Personality in Focus
Ethnic Profiling: Archbishop Martins Calls for Peaceful Co-Existence, Urges Security Agencies to Protect Lives
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins has condemned in very strong terms all forms of ethnic profiling, utterances, and violence witnessed in some parts of Lagos state, before, during and after the recent elections, warning that the trend if not urgently check-mated, could truncate the peaceful co-existence of residents of the state.
The Archbishop described as unfortunate and unacceptable, the tension, hate speech and violence, especially before, during and after the recent Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in some parts of the state.
In a statement signed by the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the prelate urged the state government as a matter of urgency to call all parties to order and to put in place a machinery for the quick restoration of peace and normalcy.
He equally implored the law enforcement agencies to safeguard the lives and properties of all residents irrespective of tribe, religion, or ethnic groups.
Archbishop Martins also urged the residents of Lagos to remain calm and not allow themselves to be divided against their neighbours.
According to him, “the ethnic and discriminatory comments making the rounds particularly on social media, are not a reflection of the true nature of Lagosians, who are known to be very peace-loving, accommodating and cosmopolitan, including by promoting inter-tribal marriages for many decades.
“I call on everyone to put a stop to the spread of hate speech and fake news and to shun all forms of rancor. The divisive comments and behaviours, particularly along ethnic or tribal line is not conducive to good neigbourliness and peaceful coexistence. The people of Lagos must not allow the political class to whip up such divisive sentiments to disrupt their lives and livelihood. We are all equal before God and the only man-made distinction among people is between the poor and the rich, the privileged and the underprivileged.
“We are all Nigerians and have lived and interacted together as one people for decades in Lagos and other parts of our country.
“With the elections over, we hope that all those who have been fanning the embers of ethnic division will be more circumspect and desist from further heating up the polity. We must be law-abiding citizens and not take the law into our hands in any guise”.
While commiserating with families that lost their loved ones and persons whose properties were destroyed in the violence in the state and across the country, Archbishop Martins also called on law enforcement agencies to do the needful where offences have been committed, as part of efforts to facilitate a national healing process.
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.
