Her Majesty Queen Ashley Afolasade OjajaOgunwusi, FCCA, MAAT

The profile of Her Majesty Queen Ashley Afolasade OjajaOgunwusi, FCCA, MAAT

Princess of the Lafogido Royal Dynasty Ile Ife, and the wife of the Arole Oduduwa, Ooni of Ile-Ife from the Giesi Royal Dynasty. 

Queen Ashley AFolasade OjajaOgunwusi

Her Majesty Queen Ashley AFolasade OjajaOgunwusi, FCCA, is a Nigerian-British Chartered Accountant, entrepreneur, philanthropist, technology professional, cultural ambassador, and royal leader. Born into the distinguished Lafogido Royal Dynasty of Ile-Ife, she is a princess by birth, descending from one of the recognised ruling houses of the ancient kingdom of Ife. Her royal heritage, deeply rooted in the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, shaped her lifelong commitment to leadership, service, cultural preservation, and community development.

She later became the wife and Queen Consort to His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ọjàjà II, the Àrólé Odùduwà and Ooni of Ife, one of Africa’s most revered traditional monarchs and the foremost custodian of Yoruba history, culture, and civilisation. As the Olori of the Yoruba Kingdom, Queen Ashley combines the responsibilities of her birthright and marriage in advancing humanitarian causes, cultural diplomacy, and national development.

Queen Ashley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Greenwich, United Kingdom. She is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA), the highest membership designation awarded by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), having also earned the AAT Technician qualification earlier in her professional journey.

Demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and innovation, she further enhanced her expertise through professional studies in Computer Literacy, Project Management, and Cybersecurity at Tritek Academy, United Kingdom. These qualifications complement her financial and leadership experience, enabling her to champion digital transformation, governance, and technological advancement across both the public and private sectors.

As an accomplished businesswoman, Queen Ashley has interests spanning accounting and financial advisory, corporate consulting, entrepreneurship, hospitality, real estate, technology, and social enterprise. She is passionate about mentoring aspiring professionals, supporting women-led businesses, and creating opportunities for young people through education, digital skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.

Queen Ashley is widely recognised for her philanthropic work, championing initiatives that promote education, healthcare, women and children’s welfare, youth empowerment, and community development. Through her humanitarian projects and cultural initiatives, she continues to preserve and promote the rich traditions of the Yoruba people while fostering peace, unity, ethical leadership, and sustainable development.

She also serves on the Board of Trustees of Inspired to Inspire – Why She Leads Initiative, contributing her expertise in governance, strategic leadership, and women’s empowerment. In recognition of her professional accomplishments and dedication to the advancement of the accounting profession, she serves as the Matron of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ile-Ife & District Society, where she champions professional excellence, ethical leadership, mentorship, and capacity building for current and future generations of accountants.

An accomplished keynote speaker, Queen Ashley regularly addresses national and international audiences on leadership, finance, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, cultural heritage, and sustainable economic development. Her rare combination of royal heritage, professional excellence, technological expertise, and humanitarian service has established her as a respected voice for positive change across Nigeria, Africa, and the international community.

Driven by a vision to bridge tradition with innovation, Queen Ashley remains dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening institutions, preserving cultural identity, and building a legacy of inclusive prosperity for future generations.

ONE YEAR OF PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP: CELEBRATING HON. OPEYEMI ADUNNI AKINDELE ON HER 1st ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE

ONE YEAR OF PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP: CELEBRATING HON. OPEYEMI ADUNNI AKINDELE ON HER 1st ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE

Today marks a significant milestone in the administrative journey of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA). Exactly one year ago, Hon. Opeyemi Adunni Akindele assumed office as Executive Chairman, stepping into leadership with a clear vision, deep commitment, and a strong sense of responsibility to the people.

Taking the helm was no easy feat. Coming into office following an administration that left many people unimpressed, Hon. Akindele faced an uphill battle from day one. Many doubts were cast upon her, fueled by her shared political party with her predecessor.

