Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, dies at 83 (PremiumTimes)
Top Yoruba monarch, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has passed on, PREMIUM TIMES can report.
Alaafin Adeyemi, the third from the Alowodu Ruling House, died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State in South-West Nigeria.
The remains of the top Yoruba traditional ruler were brought to Oyo town, 62 kilometres from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites began, palace sources told this newspaper.
He was 83 years old and the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the monarch’s passing from the Bashorun of Oyo, Yusuf Akinade, the head of the ‘Oyo Mesi’, who will now lead Oyo town before a new Alaafin is installed.
The monarch had been sick and a plan had been made to fly him abroad before he passed on late Friday night. Read more
Agents to shut down Lagos ports Monday over 15% levy (Vanguard)
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) says they will embark on a one-day warning strike on April 25, over the introduction of a 15% National Automotive Council (NAC) levy.
Alhaji Rilwan Amuni, Taskforce Chairman of ANLCA, said this in a circular obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
The levy was recently introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on used imported vehicles, a decision which didn’t go down well with clearing agents in the country’s maritime sector.
The agents argued that the NAC levy is mostly meant for new vehicles, questioning the rationale behind the introduction of the duty on used vehicles. Read more
Dumpsite turns into nightmare for residents of Lagos community (Nation)
Mr Godwin Akhagbokhai was elated with the completion of his residential building at Lanre Bus stop in LASU/ Isheri area of Alimosho Local Government area of Lagos State. The location is one that any estate agent would easily use to convince would-be tenants to secure accommodation or acquire property there.
Less than an hour drive to the Murtala Mohammed Airport and less than 15 minutes’ drive from Lagos State University (LASU), the area, a stone’s throw to the capital city, Ikeja, is paved with well tarred roads and enjoys regular power supply among other advantages.
So, for Mr Akhagbokhai and many others, the area was a very good place to live in. And it proved to be so until the state government converted an expanse of empty land in the area to a refuse dump.
The refuse dump started with small drops of garbage that grew gradually into a mountainous heap polluting the area and causing serious environmental cum health challenges for residents. Read more
Sanwo-Olu hails Akran Of Badagry on 45th coronation anniversary (Independent)
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, on his 45th coronation anniversary.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Friday to celebrate 45 years of Oba Menu-Toyi I on the throne of his forefathers, said the 85 years old monarch has used his wealth of experience and knowledge to contribute to the progress and development of Badagry and Lagos State as a whole.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the people of Badagry are lucky to have a renowned journalist, whose exploits in the pen profession spread across several platforms in the 1960s and 1970s before ascending the throne of his forefathers in 1977 as the 15th paramount ruler of Badagry Kingdom.
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos State, I heartily congratulate the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, on the occasion of his 45th coronation anniversary. Read more
Kano inventor develops water-powered stove to tackle energy shortage, climate crisis (Vanguard)
As Nigerians grapple with the energy crisis, rising costs and climate change, a Kano indigene has developed a cooking stove that runs on the water as a means of ameliorating the challenges.
The inventor of the water-powered stove, Yusuf Shamsudeen, is a 30-year-old graduate of Chemistry from Kano State University of Science and Technology, KUST, Wudil.
Although the invention is yet to receive global acclaim, it stands a good chance of etching itself on the world stage and be classified as an item on the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs 13 which focuses on Climate Action and 15- which is on life on land.
Despite the accomplishment, Shamsudeen, an indigene of Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, describes his invention as a ‘work in progress rather than rolling out the drum in celebration. Read more
P-Square, Davido, Portable thrill audience at ‘AY Live’ (Punch)
Fun seekers who thronged the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, for the 2022 edition of AY Live, held on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, were not disappointed, as many of them stated that it lived up to their expectations.
Aside from starting late and insufficient seats, it was indeed a memorable outing for the host, Ayo Makun, and other entertainers.
The event featured electrifying performances from top acts such as P-Square, Davido, Portable, Kenny Blaq and Acapella.
At about 9:09pm, two comedians, Ajebo and Pencil, mounted the stage, introducing themselves as the hosts for the day. The duo gave the audience several moments of humourous pleasure, with their parody of Wizkid animating guests. Read more
Another explosion rocks Taraba (DailyTrust)
Three days after members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) bombed a bar in Taraba, the state has recorded yet another explosion.
ISWAP had claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it targeted infidels.
The terror group said the explosion killed or injured 30 people at a market where alcohol was sold.
In the fresh explosion, which occurred on Friday night, nine people reportedly sustained injuries. Read more
Police hunt for fleeing lover over machete attack on girlfriend (Punch)
The Ondo State Police Command said it has begun investigation into a bloody attack on a lady identified as Funmilola Ogundare in Akure, the state capital.
Ogundare was found in a pool of blood inside her apartment located in Ijapo Estate.
