Emotional Drama at Omije Ojumi's Burial: Biological Father Contacts Children via Phone Call

Emotional Drama at Omije Ojumi’s Burial: Biological Father Contacts Children via Phone Call

/by

Drama unfolded during the burial of late Yoruba gospel singer Omije Ojumi (real name Bunmi Akinnanu Adeoye) on Wednesday when a man claiming to be the biological father of her children made an emotional phone call that stunned mourners.

In a now-viral video from the ceremony—where attendees dressed in white paid their final respects—the call came as the family gathered for the rites. The man reportedly stated he wanted to pay his last respects to the deceased before speaking to the children.

Putting the phone on speaker via a family member (as the daughter did not take the call directly), he introduced himself as their father and alleged long-term denial of access by their late mother.

In his words, heard clearly in the footage: “I’m your daddy and I’ve been looking for you. If you remember, I called your school years back when you were at Front Liner. I spoke to you through the school line and told you not to tell your mummy because she wouldn’t allow me talk to you. I don’t know how she found out, but she took police to arrest all the teachers in the school.”

Emotions ran high as the call played out, leaving some mourners visibly uncomfortable during the sensitive moment. The situation has since sparked intense online discussions, with many questioning the timing of the revelation, while others expressed sympathy for the children caught in the family drama.

Omije Ojumi, who passed away after a prolonged illness, was laid to rest amid tears, heartfelt tributes, songs, and celebrations of her life, music career, and sacrifices as a mother. The burial followed earlier cancellations and family resolutions, with her children delivering moving moments like Bible readings and performances in her honor.

Anthony Joshua’s Driver Trial Adjourned to February 25

Anthony Joshua’s Driver Trial Adjourned to February 25

/by

A Magistrate Court in Sagamu, Ogun State, has postponed the trial of Adeniyi Kayode, the 46-year-old driver charged in connection with the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami.

The case was adjourned to February 25, 2026, for further hearing.

Kayode was arraigned on January 2, 2026, before Magistrate Olufunmilayo Somefun at the Sagamu Magistrate’s Court. He faces a four-count charge stemming from the December 29, 2025, crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The charges include:

  • Dangerous driving causing death, contrary to Section 5(1) of the Federal Highways Act, Cap F:135, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as applicable in Ogun State).
  • Reckless and negligent driving, contrary to Section 6(1) of the same Act.
  • Driving without due care and attention, causing bodily harm and damage to property, contrary to Section 7(1).
  • Driving without a valid national driver’s licence, contrary to Section 10(1).

During Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Nijiwe Richard requested an adjournment to enable the duplication of the case file and its transmission to the Office of the Attorney General of Ogun State through the Department of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and in the interest of justice.

Defence counsel Abiodun Olalekan initially opposed the application, stating that the defence was ready to proceed with the trial.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Somefun granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the matter to February 25, 2026.

The defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦5,000,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Background of the Incident

On December 29, 2025, a Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua, his trainer Latif Ayodele, strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami, and driver Adeniyi Kayode collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Ayodele and Ghami tragically lost their lives in the crash, while Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries.

Joshua was treated at a hospital and later discharged, declared clinically fit to continue recovery at home.

The former world heavyweight champion, accompanied by his mother, paid his last respects at a funeral home in Lagos as preparations were made for the repatriation of the bodies. He subsequently travelled to the United Kingdom for their funerals.

A funeral prayer service for Ghami and Ayodele was held on January 4, 2026, at the London Central Mosque.

Both men were integral members of Joshua’s training camp—Ayodele as his long-time personal trainer and close confidant, and Ghami as his strength and conditioning coach. Their sudden deaths sent shockwaves through the global boxing community.

After 22 Years on the Grind”: DJC Hints at Stepping Away from Music

/by

Nigerian afropop artist, songwriter, music producer, and creative coach, well known as DJC has set the music community talking after opening up about a possible shift away from active music practice.