Yet, over the past 365 days, Akindele has turned doubt into praise. She has shattered those unfair expectations through sheer dedication, pragmatic governance, and visible results. Her tenure is proving that leadership is defined by character, competence, and action, not by past baggage. From infrastructure development to social welfare programs and grassroots engagement, she is rewriting the narrative of local governance in our council area.

At Abesan News and Alimosho Standard we join the good people of Mosan-Okunola LCDA in celebrating this 365-day journey of resilience, purpose, and impact.

Leadership at the grassroots level comes with high expectations, and regaining the public's confidence is only the first step. As we celebrate the achievements of this past year, we urge Hon. Opeyemi Adunni Akindele to remain steadfast, keep her ears to the ground, and continue prioritizing the welfare of the people.

The trust restored over this past year is sacred. We encourage her to stay focused on her vision, build upon the strong foundation she has laid, and ensure that every community within Mosan-Okunola feels the touch of progress. Do not relent, and do not let down the thousands of residents who now passionately believe in your capacity to lead.

Congratulations on completing a remarkable first year in office, and may the coming years bring even greater achievements, wisdom, and development to Mosan-Okunola LCDA.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's $2 Million Wedding Gift Brings Comfort to Grieving First Responder Families

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's $2 Million Wedding Gift Brings Comfort to Grieving First Responder Families

By Olufemi Odeyemi

Pop star Taylor Swift and NFL tight end Travis Kelce have drawn widespread admiration after a $2 million donation made ahead of their wedding was revealed to have brought comfort to families of fallen New York City first responders.

The couple married on 3 July 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City in a star-studded ceremony. In the lead-up to the wedding, Swift and Kelce quietly gave a combined $26 million to charity organizations across America, among them a New York-based foundation known as Answer The Call.

According to the organisation's own account, Answer The Call is a benefit fund established in 1985 that provides immediate financial assistance and stipends to the families of New York City police officers, firefighters, Port Authority police, and EMS personnel killed in the line of duty.

The scale of the couple's generosity became public on 20 July 2026, when the foundation shared an Instagram post thanking Swift and Kelce for the $2 million gift and including letters of appreciation from nine of the families it supports. The foundation noted that many of the recipients wanted to express their gratitude directly, in their own words.

Among those who responded was Valerie Perry, one of the beneficiaries, who described being moved to tears by the gesture and wished the newlyweds a blessed future together, citing their generosity and compassion toward families who have endured significant loss.

The donation has struck an emotional chord well beyond the couple's usual fanbase, resonating in particular with families who continue to carry the weight of losing loved ones in the line of duty. For many of them, the gift is being read not merely as a celebrity gesture but as a meaningful acknowledgment of an ongoing sacrifice.

Neither Swift nor Kelce has issued a personal public statement on the donation beyond the foundation's acknowledgment, but the gesture has added to a growing public narrative around the couple's philanthropic activity surrounding their wedding.

Adunni Brings Relief to Abesan Demolition Victims with Food, Cash Support

Adunni Brings Relief to Abesan Demolition Victims with Food, Cash Support

By Olufemi Odeyemi

Residents of Block 341, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, who lost their homes to a demolition exercise carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), have received food and cash support from the Chairman of Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area, Hon. Akindele Adunni Opeyemi.

The building, located near Akinyele Bus Stop in Abesan Estate, was pulled down by LASBCA on 11 July 2026 after a resident raised the alarm over severe structural defects. An emergency safety inspection confirmed the danger, prompting the agency to carry out a controlled demolition to prevent a possible collapse and protect lives.

In the aftermath, Akindele stepped in with a relief package for eight affected residents: Elder Idowu Sunmola, Emeka Osadebe, Kachalla Ali, Esther Megbowon, Victoria Akwu Monday Ocholi, Elder Solomon O. Akinyemi, Engr. Denedo Emmanuel, and Mrs. Gbemisola Oni.