The victim was said to have been attacked by her boyfriend with a machete. He was said to have fled after the incident.
The Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, explained that the suspect took the victim to his friend’s house where he allegedly committed the dastardly act. Read more
Court sacks ex-Reps Speaker, Dogara, over unlawful defection to APC (Leadership)
A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has been sacked from office by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court, on Friday, asked him to vacate his seat as the member representing Dass, Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro federal constituency of Bauchi State.
Justice Donatus Okorowo, in a judgement declared that having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dogara was no longer qualified to occupy the seat by virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the constitution.
Justice Okorowo aligned with the arguments of the plaintiffs (PDP) and member of the party, that by defecting from the party that sponsored him to the 9th National Assembly before the expiration of his tenure, Dogara ought to vacate the seat as he was no longer qualified to partake in the activities of the lower chamber. Read more
What Russia’s advance in east Ukraine means for food security (AlJazeera)
Cutting Ukraine off from its most fertile land and main export hub will have long-term repercussions on global food exports, analysts say.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sent food commodity prices soaring in March to the highest levels ever recorded, bringing to the forefront the global implications of its military offensive on the former breadbasket of the Soviet Union.
As Moscow refocuses its military efforts on Ukraine’s east, readying massive forces for part two of its offensive, analysts have warned a Russian takeover of Ukraine’s ports and most fertile stretch of land will have repercussions on Ukraine’s food exports to be felt the world over.
“There is no sufficient alternative to cover the gap,” Roman Slaston, director of the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB), adding many countries in the world will be prone to “starvation, hunger riots, refugee migration without Ukraine’s food supply”. Read more
Emerging music professionals in Ghana to be awarded grants by British Council (MyJoy)
In December 2021, the British Council launched its maiden music industry project, Creative Enterprise Support Program (CESP) delivered by Culture Forward, Impact Hub Accra and the University of The Arts London.
The creative industries in Ghana are rapidly growing and increasingly recognised as a pathway for sustainable livelihoods for young people across art forms such as music, fashion, film etc. However, challenges abound for young people trying to break into the industry.
In direct response to these challenges, the Programme was designed with the aim of stimulating links between the UK and Ghanaian Music creative economy by delivering training, mentoring, networking, and business development services for young, emerging music professionals in Ghana in partnership with their peers in the UK.
Following an open call for all interested applicants, an original cohort of candidates joined the program to undergo an intense 2-week learning boot camp with sessions led by key industry players from around the world. Notable facilitators and guest speakers during the boot camp include London-based producer, Juls, Benewaah Boateng of Spotify, Liza Ntiamoah of Boomplay, Sadiq Abdulai of 3Music, Musician/Songwriter Mensa and celebrated poet Nyirah Waheed. Read more
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to host and produce 2022 Billboard Music Awards (MusicNews)
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been tapped to host and executive produce the 2022 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs).
The Last Night hitmaker will emcee and produce the annual ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of his first BBMA win in 1997.
“This will be unlike any awards show. I’m bringing the love and setting the frequency at an all-time high,” he said in a statement on Friday. “The Billboard Music Awards truly represent the artists and where music is today, so I’m excited to curate the biggest live performances and surprises. The world has to tune in to see.”
Diddy also teased what fans can expect on the night in an Instagram video, saying, “That means I’m the host with the most, I’m the executive producer that calls all the shots, that means I’m the ringmaster, (showman) P.T. Barnum-style. You know, ain’t no party like a Diddy party. We’re gonna come through with one of the most disruptive line-ups in music history with one of the most controversial hosts in music history – me!” Read more
Natasha Lyonne details Marlon Brando’s bizarre ‘Scary Movie 2’ cameo that was never released (Variety)
The opening of “Scary Movie 2” memorably features Natasha Lyonne in a parody of “The Exorcist.” The comedian appears as a demon-possessed woman who gets a visit from two priests, played by James Wood and Andy Richter. Lyonne reminded fans in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly that Marlon Brando was originally cast in Wood’s cameo and shot some scenes before dropping out of “Scary Movie 2” due to health reasons. Brando’s scene was never released.
“I have a VHS copy of the dailies that I got because Marlon Brando’s final role — sadly for him, but luckily for me — is doing this ‘Exorcist’ opening teaser,” Lyonne said. “I don’t know what he was thinking, really. I mean, why would he do that?”
Recalling Brando’s short time on set, Lyonne said he was “very chatty” and had an earpiece in order to assist in his line readings. Brando also “had an oxygen tank and he just kind of held my boob, because that was in the script. He was supposed to be like, ‘The power of Christ compels you …’ I just remember being like, ‘Ah, this is the surrealism that André Breton, Salvador Dali were talking about.’”
