Lifestyle

Umaru Dikko: Statesman, Diplomat, and the “Dikko Affair”

Published

2 months ago

October 1, 2025

Umaru Abdulrahman Dikko (31 December 1936 – 1 July 2014) was a Nigerian politician, statesman, and diplomat, remembered for his role in Nigeria’s Second Republic and for being at the center of one of the most dramatic kidnapping plots in modern African history.

Early Life and Education

Umaru Dikko was born in Wamba, in present-day Nasarawa State, Nigeria. He received his early education locally before moving abroad for further studies. He later studied in London, where he trained as an engineer and developed a deep interest in politics. His time in the United Kingdom exposed him to political organization and parliamentary democracy, which would influence his later career in Nigerian politics.

Political Career in the Second Republic

Dikko’s political rise came during the civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari (1979–1983). He served as Minister of Transport, where he oversaw Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving the nation’s roads and ports.

One of his most high-profile assignments was leading the Presidential Task Force on Rice, established to address food shortages and stabilize rice supply in Nigeria. Although controversial, the task force cemented Dikko’s reputation as one of the most powerful and visible figures in Shagari’s government.

The Dikko Affair (1984)

Umaru Dikko’s name is most indelibly linked to the extraordinary Dikko Affair, an attempted kidnapping that captured global attention.

After the December 1983 military coup that toppled Shagari’s government, Dikko fled into exile in London. On 5 July 1984, agents allegedly linked to Nigeria’s new military rulers, working with foreign collaborators, abducted him outside his London home. He was drugged and placed in a wooden crate intended to be flown back to Nigeria.

The plan relied on the crate being treated as diplomatic baggage, which would have exempted it from customs inspection. However, British authorities at Stansted Airport noticed irregularities: the crate lacked the required diplomatic labeling and accompanying paperwork. Customs officials forced it open and discovered Dikko unconscious but alive inside, alongside a Nigerian doctor who had sedated him.

The plot’s exposure led to a major diplomatic crisis between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Several individuals were arrested and convicted in the UK, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were severely strained for years.

Later Political Involvement

Despite the shadow of the failed abduction, Dikko remained active in politics. He returned to Nigeria after years in exile and became a founding member of the United Democratic Party (UDP) during the political transition of the 1990s. In the Fourth Republic, he remained an influential elder statesman, offering counsel within political circles though never regaining the prominence he had during the Shagari years.

Death and Legacy

Umaru Dikko died on 1 July 2014 in London at the age of 77. He was later buried in Abuja, Nigeria.

His legacy is complex: on one hand, he was a powerful minister during Nigeria’s Second Republic who played a role in shaping policies on transport and food supply; on the other, his name is forever tied to the Dikko Affair, one of the most bizarre and high-profile kidnapping attempts in international history.

Dikko remains a symbol of both the promise and turbulence of Nigeria’s post-independence political history.

Sources

Meredith, Martin. The State of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence. London: Free Press, 2005.

Maier, Karl. This House Has Fallen: Nigeria in Crisis. London: Penguin Books, 2000.

BBC News Archives, “The Dikko Affair” (1984 reports).

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Lifestyle

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

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

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 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.

“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.

“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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Lifestyle

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

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

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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Lifestyle

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

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

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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