Presenting the items on Thursday, July 23 at the council secretariat, the chairman said the gesture, though unable to fully replace what the victims had lost, was a mark of solidarity from the local government. She noted that both landlords and tenants had been invited, since both groups had suffered losses of property and investment, and expressed relief that the demolition had not claimed any lives. She described the cash component as modest but sincere, meant to reflect the council's concern for residents in a difficult moment.

The chairman used the occasion to raise wider concerns about sanitation in Abesan Estate, citing broken and overflowing sewage systems and keeping of poultry, dogs, and rams within residential compounds as practices that put public health at risk. She charged the Abesan Estate Residents Association (AERA) Enforcement and Compliance Team to step up monitoring and enforce environmental sanitation rules more strictly.

The event was attended by a past President of AERA, Elder Michael Kehinde, and members of the association's Sanitation Compliance and Enforcement Team.

Elder Kehinde commended the council chairman for the gesture and urged residents to build stronger neighbourly ties while maintaining proper sanitation practices, particularly around preventing sewage leaks from contaminating the environment.

Speaking for the beneficiaries, Elder Idowu Sunmola thanked Hon. Akindele for coming to their aid at short notice, calling it a source of encouragement in a difficult time. He commended her administration's record of people-centred initiatives and development projects in under a year in office.

Dr. Adeshola Cole-Alegbe – Visionary Tech Leader, Educator, and Champion for Equity

Dr. Adeshola Cole-Alegbe – Visionary Tech Leader, Educator, and Champion for Equity

Dr. Adeshola Cole-Alegbe 

Dr. Adeshola Cole-Alegbe is a globally recognised leader redefining access, opportunity, and representation in the tech sector. As the CEO and Founder of Tritek Academy, a multi-award-winning EdTech institution, she has dedicated her life to opening doors for those often locked out of the tech industry due to gender, background, or economic limitations. Her work is not just a professional mission. It is a personal conviction, rooted in her lived experiences and a lifelong commitment to transformation.

President Tinubu Congratulates First Elected Female NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya

President Tinubu Congratulates First Elected Female NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya

By Olufemi Odeyemi 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, following her historic election as the first elected female President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Describing her emergence as a landmark moment for the legal profession, President Tinubu highlighted her victory as a triumph for merit, excellence, and gender inclusion across the nation.

In an official statement released by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that Badejo-Okusanya's career marked by integrity, professionalism, and a dedication to justice earned her the widespread trust of colleagues nationwide.

President Tinubu affirmed that her victory reflects the growing recognition of women's vital contributions to nation-building and the administration of justice. He expressed confidence that her leadership will reinforce the legal profession, uphold the rule of law, and advance key reforms to broaden access to justice for all citizens.

Addressing the new Bar leadership, the President urged Badejo-Okusanya to collaborate with key stakeholders to drive judicial reforms, protect constitutional integrity, and maintain the legal profession's role as a cornerstone of democratic governance.

Beyond institutional goals, President Tinubu called on the President-elect to prioritize internal unity following the election cycle, advising her to reach out to fellow contestants and address any concerns arising from the polls.

While wishing her a successful tenure, President Tinubu assured the Nigerian Bar Association of his administration's continued commitment to working alongside the Bar to deepen democratic values and promote justice across Nigeria.

Gilbert Councilman-Elect Bus Obayomi Expresses Gratitude and Commitment Following Primary Victory

GILBERT TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION

Gilbert Councilman-Elect Bus Obayomi Expresses Gratitude and Commitment Following Primary Victory

By Olufemi Odeyemi 

Following the official release of the election results, Councilman-elect Bus Obayomi issued a formal statement reflecting on his primary victory and outlining his commitment to the residents of Gilbert as he prepares to take office.

In his address posted to his official Facebook page, Obayomi expressed gratitude to the community for their support and acknowledged the significant responsibility of serving on the town council.

"The final results are in, and the voters have spoken", Obayomi stated. He shared that he is deeply honored and humbled to be elected to the Gilbert Town Council, offering his thanks to every voter who placed their trust in him, as well as every volunteer, supporter, friend, and family member who stood with the campaign throughout the journey.

