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Isaac B. Thomas and the Legacy of Segilola Eleyinju Ege

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The history of Nigerian literature and journalism cannot be told without mentioning Isaac Babalola Thomas (1888–1963), a pioneering journalist and cultural figure whose influence shaped early print media in Lagos. He is remembered not only for his groundbreaking work in journalism but also for authoring what is widely regarded as Nigeria’s first novel, Itan Igbesi Aiye Emi Segilola Eleyinju Ege (The Life Story of Me, Segilola).

Isaac B. Thomas: Journalist and Innovator

Born in Lagos in 1888, Isaac B. Thomas received his early education at Christ School. He rose to prominence as a journalist and publisher during the colonial era. In 1928, he founded the bilingual weekly newspaper Akede Eko, which published in both Yoruba and English, making news accessible to a wider audience in Lagos. A year later, in 1929, he made history again by launching The Nigerian Evening News, the first evening newspaper in West Africa.

Through these platforms, Thomas established himself as a bold voice in Nigerian journalism, addressing issues of colonial life, social morality, and urban politics in a city that was rapidly changing. His editorial style was direct and often sensational, capturing the attention of Lagosians eager for both news and entertainment.

The Story of Segilola Eleyinju Ege

Thomas is perhaps most famous for his serialized story, Itan Igbesi Aiye Emi Segilola Eleyinju Ege, which appeared in Akede Eko before being published as a book. Written in Yoruba, the story follows the life of Segilola, a beautiful but morally conflicted woman who was deeply entangled in Lagos’s nightlife. The narrative portrays her involvement in prostitution and crime, revealing both the allure and dangers of urban life in early 20th-century Lagos.

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The book’s structure was based on a series of letters supposedly written by Segilola herself, giving it a personal and confessional style that drew readers in. Thomas’s use of moral lessons, social critique, and sensational storytelling made the book an instant success. It is widely regarded by scholars as the first full-length novel written in Yoruba and one of the earliest novels in Nigerian literature.

Cultural Impact and Controversy

The Segilola story was not without controversy. Its vivid depictions of immorality shocked conservative audiences, while its serialized format stirred widespread curiosity about the identity of the mysterious Segilola. Many readers debated whether she was a real person or a fictional creation of Thomas. Regardless, the novel opened up conversations about morality, gender, and modernity in Lagos society.

Today, Itan Igbesi Aiye Emi Segilola Eleyinju Ege is considered a landmark in Nigerian literary history. It represents the blending of oral storytelling traditions with modern print culture, while also highlighting the complexities of Lagos as a colonial city where tradition, religion, and modernity often clashed.

A Lasting Legacy

Isaac B. Thomas’s contribution to Nigerian media and literature is enduring. As the founder of influential newspapers and the author of Nigeria’s first recognized novel, he left a dual legacy as both a journalist and literary pioneer. His work with Segilola Eleyinju Ege not only entertained but also shaped the moral and cultural debates of his time.

Through his vision and daring, Thomas bridged the worlds of journalism, literature, and popular culture—cementing his place as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s intellectual history.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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15 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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19 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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19 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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