Just-ln: Lawuru to Serve as Guest of Honour at Ijaw Media Conference 2025

The President of Egbema Brotherhood, Alaowei Promise Lawuru, has accepted to serve as a Guest of Honour at the forthcoming Ijaw Media Conference 2025.

The annual event in its second edition is put together by Ijaw Publhlishers Forum, with the theme w Media Conference, themed "Safeguarding Niger Delta's Natural Resources for Future Generations".

The youthful politician cum businessman received invitation to serve the role on Monday when a delegation of the Central Working Committee led by Pastor Arex Akemotubo paid him a courtesy visit on Monday.

In his presentation, Akemotubo explained that this year’s theme was chosen out of concern for the growing strain on the region’s land and waters. 

The Publisher of WaffiTV stressed that the forum wants to strengthen public understanding, support honest reporting, and encourage leaders to protect what the Niger Delta holds for the next generation, adding that Lawuru’s history of service and steady involvement in community work made him a natural choice for the role.

Chief Lawuru welcomed the invitation and spoke warmly about the need for shared responsibility among stakeholders and groups such the IPF.

He commended the Forum for using media to defend the region’s interests and promised full support for the conference. 

Lawuru further urged other stakeholders across the Ijaw nation to lend their weight to efforts that safeguard the environment.

Unlawful Disconnection: Agbarho Residents Issue NERC, BEDC 48 Hours Deadline to Restore Power Over Blackout or Ready for Legal Battle

Some aggrieved residents in Agbarho layout have petitioned the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC),  Asaba, BEDC headquarter, Abuja and Delta state government to intervene by appealing  to them to call to order the Agbarho branch, Benin Electricity distribution Company (BEDC by reconnecting residents properties which were disconnected within 48 hours.

The petitioners described the  disconnection an  unlawful action  and want the firm to reconnect them within two days or seek redress for justice, fairness and equity.

The petitioners, Olorogun Ezekiel Okorode Esq.pnm and Mr. Cletus Opukeme who signed the petition for and on behalf of the affected aggrieved residents in New Agric phase two layout, Agbarho town in Ughelli North LGA Delta state.

According to the petitioners ” Despite the ongoing petitions before BEDC Management and the NERC Asaba Forum concerning the unilateral, unjustified migration to Band A and the accompanying fraudulent estimated bills of ₦95,000 to ₦100,000 monthly imposed on mostly unmetered residents.

What makes your conduct even more high-handed and indefensible is that upon receiving the outrageous estimated bill of ₦95,000, I still acted in good faith and made a substantial payment of ₦30,000. Yet, rather than acknowledge this demonstration of responsibility, you escalated your vendetta, choosing instead to target and disconnect multiple homes in the community without notice, contrary to all known NERC regulations”

The petition which also copied BEDC headquarter, and Delta state government, reads below in full:

MR EBUKA ANTHONY .

STATION MANAGER,

BEDC, AGBARHO .

PETITION:RE = YOUR UNLAWFUL DISCONNECTION, ABUSE OF POWER, AND WILLFUL DISREGARD OF PENDING PETITIONS BEFORE BEDC & NERC ASABA FORUM — DEMAND FOR RECONNECTION WITHIN 48 HOURS

Dear Sir,

I write in the strongest terms to condemn your vindictive, malicious and completely unlawful disconnection of electricity supply to several apartments in New Agric Layout, Agbarho, despite the ongoing petitions before BEDC Management and the NERC Asaba Forum concerning the unilateral, unjustified migration to Band A and the accompanying fraudulent estimated bills of ₦95,000 to ₦100,000 monthly imposed on mostly unmetered residents.

What makes your conduct even more high-handed and indefensible is that upon receiving the outrageous estimated bill of ₦95,000, I still acted in good faith and made a substantial payment of ₦30,000. Yet, rather than acknowledge this demonstration of responsibility, you escalated your vendetta, choosing instead to target and disconnect multiple homes in the community without notice, contrary to all known NERC regulations.

Your actions violate:

1. NERC’s Connection & Disconnection Regulations 2007, which strictly prohibit disconnection while a billing dispute or petition is pending.

2. NERC Customer Protection Regulations, which forbid disconnection of customers who have made part-payment on a disputed bill.

3. Established BEDC procedures requiring proper notice, due process, and respect for ongoing regulatory complaints.

4. The principle that unmetered customers must not be subjected to arbitrary tariff bands without meeting required conditions, including metering.

This reckless, punitive approach has caused economic losses, including the destruction of stored food, disruption of business activities, and significant domestic hardship for families, children, and the elderly. Your conduct has also heightened communal tension, as your actions appear targeted, personal, and deliberately confrontational.

Let it be stated clearly that you acted outside your lawful powers, and therefore you bear personal liability for the damages caused. Corporate cover does not protect an official who acts contrary to regulations and outside the scope of his lawful authority.

OUR DEMAND

You are hereby given 48 hours (2 days) to:

1. Reconnect all disconnected apartments in New Agric Layout;

2. Cease further harassment and illegal disconnections pending NERC’s determination of the petition;

3. Comply fully with NERC regulations governing complaint resolution, metering, and billing.

 

FAILURE TO COMPLY

Upon your failure or refusal to act within 48 hours, I will proceed to:

Institute legal action against you personally, as well as BEDC;

File a formal misconduct petition before NERC Abuja for disciplinary sanctions;

Seek damages for economic loss, destroyed food items, emotional distress, and regulatory breaches;

Escalate the matter to civil-rights bodies and the press.

Let this serve as your final notice.

Yours faithfully,

Olorogun Ezekiel Okorode Esq.pnm.

For Myself and on Behalf of Affected Residents of New Agric Layout

Agbarho, Delta State

PRESS RELEASE: AGBARHO BEDC STATION MANAGER CONTINUES VINDICTIVE DISCONNECTIONS DESPITE PENDING PETITIONS AND GOOD-FAITH PAYMENT BY RESIDENTS

Residents of New Agric Layout, Agbarho, have condemned the ongoing vendetta-style disconnection spree carried out by the Station Manager of BEDC Agbarho Business Unit, describing his actions as lawless, intimidating, and a reckless abuse of office.

This development occurred despite pending petitions before BEDC and the NERC Asaba Forum challenging the unilateral migration of the community to Band A and the issuance of fraudulent estimated bills ranging from ₦95,000 to ₦100,000 monthly, even though most residents are unmetered.

In a shocking twist, one of the complainants—who had been handed an outrageous estimated bill of ₦95,000—made a good-faith payment of ₦30,000. Yet the Station Manager allegedly ignored this and intensified his targeted disconnections, escalating tension and communal discomfort.

