Young Chief Ebenezer Obey the JuJu Music Icon
Young Chief Ebenezer Obey, the Juju music icon, pictured 44 years ago performing at a Lagos event.
Legacy of Oba Ehengbuda, Heir to Oba Orhogbua
Oba Ehengbuda was the heir apparent to Oba Orhogbua. The first Oba to be visited by English explorers while enthroned was Oba Ehengbuda. Chief Ezomo Agban, a renowned warrior who led the Benin army to conquer Agbor, grew stronger in combat under his rule. The warrior kings of Benin history came to an end when he was killed in a storm at sea while returning from a visit to his colony in Lagos. The Obas who followed him gave their chiefs command of the military. When the rainy clouds rumbled, the chief was said to have believed that a troublesome man lived in the sky above and would disturb the peace of Benin Kingdom. Owing to this belief, the unflappable general of the Benin army was rumored to have started constructing a ladder to the heavens in order to engage the “troublesome man” in a brutal struggle before he died. During his rule, Otun Ekiti established the border between the Benin and Oyo empires following numerous battles between them. About 1578 AD, Ehengbuda, the eldest son of Oba Orhogbua and Iyoba Umelu, became the eighteenth Oba of Benin. A senior chief named Uwangue of Uselu accused him of trying to usurp the throne while his father was away at war. His mother Umelu committed suicide in a pond within the Oba’s harem out of fear for her son’s life, and his steward Ake was put to death for allegedly giving him bad advice. Nevertheless, an inquiry revealed Ehengbuda’s innocence regarding the charge. About 1578, Ehengbuda took the throne and renounced the title Uwangue of Uselu. In addition, he gave his chiefs and warriors new ranks and titles, and he instituted the title of Ohennika of Idunmwu-Ebo, whose bearer conducts funeral ceremonies for any Benin City suicide victim. Ehengbuda commanded his army to annex and subjugate neighboring states. He engaged in combat with the Nupe, the Yoruba states, the Oyo Empire, and the towns and villages of the Igbo people. He established the Benin-Oyo boundary at Otun in the Ekiti regions after routing an army of horsemen sent by the Oyo or the Nupe to invade Benin. Along the western bank of the Niger River, he engaged in warfare with the Igbo and…
Picture of Abdulasalam Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida in Their Youth
Fifty-five years ago, a picture showed two youthful military leaders in their twenties during the 1960s: Abdulasalam Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida. Babangida is currently 82 years old, and Abubakar is 81 years old. Both men are in their early 80s. Sani Abacha, their third friend, would be 81 years old if he were still living. Nigeria’s military head of state, Abubakar, presided over the country from 1998 to 1999; Babangida did so from 1985 until his resignation in 1993.
Part 1 of the Background of Sheikh Muhammad Shamsu-deen-Islam
In 1919, he was born in Offa, Nigeria’s Kwara State. At Ile Arogun, he received his Quranic education from Sheikh Ismaila Jeje. His Alfa said he performed exceptionally well at the Quranic School. He was a remarkable and supernatural saint in the eyes of Allah and humanity, according to history. In the spiritual sciences of God and among the followers of the Divine Law, he was the leading light of his day. He was well-known in the fields of Haqeeqah, Shariah, and Sufism. After Senegalese colossus Sheikh Ibrahim bn Abdullah Niyas passed away, he became known as the Magnate (Ghaosu) of his era. According to one of his poems, he was the one who took over Al Ghawth-al-Azam’s throne: “I took over the throne of Ghaosiyyah, the great succour on earth, out of Divine love. My predecessor Ibrahim had held this position before me, making me the general overseer and leader of all the saints of the world.” In the former old Oyo empire in Oyo State, Nigeria, Sayyid Abdul-Hakeem Akanmu Iji of the Lagbedu Royal family, Ogbomoso, is the father of the current magnate, Sheikh Muhammad Jamiu Bulala (R.T. A). Sayyidat Humuani Oyebimpe Abebi Okin, his mother, was a princess of the Adegboye Atoloyetele Royal family in 1919 and lived in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria. There were numerous tales surrounding his birth, one of which stated that he was observed laughing heartily the day he was born—an unusual occurrence for a newborn. Furthermore, it was reported that when he was born, two navels were visible on his stomach. However, one of the navels unexpectedly vanished right away but later reappeared as a result of shouting. It is possible that the history of magical acts performed by Africans is true as well, if the amazing stories found in the Bible and Quran are indeed true. These were a few of the indications that sheikh Muh’d Jamiu Bulala displayed, portraying him from birth as an extraordinary, extraordinary, and supernatural servant of God. Sheikh Bulala responded, “I laughed on the very day I was born welcoming myself to the people of Offa and the whole universe for the great blessing God showered on them through my arrival to their midst,” when questioned later about the signs seen on the day he was delivered. Second, during the lifetime of Rasulullahi Muhammad s.a.w., a sign emerged during one of the battles waged against the idolators of Meccah, which led to the creation of the two navels. The speaker declared, “I was a reincarnation of one of…
