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Okpebholo Slams Obaseki Over ‘Secret’ Benin Museum Deal.

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The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has criticized the immediate past administration for what he described as a glaring lack of transparency in the handling of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project in Benin City.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, Governor Okpebholo expressed his displeasure while receiving a delegation of European diplomats, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador, Dr Annett Günther, at the Government House on Monday. The visit was followed by a courtesy call to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.

Speaking during the visit, Okpebholo said he was not informed about a recent event involving foreign envoys related to MOWAA, describing the development as yet another instance of poor communication and secrecy surrounding the project.

“I honestly wasn’t aware that such a gathering was going to take place. We have, however, spoken with His Royal Majesty and heard his perspective,” the governor said.

He revealed that his administration had set up a committee to investigate the project thoroughly and make recommendations on the way forward. Okpebholo noted that the lack of openness by the previous government had fueled controversies around MOWAA’s ownership, funding, and evolution from the Benin Royal Museum to EMOWAA, and now to MOWAA.

“The previous administration never briefed me about MOWAA or handed over any documentation concerning it. Even His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, has expressed concerns about the way it was handled,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo further condemned the demolition of the historic Central Hospital in Benin City to make room for the project, stressing that development should not come at the cost of public welfare.

“Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum? We must celebrate our heritage responsibly and ensure that development benefits our people,” he stated.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency, emphasizing that Edo’s rich culture and traditions must always be respected.

“We welcome foreign partnerships, but they must be conducted in good faith, with full transparency and respect for our traditional institutions,” Okpebholo added.

EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot explained that the delegation’s visit was to strengthen cooperation with Edo State and pay homage to the Oba of Benin. He noted that while the European Union has no direct investment in MOWAA, some member states, such as Germany, are partners in the initiative.

In her remarks, German Ambassador Dr Annett Günther praised the hospitality of the Governor and the Oba, reaffirming Germany’s partnership with Edo in youth empowerment, migration management, and cultural preservation.

She also emphasized the importance of peace and openness in sustaining MOWAA’s vision. “This project can only thrive in a transparent and peaceful environment. We regret recent misunderstandings but remain hopeful for a stable future,” she stated.

At the Oba’s Palace, Oba Ewuare II lamented the manner in which the project was managed, accusing former Governor Godwin Obaseki of trying to undermine the rights of the Benin people over their ancestral artefacts.

“My forefathers suffered during the 1897 invasion, and it is not fair that history seems to be repeating itself. The documents they brought for me to sign would have stripped us of our rights, and I refused,” the Monarch declared.

Governor Okpebholo assured that his government would handle the matter with fairness and transparency, stressing that Edo’s cultural heritage must be preserved for future generations.

“Edo belongs to all of us, and our traditions must be protected, not politicised. Collaboration is welcome, but it must be done with honesty and respect,” he concluded.

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“I Was Just 22!” – Yul Edochie Drops Mega Bombshell About His Marriage To First Wife, May!.

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Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has ignited a fresh wave of internet reactions after opening up about his relationship with his estranged first wife, May. Speaking on The Honest Bunch Podcast, Yul revealed they met at a GCE exam centre and tied the knot when he was just 22 years old. In the viral snippet, the actor emphasized that men should avoid being pushes-overs in romance, stating: “Them no dey mumu for woman, you must set boundaries.” Their marriage famously crashed following his union with actress Judy Austin.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The interview comes amidst a separate clash involving Yul, media personality Daddy Freeze, and broadcaster Do2dtun over OAP Roby Ekpo’s failed marriage with Mayowa Lambe. After Roby broke down in tears during an interview with Daddy Freeze, Do2dtun defended him for prioritizing his mental health. However, Yul openly disagreed, blasting Roby’s emotional display as “totally unacceptable” and mockingly advising him to get five attractive women pregnant at the same time instead—a comment that earned Yul a severe scolding from Daddy Freeze.

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Headline: Yul Edochie Reflects On GCE Meeting With First Wife May, Weighs In On Roby Ekpo’s Marriage Crisis

Controversial actor Yul Edochie has shared insights into his early life, revealing that he was 22 years old when he married his estranged wife, May. During an appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, Edochie recounted meeting May at a GCE examination center before they transitioned into university together. He further argued that men need to maintain clear boundaries in relationships rather than tolerating everything in the name of love. The couple’s long-term marriage dissolved following Edochie’s high-profile marriage to colleague Judy Austin.

In a related development, Edochie has drawn criticism from media personality Daddy Freeze over his controversial stance on fellow broadcaster Roby Ekpo’s marital breakdown. While media figure Do2dtun advocated for Ekpo’s right to speak out and cry for his mental well-being, Edochie publicly criticized the emotional vulnerability. He suggested that Ekpo should instead move on by impregnating five attractive women simultaneously—a comment that Daddy Freeze strongly berated.

Option 3: Short & Punchy (Fast-Paced News Flash)

Headline: Inside Yul Edochie’s Podcast Bombshell: From Marrying May At 22 To Giving Relationship Advice Amidst Backlash

Nollywood’s Yul Edochie is back in the headlines after dropping major details about his past and stirring up fresh industry drama:

  • The GCE Love Story: Yul revealed he married his estranged wife, May, at the age of 22 after they first crossed paths at a GCE exam center. He warned men against being too submissive, urging them to set strict relationship boundaries.

  • The Judy Austin Shift: The reminder of his early love story comes long after their marriage collapsed due to his second marriage to actress Judy Austin.

  • The Roby Ekpo Controversy: Yul also faced severe backlash from Daddy Freeze after mocking OAP Roby Ekpo for crying over his failed marriage on air. While Do2dtun defended Roby’s tears as a mental health release, Yul insisted the emotional display was unacceptable and jokingly advised him to impregnate five women at once to move on.