Residents have reported significant economic losses, including spoilt food items due to lack of power, disruption of business activities, and severe domestic discomfort. Many describe the actions as punitive, deliberate, and intended to intimidate residents who dared to question the unlawful tariff migration.

The residents insist that they will not be cowed, and have vowed to pursue legal redress, including proceedings against the Station Manager in his personal capacity, for violating NERC regulations and inflicting unwarranted hardship on the community.

They call on NERC, BEDC Headquarters, and the Delta State Government to intervene urgently to restore fairness, order, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Featured Article: WHEN KINDNESS BECOMES A REVOLUTIONARY ACT_ By William Z. Bozimo

There was a time in life when kindness was as common as the morning sun. A neighbour’s pot cooked for the street, doors stayed open, and a child could drink water from any neighbourhood without fear of poison or scepticism. We walked in a world where humanity was not a performance but a natural reflex. Today, that world now feels like a faded photograph; though precious, it is trapped behind glass.

Somewhere along the way, kindness became expensive. Distrust became cheaper than laughter. We began to weigh generosity the way merchants weigh gold, and became afraid that giving too much would make us poor, forgetting that the soul only dries up when it stops flowing. Now we live in an era where compassion is treated like a rare currency; often earned by a few, earnestly desired by many, and replaced with emojis, slogans, and digital applause. 

Help is now packaged for the camera, internet, and the newspaper headlines while generosity has become the new loudspeaker. Empathy now needs an audience before it breathes. But the truth remains: kindness is not weak, nor is it naïve. Kindness is a rebellion in this instant because in a world that teaches people to harden their hearts, the ones who choose softness are the warriors. In a generation where some individuals are trained to look away, the one who bends to lift another is already disrupting the system.

When a society celebrates cruelty, the peaceful soul becomes a threat to the hierarchy of things. No accomplished revolution ever started with bullets; they all began with just an open heart. Things like a stranger offering shelter to the displaced, a friend sharing their food with others, a nurse choosing patience instead of anger, a leader listening instead of shouting, and a citizen refusing to hate some people for no justifiable reason just because others persuaded them to do so. 

Such a great mindset changes more destinies than we all can ever imagine.

Kindness is not just about what you give, it is more about what you risk for others such as the risk of always being misunderstood for your compassion and often taken advantage of, while you give without receiving anything in return, and carrying someone else's weight while your own knees are still trembling. And yet, the brave ones still choose it. For in every society; both the broken and blessed, some people cling to kindness like a sacred duty.

They are the ones who will rise before dawn to care for the elderly who need assistance. The ones who pay school fees for a child they may never meet again in their lifetime. The ones who forgive those who hurt them, even when every emotion screams against it. The ones that would lend their time, strength, voice, and resources without asking for any credit whatsoever. They are called the true revolutionaries. The world will not get better because we built higher walls or sharper weapons. It will recover because ordinary people choose extraordinary compassion.

The world will get better if someone decides to carry light into another person’s darkness. Charity that is quiet and unadvertised still exists. So, if you come across this write-up and your heart still bends towards goodness, do not think of yourself as soft. You are a rare gem, you are strong, and you are part of the quiet army fighting to return humanity to itself. And in this age of cold hearts and loud cruelty, your kindness is not just a virtue, it is a revolution.

✍🏽 William Z. Bozimo

Veteran Journalist | Columnist | National Memory Keeper

Service of Song for late Rev. Mother Margaret Ekotoro Holds Today 25 Nov, at Ojikpata in Oruwhorun Town

The families of Ofomuware and Asamabiri of Kalafiogbene Community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, has announced the final burial rites of their beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, late. Mrs. Margaret Alhaji Ekotoro Oruserikeme (Nee Okunbiri), the Rev. Mother of the CDGM Church Worldwide who passed unto glory at the rightful age of 99.

According to the burial programme signed by the duo, Mr. Moses Edougha and Chief. John Ekotoro stated as follows:

25th Tuesday November, 2025:

Service of songs at John Ekotoro Street, Ojikpata in Oruwhorun Town by the second transformer, opposite the White House after Railway.

Time: 4PM Prompt.

Final Burial Rites:

27th Thursday November, 2025:

7AM: Body leaves Safe Haven Hospital Mortuary Service Okumagba Layout, Warri via NPA Waterside to Kalafiogbene Community, Bomadi LGA, Delta State.

9AM-5PM: Religious Commendation/Requiem Service and lnterment at the Christ Divine and Gospel Mission (CDGM), Elohim City Zion Kalafiogbene. 

6PM Till Dawn: All night social wake keep.

Music by Chief. Barrister Smooth, the Paddle of Niger Delta.

Meanwhile, it will interest the public to note that, the deceased is the beloved mother of the popular Warri based marine business Don and great philanthropist, High Chief. John Ekotoro whose good legacy is felt across the entire ljaw nation in particular, and Niger Delta at large.

However, the family and children of the deceased has use this medium to invite friends, loved ones, well wishers and the general public to join them on Thursday 27 November, 2025 at Kalafiogbene Community in given their departed mother a befitting final burial rites.

Chief Dr. Julius Takeme's Tentacles of Development_By: Yerinmene Ekanpou

Everything on this planet earth has a traceable beginning. Anything without any traces of beginning does not  have a real beginning. In the beginning the land was without form, void . And darkness was upon the surface of the land . Crickets were seen  chirping day and night in the land due to lack of infrastructural development. The people have been waiting for a man to rescue them from developmental darkness. From the incessant darkness and incessant chirping of crickets in the land the people actually needed a developmental redeemer with a vision . 

After a long wait,  the developmentally audacious man of the people  has finally emerged and  that man is Dr. Takeme the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area.The Burutu Council Chairman has begun to devour  the land developmentally, warding off the incessant darkness and  the crickets chirping incessantly. 

The chirping crickets have been driven away  from the land; in their place solar lights have been installed in Burutu, using his  tentacles of  development . Who could this outstanding man be ? He is the  man the people of Burutu clamour because he has a vision for the people.

 Dr. Takeme has spread his tentacles of development over the land. The tentacles of development spread, he has created huge impact and brought development to the  land within a short period of time since he assumed his political office.  The celebrated Olotu of Obotebe Kingdom is doing wonderfully with his tentacles of development in Burutu Council.

Takeme  assumed office on July 15th 2024. Right from his assumption of office as chairman, he has been very productive in the discharge of his duties and as a result of this development, the entire Burutu people are excited. 

