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I Kept My Eyes on Jesus, Toluwani Odukoya Opens Up on Broken Marriage

October 3, 2025 by admin

The Associate Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Toluwani Odukoya, has revealed how her separation from her husband, alongside a series of personal tragedies, shaped her faith and calling in ministry. Speaking during an interview with Truthtable, a video shared on her personal YouTube Channel, on Thursday, Odukoya disclosed that she was separated as a result of circumstances beyond her control. She said, “I’ll say I’m separated. Most of you don’t know I’m separated and that’s actually defined or has shaped my life. It was circumstances beyond my control. Describing her marriage, the 40-year-old likened the end of her marriage to “a death,” noting that between 2021 and 2023 she also endured the deaths of her stepmother, her father’s twin sister, and her father, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya. Speaking further about her dissolved marriage,she stressed that separation does not always mean the people involved are bad. “My ex-husband is a great man… but if God doesn’t ordain you guys to be together and you force-fit yourselves, the likelihood of staying together is very low,” she explained. Despite the heartbreak, Odukoya said she embraced her pastoral calling, even when she felt unworthy. “When the call came, I told God, ‘You know all the baggage I’m trying to navigate. But if you call me to serve, then maybe you’ve put something in me.’ I just decided to keep my eyes on Jesus.” She acknowledged the crucial role her family played in supporting her during those turbulent years, saying her siblings and late father stood firmly by her. “My dad fought for me. My family encouraged me. That embrace added to my self-esteem and self-worth,” she noted. The Senior Pastor of Fountain of Life Church, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya died on Monday, August 7, in the United States of America and his son Jimmy Odukoya, has since succeeded his father as the senior pastor of the church serving alongside his sister.

Just In: Awujale Of Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Adetona Dies At 91

July 13, 2025 by admin

The monarch passed away on Sunday, just hours after the announcement of the death of Muhammadu Buhari, his longtime friend and former president. A statement by Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state, described the monarch’s passing as a monumental loss not only to Ijebuland but to Nigeria as a whole. Abiodun described the coincidence as “double sadness”, noting the deep friendship 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. Abiodun praised the monarch’s “transformative reign”, which was marked by progressive leadership, the elevation of Ijebuland’s status, and the global prominence of 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 ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and reigned for over 64 years, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Nigerian history. His friendship with Buhari dated back to the 1980s and was cemented under extraordinary circumstances. In 1983, just before Buhari’s military coup, Olabisi Onabanjo, then Ogun state governor, had already signed a formal order deposing Adetona. The removal was scheduled to take effect on January 2, 1984. But the coup of December 31, 1983 — which toppled Nigeria’s civilian government — halted the plan. The close timing of the attempted deposition and the coup became a pivotal moment in the monarch’s life. Buhari’s intervention, though not targeted at the deposition, inadvertently preserved Adetona’s reign. In the years that followed, the Awujale and Buhari developed a quiet but enduring friendship built on mutual respect. Adetona went on to become a towering moral voice within Nigeria’s traditional institution. He was known for his bluntness, refusal to grovel before power, and his insistence that traditional rulers must speak truth to authority. His leadership helped entrench Ijebuland’s reputation as a beacon of culture, commerce, and political influence.

Aare Olayinka Segelu Mourns Late Olubadan, Hails Monarch’s Dignified Reign

July 9, 2025 by admin

Aare Olayinka Segelu, a German-based politician, prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and a governorship aspirant in Oyo State, has joined other well-meaning Nigerians in mourning the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, describing it as “the end of a noble chapter in Ibadan’s royal history.” In a statement made available on Tuesday, Segelu paid his tribute to the late monarch, praising his short but stabilizing reign and describing him as “a father figure who carried the culture of Ibadan with silent strength and steady grace.” “Kabiyesi may have spent only a year on the throne, but his impact will echo for generations. He reminded us that leadership is not always about the length of days, but the depth of one’s service,” Segelu stated. The Olubadan, who ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, just two days after his 90th birthday. He was the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, succeeding the late Oba Lekan Balogun. Segelu, an Ibadan native whose political roots run deep in the state, noted that the royal stool of the Olubadan represents more than authority, it is the soul of Ibadan’s unity and continuity. “The Olubadan stool is the symbol of our heritage and resilience. In Oba Olakulehin, we saw a monarch who understood this weight and carried it with dignity and devotion,” he said. He also urged the Olubadan-in-Council, the Ibadan people, and Oyo State residents to honour the late monarch’s memory by promoting peace and preserving the legacy of the institution. “Ibadan’s succession model remains one of the most respected in Nigeria. It is transparent, it is peaceful, and it is dignified. Let us continue in that spirit, and ensure that this transition brings unity, not division.” Segelu expressed his condolences to the late monarch’s family, the traditional council, and Governor Seyi Makinde, calling on all Ibadan indigenes to reflect on the values of the throne and the virtues the late Oba represented. “He was the one that confirmed my chieftaincy titles both as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland and Environs and Asiwaju Ilu of Olosunde and Environs. “In losing Oba Olakulehin, we are not just saying goodbye to a king; we are closing a chapter written in wisdom, humility, and silent sacrifice. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Segelu concluded.

