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Church members avoided me over Muslim-Muslim ticket – Remi Tinubu

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The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says her husband’s decision to run on a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2023 left her isolated in her local church, describing the episode as a “bitter pill” that split her parish and tested her faith.

She made the disclosure in her new 52-page book, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, made available to The PUNCH to mark her 65th birthday.

The five-chapter memoir is arranged by year from 2021 to 2025, with a foreword by Dr. Folashade Olukoya of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.

She recounted, “We kept moving forward with hope in God, and each campaign was interesting despite the fact that all the odds were stacked against him.

“One of such decisions was the unpopular ‘Muslim/Muslim ticket’. My being a Christian did not matter. My local Assembly, Redeemed Christian Church of God, was split.”

The Redeemed Christian Church of God is one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations with sprawling parishes nationwide and across the globe.

She noted that the division only proved the diversity of political leanings in the church.

“I later realised that we are a church like other churches with members of all political parties in attendance.

“I experienced this during my campaign in 2011 for the Senate, when I took my campaign posters to the church, and it was rebuffed.

“After that, I never tried again.

But my husband’s bid for the Presidential Office was different, a bitter pill for them to chew,” Mrs Tinubu added.

The ruling All Progressives Congress’  same-faith ticket in 2022 revived one of Nigeria’s most sensitive political arguments at the time.

Critics, including prominent Christian groups, warned the move could inflame divisions in the religiously diverse country.

However, Tinubu’s supporters countered that competence, zoning and coalition arithmetic should decide the ticket.

The last comparable precedent was 1993, when the SDP fielded Moshood Abiola and Babagana Kingibe.

The First Lady revealed that despite the animosity she faced due to her husband’s decision, she did not change places of worship.

“But I kept attending church, and I thank God I have grown from being a baby to a mature Christian.

“So the little resentment I witnessed from a few was met with the peace of God,” Mrs Tinubu wrote.

According to her, some members of the parish provided her succour despite the antagonism.

“All the same, despite a few who showed hostility, many were encouraging, especially our elders, who would encourage me from time to time with prayers.

“To this end, I am grateful to God and everyone of them, especially those of them who lived to watch the presidential inauguration when the time came. I thank the pastorate also for making arrangements for them,” she added.

“I thank my Local Assembly because most of them made me feel welcome and comfortable enough to come to church whenever I was home from Abuja, where I was still serving as a senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District,” she wrote.

The First Lady added that she could not give up her 15-year stint at the church, from where she rose from being a worker to Assistant Pastor.

Mrs Tinubu said, “I have been a dedicated member of my local assembly since 2007, and that would have been 15 years in attendance.

“Within that time, from the new members class, I graduated from The Redeemed Christian Bible College, also School of Disciples to become a worker, then a Deaconess and later an Assistant Pastor in 2018.”

President Bola Tinubu went on to win the February 2023 election, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, with Kashim Shettima as Vice-President.

The First Lady also said she had forgiven individuals who betrayed her husband during the 2023 election.

She insisted that she had no grudge against anyone and had since chosen peace.

She wrote, “I do not have anything against anyone…the question is how did I not feel the betrayal anymore? I knew the grace factor was evident, and the Holy Spirit continually comforted me. Never to avenge myself, assuring me that it is God’s prerogative. Mine is to thank Him for fighting for us.

“If God decides to fight your battles and you have won, is there any other thing that God missed and you wanted to fix? Nothing, so let it go.”

According to the First Lady, some of her husband’s closest allies were nowhere to be found when he decided to run for office.

She narrated, “He had mused on the idea for over 14 years, and this was where we arrived at a crossroads. Most people I thought would support the idea because of past relationships were not forthcoming.

“After consulting with some of his political allies, he was set to give it a shot. The decision now rested on him to go on or not to. A lot of consultations began.

“Some were favourable, while others were neither here nor there. Some said no indirectly, while others would rather want to see the outcome before taking a position.

“I realised that whatever good you do in life, it is only God who rewards you and not man,” she added.

The First Lady said she drew lessons from the life of Jesus, who went about doing good despite his many detractors.

“Letting go is what I did; doing good is what matters most. Like my Saviour Jesus Christ in Acts 10:38, who, after He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power, went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him.

“So I do not have anything against anyone, and that also shows the frailty of man. Man is not God. We should never put our trust in any man; when they help, it is God using them to be a blessing.

“When they stop, it means their assignment for you from God has ended. Jeremiah 17:5-8. So look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2,” she added.

