Singers Adekunle Kosoko, aka Adekunle Gold, and his wife Simisola Kosoko, alias Simi, are celebrating their sixth wedding anniversary on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Simi, obviously jubilant about the new milestone admitted that six years after marrying Adekunle Gold, he still makes her to laugh. She added that he is the best man she knows and he is still the one for her. The mother of one wished her husband a happy wedding anniversary and noted that she loves him.

The songstress further shared some beautiful old pictures to celebrate their special day.

To mark their sixth wedding anniversary, Simi shared a 15-in-1 post ranging from a picture of their wedding day in black and white hue and when she was pregnant with Adejare. In another, she and Adekunle Gold were cozy at the beach.

Another fun video clip saw the 35-year-old showing the afrobeats star vibing to music while stating in the background that he is creating content to make money for their daughter’s school fees.

Adekunle Gold, four-year-old Deja and Simi also had a race competition in another clip. The couple had other memorable moments to share with their fans and Simi ensured that she posted them. Simi captioned the post:

“6 years.

You still make me laugh.

You’re still the best man I know.

You’re still the one ?

Happy Anniversary Baby. I love you.”

Their colleagues and fans took to the comments to with the couple a prosperous sixth wedding anniversary. See post and reactions to it below:

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that he met the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, for the first time on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

He made this known on Monday, during the presentation of the staff and certificate of recognition, which took place at the Oyo government house in Ibadan.

Recall that on January 10, Makinde announced Owoade as the new Alaafin. However, some members of the Oyomesi rejected his appointment, arguing that the Alaafin should be chosen according to the 1967 Chieftaincy Declaration, not through consultation or divination as Makinde stated.

His words: “The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.

“I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool, and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.

“Let me say this clearly: when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.

“When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.”

Renowned music producer and songwriter, Cobhams Asuquo, has disclosed that he started charging his clients in dollars when he was 24-years-old.

Asuquo stated that the bold step which he took as far back as 2005 was a career-defining moment for him.

Speaking during an interview with Pulse TV, he explained that he decided to transact in a more reliable currency because he recognised the value of his craft and a desire for financial stability.

He said, “I am one of the few producers who started charging in a different currency for the purpose of stability.

“As far back as 2005, I began to peg my charges in dollars because I felt it was a stable thing to do. I was obviously getting signed and getting things going, and I needed to be able to transact in that space.”

Cobhams noted that his decision was pioneering, as he was unaware of any other producers charging in dollars at the time.

He attributed this bold move to his early realisation of his worth.

“I hear music producers charge now in dollars, and I say to myself, I started doing this in 2005 when I was just 24. I didn’t know anybody else who was doing that at the time.

“That’s me waking up to the value of my work,” he stated proudly.

He also emphasised his commitment to delivering top-quality work, humbly stating, “Till tomorrow, I cannot promise that what I will give you is the best in the world, but it’s the best I can give you—and it is very well close to the best in the world.”

The Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, has announced Abimbola Owoade as the Alaafin-designate, bypassing the selection process led by the Oyomesi, Oyo’s traditional council of kingmakers.

Naija News understands that this move, announced on Friday, has sparked widespread criticism and deepened tensions over the vacant stool of the Alaafin, a revered Yoruba traditional title.

The position of Alaafin became vacant following the death of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.

The Oyomesi, entrusted with selecting the next Alaafin under the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, began the selection process after receiving approval from the Atiba Local Government in August 2022.

After screening 82 aspirants from the Agunloye Ruling House, the Oyomesi unanimously selected Lukman Gbadegesin, a grandson of Alaafin Bello Gbadegesin (1956–1966), on September 30, 2022.

The Atiba Local Government communicated this decision to the governor on October 4, 2022, as mandated by Section 20 of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State.

The law provides a 21-day period for objections to be filed by dissatisfied aspirants or ruling houses.

However, no petitions were submitted within this period. A subsequent legal challenge by a dissatisfied aspirant was dismissed by the Oyo State High Court on December 19, 2022, which upheld the validity of the selection process.

During the legal proceedings, the state government defended the Oyomesi-led selection process, further solidifying its legitimacy.

Despite these developments, Governor Makinde withheld his approval of Gbadegesin’s appointment for over a year.

On January 10, 2025, he announced Abimbola Owoade, another member of the Agunloye Ruling House, as the Alaafin-designate.

