Category: PM News

President Bola Tinubu has described Major General Adeniyi Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd) as a distinguished patriot, statesman, and elder statesman.

The President said this in an 80th birthday message he personally signed on Friday to celebrate the retired General.

In the statement released by his special adviser on media and publicity, the President said: Today, I join family, friends, associates, and the entire Nigerian military community in celebrating Major General Adeniyi Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd), a distinguished patriot, statesman, and elder statesman, as he marks his 80th birthday.

“General Olanrewaju’s life has been one of uncommon service, courage, sacrifice, and enduring commitment to the Nigerian nation. From his early years as one of the pioneering Lagos indigenes trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy following the creation of Lagos State, to his meritorious rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, he distinguished himself as a brilliant officer, strategic thinker, and disciplined patriot.

“His service record remains a source of pride and inspiration. He served gallantly during the Nigerian Civil War, underwent advanced military training in the United Kingdom, the United States, and India, and went on to hold several strategic command and leadership positions, including Commander of the Corps of Artillery, General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division, and a member of the Provisional Ruling Council.

“His subsequent service as Minister of Communications contributed significantly to the early foundations of the deregulation and modernisation of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

“Beyond his accomplishments in uniform and public office, General Olanrewaju’s life story is also one of resilience, faith, and perseverance. Despite difficult moments during his national service, he remained steadfast, dignified, and committed to humanity and to serving the downtrodden. His eventual pardon and restoration stand as a testament to the enduring value of justice, reconciliation, and national healing.

“As he celebrates this remarkable milestone, I salute his patriotism, his contributions to national development, and his steadfast dedication to Nigeria over several decades.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I congratulate Major General Adeniyi Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd) on his 80th birthday and pray that Almighty Allah will grant him continued good health, peace, strength, and many more years of fulfilment with his family and loved ones.

Prominent politician, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has declared that Governor Seyi Makinde and his political structure, popularly known as “Team Seyi Makinde,” will secure a sweeping victory across all elective positions in Oyo State in the 2027 general elections.

“We will take all political positions in Oyo State without leaving any behind in 2027,” Ajadi stated emphatically.

He revealed that PDP leaders in the state have already intensified strategic consultations aimed at consolidating unity and strengthening the party’s dominance ahead of the elections.

According to him, key stakeholders, including Governor Makinde and the state party leadership, recently held a closed-door meeting to fine-tune the party’s direction.

Ajadi disclosed that during the meeting, party leaders unanimously urged him to contest for the Oyo Central Senatorial seat instead of pursuing his gubernatorial ambition.

He explained that the leaders considered his experience, grassroots appeal, and political exposure as critical assets that would strengthen representation for Oyo Central at the National Assembly.

“They told me the Senate offers a strategic platform where I can contribute meaningfully to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria through effective lawmaking and quality representation,” he said.

Ajadi added that the leaders believe his passion for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, education, industrial growth, and infrastructural development would resonate more strongly at the federal level.

“They emphasised that Oyo State needs vibrant and experienced voices in the National Assembly who can attract federal presence and influence policies that directly benefit the people,” he noted.

He stressed that party leaders prioritised unity and collective sacrifice as key strategies for winning the 2027 elections.

“Politics demands service, loyalty, and strategic planning. The leaders made it clear that the party’s interest and the development of Oyo State must come first,” Ajadi said.

However, in a surprising twist, Ajadi announced that he has officially resigned from the PDP and will pursue his senatorial ambition under a different political platform.

“I have moved on politically, and consultations are ongoing with leaders and supporters. At the appropriate time, Nigerians and the good people of Oyo State will know the platform I will use to actualise my ambition,” he stated.

Sources within the PDP revealed that the earlier consensus arrangement aimed to minimise internal conflicts, promote unity among aspirants, and position the party strongly across the three senatorial districts.

According to party insiders, the proposed consensus candidates included Ajadi for Oyo Central, Adedeji Stanley Olajide for Oyo South, and Shina Abiola Peller for Oyo North, while former Commissioner for Finance, Bimbo Adekanmbi, is being considered for the governorship ticket.

Ajadi praised Governor Makinde’s administration, stating that its achievements have laid a solid foundation for continued political success in the state.

“Our goal is not just to win elections but to sustain growth, empower young people, support businesses, and ensure quality governance reaches every part of Oyo State,” Ajadi added.

Political observers say Ajadi’s growing grassroots influence and strong connection with young people continue to boost his relevance in Oyo State politics.