In a heartfelt social media post, the respected creative reflected on his 22-year journey as a professional in the music industry. He described the road as tough and demanding, but also deeply rewarding. His words were honest, reflective, and filled with gratitude, as he hinted at the possibility of stepping back to focus on other areas of life.

DJC who’s also a Grammy Awards voting member, a rare honor that places him among a global circle of music professionals trusted to help shape the most prestigious music awards in the world. Beyond that, he has built a strong reputation as a music producer and coach, known for guiding artists, creatives, and upcoming talents with clarity and purpose.

As an artist, DJC has always leaned into meaning. One of his notable songs, “GNGSU”(God No Go Shame Us),” reflects his spiritual depth and belief in gratitude, destiny, and divine direction. His body of work often blends Afrocentric rhythms with soulful expression, creating music that speaks not just to the ears, but to the heart. This intentional approach is part of what has kept him relevant through different eras of Nigerian music.

To further underscore the breadth of his influence, DJC’s journey has included collaborations with respected acts such as Paul Play, Demmie Vee, Imike and Yetunde Omo Ibadan from MTN Project Fame, as well as Lovn of Mavin Records, among others. Beyond working with recording artists, DJC has also produced sound and music for major campaigns and soundtracks, including political commercials for APC and PDP, brand campaigns for 7UP/Pepsi, and various movie soundtracks. These experiences, have helped shape his understanding of music not just as art, but as a tool for communication, storytelling, and impact across different sectors.

What happens after decades of pouring your life into music? For many veterans, the question is no longer about talent or relevance, but about balance, fulfillment, and sustainability.

While DJC has not made a final announcement about quitting music entirely, his message suggests a season of evaluation rather than an abrupt goodbye. Whether he chooses to step back quietly, transition into a new role, or remain active in a different capacity, his legacy is already firmly established.

One thing is clear. DJC‘s contributions to Nigerian music and the global creative community cannot be erased by time or silence. And whatever direction he chooses next, the industry will be watching with love.

Popular Nollywood special effects artist James Akaie dies in on-set explosion

/by

James Akaie, a well-known Nigerian special effects artist, has died following injuries sustained in an explosion on a movie location in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The tragic incident was confirmed by popular movie director and producer, James Abinibi, in a statement shared on the RockBottom Flix Instagram page on Friday.

According to Abinibi, the explosion occurred during a filming session in a designated effects preparation area outside the main set. Akaie was reportedly experimenting with an unauthorised pyrotechnic setup involving a gas cylinder alongside two assistants when the explosion happened.

Akaie was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. His two assistants sustained burn injuries and were taken to a specialist hospital, where they received immediate medical care. They have since been confirmed to be in stable condition and are continuing treatment.

Popular Gospel Singer Bunmi Akinnanu Passes Away

Popular Gospel Singer Bunmi Akinnanu Passes Away

/by

Popular Nigerian gospel singer Bunmi Akinnanu, best known for her hit song “Omije Ojumi,” has passed away. She died on January 12, 2026, in a Lagos hospital after a prolonged battle with a serious leg ailment.

The sad news was confirmed by her family through a statement shared by fellow gospel artist Ayo Melody on Instagram: “With great sadness we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnanu Adeoye (OMIJE OJUMI), who passed away on 12th January 2026 at a Lagos hospital in Nigeria.” Her death comes after months of public prayers and concern, especially following a widely circulated 2025 video from G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan showing her receiving prayers for her condition.

Bunmi began singing at age 10 and later left a career in banking to pursue gospel music full-time. “Omije Ojumi” became one of her most beloved tracks, resonating deeply with fans across Nigeria, and she released several other impactful songs over the years. She will be greatly missed by the gospel community. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

FG Launches ₦40 Billion CCTV Command Centre for Third Mainland Bridge

FG Launches ₦40 Billion CCTV Command Centre for Third Mainland Bridge

/by

The Federal Government has commissioned a ₦40 billion CCTV control center on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, marking a major advancement in safety, security, and infrastructure management for one of Nigeria’s busiest and most strategic roadways.

