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Between Abiola Kosoko and Jide Kosoko: The Oloja of Lagos pugna -TheKayodeBadmus

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Between Abiola Kosoko and Jide Kosoko: The Oloja of Lagos pugna -TheKayodeBadmus

Just as everyone continues to raise concerns about the drama going on in Ijebu and its quest for a new Awujale, the announcement of a new Oloja of Lagos greeted us days ago. The Kosoko family announced legendary actor, Jide Kosoko as the Oloja-elect, a decision which threw observers in a frenzied mood.

For starters, the Oloja of Lagos which was historically known as Oloja Ereko is the traditional Minister of Commerce in Lagos. The Oloja handles markets, trade and other economic activities occurring in Eko. The title dates back to the days of Oba Kosoko who reigned as Oba of Lagos from 1845 to 1851 when he was deposed by the British for refusing to sign an agreement putting an end to slave trading. What followed was an outright war with British forces invading Eko with war boats in what is known as Bombardment of Lagos or Reduction of Lagos. Yoruba people called it Ogun Ahoyaya (boiling cannons) or Ogun Agidingbi. Kosoko after the falling of his empire then fled to a part Ijebu with his followers. The place is known as Epe this day. He was replaced with Oba Akitoye whom Kosoko had coincidentally deposed himself to emerge king…(story for another day).
Years later, following several diplomatic agreements, Kosoko was allowed to return to Lagos but not as Oba. He was granted the honour to hold an economic office titled Oloja of Ereko.

Now back to the present day…the last Oloja of Lagos was Chief Adebola Ige who passed on in December 2017. Following his death, several disagreements arose within the Kokoko family which made the family set up a peace and reconciliation committee. This committee was headed by actor Jide Kosoko. After various processes, including a well-reported peaceful electoral process, Prince Abiola Kosoko; grandson of Olojo Kosoko, who was the first son of Oba Kosoko unanimously emerged as candidate for the vacant stool. He was subsequently introduced to the public by the head of the family, Alhaji Mutiat Alli-Balogun on December 31, 2020.

Then the waiting period began.

For five years, the Kosoko family continually beseeched the Oba of Lagos and the Lagos State Government to ratify and confirm the Oloja-elect, Abiola Kosoko as the substantive Oloja of Lagos. This was consistently ignored over time.


Abiola Kosoko, a Lagos State Polytechnic graduate and tourism expert is the founder of Origin Zoo and Gardens, Nigeria’s first privately owned animal park. Over the last five years, the Oloja-elect and the Kosoko family have tried to get an installation but they kept hitting a brick wall.

Somebody in the know hinted me that the Oloja-elect didn’t have the support of the Iga Iduganran palace because the Oba doesn’t have a particular liking for him. This cannot be independently verified though, but Abiola Kosoko who doubles as the Alashe of Ebute-Iga in Ikorodu kept waiting with hopes that his installation would happen soon.

However, while he waited, he ensured the resuscitation of the Kosoko heritage. Abiola Kosoko led the refurbishment of the Kosoko Palace and established it into the Kosoko Memorial Museum which was commissioned on April 4, 2024 by the then Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John. Artefacts and war relics used by Oba Kosoko who owned a personal army were adopted into this new museum which is now one of Lagos’s top tourism centres. Afrobeats superstar and one of the descendants of Oba Kosoko, Adekunle Gold is a frequent advocator of this museum where he also shot a video for one of his hit tracks, ‘Don Corleone’ last year.

Furthermore, Abiola Kosoko has over the years partnered with different local and international bodies to promote the Kosoko legacy, Lagos as a cultural hub and indeed Nigeria’s tourism economy. In August 2025, the museum hosted a delegation of the United States of America mission in Nigeria headed by the Consul General, Mr Rick Swart while advocating for partnerships between the Kosokos and the US mission. He also parlied different parastatals of the Lagos State government who as well recognised him as the Oloja-elect.
What begs the question however remains, who did Abiola Kosoko offend? Who has continued to prevent his installation as Oloja of Lagos?

