Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment - Newstrends
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Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment

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Deploy Ancestral Powers Against Bandits, Ooni Tells Yoruba Monarchs, Ifa Worshippers
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment

Ooni of Ife  Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s growing recognition of culture as a vital pillar of national identity, unity and international diplomacy.

The monarch, who is the Global Patron of the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for creating a cultural-friendly environment and giving formal recognition to traditional heritage and spiritual institutions across the country.

“We are grateful that this administration is giving rightful recognition to our culture,” the Ooni declared. “Culture is the soul of a people. Without it, we have no identity. President Tinubu’s leadership is not only helping to reposition our cultural values on the global stage, but also bringing us back to the very essence of our existence,” he added.

Oba Ogunwusi, who spoke at a conference held at the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos,  organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), as part of preparations for the upcoming global cultural exchange between Nigeria and Brazil under the auspices of WOOCON, called for religious tolerance among adherents of  religions, saying humanity should be paramount in all that religion stood for.

The Ife monarch urged the Yoruba across the globe to reconnect with one another in order to shift global perceptions about Orisa, saying Orisa was a propellant energy that no one could survive without.

Brazilian Consular in Lagos, Ambassador Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, lauded the historical and spiritual connections between Brazil and Nigeria, particularly through the shared Yoruba heritage that continued to thrive across both nations.

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Executive Secretary/CEO, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) and Secretary of the WOOCON Board of Trustees (BOT), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, emphasised the global cultural renaissance currently taking shape and the pivotal role Nigeria must play in the unfolding narrative.

“WOOCON is not just a congress—it’s a movement to reclaim and redefine African cultural consciousness and identity. This ground-breaking initiative is going to be one of the global cultural festivals that will reposition Nigeria as a major tourism destination in the world by exploring new opportunities in cultural and spiritual tourism that can generate over 10 billion USD annually for the country in the next three years if planned well.

“Nigeria’s decision to collaborate with Brazil in the area of culture, tradition and heritage is informed by the deep historical and cultural connections that exist between the two nations.

“These cultural similarities are specifically profound and undeniable in the area of Yoruba heritage where thousands of Brazilians have over the years, visited Nigeria to participate in major cultural and religious festivals such as the Osun Oshogbo Festival, the Olojo Festival, and Sango Festival to mention a few.

“These interactions reaffirm the strong ancestral ties between our people and highlight the need for structured engagements that will further solidify these bonds. Interestingly, it is not just Brazil but a whole lot of other countries in the Caribbean’s”, Otunba noted.

Two eminent cultural icons who are Patrons of WOOCON; Prof Wole Soyinka and Prof Wande Abimbola lent their voices for the movement.

While the Nobel laureate reaffirmed the importance of intellectual and spiritual engagement in reviving the African culture, Prof. Abimbola, a renowned Yoruba scholar, who joined virtually from the United States, spoke passionately about the Orisha tradition as a global spiritual system that must be preserved and respected across continents.

Soyinka alluded to the fact that culture defines people and nationalities. He opined that this consciousness is long overdue and appreciates the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for encouraging and supporting this initiative, saying it is sincerely a step to greatness and global boost in tourism revenue and relevance.

The gathering marked a significant moment in advancing Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and underscored the commitment of WOOCON to building bridges between Africa and the diaspora through shared heritage, spirituality, and collaboration.

 

Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment

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VIDEO: Toluwanisings’ Burial: Uncle Questions Authenticity of Corpse, Alleges Family Was Sidelined

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ToluwaniSings’ Final Hours: Aide Reveals Desperate Search Across 8 Hospitals

VIDEO: Toluwanisings’ Burial: Uncle Questions Authenticity of Corpse, Alleges Family Was Sidelined

A fresh controversy has emerged over the burial of late Toluwanisings, following allegations by her maternal uncle that he was sidelined during arrangements for her burial.

 

The deceased’s uncle reportedly questioned whether the body buried was genuinely that of Toluwanisings, alleging that those responsible for the burial took her corpse away from the mortuary without involving the person he believes was supposed to authorise or sign the necessary documents.

 

In a statement expressing his concerns, the uncle said:

 

“How do we know that the corpse you buried is real when you sidelined the person who is supposed to sign? You just took the corpse away from the mortuary.

 

“When Toluwanisings wanted to get married, I was the one who signed at the court as her father’s representative. I don’t know why, but I’m calling people’s attention to this.”

 

His comments have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s removal from the mortuary and the extent of family involvement in the burial arrangements.

 

The uncle’s statement also suggests a dispute over who had the authority to represent the deceased’s family in matters concerning her burial.

 

However, his allegation questioning the identity of the corpse has not been independently established. It remains unclear whether the family has formally raised the matter with the relevant authorities or whether the burial arrangements complied with all applicable procedures.

 

The individuals accused of sidelining the uncle have yet to respond to the allegations.

 

VIDEO: Toluwanisings’ Burial: Uncle Questions Authenticity of Corpse, Alleges Family Was Sidelined

 

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Nasarawa Murder: Two Arrested as Police Recover Burnt Body from Dry Well

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Nasarawa Murder: Two Arrested as Police Recover Burnt Body from Dry Well
Spokesman, Nasarawa State Police Command, Ramhan Nansel

Nasarawa Murder: Two Arrested as Police Recover Burnt Body from Dry Well

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged murder of a 50-year-old man whose decomposed remains were recovered from a dry well at his residence in Aku Village, Base 5, Karu Local Government Area of the state.

