Entertainment

Ijaw Unity Emphasised As Agadagba, Oboro Gbaran II, Alagbabunafa, Others Storm Furupagha To Celebrate Atunkpokubu XIII 9th Anniversary

Published

4 years ago

June 20, 2022

L-R: Alagbabunafa; Atunkpokubu XIII and Ogonikara I at the anniversary during the weekend

The need for unity among the Ijaw ethnic nationality took a centre stage, weekend, in Zide, traditional headquarters of Furupagha kingdom, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, as kings, clan heads, chiefs, other dignitaries converged on the community to celebrate the 9th ascension anniversary of the Ibenanawei of the kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Pere Roman Ikiyouseigha Bohan, Atunkpokubu XIII.

The celebration, first of its kind, had the Pere of Olodiama kingdom, HRM, Godwin Ogunoyibo, Alagbabunafa II; Pere of Tubutoru kingdom, HRM, Gbebokedi Ajiroba, Ogonikara I.

The Pere of Arogbo kingdom was represented by his high chiefs likewise the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom, Oboro Gbaran II, who was represented by high chiefs of the kingdom.

In their separate short speeches, representatives of Agadagba of Arogbo and Oboro Gbaran II, Pere of Gbaramatu, on behalf of their respective kings, called for a more united Ijaw nation, adding that with unity, all the clans and kingdoms of the Ijaw nation will move forward.

While stating that they would have been loved to be physically present at the occasion, the two traditional rulers used the occasion to apologise for the people for their absence, assuring that they were there with them in spirit.

In his opening remarks, chairman, organizing committee of the anniversary, Chief Ben Bowei, while recounting the journey for the past 9 years, said though it has not been easy, God has helped in moving the kingdom from where it was to where it is.

While calling for a more united Furupagha and the Ijaw nation at large, Chief Bowei said: “There is strength in unity, and so our people have become united during the reign of His Majesty Atunkpokubu. This is only possible because the people have been solidly behind him in prayers and other required supports.”

He continued: “The point highlighted above has been extended to our relationship with neighbouring kingdoms even to Arogbo, Egbema and Gbaramatu and that had given us pride of place in the comity of kingdoms in Ijaw land and beyond.”

Kings at their entourage at the event.

Chief Bowei, who lamented the lack of infrastructure in the kingdom due to government neglect, added that all efforts geared towards the government to recognise the king have been futile.

“We have cried enough to be recognised by the government of Edo State and to be presented to the staff of office, but all our cries have fallen on deaf ears. The government has deliberately refused and neglected to play its role in society building by working with traditional institutions despite their relevance in the security of their domains.

“Our area lacks the economic drive to raise funds for the construction of a befitting palace for the king. Kings are meant to live in a glamorous royal abode but lack of economic stream in the kingdom has not made it possible for Atunkpokubu to live in such glamorous as expected and seen elsewhere.

“Good road network has been the bane of the numerous challenges in all the Ijaw kingdoms in Edo State and Furupagha is not different in this regard. It is even worse because while other kingdoms have other routes through the tributaries of creeks and rivers, our creek is in dire and urgent need for canalisation and dredging, without which we cannot grow a better economy within the kingdom,” Chief Bowei lamented.

Atunkpokubu XIII, Alagbabunafa III, Ogonikara I all used the occasion to intercede for the kingdom and the Ijaw nation at large, just as they prayed for blessings for the sons and daughters of the kingdom.

Young Ijaw musician Abobra, Tiga D’Advocate thrilled people at the epoch making event.

Some of the chiefs of the kingdom who were in attendance include: High Chief Millionaire Muje; High Chief (Engr.) Pascal Ebi Akpofagha; Chief Somi Miye; Chief Tunemi Makilolo; Chief Alex Kuruma; Chief Terry Oseyai, etc.

Up Next

PICTORIAL: Colours, Glamour Of 9th Anniversary Of Atunkpokubu XIII

Don't Miss

Portable Calls Out Burna Boy Over Alleged Intellectual Theft

Comments

Entertainment

AFCON 2025: Davido Wins $96,000 After Super Eagles Beat Tanzania

Published

22 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Grammy-nominated singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has recorded a financial win following Nigeria’s opening victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ahead of the Super Eagles’ Group C match against Tanzania on Tuesday, the singer placed a $25,000 bet that both teams would score during the encounter.