In a shocking twist, Lagosians woke up to news days ago that veteran thespian and prominent member of the Kosoko dynasty, Prince Jide Kosoko has been selected as the next Oloja. While nobody saw this coming, it is surprising because the filmmaker was a part of the process that led to the emergence of Prince Abiola. Even more surprising is the fact that the head of the family who raised Prince Abiola’s hand as the family’s choice on December 31, 2020, 95-year-old Madam Mutiat Alli Balogun is the same person who has now endorsed Prince Jide’s emergence.
It now appears the selection of Prince Jide Kosoko has Iga Idugaran backing as insiders say his installation would be concluded very soon. But again, nobody has offered explanation as to what happened to the former Oloja-Elect, Prince Abiola Kosoko or what his offences were.

-TheKayodeBadmus

NTDA, Culture Ministry Align on Strategy to Strengthen Nigeria’s Global Tourism Position

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NTDA, Culture Ministry Align on Strategy to Strengthen Nigeria’s Global Tourism Position

The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Olayiwola Awakan, paid a working visit to Hannatu Musa Musawa, Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, as part of ongoing efforts to align policy direction, operational priorities, and long term strategy for Nigeria’s tourism sector.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the NTDA to brief the Minister on its current initiatives and forward looking plans, with particular emphasis on boosting inbound tourism, expanding Nigeria’s visibility at major global tourism markets, and reshaping how the country’s story is told internationally. Discussions centred on presenting a more accurate and compelling narrative of Nigeria, one that reflects the nation’s cultural depth, creative energy, people, and diverse destinations.

Tourism was highlighted as more than a leisure industry, but as a strategic platform for national cohesion, economic inclusion, and renewed confidence. Both parties acknowledged the sector’s potential to create jobs across regions, support creative and cultural industries, and strengthen Nigeria’s global image through authentic experiences rather than stereotypes.

The Honourable Minister commended the progress recorded by the Authority and reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support for its mandate. She noted that direct engagement with Nigeria often changes perceptions, as visitors encounter the country’s warmth, diversity, and shared humanity, qualities that are rarely captured by headlines alone.

The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, alongside senior officials from both institutions. Together, they agreed on the need for deeper coordination and sustained collaboration to position Nigeria as a welcoming, market ready, and unified tourism destination.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to open Nigeria more confidently to the world, unlock opportunities across all regions, and build a tourism ecosystem that delivers value for communities, creatives, and the wider economy.

NTDA, Culture Ministry Align on Strategy to Strengthen Nigeria’s Global Tourism Position

Ranks-Staff
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0

The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Olayiwola Awakan, paid a working visit to Hannatu Musa Musawa, Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, as part of ongoing efforts to align policy direction, operational priorities, and long term strategy for Nigeria’s tourism sector.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the NTDA to brief the Minister on its current initiatives and forward looking plans, with particular emphasis on boosting inbound tourism, expanding Nigeria’s visibility at major global tourism markets, and reshaping how the country’s story is told internationally. Discussions centred on presenting a more accurate and compelling narrative of Nigeria, one that reflects the nation’s cultural depth, creative energy, people, and diverse destinations.

Tourism was highlighted as more than a leisure industry, but as a strategic platform for national cohesion, economic inclusion, and renewed confidence. Both parties acknowledged the sector’s potential to create jobs across regions, support creative and cultural industries, and strengthen Nigeria’s global image through authentic experiences rather than stereotypes.

The Honourable Minister commended the progress recorded by the Authority and reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support for its mandate. She noted that direct engagement with Nigeria often changes perceptions, as visitors encounter the country’s warmth, diversity, and shared humanity, qualities that are rarely captured by headlines alone.

The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, alongside senior officials from both institutions. Together, they agreed on the need for deeper coordination and sustained collaboration to position Nigeria as a welcoming, market ready, and unified tourism destination.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to open Nigeria more confidently to the world, unlock opportunities across all regions, and build a tourism ecosystem that delivers value for communities, creatives, and the wider economy.

Global Smartphone Use Hits 5.3 Trillion Hours in 2025 as Emerging Markets Drive Growth

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Global smartphone usage reached a new high in 2025, with users spending a combined 5.3 trillion hours on iOS and Android devices worldwide. This represents a 3.8 percent increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the continued expansion of mobile-first lifestyles across both developed and emerging markets.

The figures are drawn from the State of Mobile 2026 report released by Sensor Tower, a leading authority on mobile data and digital consumption trends. The report tracks time spent across applications, services, and platforms, offering a clear picture of how deeply smartphones are embedded in daily life.

