Personality in Focus
Tunji Alausa is a True Son of Yorubaland, Family Member Replies Detractors, Says Attacks Politically Motivated
The Chief Executive Officer, Okay Group, Mrs. Motunrayo Ajeigbe-Akinlosotu, has publicly condemned a series of online posts accusing the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Morufu Alausa, of attempting to abolish the teaching of Yoruba language in Nigerian schools.
Akinlosotu, who identified herself as a relative of the minister, described the claims as unfounded and driven by political motives.
She reacted specifically to a viral Facebook post by one Abulesowo Egbowon, who labelled Dr. Alausa “an enemy and a saboteur of Yorubaland” and accused him of allegedly opposing Yoruba language education and regional interests.
In a strongly worded response, Akinlosotu dismissed the allegations, insisting that Dr. Alausa is a “true son of Yoruba land” whose heritage and service record contradict the narrative being pushed online.
“My name is Motunrayo Ajeigbe-Akinlosotu. Dr. Alausa happens to be my uncle. He is from Lagos State. The mother is half Lagos and half Ilesa. While the father is from Lagos on both sides of his family. So Alausa is a true son of Yorubaland and a true son of Lekombi Omo Eko,” she said.
She expressed shock that some individuals were cursing the minister over policies she said he had no hand in, noting that the attacks appeared politically motivated.
“I don’t know why people are now raising curses on Dr. Alausa. It’s not about the portfolio he is holding. Many of those spreading these things are simply frustrated,” she said.
She believes the attacks may be coming from Alausa’s enemies who are frightened by his rising profile in politics.
Ajeigbe praised the minister’s performance, describing him as a hardworking reformer who has introduced policies aimed at improving the education sector.
“Dr. Alausa is doing well in the Ministry of Education. He has changed many things that were not working. He is always ready to help people at any time, even without seeking recognition,” she added.
Addressing insinuations about his religious or cultural identity, Ajeigbe emphasised that the minister comes from a deeply religious family with both Muslim and Christian backgrounds and has always been committed to supporting communities in Lagos and beyond.
“This is a man many people look up to in Lagos State. He helps quietly without announcing it. So where is all this beef coming from?” she asked.
She urged Nigerians to disregard false narratives being circulated on social media, warning that political actors may be attempting to smear the minister for personal or partisan reasons.
The controversy began after Egbowon’s Facebook post accused Dr. Alausa of attempting to halt Yoruba-language instruction in schools and questioned why none of the minister’s children reportedly bear Yoruba names.
The post sparked a flurry of negative comments portraying the minister as “not a son of the soil.”
Ajeigbe called for restraint and urged the public to seek facts rather than fall for misleading information circulated online.
“Please, people should be very careful. I am not talking about politics. I am talking about who Dr. Tunji Alausa truly is,” she said.
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.