The First Lady tied her decision to forgive to wisdom drawn from scripture, saying she found release in thanksgiving and in refusing to expect too much from human relationships.

She narrated, “One morning, while I was in the bathroom, the Holy Spirit dropped this Word in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in my spirit man.

“He further explained to me that it is not in some things to give thanks, but in everything, both good and bad.

“Then I realised that this publication’s subtitle will be just that,” she wrote.

A long-time member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, where she rose from worker to Assistant Pastor in 2018, Mrs Tinubu said she has always viewed her political experiences through the lens of her personal devotion to God.

She recalled the backlash she faced within her church community after her husband chose a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2022, describing it as a “bitter pill.”

She continued: “I became free to write without expecting anything from man, but God.

“Also, when the Word of God says we should bless our enemies, not curse them and do good to those who persecute us, and despitefully use us.

“Also, that whatsoever we do, we should do unto the Lord, that with whatever you measure unto others, God will measure back to you. I am at peace, doing all I can to make Nigeria better and greater.”

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Late Actress Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola a.k.a Ireti

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Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola a.k.a Ireti | was One of Nigerian Actress That Should Not Be Forgotten In The HISTORY Of Nollywood Film Industry. One of generation of actors who made home videos popular in the 1990s

Aunty Ireti was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where she also grew up. Aunty Ireti was a producer, film writer, director and an outstanding actress. Unknown to many, her younger relative, Opeyemi Adekola(Not Odunlade)is also an actor and was inspired to take to the thespian art because of his latè aunty. While speaking with Naijarchives, Mr. Opeyemi Ohiomare Adekola explained that the làte Ireti and his own dad were cousins. Mr. Adekola also revealed to us that while both Odunlade Adekola and their family are both from Oyo State, they hail from different parts: Ireti’s own are from Ogbomosho while Odunlade Adekola is from Otun Ekiti. I guess that lays to rest the popular rum0ur that Odunlade Adekola is Ireti’s younger brother. While an actress, the late Ireti was known for starring in many fl|cks alongside Taiwo Hassan aka Ogogo

Following her d£ath, there was a sp0ntaneous outpouring of grief across the nation. On the 30th September, 2002, her body in a glistening white c0ffin was on display for her last public appearance at the National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos before her ßurial. Ireti mentored many actress in her lifetime, grooming them to become stars in their own right, one of whom is Bisi-Ibidapo Obe aka Omo Logba Logba. Ireti was also the role model for Ibironke Ojo aka Ronke Oshodi-Oke.

HOW DID SHE GET THE NAME ‘IRETI’?

In 1993, Jide Kosoko released a movie titled Asiri Nla and in it, she acted the role of Ireti, and that was how the name stuck.

HER D£ATH

Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola di£d after a brief illn£ss due to some c0mplications susp£cted to be from typh0id f£ver. She gave up the gh0st at Unity Hospital, a private medical center in Surulere, Lagos State
This writeup(Caption) is from Ayeni Abayomi page

In October 2012, ten years after she di£d, the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) decided to launch the Ireti Adekola Foundation (IAF) at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos to imm0rtalize her name. The foundation was established to take care of single mothers and mentor upcoming and talented actors and actresses.

In the 1990s before the likes of Jenifa and the rest, Nigerian actress, Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola graced the screen of millions across the nation, especially lovers of Yoruba movies. Popularly known as Ireti, she dazzled many with her acting skills until her d£ath on Friday, 27th September, 2002.

Some of the movie She got starred in includes👇

-IKE OWO
-AGBA AKIN
-OLAONIRAN
-23/24 LORO ILE AYE
-AYE AWA OBINRIN (the last movie she appeared in before her d£mise)

Rest well Legend

You’re a screen g0ddess and one of the few most s0ught after relatively younger actresses who made Nollywood attractive in the late 1990s. You are part of the generation of actors who made home videos popular in the 1990s.

©️Ayeni Abayomi

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Toyin Adegbola: The Enduring Star of Yoruba Cinema

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From “Asewo to Re Mecca” to cultural icon – the remarkable journey of one of Nollywood’s most beloved actresses

Early Life and Family Background

Toyin Adegbola was born on December 28, 1961, in Osun State, Nigeria. She hails from a family with deep creative roots, being the cousin of the legendary actor and filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love) and his children — among them Kunle Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan, and Moji Afolayan, all prominent figures in Nigerian cinema.

Growing up in southwestern Nigeria, Toyin’s early exposure to Yoruba culture and storytelling inspired her passion for performance. Before venturing into acting, she worked briefly as a television broadcaster and teacher, experiences that shaped her confidence and communication skills.