The inauguration took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi, who officiated the event, explained that the project is the culmination of extensive rehabilitation works carried out on the bridge since the current administration assumed office in 2023. He described the condition of the bridge at that time as “very terrible,” noting that the Third Mainland Bridge, together with the nearby Carter and Iddo bridges, required thorough structural re-evaluation and repairs both above and below water level.

President Bola Tinubu approved the full rehabilitation program, which included replacement of expansion joints, resurfacing, and other critical upgrades. These interventions have significantly improved driving conditions and extended the bridge’s service life.

The CCTV system itself was first announced in 2025 and is purpose-built to address multiple safety challenges. Its primary goals are to curb reckless and excessive speeding, help prevent suicide attempts, and strengthen overall security on the bridge. Security personnel will monitor live feeds around the clock from the dedicated control centre and actively enforce speed limits. Umahi emphasized that the facility provides complete visibility: “The idea is that we can see everything that is happening on the bridge.” He also used the occasion to urge motorists to strictly obey traffic rules.

To support real-time monitoring and rapid emergency response, the contract includes the handover of one surveillance boat and two Hilux patrol vans to the Nigeria Police Force.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, described the installation as the first of its kind on any bridge in Nigeria. The system enables continuous real-time observation of activities on the bridge and in the surrounding waters. Among its advanced features are 240 solar panels paired with 10 inverters, a 300 kVA transformer, a standby generator, multiple large monitoring screens, and full air-conditioning for operator comfort. The wider scope of works also covers installation of 1,268 solar-powered street lights along the bridge and provision of a borehole facility.

The entire project was awarded at ₦40.17 billion, with roughly ₦36 billion already paid to the contractor. Sunday’s commissioning represents Phase 1; a second and final phase will be inaugurated once the ongoing bridge extension works are completed.

This development reflects the Tinubu administration’s broader commitment to modernizing federal infrastructure in Lagos while integrating sustainable energy solutions and proactive security measures. For the millions who use the Third Mainland Bridge daily, the new control centre promises safer journeys, faster incident response, and a stronger deterrent against dangerous behaviour on one of the country’s most critical transport links.

“I Didn’t Know I Was Being Recorded” – Tiwa Savage Rejects Apology Demand After Tape Leak

/by

.

Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has revealed that she was urged by a Nigerian politician to issue a public apology following the circulation of her leaked private video — a demand she firmly but calmly rejected.

Speaking during a conversation with American radio host Angela Yee, alongside three other women, the award-winning singer reflected on the period following the viral spread of the footage and how she processed the situation.

Tiwa Savage said the call from the politician left her feeling both stunned and confused. According to her, the individual insisted that she owed Nigerians – particularly young girls – an apology over the incident.

She explained that she immediately questioned the basis of the demand, pointing out that she had not released the video herself. In response, the politician reportedly argued that allowing an intimate moment to be recorded was itself inappropriate.

Tiwa countered by clarifying that the man involved was her boyfriend at the time and stressed that she had no knowledge that the recording was being made. She said she was completely unaware of the camera.

Reflecting further, the singer noted that the experience opened her eyes to a broader issue. She questioned how many people may have been violated in similar ways without their stories ever becoming public.

Her comments shed light on the personal impact of the incident and the wider conversation around consent, privacy, and accountability in cases involving leaked intimate content.

Nigerian Literary Icon Chimamanda Adichie Mourns Loss of Young Twin Son

Nigerian Literary Icon Chimamanda Adichie Mourns Loss of Young Twin Son

/by

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, are mourning the tragic loss of their 21-month-old twin son, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in a statement issued by family representative Omawumi Ogbe.

The statement reads: “We’re deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed on Wednesday, 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.

“The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time. We ask for your grace and prayers as they mourn in private.

