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OPINION: The Waist Beads Of Olajumoke [Monday Lines]

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By Lasisi Olagunju

“All music comes from Africa,” African pop singer, Angélique Kidjo, told an interviewer in 2023. Kidjo’s dad is Fon; her mum is Yoruba. Kidjo waxed lyrical. She said she came from a culture “where you spend 10 minutes saying good morning, how is your father? How is your grandmother?” In every story, every conversation, there is at least a song. And that includes Kidjo’s ten-minute greetings. I feel her. As a Yoruba, I am expected to make anything sing. The unpleasant, if sung the right way, will be good music. That is why we are advised to laugh at any occurrence the severity of which sobbing and weeping cannot redeem. And, so, in spite of everything, the time to sing, dance and laugh is now.

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At 4.50 pm on 29 May, 2023, a lady of influence tweeted: “You either accept Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and Kashim Shettima GCON as your president & vice president respectively or join the wailers for the next 4 years, at least, or 8 years. And if you ask me, wailing for 8 years will be emotionally exhausting. If a new Nigeria is your concern, you’ll pray to God to guide our leaders right irrespective of the party you belong in.”

That was a few hours after Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu became president and pronounced “subsidy gone.”

Fast forward to 10:30 am on 9 September, 2024. The X influencer tweeted: “I am fully committed to campaigning for and supporting any better candidate who can defeat this government in 2027, regardless of their party. For me, removing PBAT is a personal mission and a priority. In shaa Allah.”

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Our lady has clearly violated the 4-years-or-8-years timeline she gave us just one short year ago. What has changed that has soured the romance?

In case you are scouring the ocean beds in search of what crime the president committed which has cost him the love of this prime supporter, a window opened at 11:23am on 15 October, 2024. The lady tweeted: “Are we really just going to sit back and accept that spending 100,000 Naira a week on fuel is now the norm? That’s 400,000 Naira a month. How many of us can actually afford this? And meanwhile, electricity costs have shot up by nearly 400%. Are we okay with being drained financially just to survive, or are we ready to question why we’re being squeezed like this?”

MORE FROM THE AUTHOR: OPINION: Petrol Price As Slow Poison [Monday Lines]

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The last time I checked, the above tweet had attracted almost 800,000 views. Many who replied to the lady’s tweets abused her. They shouldn’t have. When Saul came back from Damascus and became Paul, how was he received? I commend this lady for her forthrightness. At least, unlike others, she didn’t subscribe to John Milton’s fallen character in ‘Paradise Lost’ who loses and shouts: “…farewell hope, and with hope farewell fear” but goes ahead to yell “Farewell remorse: all good to me is lost; Evil be thou my good.” To that Miltonic character, repentance and remorse are too high a price to pay for whatever sin he had committed. The lady here is one of millions with blisters of buyer’s remorse under their skirts. But she came out to yell and bail out of the abusive love. I commend her. Out of the eight million who voted in this government, there must now be at least seven million sipping the ale of regret quietly in public but cursing King Macbeth privately under their creaky beds. Evil should stop being their good. Because of tomorrow, their buyer’s remorse should stop pressing the mute button.

In 1994, Angélique Kidjo released ‘Agolo’ an album that contains the song: ‘Orio rio/ Ola djou monké n’lo/ Ola djou monké/ Ola djou monké n’lo’. What is she saying? The wordings are obviously in her Quidah, Benin Republic Yoruba. The Oyo-Yoruba in me has no difficulty in situating the root of the lyrics in one of her mum’s folksongs, ‘Ori Ori o Olajumoke nlo…’ There is a story behind that song. And this is where I am going. The folksong rose to meet me when I read the tweets I started this piece with.

The ‘Olajumoke’ song is a lyricised Yoruba folk story about the consequences of rash choices. It says that if you are going to choose a husband or wife, open your eyes, the inner and the outer. The dude you are dying to have may be an empty tin (agolo/pangolo), an àgbá òfìfo (empty barrel).

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The story goes that Olajumoke was the most beautiful girl in the village and she knew it. Suitors came after suitors. None was handsome enough to match the taste of the fussy, finicky damsel.

One bright sunny day, a very handsome young man sauntered into the marketplace. The dude is a complete stranger, the type the clairvoyant would see and describe as a beautiful snake. The enchanting young man’s out-of-this-world elegance charmed Olajumoke. The strangeness of his person and his suspicious entry did not alarm Olajumoke. They instead combined to disarm her. She melted and commenced a session of comely stalking, and followed the love of her life up and down the market.

