Personality in Focus
Prof Akintoye Fully Committed to Yoruba Self-Determination
By Kayode Emola YSDM Team
Over the last week, Sahara Reporters have released a number of media items alleging that Prof Banji Akintoye is “secretly” supporting the campaign for Tinubu’s presidency. This is not only untrue and libellous but disruptive and frankly dangerous. The Tinubu Support Group (TSG) must immediately cease associating the erudite Professor of History with the 2023 general elections.
The Yoruba people have, on numerous occasions over the last four years, stated their unequivocal desire to have a country of their own separated from Nigeria. We are on course to fulfil that mandate for the Yoruba people.
Neither Akintoye nor the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM) endorses Tinubu, nor any candidate, for any election in Nigeria. We have made our position clear from the start: we do not want anything to do with Nigeria. We will pursue our goal using all available legal instruments in international law.
In his message on Omoluka TV, Prof Akintoye refuted all rumours of his involvement with any group supporting politicians. He went on to describe the article by Sahara Reporters as a “shoddy piece of journalism.” Neither Prof Akintoye nor any self-determination group has endorsed any political party. This position remains, and will continue to remain, their stance at this time. In his own words, Prof Akintoye stated that, “all the southern politicians vying for political offices in the Federal level will fail in the coming national elections and will eventually return home.”
The Yoruba Self-determination Movement is a sophisticated movement seeking to liberate the Yoruba people from the shackles of Nigeria. Sahara Reporters should ensure that they do not continue to peddle lies and unfounded stories, bringing the high calling of journalists into disrepute.
Such detractors as are fabricating lies regarding Prof Akintoye and YSDM secretly endorsing the Elite Mobilisation Initiative to support Tinubu should desist with immediate effect.
Our message to the Yoruba people both at home and abroad, and to the Nigerian government, is clear. We want our own separate Yoruba country and we are not backing down. It is not our concern who becomes the president of Nigeria; our sole concern is for the welfare of the Yoruba people.
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.
1 Comment