News
Dotun Sanusi Funds Film Celebrating Governor Makinde’s Life, Ancestral Roots
…Dele Odule, Dupe Jayesinmi, Lalude, Iya Gomina, Others Shine in ‘Seyi Makinde Omojomolo’
In a much-anticipated release, the Yoruba film industry, also known as Nollywood, is gearing up to launch the highly-anticipated movie, ‘Ifin Omojomolo,’ on YouTube.
This cinematic masterpiece, sponsored by the esteemed Ibadan-based billionaire businessman, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, promises to captivate audiences with its stellar cast and compelling storyline.
Titled ‘Ifin’ (Obatala Kolanut), the film is produced by Omolara Adebayo, affectionately known as ‘Iya Kuegbe,’ and boasts a lineup of renowned Nollywood stars, including Dele Odule, Dupe Jayesinmi, Fatai Oodua (Lalude), and Omolara Adebayo herself.
The movie also features Ahmed Ayomide, Adebayo Ọlálékan (Agbontawon), Musiliu Dasofunjo, Ayodele Omotosho, Ayo Oluyemi, and Chief Mrs. Saratu Aduke Konibaje (Iyaloja General of Oyo State), among other talented actors.
‘I F I N Omojomolo,’ led by Iya Kuegbe, a respected figurehead of elderly women and affectionately known as ‘Iya Gomina’ (Governor’s mother) in political circles, aims to showcase why Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, has become a beloved and esteemed political figure in the state.
The producer, Omolara Adebayo, revealed that the film portrays Governor Makinde’s remarkable character, even during his teenage years when he sold bread on the streets of Ibadan to support his family. She emphasised that the movie offers valuable lessons and inspiration to the younger generation, encouraging them to lead impactful lives.
According to her, “People may be wondering why is it that Seyi Makinde, out of many people, becomes the most adored politician and political leader of immense value and honour today?
“The reason is in his distinguishing character from birth as a child imbued with love and honour and always ready to shoulder other people’s burdens and responsibilities.
“As a little boy, Seyi Makinde has been showing philanthropic spirit from his teenage years and could deny himself to support anybody in need.
“He has always been a peace-loving gentleman to the core who loves to use his hard-earned wealth to settle issues and make people comfortable.
“He also helped his parents hawking bread to support them in their times of need.
“He is a real Ibadan ‘shon of the soil’ with an ancestral home at his family compound of Aigbofa Oja’ba Ibadan.
“The story tells of how his great grandfather who was an herbalist left Ogbomoso to first settle in Ajia (their village in Egbeda Local Government) before relocating to the main city after he consulted the oracle for Balogun Ogunmola ahead of an imminent war which the victorious Ibadan warriors conquered.
“His prediction that they would win the war which came to pass, made Ogunmola give him a land to settle in the heart of Ibadan which is today known as Aigbofa compound in the present-day Ibadan Southeast Local Government,” she narrated the history behind Makinde’s ancestral home in Ibadan.
Adebayo expressed her gratitude to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, whose unwavering support made the production possible from start to finish.
She said, “My appreciation goes to Engr Dotun Sanusi who believed in this project and provided all the logistics support to make this film on Governor Seyi Makinde’s life a reality.
“My prayer to God is to continue to bless Engr Dotun Sanusi who today is our God-send philanthropist and promoter of good governance in Oyo State and the country as a whole. This film will soon be premiered for the public to enjoy.”
Explaining the choice of ‘Ifin’ (Kolanut) as the movie’s title, Adebayo highlighted the cultural significance of Kolanut in the lives of the Yoruba people. She mentioned that Kolanut, known for its exceptional quality and spiritual value, holds a special place in Yoruba culture, religion, and social gatherings. Adebayo also noted that Kolanut played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s history and was considered a symbol of unity during the nation’s early years.
Adebayo added that a writer went further to state as follows: “…However, the pattern, and presentation of kola nut in all of these places (Yorubaland, Igboland, and Hausaland) when a visitor comes around, approves his welcome in the same way that denial of kola nut denotes displeasure and disapproval.
“Among the Igbo, it is said in a proverb that “onye wetera oji, wetera ndu”, which translates to “he who brings kola, brings life.
” The implication of kola nut presentation, therefore implies the establishment of love and trust. And that is why, it is believed that whoever partakes in the sharing and eating of kola nut with one has become one’s friend and has entered into an oath of preservation of life with one.
“In this sense, kola nut becomes a communion food. A feast of love, trust, and togetherness, and these qualities are embedded in this character today known as our darling Governor Seyi Makinde,” Adebayo added.
Adebayo, also emphasised that the presentation of Kolanut during welcoming ceremonies across various Nigerian regions symbolizes hospitality and approval, highlighting its deep-rooted cultural importance.
The release of ‘Ifin Omojomolo’ on YouTube is eagerly anticipated by fans of Yoruba cinema, as it promises to be a riveting cinematic experience that celebrates the rich culture and political journey of Oyo State’s distinguished Governor, Seyi Makinde.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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