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Who’s Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi

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Ovonramwen Nogbaisi ruled the Benin empire before he was exiled by the British. Also called Overami, was the Oba (king) of the Kingdom of Benin he ruled from 1888 up until the British punitive expedition of 1897.

Born in 1857, he was the son of Oba Adolo he took the name Ovonramwen Nogbaisi at his enthronement in 1888, every Oba took a new name at his coronation, the name translates as Ovonramwen meaning “The Rising Sun” and Nogbaisi meaning “which spreads over all.”

At the end of the 19th century, the Kingdom of Benin had managed to retain its independence and the Oba exercised a monopoly over trade which the British found irksome.

The territory was coveted by an influential group of investors for its rich natural resources such as palm oil, rubber, and ivory.

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The kingdom was largely independent of British control, and pressure continued from figures such as Vice-Consul James Robert Phillips and Captain Gallwey who were pushing for British annexation of the Benin Empire and the removal of the Oba.

 

A British invasion force headed by Phillips set out to overthrow the Oba in 1896. The force’s weapons were hidden in baggage, with troops disguised as bearers. Phillips’s plan was to gain access to Ovonramwen’s palace by announcing that he intended to negotiate.

Ovonramwen’s messengers issued several warnings not to violate Benin territorial sovereignty, claiming he was unable to see Phillips due to ceremonial duties.

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Having been warned on several further occasions on the way, Phillips sent his stick to the Oba, a deliberate insult designed to provoke the conflict that would provide an excuse for British annexation.

Although the British had orders to hang the Oba, Ovonramwen escaped, but returned to the city to formally surrender on 5 August 1897. When Ovonramwen returned to the city, after six months spent in evading capture in the forest,

He attempted to escape exile by offering Consul General Ralph Moor 200 puncheons (barrels) of oil worth £1500 [£183000.00 today]&to disclose where his 500 ivory tusks were buried however this offer was dismissed as Mr. Moor had already discovered them.

Ovonramwen was exiled to Calabar with his two of his wives, Queen Egbe and Queen Aighobahi, and died there around the turn of the new year in 1914.

Ovonramwen was eventually buried in the grounds of the royal palace in Benin City. He was succeeded by his first son and legitimate heir, Prince Aguobasimwin, who ruled as Eweka II.

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Abimbola Craig explains her choice to stay single at 38

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Abimbola Craig on marriage at 38

Nigerian actress Abimbola Craig discusses her choice to stay single at 38, critiquing traditional marital roles and valuing self-aware partners.

 

 

Nigerian actress and film producer Abimbola Craig has shared her perspective on marriage, revealing why she has chosen to remain single at the age of 38.

In a candid interview with Chude Jideonwo, Craig described marriage as a “scam” and criticised traditional marital roles that often place disproportionate burdens on women.

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Also read: Phyno discusses challenges of marriage for celebrities

 

The Skinny Girl in Transit star said her views were shaped by lessons from her mother, who once remarked that the title “Mrs” stands for “Master’s in Residential Servicing.”

Craig reflected on the societal expectations placed on married women, which she finds problematic.

“All marriage is a scam. When I was small, my mum always told me marriage is an institution. She said when they call you ‘Mrs,’ it stands for ‘Master’s in Residential Servicing,’” Craig explained during the interview.

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She clarified, however, that her decision to remain single is not a rejection of marriage but a choice rooted in her values.

“I am not married, not because I do not want to be married, but if you are a man who does not know who he is, you cannot be with me,” she emphasised, underscoring the importance of self-awareness and purpose in a partner.

Craig is widely recognised for her role as Tiwalade in the hit web series Skinny Girl in Transit. She has also achieved success as a film producer, co-producing the 2019 box office sensation Sugar Rush alongside Jade Osiberu.

In addition to her career milestones, Craig has spoken openly about personal challenges, including a near-death experience following brain surgery in 2014.

She recounted dealing with severe complications such as insomnia, nausea, and weight loss, which left her fearing for her life.

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Craig’s insights on marriage and individuality continue to spark conversations, reflecting her commitment to authenticity and living life on her own terms.

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Rema to make Coachella debut in 2025

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Rema Coachella debut 2025

Afrobeats sensation Rema is set for his Coachella debut in 2025, joining other African stars as the genre continues to conquer global stages.

 

 

Nigerian Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, will perform at the prestigious Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival for the first time in 2025.

The singer, alongside Afrobeat pioneer Seun Kuti, Ghanaian artiste Amaarae, and South African sensation Tyla, will represent Africa on the global stage.

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Also read: How Rema inspired my music career – Ayra Starr

 

Coachella, often dubbed the world’s biggest music and arts festival, takes place annually in California, USA, drawing over 125,000 attendees.

This marks a significant milestone for Rema, whose career continues to ascend with record-breaking achievements.

Rema’s global hit, Calm Down Remix featuring Selena Gomez, recently made history as the first Afrobeats song to hit 1 billion views on YouTube.

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The song also became the fastest African track to achieve the milestone, reaching it in just two years. Additionally, the original version has garnered over 619 million views on the platform.

The track has set multiple records, including becoming the first African song to surpass 1 billion on-demand streams in the United States and the first African song to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify.

Recognised by the Guinness World Records, Calm Down earned acclaim as the first number-one track on the world’s inaugural regional streaming chart, MENA.

Rema’s inclusion in Coachella’s 2025 lineup follows in the footsteps of Nigerian icons like Seun Kuti, who debuted at the festival in 2012, and artists such as Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, Ckay, and Tems, who have graced the stage in subsequent years.

This announcement comes on the heels of Rema’s sold-out “Ravage Uprising” concert at London’s O2 Arena in November 2023, a testament to the growing global influence of Afrobeats.

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Fans can expect a spectacular showcase of African music at Coachella, as the genre continues to dominate the world stage.

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Nigerian content creator Jadrolita successfully undergoes surgery for mouth tumor

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Jadrolita mouth tumor surgery recovery

Content creator Jadrolita shares update after successful mouth tumor surgery, with support from fellow celebrities celebrating her recovery.

 

Nigerian content creator Amadou Elizabeth Aminata, popularly known as Jadrolita, has successfully undergone surgery to remove a jawline tumor.

In October, she had opened up about her battle with the condition, which had been affecting her health.

A fellow content creator, Peller, shared the good news with an Instagram post that included pictures of Jadrolita presumably recovering in the hospital.

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He expressed gratitude for the success of the surgery, writing, “Thank you God for successful surgery. My baby is now getting better. God you are the greatest.”

The news was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities. Actress Mercy Aigbe, actress Eniola Ajao, and skit maker Craze Clown were among the many who took to the comment section to celebrate her successful surgery and wished her a speedy recovery.

Jadrolita’s fans and colleagues continue to send prayers and positive thoughts for her full recovery as she takes the next steps toward healing.

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