MORE FROM THE AUTHOR: OPINION: Poverty, Professors, And Policy [Monday Lines]

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The sun was going down; buying and selling was over. Bobo Handsome commenced his exit from the market but noticed this beautiful girl following him. He asked why. Olajumoke broke all rules and protocols of village romance. She toasted the unknown man of uncommon allure. “Let us be husband and wife.” The strange man was forthright. He couldn’t marry her. “I am Orí (head), a complete stranger here. My place is beyond the Blue Sea (Odò Aró) and even far after the Red Sea (Odò Èjè). You can see that we cannot be husband and wife.”

Because love is blind, Olajumoke would have none of what the stranger was saying. Remember Angélique’s line:

“Ifé ayé ilé /Igbadoun foun ayé (Love in this world is strong/ It is pleasure for the world)”.

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The lady of beauty insisted she would follow the strange man to wherever on earth. Then Orí, the young man, lunged into a burst of songs. “Leave me/ If you don’t turn back, we will get to the Sea of indigo/ If you don’t leave, we will reach the Sea of blood…”

The lady of our story did not heed the warnings, neither did she contemplate a change of resolve. She must marry this man of means and colour. That was how she followed a complete stranger on a journey of love. It was a long trek across daylight and moonlight. Then, they reached and crossed the Blue Sea. Soon, they reached and crossed the Red Sea. Then, things moved very fast for the lovey-dovey girl. It turned out that everything that gave the man elegance was borrowed. He started dropping the parts one by one where he got them. He started with his arms, and then his legs. The spirits that loaned them to him got back their properties. Then the torso, the flesh, the hairs and the nails. Every minute part was a borrowed item and the lender got back their properties. Orí is no longer what we call head. What he is is one ugly, scary skull. Now, beautiful girl knew she was in deep trouble. She is married to a Skull – deathly and deadly. She no do again. She told Orí but the ex-handsome man said it was too late; their romance was till death do them part.

Skull did what captors do with their victims. To ensure his ‘wife’ did not escape, Orí decided to ‘bell’ her with waist beads. Each time beautiful Olajumoke attempted to run away, the beads alerted the husband, jingling: “Ori Ori o Olajumoke nlo (Skull, Skull, Olajumoke is running away).” How did this girl get back her freedom? Did she ever get a reprieve? Well, the conclusions are as varied as the storytellers and where they belong.

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MORE FROM THE AUTHOR: OPINION: ‘I am Here to Plunder’ [Monday Lines]

How Olajumoke chose her husband is the way we choose our leaders. The signs are always there that the masquerade we are costuming will most certainly snatch the singlet we have as our only garment. Like Mr. Skull, they do not hide who they are. The parts that make up their bodies of intelligence are unreal; they are borrowed. The only parts that are truly theirs are the fingers – for counting billions.

“Omo eni kò sè’dí bèbèrè” was the battle cry of Tinubu’s campaigners in Yorubaland last year. Everything was reduced to beads (ìlèkè) and bottoms (ìdí). Any Yoruba person who campaigned against the child of the house was a bastard. We asked the past why it invented (ìlèkè ìdí) (waist beads) for girls only. The past told us it was for reasons of beauty – rounded hips, slim waists, etc. We asked what else? We are told the beads also tell which girl is chaste and which is not – or likely to be not. The loose loosen their waists; they walk and roll the beads pushing the world into libidinous wars. Where such is seen, waywardness robs such girls of parental adornments. That was why some of us insisted in 2023 that not all omo and their big bottoms deserved the land’s ìlèkè. But they said our mouths smelt bad. What did we know?

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The reason we talk today is the reason we counseled yesterday against replacing destroyers with predators. We said last year do not vote for election, vote for structure. Let us break down this house and rebuild it so that we can all be safe. “It is very difficult, indeed almost impossible, to maintain liberty in a republic that has become corrupt or to establish it there anew” (Machiavelli). We ignored structure and everyone gave their electoral waist beads to their own child. Votes were reduced to abject ornaments for voluptuous behinds. Machiavelli wrote again, “people are often misled to desire their own ruin.”

When Sani Abacha took over the government in 1993, people clapped for the kingmaker who had made himself king. They said he was a wrong-righter. When by 1994 it became clear Abacha was determined to sit still on the June 12 election and the mandate it conferred, MKO Abiola went philosophical: Ìlèkè tó sò’dí òpòló ni ejò gbé wò yí o (a string of beads is found to be too large for Toad’s waist, Snake now goes for it). It is the same today. Check toad, check snake, measure their waists, solve the riddle.

