau Said [Rtd] Chairman
ii Chidi Ovunda Amadi Member
iii Alhaji Tanko Yusuf Member
iv Dr. Emmanuel Anteyi Member
2 National Ear Hospital, Kaduna
i Dr Mrs Abisola Clark Chairman
ii Chukwuka Daniel Nwokolo Member
iii Barrister Mathias Eze Member
iv Dr. Charles Anokwa Member
v Mustapha Aliyu Ibrahim Member
3 National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, Abakaliki
i H.E Mrs Josephine Elechi Chairman
ii Yeye Bola Dare Member
iii Nze Imo Umunna Member
iv Paul Obanuwa Member
v Mr. Diamaro Patrice Ayaebi Member
4 National Universities Commission
i Senator Dr. Ahmadu Ali, GCON Chairman
ii Dr. Mohammed Salisu Mijinyawa Member
iii Arc. Adamu Jumba Member
v Engr. John Ayere Member
vi Barrister Chris Ekwomadu Member
vii Amb. Godson Echegile Member
5 National Open University of Nigeria
i Sen. Ameh Ebute Chairman
ii Prof Godwin Soglo Member
iii Dr. Usman Matazu Member
v Hon Chudi Offodile Member
vi Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Kaita Member
vii Dr. Ahaziah Umana Member
viii Mr. Funsho Owoyemi Member
ix Mr. Peter Aboyeji Onyiloye Member
x Mrs. Lilian Nwankwo Member
xi Dr. Ojong Achigbe Member
xii Senator Babale Maikarfi Member
xii Senator Bright Nwanne Member
xiv Moshood A. Salvador Member
xv Prof S.O. Igwe Member
xvi Dr. Kachi Ononuju Member
6 National Board for Technical Education
i Mrs. Yejide Ogundipe Chairman
ii Hamidu Mamuda Member
iii Hon. John Tor-Akume Member
iv Mrs. Angela Ajala Member
v Barrister Oscar Onwudiwe Member
7 Federal Polytechnic, Bali, Niger State
i Col. Theophilus Bamigboye (Rtd) Chairman
ii Abubakar Gambo Adamu Member
iii Aminu Mohammed Ashiru Member
iv Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu Member
v Chief Daniel Yusman Ogwola Member
vi Hon. Bisi Kolawole Member
vii Christohper Ornijie Member
8 Federal Polytechnic, Birnin – Kebbi
i Adamu Maina Waziri Chairman
ii Razak Gbadegesin Member
iii Hajia Maria Umar Waziri Member
iv Abasiubong Okoko Member
v Sir Ambrose Ejiogu Member
vi Muzakkiru Sidi Bawa Member
vii Chief Fred Kpakol Member
9 Federal Polytechnic, Bali, Taraba State
i Pastor Yusuf Alfa Chairman
ii Hon. Nuhu Bobbo Gurin Member
iii Shuaibu Garba Farinruwa Member
iv Mohammed Babangida Wambai Member
v Alh. Adamu Mohammed Member
vi Chief Vero Tangbowei Member
vii Arc. Inno Agbo Member
10 Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure
i Senator (Engr) Onyema Amadi Okoroafor Chairman
ii Hon. Zailani Mohammed Member
iii Hon. Benjamin Sylvanus Obayi Member
iv Arc. Mohammed Isa Umar Member
v Hon. Joseph Oforkansi Member
vi Mr. Tanimu Adamson Member
vii A T Ahmed Member
11 Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State
i Dr. Christian Azubuike Odukwe Chairman
ii Mrs. Blessing Ijebuonwu Member
iii Mr Anthony Odiadi Nyemike Member
iv Tanko Isyaku Gwamna Member
v Mrs Patricia Aina Member
vi Mr. Tsho Usani Member
vii Ahmed Sulieman Leda Member
12 Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State
i Mr. Bekeakpo Etifa Chairman
ii Tijjani Uba Abdullahi Member
iv Ashiru Abdullahi Bomo Member
v Major -General Olakunle Akiinyemi [Rtd] Member
vi John Ezievuo Member
vii Chief Dick Bekeme Member
13 Federal College of Education (Tech) Gusau
i Hon Bala Bawa Ka’oje Chairman
ii Dalhatu Ibrahim Demeji Member
iii M. Ashiekh Umara Member
iv Hon. V. Olumide Bamidele Member
14 National Broadcasting Commission
i Dr. Herbert Orji Chairman
ii Hon. Kabiru Umar Member
iii Hon. Mike Iheanetu Member
iv Yakubu Busa Buji Member
v Hon. Ebenezer O. Ayorinde Member
vi Isa Badamsi Dahiru Member
vii Dennis Sami Member
viii Jude Nnorum, SAN Member
15 Nigerian Press Council
i Chief Yinka Akintola Chairman
ii Chief Ferdinand Uzodinma Member
iii Mr. Chidi Abaribe Member
iv Hon. Alfred Sunday Bello Member
v Ibrahim M. Boyi Member
16 Nigerian Centre for Metallurgical Development
i Hon. John Ikemefuna Chairman
ii Segun Osifo Akpata Member
iii Salisu Bagudu Member
iv Ibrahim Lolo Member
v Chief Sam Iwuchukwu Member
17 West African Examination Council
i Professor Tunde Adeniran Chairman
ii Igwe Cyprian Ije Member
iii Mrs Ebun Ilorin Jegede Member
iv Hon. Uchennia Orji Member
18 Teacher’s Registration Council
Prof Greg Iwu Chairman
19 National Council for Arts and Culture
i Professor Nelson Branbayefa Chairman
ii Alhaji Saidu Gwadabe Member
iii Emma Okafor Member
iv Nneka Igwe Member
20 National Centre for Women Development
i Chief Dr. Mrs Becky Ketebu-Igwe Chairman
ii Hajia Meiro Momoh Member
iii Hajia Binta Kuraye Member
iv Hajiya Zulai Bello Member
v Ms. Alice Ochai Member
vi Sulieman Lawal Jarman Kaura Member
The statement added that membership of each Governing Board shall include all the institutional members in accordance with the Enabling Law of the Parastatal/ Agency. The dates for the formal inauguration of the Governing Boards will be announced in due course by the supervising authorities and Ministers.