India emerged as the world’s largest mobile market by time spent, accounting for an estimated 1.23 trillion hours in 2025. Its lead reflects a combination of population size, affordable data access, and the rapid growth of mobile entertainment, payments, and social platforms. Indonesia followed in second place with 414 billion hours, while the United States ranked third at 385 billion hours, driven by high smartphone penetration and sustained engagement across streaming, social, and productivity apps.

Brazil placed fourth with 301 billion hours, highlighting Latin America’s strong mobile culture, while Russia ranked fifth at 200 billion hours. Mexico followed with 175 billion hours, closely trailed by Pakistan at 169 billion hours. The Philippines recorded 153 billion hours, reflecting its reputation as one of the world’s most socially active mobile markets. China Mainland ranked ninth with 148 billion hours, a figure shaped by its regulated but highly developed app ecosystem. Nigeria completed the top ten with 129 billion hours, reinforcing Africa’s growing importance in global mobile consumption.

Together, these markets illustrate a clear shift. Growth is no longer concentrated only in high-income countries. Instead, emerging economies with young populations, expanding connectivity, and mobile-first digital habits are increasingly shaping global usage patterns. As smartphones continue to serve as primary tools for communication, entertainment, commerce, and work, total time spent is likely to keep rising, even as growth rates gradually stabilize.

The 2025 data confirms one central reality: mobile is no longer just a channel. It is the dominant environment through which much of the world now experiences the digital economy.

Omije Ojumi Laid to Rest as Family Phone Call Sparks Emotional Confrontation at Burial

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Omije Ojumi Laid to Rest as Family Phone Call Sparks Emotional Confrontation at Burial

What began as a quiet burial for late Nigerian gospel singer Evangelist Bunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye, widely known as Omije Ojumi, took an unexpected turn when a tense exchange involving her son unfolded in full view of mourners.

The burial ceremony, held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos, drew family members, colleagues, and sympathizers dressed in white to bid the singer a final farewell. The mood was solemn until a sudden disruption shifted attention away from the rites.

According to footage later aired by Asiwaju TV, the incident was triggered by a phone call that came in shortly before the emotional outburst captured on video. An attendee at the burial, identified by witnesses as the sister of Omije Ojumi’s alleged husband, announced to the gathering that the singer’s children were receiving a call from a man claiming to be their biological father.

In the recording, the caller introduced himself as the children’s father and said he wished to pay his last respects to Omije Ojumi. He further alleged that the late singer had prevented him from having access to the children for several years. His remarks were delivered over the phone as mourners listened.

The children reportedly refused to take the call directly. In response, the alleged husband’s sister placed the phone on loudspeaker so the message could be heard. Moments later, Omije Ojumi’s young son reacted visibly, expressing anger and rejecting the man’s claim in a manner that stunned those present.

The scene, which was captured on video and rapidly circulated online, transformed the burial from a private moment of grief into a public spectacle. As the clip spread across social media, it prompted widespread debate and speculation, with many Nigerians questioning the circumstances that led to such a confrontation on a day meant for mourning.

Subsequent reports suggest that the outburst was less a spontaneous act and more the result of long-standing family tensions brought to the surface at an inopportune moment. What remains clear is that a personal dispute, aired publicly, overshadowed the final farewell of a beloved gospel singer and left mourners grappling with an emotionally charged aftermath.

Veteran Actor Jide Kosoko Emerges Oloja of Lagos-Elect, Awaits Traditional Installation

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Veteran Actor Jide Kosoko Emerges Oloja of Lagos-Elect, Awaits Traditional Installation

Veteran Nigerian actor Jide Kosoko has been declared the Oloja of Lagos-elect, marking a significant cultural milestone for the respected screen icon and community leader.

The declaration positions Kosoko to assume the traditional role following the completion of customary rites. In line with long-standing palace protocols and Lagos State traditions, he now awaits formal installation and capping by the Oba of Lagos, a process that confers full recognition and authority.

The Oloja title carries deep historical and communal importance, symbolizing stewardship, continuity, and service within Lagos’ traditional structure. Kosoko’s emergence reflects a convergence of cultural heritage and contemporary public life, underscoring the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in modern society.