Some regime backers, last week, told the newspaper columnist to stop his criticisms of the president and his bumbling presidency. “Provide solutions,” the persons yelled in forwarded messages. Well, the columnist did not campaign last year to be beaded with power. The columnist’s duty is to tell the king that he is naked. If the naked, his clothiers and courtiers do not know the solution to the nakedness, then, what else is there to say other than sing in musician Lagbaja’s voice: “Mo sorri fun gbogbo yin l’okookan.”

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I am not done with Angélique Kidjo and the interview in which she spoke the words I quoted earlier. It is in the 29 June, 2023 edition of The Telegraph of the U.K. In her words is a warning to the ‘victorious’ to know how very slippery the mountaintop is. The powerful who think they stand firm and therefore could betray the ground that holds their ladder should hear out Angélique: “I didn’t get here because I decided to be number one. I got here because people decided to listen to me. The people who put you up here, well, they can always pull you down.” Wisdom. But ‘they’ won’t listen. Their ears are like Ori’s body parts – borrowed – and collected back by the lenders.

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FG Selects 12 Varsities For Electric Vehicle Production

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As part of the First Nigeria Policy of the President Bola Tinubu administration, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Oluwemimo Osanipin, has disclosed that twelve universities have been selected for electric car manufacturing.

The twelve universities, comprising two from each geopolitical zone of the country, according to the DG, will be financed by the Bank of Industry and other key financial institutions.

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Mr Osanipin made the disclosure in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, during a stakeholders’ engagement with the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) and the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (NAMA).

The theme of the engagement was “Import of Used Cars and Dealership Regulation in Nigeria.”

READ ALSO: FG Probes Night Examination In Unity School Asaba

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He stated that Nigeria was also committed to component and parts manufacturing as part of its preparation for the production of Made-in-Nigeria vehicles and in fulfilment of the First Nigeria Policy.

According to him, the country is on its way to achieving 100% locally made electric vehicles, adding that the federal government has already built stations in ten of the universities in readiness for the project’s takeoff.

He said, “When I came in, one of the major initiatives I pushed for was component development, but let me state here that no country, no company, no OEM manufactures its own vehicle entirely.

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For example, the company that manufactures Mercedes has suppliers who produce engines for them, but they handle the design and interior. Other suppliers produce bulbs and braking systems. No OEM manufactures all the components, but we are conscious of what happens after sales.

READ ALSO: FG Probes Night Examination In Unity School Asaba

Apart from producing parts to service vehicle production, you produce more parts to service after-sales because, let’s say annual production is 500,000, but the vehicles you service on the road amount to about 18 million. What this means is that we need to produce more parts.

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That’s why we are pushing for components and parts production. As of today, we are expanding. We have identified the components that we can manufacture with comparative advantage and lower cost, such as plastic parts, which can be derived from petroleum by-products.

There are many things that we can produce here in Nigeria. We are working with major assemblers. In terms of design, we have initiated a programme involving twelve universities, two from each geopolitical zone, to design what we call the University Shuttle Bus, which will be 100% electric.

READ ALSO: Akpabio, Yahaya Bello To Testify As FG Charges Natasha Akpoti

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It will be designed in Nigeria, and most of the parts will be sourced locally. We are working on it. When the universities complete the design, we will collaborate with assemblers and vehicle manufacturers and seek financial support from institutions such as the Bank of Industry and other financial entities to enable production.

Gradually, we are progressing towards fully designed and manufactured electric vehicles in Nigeria. In preparation for this, we have started building charging stations in several universities, and in the next few months, we will cover no fewer than ten universities.

By the time we complete this, we will have built some foundational infrastructure. Gradually, we are shaping the future and advancing component parts production.”

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Why I’m Yet To Visit Ooni Of Ife — Alaafin Of Oyo

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The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has explained why he has not yet visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, clarifying that the delay is due to scheduling and not any disagreement between them.

Oba Owoade’s recent visit to the Oluwo of Iwo sparked widespread speculation on social media, with many interpreting the gesture as a snub to the Ooni of Ife.

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The speculation intensified following comments from the Oluwo, who asserted that the Alaafin holds superiority over all traditional rulers in Yorubaland, sparking talk of tension between the two monarchs.

In a viral video circulating online, the Alaafin addressed the matter directly, clarifying that there was no conflict between him and the Ooni. He explained that a visit to the Ooni had been planned but had to be postponed.

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Speaking in Yoruba language, he said, “It is not something you hide. Before we made all preparations for this journey, one of the kings I intended to visit was the Ooni of Ife.

