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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 lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has mourned the death of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo, popularly known as Able, describing his demise as a painful loss to the progressive family.
Oladipupo, who represented Ibadan North-West Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, was widely regarded as a grassroots politician and committed party loyalist until his passing.
Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency and the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, said the late politician’s death had created a vacuum within the party and among those who benefitted from his unwavering commitment to public service.
In a condolence statement issued on Monday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the federal lawmaker described the late Oladipupo as a dependable progressive, humble political actor and loyal party stalwart whose impact would remain indelible.
He said the deceased dedicated his life to serving humanity, strengthening the progressive movement and supporting the aspirations of many at the grassroots.
Oseni said, “The death of Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo (Able) came to me as a rude shock. Oyo State and the progressive family have indeed lost a committed, loyal and selfless leader whose passion for service, humility and dedication to the people stood him out.
“He was not just a politician but a bridge-builder, a dependable ally and a grassroots mobiliser who believed strongly in the ideals of our great party. His contributions to the growth of the APC in Oyo State and his service to humanity will remain unforgettable.”
The APC senatorial candidate noted that the late former lawmaker remained steadfast in promoting peace, unity and political development, adding that his simplicity and accessibility endeared him to many across political divides.
According to Oseni, the late politician’s legacy of service and sacrifice would continue to inspire younger politicians and party faithful.
He, however, urged members of the APC, associates and family members of the deceased to take solace in the remarkable life he lived and the positive impact he made during his lifetime.
Oseni also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
State governors have proposed a new national minimum wage of N100,000 for Nigerian workers as part of efforts to cushion them from the biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), disclosed the proposal on Saturday in a post by the state government’s official Facebook page. He said the move aims to improve workers’ welfare while ensuring that government finances remain sustainable.
“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” AbdulRazaq said.
“We are actively engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances.”
The NGF chairman explained that ongoing discussions are focused on balancing the need to boost workers’ purchasing power with the capacity of governments to deliver essential public services and development projects.
“The goal is to improve the living conditions of workers while ensuring that states can continue to meet their obligations and sustain projects that directly impact citizens,” he added.
The proposed N100,000 minimum wage is expected to intensify national debates on salaries, inflation, and broader economic reforms as Nigerians continue to contend with rising food prices, transportation costs, and other living expenses.
Currently, Nigeria’s statutory minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month. Some states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Imo, are already paying above the national benchmark to support workers amid the country’s economic challenges.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has continued to call for a comprehensive review of salaries, insisting that workers deserve a living wage that reflects present-day economic realities rather than merely guaranteeing survival.
The average retail price paid by consumers for Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, rose to N1,532.93 per litre in April 2026, representing a 23.69 per cent increase compared to the N1,239.33 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, findings by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have shown.
The sharp rise in petrol prices came amid mounting inflationary pressure and worsening living costs, with Nigerians grappling with soaring transportation and food expenses that have continued to shrink household purchasing power.
The NBS disclosed this in its Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for April 2026, released on Friday.
The report further showed that on a month-on-month basis, petrol prices rose by 18.97 per cent from N1,288.54 recorded in March 2026, underscoring persistent volatility in the downstream petroleum market.
A breakdown of prices across states revealed that Yobe recorded the highest average retail price for petrol at N1,599.05 per litre during the review period.
Edo and Bauchi followed closely with average prices of N1,595.74 and N1,589.07, respectively.
However, Niger residents paid the least for petrol at an average of N1,403.89 per litre, while Sokoto and Katsina recorded N1,404.16 and N1,406.28 respectively.
At the zonal level, the South-South recorded the highest average retail price at N1,566.76 per litre, while the North-West posted the lowest at N1,508.81.
The latest petrol price increase comes as millions of Nigerians continue to battle the ripple effects of rising inflation, with higher energy costs worsening transportation fares and the prices of essential commodities.
Similarly, the NBS said the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, also known as cooking gas, rose by 13.73 per cent month-on-month to N8,706.93 in April 2026 from N7,655.73 recorded in March.
On a year-on-year basis, the price increased by 10.42 per cent from N7,885.60 recorded in April 2025.
Lagos recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,745.10, followed by Nasarawa at N9,451.70 and Bayelsa at N9,422.74.
In contrast, Anambra recorded the lowest average price at N7,204.76, while Ondo and Ogun followed with N7,239.49 and N7,825.75, respectively.
At the regional level, the North-West recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,025.07, followed by the North-East at N8,847.16, while the South-East posted the lowest average price at N8,224.37.
Also, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas increased by 13.89 per cent month-on-month to N22,382.20 in April 2026 from N19,652.83 in March.
Compared to April 2025, the price rose by 10.43 per cent from N20,268.06.
According to the NBS LPG Price Watch for April, Katsina recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N25,596.71, followed by Kogi at N24,558.25 and Gombe at N24,438.97.
Ogun recorded the lowest average price at N19,564.36, while Bauchi and Anambra followed at N20,178.87 and N20,511.90 respectively.
The North-West recorded the highest zonal average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N23,276.95, followed by the North-Central at N22,865.29, while the South-East posted the lowest average at N21,060.92.
The latest figures signal growing pressure on household energy costs, raising concerns over the implications for inflation and the cost of living in the coming months.
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