This decision has been widely criticised as a breach of the 1961 declaration, which grants the Oyomesi, led by the Bashorun of Oyo, exclusive authority to select the Alaafin.

The Oyomesi rejected the governor’s appointment, accusing him of undermining tradition and legal provisions. Two members of the council had previously attempted to withdraw their support for Gbadegesin, alleging bribery, but no evidence was provided to substantiate these claims.

Owoade, the governor’s choice, is also from the Agunloye Ruling House and traces his lineage to Prince Owoade, a younger brother of Alaafin Siyanbola Ladigbolu (1911–1944).

While his royal heritage is acknowledged, critics argue that the governor’s unilateral appointment sets a dangerous precedent.

According to Premium Times, here are the breaches in the selection of Owoade:

No Official Petition: The governor received no official petition from dissatisfied aspirants or ruling houses within the legally mandated period. The two Oyomesi members who later opposed the selection lacked the basis to challenge the process, according to the law.

Disregard for Court Ruling: The December 2022 court ruling affirmed that the customary law guiding the selection of the Alaafin does not require consulting the Ifa oracle. However, in a widely circulated video, Yoruba scholar Professor Wande Abimbola claimed the governor engaged him to consult Ifa in selecting the new Alaafin, allegedly violating the court’s ruling.

Usurpation of Oyomesi’s Powers: Despite an earlier selection by Oyomesi, the governor hurriedly convened his own selection meeting, including two warrants chiefs, and appointed a candidate for the prestigious throne.

Hours after Mr Owoade’s selection was announced, the Oyomesi declared their rejection of the appointment and sources close to the chiefs said they are approaching the court to set aside Mr Makinde’s action.

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, has presented the staff of office to Abimbola Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The presentation of the staff and certificate of recognition took place at the Oyo government house in Ibadan.

On January 10, Makinde announced Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

Dotun Oyelade, Oyo commissioner for information and orientation, had said the governor approved Owoade as Alaafin following the recommendations by the Oyomesi (kingmakers).

Shortly afterwards, some members of the Oyomesi rejected the appointment of Owoade as the new Alaafin.

They argued that the occupant of the stool is chosen in compliance with the registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, not by consultation or divination as stated by Makinde.

The kingmakers in the faction include Yusuf Akinade (Basorun), Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku), Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief standing in for the (Asipa), and Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief standing in for (Alapinni).

They added that only the Bashorun, head of the Oyomesi, can convene a meeting to elect an Alaafin, arguing that any meeting convened by Makinde was null and void.

The Oyo state high court has granted bail to Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; and Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM.

The duo, alongside the principal of the Islamic High School, were each granted bail in the sum of N10 million and two sureties in like sum.

The trio are standing trial over their alleged roles in a stampede at a funfair in December, which claimed the lives of over 30 people, most of them children.

The defendants were remanded at Agodi correctional centre on December 24 after being charged with four counts bordering on conspiracy, negligence causing harm, and failing to provide adequate security and medical facilities.

 

MAGISTRATE COURT HEARING

At the resumed hearing of the case at the magistrate court, Iyaganku Sikiru Opaleye, the prosecutor, told Olabisi Ogunkanmi, the chief magistrate, that the state department of public prosecution (DPP) has found the defendants guilty and that they have a case to answer.

The court ruled that an appeal be filed and taken formally at the high court since the magistrate court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.

Ogunkanmi explained that if the appeal is heard at the high court, the defendants will appear to have the case struck out at the magistrate court.

She subsequently adjourned the case to January 27 at the behest of Abdulfatai Oyedeji, counsel to Abdullahi (third defendant) for mention.

Oyedeji said at the next hearing, “the three defendants will appear, their appeals will be taken and from there, the battleground will shift to the high court”.

He said if the defendants had been present in court, their appeals may have been taken today.

“They have to be here physically to take their appeal whether guilty or not guilty before we move to the second phase of the battle,” he said.

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has taken to social media to celebrate her mother, Rita Daniels’, birthday.

In a heartfelt post, Regina expressed her gratitude and appreciation for her mother’s presence in her life.

She shared a series of photos and videos of her mother on Instagram, accompanied by a touching message.

She described her mother as her “woman king,” guide, and best friend, highlighting the significant impact she has had on her life.

In her post, Regina acknowledged the challenges they have faced together and expressed her desire to continue being her mother’s daughter.

She also prayed for her mother’s good health, strength, and long life, asking God to protect her from harm.

