Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi laid to rest (Channels)
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has been buried in the ancient town of Oyo in south-west Nigeria.
His remains were laid to rest on Saturday within the premises of the palace, barely a day after he was certified dead in a hospital in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Alaafin, popularly known as ‘Iku Baba Yeye, was 83 years as of the time his death was announced.
Following the announcement of his demise, Islamic rites were conducted on the body of the late Alaafin, signalling the beginning of his final journey home.
Islamic clerics led by the Chief Imam of Oyo town were joined by members of the family of the late traditional ruler and some of his chiefs to offer prayers for the repose of his soul. Read more
2baba, Tiwa Savage, others thrill fans at I Go Dye’s comedy show (DailyTrust)
The “I Go Dye Standing: More Than A Legend” show which was held in Benin City, Edo State has been described as a night of grand entrances, superlative music performances and top draw hilarious comedy in an atmosphere of conviviality and camaraderie.
Despite the heavy downpour that almost marred the event, people from all walks of life graced the occasion and filled up the Crown Height, the venue of the show.
The main man of the night, I Go Dye strolled into the venue like an English Knight in Shining armour with 50 royal reel brass men heralding his magnificent entrance with trumpets and drums while a long line of female ushers lined his path with an assortment of flowers. The show began with him and others took it up from there.
The headline music acts of the night were two Nigerian music powerhouses in the persons of 2Baba and Tiwa Savage.
The duo took turns on stage to deliver electrifying performances, taking the crowd on a musical journey that was as stirring as it was exhilarating. Read more
Alaafin’s death, great loss to traditional institution, Oyo, Nigeria, says Sanwo-Olu (Independent)
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who died on Friday at 83.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, the people of the ancient town of Oyo and the entire Yoruba both home and in the Diaspora over the demise of the first class traditional ruler.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Saturday, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the death of Oba Adeyemi III as a great loss to the people of Oyo town, the traditional institution in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
He said the late monarch’s service to the people of the ancient town, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, especially in the area of promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition, will remain his enduring legacy. Read more
Many feared dead as illegal refinery explodes in Imo (Punch)
No fewer than 100 people died on Friday night after an illegal refinery exploded at Abaezi forest in the Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
Six vehicles were also razed during the incident which had thrown the community into panic.
PUNCH Metro reports that at the scene of the incident on Saturday, a large number of people visited the place to have a glimpse of the unfortunate development.
Our correspondent counted no fewer than 50 bodies burnt beyond recognition at the scene of the explosion. Read more
Primaries: APC postpones sale of forms as contractor fails to deliver items (DailyTrust)
Aspirants jostling for elective offices in 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will have to wait a little while to buy their Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.
The sale of the forms was scheduled to begin on Saturday, but a visit to the party secretariat showed a delay in the commencement of the exercise.
An authoritative source at the party secretariat told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the contractor had not delivered the forms as of the close of work on Friday.
The source assured, however, that the sale of the forms would begin soon after they had been delivered to the secretariat and logistics fine-tuned. Read more
New retirement age will motivate teachers, says NUT (ThisDay)
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has said that the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the harmonised retirement age of Teachers’ Bill into law has motivated teachers to deliver more effective service in the classroom.
The union, which expressed confidence that the move would impact positively on the nation’s teaching profession, lauded the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, for his efforts in the emergence of the Act during his stint as the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education.
The NUT expressed its appreciation in a letter to Echono, which was signed by the NUT Secretary General, Dr Mike Ike Ene, in Abuja weekend.
The letter, addressed to the TETFund boss and dated April 13, 2022, read in part: “The national leadership of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the entire teachers of Nigeria hereby express our profound gratitude to you, over the deliberate and painstaking effort that you employed towards the realization of the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022. Read more
Archbishop Martins commissions Lumen Christi TV, retreat centre (Sun)
The Catholic Archbishop Lagos Most Rev Alfred Adewale Martins at the weekend in Lagos, commissioned the Lumen Christi Television Network and retreat centre birthed by Sir Robert Soji Olagunju.
In his speech, Archbishop Martins who was the chief celebrant at the Mass to mark the launch of the facilities, commended the work Lumen Christi had been doing in promoting the Catholic Church across the world through its television network.
He particularly applauded Sir Olagunju for the great sacrifice he made during the COVID-19- induced lockdown to ensure that daily Masses and devotions were brought live to the living rooms of Catholics via his television station. Read more
Music executive denies threatening suspected cultists (Punch)
The Chief Executive Officer of Obimzy Records and Properties, Abel Egbarin, otherwise known as Abu Abel, has distanced himself from the reports making the rounds on social media, insinuating that he ‘declared war’ against some alleged cult members in the country.
Abel, who spoke to The PUNCH, said that every life was sacred to him and he did not support any form of violence.
He said, “Every human life is sacred, I do not support any form of violence, and I do not have the capacity to perform the function of security agencies whose primary responsibility is to maintain law and order in the country.
