Personality in Focus
Prof Banji Akintoye Berates the 2023 General Election
By Kayode Emola
In an interview granted to the Yoruba World Media last weekend, Prof Akintoye berated the ongoing 2023 General election stating that what the Yoruba people need is an independent Yoruba nation. Prof. Akintoye stated that the international observers will have noticed that southern Nigeria especially the Yoruba region was heavily militarised during this election. This cannot be a way to conduct a free and fair election.
The Inspector General (IG) of Police some few weeks ago made a statement that the Yoruba people were amassing guns and other weapons to disrupt the 2023 elections which was not true. It is now clear to the whole world that the IG statement was just a ruse for the federal government to intimidate the Yoruba people. We have made it clear that we cannot be intimidated in our own land and we stand ready to defend it, no matter what. A few years ago, President Buhari made a coded statement for any Fulani in West Africa to come to Nigeria even without proper documentation and since then, they have been coming in large numbers since 2015. Once arrived in Nigeria, they are automatically given Nigeria citizenship and the right to vote which is an insult to the indigenous peoples of Nigeria.
Recall that a former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has stated previously that the Fulani are planning for a war in Nigeria and it is the plan of the Fulani to conquer the indigenous peoples of Nigeria and take over their land. Prof. Akintoye stated that there is already a silent war going on amidst the election as innocent people are being kidnapped on a daily basis on the highway. Farmers are unable to go to their farms for fear of being kidnapped and maimed by Fulani militias.
It is now clear to the world that the government has always been looking for an excuse to invade the Yorubaland. We have always conducted our self-determination struggle with the utmost decorum and all our rallies have been peaceful. Our rally in Ibadan had over 1.5 million people in attendance and we thought that was big, however, when we went to other Yoruba cities, the crowd grew bigger and bigger until our rally in Ado Ekiti recorded over 3.5 million people in 2021. All we are trying to do is to take our Yoruba nation out of the barbarism of Nigeria. Nigeria is no longer a safe place for the Yoruba people and we need to get out now.
Nothing is safe in Nigeria and in the last 2 weeks, it has been madness everywhere in Nigeria. First, it was petroleum products that were not made available and then it became no currency for the people to spend. This caused distress to many of our people as some people resulted in stripping themselves naked in banking halls. The failed currency redesign has caused riots on the streets, in all of this, the government is now resulting in using the army to intimidate our people.
This is the true situation of things in Nigeria so I want the international observers to see what is happening and not the ruse that the government is projecting. What the government is showcasing to the world is untrue, the brutality on our people is inhumane and we cannot tolerate the oppressive Nigeria regime. There is a destructive war in Nigeria that the government is not showing, and this is what I want you to take back to your respective countries.
To my Yoruba people, I congratulate us as we inch closer to victory, and for being peaceful throughout our campaign. Many people have asked what happens after the elections? Elections may be taking place today but it doesn’t mean that we are happy. Even after the elections, it doesn’t mean that the country may not disintegrate. We just continue to press on with our quest for an independent Yoruba nation.
It doesn’t mean that we will cause any trouble, the trouble will come from those who are embittered by the results of the election in Nigeria and we will be ready to take our Yoruba country out by then. We will not ferment any trouble but my prayers are that there should be a situation in Nigeria that will cause will give us the opportunity to take our Yoruba nation out of Nigeria.
Even if a new president comes into office, we will continue to fight and we are now fighting better. We now have a lot of our people in several countries working for us, most of them are even doing it without us giving them any money and they are getting good results. I say to you my Yoruba people, we will be free very soon and be able to build the most prosperous black nation on earth.
Kayode Emola is the Spokesperson for Prof. Akintoye
The family of Bolaji Olarewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji has confirmed the passing of the singer following a brief illness.
According to a statement signed by the Family on Saturday, Bolaji died on Easter Saturday.
The statement said, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness.
“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.
“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.
“We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.
“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.
“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time. With gratitude, The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju.”
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
