Entertainment
Buhari, Ajimobi react to death of Akinwunmi Isola
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family, friends and government of Oyo state on the passing of renowned author, playwright and literary icon, Professor Akinwunmi Isola.
He said the literary world will surely miss the cultural activist whose steadfastness and dedication to the promotion of the native language as a means of sustaining the culture and tradition of Africans is worth emulating.
In a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, Buhari noted that the love of the departed academician for the Yoruba language was never in doubt as he exhibited this through all his published works and speeches even as a student and throughout his academic life.
“The President joins the entertainment industry in mourning the loss of a producer and director whose contributions to the evolution and transformation of the entertainment industry from a disparaged genre into a major contributor to the nation’s economy will never be forgotten”, the statement added.
“He called on other academicians to follow the sterling qualities of the National Merit Award Winner and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters who was more focused on the development and transformation of minds as opposed to material gains.
“The President prays that Almighty God will grant the soul of the Professor Ishola eternal rest.”
Similarly, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described the death Isola, as a colossal loss to the state, the Yoruba race and the world at large.
Ajimobi, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Yomi Layinka, said that he received the news of the death of the Ibadan-born culture ambassador and progenitor of Yoruba literature with disbelief and utter shock.
“By his death, the state has lost a venerated son of the soil, who devoted his life to the promotion of the Yoruba culture through his creative works and huge contributions to the global body of knowledge.
“As a student at the University of Ibadan, Isola wrote ‘Efunsetan Aniwura,’ a play that remained a timeless piece in teaching lessons on abuse of power and retribution.
”His epic novel, ‘O leku,’ was also evergreen,” the governor said.
Ajimobi, quoting from William Shakespeare’s book ‘As You Like it’, said the world was a stage, where Ishola played his part meritoriously and gloriously exited to be with his maker.
According to him, “Isola was a blessing to his Alma Mata, Wesley College in Ibadan because he composed the school anthem, which is still in use till date.
“He was a man of many parts. Not only was he a prolific writer, he was also a talented actor and astute broadcaster who churned out many plays, drama series and box office films.
“Isola was an unabashed believer in the promotion of the Yoruba language, which he once demonstrated by being the first person to deliver a university convocation lecture in Yoruba at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State.
“But, in the words of William Shakespeare ‘All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances;
“And one man in his time plays many parts. Baba has played his parts and he has exited gloriously,” Ajimobi said.
In a tragic turn of events, the iconic Nigerian comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has reportedly passed away.
A close source within the family confirmed the development, indicating that the beloved entertainer breathed his last on Saturday afternoon at Evercare Hospital, Lekki, where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Mr Ibu, celebrated for his exceptional comedic talent, had faced health challenges in the past year. In a noteworthy struggle, he underwent surgery to amputate one of his legs, a procedure necessitated by undisclosed health issues.
Throughout this period, the actor had openly sought support and prayers from his numerous fans and well-wishers.
The Nigerian entertainment industry mourns the loss of a true megastar, and fans worldwide express their condolences for the passing of a beloved figure who brought laughter and joy to countless lives through his memorable performances. The legacy of Mr Ibu, marked by his unique style and infectious humor, will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of fans and the annals of Nollywood history.
In a recent development surrounding the controversial death of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, lawyers representing Mr. Joshua Aloba, the bereaved father, have taken a significant step. The legal team, led by Emmanuel Oroko, sent a letter dated Jan. 15th, 2024, to the Coroner overseeing the inquiry into the artist’s demise.
The letter urged the Coroner to summon Ayobami Fisayo (known as Spending), Boluwatife Adeyemo (Darosha), and Ibrahim Owodunni (Prime Boy) to provide testimonies and eyewitness accounts regarding the events leading to Mohbad’s death on Sept. 12, 2023.
The lawyers asserted that the insights from these three individuals would contribute essential factual evidence, shedding more light on the perceived unnatural and suspicious circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
“Our research for instance has shown that there were incidents on the 3rd Mainland Bridge at about 2.30 am (Sunday, September 10, 2023, that the appropriate witnesses did not mention and which no one has related at the Coroner Inquest and in our opinion would have given away the circumstantial event that led to the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba.
“In furtherance to the above, we believe that there were also events on 12 September 2023 at the deceased residential premises, which were not mentioned by the appropriate witnesses, and such information would have given a better insight into the real cause of the death of the deceased, as recent events have shown that some probable witnesses have been suborned.
“These key witnesses include the driver of the car that drove the deceased, his wife, his brother and the witnesses proposed to this honourable coroner Inquest court.
“Furthermore, we believe that the situation of the CCTV at the deceased residential premises not functional at the time the deceased and others came home may not be true”, the letter partly read.
The Afrobeats singer, based in Ikorodu, departed on Sept 12, 2023, at 27.
In a letter dated Sept 18th, 2023, addressed to Justice Mojisola Dada, Chief Coroner of the High Court of Lagos State, the legal firm Falana & Falana Chambers formally requested a coroner’s inquest into the artist’s passing.
Subsequent to the letter, preliminary inquiries into Mohbad’s demise commenced on Friday, Sept 29, 2023, at the Magistrate court in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Thus far, two police officers—ASP Oderinde-Gafar Ajibola and Muhammad Yusuf, both affiliated with the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba—have testified before the coroner, presenting the police’s findings on the matter.
Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, the Coroner, has also heard the testimony of Mohbad’s Disc Jockey (DJ), Ajisegiri Ayobami, who asserted his presence with the artist on the day of his passing.
Renowned international disc jockey, DJ Power, is poised to set the stage ablaze at Good Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos, on the 29th of December 2023, signaling the commencement of his highly anticipated African tour.
DJ Power disclosed this during a press briefing held at Amber Residence, Ikeja, Lagos last Friday.
Baroque Works Studio, a leading entertainment powerhouse, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DJ Power, taking on the role of chief promoter for the tour.
The Good Beach event is anticipated to be a standout moment, attracting music enthusiasts and fans from far and wide.
Showcasing his extraordinary talent, DJ Power’s African tour promises to be a musical journey traversing the continent. The event will pulsate with special energy and vibes, featuring DJ Power’s signature Afrobeat and Amapiano sounds, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for attendees.
In an exclusive collaboration, CEOAFRICA has been named the official media partner for the event, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all its media channels. Fans can anticipate exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and live updates as the excitement builds.
The Good Beach event is expected to draw a diverse and lively crowd, bringing together music lovers of all ages to revel in the vibrant energy and creativity that DJ Power embodies.
Attendees can brace themselves for an electrifying live performance promising an experience that transcends musical boundaries.
As the countdown to the event begins, organisers are urging fans to secure their tickets early to avoid missing out on this unforgettable spectacle.
With the pledge of exceptional music, incredible performances, and an atmosphere to remember, DJ Power’s Good Beach performance is set to be a highlight of the year’s entertainment calendar.
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