Some persons may be tempted to dismiss this piece as a praise-singing one without some examples given. Notably, among some of Takeme's projects are  construction of ultra modern public toilet in Burutu community; rehabilitation of official residence for heads of departments; construction of principal secretary’s residence; construction of Burutu Customary Court President’s official residence; establishment of First Bank branch in Burutu community; distribution of palliatives to flood affected communities; distribution of health materials to Labuloseigha and Ofougbene communities; reinstatement of sweepers to sweep Burutu community; recruitment of security personnel and appointment of credible personnel to the executive arm of government . Projects currently in progress are the construction of ultra modern Burutu secretariat and construction of Burutu legislative chambers. These are major infrastructural projects designed to provide modern and conducive environment for all categories of workers in Burutu Council. 

 Towards better health for Burutu people,  25th of November to 30th November 2025  will be declared a Period for free eye cataract and free surgery that will take place in Burutu, and this is  initiated by Dr. Takeme. This free eye programme is another window created by Takeme to assist people who have eye problem and other physical health challenges to be given free medical attention in Burutu Council. 

 For those who have physical health challenges, they should  participate in this free health care programme that is initiated by Burutu Local Government Council under the auspices of  the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Arrea, Chief Dr Julius Takeme .

The ongoing ultra modern secretariat complex and the state of the legislative Chambers are expected to stand as significant development markers for Takeme when completed. 

By my reasoning drawn from the development projects of Takeme highlighted above, everyone in Burutu Council is hereby implored to support the Executive Chairman  towards the realisation of his development vision. However, on the part of Dr. Takeme, I am very sure that he will always maintain the tempo of his development vision until his tenure is gloriously over. 

 

Yerinmene Ekanpou writes from Burutu, Delta State.

17Th Anniversary of Departure to the Great Beyond of Chief T. O. Onduku (1923–2008)_ A Tribute By: Pst. Dr. Akpo Onduku

My father, Alaowei T. O. Onduku exited our world on Sunday 23 November 2008. I could remember that day. I had just returned from RCCG School of Disciples Graduation Ceremony the previous day from London. Pastor Andrea and I had started the programme in the USA but completed it in the UK. The phone call of the announcement of his departure came in from my elder brother Prester Onduku and he calmly advised that I remain calm and strong to take it as it has happened. The rest is history.

The full names of my father are Thomas Omette Oboratarhieyeren Onduku. He was born at Ayakoromo in current Burutu Local Government of Nigeria’s Delta State to Pa Onduku. His mother Aligboro was from the Adjomo family of Okpare-Olomu in current Ughelli South Local Government Area. By 1936, my father was moved to Okpare in Central Urhobo by his mother to attend the Anglican Church Missionary Society (CMS) Central School for his early education. There was a great deal of jeers from age grades for being an Ijaw boy. Albeit his mother was Urhobo and had to be born to an Ijaw father, he never liked such baneful remarks on Ijaw people. Along the line, he overcame this situation and got some playmates among whom were the likes of John Tebite, David Edjere, Degreat Tonwe, Paul Ihimo, Owumi Kofi, James Omologbo and others. Some of these became his personal life friends. He attributed his success in early schooling to Ighoghoja and Emmanuel Edjedafe his first cousin at Okpare. In all, his educational pursuit took him to the Sido Institute Warri; Government Teacher Training College Abraka; Rural Education Centre Ibadan and University of Ibadan.

His Names:

The names given to him were: 

(i) Omote which he prefers to spell Omette. His mother got twelve children but most of them died before they were adolescent. Most of these children were boys. Therefore, when he was born, and identified as another male child, she said, 'this is not a male this time, it is a female'. So, the name Omote was given him. According to my father, "although it is a name I have been called, yet I detest it because I cannot admit the name 'female' since I am not a female." Hence, he spells it as 'Omette'. Omote in local Urhobo language means a girl, ‘this is a girl'. 

(ii) Oboratarhieyeren - This name was specially given him by his father Pa Onduku. Its meaning is that one lives according to what one stated in heaven before he was born. Here too, my father Chief Onduku don't seem to agree with the philosophy in the meaning of the name. According to him, "I do not believe fanatically in fate. But l do believe the world is a creation of a Supreme Being. I do believe also that our biological process of development has been functionalized through live cells which are themselves the creation of that Supreme Being. Our development - bodily, intellectually, spiritually are essential due to our encounters in our different processes of life. Our weaning, nurturing, home and environment have much to play in the overall development of human beings. The person becomes refined or remains ignorant according to the type of education made available to him. Our success, therefore, largely depends upon our making good use of the tools nature has already made for us, not what a person has to bring from heaven. This, I do not believe. I would never tell God that I would ever experience hardship if it were possible for ‘every individual’ to give Him our words before we came. So, to say, ‘we live out whatever life we lead as we had brought from heaven’ is incorrect as far as I can imagine. It is, therefore, something funny that I happen to disagree with the meanings of my two names.”

iii. Thomas: His third name Thomas is a Christian name. This name was written on his Primary Two notebook in 1937 by Pa Yekwe of Ayakoromo. According to my father, “at school when I saw that most pupils go by English names, I had to adopt it. So, till this day, I have been known as Thomas Omette Onduku.”

My father was a great scholar, language tutor, author, patriot and nationalist. His pioneering work on Ijaw Language study, preservation and development is a momentous and invaluable contribution to Ijaw national development and progress. In his last days on earth, he was appointed by then Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as a member of the Ijaw History Project with Professor Ebiegberi Alagoa as Chairman. My elder brother, Barrister Preye Onduku represented him on the Project when my father had a challenging health condition. He lived as an Anglican, and he offered his house to be used as home of the Anglican Church in Ayakoromo. Nearly all of us his children were baptised and confirmed in the Anglican Communion. 

On this day marking the 17th year of your transition, on behalf of all my siblings we remember you for your uprightness, truthfulness, sincerity, service to humanity and commitment to community development. Adieu Papa, the indefatigable and fearless Olotu of Ngbilebiri-Mein Kingdom and the progenitor of Izon language orthography.

NNAMDI KANU: BULLETS WALK FREE, WORDS WEAR CHAINS:- Forgiveness for Fire, Punishment for Voice

Justice is meant to be blind,  

her eyes hidden beneath the cloth,  

yet in our land she peeks,  

choosing who to punish  

and who to let walk away free.  

Her scales do not rest in balance,  

they bend under the weight of power,  

tilting toward those she favours.  

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu stands in the shadow of judgement,  

a man whose hands have never held a gun,  

whose fingers are clean of deaths,  

whose weapon is only a microphone  

and the courage to speak  

of freedom and of truth.  

Yet the gates of prison have closed behind him,  

and his voice now fights against walls and chains.  

Across town, the streets open wide  

for men who have carried real guns,  

guns that spit fire and death into schools, markets and homes.  

Men whose boots have crushed villages,  

whose shadows fall over graves still fresh.  

Some shake hands with leaders,  

some take photographs with smiling officials,  

and their crimes dissolve into the air like smoke.  