Details of the Birth and Legacy of Late Chief Margaret Ekpo
Born on July 27, 1914, Chief Margaret Ekpo passed away on September 21, 2006.She was a social activist and women’s rights advocate who also happened to be a trailblazing female politician during the First Republic of the nation. She belonged to a group of traditional Nigerian women activists who inspired women to go beyond ideas of ethnic solidarity. She was a prominent nationalist and grassroots politician in the Eastern Nigerian city of Aba during a period when the movement was dominated by men and hierarchical. The family of Okoroafor Obiasulor, who was originally from Aguluzigbo, a rural town in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, and Inyang Eyo Aniemikwe, gave birth to Margaret Ekpo in Creek Town, Cross River State. She was a descendant of King Eyo Honesty II of Creek Town through her mother. In 1934, she obtained a standard six on her school leaving certificate. However, after her father passed away in 1934, she decided to postpone her plans to pursue a degree in teacher preparation. After that, she began working in elementary schools as a student teacher. In 1938, she wed John Udo Ekpo, a physician. She was of Igbo and Efik descent, whereas he belonged to the Ibibio ethnic group. Later, the couple relocated to Aba. In 1945, Margaret Ekpo took part in political ideas and associations for the first time. Her husband was furious about how native Nigerian doctors were treated by colonial administrators, but he was unable to attend meetings to voice his concerns because he was a civil servant. Then, Margaret Ekpo attended meetings in lieu of her husband. The purpose of the meetings was to address the unfair practices of the colonial administration in the city and to combat the disparity in racial and cultural advancement within the administrative ranks. Later, she went to a political rally where she was the only female witness to the passionate speeches delivered by Herbert Macaulay, Mbonu Ojike, and Nnamdi Azikiwe. She established the Aba Market Women Association at the close of the decade in an effort to unionize the city’s market women. She advocated for women’s solidarity within the organization and used it as a springboard to fight for women’s economic rights, economic protections, and expanded political rights. Ekpo’s tenure in politics came to an end when the Nigerian Civil War…
Family Background of Mallam Aminu Kano
On August 9, 1920, Aminu was born in the Sudawa ward of Kano City. His parents, Rakaiya and Mallam Yusufu of the Gyanawaclan, were Fulani scholars renowned for their expertise in Islamic law and other Islamic subjects.He was the only one of his mother’s six children to live to be fifteen. Muslim politician Mallam Aminu Kano lived from 9 August 1920 to 17 April 1983. He spearheaded a socialist campaign against British rule in the country’s north in the 1940s. Kano is home to the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Nigeria’s first international airport, the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, and the Aminu Kano College of Islamic Studies. He was related to the father of former Foreign Affairs Minister Aminu Bashir Wali, former Defense Minister Inuwa Wada, and former Head of State Murtala Mohammed.
Atiku Abubakar Campaigning for President Under the Action Congress in 2006
On December 20, 2006, Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar waves to supporters as he arrives in Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos to run for president under the Action Congress’ opposition platform. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the governor of Lagos State, is seen in the background. Abubakar has left the People’s Democratic Party, under whose platform he ruled the nation alongside President Olusegun Obasanjo, in order to run for office in the Action Congress next year.
Alhaji Adelabu a.k.a Penkelemesi Dies in a Car Crash with Two Others
Alhaji Adelabu passed away suddenly, and the Minister of Finance, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, made the announcement in Lagos. Became known as “The Lion of the West” Adegoke Gbadamosi Adelabu, also known as “Penkelemesi” or “Peculiar Mess” and “Lion of the West,” lived from 1915 to 1958. Politician, writer, and orator. He was raised in Oke-Oluokun, Ibadan, and went to the esteemed Government College Ibadan (GCI) in addition to the CMS Schools in Kudeti and Mapo. He had an unmatched academic record at GCI, one that was exceptional. He completed his studies at Yaba Higher College quickly as well. He became the first African manager when he joined the UAC after graduating. He and Adisa Akintoye co-founded the Ibadan Peoples Party in 1951. He was a fearless, powerful, and charismatic politician. Later on, he joined Zik’s NCNC and rose to the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly for the Western Region. He passed away tragically on Tuesday, March 25, 1958, in an accident involving his Oldsmobile Rocket on the Lagos-Ibadan Road. At the young age of 42, he had 12 wives and 15 children.
Throwback Image of Femi Kuti at 29
An image from 29 years ago showing FEMI KUTI performing at the Central Park Summer Stage Concert Series in New York City in1995.