(PHOTOS): Makinde Pledges To Boost Olunloyo’s Library With Digitization•••As Govt Holds Executive Session In Honour Of The Late Ex-gov

June 25, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, declared that the state government would preserve and digitise the library of a late former governor of the state, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo and make it a tourist attraction centre. Governor Makinde, who described the library as a treasure trove of knowledge capable of offering solutions to numerous challenges facing the country, said preserving the library is one of the ways of immortalising Dr Olunlolyo, who was the second elected governor of the old Oyo State comprising present day Oyo and Osun states. The governor stated this while paying his last respect to the late Dr Olunloyo, at the lying -in-state and executive session organised in his honour by the state government and held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. He added that the state government would also commission the Omololu Olunloyo Leisure Park at Alakia-Airport Area of Ibadan, which was named after the revered statesman in 2023. Recall that the state government equally named the 3 km Airport Road after the former governor. Makinde eulogised the late former governor for being one of his go-to persons on how to solve the problems of the state. He added that exploring the tourism potential of the library would also align with his administration’s focus on tourism development. He said: “I have lost a partner. Sometimes, he would tell me how some problems were solved before my time in the state. When people look at me and wonder how come Oyo State is so peaceful during my tenure, they don’t know that I go to these leaders and they analyse things for me and leave me to take the best decisions for the state. “We must give honour to whom it is due. This event is important; it is an avenue for us to give a befitting passage to an individual who gave a good part of his life to serve this state and country. “There are two things I need to let this gathering know. One is the fact that the Omololu Olunloyo Park is ready for commissioning and we will open it soon. Two, in most of my discussions with Baba, there was no way we would talk and wouldn’t get to the issue of his library. “So, I am making a public announcement now that the state would support the family to preserve and digitise that library. “It is a library where we can practically find solutions to a whole lot of challenges we are still faced with currently. We must preserve the library and ensure that when people visit Oyo State, the library becomes a tourist centre that we can showcase.” Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, described Dr Olunloyo as a towering intellectual with a strong commitment to public service. He said: “Today is a day of reflection on the life and time of Dr Omololu Olunloyo. Today does not call for grief, sorrow or lamentation. “In reflecting, we must put into perspective his contributions to life, our society and the world at large. “He was a towering intellectual who had a strong commitment to public service. He served our state at the highest level with distinction and rare brilliance. “We believe that he has left enough for us to tap into in order for us to make a good life. We have lost a colossus whose footprint would remain etched on the sands of time.” Speaking on behalf of the Olunloyo family, the first child of the deceased, Mrs Oluyemi Olunloyo-Buckner, described her late father as a politician of a rare genius and an exceptionally brilliant statesman whose contribution to Oyo State was huge. She added that he was a man that gave his children identity, heritage and love. Also in their separate orations, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima and the Acting Rector, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Dr Taiwo Lasisi, described Olunloyo as an embodiment of brilliance, with a profound commitment to public service. The event had in attendance the wife of a former governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; a former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governor, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; former Minister of Trades and Investment, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, CON, as well as Chairman and Co-Chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese. Other government functionaries in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo; Oyo State Exco Members; service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and family members, among other dignitaries.

