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...
Faces of leaders of the coup which forced President Boubacar Keita to resign have been unveiled. The coup was reportedly led by Sadio Camara and Malick Diaw. Malian journalist, Seydou Oumar Traoré said Camara was the ex-director of the military Prytaneum of Kati and had just returned from training in Russia. Malick Diaw is also said to be the Chief of Staff of the 3rd Military Region of Kati. Though it is not clear how many senior officers were involved in the coup, Lieutenant-Colonel Mama Seku Lelenta and Brigadier General Cheick Fanta Mady Dembélé were mentioned. The coup plotters stormed Bamako from their Kati base to arrest many Malian officials. Some of the government officials arrested include President Boubacar Keita, Prime minister Boubou Cisse, Chief of Staff of the National Guard and his Administrative and Financial Director (DAF), Abdoulaye Daffé, Minister of the Economy and Finance, Tiebilé Dramé, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Moussa Timbine, President of the National Assembly.