The Beautiful Ireti Doyle at 5 Years
An endearing photo of the gifted actress, writer, producer, and presenter IRETI DOYLE at five years old in the early 1970s, grinning radiantly. Now, she is 57 years old.
Contribution of the Egbaland (Abeokuta) to the WWII
The Alake’s support and excellent governance contributed significantly to the Abeokuta war effort. The army was urged Egba Sons to enlist. Dances were arranged by Abeokuta, and the money raised was sent to London. For allied use, the Egba were able to purchase a spitfire known as “Abeokuta.” The rubber and palm kernels produced by Egba farmers were vital to the war effort. Rubber was needed for tanks, guns, airplanes and tires; kernel oil was needed for high explosives for the army and navy bombs for the Royal Air Force. A Southeast Asia Contingent Troops Reception committee was established in Abeokuta following the war to receive and rehabilitate the troops of Egba descent. King VI of England appointed the Alake, who was already a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), a Companion of the Orderof St. Michael and St. George, possibly as a thank you for his war effort. Photograph by E. H. Duckworth (1894–1972) and Herskovits Library of African Studies. Image info: Standing at the Itoro Hall in Ijebu Ode are HRM, Oba Sir Ladapo Ademola II KBE, and other individuals. The photo was taken in 1941 at the Oba’s Conference in Ljebu Ode.
Another Image Capturing the Serene View of Marina in 1960s
A snapshot of Lagos City (Marina) from the 1960s conveys a feeling of peace and tranquility. We ought to practice maintaining a tidy environment in Nigeria today, just as we did in the past. We can all see how stunning Nigeria was following its independence in this photo.
Portuguese and European Invasion of the Benin Kingdom
The Portuguese, who visited Benin, which they called Beny, were the first Europeans to do so between the years of 1472 and 1486 AD, when King Ozolua was in power. The Portuguese acknowledged discovering a highly advanced kingdom with an extremely sophisticated system. This trip… The Portuguese, who visited Benin, which they called Beny, were the first Europeans to do so between the years of 1472 and 1486 AD, when King Ozolua was in power. The Portuguese acknowledged discovering a highly advanced kingdom with an extremely sophisticated system. Following this visit and the ensuing correspondence, King John II of Portugal, who ruled from 1481 to 1495, corresponded with the King of Benin on an equal footing. The Portuguese forged diplomatic and commercial ties with Oba Esigie and the Benin Kingdom between 1504 and 1550 AD. When the Oba sent an ambassador to Lisbon in the sixteenth century, the Portuguese king responded by dispatching missionaries to spread the gospel among the Binis. In 1 553, the English made their first call. This visit was a sign of things to come, that is England and Benin would soon establish a substantial trade relationship. Bini was dubbed Great Benin by British anthropologist and curator Henry Ling Roth. In the 16th and 17th centuries, other European travelers to Benin brought back stories of the “Great Benin,” an amazing city with opulent architecture and a well-functioning government. The state developed an advanced artistic culture and wrought with unequalled mastery works of arts in bronze, iron and ivory. The state produced works of art in bronze, iron, and ivory with unparalleled skill and developed a sophisticated artistic culture. They carved representations of historical events that they thought were important.…
Reign of Oba Aiguobasinwin Eweka II Post Benin Punitive Expedition
Oba Aiguobasinwin Eweka II’s reign was a period of significant changes in the Benin Kingdom. He navigated the challenges of colonial rule and worked to preserve and protect the traditions and cultural heritage of his people. Despite the limitations imposed by British colonial authorities, he managed to maintain the essence of the kingdom’s monarchy and its traditional governance structure. He is remembered for his efforts to revive and promote traditional arts, crafts, and festivals in Benin. Under his reign, certain aspects of Benin’s cultural identity were revived and celebrated, contributing to the preservation of the kingdom’s unique heritage. Overall, Oba Aiguobasinwin Eweka II’s reign demonstrates the Benin people’s tenacity and resolve to maintain their cultural identity and customs in the face of colonial influence. He was a key figure in Benin’s history during a period of substantial change and outside pressures.
A Picture of Sade Adu as an Infant
Four-time Grammy Award winner Sade Adu, with her mother and brother in Ibadan, is being carried by her father, Adebisi Adu.
Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, an Unsung Hero and Profound Loyalist
In a coup that will go down in history as the bloodiest in the country, Fajuyi paid the ultimate price for refusing to back down in defense of his boss, Gen. Aguyi Ironsi, even though the coupists did not really have him as their target. Even when it came to the last moment, his allegiance to his boss was certain. His body was to be found later, along with the bullet-riddled body of Aguyi Ironsi. A wonderful man and real hero was Col. Adekunle Fajuyi. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi’s bravery and loyalty will go down in history as rare examples of such courage and loyalty. MC BEM Francis Adekunle Fajuyi (June 26, 1926 – July 29, 1966). Fajuyi of Ado Ekiti, who was a teacher and clerk before enlisting in the army in 1943, received the British Empire Medal in 1951 for his role in quelling a mutiny in his unit over food rations while serving as a sergeant in the Nigeria Signal Squadron of the Royal West African Frontier Force. Before the first coup in January 1966, Fajuyi was assigned to Abeokuta as garrison commander, making him the first indigenous commander of the 1st battalion in Enugu. On January 17, 1966, Major General Ironsi took over as the new C-in-C, and he named Fajuyi the Western Region’s first military governor. Along with General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, the Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who had come to Ibadan on July 28, 1966, to speak at a conference of Western Nigeria’s natural rulers, he was assassinated on July 29, 1966, in Ibadan by the retaliation-seeking counter-coupists led by Major T. Y. Danjuma. Six months prior, the civilian regime of Prime Minister Sir Tafawa Balewa was brutally overthrown, resulting in the deaths of the prime minister and several high-ranking government officials, many of whom were from northern Nigeria.
Origin of Fela’s Music Career and Establishment of his Music Band
Young Fela Kuti at Trinity College of Music in London in the late 1950s, in the College Blazer. Trinity College, one of the oldest and most esteemed music schools in the world, was established in 1872. After his parents sent him to London to study medicine, Fela arrived in 1958 to study composition and trumpet performance at Trinity College of Music, which is now known as Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. His band Koola Lobitos, which invented the modern Afrobeat musical genre, was formed while he was a student. James Brown, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Yoruba traditional music, and Ghanaian and Nigerian “highlife” culture were among the influences on his music. As a result, Koola Lobitos became a mainstay of the London music scene. Following Fela’s return to Nigeria in 1969, Koola Lobitos underwent several identities, including Nigeria ’70, Afrika ’70, Egypt ’70, and Egypt ’80. While on tour in the United States in 1969, he became aware of the Black Power movement, which had a significant impact on his music and caused his songs to address social and political issues.
Reverend Sam Adeyemi Marital Union to his Lover, Pastor Nike
Beautiful picture of Pastor Nike and her husband, the youthful Reverend Sam Adeyemi, who serves as the senior pastor of Daystar Christian Center, on their wedding day in 1993. A lovely couple indeed.
Madam Hannah Afálà, Mother of Samuel Ajàyi Crowther
Aláafin Abiodun Adegorolu was the successor to Aláafin Ajabo, a strong monarch at the time. A girl named Osu was born to Aláafin Abiodun. She grew up to become the mother of Olámínigbin, who married Omo-oga-egun. Together, they had a child named Ibisomi Telerinmasa. As the princess or priestess of the great god Obatala (the god of white cloth), Telerinmasa was said to possess a unique dignity that was recognized by her people as “Afala” (the one who loves purity or the pure one). It is said that the province of Obatálá is a domain of perfect and brilliant purity. Afala wed an Edu clan member whose name was also given as Ajayi; his grandfather was the Baale of Awaiye-petu, who moved from Ketou Dahomey (now in the Benin Republic) to the Oyó empire. After the Fulani slave traders invaded their town, Oshogun, near Isheyin, in approximately 1821, Afala parted ways with her handsome son when he was just 12 years old. As a devoted mother, she eagerly anticipated the day she would undoubtedly see her son once more. Slavery had kept them apart for decades, but during Ajàyi’s missionary journey in Abéökúta, they were eventually reunited. On February 5, 1848, in Abeokuta, Madam Afala was given the name Hannah and subsequently baptized by her own son. In Abeokuta, Madam Hannah and a few other family members moved in with the bishop, where she lived to be over a century old.
The Unique Terracotta Work of Art from Ilé Ifè
Regarded as some of the most advanced works of art in the world at the time. Over time, the true historical account surrounding these outstanding pieces of art has assumed various forms. If the terracotta figures from Ilé Ifè are any indication, civilization there began a very long time ago. During his 1930 visit to the Iwinrin Groove, Wilfrid D. Hambly, the first curator of African ethnology at the Field Museum of National History in Chicago, was guided along a narrow path to see a scared ceremony and the unveiling of the sacred terracotta. The sculptures were initially protected from theft at the shrine by being hidden beneath clay pots; later, they were kept in a padlocked box in a specially made mud building in the groove. The artwork was brought to the Palace in 1934 by HRM, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, the Ooni of Ilé ife, for safekeeping until they could be moved to the National Museum of Ife Antiquities. Image 1: In Iwinrin Groove in Ilé ifè in 1930, a priest opens a box containing holy terracotta heads. Image 2: In 1931, terracotta heads were found in Iwinrin Groove at Ile Ife.