The scene required Brando to stand over Lyonne, who was laying down in a bed and donning “Exorcist” makeup. The actor said, “So, I had Brando with the earpiece and the hand on the boob, and the makeup, and ‘The power of Christ compels you,’ and not to curse, but, ‘Your mother sucks cocks in hell,’ and so on. This was all happening at once, and I remember like, ‘You know, showbiz is alright.’ In that moment, showbiz was A-okay.” Read more
Marvel’s “Doctor Strange 2” reportedly banned in Saudi Arabia over LGBTQ+ character (MiddleEastEye)
Saudi Arabia has reportedly banned the sequel to the Doctor Strange film, which is set to premiere next month, over the inclusion of an LGBT+ character, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness includes the character America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez. In the comics, Chavez is gay, something that is expected to be carried over to the film.
The Hollywood Reporter on Friday said it had obtained confirmation that the film would be banned. The publication also reported that Kuwait could ban the film as well.
The film was due to be released across the Gulf on 5 May as part of its global rollout. Several cinemas in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar are no longer offering tickets on their websites, however, they are available in the United Arab Emirates, suggesting it will be released there. Read more
Steven Spielberg on the making of a masterpiece as TCM Classic Film Festival opens with ‘E.T. The Extra Terrestrial’ (Deadline)
The long-awaited live Hollywood return of the TCM Classic Film Festival arrived Thursday night with a biggie: The 40th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s 1982 masterpiece E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. TCM had to go virtual the past couple of years so getting back to normal with the four-day fest in the heart of Hollywood is welcome news indeed, and spirits were high at this Coachella for movie nerds. Sporting a brand-new remastered Imax print, the beloved film has never looked better and was especially impressive taking up every inch of that giant screen at the TCL Chinese Theatre, where the gala event took place.
Previously announced appearances by co-stars Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore did not materialize as each was stuck with prior commitments and couldn’t make the trip, but other stars of the film including Dee Wallace and Robert McNaughton were introduced in the audience, as well as several artisans who worked on the movie including film editor Carol Littleton, production designer Jim Bissell and sound Designer Ben Burtt, among others.
But it was the presence of Spielberg that really got the capacity crowd going as he sat for a 27-minute Q&A with TCM primetime host Ben Mankiewicz before the film rolled. Mankiewicz skillfully weaved the conversation through the beginnings of the multi-Oscar winner’s legendary career including his first studio job — which, at age 22, was directing none other than Joan Crawford in the TV pilot of Rod Serling’s Night Gallery. This TCM golden-era-movie-loving audience certainly appreciated hearing about that, but Spielberg assured there was no evidence of any kind of “Mommie Dearest” personality in his relationship with the screen legend; in fact, he pointed out she had Pepsi Cola machines installed (her then-husband was a major player at Pepsi) and provided for cast and crew 24/7.
There was also talk of his classic 1971 ABC TV movie Duel and a nifty tale about how the network paid for reshoots so the truck could be blown to smithereens instead of the more subtle Hitchcockian approach the young director had shot. Of course pre-E.T. classics Jaws (1975) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) were discussed, including Spielberg saying the casting of the great great French director Francois Truffaut in the latter was one of the great honors of his career to this day. He also admitted the next film he did, the epic comedy 1941, was indeed a critical and box office failure but because he had such major success with the other films, the studio gave him carte blanche. Read more
Beijing quiet as North Korea turns up the heat with missile tests (Aljazeera)
As North Korea test-fired a new tactical guided weapon last week under the supervision of Kim Jong Un, its closest ally Beijing barely seemed to raise an eyebrow despite the high stakes.
Missile tests have taken place with increasing frequency in North Korea in recent months, but this time it was testing a new weapons system aimed at improving its nuclear capability.
North Korean media described the weapon as one of “great significance” that would drastically improve the “firepower of the frontline long-range artillery units and enhancing the efficiency in the operation of tactical nukes”.
The test, coinciding with the 110th anniversary of the birth of the country’s founder Kim Il Sung, also followed a series of launches this year that have raised alarm in South Korea and Japan, as well as in the United States. In March, the North test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time in four years, breaking its self-imposed moratorium by firing off their “largest nuclear-capable missile,” according to NK News. Read more
Ripples, Intrigues over Eagles’ new manager (NewTelegraph)
Less than six weeks to the Super Eagles’ first match in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, an air of uncertainty still surround the appointment of a substantive coach for the national team as intrigues and intense powerplay has slowed down the process.
The Eagles are scheduled to face Sierra Leone in the first week of June but the Nigeria Football Federation is still battling to secure the approval of the supervisory ministry of sports for the appointment of their choice candidate Jose Peseiro from Portugal.
As at the time of filing this report, the refusal of the ministry of sports to put a stamp on the choice of Peseiro has affected the recently amended relationship between the two bodies as the NFF is miffed that the ministry had usurped its power to appoint a coach. The NFF had forwarded the name of Peseiro to the minister Sunday Dare who pushed back the appointment of the former Lisbon coach, citing flaws in the process that led to the choice of the former Real Madrid assistant coach. The minister directed the NFF to interview the three other coaches shortlisted by the NFF’s technical committee so that the best out of them would be given the job.