International Widows’ Day: Oyo First Lady Salutes Widows’ Courage, Distributes Cash, Food Items (PHOTOS)

June 23, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. (Mrs.) Tamunominini Makinde, has said that the International Widows’ Day is not just a day to celebrate widows but a day to celebrate their courage. Mrs. Makinde disclosed this on Monday while hosting widows across the 33 local government areas of the state in her office, Agodi, Ibadan. The program was held to commemorate the 2025 International Widows’ Day. The event, which featured the distribution of food items, cash relief to thousands of widows as a gesture of love, compassion, and empowerment, had in attendance dignitaries from all works of life including wives of the Chairmen of the local governments, artisans, leaders of the market women, among others. At the event, Mrs. Makinde, who was represented by Hon. (Mrs) Bisi Oluranti Michael, member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ogbomoso North Constituency, appreciated the wife of the governor, emphasized the need to appreciate the strength of widows and to reaffirm government’s commitment to supporting them. “Today is not just a remembrance of loss,” she said, “but a celebration of courage. “Widows face not only the pain of losing their partners but also the risk of losing their dignity and social standing. As mothers, caretakers, and pillars of their homes, your courage is inspiring, and your pain is acknowledged. This day belongs to you.” Diya Ogunjimi, who represented the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, urged the women to remain strong in the face of adversity. “We honour the memory of your loved ones and acknowledge your resilience. You are not alone, and we hope today brings renewed strength and encouragement,” she said. Also speaking, Mrs. Abiola Sanda, wife of the ALGON (Association of Local Governments of Nigeria) Chairman in Oyo State, who called on society to end all forms of stigmatization against widows. “If you cannot help a widow, at least do not stigmatize her,” she said. “Widows deserve dignity, not pity or suspicion.” Emotional testimonies were shared by beneficiaries like Mrs Tawakalitu Adam, who stated: “It is not easy to raise children and carry the cross alone, but gestures like this give us strength to carry on, we appreciate the wife of the giv for remembering us with material support” Also Mrs Motunrayo Salam, who encouraged fellow widows to stay hopeful: “It’s very painful to be a widow but with the help of God, we can carry on. So we appreciate our mother for gifting us on a day like this and also encouraging us with food items and cash support.” Dignitaries present at the event included several wives of local government chairmen from across the state, such as Mrs. Khadijah Salam (Oyo West), Mrs. Aisha Adeleke (Atiba), Mrs. Victoria Adegbite (Surulere), and Mrs. Olusola Adebimpe (Ibarapa East), among others. International Widows’ Day, marked annually on June 23, is observed to raise awareness about the struggles faced by widows globally and to advocate for their rights, protection, and inclusion.

Aare Olayinka Segelu Celebrates Otunba Seye Famojuro’s Birthday, Describes Him As A Political Powerhouse

February 14, 2025 by admin

A Germany-based Ibadan-born businessman and politician of high repute, Hon Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has felicitated with Governor Makinde’s ally, Otunba Seye Famojuro on his birthday, which comes up today, Friday February 14, 2025. Hon. Segelu, a philanthropist and former Personal Assistant (PA) to ex-Speaker Dimeji Bankole, who was recently installed as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland, in a felicitation message made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State hailed Otunba Seye Famojuro’s contributions to Oyo State politics. Aare Olayinka Segelu, a gubernatorial aspirant under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State through a copy of the felicitation message described Otunba Seye Famojuro as a political powerhouse in Oyo State. He stated further, “I felicitate with Otunba Seye Famojuro, a trusted ally to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engineer Seyi Makinde fnse, on the occasion of his birthday today. “Otunba Balogun Seye Famojuro is undoubtedly one of the great men to reckon with in the political firmament of Oyo State blessed with divinely inspired ingenuity that he has creatively applied to help in tackling many challenges that had bedeviled the state for decades. “He has obviously continued to play a significantly supportive role in societal issues and activities geared towards the transformation, growth and development of Oyo State under the leadership of our amiable Governor Makinde. “He is a friend, brother, and political associate whom everyone is looking up to in Oyo State of today. “Thank you for all you have been doing for the benefit and interest of our dear state. “As you add another year today on earth, May the grace, mercy and protection of the Most High God never cease to be upon you as I wish you many more fruitful years of sound health of mind and body.” “Happy birthday to you Balogun Seye!” Aare Olayinka stated.

Just In: Governor Makinde Loses Brother

January 24, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – The death has occurred of Engineer Sunday Makinde, the eldest brother of Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde. He was aged 65 years. He died on Friday, January 24, 2025. Announcing the passing in a message, a brother of the deceased, who is also the Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland and Head of Aigbofa Family of Oja’ba, Ibadan, Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde, wrote, “With a heavy heart, I announce the passage of my older brother, Engr Sunday Makinde, to eternal glory today, Friday 24th of January 2025. “His sudden death occurred in his Ibadan residence at 3.20am today, Friday 24th January 2025. “He is survived by siblings, among whom is the Executive Governor of Oyo state, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, children and grand children.”