Airis releases new promo pics + behind the scenes for new music video

Ailing veteran actor Pa Kasumu gradually losing his voice and sight

Ailing veteran actor, Kayode Odumosu aka Pa Kasumu's state of health has deteriorated. Encomium magazine reports that he now has a high level of hypertension and has also developed an advanced cerebrovascular disease, a medical condition that is related to brain dysfunction which affects the blood vessels that transports blood to the brain. This new development has impaired his memory as well as gradually eroding his speech. He is also gradually losing the vision in his left eye.

Niece to the veteran actor and coordinator of the Save Pa Kasumu Group, Mrs Idowu Olajide, spoke on the recent development and Governor Fashola's promise. She said:
"As it is now, the situation is very disturbing. He has lost his voice but we believe with God, all things are possible. Governor Fashola directed him to First Cardiologist Hospital Ikoyi and the result from the test has been sent to him. We really appreciate the governor's step, it's in the right direction. But he hasn't said he would give Pa Kasumu N12million as been peddled and we have not received any money from him. So, we are still appealing to all the good-hearted Nigerians to come to the aid of Pa Kasumu because weather or not he is flown abroad, the ailment needs serious maintenance which will cost a lot of money"

Davido says there are three Skelewu videos, watch anyone you like

Lol, Davido don tire for una matter. Oya bring back Sesan's version, can't find it online anymore...

Ice Prince launches FOZ clothing line + track-list for his new album

Chocolate City artiste Ice Prince Zamani today announced the launch of a limited edition clothing line to commemorate the release of his second album ‘Fire of Zamani’.