The victim, identified as Jude Thaddeus, popularly known as Musa, was allegedly killed inside his residence before his body was dumped in a dry well and set ablaze in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.

The police said the suspects allegedly covered the well with blocks to prevent the discovery of the remains.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026.

According to the police, the incident came to light on November 3 after a 46-year-old woman, Jennifer Alain, from Mpape, Abuja, reported her brother missing at the Aso Pada Police Division.

Alain reportedly raised the alarm after repeated attempts to contact her brother proved unsuccessful, while an unidentified person kept answering calls made to his telephone number.

Following the complaint, detectives launched an investigation that led to the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect, Yusuf Musa, who had reportedly been employed by the deceased about three months earlier to look after his domestic animals.

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Preliminary investigations indicated that the victim had been missing since October 22, while the suspect allegedly took possession of his mobile phone and continued deceiving people who called by claiming that his supposed father had travelled to England.

The police further alleged that the suspect had been disposing of the deceased’s personal belongings, domestic animals and other properties under suspicious circumstances.

During interrogation, Yusuf allegedly confessed to selling some of the victim’s heavy metals and industrial engines for ₦3.4 million.

The suspect also allegedly confessed to participating in the murder and disclosed that the victim’s remains had been dumped in a dry well within his residence.

Acting on the information, detectives, working alongside environmental services personnel, visited the property and recovered the decomposed remains from the well.

The police said preliminary findings suggested that the victim was killed inside his residence before his body was taken to the well and set ablaze.

The remains were subsequently evacuated to the Medical Centre, Mararaba, where a medical doctor examined and certified the victim dead.

The police identified the two suspects currently in custody as Yusuf Musa, 23, and Victor Zamani, 32.

The Command also disclosed that investigations had established the involvement of a third suspect, who was still at large, with efforts intensified to apprehend the fleeing individual.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohamed, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.

The Command assured residents that investigations were ongoing and that everyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.

Nasarawa Murder: Two Arrested as Police Recover Burnt Body from Dry Well

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Kunle Afod Breaks Silence on Marriage Crisis, Cheating Allegations, Sex Toys

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Kunle Afod Breaks Silence on Marriage Crisis, Cheating Allegations, Sex Toys
Popular Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afod and estranged wife, Desola Afod

Kunle Afod Breaks Silence on Marriage Crisis, Cheating Allegations, Sex Toys

Nollywood actor speaks on infidelity, jealousy, trust issues, says acting career leaves little time for family

Popular Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afod, has broken his silence on his separation from his wife, Desola Afod, opening up about infidelity, jealousy, trust issues and what he described as double standards in relationships.

The Yoruba movie star made the revelations during an interview with YouTube personality Kasnasty Sugar, published on Thursday, November 5, 2026, months after reports of a crisis in his marriage became public.

Afod, who had largely kept quiet about the reported marital difficulties, identified the demanding nature of his acting career as one of the challenges affecting his family life.

Speaking about his separation, the actor explained that his professional commitments sometimes leave him and his wife with little time to attend to their home and family.

He began his remarks by apologising to women, apparently anticipating that some of his comments might generate controversy.

According to him, the entertainment industry can place enormous demands on actors, sometimes making it difficult for them to strike a balance between their careers and family responsibilities.

The actor subsequently turned his attention to infidelity, arguing that cheating should not be treated as an offence exclusive to men.

He questioned the tendency to condemn men for cheating while overlooking similar conduct by women, suggesting that both partners should be subjected to the same standards of faithfulness in marriage.

Afod also made controversial remarks about relationships between women, suggesting that some husbands could become suspicious when their wives maintain unusually close relationships with female friends.

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His comments on the subject have generated interest because of the sensitive nature of trust, boundaries and fidelity in marital relationships.

The actor also stirred controversy with his observations about the use of sex toys among married couples.

He questioned what he considered a double standard whereby some women allegedly have no reservations about asking their husbands to purchase sex toys for them but might object if they discover that their husbands equally use such products.

Afod argued that the use of such devices could also raise questions about fidelity, particularly when one partner considers certain bedroom practices acceptable for themselves but unacceptable for their spouse.

He specifically questioned why a woman might request multiple sex toys while regarding her husband’s use of similar products as unacceptable.

His remarks have added another dimension to the public conversation surrounding the actor’s marital separation.

Afod and Desola’s marital crisis reportedly became public in February 2026, following claims that Desola had moved her belongings out of their matrimonial home.

The couple, who reportedly began their relationship in 2002, got married in 2005 and have children together.

Although speculation about their relationship had circulated for months, neither party had offered a detailed public account of the circumstances surrounding their separation before the actor’s recent interview.

Afod, however, did not directly accuse his estranged wife of infidelity or establish that the issues he discussed were specific incidents that occurred in their marriage.

His comments were largely framed around his observations about relationships, marital expectations and the challenges couples face.

The actor’s remarks have since drawn attention to the pressures facing celebrity marriages, particularly where demanding professional commitments compete with family responsibilities.

For Afod, whose career has spanned several years in the Yoruba movie industry, his latest comments have provided a rare glimpse into his views on marriage, fidelity and the challenges of maintaining a family while pursuing a demanding entertainment career.

Kunle Afod Breaks Silence on Marriage Crisis, Cheating Allegations, Sex Toys

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