Entertainment
YEMI FAROUNBI: A COLOSSUS/IDEALIST @80
It is extremely difficult to find words suitable enough to describe this man named AKINYEMI FAROUNBI, but who always prefers to be simply called Yemi Farounbi. I came in contact with this man in 1977 through an uncle, late Babatunde Oyerinde, when he offered me a freelance job that would start me up in life. That was almost five decades ago. We thank God that this generous and amiable “youth” of that period has today joined the octogenarian club. How time flies!
I must say that applying my pen to compose a tribute to this highly celebrated man, Dr Yemi Farounbi, who is not only a boss, but a father-figure to me, is a most arduous task. How best can I, in a single write up, describe him or his numerous accomplishments and impacts on humanity?
Yemi, as he was fondly called by the Late Cicero of Esa-Oke, Uncle Bola Ige, is like a sprawling road: the more you travel on it, the more it extends. Yemi Farounbi is like the elephant explored by a blind man, with each part touched forming an impression and describing the massive beast, based on the part of it he experienced.
Yemi Farounbi in his forte – the media, either as a practitioner; administrator and/or as a teacher, is an all-rounder and a doyen in Communication Arts. A very distinctive personality with the frame and revolutionary posture of
the famous Cuban President, late Fidel Castrol. Sitting under his mentorship was like brooding under the eagle watch of *Orisa nla* . It is not an hidden fact that his revolutionary bent impacted his mentees so profoundly as to provoke the sobriquet – “Radical- in – chief” by a section of the young media entrepreneurs.
Yemi, reputed as an administrator per excellence, was conferred with the national honour of OON by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. His brilliance and outstanding performance at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), earned him this unique recognition. His credentials in Philippines where he served as Nigerian Ambassador also speaks volumes about his ability to maneuver unknown landscapes.
Dr. Yemi Farounbi is a man much sought after by those who love to drink from the reservoir of knowledge that God had bestowed on him.
1992, as a Regional Correspondent of the defunct Champion Newspapers for the West, I was mandated to Osogbo to cover the Social Democratic Party primaries in the newly created state Osun state that produced the late Isiaka Adeleke as the first Executive Governor.
Akinyemi Farounbi presided over the conduct of the party primaries with the full support of the National leadership of the party under Ambassador Baba Gana Kiginbe. I travelled round the 30 local governments in the state to monitor the conductt of the primaries it was an herculean task. I arrived Osogbo late in the evening and headed straight to the party Secretariat along St.Charles Grammar school road. Osogbo township road had been deserted due to tension generated by the party stalwarts in the fierce context that almost thrown the state into political tumoil. Security had been beef up by then Militay Adiministar Col. Leo Ajiborisa and mobile policemen stationed at stategic locations at the state capital. Movement were also restricted except for those on essential duty could move. Commuters and public transport sent off the road to restrict movement with those on essential duty walking long distances. I suffered the same fate. Trekking between 15 to 20 kilomtres before getting to party Secretariat where the results were being collated.
The state received many visitors and virtually all the hotels were fully booked. On my arrival at the party Secretariat another task to get round the security check is another daunting task but for the intervention of Dr. Farounbi who sighted me afar off sent words the police to allow me in that I’m on official assignment to cover the primaries. Since the was on the outskirt of the town, there was no electricity an indication that they to close early. I became apprehensive efforts to secure accommodation failed the hotels are fill to the brim He sensed there was no place to stay for the night since I came from outside the state, he allay my fears when he announced I should come with him we both slept on the same bed with a statement to tease Lanre, you would be my companion and a guard angel for the night…”, the statement was completely lost on me. Not knowing the Master strategist had been tipped off on the plans by politicians to trapped in hotel and lobbied him to play ball by switching ballots. It was an intensive one which lasted hours forth and back deal. All the talks YF as his younger Muyiwa usually reference him refused to be drawn into falsification of results in dispute.
The announcement of the results of the Osun State SDP governorship primary was an intensive one which lasted several hours. In all the talks, Yemi Farounbi, usually fondly referenced as YF by his younger brother, Muyiwa, refused to be drawn into the planned falsification of the results of the primary.
The trump card was quickly dropped to send the lobbying politicians away: Yemi Farounbi announced that he had a journalist guest inside the hotel who should not hear that he was been lobbied to tampered with the rules. This last joker sent off his guests as they all scampered away, in disappointment.
I witnessed the above live and direct; it enabled me see the other side of Yemi Farounbi. Wearing his usual grinning smile on his face, he refused to go under the pressure mounted on him. The full story is for another day.
I hereby seized the opportunity of the occasion of his birthday to call him by his first name, Yemi, the incorruptible politician.
Happy birthday, my incorruptible Oga.
Ogundipe Former President,
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
and African Union of Journalist(AUJ)
writes from Abuja
The Nigerian Army has arrested two serving soldiers over their alleged involvement in an unauthorised deployment during the glamorous wedding ceremony of Nigerian content creator Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, and fellow TikTok personality Jarvis.
According to report, the arrests were made on Tuesday evening following intelligence which indicated that the soldiers participated in an illegal deployment at the celebrity wedding held in Lekki, Lagos State, over the weekend.
The soldiers were apprehended on Tuesday morning as investigations into the incident commenced.
