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...
The Abiola family via a statement released by Tundun Abiola, one of the children of MKO Abiola, the late self-acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, has recounted their ordeal in the hands of some robbers who invaded their residence on Wednesday. Tundun said the gunmen subjected the family “to extreme emotional torture and harassment”. The police in Lagos, however, said they have arrested some suspects and investigation has commenced. She added that the gunmen carted away cash and other valuable items. The statement reads: “The hoodlums subjected the family to extreme emotional torture and harassment and stole cash and other valuable items belonging to the family. “The police have since been informed and the crime is being investigated. We are consoled by the fact that no life was lost in this unfortunate and frightening incident.”The family gave thanks to God and expressed appreciation to those who showed them support across the world. Earlier, it was reported that some men suspected to be armed robbers on Wednesday invaded the Ikeja residence of the late businessman. The criminals carted away valuables including hard currencies. They reportedly gained access to the house through the fence which they also used in escaping. Spokesman of the Lagos police command, Bala Elkana, confirmed the development, adding that some suspects have been arrested while the investigation has commenced. “We have suspects in custody. We have commenced an investigation,” he stated.