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Akinwunmi Ambode: A Profile of Leadership in Lagos State

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Akinwunmi Ambode (born 14 June 1963 in Epe, Lagos State) is a Nigerian public administrator and politician best known for serving as the 14th Governor of Lagos State from 29 May 2015 to 29 May 2019. His single four-year term left a lasting imprint through ambitious infrastructure projects and financial reforms that reshaped Africa’s largest city-state.

Early Life and Education

Ambode grew up in Epe, attending St. Jude’s Primary School and Federal Government College, Warri. He earned a B.Sc. in Accounting from the University of Lagos at the age of 21 and later obtained a master’s degree in Accounting from the same institution.

He broadened his professional outlook with executive programmes at world-class institutions including the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania), and INSEAD Business School.

Civil Service Career

Joining the Lagos State Civil Service in 1988 as an Assistant Treasurer, Ambode spent 27 years in public finance. He rose steadily to become the Accountant-General of Lagos State in 2006, where he supervised the state’s finances, modernised budgetary processes, and introduced tighter financial controls that became a model for other Nigerian states.

Governor of Lagos State (2015–2019)

Elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambode’s administration prioritised infrastructure, urban renewal and security:

Flagship Projects:

Oshodi Transport Interchange – a state-of-the-art multi-terminal bus hub that redefined public transport in Lagos.

Abule-Egba and Ajah Flyovers – easing notorious traffic bottlenecks.

Epe–Lekki Expressway Expansion – boosting trade and access to the emerging Lekki Free Trade Zone.
Urban Regeneration: Major facelift of Oshodi and other key districts, along with upgrades of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

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Security and Technology: Strengthened the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, improved emergency response, and supported tech-driven governance.

Political Turning Point

Despite these achievements, Ambode lost the APC governorship primary in 2018, a pivotal moment that limited him to one term in office. The party subsequently fielded Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who won the 2019 election.

Post-Governorship

Since leaving office, Ambode has maintained a low political profile, focusing on private engagements and public policy advocacy while remaining an influential voice in Lagos politics.

Honours and Recognition

Ambode’s reforms and infrastructure drive earned several accolades, including:

Best Governor in Infrastructure Development – BusinessDay Newspaper Awards, 2018.

Recognition from the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) for excellence in public financial management.

Legacy

Akinwunmi Ambode’s tenure combined technocratic expertise with ambitious urban projects, leaving a blueprint for sustainable infrastructure and modern public finance in Lagos State.

Sources
“Ambode’s Achievements as Lagos State Governor (2015–2019).” The Guardian Nigeria, 2019.

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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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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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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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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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