Ice Prince says the presentation of his fashion line will coincide with the release of his hugely anticipated ‘Fire of Zamani’ album because the album, nicknamed FOZ ‘inspired every piece we’ll make available on the line.

Products, according to Chocolate City CEO Audu Maikori, will include T-Shirts, Snapbacks, Sneakers, Belts and Pants. The album title was inspired by Nigerian pop icon 2face Idibia. Continue..

Fire of Zamani album cover and track list below...

Toolz, Toke and Omowunmi at Hennessy Artist finale event

On-Air-Personalities Toolz, Toke Makinwa and ex-beauty queen Omowunmi Akinnifesi looking gorgeous at the Hennessy Artistry grand finale on Saturday. Best dressed goes to...?

Broken promises ended Oprah's friendship with the Obamas?

Ever wondered why Oprah campaigned for Barrack Obama in 2008 but not in 2012? Insiders claim Barack and Michelle broke promises to Oprah Winfrey leading to a bitter rift between them...

From The NY Post

"Everyone remembers that Oprah went all out for Obama during the 2008 presidential election. What was not reported was that, in return, Oprah was promised unique access to the White House if Obama won. She’d get regular briefings on initiatives and a heads-up on programs to give her material for her fledgling cable network, OWN.

“Oprah intended to make her unique White House access a part of her new network,” a source close to Oprah told me. “There were big plans, and a team was put together to come up with proposals that would have been mutually beneficial. “But none of that ever happened. Oprah sent notes and a rep to talk to Valerie Jarrett, but nothing came of it. It slowly dawned on Oprah that the Obamas had absolutely no intention of keeping their word and bringing her into their confidence.”

Oprah did not campaign for Obama in the 2012 race, and she has been absent from his battles on gun control, immigration reform and the environment. She claims she is too busy to get involved in politics, even though she hosted a fund-raiser for Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who won a US Senate seat last week.

Oprah’s friends publicly dismiss the idea that she had a falling out with Obama. They note that she phoned Michelle Obama right after the 2012 election to congratulate her. They say Michelle invited her to have dinner with the first family. But the dinner never took place, and Oprah continues to be frozen out.

“Oprah was hoping there would be a genuine change in the atmospherics,” one of her friends told me. “But there hasn’t been. Clearly, she is being rebuffed at the level of Michelle and Valerie. And, just as obviously, President Obama hasn’t interfered on Oprah’s behalf.” During Obama’s first term, I argued in my book “The Amateur” that Michelle was jealous of Oprah, furious that he was seeking her advice.

“For her part, Oprah doesn’t like being with Michelle, because the first lady is constantly one-upping the president and anybody else around her,” said an Oprah adviser. “Oprah has struck back by banning the Obamas from her O, The Oprah Magazine . . . It probably hurts Oprah more than Obama, who, if he had his head screwed on straight, would have flown to California and begged Oprah to help him save ObamaCare.

“But Obama hasn’t budged, and neither has Oprah. She’s hurt and angry, and I seriously doubt that Oprah will ever make up with the Obamas. She knows how to hold a grudge.”

Championing The Cause Of African Women

• L-R. Prof. Awe, Senator Tinubu and a former governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo

