ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, on the ninth anniversary of his ascension to the ancient Benin throne.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu joined the government and people of Edo State, the royal family, and the Benin Traditional Council in celebrating the monarch’s nearly a decade of distinguished leadership and service.

The president praised Oba Ewuare II for his steadfast commitment to promoting peace, unity, and social harmony in his kingdom. He commended the monarch’s consistent efforts to address critical social issues such as human trafficking and illegal migration, particularly among the youth of Edo State.

“His Majesty’s dedication to curbing human trafficking and his passion for empowering young people reflect his deep concern for the welfare and future of his people,” the statement said.

Tinubu also lauded the Oba’s advocacy for the preservation and revival of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. He noted the monarch’s leading role in pushing for the repatriation of stolen Benin artefacts from Western museums — a campaign that has gained international attention in recent years.

“Oba Ewuare II has been a beacon of cultural pride and identity, ensuring that the values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom remain vibrant,” Tinubu said. “His leadership continues to inspire a renewed sense of heritage among Nigerians.”

The Benin monarch, enthroned on October 20, 2016, succeeded his late father, Oba Erediauwa. Since then, he has been recognized as a strong advocate for traditional governance, youth development, and cultural diplomacy. Under his reign, the Benin Palace has worked with both local and international institutions to return dozens of cultural treasures looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin.

President Tinubu said the Oba’s reign has brought greater visibility to traditional leadership and contributed to national unity. He praised his efforts to foster collaboration between traditional rulers and government institutions in addressing community challenges.

“As Oba Ewuare II marks this milestone, his wisdom and dedication continue to strengthen the bond between Nigeria’s past and future,” Tinubu said. “The Benin Kingdom remains a source of pride to our nation.”

The president prayed for God’s continued blessings on the royal father, wishing him long life, good health, and more achievements on the ancient throne of his ancestors.

The ninth coronation anniversary of Oba Ewuare II is expected to be celebrated with cultural displays and thanksgiving ceremonies in Benin City. Palace sources say the event will feature traditional rites and pay homage to the royal ancestors, reaffirming the enduring influence of the Benin monarchy in Nigeria’s cultural and historical landscape.

Oba Ewuare II’s reign has been marked by both modernization and the preservation of time-honored customs. His emphasis on moral values, youth education, and the protection of cultural heritage has drawn praise from leaders across Nigeria and beyond.

As the celebrations continue, Edo residents and dignitaries from across the country are expected to pay tribute to the monarch for his steady leadership and vision for a stronger, more united Benin Kingdom.

President Tinubu’s message concluded with a reaffirmation of his administration’s respect for Nigeria’s traditional institutions and their vital role in fostering peace and stability at the grassroots.

“May the reign of Oba Ewuare II continue to bring prosperity, wisdom, and progress to the Benin Kingdom and Nigeria as a whole,” Tinubu said.

LAGOS — Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez has released his fourth studio album, “No Excuses,” which has quickly become one of the most talked-about music projects of the year. The 16-track album, released on October 17, 2025, debuted at No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart and racked up more than 2 million global Spotify streams within its first 24 hours.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The project’s standout track, “ACL,” has intensified Blaqbonez’s ongoing feud with fellow rapper Odumodublvck. In the song, Blaqbonez appears to mock Odumodublvck’s consistency and mental stability, referencing alleged private messages exchanged between the two. The track’s official YouTube video has already surpassed 12 million views, further fueling public interest in the dispute.

Music analysts say the success of “No Excuses” marks a new milestone in Blaqbonez’s career. The rapper, known for his humorous yet bold approach to hip-hop, described the album as a reflection of “growth, confidence, and no apologies” in a brief statement shared on social media.

“Blaqbonez has always balanced entertainment with provocation,” said music journalist Adewale Aina. “But this time, he’s clearly using the project to assert dominance in the Nigerian rap scene.”

The rivalry between Blaqbonez and Odumodublvck began earlier in 2025 after a series of cryptic social media posts and interviews. Both artists have hinted at creative differences and personal tension. However, “ACL” is the first time Blaqbonez has directly addressed the feud in a song.

Lines from the track — such as “Failed rappers turning to internet gangsters” — have been widely shared online, with fans dissecting each lyric for hidden meaning. Some listeners praised Blaqbonez for his lyrical sharpness, while others criticized the move as unnecessary provocation.

