Lifestyle
Sir Kitoye Ajasa: Nigeria’s First Knighted Lawyer and Colonial-Era Legislator
Former Presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has stirred a conversation on social media after he shared a post in which he said that the best gift a wife can give her husband is her virginity.
In his post, Reno argued that as long as a woman brings her virginity to the relationship, her man is the one that is expected to bring every other thing in the relationship.
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Lifestyle
Reverend Canon Josiah Jesse Ransome-Kuti: The Singing Minister Who Gave Nigeria Its First Recorded Gospel Album
The image features Reverend Canon Josiah Jesse Ransome-Kuti (1855–1930), a pioneering Nigerian clergyman, educator, and music composer whose legacy bridges the worlds of Christianity, music, and cultural identity. Known widely as “The Singing Minister,” Ransome-Kuti was among the first to use indigenous music as a tool for evangelism and social reform in colonial Nigeria.
Born in 1855 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Josiah Jesse Ransome-Kuti hailed from a distinguished Egba family. He was educated at the Church Missionary Society (CMS) Training Institute, Abeokuta, and later at CMS Grammar School, Lagos, where he received a foundation in Western education and Christian theology. His early exposure to missionary teaching shaped his lifelong dedication to the Anglican Church and his passion for spreading Christianity through music.
Ransome-Kuti became one of the first Nigerian clergymen ordained by the Church Missionary Society, serving faithfully at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Ake, Abeokuta, where he also taught music and organized choirs. He earned the affectionate nickname “The Singing Minister” for his exceptional ability to blend gospel teachings with indigenous Yoruba melodies, which made his messages more relatable to local congregations.
In 1922, he made history by becoming the first Nigerian musician to record an album, under the Zonophone label, in London. The record featured his original compositions of Yoruba hymns and Christian songs, such as “Jesu Olugbala ni mo f’ori fun ẹ” (“I give myself to Jesus the Saviour”). His works were instrumental in translating Christian theology into a form accessible to Yoruba-speaking communities.
Ransome-Kuti was also a composer of the Egba national anthem, “Lori Oke Ati Petele,” and numerous hymns that continue to be sung in Anglican churches across Nigeria. His use of Yoruba tonality in gospel music not only preserved indigenous musical identity but also marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s cultural and religious history.
A passionate missionary, he led campaigns against idolatry in Abeokuta and neighboring regions, using his songs as a tool for moral and spiritual transformation. His evangelistic approach made Christianity more appealing to the Yoruba people during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Beyond his ministry, Ransome-Kuti left a profound family legacy. He was the grandfather of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, two of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural icons. This lineage reflects the enduring influence of the Ransome-Kuti family on Nigerian intellectual, cultural, and political life.
Reverend Ransome-Kuti passed away in 1930, leaving behind a rich musical and spiritual heritage. His recordings are preserved at the British Museum and recognized as some of the earliest examples of African Christian music ever captured on record.
Today, he is remembered not only as a devout minister and composer but also as a cultural bridge-builder who used faith and music to unify communities and redefine worship in Nigeria.
Sources:
British Museum Archives, Josiah Jesse Ransome-Kuti Recordings (1922)
Church Missionary Society Records, London (1890–1930)
Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Profiles of Yoruba Pioneers (2023)
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The Adeola Odutola Lodge, also known as the Ogbeni Oja Lodge, stands as one of Nigeria’s most historic mansions, located in the heart of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Built in the mid-20th century—either in 1935 or 1939, according to varying historical accounts—the lodge remains a powerful symbol of architectural elegance, Nigerian enterprise, and cultural legacy.
The mansion was constructed by Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, a pioneering Nigerian industrialist and one of the foremost entrepreneurs of his time. Born in 1902, Chief Odutola rose from humble beginnings to become a respected businessman, philanthropist, and community leader. He was the first President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s industrial landscape. His influence extended far beyond commerce, as he was also a cultural figure and statesman, holding the chieftaincy title of Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu.
The Adeola Odutola Lodge gained global recognition in 1956 when it hosted Queen Elizabeth II during her royal visit to Nigeria. Historical records note that the Queen personally requested to visit Chief Odutola, who had been a friend of her father, King George VI. During her stay in Ijebu-Ode, she spent a night at the lodge, making it one of the few private Nigerian residences to have accommodated the British monarch. This royal visit elevated the mansion’s status as a national landmark and solidified Chief Odutola’s standing among Nigeria’s elite.
Architecturally, the Adeola Odutola Lodge reflects the grandeur and sophistication of early modern Nigerian design, combining colonial influences with indigenous aesthetics. Its sprawling structure, elegant balconies, and ornate interiors capture the spirit of a time when craftsmanship and cultural identity met in architectural expression. Over the decades, it has remained one of the most well-preserved examples of pre-independence architecture in Ijebu-Ode.
Beyond its historical and architectural significance, the lodge continues to hold cultural relevance in modern Nigeria. It has served as a filming location for several Nollywood productions, most notably the popular series Seven Doors. The use of the lodge as a movie set has introduced its beauty and history to a new generation, ensuring its continued presence in Nigeria’s cultural consciousness.
Chief Adeola Odutola’s legacy remains deeply intertwined with the lodge. His life exemplified hard work, innovation, and leadership in the face of colonial and post-colonial challenges. As a philanthropist, he invested heavily in education, community development, and industrial growth. His residence, therefore, stands not just as a home, but as a monument to the enduring spirit of Nigerian enterprise and dignity.
Today, the Adeola Odutola Lodge remains a major landmark in Ijebu-Ode—a place where history, royalty, and artistry converge. It continues to draw admiration from historians, tourists, and filmmakers alike, symbolizing the life and achievements of one of Nigeria’s greatest sons.
Sources:
Ogun State Tourism Board, Heritage Sites of Ijebu-Ode (2020).
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) archives, History of Industrial Leadership in Nigeria (2019).
Daily Times of Nigeria, February 1956 edition (Coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s Nigeria visit).
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