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Akinloye Akinyemi: Nigerian Army Major at the Centre of Two Coup Allegations

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Akinloye Akinyemi (1954–2012), popularly known by the nickname “Sergeant Carter,” was a Nigerian Army Major whose career became inseparable from two of Nigeria’s most controversial coup allegations. His life and trials mirrored the turbulence of Nigeria’s military rule in the 1980s and 1990s.

Early Life and Military Career

Born in 1954 into the prominent Akinyemi family, Akinloye was the younger brother of Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, the internationally respected scholar and former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs. He trained as an officer in the Nigerian Army Signal Corps, the branch responsible for military communications and intelligence. Known for discipline and technical expertise, he rose through the ranks as Nigeria’s political climate became increasingly unstable.

First Coup Allegation: 1987 under Babangida

During the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria faced a series of internal military tensions. In 1987, Akinyemi was arrested alongside several officers for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. The case, widely reported in the Nigerian press, highlighted the deep suspicion and power struggles within the armed forces. Though charged, Akinyemi was not executed, and he eventually regained his freedom—a pattern that would repeat later in his career.

Second Coup Allegation: 1995 under Abacha

Eight years later, during General Sani Abacha’s military government, Akinyemi again faced accusations of involvement in a coup plot. This time, the regime carried out sweeping arrests of military and civilian figures, including former Head of State General Olusegun Obasanjo. Akinyemi was tried by a military tribunal and sentenced to a lengthy prison term. As with many of the accused, domestic and international pressure—including calls from human rights groups—eventually led to commuted sentences and later releases.

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These two arrests made Akinyemi one of the most discussed figures in Nigeria’s history of coup allegations, emblematic of the climate of fear and political intrigue that marked the Babangida and Abacha years.

Public Perception and Legacy

To some, Akinyemi was a victim of Nigeria’s volatile military politics, repeatedly caught in the web of suspicion and authoritarian crackdowns. To others, his name became synonymous with the shadowy coup culture of the era. His enduring nickname “Sergeant Carter,” borrowed from the brash drill instructor in the American TV show Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., reflected both his bold personality and his reputation among peers.

Family and Later Life

Akinyemi’s life stood in sharp contrast to that of his elder brother Bolaji Akinyemi, whose career as a respected diplomat and scholar represented Nigeria on the world stage. This family dynamic underscored the different paths shaped by Nigeria’s complex political environment.

Major Akinyemi passed away in 2012 at the age of 58, closing the chapter on a life that captured the tensions of an era when Nigeria’s military and politics were deeply entwined.

Historical Significance

Akinyemi’s story is more than a personal biography. It illuminates the unsteady balance of power during Nigeria’s years of military rule, when allegations of coups—whether real or perceived—were often used to consolidate authority and silence dissent. His trials remain a reminder of the fragility of governance and the high stakes of political ambition in late 20th-century Nigeria.

Sources
Vanguard Nigeria – “Former Army Major Akinloye Akinyemi Dies at 58” (2012)

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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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