“No further statements will be made, and we thank the public and the media for respecting their need for seclusion during this period of immense grief.”

The announcement has elicited an outpouring of condolences from fans, literary figures, and admirers worldwide, with many sharing messages of sympathy and support on social media.

Adichie, acclaimed for bestselling novels such as Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, and her essay collection We Should All Be Feminists, has always fiercely guarded her family’s privacy. The couple, married since 2009, welcomed twin boys in 2024, a joyful milestone she revealed quietly in interviews the following year. They also have an older daughter born in 2016.

As the family grieves this unimaginable loss, the global literary community stands in solidarity, honoring the family’s request for space and privacy during this painful time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dr. Ivara Esege, and their loved ones.

Skales Breaks Silence on Controversy Surrounding His Church Testimony

Skales Breaks Silence on Controversy Surrounding His Church Testimony

/by

Afrobeats star Skales has addressed the backlash surrounding his recent testimony at Harvesters Church, admitting his first response might have been hasty while offering a more measured clarification.

During the church service, Skales shared how his career received a major boost when Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal helped revive his 2015 hit “Shake Body,” bringing it back into the spotlight. He thanked God for using Yamal to reignite his musical journey.

Taking to X to respond to critics, Skales posted: “I may have responded too quickly to the concerns raised about my crossover testimony at Harvesters Church. After sitting with it, I felt it was important to respond again. This time with more clarity and less emotion, for the sake of the Body of Christ.”

He stressed that every believer has a unique purpose, whether inside the pulpit or out in the world, and that callings beyond traditional ministry are just as valid and significant.

Defending his decision to share the testimony, Skales argued that professionals in various fields—musicians, filmmakers, athletes, teachers, and more—serve God through their talents and platforms. Referencing 1 Corinthians 12:28, he maintained that openly acknowledging God’s hand in one’s life and career is always appropriate.

Reaffirming his faith, the singer declared he remains unapologetic about publicly testifying to what God has done for him.

“As children of the Lord, we all have our part to play,” he wrote. “I truly believe that those who believe in the Word but are not in the pulpit do not have a lesser calling, just a different assignment. Just because something doesn’t happen from the pulpit doesn’t make it any less significant. Musicians, filmmakers, athletes, teachers, etc. We exist to make life lighter for others. We all function here, serving God through what we’ve been called to do.

“That said, I will never believe that testifying about what my God has done for me is wrong! I’m a child of God, and I have no problem sharing that with the world. 1 Corinthians 12:28.”

Wizkid Inducted as Honorary Member of Lagos Motor Boat Club

/by

Nigerian music star Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has been formally inducted as an honorary member of the prestigious Lagos Motor Boat Club, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most renowned private social clubs.

The induction followed Wizkid’s high-energy performance at the club’s New Year’s Eve gala, where he entertained attendees with his signature Afrobeats repertoire. During a ceremony at the event, the club’s Commodore presented the internationally acclaimed musician with an official certificate of honorary membership and a club hat.

Founded on 23 January 1950, the Lagos Motor Boat Club has long been recognised as a pre-eminent social and boating organisation in the country. It maintains a membership drawn from prominent boat owners, business leaders, and social figures, and has played a continuous role in Lagos’s elite recreational and cultural life for over seven decades.

In accepting the honour, Wizkid joins a roster of distinguished figures associated with the club. The organisation, originally formed by boating enthusiasts breaking away from the earlier Lagos Tarpon Club, has grown to include a wide array of recreational and social activities for its members throughout its history.

Wizkid’s induction highlights an intersection between contemporary Nigerian entertainment and the long-standing traditions of the Lagos Motor Boat Club, symbolically linking his global cultural influence with one of the country’s notable social institutions.

From breaking barriers on international stages to earning respect within Nigeria’s most prestigious social circles, Wizkid continues to redefine what it means to be a Nigerian artist in the global arena. This latest honor adds another distinguished chapter to his remarkable journey.