Personality in Focus
ACIU Calls for Creation of Abiriba LGA, Visits House of Reps Deputy Speaker
The Abiriba Communual Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide, under the leadership of Yucee Otah Uwah (Ike Abiriba), has called on the National Assembly, to seriously consider the creation of Abiriba Local government in the ongoing constitution amendment process.
Hon Yuccee Uwah, according to a statement by the Head, ACIU Communication Committee, Mr. Paul Kalu, made the call during a courtesy visit by the Central Executives of ACIU to the Deputy Speaker Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on Tuesday.
He informed the Deputy Speaker, that a memorandum to that effect had already been submitted to the House of Representatives through the office of the Deputy Speaker, who doubles as co-chairman constitution amendment committee.
“Abiriba people desire for the creation of Abiriba Local Government Area to be carved out of the Ohafia Local Government Area…
“Therefore, we submitted to the House of Representatives through the office of Deputy Speaker and Co-chairman, National Assembly Committee on 1999 Constitutional Amendments our Memorandum requesting for creation of Abiriba Local Government Area out of the present Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State,” he said.
The President futher requested the restoration of electricity supply to Abiriba by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, to solve the over a decade power outage in Abiriba, with its attendant economic burden on Abiriba people.
While commending the Deputy speaker on his role in actualization of South East Development Commission (SEDC), Chief Yucee appealed to Hon. Benjamin, to use his exalted office to ensure that Infrastructural projects in Abiriba are captured in the 2025 budget of SEDC.
In his response, the Deputy Speaker Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, commended the leaders of ACIU, for finding time to visit him and for their proposed partnership.
“Hon. Yucee O. Uwah, I commend your purposeful leadership and the dynamism of your executive. The work ACIU is doing—mobilizing humanand financial capital, preserving heritage and uplifting Abiriba youth—is ablue print for national transformation,” he said.
Hon. Benjamin went further to assure his ‘August’ visitors that he will ensure that their request and contributions at all times will not be negleted but considered in policy formulation. He also asure them of his partnership with ACIU.
“Let me assure you: This House is your House. The voice of Abiriba will not be an echo, but a sound of policy, progress, and pride. I am committed to partnering with ACIU on strategic goals.”
The ACIU President, who was joined by some members of his executives and members of Abuja branch of ACIU, presented a gift on behalf of the Enachioken of Abiriba kingdom, HRM Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, to the Honourable Deputy Speaker.
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has announced the birth of twin princes with his wife Mariam Ajibola, to the Royal House of Oduduwa.
The monarch disclosed this in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Friday, expressing gratitude to God for the safe delivery of the children and the wellbeing of their mother.
“To God be all the glory and adoration for His wondrous works and abundant blessings once again.
The announcement has drawn congratulatory messages from admirers and members of the Yoruba royal institution celebrating the arrival of the newborn princes.
After his marriage to Naomi Silekunola ended, the Ooni married several queens within a short period in 2022.
Among the queens are Mariam Anako, Elizabeth Akinmuda, Tobiloba Phillips, Ashley Adegoke, Ronke Ademiluyi and Temitope Adesegun.
During celebrations marking his 48th birthday and seventh coronation anniversary, the monarch explained that his marriages were connected to the traditional heritage and responsibilities attached to the throne of Ile-Ife.
Nigerian entrepreneur, Femi Otedola, has reportedly acquired a mansion in London valued at £53 million, further strengthening the presence of wealthy Nigerian investors in the United Kingdom’s luxury property market.
According to a report by Bloomberg on Thursday, the property is located in St John’s Wood, one of London’s most exclusive residential districts situated close to Regent’s Park.
The report stated that the transaction was concluded late last year, citing a UK filing.
The mansion reportedly features 10 bedrooms alongside luxury facilities including a cinema, spa and cigar room. The property was previously placed on the market for £75 million in 2020, according to media reports.
Otedola is the chairman and majority shareholder of First HoldCo Plc, with business interests spanning finance, energy, shipping and insurance brokerage.
The acquisition comes amid sustained activity in London’s luxury real estate sector despite increased property taxes and adjustments to tax policies affecting foreign residents.
Prime areas such as St John’s Wood, Belgravia and Chelsea continue to attract ultra-wealthy buyers from across the world, with multimillion-pound transactions remaining common in the high-end housing market.
The latest purchase also adds to Otedola’s collection of luxury assets and reflects the continued attraction of London’s upscale neighbourhoods to affluent Nigerian businessmen and corporate executives.
In recent years, several Nigerian business figures have been associated with expensive property acquisitions in the UK capital.
In 2025, Roosevelt Ogbonna, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, was also reported to have acquired a £15 million property in Hampstead, another affluent area in London popular among wealthy foreign investors.
St John’s Wood, where Otedola’s mansion is located, is widely known for its luxury detached homes, privacy and proximity to landmarks such as Regent’s Park and the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Bloomberg
Personality in Focus
Aare EmmanuelKing Congratulates Olofin of Ilisan Remo, Oba Sonuga, on 86th Birthday
The Borokinni of Ilishan Remo, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, as the revered monarch celebrates his 86th birthday anniversary.
In a statement released to commemorate the royal father’s birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing described the monarch as a symbol of peace, wisdom, progress, and exemplary royal leadership, whose reign has continued to bring honor and development to Ilisan Remo.
According to him, since ascending the revered throne of his forefathers, the Olofin has consistently demonstrated purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to the unity, growth, and cultural advancement of the kingdom, while fostering peace and harmony among the people.
He further noted that the monarch’s reign has inspired pride and confidence among indigenes of Ilisan Remo both at home and in the diaspora, adding that Kabiyesi’s dedication to community development and preservation of tradition remains highly commendable.
The Borokinni prayed for continued divine grace, sound health, long life, and greater wisdom for the royal father as he continues his impactful reign on the throne of his ancestors.
“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I heartily congratulate His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, on the joyous occasion of his 86th birthday. May Almighty God continue to strengthen Kabiyesi with peace, sound health, and many more years of fruitful reign,” he stated.
