In a landmark ruling delivered on March 11, 2025, the court has declared that no marriage ever existed between Tunde Ayeni and Adaobi Alagwu, effectively dismissing all counterclaims made by Alagwu.

The case, which began on February 26, 2025, revolved around the legitimacy of a purported marriage that Ayeni contended did not exist due to the fact that the money paid was for the child, following intense pressure from Adaobi’s father.

Ayeni also argued that his prior marital commitment to his wife, Mrs. Abiola Ayeni, under the Marriage Act, further invalidated any claims of a marriage with Alagwu.

The court’s judgement was anchored on several critical points raised during the proceedings. As the petitioner, Ayeni presented evidence showing that he has been legally married to Mrs. Abiola Ayeni since 1994.

He emphasized that he did not marry Adaobi; rather, the money paid was meant for the child, whom he initially believed to be his.

He contended that this payment was made under pressure from Adaobi’s family, who insisted it be done to avert any customary consequences and to ensure that the child bore Ayeni’s name.

The court found that Alagwu’s claims lacked merit, citing clear statutory limitations defined by the Marriage Act. While Adaobi contended that the court lacked jurisdiction, the court ruled that the matter at hand was not between Ayeni and his wife but rather between Tunde Ayeni and Adaobi Alagwu. Also, since Adaobi admitted that the money had been returned according to the customary native law and customs, she could not now turn around to rely on jurisdiction.

During the hearings, Ayeni’s legal counsel, Joseph Silas, emphasized that Adaobi resorted to blackmail after Ayeni withdrew monthly allowances previously accorded to her and requested that she vacate the property he had entrusted to her.

In conclusion, the court affirmed that no marriage ever existed between Tunde Ayeni and Adaobi Alagwu, and all of Alagwu’s claims were rejected.

The Taraba State Government has addressed concerns regarding the prolonged absence of Deputy Governor Aminu Alkali, revealing that he has been receiving medical treatment following a stroke.
Society Reporters reports that Alkali, who has been away since November 2024, has been the subject of speculation among political stakeholders both within and outside the state.

However, speaking after a Taraba Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Zainab Usman, clarified his condition.

Zainab disclosed that the deputy governor’s illness initially required treatment in Abuja before he was later moved to Cairo, Egypt, for further medical attention.

She stated, “Sometimes around November last year, His Excellency had an ailment that necessitated his movement to Abuja for treatment. From Abuja, he was later moved to Cairo, Egypt for further checks, and the Commissioner of Health was delegated to check on his health status.”

She urged Taraba residents to show empathy, emphasizing that illness is a natural part of life. “Taraba residents need to sympathize with the executive council, His Excellency, and the deputy governor as per his health condition. Ailment is something that is general and can happen to anyone.”

Addressing questions about the legal implications of his extended absence, the commissioner dismissed speculation about impeachment, clarifying that the 90-day rule applies only to governors.

“Let me come in as a lawyer now. From my background, this principle of 90 days applies only to a sitting governor of a state, not the deputy. His determination or eligibility to be in office is all determined by the governor,” she explained.

The Commissioner for Health, Bordiya Buma, who recently visited Alkali in Egypt, confirmed that the deputy governor is recovering well.

“He had a stroke, which affected a part of his body, weakness in one part of the body. His ability to talk was affected, but glory be to God, the treatment is still ongoing, and we are happy with the current treatment he is receiving,” Buma stated.

He expressed optimism that Alkali would soon return to Taraba to resume his official duties. “We are hoping that very soon, we will welcome him back to the state to continue his normal activities,” he added.

As Lagos State gears up for the local government elections, top journalist, ‘Tunde Ogunmola, has officially thrown his hat in the ring for the chairmanship seat of Mushin Local Government, while he has also unveiled his S.E.R.V.I.C.E Agenda for the development of the community.

Ogunmola, a grassroots politician with passion for service, has contributed significantly to Mushin’s socio-political landscape. Among other services, he had served as a member of the publicity and media committee of a frontline political party during the 2023 general elections in Mushin where he brought his wealth of experience to bear on the much-vaunted aspiration of the party from below to the highest possible offices.

Tunde Ogunmola has also authored two volumes of “Icons of Mushin,” a book that celebrates distinguished individuals Mushin has produced and also provides answers to probing questions often asked about Mushin community.

Speaking in an interview with journalists, the chairmanship hopeful emphasised that his aspiration is driven by a genuine desire to serve and change the narratives in grassroots governance.

While unveiling his comprehensive development blueprint tagged S.E.R.V.I.C.E Agenda in alignment with the Lagos State government’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, Ogunmola pledged to work assiduously to improve the lives of Mushin residents.

“Mushin Local Government does not exist in a vacuum; it thrives within Lagos State, a hub of exponential growth and development. Therefore, our programmes must align with the state’s socio-economic agenda while addressing the unique challenges of Mushin residents,” he stated.

S.E.R.V.I.C.E, is an acronym for my envisaged administration’s seven points strategic development agenda, and this stands for: Security and Safety, Education and Healthcare, Resounding Economic Empowerment, Visionary Leadership and Community Engagement, Infrastructure and Agric Development, Comprehensive Youth Empowerment and Sports Development, and Environmental sanitation and Sustainability.

Speaking further, Ogunmola stressed that it’s high time ideas, opportunities, and good governance are explored to bring about transformational and integrated development to Mushin. Hence, his mantra is, “Mushin Project, exploring ideas, opportunities, and good governance for a greater Mushin”.

“Development planning will also be the fulcrum of my administration of Mushin LG. Because through development planning and implementation of planned objectives, resources will be allocated wisely, priority will also be given to the needs and pressing demands of residents of Mushin”, he emphasized.

The grassroots politician vowed to bring transformative change to Mushin by implementing impactful policies and programs, while ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

“I will be committed to serving my people to the best of my ability. We cannot continue doing the same thing and expect different results. That is why I’m stepping forward to serve. My mission is simple; deliver the best for the people of Mushin.” he stated.