By Taiye Agbaje

There was drama as Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters accused judge of bias after he was ordered to open his defence in the suit filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly making false claims against the person of President Bola Tinubu.

Sowore made the allegation after the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over Justice Mohammed Umar dismissed his no case submission.

Sowore is the sole defendant in the case in the cyberbullying trial.

DSS had dragged Sowore to court over a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts, in which he allegedly referred to the president as “a criminal.”

But at the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, rather than proceeding to conduct his defence, Sowore opted to make a no-case submission.

Sowore, through his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, argued among others, that no prima facie case was made against him to warrant his being called upon to enter a defence.

Delivering the ruling on Friday, Justice Umar dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission and upheld the argument by lawyer to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, that a prima facie case had been established against him to warrant his being called upon to enter a defence.

The judge, therefore, ordered him to enter his defence against the case already made out against him by the prosecution.

Shortly after the ruling, and following an oral application by Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar, the judge granted audience to the defendant.

While addressing the court, Sowore accused the judge of being bias, alleged that the judge humiliated his lawyer by ordering him to kneel down during one of the court’s sittings.

Sowore said he was not sure he would get justice in the court and asked the judge to recuse himself from the case.

Marshall, who spoke afterwards, re-echoed what his client said and asked the judge to recuse himself.

Responding, the prosecuting lawyer, Kehinde, disagreed with the defence oral application, arguing that such plea could only be made via a formal written application.

Ruling, Justice Umar ordered Abubakar to file a formal application, which he must serve on the prosecution, stating reasons why the judge should recuse himself from the case.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until May 19 for hearing.

(NAN)

After spending two decades shaping some of the most important financial protection laws in the United States, Omo-Oba Olawale Adeyemi Oriola, Esq., says his greatest assignment has now begun: rebuilding home.

A U.S.-based attorney, businessman, and Ijebu-Ode royal from the Olufadi/Obanlefa male Abidagba line of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Oriola has shifted from overseeing global financial regulations to returning home, with a clear commitment to applying his international expertise to the development of Ijebuland.

During his time at the SEC, he contributed to major disclosure rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ensuring that financial advisers and brokers clearly explained fees, risks, and conflicts of interest to clients–without hidden terms or misleading fine print. Notably, he was part of the development of Regulation Best Interest, a landmark rule requiring financial advisers to prioritise clients’ interests above profits or commissions.

He noted that despite resistance from influential groups, regulators remained firm.

“The true test of any institution is its treatment of the most vulnerable individuals under its care,” he said. “People have a right to the truth before investing their money. I assisted in making that a legal requirement. I departed from Ijebu-Ode to gain global experience, and I plan to bring all that I have learned back home.”

For his contributions, Omo-Oba Oriola received the SEC Chairman’s Award–the agency’s highest internal honour–multiple times. Beyond accolades, his career reflects over 20 years of observing how institutions succeed or fail, a perspective he believes aligns closely with the responsibilities of leadership and governance.

However, beyond his international recognition and legal accomplishments, the Ijebu prince says his return home is driven by something far deeper than professional success.

Following the passing of his grandfather, Omo-Oba Fasasi Adebisi Adeyemi, who served for 25 years as Olori-Ebi of the royal family, Oriola led the restoration of the family’s ancestral home, Ule Obanlefa Olufadekemi, located in the Ile Nla Compound, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode.

He described the project not as a display of wealth, but as a commitment to preserving identity, heritage, and family history.

“A family that lets its ancestral home fall apart has quietly surrendered something it can never buy back,” he said.

Today, the restored building stands as a powerful symbol of continuity, proudly bearing the family’s name, crown, and royal heritage at its entrance.

Looking ahead, Omo-Oba Oriola says his broader vision for Ijebuland is anchored on development, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.

He called for full electrification across communities, stressing that reliable power is essential for business growth, education, and retaining young talent.

A prosecution witness, PW15, Ramalan Abdullahi, on Friday, May 8, 2026, narrated before the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja, how a property located at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja, was allegedly purchased for the naira equivalent of N950 million paid in United States dollars.

Abdullahi, a legal practitioner with the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, testified before Justice Maryanne Anineh in the ongoing trial of the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Bello alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N110.4 billion.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the witness told the court that sometime in January 2022, a friend informed him about the property and requested that he conduct due diligence on it.

“I picked a call from my friend who informed me that some agents introduced him to this property to sell and that I can conduct due diligence on it”, he said.