“MY GOD ON EARTH

Happy birthday, my WOMAN KING
My earthly guardian and protector
My one true best friend, adviser, mother, cry buddy, and ride or die.
I will continue to bless your very existence on earth and worship the very ground you walk on. You are everything and more in a mother and I’m grateful to God for the gift of you. I will choose to be your daughter over and over again so you can keep guiding me right. We’ve been through so much together and we will still go through more. I pray God gives you the strength, good health and long life to overcome every trial that comes our way. May God never let me do anything to hurt or break your heart. I love you my treasure @rita.daniels06″.

Nigerian gospel singer and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, recently went viral after sharing the remarkable story of his invitation to the upcoming US Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast.

During his ministration at Pastor Poju Oyemade’s World Faith Believers Convention (WOFBEC), Bassey spoke candidly about the phone call that led to his invitation.

The renowned gospel singer revealed that the invitation came from Reverend Merrie Turner, who shared how she had been in prayer when God directed her to call on Bassey to release His glory upon the United States.

According to Nathaniel Bassey, Reverend Turner said;

“I was in prayer, and the Lord says to me to send for you to come release the glory of God upon our Nation.”

Nathaniel Bassey will minister at a non-political, non-governmental event ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.

The event, set to take place on January 20, 2025, will be hosted by Reverend Turner in Washington, D.C.

The news of Bassey’s invitation to the prestigious event has sparked widespread celebration, particularly within the Christian community in Nigeria.

His testimony, which he shared with a deeply moved audience at WOFBEC, was met with awe and appreciation, as many saw it as a powerful sign of divine favor.

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has caused a stir on social media after revealing a shocking new look in a viral video.

Over the weekend, Asake posted footage of himself in the studio, teasing his eagerly awaited new project. However, it wasn’t just the music that grabbed attention; it was his drastically different hairstyle.

The Afrobeat star, who had become synonymous with his signature long dreadlocks, now sported a much shorter and unexpected cut.

Asake’s transformation sent fans into a frenzy, as the dreadlocks had become a central part of his identity, perfectly complementing his unique sound and style.

His sudden change in appearance has sparked waves of speculation on what prompted this drastic shift.

Concerned fans are left questioning whether this new look marks a personal evolution, a reinvention of his image, state of his mental health or a bold statement about his artistic direction.

SEE REACTIONS BELOW

Asake and his label boss Olamide have found themselves at the heart of a growing controversy, as rumors of a widening rift between the two dominate both online and offline discussions.

The tension reached a fever pitch on Monday, December 23, 2024, during Olamide’s highly anticipated Olamide Live In Concert (OLIC) at the luxurious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, a celebration of Olamide’s legacy, brought together a star-studded lineup of music royalty, including Phyno, Wizkid, Young John, and several YBNL stars, all of whom shared the stage to honor the iconic hitmaker.

Asake, whose meteoric rise to fame has been intricately tied to Olamide’s YBNL label, was conspicuously missing from the event, sparking a firestorm of speculation.

SEE HIS VIDEO POST BELOW 

Veteran Nollywood actor Segun Arinze has opened up about his past experiences in the music industry.

In a recent episode of ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask’ hosted by Bae U Barbie, Segun Arinze revealed that he didn’t leave music because he failed, but rather to focus on his acting career.

Segun Arinze, who studied theatre arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, explained that he deliberately chose to put his music career on hold to concentrate on acting.

“I didn’t fail as a musical artist. I left music on my own volition. If I wanted to do music, I would have continued.

“I read theatre art at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. I left school, I did well. I went into my music on my own volition. When I decided to concentrate on my acting career, I concentrated on my acting,” he explained.

The actor, who has two music albums under his belt, hinted that he will be making a comeback in the music industry, but this time, it won’t be for commercial purposes, but for passion.

“I can always go back to music. I didn’t fail. I’ve two albums. I suspended it [my music career]. When I feel it’s time, I will go back. I still sing. The voice is still there.

“I will be going back to music but I won’t be coming into it for commercial reasons. I will return to music just because I want to sing, not because I want to make money,” he added.

Segun had earlier opened up on why he stopped acting.

Reflecting on his journey in the entertainment industry, Arinze disclosed that he decided to stop his acting endeavors due to the detrimental impact of being typecast into roles portraying “bad boys.”

He expressed how this repetitive casting began to take a toll on his mental well-being, leading him to prioritize his mental health and step back from the limelight.