“I admonish these misguided elements who are working tirelessly to pitch me against some alleged cult members to desist from such irresponsible acts and find something worthwhile to do with their time for the betterment of society. Read more
Killing spree in Benue, herdsmen murder over 20 (Tribune)
Gunmen believed to be Fulani herdsmen, on Thursday, attacked three communities in two local government areas of Benue State and killed no fewer than 20 persons.
The assailants were said to have launched attacks on Waya in Jato-Aka in Kwande Local Government Area and Mbapa and Ikyande in Gwer West Local Government Area.
While the attack on Kwande community was said to have occurred around 11.00 a.m., the Gwer West attacks happened in the evening of the same day.
In Kwande, several people were reportedly killed but so far, eight bodies were said to have been recovered, just as 12 corpses were also recovered as of Friday evening in Mbapa and Ikyande. Read more
South Korea split in row over military service for BTS (Guardian)
They generate billions for the South Korean economy and have helped turned the country into a cultural superpower, but must Jin, Jimin, V, RM, J-Hope, Suga and Jungkook – the seven members of the K-pop phenomenon BTS – start swapping their stage outfits for military uniforms?
Less than three weeks before South Korea’s new president, Yoon Suk-yeol, takes office, the country is gripped by a debate over who, if anyone, should be exempt from compulsory national service – long seen as essential preparation for a potential conflict with its volatile neighbour, North Korea.
While admiration for the band is widespread, South Koreans are divided over plans that will soon be debated in the national assembly to allow the performers, who are all in their 20s, to skip almost two years in uniform in recognition of their stellar contribution to the country’s international reputation.
The award-winning group – who have sold more than 30m albums worldwide and picked up two Grammy nominations on their way to reaching the top of the US and UK charts – have been at the centre of speculation over an exemption since 2020, when they became the first K-pop band to reach No 1 on the US chart, with their song Dynamite. Read more
Travis Scott releases first song since Astroworld (TMZ)
Travis Scott is back making music after the Astroworld tragedy.
Travis collaborated with Future on “Hold That Threat” … In the music video, you see Travis, Future and producer Southside … Travis sang the chorus … “Hold that, hold that heater [aka gun].”
Travis and Future also share a joint during the song. And, there’s the striptease, courtesy of a woman wearing not a lot.
There’s no reference to the tragedy at the Houston festival back in November, where 10 people died. Travis has been laying low for the most part since then, performing at a Coachella after-party recently and hitting up SoFi for a game, but other than that he’s kept his head low. Read more
Vinyl fans flock to UK record stops for Record Store Day 2022 (NME)
Vinyl lovers have been flocking to independent record shops across the UK today (April 23) for Record Store Day 2022.
As part of RSD’s 15th anniversary, hundreds of exclusive physical releases – including vinyl, CD and cassette – were made available at over 260 participating indie retailers nationwide.
Fans can get their hands on special records from the likes of Blur, Taylor Swift, Elvis, U2, Bring Me The Horizon, Sam Fender and Blondie.
Many celebrated managing to bag ‘The Lakes’ 7″ by Swift, who is the global ambassador of Record Store Day 2022. Read more
Will Smith makes first public appearance since Oscars slap (Independent)
Will Smith was spotted at an airport in India’s Mumbai city on Saturday, his first public appearance since the Oscars ceremony during which he walked up to presenter Chris Rock and struck him in the face after the comedian made a joke about his wife, actor Jada Pinkett Smith.
Indian photographer Viral Bhayani posted a short video clip of the actor waving and smiling at the paparazzi at Mumbai’s Kalina airport. The actor also took photos with fans at the airport. Bhayani said Smith was staying in the Juhu area of the city.
The Hindustan Times reported that the actor was staying at the JW Marriott Hotel in Juhu and would leave the city on Saturday.
On 1 April Smith stepped down from the Academy. He said in his resignation letter: “I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.” Read more
Love Actually star Bill Nighy recalls hilarious incident involving a US Customs official and his most famous line from rom-com (HuffPost)
There are plenty of memorable moments in Love Actually (and not all of them for the right reasons, these days), but actor Bill Nighy had arguably the best line in the whole movie.
The British actor played ageing rocker Billy Mack in the 2003 Christmas rom-com and there’s one particular line that has followed him everywhere. Literally.
In one of the film’s most memorable scenes,Billy appears on a kid’s TV show fronted by a youthful Ant and Dec when he addresses the young viewers at home with an important message.
“Hiya kids, here’s an “important” message from your uncle Bill,” he begins. ”Don’t buy drugs. Become a pop star and they give you them for free.” Read more
Japan: Tour boat with 26 people aboard is missing (Sky)
A tour boat with 26 people – including two children – aboard is missing with no sign of survivors after several hours, Japan’s coast guard has said.
The 19-ton Kazu1 made an emergency distress call on Saturday afternoon, saying the bow of the ship had been flooded and was beginning to sink and tilt.
The crew also said those on board were wearing life jackets and the boat was keeling at a 30-degree angle.