When asked whom he interfaced with as the buyer of the property, the witness said: “Ali Bello through Shehu Bello. The payment of the property was in Naira. Paid in dollars equivalent to 950 million naira.”

Abdullahi further told the court that he prepared and handed over the necessary title documents to Ali Bello.

“I was given a name White Tree Nigerian Limited as the assignee. I prepared the deed of assignment between Palchi Ventures Nigeria Plc and White Tree Nigeria Limited as the assignee for the deed of assignment. And the power of attorney was given to the same party,” he said.

According to him, the instruction to use White Tree Nigeria Limited came from Ali Bello.

“The person that gave me the name of White Tree Limited was Ali Bello,” he said.

Speaking further on the mode of payment for the property, the witness said the entire sum was paid in dollars.

During cross-examination by counsel to the first and second defendants, Abdullahi Yahaya, SAN, the witness confirmed that he had previously testified before the Federal High Court.

Asked whether he received instructions to work for a particular person, he replied: “Yes. I received the instruction from Shehu Bello.”

Under cross-examination by counsel to the third defendant, Z. E. Abbas, the witness stated that he never met Abdulsalami Hudu.

Earlier in the proceedings, Pinheiro informed the court that the matter had previously been adjourned for ruling on pending applications and, if time permitted, continuation of trial.

He further disclosed that the prosecution had served the third defendant’s counsel with an application seeking suspension and stay of proceedings.

Responding, Abbas told the court that the application was not ripe for hearing, noting that it was served on him around 4pm on Thursday, and requested an adjournment till Tuesday.

Pinheiro, however, opposed the request, arguing that the application by the third defendant was similar to that earlier filed by the first and second defendants.

“The third defendant is arguing the same thing. Same prayers. If my application is granted, it will affect their application too because it’s the same prayers. It will save time,” he said.

Abbas disagreed, insisting that their applications were different.

Justice Anineh subsequently ruled that the third defendant could move his application at the next adjourned date.

Thereafter, Pinheiro informed the court that the prosecution wished to withdraw an application dated May 6, 2026.

“My lord, the application I wish to withdraw is dated 6th of May, 2026. We have already argued it,” he said.

With no objection from defence counsel, Justice Anineh granted the application for withdrawal.

Moving his application challenging the jurisdiction of the court, Abbas informed the court that the application, filed on March 23, 2026, sought an order striking out the trial for want of jurisdiction.

“The said application is seeking an order of the court striking out the trial in this court because it lacks jurisdiction,” Abbas submitted, urging the court to grant the application.

In response, prosecution counsel, Adetokunbo, informed the court that the prosecution had filed a 20-paragraph counter-affidavit deposed to by one Abubakar Wara on May 5, 2026, alongside a written address opposing the application.

He argued that the application was fundamentally defective because the applicant was not a defendant in the cases pending before the Federal High Court which formed the basis of his argument.

“My lord, this shows that the foundation of the application is weak and must collapse,” he said.

He further argued that the applicant himself had acknowledged that the charges before Justice Anineh, which bordered on criminal breach of trust, were different from those before the Federal High Court, which bordered on money laundering and other offences.

“So, my lord it is apparent that the two charges are different and distinct,” he submitted.

Adetokunbo also contended that the authorities relied upon by the defence, including FRN vs Agaba and FRN vs Yahaya, were distinguishable from the instant case.

“It is worthy to mention the issue before the court was whether the Federal High Court has the jurisdiction to try money laundering offences, my lord that was the issue and that is not before your lordship,” he argued.

He urged the court to dismiss what he described as “this unworthy application.”

Following the conclusion of arguments and with no re-examination of the witness, Justice Anineh discharged PW15 from the witness box and adjourned the matter till May 22, 2026, for ruling on the three pending applications, and June 16 and 17, 2026, for continuation of trial.

By Azu Ishiekwene

The former Labour Party presidential flag-bearer, Peter Obi, thinks he is Nigeria’s most misunderstood politician. Why is it hard for us to see that his serial party flipping is not a sign of desperation but a tactic of survival for our own good?

Why, even though he has flipped political parties five times in three election cycles, should he be compared to Vice President Atiku Abubakar in political vagrancy? Who is chasing Obi and his new soulmate, former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso? There are three possible answers.

Tinubu’s Hand

The first suspect is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has been accused, rightly or wrongly, of having a hand in Obi’s travails. Apart from Obi’s first defection from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014, three of the other four defections in the last 12 years have been blamed on Tinubu.