Hon. Olayinka Segelu Hails Governor Makinde At 57 … Describes Him As A Transformational Leader And Performing Governor

December 25, 2024 by admin

A Germany-based chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman/CEO of YSEG Hotels and Suites Ibadan, Hon Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has applauded the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his unalloyed commitment and dedication towards the growth and development of the Pace Setter State. Hon Olayinka, an ICT consultant, philanthropist and politician of high repute, gave the applause while congratulating the governor on the occasion of his 57th birthday. In a congratulatory message to Makinde, the PDP stalwart hoping to occupy the Oyo governorship seat in 2027, said: “Today, we gather to celebrate an extraordinary leader, a visionary, and a man of the people—His Excellency, Governor Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde—as he marks his 57th birthday. “On behalf of myself, my family, the Segelu Dynasty, and the entire members of Igbega Apapo Oyo State (IAOS), I extend my warmest wishes to you, sir. “Your unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Oyo State continues to inspire us all. Your transformational leadership, humility, and deep commitment to the welfare of the people have set you apart as a beacon of hope and a true servant of the masses. “As you celebrate this special day, we pray that God continues to grant you wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Oyo State towards greater heights. May your life always be filled with joy, fulfillment, and the love of the people whose lives you have positively impacted. “Happy 57th birthday, Your Excellency! May your new year be as remarkable and impactful as the legacy you are building. “I am deeply committed to taking over the mantle of leadership from you and continuing the remarkable work you started at the end of your second term as allowed by the 1999 constitution. Thank you for standing by your word and making it clear that you are paving the way for the younger generation. I have positioned myself to be of service, driven by your commitment to empower the youth. As a strong supporter of your political vision, I have contributed my resources without seeking anything in return, motivated solely by the desire to see Oyo State thrive. “I pray that God continues to endow you with the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that you have graciously shared. I wish you long life and prosperity, sir.”

Hon Segelu Celebrates Baale Of Eleruko Village At 40

December 9, 2024 by admin

The Chairman/CEO of YSEG Hotels and Suites Ibadan and Chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has congratulated the Baale of Eleruko Village in Lagelu Local government Area of Oyo State, Chief Tosin Oladimeji Segelu, on his 40th birthday. In a statement he issued to felicitate the Chief, Hon Segelu commended the Baale for his commitment and efforts in trying to make a difference as the Baale of Eleruko Village. He said: “Happy 40th Birthday to my amazing younger brother! As you embrace this milestone, I want to commend you for stepping into the role of Baale in our village. Your dedication and passion for our community are truly inspiring, and I admire your commitment to making a difference. “May this new chapter bring you joy, wisdom, and plenty of memorable moments. Here’s to celebrating you today and all the positive impact you will continue to make in the community. “Wishing you many more years of success and happiness.”

Hon Segelu Mourns Late Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello

December 8, 2024 by admin

A Germany-based Nigeria-born business entrepreneur, Hon Olayinka Segelu, has expressed grief over the demise of renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello. The popular Islamic scholar died on Friday at the age of 84. Hon Segelu, a governorship aspirant for the 2027 election in Oyo State, described the highly revered cleric as a fearless preacher who was always standing on the side of the truth. In a statement he personally signed and make available to newsmen in Ibadan, the business tycoon said the death of the Islamic figure was a great loss to Oyo State and Nigeria at large. Hon Segelu’s statement reads: “I express my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello on the shocking and painful death of the great and prominent Ibadan-born Islamic scholar. “I grew up to know Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello as a bold, courageous and fearless preacher with great wisdom and a very deep understanding and wide knowledge of Islam. He lived a life worthy of emulation, and dedicated to the service of Allah and humanity. “The well respected cleric inspired many with his style of preaching. He was a great source of inspiration to many. He never shied away from speaking the truth to power. He would always say things as they are without minding whose ox is gored. He never compromised his integrity. He was an embodiment of the virtues of Islam such as honesty, generosity, forgiveness, humility, discipline and compassion. “Praise be to Allah, he was blessed to attain the ripe age of 84, departing this world on a Friday, a day of great significance. May Allah grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and provide comfort to us all as we navigate this profound loss.”