Connect with us

Lifestyle

Alhaja Suliat Adedeji: The Businesswoman and Political Activist Silenced by the Abacha Regime

Published

2 months ago

on

Alhaja Suliat Adedeji was a Nigerian businesswoman, philanthropist, and political figure from Ibadan, Oyo State, who became one of the most notable civilian casualties of Nigeria’s military dictatorship under General Sani Abacha. Her murder on November 14, 1996, remains one of the darkest symbols of state-linked political violence during that period.

Early Life, Education, and Background

Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Suliat Adedeji grew up in a modest Yoruba household but rose to prominence through hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit. Although little is documented about her formal education, she became known for her intelligence, business acumen, and passion for social justice. Over the years, she established herself as a successful trader and business tycoon in Ibadan’s commercial scene, earning respect among political leaders and local communities alike.

Her wealth and influence did not isolate her from the struggles of everyday Nigerians—rather, they deepened her desire to advocate for fairness and justice. Her home was a meeting point for grassroots politicians, activists, and young people she mentored.

Political Involvement and Activism

Adedeji was deeply involved in politics during the early 1990s, particularly during the tense period following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was widely believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola. She was a strong supporter of Abiola’s democratic mandate and a vocal critic of the Abacha-led military regime.

Her political activities placed her in the crosshairs of the authorities. She was known for openly challenging military oppression and for funding political movements that called for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. This boldness, in an era when many were silenced by fear, made her both respected and targeted.

See also  Some Anioma people deny Igbo origin because of Civil War – Akpabio’s aide

Death and Circumstances

On the night of November 14, 1996, armed men stormed her residence in Bodija, Ibadan, and brutally murdered her in cold blood. Reports from multiple sources, including local newspapers and human rights organizations, suggested that her assassination was politically motivated. It occurred at the height of General Sani Abacha’s crackdown on pro-democracy activists, journalists, and opposition figures.

Her killers were allegedly linked to state security agents, though no one was ever formally convicted. The chilling message her murder sent resonated across Nigeria: that those who dared to oppose the dictatorship risked their lives.

Family and Personal Life

Alhaja Suliat Adedeji was a mother and a devout Muslim. She was widely known for her generosity and commitment to her community, providing financial support to widows, students, and struggling families in Ibadan. Even in her success, she lived close to her people, hosting communal gatherings and empowering women to engage in business and civic life.

Her family, deeply affected by her untimely death, continues to honor her legacy as a woman who lived courageously for the sake of justice and truth.

Legacy

Alhaja Suliat Adedeji is remembered as a martyr for democracy in Nigeria. Her name is often mentioned alongside other victims of political repression during the 1990s. In Ibadan, her story is told as that of a woman who refused to be silenced in the face of tyranny.

Her murder is still cited by historians, activists, and journalists as an example of the human cost of Nigeria’s struggle for democracy. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by courageous individuals whose vision for a freer Nigeria transcended personal gain.

See also  Professor Adetokunbo Lucas: Nigeria’s Global Trailblazer in Public Health and Tropical Medicine

Sources:

The Guardian Nigeria: “Remembering Alhaja Suliat Adedeji”

Vanguard Newspaper: “The Assassination That Shook Ibadan”

Premium Times: “Abacha Years: Revisiting the Deaths That Defined an Era”

Nigeria History Channel: “Women of Courage: The Story of Suliat Adedeji”

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 183
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

12 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  PHOTOS: Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi (1923–2021)

“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  More photos from Mr Eazi and Temi Otedola's wedding in Iceland

“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: 37
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

16 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: 35
See also  BIOGRAPHY OF LERE OLAYINKA
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

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

Published

16 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: 31
See also  Actress Mercy Aigbe Loses Mother
Continue Reading

Trending