Other coaches shortlisted are Phillip Cocu, Laurent Blanc and Ernesto Valverde. However, our correspondent reliably gathered that the NFF is still trying to prevail on the minister to accept Peseiro, with the excuse that there is no more time to scrutinise a new coach. “The NFF is still trying to convince the minister to accept Peseiro; the argument is that he had been interviewed before, before the start of the last African Cup of Nations and they were convinced he would do a good job,” a source in the federation said. Read more
Erik ten Hag told how many transfer windows Man Utd need for “open heart surgery” (DailyStar)
Ralf Rangnick has warned incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag that his new team needs “open heart surgery”.
Ten Hag will take charge of United in June and be charged with rebuilding a side capable of challenging for trophies again. But Rangnick has told the Dutchman things have got so bad at Old Trafford the fallen giants need a major operation in order to fix them.
United have not won the title since 2013 and might not even be in the Champions League next season. Interim boss Rangnick believes Ten Hag is the right choice – but admits he has a monumental task ahead of him. The German, whose side faces Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday, said: “I can only tell you from what I’ve seen, heard and experienced so far that I think Erik ten Hag is a good choice, if not a very good choice.
“He has shown that in the past – and I’m pretty convinced he’s the best possible coach you could get right now. The good thing is that it’s crystal clear, it’s not that difficult and you don’t even need glasses, to see and analyse where the problems are. Read more
Women’s Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Wolfsburg draws world record crowd of 91,648 at Camp Nou (ABC)
The 91,648 spectators counted by club officials surpassed the 91,553 who turned out to see Barcelona beat Real Madrid last month.
Previously, the record for a women’s game was 90,185 which was recorded at the 1999 Women’s World Cup final between the United States and China at the Rose Bowl.
Alexia Putellas led Barcelona with two goals. The Ballon d’Or winner was one of four goal-scorers for Barcelona in the first half before she earned and converted a late penalty to give her a competition-leading 10 goals.
“We are very happy, not just for the result but also for the atmosphere at the stadium. It is spectacular that we have set a new record,” Barcelona midfielder Patricia Guijarro said. Read more
Drivers call for F1 weekend format change (PlanetF1)
Max Verstappen has called for F1 drivers’ media activities to be changed, with the new race weekend format seemingly only increasing the number of commitments.
As well as the all-new technical rules for 2021 which meant the cars having to be redesigned from scratch, the race weekend was also reduced from four days to three with the Thursday dropped.
Thursday previously consisted of track walks and media interviews, but the idea was for these to be moved to Friday morning to give drivers an extra day away from the circuit.
However, there is still plenty of media activity, be it official or unofficial, taking place on a Thursday – which is great for us at Planet F1 and our readers, but not such good news for the drivers! Read more
Jay Haas, 68, teams with son Bill to become oldest player to make a PGA Tour cut (USAToday)
All Bill Haas wanted to do was cozy his 47-foot birdie putt into tap-in range at the 18th hole at TPC Louisiana so Team Haas could have a stress-free finish to the second round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. So much for best-laid plans.
Bill’s putt stalled 4½ feet short meaning his dad, Jay, would have to sweat over a left-to-right par putt in the alternate-shot format to make the cut of the PGA Tour’s lone two-man team event as part of the FedEx Cup season.
For Jay, 68, he’d been in this spot too many times and he delivered as he had on so many Fridays before.
“That was probably as nervous as I’ve ever been over a putt of that length certainly,” he said. “It sounds silly just to have a chance to make the cut. However, there’s a lot of circumstances here that kind of made it doubly important in my mind.” Read more
Chris Eubanks gives thoughts on Novak Djokovic’s level (TennisWorld)
American tennis player Christopher Eubanks thinks Novak Djokovic is slowly regaining his mojo and game as the Serb is ramping up his preparation for the French Open. Djokovic, ranked at No. 1 in the world, made a slow start to the clay season as he suffered a surprise defeat to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his first clay match of the year in Monte Carlo.
This week, Djokovic is playing in Belgrade and he has been through to the semifinal. However, Djokovic’s path to reaching the semifinal wasn’t smooth as he needed three sets to beat Laslo Djere and Miomir Kecmanovic, respectively.
Djokovic was down by a set in both matches. “Coming off his stint in Monte Carlo where he seemed to kind of give out physically in the third set, that has not been a problem so far here – three hours and 20 minutes yesterday, another long three-setter on Saturday against a very in-form player,” Eubanks said on Tennis Channel.
“I think we’re starting to see Novak come back slowly but surely, I think the fitness level isn’t an issue at this point. I don’t see any reason as to why it would be. He’s back.” Read more