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OLUSEGUN ADENIYI’S AGAINST THE RUN OF PLAY – A CRITICAL REVIEW.

Published

9 years ago

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THE twelve chapters book, ‘Against the Run of Play – How an incumbent President was defeated in Nigeria’ – is the latest attempt by Olusegun Adeniyi to chronicle how Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was upended in the 2015 presidential election.

As a matter of fact, the reactions generated by the book does not only has a significant impact on nation’s political space but it has added to the existing literature on Nigeria’s political history. The antecedent of the author being the former spokesman of late president Umar Musa Ya’radua, the quality of his earlier book titled Power, Politics and Death and the Pedagogical approach adopted in writing the new book gives it the necessary credibility.

With the distinctive style of Adeniyi’s writing, he is becoming arguably one of the foremost and most credible chroniclers of Nigeria’s contemporary political history and evolution. The author approaches the documentary from perspective of an active journalist/reporter not that of an academic historian as this has even been confirmed by Chidi Amuta who wrote the foreword of the book.

However, he applies footnotes where necessary to give the book the scholastic touch. The omniscient point of view used in developing the narrative sounds plausible. With the narrative approach, the work passes test of objectivity and this is justified by the use of interview technique adopted by the narrator in seeking the opinions and identifying the roles of various dramatic persona in event preceding the defeat of an incumbent president in the nation’s history.

The 221 pages non-fiction work is in my considered opinion a book that will have an enduring value. Through careful allusion to relevant actors that shaped the course of political history of the period under review, the author’s purpose which is preservation of the nation’s political history and documention of the roles of various actors has been achieved.

The way the narrator had used the device of flashback gives the storyline the necessary linkages as reflected in the chapterization of the book.

It is instructive that in developing the contents and coverage of the book, the appropriate themes such as roles of ethnic politics, intervention of international community, PDP crises, formation of the APC, mistakes done by Jonathan’s presidency, Boko Haram insurgency / Chibok girls palava, Obasanjo’s revolt and interference of Governor’s forum were intertwined to make the book a masterpiece.

Of equal importance is the fact that the author gives the prime actor of the narrative the enough benefit of doubts to either clarify or air his views for the purpose of balancing and prosperity.

In short, the book offers the readers unusual insights into the major human and institutional factors that actually facilitated the defeat of the then ruling party, Peoples’ Democratic Party.

Obviously, the book recapitulates in the best tradition of literary journalism the experiences and events of Jonathan’s era in a chronological order.

The narrative carries one along compellingly and this has largely enriched the text apart from its deep clarity, brevity and conciseness of diction and expressions used by the author.

As a narrator, Adeniyi provides the reader with a factual accounts of events that culminated into the unprecedented defeat of President Jonathan by capturing the various intrigues that defined the outcome of 2015 presidential election.

In the book proscript, the narrative clearly chronicles Buhari’s presidency, the president health challenges and the underscoring tides and this is garnished with relevant illustrations.

By way of evaluation, some events that the book captured were condensed in such a way that the quality and aesthetics of the book become minimized. Assuming some of the happenings had been carefully expatiated, the full import of the narration wold have been fully appreciated.

Again, the narrator is too mild in defining the roles the various actors played both positively and negatively in the events leading to the historical defeat of the incumbent president in the annals of the nation.

One other important development arising from the public presentation of the book is the issue of cyber security. It sounds ridiculous that three days after the book launch, the soft copy of the book had gone viral on social media.

The ugly development actually raises the question of copyright piracy in Nigeria. The author invariably would have lost fortunes or would probably have been surcharged by the theft of his intellectual property by the criminal hackers.

Without mincing words, the theft of the copyright of the book has exposed the government inability to forestall copyright infractions and theft of Adeniyi’s intellectual property. The scenario in a way has exposed the defects and inherent lapses in the capacity of Nigerian Copyright Commission and EFCC in handling cyber related copyright piracy of online publications.

Arising from the theft of the softcopy of Adeniyi’s new book is an advocacy and call for a better regime of intellectual property administration in Nigeria.

Of course, there are reasonable grounds to suspect the members of staff of the firm that published the book, Kachifo publishers, of being responsible for the thieving of the book or probably one of them must have connived to break the code used for storage and protection of the copyright otherwise the public wouldn’t have got access to it.

In the final analysis, the book – Against the Run of Play – by Olusegun Adeniyi is a must read for students, historians, politicians and scholars of contemporary politics. By evaluation, the book succeeds in capturing the blow by blow accounts of how president Jonathan was defeated.

Again, the book by content analysis, examination of choice of diction by the author and style of the narrative, passes the test of readability, exploitability and cannot be right off in terms of suitability of content.

By Rahaman Onike, Oyo.
He is public administrator, policy analyst and author.

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National Issues

OLOJO FESTIVAL: Nigeria bigger than all of us, Ooni tells politicians

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 21, 2026

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Monarch begins seven-day seclusion, prays for peace, unity

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has urged Nigerian politicians to put the interest of the country above their political differences, saying Nigeria is bigger than any individual or political interest.

The monarch spoke on Sunday shortly before commencing a seven-day spiritual seclusion ahead of the 2026 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The annual seclusion is part of the traditional rites preceding the Olojo Festival, one of the major cultural celebrations associated with Ile-Ife and the Yoruba people.