“I informed my PA and Chief of Staff earlier to know when we would visit him, and his PAs were also contacted before we were informed he went to Kazakhstan.”

“People who do not know about this are the ones spreading rumours on the internet. I have no rift with the Ooni. There was even a time I was with the Soun (of Ogbomoso), and we both spoke with the Ooni on the phone.”

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The monarch, however, called on the public to ignore the unfounded rumours, describing them as baseless and the work of mischief makers.

READ ALSO: Oyo Unveils Committee For Alaafin’s Coronation

This is coming few weeks after Oba Owoade addressed controversy sparked by a viral video showing him seated while greeting the Ooni at a public event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan.

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Tribune Online reports that the footage captured the moment the Ooni arrived, prompting other monarchs to rise and exchange greetings, while the Alaafin remained seated.

Responding through a statement issued by his Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, the Alaafin dismissed the online reactions as a deliberate attempt by bloggers and commentators to sow discord between Yoruba traditional rulers.

He described the controversy as a distraction from pressing issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and youth development.

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He also reaffirmed his deep respect for the Ooni of Ife and all custodians of Yoruba tradition, stressing his commitment to inter-royal collaboration as a foundation for peace, unity, and progress in Yorubaland.

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8 Phones With The Best Batteries In 2025

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Finding a smartphone that can truly last all day and beyond remains a top priority for many consumers in 2025.

According to Phone Arena and GSMArena, here are some smartphones that offer exceptional battery life, ensuring you stay connected longer without frequent charging.

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Contents
1. Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
2. OnePlus 13
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
4. iPhone 16 Pro Max
5. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
6. Samsung Galaxy S25+
7. Apple iPhone 16 Plus
8. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

1. Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro

The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is a powerhouse designed for gamers and heavy users. It features a massive 5,800mAh battery. Based on standardised tests, it can last around 18 hours 25 minutes of web browsing, 12 hours 41 minutes of video streaming, and 13 hours 41 minutes of gaming. This phone ensures you can game, stream, and browse without worrying about running out of power.

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2. OnePlus 13

OnePlus 13 features a 6,000mAh silicon carbide battery, providing a remarkable battery life. Based on standardized tests, it can last around 21 hours 34 minutes of web browsing, 9 hours 12 minutes of video streaming, and 8 hours 12 minutes of gaming. Its efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and fast charging capabilities (80W wired and 50W wireless) make it a top choice for users seeking longevity and performance.

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3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a 5,000mAh battery, offering up to 20 hours 49 minutes for browsing, and 8 hours 54 minutes for streaming videos and 14 hours 21 minutes. It charges to 100% in about 59 minutes with its 45W wired charger.

4. iPhone 16 Pro Max

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Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 4,685mAh battery, offering up to 22 hours 39 minutes for browsing, 10 hours 24 minutes for videos, and 12 hours 4 minutes for gaming. Its A18 Bionic chip and iOS optimization contribute to its impressive battery efficiency.

READ ALSO: Full List Of Phones WhatsApp Will No Longer Work On From May 2025

5. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

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The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra features a 5,500 mAh battery, delivering exceptional longevity. In battery endurance tests, it achieved an impressive 16 hours 16 minutes for browsing, 12 hours 30 minutes for videos, and 14 hours 18 minutes for gaming, placing it among the top performers in battery life. Additionally, it supports 65W wired charging, allowing for rapid recharging.

6. Samsung Galaxy S25+

Equipped with a 4,900 mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ offers commendable battery performance. In testing, it provided 19 hours and 4 minutes of web browsing, 8 hours, 15 minutes of video playback and 13 hours and 31 minutes of gaming. The device also supports 45W wired charging, enabling a 70% charge in just 30 minutes.

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7. Apple iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 Plus is renowned for its outstanding battery life. It features a 4,674 mAh battery, making it one of the best-performing iPhones in terms of battery endurance. Users can expect over 18 hours 5 minutes of video playback, 18 hours 5 minutes of web browsing, and 10 hours 32 minutes. It supports fast charging, reaching 50% in 30 minutes with a compatible 20W charger.

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8. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the only Google Pixel phone on this list of phones with exceptional batteries. It features a 5,060 mAh battery. In battery tests, it achieved 18 hours 52 minutes of web browsing, 9 hours 24 minutes of video playback, and 10 hours 4 minutes of gaming. The device also supports 37W wired charging, reaching 63% in 30 minutes, and 15W wireless charging, ensuring users spend less time tethered to a charger.

When selecting a smartphone, battery life is a key consideration. These phones are leading the way in 2025 with exceptional battery performance to keep you connected throughout the day.

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