By the time Obi defected from PDP to the Labour Party in 2022, with about nine months to the general elections, he had transformed from a contender into an insurgent. He defeated Tinubu in his Lagos base and turned what was supposed to be a two-way horse race into a three-way contest, in which he came third with six million votes. Since then, Tinubu has learnt the hard way not to ignore Obi.

Obi Insurgency

To put an end to Obi’s insurgency, Tinubu allegedly set the Labour Party on fire. He also spread the flame to any other party, including the PDP, where Obi and any other potential challenger might find refuge. According to this argument, Tinubu’s machinations have been achieved mainly through a deadly combination of political proxies and judicial manipulations, leaving Obi with no other option but to run for his life.

Rabiu Kwankwaso’s political wandering has been less fraught nationally. At a point, in fact, it seemed he would join Tinubu’s government a chance that Obi might never have had by the wildest stretch. Even Obi’s casual meeting with President Tinubu in the Vatican later became a source of speculation over a possible deal to save an embattled bank linked to him.

Whichever way you slice it, those who see Tinubu in every bad dream, egged on by the careless comments of some of his aides and party officials, believe he is responsible for the weakened state of Nigeria’s opposition parties.

Author of His Misery

There is a second view of Obi’s inconstancy. Those who hold this view insist that, whatever residual Tinubu effect people may claim, Obi is the author and finisher of his current misery. His desperation is his number one enemy. This argument has never been more salient than in the last week since Obi announced his defection from the ADC to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a party formed nine years ago but registered only three months ago.

Not even Obi’s comment, after he defected to ADC, that he would defect 20 times if necessary, has assuaged the suspicion that, except if he was a hermit in a previous life, he is his own greatest problem.

An ADC source told me on Monday night that in the six months he worked with Obi as members of the same party, he had not seen a more desperate politician. Obi, the source said, couldn’t wait for the party to decide who its flag-bearer would be and could barely hide his impatience.

To give him comfort, the position of the party’s National Organising Secretary was passed over to the former road safety corps marshal, Osita Chidoka, and handed to Obi’s chosen, Chinedu Idigo. Yet, the concern that he could miss the bigger prize troubled him.

ADC. What Changed?

There was nothing that Obi saw in the six months that he was in the ADC that he couldn’t have seen from outside one year before he finally decided to join the party. What is chasing Obi, in particular, is more than Tinubu and desperation combined: it is the fear of a contest. Obi wants the ticket on a platter no contest, no opposition. Both Obi and his aides have denied this many times, but the evidence is not in their favour.

Four years ago when he defected from PDP to Labour, he did so three days before the PDP’s presidential primaries. In Labour, he didn’t have to contest. He was handed the party’s flag. But it would be different this time.

If he had stayed in the ADC long enough, he would have either had to contest (direct primaries, which is a big risk for a politician without party structures) or negotiated with other contestants to be the party’s “consensus candidate” a risk he could not afford.

So, he bailed out. In NDC, his new shelter, he is, as he was in Labour, the biggest act. After years of boasting that he would not play second fiddle, Kwankwaso will eat the humble pie and be content to be the prop and nothing more.

Kwankwaso and the Snake Charmer

What has changed since Kwankwaso said at Chatham House that he could not step down for Obi, adding later that Obi was not only an inferior candidate but that the North was unlikely to vote for him? Just like he did in 2023 when he used the NNPP to mobilise Kano votes for his surrogate governor, his gambit this time is to use Obi to mobilise Igbo votes in Kano to secure his base. Better a king in Kano than a spare tyre in Abuja.

But even that won’t be an easy ride. Already, there’s a video of the Kano chairman of the NDC, Usaini Mai Riga (with a live snake wrapped around his neck), invoking a curse on anyone who might think of contesting the party’s leadership with him. The question, therefore, is not who is chasing Obi and Kwankwaso, but what they are chasing.

Blame the System

Of course, there’s a third, completely different view: that it would be a misnomer to hold party-flipping against Obi or Kwankwaso since, unlike in some other countries, Nigeria’s political parties are not differentiated by ideology they are mere special-purpose vehicles for grabbing power.

Even those who have criticised Atiku’s scandalous record of defections are happy to give Obi and Kwankwaso a pass. They’re in the race, this argument goes, not for themselves, but to find a place to stand to change the country.

That’s not where this argument ends. It insists that no politician in recent times has been haunted by the authorities as vilely as Obi, yet they have found nothing against him, and those haunting him see him as the relatively clean politician they would never be. This was a view strongly expressed in my conversation with an Obi fan who has known him closely for four years.