Let me begin with Chinweizu, the non-conformist pan-African intellectual who wrote The West and the Rest of Us, a lucid, penetrating and fierce critique of the imperial conquest and enslavement of Africa. In October 1990, Chinweizu published Anatomy of Female Power,a book he described as a masculinist dissection of matriarchy. Echoing Esther Vilar’s The Manipulated Man, he argues with passion and wit in this book that men may rule the world, but women rule the men who rule the world. According to him: “There are five conditions which enable women to get what they want from men: women’s control of the womb; women’s control of the kitchen; women’s control of the cradle; the psychological immaturity of men relative to women; and man’s tendency to be deranged by his own excited penis.” Chinweizu, not surprisingly, dedicates Anatomy of Female Power to the countless number of women who have slipped in and out of his life, especially those who attempted to marry him! He calls on men of the world to unite and refuse to accept the claim that men are natural oppressors of women. Chinweizu’sbook, I must admit, is seductive. But the moment you ask yourself the question – Is there really no oppression to liberate women from? – and if you answer in the affirmitive, his argument then becomes not just provocative but reductionist.
In Speaking for Myself, Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi indicts such reductionist patriarchal notions and ideas. The 500-page-book is a generous collection of many essays, academic papers, lectures, speeches, opinion pieces in newspapers and magazines, poems, reviews and tributes that she wrote between 1987 and 2012. All the pieces tell a coherent story of three decades of dedication to the cause of women, a mission in which she has found true meaning and contentment. We have here extended ruminations of an African feminist. With depth and clarity of thought she combines personal anecdotes and layers of data to offer a lively and rigorous defence of the concerns and needs of women, particularly women in Africa. Substantially, her contention is that a society where liberty, equality and fraternity do not have a prime of place is very dangerous to live in.We are told that, apart from the love and encouragement of her father in her early years, the University of Ife was where the seeds of her intellectual engagements with feminism were planted and nurtured. This is where she earned her first and second degrees, in History and International Relations. This was where she read Germaine Greer’s The Female Eunuch for the first time. Greer’s book was given to her by Dr. Femi Taiwo, now a professor at Cornell University in America. The Female Eunuch was a source of inspiration. As she grew rapidly in thought she wrote a joint paper with Dr. Taiwo for a conference organised by Professor Bolanle Awe’s Women’s Research and Documentation Centre at the University of Ibadan in 1987. That paper remains relevant to women’s studies. The mentor and the mentee argue in the paper that: “There is no future for women’s studies in Nigeria unless it is premised on some plausible, coherent, and adequate theory (or theories) of women’s oppression which, while remaining faithful to the universalist dimensions of theory construction, will be alert to the specificity of the Nigerian situation and its diverse manifestations.” They propose that women’s studies be taught in our universities. More crucially, they observe that “we should not permit ourselves to think that the emancipation of women can be done outside the context of the general emancipation of humankind”.
Ten years of working at Akina Mama waAfrika, AMwA, further strengthened her theoretical capacity and resolve. That she designed the African Women’s Leadership Institute, AWLI, a training centre for young African women; that she helped to establish the African Feminist Forum which serves as a rallying point for African feminist scholars; that she, along with activists like Sarah Mukasa, built and nurtured the African Women’s Development Fund, AWDF; that the Ekiti Development Foundation came into being and, in a short time, inspired a legislation against rape, are all a result of reflections and game-changing experiences.

• L-R: Ekiti State Governor. Dr. Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi; her mother, Mrs. Emildeleye; Guest lecturer/Nobel Laureate, Ms. Leymah Gbowee; wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi

As an African feminist she bounces herself in this book against all Eurocentric white feminists and the local conservative women organisations peopled by those she describes as home fronters and gender activists as opposed to feminist activists. It is a clear ideological position she is not afraid to take. She argues robustly that all identities that locate women in spaces that make them vulnerable are not acceptable. She questions histories and heroics which refuse to honour women who excelled or who were just difficult to understand or categorise. In essay after essay, she calls for a dismantling of regional and global structures of social injustices which reduce women to second class citizens, which make their labour unremunerated and which make them permanent objects of validation by men. The increased impoverishment of the African continent, Adeleye-Fayemi argues, inevitably brings about the disempowerment of women, or to use her much beloved phrase, brings about “the feminisation of poverty”. She proves convincingly that, due to biological, social and economic reasons, women in Africa suffer more from the consequences of inadequate healthcare, conflicts and wars. How come, she asks, that women do not have the right to transfer citizenship to another national? “If you are a full citizen of a country, you should have the power to legally transfer citizenship. If the constitution says that you cannot, then your status as a full citizen is questionable.”
To claim political space for women is essential. But access to mainstream decision-making and political power for African women is very difficult. If political terrain is tough for men, it is tougher for women. She observes that, “The outrageous costs of running for office, the logistics of coordinating an effective campaign, the fluidity of politicians’ meeting hours, fear of violence, the need for a political godfather – these are factors that serve to exclude women from making a decision to serve their countries.” Even when women survive all these hurdles, what about the difficulty of working in an environment that is so hostile to the empowerment and equality of women? To her this should not lead to indifference. The situation demands courage, it demands that serious women should be identified, put forward and supported. This will involve cultivating leadership among young women.She encourages feminist activists to work with men and seek them out as allies. But she quickly enters a caveat: carrying men along must not include employing them to run women’s organisations, speaking on behalf of women, counselling women who are suffering from abuse. She suspects that men will not give up easily the powers and privileges which patriarchy confers on them. In an attempt to solve the problem of women subjugation, she counsels, feminist activists should not end up instigating their sons to form a men’s movement for equality.
The negative representations of women in literature, drama, films, music, advert copies and other forms of communication have always given Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi a lot of concern. In this book, she interrogates the forms and contents of Shina Peters’ ‘Shinamania’, Jimoh Aliu’s Arelu, Isola Ogunsola’s Iyawo Alalubosa and shows how women are trivialised or dubiously elevated when they should just be celebrated or condemned as human beings if they truly deserve it. She praises ‘Warrior Marks’, Alice Walker’s documentary on genital mutilation, not only for the veracity of her story line and the power of photography but also because the documentary could serve as an effective weapon for all those who value human dignity. You will recall that the African Women Development Fund sponsored a well-attended conference in Lagos three years ago to examine the dynamics of women’s representations in Nollywood films. Professor Abena Busia, Dr. Bunmi Oyinsan and Joke Silva were among the resource persons. She suggests that one way of projecting the positive image of African women, of putting an end to what she calls “the effective silencing of African Women’s voices and experiences” is for all gifted feminist activists to rise to the challenge of writing their own stories. According to her: “We have to scale up our contributions to the rich debates on feminist theory and practice worldwide.” For her, it is only when all voices have been heard can feminism be described as truly global.
If all the articles she wrote occasionally for newspapers, radio, magazines, journals and television are in this book it is essentially to demonstrate that she has always added her own voice to those of others who fight for comfortable spaces for women through their writings. As you read them, and possibly disagree with some of her positions, you will not miss the tender honesty of her writings, their unfailing sense of justice and the weight of their wisdom. She makes a strong case for courage, solidarity and accountability. She also talks about the necessity of memory in our national lives. Her argument is that if we don’t forget the bad ones among us, we are most likely not going to forget the good ones. She remembers the living and the dead from whom she has learnt a lot. She salutes Mrs Ronke Okusanya and other great women in Ekiti for the dignity in their exemplary lives. She appreciates the likes of Bene Madunagu, Tawakkul Karman, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Laymah Gbowee, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Aisha Imam, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Joyce Banda. By paying glowing tributes to her father, Mr. Emmanuel Adeleye, who just left his house one day and has not been found, dead or alive, since then; by paying tribute to Dr. Tajudeen AbdulRaheem, Funmi Olayinka, Mama Dorcas Fayemi, Flora Nwapa, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Sally Mugabe, Wangari Maathai, Kudirat Abiola, May Ellen-Ezekiel, Brenda Fassie, Yetunde Obafemi, Annie Mubanga and a host of others who have spent their lives keeping faith with women, caring for the underdogs, working for the common good, raising wonderful families and building institutions. She calls our attention to some of the virtues that will make our country and the world grow and endure.