The government calls it mercy,  

but it is a mercy given to wolves.  

They name it amnesty,  

they dress killers in new uniforms,  

giving them a seat inside the army  

as if the blood they spilled  

can be washed away in clear water.  

And the people watch in disbelief,  

like a scene from a Nollywood film,  

so strange it almost feels unreal.  

Here we see two roads:  

one paved with forgiveness for the violent,  

and another lined with punishment for the peaceful.  

One man speaks and is chained forever,  

another man shoots and is given a bed in the city.  

If the Igbo were the bandits,  

would mercy fly toward them too?  

Or would the hand of power  

strike them without pause?  

The east begins to whisper of another path,  

a path leading to a different dawn,  

where justice sits with both eyes open  

and weighs every life the same.  

For when a nation bends too far,  

its people begin to dream  

of a land that will not break them again.  

And so the truth stands bare:  

in Nigeria, justice chooses her friends.  

Bullets invite pardon,  

words invite prison.  

This is not the blindfolded goddess we were told about,

this is a game of tilted scales,  

played in the open,  

while the people watch  

and hope for the day  

when fairness remembers her true face

EBIKABOWEI KEDIKUMO - writes from Ayakoromo Town Delta State

Lifestyle: Top 10 Most Powerful Families in Africa 2025: Dantata-Dangote Family, Motsepe Family-South Africa, Sawiris Family-Egypt etc

  Africa’s power is not just about presidents, CEOs, or celebrities, it often runs through family bloodlines. From old-money dynasties to modern disruptors, these families wield influence across politics, business, culture, and technology, shaping nations and industries in ways few notice but everyone feels.

African influential families shape diverse sectors like politics, economy, culture, and technology.

Nigeria's

Dantata–Dangote family combines legacy wealth with industrial dominance.

South Africa's Motsepe family holds sway in mining, politics, and societal advancements.

Morocco's Alaouite Dynasty merges royal authority with economic influence.

Regardless of financial background, following Africa’s most powerful families can be far more compelling than monitoring rising food prices, GDP fluctuations, or complex investment schemes.

The fascination extends beyond the wealthiest individual or a famous Forbes listing. It is about families where every member carries influence, and multiple individuals wield power and achievement comparable to one another.

These families are not just rich; they are powerhouses, shaping the political, economic, and social direction of their various home countries and, in many cases, the continent at large.

Here’s a look at the top 10 most powerful families on the continent.

1. Dantata–Dangote Family – Nigeria

Dantata–Dangote family is arguably Africa’s most powerful commercial dynasty, blending old-school legacy wealth with modern business dominance. The family fortune began with Alhassan Dantata, a legendary merchant whose empire laid the foundation for multi-generational wealth.

His nephew, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man with a net worth of $25.2 billion, leads a vast multipurpose conglomerate, but the Dantata family’s reach goes far beyond him.

His half-brother, Sayyu Idris Dantata, runs MRS Holdings, one of Nigeria’s largest downstream oil distributors, controlling refined petroleum nationwide with a valuation exceeding $700 million.

Saadina Dantata, founder of the Danba Group, has carved his own path across construction, finance, and energy. Together, the Dantatas dominate Nigeria’s oil ecosystem, from drilling and refining to distribution.

Simply put, the presence of any Dantata-Dangote family member in an African country is like hitting the jackpot.

2. Motsepe Family – South Africa

The Motsepes might look like new money, but their influence is massive. Patrice Motsepe, a mining lawyer turned entrepreneur, is South Africa’s first Black billionaire.

He runs African Rainbow Minerals, one of Africa’s biggest mining companies, tapping into gold, platinum, iron, coal, and nickel. As a presidential in-law, he doesn’t just watch politics, he bankrolls the players who make it happen.

His sisters tell their own story of power. Dr. Tshepo Motsepe is not only the First Lady of South Africa but also Chancellor of the University of Cape Town. Bridgette Radebe, meanwhile, is the trailblazer known as the first African woman to own a mine.

Patrice’s son, Thlopie Motsepe, runs Mamelodi Sundowns, one of Africa’s top football clubs.

Put them all together and the Motsepes form a powerhouse. In politics, business, society, and even football.

3. The Alaouite Dynasty– Morocco

The Moroccan Royal Family, led by King Mohammed VI, is one of Africa’s most powerful dynasties, mixing political authority with serious economic muscle.

They hold big stakes in Morocco’s top bank, Attijariwafa, media powerhouse Maroc Telecom, and Marjane, the country’s go-to supermarket chain. On the mining front, they call the shots over gold, silver, cobalt, and Morocco’s prized phosphate reserves.

Beyond business, Prince Moulay Rachid, Princess Lalla Hasnaa, and Princess Lalla Asmae run diplomatic, philanthropic, and environmental projects, while Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, worth nearly $1.5 billion, is stepping up for the next generation.

In short, banking, telecom, mining, retail, and even the fate of Western Sahara all bend to the monarchy’s influence.

4. Adeleke Family – Nigeria

The Adeleke family is a rare blend of politics, culture, social influence, and wealth. They rarely make headlines as a whole, yet they are often spotted at high-profile events, celebrated for their zest for life.

Patriarch Chief Raji Ayoola Adeleke was a two-time Senator and a cultural juggernaut, anchoring one of western Nigeria’s enduring old-money dynasties.

The current patriarch, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, has quietly built a fortune through Pacific Holdings, spanning energy, power generation, real estate, banking, and agriculture, and he even owns a university.

Ademola Adeleke, one of the family’s prominent members, serves as governor of a state rich in gold, columbite, granite, talc, tantalite, and tourmaline.

Meanwhile, David “Davido” Adeleke shines as Africa’s entertainment powerhouse, earning the title of the continent’s most-followed musician on social media and leading the family’s spotlight on the global stage.

The Adelekes are a modern dynasty where politics, culture, social influence, and economic power collide, making them a family whose presence is felt wherever they step.

5. Rupert Family – South Africa

South Africa’s Rupert family exemplifies generational power paired with global prestige. An enduring old-money dynasty, they wield influence across politics, business, and culture in the broader South African landscape.

Johann Rupert, son of the late Anton Rupert, chairs Richemont, the Swiss luxury group behind Cartier, Montblanc, and Jaeger-LeCoultre. He also oversees Remgro and holds a controlling stake in Rembrandt Group, diversifying the family’s wealth into finance, industrial holdings, and media.

Anton Rupert’s children manage their own portfolios: Anton Jr. focuses on private ventures and international investments; Caroline Rupert runs fashion and media businesses, including real estate ventures in Texas; and Hanneli Rupert maintains investments and personal brands that extend the family’s influence.