Obayomi secured fourth place in a competitive seven-candidate field, capturing seventeen thousand three hundred and seven votes to cross the threshold required to win one of four open council seats outright. The election outcome signaled a major shift in local leadership, with four challengers capturing the top spots over three incumbents.

Throughout his campaign, Obayomi emphasized sustainable growth, civic engagement, and fiscal transparency. In his post-election statement, he reaffirmed those core priorities and emphasized unity moving forward.

He noted that he fully understands the responsibility that comes with the role, adding that the victory is not about one person, but about serving all of Gilbert with humility, respect, and purpose. He concluded by declaring that together, they will build bridges, strengthen the community, and create a brighter future, adding that he is honored and ready to serve as Councilman-elect.

Warm wishes and commendations have poured in following the announcement. Among those offering congratulations was his elder sister, Dr. Yetty Folami, convener of the Voice of Africa Leadership Summit. Expressing great pride in his achievement, Dr. Folami stated that she expects the absolute best from him in his representation of the people and his service to the town.

With all four top vote-getters—Beth Goulden, Bill Spence, Joel Coen, and Bus Obayomi—surpassing the necessary margin, the candidates will avoid a November runoff election. The preliminary results will undergo official canvassing and final certification by the town council before the newly elected members are formally sworn in at the start of the upcoming term.

It’s official, Bus Obayomi is now a council man!

GILBERT TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION

It’s official, Bus Obayomi is now a council man!

Challengers Sweep Top Spots in Gilbert Primary as Bus Obayomi Secures Strong Position for Council Seat

By Olufemi Odeyemi 

GILBERT, Ariz. — Voters in Gilbert delivered a decisive statement during the recent primary election, sweeping four challengers into the top spots for the Gilbert Town Council and leaving three incumbents trailing behind.

Primary Returns Signal Voter Shakeup as Bus Obayomi Surges in Gilbert Council Race

Primary Returns Signal Voter Shakeup as Bus Obayomi Surges in Gilbert Council Race

Early primary election returns in the race for Gilbert Town Council signal a potential shift in municipal leadership, with challenger Busola "Bus" Obayomi securing a fourth-place standing that positions him as a strong contender heading into the general election.

TECH CONSULTANT BUS OBAYOMI VIES FOR GILBERT TOWN COUNCIL SEAT

TECH CONSULTANT BUS OBAYOMI VIES FOR GILBERT TOWN COUNCIL SEAT

As voters in Gilbert cast their ballots in the July 21 Primary Election, management consultant and civic leader Busola "Bus" Obayomi has emerged as a key candidate seeking one of four open seats on the Town Council.

Ooni of Ife loses Brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi

Ooni of Ife loses Brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi

By Olufemi Odeyemi

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has lost his brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi. His passing was announced on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

The announcement came in a statement issued by Sodiq Lawal, Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni's Palace. According to the palace, Prince Adetunji's death has created a painful and irreplaceable void within the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty, and the wider Ile-Ife Kingdom.

Prince Adetunji was born on December 8, 1967, and belonged to the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He rose to prominence in Nigeria's business community as Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings, where colleagues and business partners came to know him for his vision, discipline and dedication to excellence.

In his tribute, the Ooni described his brother as far more than a sibling, calling him a trusted confidant and a steady pillar of support within the family. The monarch, who also serves as permanent chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, said his brother's life stood out for its humility, integrity and quiet commitment to helping others, noting that beyond his business success, the late prince was known for his philanthropy and the wise counsel he offered many.

The Ooni of Ife Leadership Colloquium also released a separate statement honouring the late prince, describing him as a respected businessman whose life was defined by resilience, generosity and mentorship of young entrepreneurs. The group extended condolences to the Ooni and the entire Ogunwusi family, and prayed for strength and comfort during the period of mourning.

Her Majesty, Queen Ashley Afolasade OjajaOgunwusi has also expressed shock and prayed for the repose of the soul of the late prince.

Prince Adetunji is remembered across tributes as a devoted family man, an accomplished entrepreneur, and a philanthropist whose legacy is expected to continue inspiring the Ile-Ife community and Nigeria's business sector for years to come.