Glamour As Felabration Ends

It was a mix of thrills and glamour last night and early this morning as the week-long celebration of the late Afrobeat Legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and the Jamaica idol, Bob Marley, finally ended with international acts from Jamaica, Benin Republic, United States of America and Nigeria thrilling fans to different genres of music at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

The Positive Force dancers entertaining the audience.

The scion of the music legend, Femi Kuti, used the show tagged Felabration as an avenue to thank sponsors, fans and artistes that performed throughout the grand show.
“May I appreciate all the artistes who showed love, the different sponsors and most especially, the audience,” he said, adding that without the audience, Felabration 2013 would have been a failure.

Seun Anikulapo Kuti doing what he does best.

He further explained that the essence of the annual event was not limited to music or the celebration of his father, but to look at the ills in the society and redirect the course of history to achieve world peace and qualitative life for all citizens.
“Felabration is not about Fela, Femi or Seun. Felabration is about world peace, about ending  poverty, giving qualitative education to Nigerians, enhancing our health sector, having a leadership that is accountable to the electorate amongst other things that need to be corrected.
“Felabration is about emacipating ourselves from mental slavery,” he said.

KWAM 1 and his band entertaining the crowd.

Son of the Jamaican legend, Kymani Marley, thrilled the audience to some of the classic works of Bob Marley, declaring at the end that, “we are the revolutionaries of today, we are the freedom fighters of today, we cannot shy away from it.”
Some of the artistes that also performed were Weird MC, Dr. Sid, Burna Boy, Chidima, amongst others.

•Femi Kuti performing at Felabration which was rounded off this morning at the Afrika Shrine, Lagos. PHOTO: EFUNLA AYODELE

Sensational singer D’banj crowned the day’s event with a dramatic performance that kept the audience spellbound till 6.25a.m. today.
The event started with The Fela Debates on Monday, 4 October, 2013 at the NECA House Auditorium, Alausa, Lagos with the topic: ‘Movement of The People, The Fela and Bob Marley Perspectives.’

Dbanj entertaining his fans.

Guest speakers included Dr. Sola Olorunyomi, Vivien Goldman and Professor John Collins.

Fire guts refinery in Warri

A section of the ailing NNPC refinery in Warri, Delta state was gutted by fire this morning, though I hear the situation is now under control as fire fighters have been battling all morning to put the fire out. No word yet on what caused the fire...details later!

Actress Shirley Igwe appointed Gov. Okorocha's Principal Protocol

Governor Okorocha and actresses sha! Lol. Months after sacking Nkiru Sylvanus as Special Assistant on Lagos Affairs, he has appointed another Nollywood actress into his his cabinet. This time it's 25 year old ex-Delta Soap model, Shirley Igwe. Shirley is now working for the Government of Imo State as Gov. Rochas Okorocha's Principal Protocol Officer. Her new appointment would entail her coordinating the governor's daily itinerary, ensuring his comfort and that of his visitors every day.

She resumed her appointment in September. Congrats to her!!

If you're not tired yet, see more raunchy pictures of singer Maheeda

Photos from Ikechukwu's birthday party at Vertigo Bar & Lounge

Rapper Ikechukwu celebrated his birthday last Sunday at one of the best Lounges on the beach in Lagos, Vertigo Bar & Lounge, Elegushi. D'banj, Denrele, KaySwitch, Melvin and Bassy of BBA, Cossy Orjiakor, Karen Igho, Dem Mama Soldier, Ketchup, and Emeka Vertigo were all at the party.

Da'Brain CEO to BC Entertainment, BC Records & Vertigo Bar & Lounge has been behind a lot of performances in Nigerian Entertainment Industry alongside Emeka Vertigo and Buga. See more photos after the cut...

Over 100 buildings demolished for Ogun road projects

Scenes of the demolition at Yakoyo ...on Monday.

No fewer than 100 buildings were demolished on Monday and countless persons displaced when the Ogun State Government embarked on its road expansion project.