Odumodublvck, whose own album “Industry Machine” has dominated Spotify Nigeria’s Top Albums chart for two consecutive weeks, has not publicly responded to the diss. His silence has left fans wondering whether he plans to release a response track or let the controversy fade.

“Odumodublvck might be taking the strategic route,” said entertainment critic Titi Olatunji. “He’s at the top of the charts right now, and sometimes the best reaction is no reaction.”

Despite the drama, “No Excuses” continues to gain commercial traction. The album blends witty bars with introspective tracks, featuring collaborations with several Nigerian and international artists. Its production has also been praised for its mix of Afro-fusion beats and modern trap influences.

Industry observers note that the public feud between two of Nigeria’s biggest rappers could reignite interest in the country’s hip-hop scene, which has recently faced stiff competition from Afrobeats and street pop. Social media discussions using hashtags like #NoExcuses and #ACLChallenge have trended across Nigerian Twitter and TikTok since the album’s release.

The face-off between Blaqbonez and Odumodublvck reflects a broader theme in global rap culture — the tension between lyrical competition and personal conflict. While some fans see it as a healthy rivalry that keeps the genre exciting, others fear it could escalate beyond music.

For now, Blaqbonez appears to have the spotlight. With strong streaming numbers and viral buzz around “ACL,” he has solidified his place as one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Nigerian hip-hop.

Whether Odumodublvck will respond remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: “No Excuses” has not only pushed Blaqbonez to new commercial heights — it has also reignited one of the most compelling rivalries in African music today.

Nigerian comedian and filmmaker Isbae U has stirred excitement online after dropping a teaser for his upcoming Curiosity Made Me Ask episode featuring four of Nollywood’s most talked-about women — Kiekie, Wunmi Toriola, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bolaji Ogunmola.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 30-second clip, released on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, has already attracted more than 120,000 views within hours of posting. It shows the actresses — who also serve as executive producers of the upcoming 2025 heist film Gingerrr — discussing their rise in Nigeria’s film industry, their early careers, and the evolving role of women in entertainment.

The teaser hints at a lively and thought-provoking discussion. Kiekie, known for her comedic flair and bold personality, shares her transition from television presenting and fashion to acting and producing. Wunmi Toriola, one of the Yoruba film industry’s most recognized faces, talks about balancing motherhood with a demanding acting career. Bisola Aiyeola, who gained fame through Big Brother Naija, reflects on her shift from reality TV to award-winning performances. Bolaji Ogunmola adds insight on body image and breaking stereotypes in Nollywood.

“Women are no longer just faces on screen — we’re decision-makers now,” Aiyeola says in the teaser, echoing the growing sentiment of female empowerment in the industry. The clip cuts between laughter, candid confessions, and sharp observations about the challenges women face in a male-dominated creative space.

The full episode is set to premiere at 6 p.m. on Isbae U’s YouTube channel, where his Curiosity Made Me Ask series has become known for its blend of humor, vulnerability, and celebrity insight. Previous episodes have featured top entertainers like Don Jazzy, Mr Macaroni, and Bimbo Ademoye, drawing millions of views.

Fans flooded social media with reactions following the teaser’s release, expressing anticipation for what they expect to be one of the show’s most engaging episodes yet. “This lineup is crazy — four powerful women, one funny host. I can’t wait to see the chaos,” one X user wrote. Another added, “These women represent everything Nollywood is becoming — smart, funny, and unstoppable.”

The upcoming Gingerrr film, which brought the four actresses together, is already gaining buzz as one of the most anticipated Nigerian releases of 2025. Described as a stylish heist comedy, the movie follows a group of women who team up for an elaborate money heist gone wrong. It aims to combine action, comedy, and commentary on gender roles — themes reflected in the actresses’ conversation with Isbae U.

Industry analysts say the collaboration between the Gingerrr stars and Isbae U marks a continued blending of Nigeria’s traditional Nollywood scene with the new wave of digital creators driving audience engagement online. “It’s a sign of how entertainment in Nigeria is evolving,” said Lagos-based critic Temi Adetayo. “Actors, producers, and skit makers are no longer in separate worlds — they’re building one ecosystem that reaches millions.”

As Curiosity Made Me Ask continues to highlight major figures in African entertainment, this episode could offer rare behind-the-scenes perspectives from four women shaping the next phase of Nollywood storytelling.

The full episode drops at 6 p.m. local time, and if the teaser’s reaction is any indication, viewers are in for a mix of laughter, inspiration, and bold truths about success and sisterhood in Nigeria’s thriving film industry.