My response was that politics is messy, and hardly a contest among saints. As vile hauntings go, few have been tested like Atiku, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Natasha Akpoti, Nyesom Wike, President Goodluck Jonathan, or Tinubu in the last 27 years. Yet, each of them has, to a large extent, stood their ground. There comes a point when you have to stand and fight.

Obi has chosen the politics of convenience. Or maybe, like former President Muhammadu Buhari, we’re expecting of him a quality he doesn’t have. In which case, the fault is ours, not his.

Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book,Writing for Media and Monetising It.

By Richard Elesho

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has congratulated Hon. Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency, on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as a courageous leader whose impact continues to resonate across his constituency and beyond.

In a goodwill message by his Information Officer, Segun Asegboyega, the commissioner praised Abejide’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people, noting that his style of representation has been marked by boldness, compassion, and a deep sense of duty.

“At 51, Hon. Leke Abejide stands tall as a shining example of purposeful leadership. His voice has remained firm in defence of his people, and his actions have consistently reflected his passion for development and justice,” Fanwo said.

He added that Abejide’s heroics in public service have not only earned him admiration but have also sparked growing calls from constituents and supporters for his return to the House of Representatives in 2027 to continue his good work.

“His track record speaks loudly. It is no surprise that many are already canvassing for his return to the Green Chamber, as they seek the continuation of a representation that has delivered tangible results and inspired confidence,” he added.

Fanwo prayed for continued strength, wisdom, and good health for the celebrant, expressing optimism that the years ahead will usher in even greater accomplishments.

“On a personal note, I celebrate a man of courage, impact, and uncommon dedication. May your new age bring renewed strength for greater service to humanity,” he said.

The Enugu State Ministry of Health has sealed three illegal health facilities operating without an operational licence within the Enugu South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Sealing the premises on Friday, the Ministry’s Monitoring and Supervision Team, led by the Director of Medical Services (DMS), Dr Chinyere Ezeudu, noted that the ongoing move was meant to improve healthcare delivery.

Ezeudu said the strategic supervision was aimed at evaluating the quality of healthcare services, staff performance, infrastructure, patient management, and compliance with government health policies and standards in various health facilities.

She reaffirmed the state government and the Ministry’s commitment to building a responsive, efficient, and people-centred healthcare system.

The director encouraged health workers to remain dedicated to duty, uphold professionalism, and maintain high standards of patient care.

She commended health facilities that demonstrated excellence in service delivery, while offering constructive recommendations in areas requiring improvement.

According to her, the supervision is not meant to witch-hunt health facilities or their medical staff but to support continuous improvement in healthcare delivery across the state.

Earlier, State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, noted that routine monitoring and supportive supervision remained critical tools for identifying gaps, strengthening accountability, and ensuring that residents receive quality healthcare services at all levels.

“The monitoring/supervisory team’s visit and activities further highlight the determination of the state government led by our health-loving Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to sustain ongoing reforms in the health sector.

“This is meant to ensure that every community benefits from accessible and quality healthcare services,” Ugwu said.

The team moved around some health facilities within the council area interacting directly with healthcare workers and patients, while assessing operational efficiency and service delivery.

Moreover, residents applauded the ministry’s direct oversight, saying it strengthens the health system and restores trust in public, mission-owned, and private facilities.

(NAN)

By Tolulope Oke

The Met Gala, always a night of glitz and glamour, took an unexpected turn this year when fans caught a seemingly awkward exchange between Rihanna and Tyla, leading to wild speculation about a feud brewing between the two pop icons. As the video of the interaction between the pair quickly went viral, it seemed like the perfect storm, the perfect storm of controversy, tension, and rivalry.

The Met Gala Moment: A Viral “Snub”?

The controversy began when a video surfaced from the Met Gala, showing South African singer Tyla standing near Rihanna, but there was no exchange between the two. Fans immediately noticed the awkwardness and began speculating about a possible snub. In a moment that many found telling, Rihanna appeared to ignore Tyla, fueling the flames of a brewing rivalry.

But this wasn’t just about a single awkward interaction. Tyla’s growing success, especially after hitting it big with her chart-topping hits and securing Grammy wins, seems to be rattling some of the established stars in the music world — and Rihanna is no exception. The video, which went viral within hours, had fans questioning the relationship between the two.

