Lt. General L. O. Adeosun In the 1970s and 1980s, Nigerians lived simpler lives, content with their means. Politicians, military officers, police officers, clerics, teachers, civil servants, professionals, and traders all operated within their financial limits. They didn’t aspire to excessive material wealth or engage in the destructive greed that characterizes today’s society. …
In the midst of the devastation of World War I, a remarkable love story emerged that would capture the hearts of many. Georges Roy, a French soldier, had lost his eyes and arms in the war, leaving him severely disabled. Despite his dire circumstances, Marguerite Lavenue, a woman from the same village in…
By Oriyomi Uthman Alhaji Haruna Ishola, born in 1919 in Ijebu-Igbo, Nigeria, is celebrated as a seminal figure in the Apala music genre. His contributions to Nigerian music are marked by a traditionalist approach that fused Yoruba proverbs and Koranic scriptures, creating a rich tapestry of sound that resonated deeply with his audience….
By Oriyomi Uthman Yusuf Olatunji, affectionately known as Baba Legba or Baba L’Egba, stands as a monumental figure in Nigerian music history. Born in 1908 in Begbinlawo Gbagura, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olatunji’s ascent from a young village drummer to a celebrated sakara music virtuoso exemplifies his extraordinary talent and determination. From the…
In the late 1800s, a group of African American soldiers earned a reputation for their unwavering bravery and unrelenting fighting spirit in the Wild West. Known as the Buffalo Soldiers, these courageous men were the first all-African American regiment in the United States Army, formed in 1866 after the Civil War. The…
By Oriyomi Uthman Nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of Kishi, Igbeti, Igboho, and parts of Kwara State lies a hidden gem of history and mystery – Oyo-Ile, an ancient town steeped in legend and lore. Surrounded by imposing rocks and accessed through four distinct roads, this ancient enclave has long captivated the imagination…
By Oriyomi Uthman Stephen Oladipupo Olaore Owomoyela, known as Orlando Owoh (14 February 1932 – 4 November 2008), was a celebrated Nigerian highlife musician and band leader of Yoruba origin. Born in Osogbo, Western Region, Nigeria, to Owomoyela and Mrs. Christiana Morenike Owomoyela, his father hailed from Ifon, Ondo State, while his mother…
The Origin of a Timeless Phrase In the heart of Ibadan, a city steeped in rich cultural heritage, a fascinating story unfolds. A group of Ibadan chiefs, known for their wisdom and wit, once engaged in a meeting with the notoriously difficult British district officer, Mr. Hezekiah Shunklebottom, during the colonial era. …
Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin, the Russian mystic and faith healer, has been a figure of fascination for over a century. His life and death are shrouded in mystery, and his influence on the Russian royal family has been the subject of much speculation. Rasputin was born in 1869 in Siberia, Russia. He was…
By Oriyomi Uthman In 399 BC, the renowned philosopher Socrates found himself facing a jury of 500 Athenians, accused of “refusing to recognize the gods recognized by the state” and “corrupting the youth.” The potential consequences of a guilty verdict were dire, with the death penalty looming as a possible outcome. After…