The Ooni, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, said his period in seclusion would be devoted to prayers for Nigeria, particularly for peace, unity and sustainable development.

“I am appealing to our politicians. They might have differences, but we should know ultimately that Nigeria is bigger than all of us,” the monarch said.

“It is very important for our political leaders to always look inwardly on how to better the lot of the average Nigerians.”

The Ooni urged political leaders to avoid words and actions capable of threatening national cohesion, reminding them that political power was temporary.

“Some have ruled this country before as political leaders, and others will come after them,” he said.

He said his prayers would also cover Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly as the country prepares for the next general elections.

The monarch commended President Bola Tinubu over what he described as non-interference in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying such a practice could strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

He also commended Osun residents for participating in the recently concluded governorship election, saying the outcome demonstrated the ability of citizens to determine their leaders through the ballot.

According to him, Nigerians should continue to have the opportunity to freely choose their leaders without actions capable of undermining the democratic process.

The Ooni’s seven-day seclusion, which began on Sunday evening, will also provide him with an opportunity to prepare spiritually for the sacred rites of the Olojo Festival and deepen his connection with the ancestors.

The exercise precedes the annual wearing of the sacred Aare Crown, one of the major highlights of the festival.

A statement by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, issued on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the seclusion marked the beginning of the spiritual phase of the 2026 Olojo Festival.

The festival celebrates Ile-Ife’s indigenous traditions and ancestral heritage and attracts traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts, visitors and members of the Yoruba diaspora.

The public ceremonies are expected to follow the spiritual rites and culminate in the Ooni’s emergence in the sacred crown.

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National Issues

Tinubu vows intelligence-led rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

Published

4 months ago

on

June 1, 2026

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President Bola Tinubu on Monday assured residents of Oyo State that ongoing efforts to rescue abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area would be intelligence-driven, coordinated and sustained.

The President said the Federal Government would deploy every lawful means, including kinetic and non-kinetic measures, to ensure the safe return of the victims abducted during the May 15, 2026 attack in Esiele and Yawota communities.

“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” Tinubu stated in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday.

The President also expressed sorrow over the killing of a school teacher during the abduction and extended condolences to his wife, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and the bereaved family.

“I also extend my deepest condolences to Mrs Mary Oyedokun, the wife of the late school teacher and her family. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his family will not be abandoned,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that children should never be exposed to the trauma of abduction, noting that no parent should endure the pain associated with such incidents.

“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” the President added.

He assured affected communities that efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers would remain sustained and intelligence-driven.

The statement comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in schools and rural communities following the abduction, which prompted the Federal Government to dispatch a high-powered delegation to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alongside other senior government and security officials.

Tinubu further disclosed that he had approved additional security measures, including the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts towards the safe return of the victims.

“I have also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers,” he stated.

The President also revealed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, was mobilising 1,000 forest guards to improve surveillance in forest corridors frequently exploited by criminal elements.

According to him, the initiative would be complemented by broader operational measures aimed at strengthening rescue operations and preventing future attacks.

Tinubu added that a request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area was receiving urgent consideration as part of efforts to bolster security.

Authorities have continued rescue operations amid rising concerns over the safety of schools and rural settlements, insisting that efforts remain focused on securing the release of the abducted victims and preventing a recurrence.

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National Issues

48 alleged terror financiers named by FG {SEE FULL LIST}

Published

6 months ago

on

April 12, 2026

By

The Federal Government, on Saturday, published a list of 48 individuals and entities allegedly linked to terrorism financing in Nigeria, naming suspects with reported ties to outlawed groups including the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ansaru, and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

The list was released by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee as part of intensified efforts to disrupt financial networks sustaining terrorist activities across the country.

In a statement accompanying the publication, the committee said the designation of the individuals and organisations was in line with Nigeria’s legal and international obligations to combat terrorism financing.

“The Nigeria Sanctions Committee has approved the designation of the following individuals and entities for their alleged involvement in terrorism financing,” the statement read.

It added, “The action is pursuant to relevant laws and regulations aimed at identifying and freezing assets of persons and organisations linked to terrorist activities.”

The committee explained that the move was targeted at dismantling the financial backbone of insurgent and extremist groups operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Among those listed are individuals reportedly associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra, a proscribed separatist group; Ansaru, a faction linked to Al-Qaeda; and the Islamic State West Africa Province, one of the most active terrorist groups in the region.

Security experts have repeatedly stressed that cutting off funding sources remains a critical strategy in weakening terrorist operations.

Speaking on the development, a senior government official familiar with the process said the publication sends a strong signal about Nigeria’s resolve to confront terrorism at its roots.

“This is not just about naming names; it is about choking the financial lifelines of terror networks. Once funding is disrupted, their operational capacity is significantly weakened,” the source said.

The committee further noted that relevant authorities and financial institutions have been directed to take necessary steps in enforcing sanctions, including the identification and freezing of assets linked to the designated persons and entities.

“The public is also advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious financial activities to appropriate authorities,” the statement added.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national security, insisting that individuals or groups found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

As of the time of filing this report, detailed breakdowns of the sanctions and timelines for enforcement were yet to be made public.

 

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