Widely admired for a career spanning decades in film, television, and theatre, Kosoko has also been an active participant in civic and cultural advocacy. His selection is being received as a nod to experience, public trust, and a lifelong commitment to Yoruba culture.

Upon installation, the Oloja of Lagos-elect is expected to work closely with palace institutions and community stakeholders, contributing to the preservation of customs while supporting social harmony across the city.

Ranks Africa Acquires BestofLagos, Rebrands as TOHO Nigeria – Premier Tourism & Hospitality Platform

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Ranks Africa Acquires BestofLagos, Rebrands as TOHO Nigeria – Premier Tourism & Hospitality Platform

Ranks Africa, a leading Pan-African ratings and media company, has officially acquired the BestofLagos platform and rebranded it as TOHO Nigeria, a comprehensive hub dedicated to tourism and hospitality insights, media, policy, rankings, and business engagement across Nigeria and Africa.

As part of this expansion, Ranks Africa will also publish a dedicated Tourism & Hospitality Print Magazine (Nigeria & Africa) under the TOHO Nigeria ecosystem. The magazine will spotlight destinations, hotels, restaurants, chefs, creatives, operators, investors, and policymakers shaping Africa’s tourism and hospitality economy, while serving as a permanent reference for industry excellence and sector growth.

TOHO Nigeria is positioned to become the go-to platform for the Nigerian and African tourism ecosystem, combining data-driven insights, sector analysis, industry recognition, and networking opportunities.

TOHO Nigeria is set to become the go-to platform for the Nigerian and African tourism ecosystem, combining data-driven insights, sector analysis, industry recognition, and networking opportunities. Key pillars of the platform include:

  • Directory & Rankings – Highlighting top hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tourism-driven service providers across Nigeria and Africa.
  • Insights & Policy – Providing research, policy guidance, and strategic recommendations to inform stakeholders and government agencies.
  • Media & Content – News, feature stories, and spotlights celebrating achievements across the tourism, hospitality, and creative industries.
  • Awards & Recognition – Honouring excellence in tourism, hospitality, and creative-driven tourism initiatives.
  • TOHO Business Events – Hosting conferences, networking sessions, expos, and masterclasses to connect industry leaders, investors, and emerging talent.

Under the new structure, TOHO Nigeria aims to strengthen public-private partnerships and collaborate with government bodies, tourism agencies, and international stakeholders to grow Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector. The platform will also serve as a resource for policy advocacy, sector benchmarking, and promotional campaigns that elevate Nigeria as a premier destination for both domestic and international travelers.

TOHO Nigeria is more than a media or ratings platform — it is a strategic hub for insight, recognition, policy conversation, and business growth within the tourism and hospitality ecosystem,” said [Founder/CEO Name], Ranks Africa. “Through TOHO and our Tourism & Hospitality Print Magazine, we are building a credible platform that spotlights excellence, attracts investment, and supports long-term sector development.

With this acquisition, Ranks Africa and TOHO Nigeria are set to redefine how tourism and hospitality excellence is measured, documented, promoted, and celebrated, creating meaningful opportunities for businesses, creatives, destinations, and policymakers across Nigeria and Africa.

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact:
info@toho.ng

The Woman Behind the Final Moments of IShowSpeed’s Ghana Livestream

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The Woman Behind the Final Moments of IShowSpeed’s Ghana Livestream

The woman briefly seen in the closing moments of IShowSpeed’s widely viewed Ghana livestream is Hamamat Montia, a figure whose career spans pageantry, fashion, entertainment, and indigenous enterprise.

Hamamat first rose to national prominence after winning Miss Malaika Ghana in 2006. She followed this with a continental title as Model of Africa Universe in 2007, establishing herself as one of Ghana’s most recognizable faces in fashion and beauty at the time. In 2008, she was selected as one of two models to represent Ghana at the now-defunct M-Net Face of Africa, broadcast on DStv in South Africa. Hamamat advanced to the final round of the competition, where her compatriot Kate Techie Menson ultimately emerged as the winner.

Beyond pageantry, Hamamat’s career intersected with global music and fashion. Through her personal and professional network, she played a quiet but notable role in introducing Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie to international star Akon, who expressed interest in signing the artist around 2010. At the time, Hamamat was signed as a model under Akon’s Konvict brand and featured prominently in campaigns for his clothing line, Konvict Wear.

