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Afolabi Olabimtan: Scholar, Politician, and Cultural Advocate

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Born: June 11, 1932, Ogun State, Nigeria

Died: August 2003 (road accident), Ogun State, Nigeria

Afolabi Olabimtan was a Nigerian academic, writer, and politician whose life bridged the worlds of scholarship and public service. Revered for his work in Yoruba literature and African cultural studies, he later became a senator who championed education, culture, and community development.

Early Life and Education

Born into a Yoruba family in Ogun State on June 11, 1932, Olabimtan grew up immersed in the traditions and storytelling that would later shape his intellectual pursuits. From an early age, he displayed a deep fascination with language and culture. He pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, where he earned a doctorate in African Languages—a specialization that anchored his lifelong dedication to Yoruba literature and African studies.

Academic and Literary Career

Olabimtan emerged as one of Nigeria’s foremost scholars of Yoruba literature, publishing works that preserved oral traditions and explored the richness of Yoruba heritage. His research and writings became essential references for students and academics studying African languages and literature.

As a university lecturer and author, he inspired a generation of scholars, emphasizing the importance of indigenous languages in nation-building and cultural preservation. His contributions helped ensure that Yoruba narratives remained a vital part of Nigeria’s literary and academic discourse.

Political Career

With the return to civilian rule in 1999, Olabimtan entered politics and was elected Senator for Ogun West Senatorial District in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. His time in the National Assembly was marked by a commitment to education policy, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development.

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Drawing from his academic background, he worked to strengthen Nigeria’s cultural identity through legislation and advocacy. Colleagues often described him as a “scholar–statesman,” someone who combined intellectual depth with practical leadership.
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Family Life

Afolabi Olabimtan was a devoted husband and father. Though his children have maintained a low public profile, the family has continued to honor his legacy through efforts that support education and cultural development in Ogun State.

Legacy

Olabimtan’s impact endures on two powerful fronts. In academia, his scholarship in African languages and Yoruba literature remains a foundation for researchers and students. In public service, he is remembered as an intellectual who demonstrated that academic excellence can harmonize with effective governance.

His work continues to inspire Nigerian writers, educators, and politicians to value indigenous culture while engaging actively in nation-building.

Death and Tributes

Tragically, Afolabi Olabimtan died in a road accident in August 2003, bringing an abrupt end to a career that successfully united literature and politics. His passing was widely mourned across Ogun State and Nigeria’s academic and political communities.

Tributes from colleagues, students, and political leaders described him as a man of vision and integrity whose life embodied the importance of culture in shaping a nation’s future.

Sources
Nigerian Tribune: “Senator Afolabi Olabimtan: A Scholar-Politician’s Legacy,” August 2003.
Ogun State Government Archives: Profile of Senator Afolabi Olabimtan.

Afolabi Olabimtan remains a symbol of intellectual excellence and dedicated leadership, proving that scholarship and public service can work hand in hand to preserve culture and advance society.

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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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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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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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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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