The Ruperts are South Africa’s highest taxpayers among individuals and one of the most heavily taxed entities on the continent.

They have so much wealth that they’ve grown conservative in their approach, a mindset that only comes with generations of knowing how to protect and grow a fortune.

6. Sawiris Family – Egypt

The Sawiris family is Egypt’s top business dynasty, commanding wealth, political clout, and global recognition.

Patriarch Onsi Sawiris founded Orascom in 1950, building a conglomerate across construction, telecoms, tourism, and technology. Today, his three sons: Nassef, Naguib, and Samih, carry the legacy forward, each carving their own path.

Nassef Sawiris runs OCI Global and Orascom Construction, giants in fertilizers and infrastructure. Naguib Sawiris leads telecom and media ventures and even founded the Free Egyptians Party, mixing business with politics. Samih Sawiris focuses on tourism and luxury resorts, expanding from Egypt to Oman, Switzerland, and the UAE.

With fortunes of $8.5 billion, $5 billion, and $1.1 billion, the Sawiris family blends financial muscle, social influence, and political reach, truly one of Africa’s most formidable dynasties.

7. Kenyatta Family – Kenya

It’s impossible to discuss East African history without mentioning the Kenyattas. For decades, they have shaped Kenya’s economy and politics and are, in many ways, the landlords of Nairobi.

Matriarch Ngina Kenyatta (“Mama Ngina”) and her sons, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Muhoho Kenyatta, run a sprawling empire of estates, luxury hotels, and farms. Through the Heritage Group, they own over 500,000 acres of prime land, safari lodges, and resorts, including the $5 billion Northlands City.

They call the shots at Kenya’s top resorts: Mara Explorer, Voyager Beach Resort, Samburu Intrepids, and the Great Rift Valley Lodge; and Mama Ngina is one of Africa’s wealthiest women in agriculture.

From media to land and tourism, the Kenyattas quietly steer markets and political moves across East Africa, proving power doesn’t need to shout.

8. Oppenheimer Family – South Africa

The Oppenheimers are South African old-money royalty, born into a world where mastering gold and diamonds came before counting regular cash.

Sir Ernest Oppenheimer founded Anglo American and took control of De Beers, eventually dominating over 95% of the global diamond supply. His son Harry expanded the empire, and grandson Nicholas “Nicky” Oppenheimer later sold his De Beers shares for $5.1 billion, keeping influence alive through Oppenheimer Generations, with investments across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the U.S.

The family holds strategic stakes in diamonds, platinum, and copper in countries like Botswana and Namibia.

Their power comes from immense wealth, pan-African investments, global business reach, and influence over politics and society, cementing the Oppenheimers as one of Africa’s most formidable dynasties.

9. Mansour Family – Egypt

From humble beginnings in cotton exports, the Mansour Group has grown into a global powerhouse, employing 60,000 people in over 100 countries.

Mohamed, Youssef, and Yasseen Mansour now run the show, handling exclusive distribution deals with General Motors and Caterpillar, developing luxury real estate, and investing in global tech giants like Spotify, Uber, Airbnb, Meta, and Twitter.

The Mansours are the kind of family where “business as usual” includes shaping African markets, steering industrial growth, and quietly flexing influence across the continent. Mohamed, Youssef, and Yasseen each have their domain: Yasseen runs Palm Hills, Mohamed oversees automotive and investments, and Youssef balances tech and ventures.

The family owns stakes in some of the world’s most talked-about tech companies. With $7.5 billion in annual revenue and operations spanning continents, the Mansours are proof that a family can be serious about business without losing a sense of flair, they are powerful, connected, and always moving, and they do it with style.

10. Masiyiwa Family – Zimbabwe

The Masiyiwa family is Africa’s tech royalty, Zimbabwe’s answer to Larry Ellison; visionary, daring, and always one step ahead.

Strive Masiyiwa has reshaped telecommunications, fintech, and AI, while his wife, Tsitsi, leads the family’s philanthropic ventures, from healthcare and education to supporting vulnerable communities, ensuring their influence touches lives far beyond the boardroom.

Their daughters, Elizabeth Tanya and Sarah, are already shaping digital strategy across Africa, embedding the family deeply into the continent’s tech future. With massive investments across telecoms, fintech, AI, and emerging technologies, imagine how much more powerful the Masiyiwas will be in the coming years.

Their wealth isn’t just numbers; it’s a force of transformation, cementing their place as one of Africa’s most influential and forward-thinking families.

Just-ln: Comrade Wilson Asekutu Emerges Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Delta State Chapter

Delta State has recorded another milestone in organised labour as Comrade Wilson Asekutu has emerged the new Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Delta State Council, following a smooth and peaceful election held at the 1st Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference in Asaba.

The conference, which took place at the Samuel Dietake Multipurpose Event Hall, saw Comrade Asekutu elected unopposed, a development widely applauded by delegates as a demonstration of unity, maturity and strong democratic values within the Congress.

Representing the TUC President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, Comrade Oluchi-Favour Ubani commended the Delta State Council for a seamless transition. She described the peaceful process as a reflection of the Congress’s collective resolve to build a stronger and more resilient labour movement at all levels. She also congratulated the newly elected Executive Committee and prayed for a tenure marked by progress, stability and impactful service to workers across the state.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Asekutu expressed gratitude to the delegates for their confidence in his leadership. He pledged to build on the achievements of the outgoing administration, strengthen solidarity among affiliate unions, and champion the rights and welfare of workers in both the public and private sectors.

According to him, his leadership will focus on addressing critical issues affecting Delta workers, including rising cost of living, casualisation, job insecurity, fair wages, and the need for improved workplace safety and conditions.

Comrade Asekutu, a seasoned labour leader from Tsekelewu in Egbema Kingdom, currently served as the PENGASSAN Warri Zonal Secretary, also a member of both PENGASSAN Central Working Committee and National Executive Council. He brings years of experience, including senior-level engagement in the oil and gas industry.

Delta workers and labour affiliates across the state have expressed optimism that the new leadership will consolidate on existing gains and deliver a more robust and responsive labour front.

Delta Event TV News will continue to monitor developments within the Congress and provide updates as the new executive begins its tenure.

GODFATHERS: THE FAT CATS OF DEMOCRACY AND THEIR HUNGRY KITTENS-The Political ATM that Accepts Only Praise-

In today’s Nigeria, godfatherism and political cabalism have grown into a hulking monster, draped in expensive fabrics, fed on public funds, with a wicked smirk that knows its power is absolute. This creature prowls our political terrain, devouring the soul of democracy one bite at a time. It slinks into party meetings and electoral commissions, whispering names of “chosen candidates” long before the first ballot paper is printed. In its claws, the will of the people is as fragile as dry leaves in the harmattan -- easily crumbled, scattered without care.  

