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Balogun Odueyingbo Kuku was a prominent 19th-century warlord and influential leader in Ijebu-Ode

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Balogun Odueyingbo Kuku was a prominent 19th-century warlord and influential leader in Ijebu-Ode, a key town in present-day Ogun State, Nigeria. Known for his military prowess, immense wealth, and contributions to Islam in Ijebuland, Balogun Kuku was a towering figure in both the political and religious landscape of his time.

He held the prestigious title of Balogun, meaning “warlord” or “military commander,” becoming the second person to bear this title in Ijebu-Ode. During the British expedition that led to the conquest of Ijebuland in 1892, Balogun Kuku emerged as a leading voice among the Ijebu people. Though the Awujale was the traditional ruler, Kuku’s influence as a military and spiritual leader positioned him as a central figure in the community, particularly among Ijebu Muslims.

Balogun Kuku was reputed to be the wealthiest and most powerful man in Ijebu during his lifetime. His economic influence was so substantial that he received an annual subvention from the colonial administration that amounted to half of what was allocated to the Awujale, the town’s sovereign. This level of financial power underscored his dominance not just in military and religious spheres but also in commerce and politics.

As a devout Muslim, Kuku played a significant role in the spread of Islam in Ijebuland. He is credited with initiating the Ojude Oba Festival, a vibrant cultural and religious event that began in 1896 and continues to this day. Originally conceived as a Muslim tribute to the Awujale after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the festival has grown into one of Nigeria’s most colorful and enduring cultural traditions.

Balogun Kuku was born into a distinguished family. His father, Odusanya, was a respected community figure, while his mother, Detimoku, was the daughter of Erelu Adeoti, the first woman to hold the title of Erelu in Ijebu-Ode. Following his mother’s death, young Kuku was raised by his grandmother, Erelu Adeoti, in a household that was deeply involved in the political and spiritual affairs of the town. This upbringing helped shape his leadership style and deepened his commitment to community development.

Kuku’s residence, the Olorunsogo House, is a testament to his legacy. Constructed by skilled Brazilian returnees (often referred to as “Aguda”) who brought Afro-Brazilian architectural techniques to Nigeria, the building remains an architectural landmark and a symbol of Ijebu heritage. Today, his descendants continue to preserve his memory and uphold the values he championed—leadership, faith, and cultural pride.

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Lifestyle

Genevieve Nnaji slams viral tweet urging Igbo men to marry non-Igbo women

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Nollywood icon Genevieve Nnaji has fired off a sharp response after a man on X (formerly Twitter) advised Igbo men to stop marrying Igbo women and instead seek wives from other African countries.

The controversy began after a photo of a Rwandan woman said to be engaged to an Anambra man went viral.

Resharing the image, the user wrote, “Dear Igbo men, instead of marrying an Igbo woman who’ll falsely accuse you of r4ping your daughter, better look outside for a wife.

“Go to East Africa, especially Rwanda, and pick a damsel. They’re all over social media, and you can link up with them.”

Genevieve, who rarely comments on online drama, responded, “In other words, instead of checking yourself and taking accountability, go for the unsuspecting and carry on with your evil. Got it.”

Another user attempted to challenge her, claiming the original tweet was aimed at “false rape accusers” and that Genevieve was avoiding the real issue.

“His tweet was clearly against false rape accusers, but instead of holding the evil women accountable and demanding change, you chose to tweet this?”

But the actress hit back with equal clarity: “The same way a woman can’t tell an abusive man apart from a good one is the same way you shouldn’t say avoid all Igbo women. ‘Not all women’.”

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Don’t handle your family feud like I did, Phyna advises Imisi

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Reality TV star Phyna has offered words of encouragement to fellow Big Brother Naija winner Imisi amid a family feud between the latter and her mother.

In an X post on Monday, Phyna wrote,”To Imisi, @imisiofficial and to anyone walking through the same fire… I’m praying for your strength.

“My own experience broke me, but I’m slowly rising.

“And I’m rooting for you with everything in me, don’t handle it like I did, build strong and focus on you baby girl.”

The post comes against the backdrop of a family dispute in which Imisi’s mother accused her daughter of hatred and revealed the poor condition of the home where she currently lives, despite Imisi winning N150 million after her Big Brother victory.

Imisi replied in Yoruba,”This is why Aunty Debola said you should not show your face to the world. I can’t be saying all that now, you are in the midst of people. Just overlook everything and leave social media.

“Don’t worry, I will send you money to rent a new house. I am tired of all this drama. I am still recovering from the stress of Big Brother.

“Should I be facing another stress now? Please forgive me, I am your daughter.”

Recall Imisi’s mother has publicly expressed frustration on social media, saying she does not need her daughter’s money after being sidelined following the win.

She also blamed Imisi for recounting her childhood experiences, which she claims involve untrue allegations of parental neglect and sexual assault.

In a video, she showed the old house she currently resides in, saying she is content with her situation, a revelation that sparked online controversy.

In 2023, after Phyna’s BBNaija win, her father, Felix Otabor, revealed in an interview that he was distressed by his daughter’s actions following her BBNaija win.

Otabor said Phyna had asked him to stop working as a hearse driver and requested that he sell his cars, promising to improve the family’s life.

He said he later struggled financially after selling the vehicles, losing his business momentum and community position, and has not seen his daughter since her victory.

He described feeling sidelined while she enjoyed her wealth.

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Ned Never Slept Outside Because I Held Him Well In The Other Room – Regina Daniels

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Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, has opened up about her marriage to her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko.

It was reports that the embattled wife revealed why their seven-year relationship remained faithful despite his polygamous lifestyle.

In a reply to a comment on her Instagram page, Daniels said that during their years together, Nwoko never slept with other women outside their home because she held him well in the other room.

She wrote: “Yes i think he loved me but a toxic one! Because tell me why a polygamous man forgot what it meant to be in polygamy, except for the media.

“Just because it boosted his ego of being seen with multiple women which is easy by me because anyone that sees a man as an odogwu sees the wife as what? He basically had to beg that he share days at ours and other days with his other wives because they begged for his attention.

“Y’all should pls forget this yeye social media comparison because my ex man never slept outside one day in our 7 years of marriage. You know why? Because as a delta babe, I hold am well for the other room ladies use your skills that’s all men want actually!”

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