It was travelling off the western coast of Shiretoko Peninsula, in the northern island of Hokkaido. Read more
E.T. was inspired by my parents’ divorce, director Steven Spielberg reveals (Metro)
Steven Spielberg has revealed his film E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial was inspired by his parents’ divorce.
The renowned director brought the classic film to our screens back in 1982, and it remains a childhood favourite today.
It’s been 40 years since the ridiculously cute alien critter was introduced to households around the world, and the film industry is ready to celebrate.
Turner Classic Movies threw a special 40th anniversary celebration for the epic on the opening night of its film festival, which included a speech and Q&A from the director himself.
At the celebration, director Spielberg spoke to audiences and revealed he came up with the entire concept of the film by combining his thoughts about his former film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind – and his parents’ divorce. Read more
Heineken Champions League Trophy Tour: The glitz, glamour, lessons (Independent)
The last time a Nigerian player lifted the prestigious UEFA Champions League (UCL) trophy was over 10 years ago when John Obi Mikel emerged victorious with Chelsea.
However, this past week will remain ever fresh in the minds of many Nigerians; especially those in Lagos and Abuja who were opportune to be part of the 2022 Heineken UCL trophy tour.
Aside from the glitz and glamour that was the hallmark of the trophy tour, Heineken through its loaded two-day activities also passed some salient lessons that would encourage Nigerian youth to aspire to achieve laudable set goals that can be likened to lifting the most-coveted trophy in global club football.
Clarence Seedorf, the trophy tour ambassador as well as Nigerian legends Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Daniel Amokachi who are all history makers in their own right shared experiences that highlighted that there is no shortcut to success except for hard work and dedication. Read more
Man Utd have a double act Erik ten Hag needs to upgrade on after Arsenal defeat (Express)
Erik ten Hag will be the manager of Manchester United next season. And the Ajax boss certainly has plenty of work to do at Old Trafford, with Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal highlighting where the club are at. In full-backs Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles, it’s clear the Dutchman has a double act he needs to upgrade on when he takes over from Ralf Rangnick at the end of the campaign.
Manchester United went into their game with Arsenal looking to bounce back after their 4-0 defeat to Liverpool last time out.
And while their performances at the Emirates was better than the one mustered at Anfield, it was still another disappointing day.
Arsenal were superior in every department, claiming all three points courtesy of goals from Nuno Tavares, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka. Read more
Italiano: ‘Fiorentina not ready to challenge Juventus’ (FootballItalia)
Vincenzo Italiano believes Fiorentina are ‘not yet ready’ to challenge the likes of Juventus after their Coppa Italia exit, but tomorrow face Salernitana ‘fighting for their football lives.’
They visit revitalised Salernitana on Sunday at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).
The mood is low after a midweek Coppa Italia semi-final 2-0 defeat to Juventus, which saw them eliminated 3-0 on aggregate.
“We have to get back on track by relying on those elements we are confident about, the way we play and to a degree the football we also showed in Turin, even though the incidents didn’t go in our favour,” said Italiano in his press conference. Read more
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: Max Verstappen passes Charles Leclerc to win sprint race (BBC)
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen caught and passed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with two laps to go to win the sprint race at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
The result gives the world champion pole position for the start of the main race on Sunday, and reduces his deficit in the championship to 45 points.
Verstappen started the sprint from pole but lost the lead at the start.
But he bided his time before coming back at Leclerc and passing around the outside on the penultimate lap. Read more
Tyson Fury has earned over £200,000 per punch from each of his last two fights (DailyStar)
Tyson Fury has reportedly earned more than £200,000 per punch in his last two fights.
These figures have come to light ahead of his blockbuster fight with Dillian Whyte at Wembley where 92,000 spectators will flood north London to watch the superstar boxers. The British rivals will go head-to-head tonight, with the fight expected to start around 10pm.
The Gypsy King is returning to fight in his home country for the first time since 2018 with the spotlight being put on the heavyweight boxer. Punters Page has now gone back through Fury’s last ten bouts to look at how much the 33-year-old has earned per punch in each fight.
Betting site The Punters Page has released figures that show how much Tyson Fury has supposedly earned per punch in each of his last 10 fights. According to the website Fury has earned a total of £122,839,600.00 across his last 10 fights, landing a total of 1077 punches. Read more
LeBron James vows to not miss playoffs again after Lakers debacle (NYPost)
LeBron James has been tweeting postseason observations from his couch this spring. He has no interest in doing so again next year — or ever again.
“I can/will NOT miss the postseason again for my career,” James tweeted Saturday night. “This s–t HURT. Ok back to watching these games.”
At 37, it’s unclear how long James has left before retirement, but he’s missed the playoffs twice in four years with the Lakers, though winning a championship in 2020 helps ease the disappointment. The only other times he’s missed the playoffs in his entire career were his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, back in 2004 and 2005.
The Lakers were supposed to be title contenders this season before things went south. Trading for Russell Westbrook didn’t go as planned, while James and Anthony Davis both missed significant time with injuries. Read more