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Nollywood In Total Darkness! Top Stars Devastated As Legendary Veteran Actress Breathes Her Last!.

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The Kannywood film community has been thrown into deep grief following the tragic passing of legendary actress Wasila Isma’il at the age of 46. Her husband, Al-Amin Chiroma, broke the sad news on Sunday, confirming she passed away at the FOMWAN Hospital in Kaduna after a long illness. Wasila, who began her stellar career in 1998, shot to superstardom after her titular role in the 1999 classic Wasila alongside Ali Nuhu. Colleagues and devastated fans have flooded social media with emotional tributes celebrating her incredible legacy.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In another shocking industry revelation, veteran Nollywood actor Dele Odule has opened up about a dark past where he almost ended his own life. Speaking on his early struggle in his late twenties, Odule revealed that extreme poverty and hunger once pushed him to the brink of suicide. Frustrated by harsh public judgment after abandoning a stable teaching job for the uncertainty of acting, the thespian confessed he reached a point so low that he actually contemplated buying his own coffin before things finally turned around.

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Headline: Kannywood Mourns As Actress Wasila Isma’il Passes Away; Dele Odule Reflects On Mental Health Struggles

The Hausa movie industry is mourning the loss of veteran actress Wasila Isma’il, who died on Sunday at the age of 46. Her husband, Al-Amin Chiroma, announced her demise via social media, stating that she passed away at the FOMWAN Hospital in Kaduna following a prolonged battle with illness. Wasila was an industry pioneer, launching her career in 1998 with Jinin Masoya and achieving widespread acclaim in the 1999 hit film Wasila.

Concurrently, veteran actor Dele Odule has shared a personal reflection on financial hardship and mental health. In a recent interview, Odule recounted a period of severe depression during his late twenties when financial instability almost drove him to suicide. He explained that hunger and severe criticism from peers who mocked his choice to leave teaching for acting overwhelmed him to the point of considering his own funeral arrangements, highlighting the intense hidden struggles face by entertainers before achieving stardom.

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Headline: Nollywood & Kannywood Updates: Tragic Death of Wasila Isma’il at 46 and Dele Odule’s Shocking Suicide Confession

The Nigerian entertainment scene is buzzing with two major emotional stories today:

Kannywood Icon Passes On: Beloved actress Wasila Isma’il has died at the age of 46 after battling a long-term sickness. Her husband confirmed she breathed her last at a Kaduna hospital. Wasila was famously known for her breakout 1999 role alongside Ali Nuhu that cemented her name in Hausa cinema history.

Dele Odule’s Dark Past: Renowned actor Dele Odule has revealed he nearly took his own life during his early years in the movie industry. Stung by severe hunger, lack of support, and mocking remarks from people because he quit teaching to act, Odule admitted he hit a low point where he contemplated purchasing a coffin for himself.

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Rigged Or Fair? Inside The Bombshell Allegations As Stanley Osifo Rejects APC Presidential Primary Verdict!.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary has concluded with a staggering landslide victory for President Bola Tinubu, who polled 10,999,162 votes across 8,809 wards. His lone challenger, businessman Stanley Osifo, managed 16,503 votes—even recording zero votes in several states, including Delta, Kogi, and the FCT.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, a disappointed but cooperative Osifo didn’t mince words: “I’m not okay with the outcome of the results.” Despite dropping ₦100m on the nomination form after consensus talks collapsed, the young politician insisted this wasn’t a personal war against the President. Embracing Tinubu’s post-victory “olive branch,” Osifo confirmed he has no plans to ditch the ruling party. “We are one family… nobody is an island,” Osifo stated, promising to deploy his nationwide campaign network to work for Tinubu’s success in the 2027 general elections while hinting that his own political future remains bright.

Option 2: Professional & Analytical (Standard News Format)

Headline: Osifo Rejects Presidential Primary Outcome But Pledges Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign

Stanley Osifo, the sole challenger to President Bola Tinubu in the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) nationwide direct presidential primary, has expressed dissatisfaction with the election results. In the final tally announced on Sunday, President Tinubu secured a dominant 10,999,162 votes compared to Osifo’s 16,503 votes.

Addressing journalists at the collation venue in Abuja, Osifo openly stated his discontent with the numbers but clarified that it would not disrupt party cohesion. He emphasized that his participation was an exercise in internal democracy rather than a personal confrontation with the incumbent leader.

Osifo formally accepted President Tinubu’s post-primary gesture of reconciliation, noting that collaborative effort is mandatory for the party’s future success. Looking ahead, the young businessman expressed deep gratitude to his coordinators across the 36 states and the FCT, adding that his political journey is far from over as he shifts his focus toward ensuring a unified APC front for the 2027 general elections.

Option 3: Short & Punchy (Fast-Paced News Flash)

Headline: 10.9m vs 16k Votes: Osifo Laments APC Primary Defeat But Vows to Stay and Fight for Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has swept the APC presidential primary with over 10.9 million votes, leaving his sole rival, Stanley Osifo, with 16,503 votes after a nationwide direct election on Saturday.

Key Takeaways from Osifo’s Post-Election Briefing:

  • The Grievance: Osifo admitted, “I’m not okay with the outcome,” after scoring zero votes in multiple states despite running a nationwide campaign.

  • The Olive Branch: He has accepted Tinubu’s call for dialogue, stating that even if he had won the ₦100m contest, he would still need a team to succeed.

  • Eyes on 2027: Refusing to defect, Osifo promised that his structural network across all local government areas will remain intact to support the APC ticket in the 2027 general elections.

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