The arrested personnel were identified as 23NA/85/10007 Private Onasanya Ifeoluwa of the 81 Division Medical Services and Hospital (81DMSH) and 23NA/85/7885 Private Ukpai Onyinyechi, also attached to the 81DMSH in Obalende, Lagos.
”Following credible intelligence on the involvement of Nigerian Army personnel in illegal deployment during a popular social influencer’s wedding known as Peller at Lekki, Lagos, the Group arrested 23NA/85/10007 PTE Onasanya Ifeoluwa of 81 Division Medical Services and Hospital (81DMSH) and 23NA/85/7885 PTE Ukpai Onyinyechi of 81DMSH at Obalende this morning.
”Preliminary investigation is ongoing to establish the extent of their involvement and identify other personnel connected with the incident. Further details will be forwarded as the investigation unfolds,” the report said.
The arrests come after videos from the high-profile wedding circulated widely on social media, showing uniformed military personnel providing security around some of the celebrity guests.
One of the videos, which drew significant public attention, allegedly showed a Nigerian soldier acting as a bouncer for TikTok personality Ivanna while escorting her through the crowded venue.
The footage triggered widespread criticism online, with many Nigerians questioning why military personnel were allegedly deployed to a private social event involving influencers and celebrities.
Peller and Jarvis’ wedding, held in Lekki over the weekend, attracted several prominent entertainers, social media influencers and content creators. Videos from the ceremony dominated social media platforms, with large crowds of fans and guests in attendance.
The event became one of the most talked-about celebrity occasions of the weekend, but controversy soon followed after clips surfaced showing men in military uniforms managing access to parts of the venue and escorting some attendees.
The Nigerian Army has repeatedly maintained that serving personnel are prohibited from undertaking unauthorised private security duties or participating in illegal deployments without official approval.
American media mogul Oprah Winfrey has announced that the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in South Africa will close in 2027, marking 20 years since its founding.
The tuition-free boarding school, which opened in January 2007 following a pledge made to former South African President Nelson Mandela, was established to support academically talented girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Under the original partnership agreement, the school campus will be returned to South Africa’s Gauteng Department of Education after the 2027 academic year, while current students will receive full funding to complete their education.
Winfrey plans to transition her support into a new scholarship program designed to expand educational access for more young women across South Africa.
Reflecting on the milestone, the 72-year-old philanthropist praised the achievements of over 1,000 graduates and reaffirmed her commitment to empowering young women through education.
The ancient town of Ilesa came alive on Saturday as eminent personalities from across Nigeria converged on the Ijesa Sports Club premises to witness the historic investiture of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins as the 18th President of the Ijesa Sports Club for the 2026–2028 tenure.
The colourful ceremony attracted an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, political office holders, business leaders, professionals, club members, friends, and well-wishers, all of whom turned out in large numbers to celebrate the new president and usher in a new chapter in the club’s illustrious history.
The event, which formed part of the club’s annual investiture ceremony, also featured the induction of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, as the Grand Patron of the club.
New patrons and members were equally invested, while deserving individuals received awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to society. A fundraising session was also held to support the club’s developmental projects.
Delivering the welcome address, Chairman of the 2026 Investiture Planning Committee, Hon. Kenneth Opebiyi, described the occasion as a historic and epoch making event in the annals of the Ijesa Sports Club, established in 1977.
He warmly welcomed the royal father, distinguished guests, patrons, trustees, award recipients, community leaders, and members, expressing appreciation for their overwhelming support and presence, which added prestige and grandeur to the ceremony.
Hon. Opebiyi noted that beyond the investiture of a new president, the event celebrated excellence, visionary leadership, selfless service, and commitment to community development.
He urged guests and stakeholders to support the transformation agenda of the new administration under the leadership of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins.
According to him, the administration has outlined ambitious plans, including the construction of a standard lawn tennis court and the upgrading of existing sporting and recreational facilities to modern standards, calling on members and philanthropists to partner with the club in achieving these developmental goals.
He also commended members of the Investiture Planning Committee, the Executive Committee, Trustees, Patrons, and the entire membership of the club for their dedication and teamwork, which ensured the successful organisation of the event.
The investiture ceremony concluded on a high note with goodwill messages, networking, entertainment, and renewed optimism that the administration of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins will strengthen the legacy of the Ijesa Sports Club and further promote unity, sports development, and community advancement across Ijesaland.
*© Surrealistic Media Group*
-
Health & Wellness12 months agoPresident Tinubu Directs Cut in Dialysis Cost from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000
-
News1 year agoPICTURE: In Lagos Couple Sentenced to 22½ Years for Cannabis Trafficking
-
Trending News12 months agoNELFUND Disburses ₦86bn To 449,000 Beneficiaries
-
Business4 months agoDangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Gantry Price To ₦1,200 Per Litre
-
International News4 months agoIndian Police Arrest Nigerian Over ₦290m Drug Haul
-
Business4 months agoAfter Plea Bargain, Court Discharges Stella Oduah of ₦2.5bn Fraud
-
Business2 years agoHeritage Bank Customers’ Path to Securing ₦5m Insured Funds: A Step-By-Step Guide by NDIC”
-
Business2 years ago
Dangote; We Did Not Fix ₦600/Litre Petrol Price