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

Published

3 years ago

June 20, 2022

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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.

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

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Iyabo Ojo Calls On Wizkid, Tiwa Savage To Help Seek Justice For Mohbad

Published

2 days ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, has urged singers Wizkid and Tiwa Savage to join the ongoing campaign to get justice for their late colleague, Mohbad.

She explained that the late singer was inspired by them and other top artists to become a musician.

Ojo said it would be unfair if top artists fail to protect their younger colleagues who look up to them.

Speaking during a recent Instagram livestream with fans, the movie star stated that the Nigerian music industry cannot afford to allow what legendary musicians Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and 2Baba went through in the hands of record label executives and the authorities to happen to the new generational artists.

She said, “Wizkid and Tiwa Savage, I need you. These young boys, they come from the slums and ghettos just like most of you did, and they were inspired by you guys to become artists. And they have so much talent. Music is one of the talents that has put Nigeria on the map… These children are making us proud.

“Nigeria is blessed with talents, and we cannot allow any cult or anyone pull them down. We cannot allow anybody pull those children down because their music is what’s giving us joy… We will not allow what Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and 2Baba went through in the hands of record label executives and the authorities to happen to new generational artists.”

However, the rapper and record label executive Naira Marley has repeatedly debunked allegations of his involvement in his former signee Mohbad’s death.

A court in Lagos State recently dismissed Mohbad’s father’s suit against Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, stating that there was insufficient evidence to link them directly to the death.

However, investigation into the singer’s controversial death remains inconclusive two years after.

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Mohbad: What I Told Naira Marley Regarding Iyabo Ojo – VeryDarkMan

Published

2 days ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Self-styled activist Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, has revealed that he advised singer Naira Marley to take up a cyberbullying case against actress Iyabo Ojo for her role in dragging his name into the controversies surrounding his former signee Mohbad’s death, but he insisted on leaving her to divine judgment.

He recalled how Naira Marley later changed his mind after Iyabo Ojo allegedly apologised to him at the Lagos State Commissioner of Police office after they (VeryDarkMan and Naira Marley) had planned he should charge her for defamation and ruining his music career.

Speaking in a recent video broadcast via his TikTok page, VDM stated that he was unhappy with Naira Marley’s decision to forgive Iyabo Ojo and allow God deliver justice.

“I told Naira Marley to detain Iyabo Ojo but he said Allah will judge. I told him to lose his cool the moment we enter the Police Commissioner’s office and say Iyabo Ojo’s defamatory remarks have ruined his career and tarnished his image. He said okay, but when he got there and Iyabo said apologised in Yoruba, Naira Marley immediately forgave her. I almost died where I was sitting. I was so upset and disappointed.

“When Samlarry saw that Naira Marley has accepted Iyabo Ojo’s apology, he protesting against it. I was signalling Naira Marley not to accept the apology because I know Iyabo Ojo won’t keep to her end of the agreement. Samlarry shed tears,” he recalled.

Recall that the court acquitted Naira Marley and his associate Sam Larry of complicity in singer Mohbad’s death, four months ago.

Entertainment

Mohbad: You’re Manipulator, Stop Deceiving Nigerians – Portable Blasts VeryDarkMan

Published

2 days ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has lambasted self-styled activist Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, for constantly stirring controversies with the death of singer Mohbad, who died in September 2023 under highly controversial circumstances.

The ‘Zazu’ crooner described VDM as “a manipulator” and urged him to stop deceiving Nigerians.

Portable also slammed VeryDarkMan over his constant attacks on actress Iyabo Ojo, stressing that the activist is jeopardising the ‘Justice for Mohbad’ campaign and not the actress.

He lamented that VDM gained attention for demanding justice for Mohbad but now appears to have turned against the late singer.

Speaking in a recent video broadcast, Portable said, “VeryDarkMan, you came out deceiving Nigerians that you want justice for Mohbad. You’re a manipulator. Now, you’re dragging Iyabo Ojo. What’s really her offense?

“You’re a manipulator. You claimed you want justice for Mohbad, so why are you now going against Mohbad? Leave Mohbad and let him rest in peace. Why are you dragging the dead? You are the one who first alleged that Mohbad was killed by some certain people, and you’re now making a U-turn.

“Are you the one who will tell Nigerians who is good or not? We know people who are good people. We also know the people who bullied Mohbad. Stop deceiving Nigerians.”