In recent years, Hamamat has redirected her public profile toward cultural preservation and indigenous entrepreneurship. She is the founder of Hamamat African Village, a Ghana-based enterprise focused on shea butter processing, beauty products, and heritage education. Central to this vision is her Sheabutter Museum in Accra, a cultural space dedicated to documenting the history, craft, and economic value of shea production in Africa.

The impact of global visibility was made clear following IShowSpeed’s livestream. Within 24 hours of being featured, the Sheabutter Museum was fully booked through March 16, drawing renewed local and international attention to the centre and its mission. The surge underscored how contemporary digital exposure can rapidly translate into cultural and economic value for heritage-focused institutions.

Hamamat Montia’s story illustrates a broader lesson within the creative and cultural economy. Excellence alone is often not enough. Strategic visibility and the right platform can amplify years of work, turning quiet legacy projects into globally recognized destinations.

Strategic Partnerships Drive Lagos’ Push as Africa’s Leading Tourism and Creative Capital

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Strategic Partnerships Drive Lagos’ Push as Africa’s Leading Tourism and Creative Capital

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, is sustaining a deliberate and results-oriented agenda to position Lagos as Africa’s foremost destination for tourism and the creative economy.

On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, the Commissioner convened a high-level strategy meeting with Itohan Barlow-Ndukuba, Vice President for Growth and Partnerships at Rolling Stone Africa, and Bola Balogun, Chief Executive Officer of Glam Brand Agency. The engagement brought together key stakeholders whose work spans global media, branding, and cultural storytelling.

Discussions centred on advancing authentic African narratives, strengthening diaspora engagement, and developing global partnerships capable of amplifying Lagos’ creative output on international platforms. The meeting explored practical pathways for showcasing the State’s cultural assets, creative talent, and tourism offerings to wider audiences, while aligning these efforts with global media standards and distribution networks.

This engagement reflects the State Government’s broader commitment to repositioning tourism as a strategic economic pillar. By leveraging culture, arts, fashion, music, film, and heritage, Lagos is working to deepen its cultural influence while creating sustainable opportunities for creatives, entrepreneurs, and investors across the value chain.

Operating within the wider development vision of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State continues to evolve as a city defined by innovation, inclusiveness, and cultural confidence. The administration’s focus on structured partnerships and global collaboration is designed to preserve the State’s diverse identity while positioning it competitively on the world stage.

Through targeted engagements such as this, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is laying the groundwork for long-term growth, increased international visibility, and a creative economy that contributes meaningfully to Lagos’ economic resilience and global reputation.

Lagos State, MTN Partner to Transform Obalende Under-Bridge into Y’ELLO Bus Park

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Lagos State, MTN Partner to Transform Obalende Under-Bridge into Y’ELLO Bus Park

The Lagos State Government is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with Lagos State Government and MTN Nigeria to redevelop and transform the Obalende under-bridge into a modern, well-organised transport facility to be known as the Y’ELLO Bus Park.

This intervention will reclaim a space long associated with congestion, disorder, and safety concerns, converting it into a functional, secure, and community-focused transport hub. The project is designed to deliver an organised and regulated bus terminal, supported by a recycling drop-off station, a dedicated road camp for Lagos Waste Management Authority sweepers and security agencies, more than 60 public toilet fixtures, kiosks, and other essential amenities that directly serve commuters, transport operators, and nearby residents.

Safety, public health, and visual quality are central to the design. Solar-powered lighting will significantly improve night-time visibility, reduce blind spots, and strengthen CCTV coverage across the facility. These measures are expected to deter criminal activity and enhance overall security within the Obalende corridor. To address sanitation sustainably, a biodigester system will manage wastewater generated on-site, while a dedicated recycling station will help curb indiscriminate waste disposal and promote responsible environmental practices.

In line with the State’s climate and sustainability commitments, the project includes the installation of solar panels to support long-term energy efficiency and lower the facility’s carbon footprint. Tree planting is also planned to improve air quality, provide natural shading, and enhance the overall appearance of the environment.

The Y’ELLO Bus Park represents a broader commitment to reclaiming and reimagining public spaces across Lagos, ensuring they are safe, functional, environmentally responsible, and aligned with the needs of a growing urban population.

Together, we are building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Lagos.

#ThisIsLagos

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