He later shared a screenshot of the betting slip on his X page with the caption, “Let’s get this W Nigeria.”

The prediction proved correct on Tuesday night in Fes, Morocco, as Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2 to 1, earning Davido a payout of $96,564, estimated at about N140 million.

The match did not start on a positive note for Nigeria, as Tanzania scored first against the run of play.

The Super Eagles, however, responded strongly, drew level, and went on to secure the win through a late goal by Ademola Lookman.

The victory gave Nigeria a start to their campaign and improved their chances in Group C as they pursue a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.

This is not the first time Davido has publicly supported the Super Eagles with a high-value wager.

Before Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gabon, he staked $10,000 on a Super Eagles victory and both teams to score. Nigeria lost the match, and the bet was unsuccessful.

The Super Eagles will face their next Group C opponents as they aim to build on their opening win and secure early qualification for the knockout stage.

Davido’s win comes days after the 33-year-old singer featured at the opening ceremony of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where he joined global music stars at the tournament’s kick-off event.

Moments before hosts Morocco faced Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Davido led the ceremony’s flagship performance titled Le Show, alongside French Montana and Moroccan producer RedOne.

The performance ranked among the most visually striking opening moments in AFCON history, blending music, light and movement in a carefully choreographed display aimed at a global television audience beyond Africa.

Davido appeared as one of Africa’s most influential music figures of the modern era, reflecting the continent’s growing cultural presence on the world stage.

As described by the Confederation of African Football, “the Nigerian Afrobeats star has helped carry African music onto the world’s biggest stages, with a sound associated with celebration, confidence and continental pride, qualities CAF believes mirror the spirit of the Africa Cup of Nations.”

French Montana, who was born in Morocco and raised in the United States, also performed, with his appearance highlighting Morocco’s position as host and its cultural links between Africa and the wider world.

Completing the trio was RedOne, the Moroccan-born producer whose work has shaped global pop music across continents.

Entertainment

How Don Jazzy, D’banj Betrayed Me – JJC Skillz

Published

1 day ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Nigerian singer Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, has accused his colleagues, Don Jazzy and D’banj, of conspiring with others to betray him many years ago.

In a recent interview with Echo Room, JJC claimed that the duo and others betrayed him despite his accommodating, feeding and clothing them as struggling artists in the UK.

He said, “Don Jazzy, Dbanj, Ayo, DJ Abass; all of them conspired against me. Taz brought a guy called Don Jazzy to me, and Ayo came through Abass. I met them because they were running a TV station.

“One day I came to them and said, ‘You guys are obviously well connected to Nigeria, and me, I am a JJC. I just need somebody to introduce me to the right people to work with in Nigeria.’ And they accepted that they were going to help me and they connected me to Bankulli.

“Don Jazzy and D’banj were under me then. So, these people who were supposed to introduce me back home to Nigeria, had plans that I didn’t know about. Then I heard something from Ruggedman saying that D’banj said I cheated them when they were working with me in the UK and that they are leaving my group.

“I was shocked because nobody knew them back then, I was the one taking them to shows, accommodating, feeding and clothing them. So, how can I be cheating when you haven’t made any money?”

Entertainment

Pericoma: Speed Darlington Speaks On True Biological Parents

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Controversial rapper Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, has revealed that the late traditional music icon, Damian Azubike Nwankwo Okoye, popularly known as Pericoma, was not his biological father.

Speaking in a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, Darlington explained that his mother, singer Queen Achakpo, had him before her marriage to Pericoma.

He, however, stated that he grew up in Pericoma’s house and that the music legend treated him well, just like his other sons.

“Pericoma is my stepfather. I grew up in his house. I was on the cover of one of his albums along with my two half-brothers. I was very young when I went to his house; I was probably nine,” he said.

Speed Darlington added that the late music icon was very accommodating, contrary to superstitious rumours that portrayed him as dreadful.