Council Chairman Pledges Support for Displaced Abesan Estate Families, Calls for Preventive Building Maintenance

Council Chairman Pledges Support for Displaced Abesan Estate Families, Calls for Preventive Building Maintenance

The Executive Chairman of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Adunni Akindele Opeyemi, has assured residents of council support for six families displaced after the demolition of Block 421, Sector 21, Abesan Estate. The building was pulled down recently after structural defects rendered it unsafe for habitation.

Lagos Govt Demolishes Distressed Building in Abesan Estate, Evacuates Occupants

Lagos Govt Demolishes Distressed Building in Abesan Estate, Evacuates Occupants

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has evacuated occupants and commenced the controlled demolition of a distressed residential building at Akinyele Bus Stop in Abesan Estate, Lagos, after structural experts declared the structure unsafe for human habitation.

NYC Unveils "Click to Cancel" Rule to Curb Subscription Traps and Junk Fees

NYC Unveils "Click to Cancel" Rule to Curb Subscription Traps and Junk Fees

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Friday a first-in-the-nation municipal rule requiring businesses to make cancelling a subscription as easy as signing up for one. The "Click to Cancel" rule was unveiled alongside New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine and other officials.

Under the rule, companies will be barred from making customers cancel gym memberships, streaming services, or other subscriptions through in-person visits or phone calls during limited business hours if the sign-up process was completed online or with a single click. The rule also targets "free trials" that convert into recurring charges without clear notice, and cancellation processes that bury the option behind multiple menus.

Court Remands DJ Chicken at Kirikiri Over Alleged Death Threat Against Seyi Tinubu

 Court Remands DJ Chicken at Kirikiri Over Alleged Death Threat Against Seyi Tinubu

Content creator and social media personality Ademola Abiodun, popularly known as DJ Chicken, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State following his arraignment before a Magistrate's Court over allegations that he issued a death threat against Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.

TINUBU HAILS RESCUE OF ABDUCTED ORIIRE PUPILS, TEACHERS AFTER 56 DAYS IN CAPTIVITY

TINUBU HAILS RESCUE OF ABDUCTED ORIIRE PUPILS, TEACHERS AFTER 56 DAYS IN CAPTIVITY

By Olufemi Odeyemi

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound joy over the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending security agencies for ending their 56-day ordeal without any collateral damage.

The victims, made up of schoolchildren and their teachers, were freed on Friday following a coordinated military, police and intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors and the neutralisation of others involved in the kidnapping.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the heroic efforts of the armed forces, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, who he said worked round the clock for close to two months to secure the release of the victims.

"I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them," the President said.

He described the rescue as bringing an end to a siege that had lasted over 50 days, relieving both the affected families and the nation at large.

"This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers," he said.

President Tinubu also spoke of justice for the family of Mr Oyedokun, a teacher who was killed by the abductors during the period of captivity.

"My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered," he stated.

The President commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with federal authorities throughout the rescue effort and directed the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.

"I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end," he said.

President Tinubu has further directed emergency response agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing medical care and other relief support to the rescued children and teachers.

The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota areas of Oriire Local Government Area, killing a staff member during the raid. Their captivity, which stretched to 56 days, sparked national outrage after a video surfaced showing the murder of one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun.

Gbajabiamila/Adeniyi saga, a replay of Mohammed Bashir/Aikhomu scenario

Gbajabiamila/Adeniyi saga, a replay of Mohammed Bashir/Aikhomu scenario 

By Richard Akinnola 

The Femi Gbajabiamila and Adeniyi Matthew saga, seems to be a replay of the Mohammed Bashir and Admiral Augustus Aikhomu saga in 1989, during the Babangida junta.

The Mohammed Bashir saga crept into national focus like any other case. A man is detained and goes to court to challenge his detention and the government lawyer flashes the ubiquitous Decree 2 in court, saying the detainee was a security risk and that the Chief of General Staff had signed his detention warrant.