Once upon a time, democracy promised freedom, choice, and accountability. But the monster’s grip is tight, and Nigerians now watch elections like badly written soap operas where the ending is known before the first scene. The ballot paper is no longer an expression of the people’s will; it is simply the prop in a puppet show whose strings are pulled from a godfather’s mansion. Leaders become mannequins dressed in authority, performing scripts written by invisible hands behind the curtain.  

This beast has no loyalty to the people who line up under the hot sun to vote. Its allegiance lies entirely with the godfathers who feed it -- moneybags with bottomless pockets and endless appetite for power. It decides who gets a ministerial chair, who becomes governor, and even who gets a “lucrative” contract. The citizens watch helplessly, their voices muted like a television turned down to zero, their votes devalued until they are mere confetti tossed at victory parties that were planned months before the election.  

Within the corridors of power, the monster plays matchmaker between incompetence and authority. Public appointments are no longer the reward of skill or vision but the dowry paid to those who swear undying loyalty to the godfather. A man may have no knowledge of health administration, yet find himself in charge of hospitals, simply because he once clapped the loudest at a campaign rally. In this strange marriage, merit is the unwanted guest. Inefficiency and mediocrity take the honeymoon, birthing corruption and stagnation that choke the nation’s progress.  

The monster’s laughter echoes in the marble halls of government whenever the topic of accountability arises. Protected leaders, shielded by godfather influence, saunter through office without fear of the people who supposedly elected them. Public funds leak away like water from a cracked pot, and no one dares ask where they went. Justice, equality, and progress — the promised dividends of democracy — are replaced with deprivation and deceit, neatly packaged in political speeches and false statistics.  

In matters of development, the monster’s appetite shapes the national budget. It decides which road is built, which school is renovated, which hospital gets new beds — and none of these decisions are based on public need. Instead, they are calculated offerings to please the great godfather and maintain his favour. Projects become currency, inflated contracts the bribes of survival, while essential services like education, health, and agriculture are left gasping for air in the corner.  

The consequences are heavy and cruel. Corruption flourishes in the shade of the godfather’s umbrella. Impunity dances freely, unafraid of the law. Inequality sharpens its claws on the backs of the poor while the rich toast to “success” in gold-rimmed glasses. Citizens grow weary and distrustful, their faith in democracy corroded by years of betrayal. Apathy spreads. Protests rumble quietly, waiting for the spark that could send them roaring into the streets. The moral compass of governance spins wildly, unable to point towards justice when loyalty to the godfather outweighs loyalty to the constitution.  

The remedy, though difficult, is not impossible. This monster can be starved. Its food source is the unchecked power of political patrons, and starving it requires the strengthening of institutions — courts that refuse political interference, electoral commissions that ignore secret phone calls, security agencies that serve the law, not the godfather’s will. Citizens must look the beast in the eye and demand that leaders owe their loyalty to the public alone. Transparent elections, merit-based appointments, and vigilant civic participation are the weapons that will drive the creature back into the shadows.  

Yet while this monster roams through our establishments and institutions, professionalism withers. Every sector it touches becomes politicised. Judges bow to political pressure. Civil servants play to the tune of party bosses. Even security agencies turn into personal guards for the powerful instead of protectors of justice. Once independent, these bodies now march to the rhythm of the godfather’s drum.  

And in its wake, inefficiency blooms like weeds in a neglected garden. Offices become dens of waste, policies lose their way, and service delivery collapses into a heap of promises never kept. Governance turns into theatre without talent, just noise and costume changes, as the monster lounges lazily, gnawing on the resources meant for the people.  

Godfatherism and cabal politics are the sworn enemies of democracy in contemporary Nigeria. As long as the monster sits in the governor’s seat and whispers into the president’s ear, the nation’s steps towards justice, peace, and prosperity will be slow, painful, and uncertain. True progress will come only when the leash is broken, when the people’s will storms back into national politics, and when the puppet strings are cut forever. Only then will the monster starve, and only then will democracy breathe freely once again.  

EBIKABOWEI KEDIKUMO - writes from Ayakoromo Town, Delta State

N-Delta Civil Society Forum Condemns Payment of N141.36bn 13% Derivation to State Govts, insists on Direct Allocation to Oil-Producing Communities

The Niger Delta Civil Society Forum (NDCSF), a coalition of civil society organisations drawn from Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ondo and other states in the oil-rich region, has stoutly condemned the payment of N141.36 billion being 13% derivation funds to state governments in the October 2025 revenue allocation, describing the practice as "unconstitutional, unjust, and detrimental to the welfare of oil-producing communities".

According to the Forum, Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution clearly mandates the 13% derivation as compensation for resource-bearing communities that suffer environmental degradation, land depletion, pollution, loss of livelihoods, and other socio-economic hardships resulting from oil, gas, and mineral exploration.

The Forum expressed deep dissatisfaction over the continued transfer of derivation funds to state governments despite decades of alleged mismanagement, non-transparency, and failure to deliver meaningful development to communities directly impacted by mineral extraction.

These were contained in a statement signed by the Forum's Coordinator, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri, Delta State on Saturday.

NDCSF's statement followed the announcement by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) that it shared N2.094 trillion for October 2025, including N141.359 billion earmarked as 13% derivation from mineral revenue and paid to oil-producing states.

The Forum emphasized that "nowhere in the Constitution is it stated that the funds must be paid to state governments or routed through them".

“For more than 30 years, these funds have been handed over to state governments, yet the oil-producing communities continue to wallow in poverty, underdevelopment, and environmental devastation", the Forum stated. 

It added, "There are no roads, no water, no hospitals, no youth employment  nothing to justify the trillions paid over the years”. 

The Forum described the continued payment of derivation to state governments as "a gross violation of the socio-economic rights of host communities", just as it accused the states of "using the funds to service debts, build state capital projects, or advance political interests while neglecting the people for whom the funds were constitutionally created".

The Forum warned that "the 13% derivation fund is not a bailout for state governments, nor is it meant to reduce their debt burdens".

“The funds are not for oil-producing states to settle debts or run political structures. They belong to the oil-producing communities. It is unacceptable that those who suffer the destructive impact of oil and gas exploration continue in pain while their rightful compensation is diverted,” the statement reiterated.

Meanwhile, the NDCSF, in collaboration with Host Community leaders, has on Tuesday, November 16, 2025, submitted a formal position paper to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Abuja. 

The group demanded the full legal implementation of the 13% derivation principle and called for the creation of 13% Derivation Boards in all oil-producing states, among others.

The Forum maintained that "a Presidential Monitoring and Compliance body would ensure transparency, accountability, and direct flow of funds to oil-bearing communities".