The demolition, which began around 9am, affected structures on both sides of the Ojodu/Alagbole road at Yakoyo and the Sango/Ijoko road all the way down to Ogba-Ayo.

Shops, residential buildings and shanties were lost to the demolition which was carried out to clear structures within 22.7 metres from the road. It was said to have lasted well over six hours.

At Ogba-Ayo along Ijoko road, a shopping complex housing over 70 shops, two petrol stations and scores of residential buildings were destroyed. As of 4pm, Sango residents, whose buildings had also been marked for demolition, were seen hurriedly moving their valuables in preparation for the demolition that would continue on Tuesday (today).

Some landlords and few of the residents at Yakoyo, who spoke with PUNCH Metro, lamented the demolition of their buildings without adequate notice to prepare them for the exercise.

They alleged that the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration did not compensate them or map out a resettlement plan for the people affected by the demolition.

The owner of a two-storey building at Yakoyo, Mr. Nuhu Aruwa, said he built his house with the money he had saved from 35 years service as an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He said, “I have been living here for the past 26 years. I am a retiree and I manage a paint manufacturing company here. Early last year, the Bureau of Land and Survey came and marked our houses, saying it wanted to expand the road and that people should file their claims for compensation.

“We told them to let us know how they intend to compensate us. At least, my present house is worth N50m.

“Later in September this year, the ministry officials said we should await letters of acquisition and after we agreed on the value of our houses, we could move out.

“They said they would pay us first before we would move out.”

Aruwa, who hails from Kogi State, said he was awaiting the letter when he was told that his house would be demolished on Monday morning.

He said, “No kobo has been paid, no alternative has been provided and they now say I should move out. Move to where? Are we goats? We have children schooling here. Do we terminate their academic programmes? I have served this nation for more than 35 years. I am now retired, and they want to take all I have built in my whole life away from me.”

Another landlord, Mr. Moshood Yusuf, said he built his house in 1986 and caters for his15 member family  with the money he makes from rents.

He said the state governor disappointed residents when he visited the area a day to the demolition, without interacting with the landlords to know how they felt.

He said, “The permanent secretary and governor came here yesterday (Sunday). Amosun merely walked with his entourage from Alagbole to Yakoyo Bus-stop without talking to anybody. And all he said was that work would start today and left.”

It was learnt that many of the landlords were confused because their buildings had been marked three different times.

A source said the state government had said initially, that it would only clear structures within 5.2 metres distance from the road. This was later increased to 13 metres and then 22.7 metres.

Many residents were caught unawares by the demolition and appealed for time to evacuate their property. Others protested the demolition and were seen making frantic calls to officials of the state government.

PUNCH Metro observed that some residents were not at home when the caterpillar began pulling down some structures.

Around 9.30am, an officer from the Bureau of Lands addressed a group of landlords.

The unidentified officer said, “All I will advise you is that you should take the pictures of your property and take to the Bureau of Lands for documentation. The issue of forms and letters do not concern the governor. Once he comes and gives orders that work should begin, we must begin to work. If there is any report that nothing has been done, they could send in policemen and I don’t want that here. Just get evidence that you are the owner of the house.”

As the demolition continued, some of the residents wept.

A resident, Rukayat Moshood, said, “We didn’t know it would happen like this. It was too sudden. At first, we were told it would only affect the shops and a little part of the building. Then the governor came yesterday and said work would begin. We don’t know where we are packing to now; we have no idea.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Kayode Ademolake, told our correspondent on the telephone that the residents were opposed to change in the state.

He said, “They were served two years ago and even in the last three months, we still reminded them. But you know that even if you give some people 1,000 years, they will still continue to be there. When development is about to take place, there will be resistance, so we are not surprised.

“No responsible government will however continue to watch a road that has been degraded for over 30 years without doing something about it.

“Some of these people don’t even have proper documentation for their houses, and yet the government is ready to compensate them for their losses.”