Social media erupted in debate, with many wondering if Rihanna was subtly sending a message with her lack of engagement. Was this an isolated moment, or a sign of underlying tension?

Tyla Responds: A Calm Defense

Tyla wasted no time addressing the growing storm on her social media accounts.

In a heartfelt video, she explained that the interaction was simply an awkward one, noting that Rihanna appeared preoccupied with the event and the chaos surrounding it. Tyla quickly dismissed any rumors of a feud, insisting she respects Rihanna.

Her calm and collected response did little to quell the speculation, however, as the internet continued to buzz about the perceived slight.

Enter Ayra Starr: The Real Twist

As if the Met Gala drama wasn’t enough, Rihanna stirred the pot once again by posting a video to her official social media account, featuring the hit song “Who’s Dat Girl” by Nigerian artist Ayra Starr. Fans were quick to connect the dots. Given the timing, it seemed impossible to ignore the subtext that Rihanna might have publicly endorsed Ayra while ignoring Tyla.

Ayra and Rihanna have always shared a strong bond, with the Nigerian singer often crediting the Umbrella hitmaker as one of her biggest inspirations. The two have been seen together at various events and have repeatedly shown support for each other. Ayra even referred to Rihanna as a “big sister” in an interview earlier this year, cementing their close friendship.

But this post, paired with the ongoing drama surrounding Tyla raised some serious questions. Could Rihanna’s use of Ayra’s track be seen as a subtle jab at Tyla? Fans quickly began adding their own twists to the situation, with some interpreting the choice of song as a direct way of elevating Ayra while undermining Tyla.

The Fans Weigh In: A Growing Narrative

Despite the public respect between Tyla and Ayra Starr, fans have continuously pitched them against each other, with Tyla’s meteoric rise being compared to Ayra’s long-standing success. Even though neither artist has publicly acknowledged any rivalry, the perception of competition has been fed by fans and the media. With Ayra Starr’s Grammy nomination this year, which she lost to Tyla, the stakes have only grown higher.

While the two artists have kept things professional, their respective fanbases continue to stoke the flames of comparison, with many seeing Tyla’s Grammy wins as a challenge to Ayra’s position in the music world.

For now, the tension between the three women continues to simmer beneath the surface. Rihanna’s actions, Ayra and Tyla’s resilience all make for a story that is far from over. The underlying rivalry, whether intentional or not, is becoming one of the talked-about subjects in music today. And with fans constantly feeding the fire, this may just be the beginning of what could turn into one of the most fascinating and complex stories in the music industry.

Nollywood powerhouse Iyabo Ojo has delivered one of the year’s biggest cinematic hits, as her action-thriller The Return of Arinzo continues its impressive box office run, raking in a staggering 333.8 million, and still counting.

The film, released in Nigerian cinemas on April 3, 2026, has maintained strong momentum weeks after its debut, drawing massive audiences and reinforcing Nollywood’s growing commercial strength both locally and across West Africa.

Celebrating the milestone, the film’s team credited its success to fans who have turned out in large numbers.

“A whopping 333.8 million in the box office bag, and this is only possible thanks to you–our amazing audience. Thank you, West Africa, for showing up and showing out,” the statement read.

Directed and produced by Iyabo Ojo, The Return of Arinzo is a high-stakes sequel to her earlier project, Arinzo. The film blends action, suspense, and political intrigue into a gripping narrative that has kept viewers glued to the big screen.

The story follows a rising actor who returns to Nigeria with his fiancee to support his father’s presidential campaign. However, his homecoming reopens a 17-year-old political scandal and uncovers buried secrets surrounding the presumed death of Arinzo. As tensions escalate, the characters are drawn into a dangerous web of betrayal, revenge, and power struggles, with the film exploring themes of identity and the cost of ambition.

The supporting cast features notable names such as Uzor Arukwe, Bimbo Akintola, Yinka Quadri, and Enioluwa Adeoluwa, while international appeal is bolstered by Ghanaian actor Adjetey Anang and Tanzanian music star Juma Jux.

Distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the film is currently showing in cinemas across Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia, where it continues to attract strong ticket sales. Its reach has also extended beyond Africa, with screenings ongoing at selected Odeon cinemas in the United Kingdom.

In a further push for global recognition, The Return of Arinzo is set for international premieres in Toronto on May 9 and Winnipeg on May 10, with an American tour scheduled to begin on May 15.

Industry analysts say the film’s performance highlights Nollywood’s expanding footprint and the increasing global appetite for African stories with strong cultural and commercial appeal.