Also on Wednesday, November 17, 2025, Kagbala led a delegation to the National Assembly, where the Forum met with the Chairman of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Sabotage, Senator Ned Nwoko. 

The group urged lawmakers to support legislation that would restructure the management of the derivation fund.

“If the National Assembly truly represents the people, they must end this 30-year injustice,” Kagbala stated during the visit.

The NDCSF issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to exercise his constitutional powers under the Exclusive Legislative List — where oil and gas matters are vested — to intervene decisively.

“We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to create derivation boards that will guarantee direct, unhindered benefits to the oil-producing communities. The people are suffering, and the injustice must stop.”

The group insisted that President Tinubu has both the authority and the moral responsibility to correct what it described as one of the longest-standing fiscal distortions in Nigeria’s federal system.

The NDCSF concluded by calling on the Presidency, Nigerian National Assembly, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to urgently review and restructure the existing payment framework to ensure that the 13% derivation reaches those for whom it was originally intended the oil-producing communities.

“The era of paying derivations to state governments must end. The people of the Niger Delta have suffered enough,” the statement concluded.

WIKE: TINUBU'S MINISTER OF MAYHEM AND THE LONG WALK TO DISASTER--The Minister and the Presidential Bonfire Party--

Nigeria today feels like a huge house on fire -- the kind where the flames are already licking the ceiling, the smoke is thick, and the smell of burning cloth fills the air. And in the middle of this inferno, President Tinubu, instead of grabbing an extinguisher, is pouring more petrol on the walls. You would think a man living in a burning building would want to fight the fire. But here we are.  

In just three days, the country has been rocked like an old rickety bus on a bad road -- an Army General cut down, schoolgirls snatched in Kebbi, and kidnappers running wild like they have signed a contract to supply fear to every home. If this is not an assault on our nation, then I don’t know what else to call it. And yet… what has become the big government ‘project’ this week? Yes, Wike --  the Minister of Thunderstorms -- is busy attacking the PDP Secretariat as if that brick and mortar is the main enemy of Nigeria.  

It is almost like you have robbers in your home, but instead of locking the doors, the landlord hires Wike to knock holes in the walls so the thieves can walk in comfortably. The security roof is leaking, but Wike is inside dancing on the ceiling in heavy boots. Every step he takes rattles the whole house, but somehow the President treats it like background music.  

To make matters worse, the world is watching. Trump has already thrown shade, calling us a disgraced country and even rattling his sabre about military action. A serious government would take that as a loud wake-up call. But our reply? Singing campaign songs in front of judges, as if melodies could stop bullets or rescue our kidnapped daughters.  

And here’s Wike again --  one moment insulting the military, the next tearing into opposition strongholds. You had think he was on a personal mission to scatter the little fabric of democracy we still have left. He is like the drummer who insists on beating his drum in the middle of a funeral -- loud, off‑beat, and totally ignoring the mood.  

Tinubu’s supporters are calling for unity, telling us to rally around the President as if hugging a man who is drenched in petrol and waving a lighter is some act of patriotism. This is not unity; it’s suicide by loyalty. When danger is this close and the leadership is this reckless, the question is simple: do you run towards them… or save yourself?  

Right now, Nigeria’s bleeding wounds need doctors, not demolition workers like Wike. But instead of surgeons, Tinubu has Wike — a man who can’t see a crack without turning it into a crater. The nation is under siege by kidnappers and insurgents, yet the focus of this administration seems to be on settling political playground disputes, as if Abuja were just a market square for personal grudges.  

These optics are terrible. It is like telling the world: “Yes, our house is collapsing, but please, watch us fight about who sits on which chair in the living room.” International respect? Straight into the gutter. Security? Becoming a bedtime fairy tale.  

If President Tinubu truly wants to lead, now is the time to face the fire, beg for help if he must -- from friends, foes, even strangers. Because sovereignty is meaningless if our people are dying in the streets and our daughters in captivity cry themselves to sleep at night. You cannot wrap yourself in the flag when it is soaked in blood.  

Wike may think he is playing politics, but right now, his antics aren’t just embarrassing , they’re gasoline poured on Nigeria’s raging fire. And if Tinubu keeps him roaming free like a bull in a china shop, then this government might well be remembered as the arsonist that danced while the country burned.  

EBIKABOWEI KEDIKUMO - writes from Ayakoromo Town, Delta State

PANDEF Chairman, Dr. Igali Celebrates Jonathan, Attah as They Clock 68 and 87 Years Old Today

AS ALWAYS, WE CELEBRATE OUR FATHERS, FORMER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND OBONG ATTAH, ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

As you mark milestone birthdays, turning 68 and 87 years young, respectively, PANDEF extends warmest congratulations to you, Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Obong Attah, on behalf of the people of the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

We give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of life, wisdom, and the opportunity to leave indelible marks on our nation. Your contributions to academia, architecture, politics, and public service have not only shaped Nigeria's destiny but have also inspired generations to strive for excellence.

Your dedication to nation-building, democracy, and the pursuit of greatness has earned you a revered place among Nigeria's most illustrious leaders. We, the people of Niger Delta, are particularly grateful for your tireless advocacy for our region's rights and interests, including the landmark achievement of fiscal federalism, especially the 13% derivation principle and environmental remediation.

As you enter this new chapter, we pray for your continued good health, peace, and joy. May God fulfill His promise: "With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation" (Psalm 91:16). May your legacy continue to inspire future generations to strive for greatness, and may God bless you and your families abundantly.

Congratulations, and happy birthday, Sirs!

Amb Dr Godknows Boladei Igali

National Chairman, PANDEFAS ALWAYS, WE CELEBRATE OUR FATHERS, FORMER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND OBONG ATTAH, ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

As you mark milestone birthdays, turning 68 and 87 years young, respectively, PANDEF extends warmest congratulations to you, Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Obong Attah, on behalf of the people of the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

We give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of life, wisdom, and the opportunity to leave indelible marks on our nation. Your contributions to academia, architecture, politics, and public service have not only shaped Nigeria's destiny but have also inspired generations to strive for excellence.

Your dedication to nation-building, democracy, and the pursuit of greatness has earned you a revered place among Nigeria's most illustrious leaders. We, the people of Niger Delta, are particularly grateful for your tireless advocacy for our region's rights and interests, including the landmark achievement of fiscal federalism, especially the 13% derivation principle and environmental remediation.

As you enter this new chapter, we pray for your continued good health, peace, and joy. May God fulfill His promise: "With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation" (Psalm 91:16). May your legacy continue to inspire future generations to strive for greatness, and may God bless you and your families abundantly.

Congratulations, and happy birthday, Sirs!

