Connect with us

Lifestyle

Chief Ladipo Solanke: The Nigerian Nationalist Who United West African Students in the Fight for Freedom

Published

2 months ago

on

Chief Ladipo Solanke was a pioneering Nigerian nationalist, lawyer, and activist who played a vital role in shaping the early consciousness of African unity and anti-colonial struggle. Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Solanke emerged as one of the most influential figures among West Africans studying in Britain during the early 20th century. His intellectual depth, organizational skill, and pan-African ideals made him a bridge between colonial Africa and the diaspora community in Europe.

After completing his early education in Nigeria, Solanke traveled to London to further his studies in law. While in the United Kingdom, he observed the challenges faced by African students who were often isolated and lacked communal support. Determined to create a network of solidarity, he co-founded the West African Students’ Union (WASU) in 1925 alongside Sierra Leonean doctor and politician Herbert Bankole-Bright. The union served not only as a social and cultural hub but also as a political platform that advocated for the rights and unity of West Africans under colonial rule.

WASU became a powerful voice for anti-colonial activism, offering lodging, support, and a sense of community to African students in Britain. It also became a training ground for future African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria, both of whom later acknowledged Solanke’s influence on their political awakening.

In 1929, Solanke embarked on a fundraising tour across West Africa that lasted until 1932. The tour aimed to secure financial support for the expansion of WASU and the establishment of a permanent hostel for African students in London. His campaign was met with enthusiasm across the continent, drawing support from traditional rulers, politicians, and intellectuals who recognized the importance of his mission.

See also  Why Ooni of Ife won’t react to Alaafin’s 48-hour threat regarding Chieftaincy Title — Palace aide

Throughout his life, Solanke’s vision centered on African unity, education, and self-determination. He believed that the liberation of Africa depended on the enlightenment and cooperation of its young intellectuals. His legacy continues to inspire scholars and activists across Africa, especially in the fields of pan-Africanism and student mobilization.

Chief Ladipo Solanke’s work with WASU laid the foundation for later movements that led to African independence. His enduring impact is reflected in the continued reverence for his name in discussions of Nigerian nationalism and pan-African thought.

Sources:

Oxford Reference: Ladipo Solanke (1886–1958), Nigerian Nationalist

Britannica: West African Students’ Union (WASU)

African Activist Archive: Records of Pan-African Movements in London, 1920s–1950s

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 247
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lifestyle

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

Published

2 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

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.

See also  The Enduring Legacy of Vaseline: Over 150 Years of Skincare Innovation

“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.

See also  Patience Faka Jonathan: Former First Lady of Nigeria and Advocate for Women

“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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 34
Continue Reading

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

6 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

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.”

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 34
See also  The Enduring Legacy of Vaseline: Over 150 Years of Skincare Innovation
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

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

Published

6 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

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”.

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 30
See also  PHOTOS: Professor Wole Soyinka Train Station: A Modern Landmark Honouring a Literary Icon
Continue Reading

Trending