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Ayinla Omowura: The Gnome That Refuse to Die
He was murdered four decades ago by his ally and Band Manager, Fatai Bayewumi, Late Alhaji Waidi Ayinla Omowura is unarguably one of the few indigenous Nigerian musicians with soaring popularity after their exit. Ayinla’s music laced with philosophical lyricism keeps enjoying acceptability and high rating till now.
As part of activities marking the 4Oth Anniversary of his tragic death, a prolific writer, Dr. Festus Adedayo, assisted by the duo of Waheed Ganiyu and Idris Oderinde has written a biography to celebrate the Apala maestro.
A seasoned journalist, columnist and media consultant; Adedayo has about 20 years of experience, which cuts across journalism, research and public communication. He is known in the Nigerian public arena as a public commentator with an acerbic pen and a writer with disdain for injustice and social disorder.
Titled ‘ Ayinla Omowura: Life And Times Of Apala Legend, the book of about 600 pages reveals many untold stories about Omowura. According to the author: ‘ the book, not strictly a hagiography on Omowura’. Invariably, it is a combination of the good, bad and ugly sides of Anigilaje Ayinla.
The literature, due for launch by May contains chapters like, Apala: Roots and Beginning; Ayinla’s Rough Years; Ayinla, The Family Man; Ayinla’s Iconic Years(1970-1980); Day Oloburo Was Murdered; Ayinla And His Music and Apala After The Oloburo. Foreword and Afterword were written by two sociologist, anthropologist and Africanist scholars, Professors Ebenezer Obadare of the University of Kansas and Wale Adebanwi, University of Oxford. The book will be available for sale from May 6, 2020
It will be recalled that Alhaji Ayinla Omowura, 47, lost his life in an Abeokuta bar-room brawl on May 6, 1980.
Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni, on Sunday formally declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Oseni made the declaration at the Ibadan Recreation Centre, Sabo, Ibadan, during a meeting attended by party leaders, stakeholders, supporters and members of his political structure, the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends.
The lawmaker said his decision followed wide consultations across the senatorial district, adding that he was convinced of securing the party’s ticket and winning the general election.
He said, “Having served diligently as your representative, I stand before you today ready to serve more. My ambition is not a departure from service, but a continuation of it.”
Oseni stated that his political journey had always been anchored on sacrifice, purpose and responsibility, stressing that leadership should be measured by service rather than position.
Highlighting his stewardship in the House of Representatives, Oseni said he had facilitated roads, schools, hospitals, bridges and streetlights across communities in his constituency.
He added that he had also supported education through sponsorship of students for WAEC and JAMB examinations, scholarships and payment of school fees for indigent students.
According to him, his empowerment programmes had benefited traders, artisans and market women, while over 30 youths had been transformed into millionaires through various intervention schemes.
Oseni, who is Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency, said he had sponsored motions on improved road maintenance funding and advocated free treatment for cancer and kidney patients among others.
He also disclosed that he had pushed for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ido, describing healthcare access as a major priority of his public service agenda.
Speaking on his plans for Oyo South, Oseni said he would prioritise quality representation, education, healthcare, youth development, job creation and attraction of federal projects to the district.
He said, “My concept of empowerment goes beyond the distribution of tricycles, motorcycles and generators. True empowerment must build capacity, encourage innovation and create sustainable wealth.”
Reaffirming loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, Oseni declared that the President’s re-election in 2027 remained his ultimate political project, adding that his supporters were already mobilising across Oyo State for the APC.
He appealed for unity within the party, urging members to place collective interest above personal ambition in order to reclaim power in Oyo State and secure victory for all APC candidates in the next general elections.
Also present at the event was the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Alli, who urged party members and stakeholders to support Oseni, describing him as a committed party man with strong grassroots appeal.
Alli said, “Oseni has shown capacity and dedication in his current role. I encourage party faithful and the people of Oyo South to support him as he seeks to serve at a higher level.”
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, will on Sunday, April 26, formally declare his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, is expected to unveil his senatorial bid at the Recreation Club, Ibadan, by 10 a.m.
A statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, said all arrangements have been concluded for the declaration, which will formally signal the lawmaker’s entry into the Oyo South senatorial race ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement added that the event is expected to attract political leaders, including party chieftains, state and senatorial executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stakeholders, supporters, and members of the public across the senatorial district.
It further noted that adequate security and traffic management arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and orderly event.
Oseni, who currently chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), is positioning for a broader legislative role in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
The statement described the development as a significant moment in Oyo State’s political landscape.
Politics
2027: Oyo Reps Hopeful, Socrates Rallies APC Unity to Reclaim Power, Drums Support for Tinubu
A House of Representatives aspirant for Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo, on Friday urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that disunity could undermine the party’s chances of returning to power.
Adeyemo, popularly known as Socrates, made the call in a statement, where he also drummed support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The former Vice Chairman of Aare Latosa Local Council Development Area stressed that cohesion among party leaders and stakeholders remained critical to building a formidable opposition in the state.
He commended party chieftains, including Moses Alake-Adeyemo, for their roles in repositioning the party for future electoral success.
“The task before us requires unwavering commitment and unity of purpose. A divided house cannot stand. If we are determined to reclaim Oyo State in 2027, we must close ranks and work together,” he said.
Adeyemo also criticised the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging that residents were experiencing the effects of what he described as governance failures.
“With the current realities in Oyo State, it is evident that the only credible alternative in 2027 is the APC. I commend our leaders for rebuilding the party and urge members to remain steadfast, as victory lies in our collective resolve,” he added.
The aspirant further described Tinubu’s leadership as pivotal to Nigeria’s recovery and long-term development, urging Nigerians to sustain their support for the President.
Adeyemo, who is also the Oyo State Coordinator of Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, called on party loyalists to intensify grassroots mobilisation, deepen engagement across communities, and work collectively towards ensuring victory for the APC in Oyo State in 2027.
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