Amb Dr Godknows Boladei Igali

National Chairman, PANDEF

Ijaw Publishers Felicitate with Pondi On Birth Anniversary

The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF), the apex Ijaw media council has extended warm and heartfelt birthday greetings to Hon. Julius Pondi, esteemed Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency, as he celebrates another milestone in his remarkable life.

In a statement, IPF National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, described Hon. Pondi is a leader who has consistently demonstrated capacity, experience, and an unwavering commitment to serving his people. "Hon. Pondi has shown exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the needs of his constituents, the legislative business and we are confident that he will continue to serve his people with diligence and passion."

The IPF commends Hon. Pondi's tireless efforts in championing the cause of his people, noting that his contributions to the development of Burutu Federal Constituency were truly commendable.

The media experts joined family, friends, and well-wishers in wishing him a happy birthday, filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment. "We celebrate your life, your achievements, and your dedication to public service. May this special day mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope, prosperity, and continued success."

The IPF also expressed its appreciation for Hon. Pondi's commitment to the people of Burutu Federal Constituency, and looks forward to continued collaboration in serving the needs of the community.

SELECTOCRACY: HOW TO CHOOSE LEADERS WITHOUT ASKING THE PEOPLE: - The Invisible Hands That Steal Our Future in Nigeria --

There is a monster living right here among us in Nigeria. You won’t catch him haggling in the market or squeezing into a crowded bus, and you will never see him casually walking down the street. But make no mistake -- his shadow touches every corner of the land. He is different from the monsters in children’s stories. He has no claws to rip, no sharp teeth to bite, yet his weapon is far more dangerous: control, total control over who leads us and how we are governed.  

This monster dresses like a king, in clothes bought with money that should have fixed our bad roads or stocked our hospitals with medicine. His smile is soft, almost comforting, but it hides greed sharp enough to cut through an entire budget. He dines daily from the pot of public funds as if it was cooked for him and his cronies alone. And the strangest part? He doesn’t even put his name on the ballot, yet he decides the winners of our elections. Before your thumb touches the paper in the voting booth, his invisible hand has already tilted the scale. That is why I say — he is the real government, the king behind the curtain, the puppeteer controlling the actors we see.  

People call this Nigeria a democracy, using big words from civics textbooks, but in reality what we have is “Selectocracy.” In this odd arrangement, citizens don’t truly pick their leaders; instead, leaders are picked for citizens, like pre-packaged meals handed to you without asking what you’re hungry for. Elections have become grand plays staged for public consumption, with the ending decided long before the actors speak their lines. We still queue in the hot sun, vote with hope in our hearts, yet the results are already simmering in the monster’s kitchen, well-seasoned with the godfather’s blessing.  

But how does this monster keep his belly full? He is fed by godfathers — political kingpins with pockets so deep that dipping your hand inside is like reaching into a bottomless pit. These godfathers are the real puppet-masters, whispering names into the monster’s ear until those names magically take charge of ministries and offices. A man who couldn’t tell the difference between a syringe and a spoon can become Minister of Health. Someone with zero background in education may suddenly become responsible for shaping the future of schools. In this Selectocracy, competence is thrown out with yesterday’s newspaper, while loyalty becomes the only ticket to the high table.  

And who does the monster welcome into his inner circle? Not citizens who challenge him with uncomfortable truths, and certainly not dreamers with ideas to solve the nation’s woes. No. He surrounds himself with “yes-men” -- nodding statues that clap in tune to his will. When these protected leaders stroll through the corridors of power, they do so without fear of being held accountable. The cries of the people are faint echoes that never reach their ears. Roads are left with potholes big enough to swallow motorcycles whole, hospitals operate without basic drugs, and schools crumble like sandcastles in the rain. Yet, the funds meant to mend them flow silently into private pockets, disappearing faster than water down a cracked pot.  

Even the development we see wears the monster’s crooked mask. Projects don’t follow the map of human need; they follow the godfather’s whims. A tarred road might spring up in a sleepy village with only a few residents, just because a godfather visited once or owns land there. Meanwhile, bustling cities choke under potholes deep enough to serve as fishing ponds. This upside-down logic turns governance into a personal to-do list for the powerful.  

The monster’s favourite trick, however, is something he calls “stomach infrastructure” -- his way of keeping the people quiet through their hungry bellies. In this scheme, bags of rice, goats, sewing machines, and envelopes fat with cash change hands. But these tokens solve nothing. Instead, they offer a short breath to a drowning man, feeding our hunger today while leaving the same hunger waiting at the door tomorrow. And because we have eaten, we are expected to sing praises and forget our suffering. In the eyes of the monster, silence from the masses is worth far more than actual progress.  

Our young people, the so-called future of this nation, are caged in this arrangement. They graduate with flying colours, clutching degrees like golden tickets, only to discover that the real ticket to opportunity is the godfather’s handshake. Those who can pack their bags flee to countries where merit speaks louder than loyalty. Those too rooted to leave either hide their voices or join the choir singing for the godfather’s glory. Talent rusts, dreams are shelved, and our future is auctioned off to the highest bidder in loyalty’s marketplace.  

The monster’s puppetry goes far deeper than politics. It pulls the strings in our institutions -- from the courts to the police to the civil service itself. Judges who should wear justice like a crown end up wearing the colours of political allegiance. Police, meant to guard the weak, sometimes guard the godfather’s interests instead. Civil servants trade duty for servitude, working more for power brokers than for the nation. Important policies collect dust in locked drawers, files sleep on desks, and promises to the people vanish like morning mist before the sun.  

Godfatherism in Nigeria is not just another bad seed in politics -- it is a poisonous tree planted in the very heart of democracy. Its roots suck dry the water meant for justice, peace, and development, leaving these fruits to shrivel and fall before they ripen. And with Selectocracy ruling the day, leaders are chosen not by the people but by their political masters. So what do they do? They serve those masters, not us, the citizens. That is why accountability is a stranger in our governance. That is why our development crawls, our economy limps, and our hopes keep stumbling.  

But here is the truth my fellow Nigerians: even the fattest monster starves when its meal is taken away. The day we cut its strings, the day we burn its puppet stage to ashes, the day we insist that merit sits above manipulation -- that day will be the turning point when democracy no longer limps but stands tall. We must break the leash, we must pull the plug on the feeding pot, and we must ensure that our votes are the voice of truth, not chains that tie us down.  

Nigeria does not belong to the shadows. It does not belong to the godfathers. And it certainly does not belong to the monster. It belongs to us -- the people. And if we stand, speak, and act together, the clock will run out on the monster’s reign, and the sun will rise on a nation we can truly call ours.  

EBIKABOWEI KEDIKUMO – writes from Ayakoromo Town, Delta State

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