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...
Jude Bellingham becomes world's most-expensive 17-year-old after joining Borussia Dortmund in a £25m deal
Borussia Dortmund has unveiled the signing of Jude Bellingham from Birmingham in a £25million deal. The English footballer, who plays as a midfielder has now become the world's most expensive 17-year-old, following his deal to the German club. It is believed Bellingham will earn £52,000 a week after penning the bumper contract which will likely see his former club earn in excess of £30m should certain performance targets be met. The Bundesliga giants confirmed the capture in a social media post that shows several players welcoming the new addition by signing along to the famous Beatles hit Hey Jude. Dortmund sporting director, Michael Zorc, has expressed his delight with the signing, saying: 'Jude Bellingham has decided with absolute confidence to pursue his career at Borussia Dortmund. The primary motivation behind his decision were the prospects on the pitch we were able to offer him. 'He has enormous potential, which we will continue to develop together with him over the coming years. He already boasts astonishing quality with and without the ball and has a strong mentality to boot. 'Jude will immediately strengthen our first-team squad, but we will certainly give him all the time he needs to adapt to the higher level of play.' In a statement, Bellingham revealed his excitement after joining the Bundesliga club and thanked his former club where he kicked off his career. 'I can’t thank Birmingham City enough for what they have done for me, not just this season, but since the age of seven,' he said. 'Of course, I wish everyone associated with the club nothing but the best. Once a blue, always a blue. However, I’m incredibly excited to have joined one of the biggest clubs in Europe. 'The direction they are heading in and how much they help young players improve made its fans when they are back inside one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world – hopefully as an easy decision for me personally and my family. I can’t wait to perform in front of over 80,000 as soon as possible!'
