Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has passed away at 91.

The traditional ruler died on Sunday, just a few hours after the news broke of the death of Muhammadu Buhari, who was both his old friend and Nigeria’s former president.

In a statement, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the monarch’s death as a huge blow to both Ijebuland and the entire nation.

Abiodun referred to the timing of both deaths as “double sadness”, highlighting the strong bond that existed between the two elder statesmen.

“Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general,” the statement reads.

He commended the king’s “transformative reign”, pointing out his progressive style of leadership, the rise in Ijebuland’s recognition, and the global attention given to the Ojude Oba festival.

“Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development. His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria,” Abiodun said.

Adetona became king on April 2, 1960, and remained on the throne for more than 64 years, making him one of the country’s longest-reigning traditional leaders.

His friendship with Buhari began in the 1980s and was solidified under unique and historic events.

Back in 1983, before Buhari’s military government took over, then Ogun State Governor Olabisi Onabanjo had already signed off on a decision to depose Adetona. The removal was due to be enforced by January 2, 1984.

However, the military coup that occurred on December 31, 1983 — which brought Buhari to power — disrupted those plans. The near overlap between the planned deposition and the military takeover marked a turning point in the monarch’s life.

Though Buhari’s actions were not aimed at halting the deposition, the result of the coup effectively allowed Adetona to remain on the throne.

Over time, the Awujale and Buhari built a quiet but deep friendship that was rooted in mutual admiration.

Adetona became a respected moral authority within the traditional leadership structure in Nigeria. He was admired for speaking his mind, resisting subservience to power, and believing that monarchs should always hold leaders accountable.

Through his guidance, Ijebuland grew in cultural strength, economic relevance, and political influence.

Abiodun called him “a beacon of unity and progress”, adding that “his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people will forever be etched in our hearts”.

Veteran Nollywood actress Moji Afolayan has revealed that she was blacklisted by movie marketers after refusing their sexual advances.

In a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV, which gained traction on Wednesday, the 57-year-old actress and daughter of the late iconic actor Adeyemi ‘Adeluv’ Afolayan, disclosed that turning down the “casting couch” culture cost her fame and acting opportunities.

“This is because, at that time, when we had marketers at Idumota, they used to give producers money to work. However, due to the kind of training I received at home, I cannot trade my body for movies.

“My husband, who married me, has not even done anything. You will notice that I am trying to speak in proverbs,” she said.

Moji said that after declining their advances, marketers held a meeting and agreed to stop offering her roles.

“Because I did not do it, they held a meeting among themselves not to call me. I did not sleep with them. I did not offer my body for sex,” she said.

She also pointed out that some married actresses engaged in the practice while hiding it from their spouses.

“They are all watching this programme. People who are doing it are doing it. Many of them will have their husbands outside while the wives will be with them inside. I am exposing their secrets now.

“They would tell me, ‘is it only my husband?’ I was like is it because you want to help. Then you would have to hold on to your help.

“I thank God I stood with my dignity. That is what I am enjoying today. I held on to my virginity. I stand out among them now. I have only received mercy. They made them stars. Their posters were all around.

“But when they tried to stand alone, there was a great fight, which was bound to happen in that kind of relationship. I did not inform my husband at the time.

“It was because I did not offer myself for sex that they denied me movie roles,” she said.

Moji, who is married to fellow actor Rasaq ‘Ojopagogo’ Olayiwola, also recounted how a now-deceased colleague faced similar rejection after refusing a marketer’s request.

“I was not the only person they did it to. There was one person who was late now, took her job to a marketer there at Arena, but it was turned down.

“The lady at the time told me to continue with my nobility. She narrated how the marketer told her how he had slept with in the industry.

“They now know how it feels. They have made us social media-friendly. They have pushed us to put movies on YouTube.

“It affected me in terms of income and fame. I cherish my body more than anything. Even my husband knows,” she said.

Australia has revoked the visa of US rapper Kanye West following the release of his song that praises Adolf Hitler, the government confirmed on Wednesday.

The 48-year-old artist, now legally known as Ye, released “Heil Hitler” on May 8, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.

West, who is married to Australian Bianca Censori, has visited the country multiple times due to family ties. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the visa cancellation came after the song’s release.

“He’s made a lot of offensive comments. But my officials looked at it again once he released the ‘Heil Hitler’ song and he no longer has a valid visa in Australia,” Burke said.

According to Burke, the cancelled visa was not intended for concerts.

“It was a lower level, and the officials still looked at the law and said: You’re going to have a song and promote that sort of Nazism — we don’t need that in Australia,” he told ABC.

When asked about barring a high-profile figure like West, the minister responded, “I think what’s not sustainable is to import hatred.” He emphasized that each visa request is reviewed independently.

Burke added that while Australians enjoy free speech, “we have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry.”

West’s “Heil Hitler” stirred controversy in Slovakia last week after it was revealed he was scheduled to perform there in July.

Over 3,000 people signed a petition opposing the concert in Bratislava.

Describing the rapper as someone who “repeatedly and openly adheres to symbols and ideology connected with the darkest period of modern global history,” two organizations behind the petition denounced the planned performance.

“Kanye West’s concert in our city and our country is an insult to historic memory, a glorification of wartime violence and debasement of all victims of the Nazi regime,” the petition stated.

In the “Heil Hitler” video, dozens of Black men dressed in animal skins and masks stand in formation, chanting the song’s title while West raps about being misunderstood and his legal battles with ex-wife Kim Kardashian.

The song concludes with a segment from a speech by Hitler.West has also shown public support for fellow rapper and mogul Sean Combs, who is on trial in New York for alleged sex trafficking and racketeering. The jury is currently deliberating.

Credit: AFP