Rise to Stardom

Toyin Adegbola began her acting career in 1984, marking her debut in the Yoruba-language sector of Nollywood. She gained national fame after starring in the classic Yoruba film Asewo to Re Mecca (translated as The Prostitute Who Went to Mecca), which earned her the enduring nickname “Toyin Asewo to Re Mecca.”

The film, released during a period when Yoruba cinema was expanding rapidly, portrayed themes of repentance, morality, and redemption, resonating deeply with audiences across Nigeria. Her ability to bring authenticity and emotional depth to complex characters quickly made her one of the most recognisable faces in the industry.

Over the years, she has featured in hundreds of Yoruba films, spanning genres from traditional folklore to contemporary drama. Some of her notable works include:

Deadly Affair (1995)

Irapada (2006)

Arojinle (2018)

Arinola, Alaanu Mi, and Temidire

Through these roles, Toyin Adegbola established herself as a versatile actress, capable of interpreting both comedic and deeply emotional characters.

Beyond Acting: Producer, Director, and Cultural Ambassador

In addition to her acting career, Toyin Adegbola has worked as a producer and director, contributing to the growth of Yoruba-language cinema and mentoring younger filmmakers. Her deep understanding of cultural nuances allows her to bring authenticity to her productions, preserving Yoruba values and traditions through storytelling.

In 2016, she was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Amuludun of Osogboland by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II. The title, meaning “Mother of Entertainment”, recognised her outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry and her role in promoting Yoruba culture globally.

Legacy and Influence

Toyin Adegbola’s influence extends far beyond the screen. She represents a generation of Nigerian actresses who helped shape the identity of Yoruba cinema before the digital boom of Nollywood. Her continued presence in film and television demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to artistic excellence.

She has also served in various capacities within industry associations, advocating for the welfare of actors and supporting emerging talents. In interviews, she has often spoken about the importance of discipline, humility, and cultural pride for those aspiring to build lasting careers in the entertainment sector.

Personal Life

Toyin Adegbola is a mother and grandmother, often described as warm and deeply spiritual. She balances her creative pursuits with community involvement and philanthropic activities, particularly in Osun State. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, she remains one of the most respected figures in Nigerian entertainment.

References

Vanguard Nigeria. (2016). Toyin Adegbola Bags Chieftaincy Title in Osogbo.

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Patricia Olubunmi Etteh: Nigeria’s First Female Speaker of the House of Representatives

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A trailblazer in Nigerian politics and the first woman to lead the country’s House of Representatives

Patricia Olubunmi Etteh remains one of the most notable figures in Nigeria’s democratic history, recognised as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Her appointment in June 2007 marked a significant moment for women’s representation in Nigerian politics — a symbolic breakthrough that inspired many across the nation.

Born on August 17, 1953, in Ikire, Osun State, Patricia Etteh trained and worked as a beauty therapist before venturing into politics. She attended the University of Abuja, where she earned a Law degree, demonstrating her commitment to self-development and governance.

Etteh began her political journey as a member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and was elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, representing Ayedaade/Isokan/Irewole Federal Constituency of Osun State. Her charisma, grassroots appeal, and advocacy for women’s inclusion in leadership quickly made her a respected voice in the legislature.

In June 2007, she made history when she was elected Speaker of the 6th House of Representatives, becoming the first and only woman to occupy that position in Nigeria’s history. Her emergence was seen as a victory for gender equality and a testament to her political influence within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

However, her tenure was short-lived. In October 2007, Etteh faced allegations of financial misconduct related to the renovation of her official residence and the purchase of vehicles for the National Assembly. Though she denied any wrongdoing and maintained that all processes were duly approved, public and political pressure led to her resignation after just five months in office.

Despite the controversy, Patricia Etteh’s impact on Nigerian politics cannot be dismissed. Her rise to the position of Speaker shattered long-standing gender barriers, paving the way for more women to aspire to top political offices. Over the years, she has remained active in political and social advocacy, supporting initiatives that promote women’s empowerment and participation in governance.

Etteh’s story is not merely one of power and controversy — it is a narrative of courage, ambition, and the pursuit of equality in a male-dominated political landscape. As a Yoruba woman from Osun State, her achievement continues to resonate as a source of pride in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Her portrait — often used in educational and historical references — serves as a reminder of the progress made and the journey yet to come for Nigerian women in politics.

References:

National Assembly of Nigeria archives

Daily Trust historical profiles (2007)

Premium Times Nigeria political retrospectives

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