Shockwaves are reverberating across Yorùbáland and the global Yorùbá diaspora following the sudden death of the Baba Ọba (King’s Father) of the famed Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. The late Baba Ọba, Lukman Arohunfale, a revered socialite and traditionalist, passed away under circumstances already sparking fierce controversy. His death comes just days after he publicly accused the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Adéyẹmọ Owoade, of allegedly ordering his courtiers to beat him mercilessly during a recent courtesy visit to the Oyo palace in Nigeria. In a widely circulated voice recording, the deceased recounted how what was meant to be a simple homage turned violent. Although the Baba Ọba had reportedly battled ill health in the past year, growing insinuations suggest that the alleged physical assault may have aggravated his condition, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The palace in Oyo recently denied that s...
Billionaire businessman and father of one of Nigeria's leading fashion designers, Folake Akindele-Coker, Chief Bode Akindele, has died. Late Chief Akindele died on Monday, June 29 at the age of 88. He was a foremost industrialist and the chairman of the Madandola Group of companies. He was until his death the Parakoyi of Ibadan land. He reportedly called his family members for Lunch on Sunday, June 28 before he passed away in the early hours of today. Folake who runs the international fashion brand, Tiffany Amber, is one of his daughters. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.