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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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Wizkid, Davido win big at NAACP image awards

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Wizkid and Davido NAACP Awards

Nigerian superstars Wizkid and Davido win at the NAACP Image Awards, celebrating their global impact on contemporary and international music

 

Nigerian music icons Wizkid and Davido have once again made history, securing prestigious wins at the NAACP Image Awards.

The annual awards, organised by the U.S.-based National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), celebrate excellence in film, television, theatre, music, and literature.

Wizkid, popularly known for his hit song *Morayo*, clinched the award for **Best Contemporary Duo or Group** for his single *Piece of My Heart*, featuring Brent Faiyaz.

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The song, part of his record-breaking sixth album *Morayo*, set a new milestone by achieving the highest opening-day streams of any song on Spotify Nigeria.

Afrobeats superstar Davido was also recognised, winning **Best International Song** for his collaboration on Chris Brown’s *HMM*.

This marks his second NAACP win with Chris Brown, following their 2024 award for *Sensational*, which won **Best Contemporary Duo**.

The NAACP Image Awards honoured winners across 40 categories spanning Art and Motion Picture, Music, Podcasts, Books, Shortform, and Television.

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Omoni Oboli opens up on marriage: ‘I’ve Never Thought of Leaving’

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Omoni Oboli marriage revelation

Nigerian actress Omoni Oboli reveals she has never considered ending her marriage despite early struggles, offering advice to young couples

 

Nigerian actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has revealed that she has never considered leaving her husband, Nnamdi Oboli, despite challenges in their marriage.

The couple, who tied the knot on 28 October 2000, recently appeared on an episode of *Pulse Fun Facts*, where they took turns answering intimate questions in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

During the conversation, Nnamdi asked his wife, *“Have you ever had an ‘I’m done’ moment in our relationship, and how did you handle it?”* Without hesitation, Omoni responded, *“No, I’ve never.”*

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However, the 46-year-old actress admitted that she has sometimes questioned getting married at a young age. *“I’ve had moments where I was like, ‘Why did I get married so early?’ but never ‘I’m done.’ Ever,”* she shared.

The couple reminisced about their early years together, revealing that frequent arguments characterised the start of their marriage. *“When we first got married, we quarrelled every single day. We quarrelled a lot. We quarrelled so much,”* Omoni recalled.

She attributed these misunderstandings to their lack of courtship before marriage, saying, *“It’s because we didn’t date. That’s what people don’t realise. We didn’t date. So, that first month, we were really just getting to know each other well.”*

Nnamdi playfully added, *“You thought it was a scam anyway.”* To which Omoni, laughing, replied, *“I was like, ‘You scammed me.’”*

Reflecting on their journey, Nnamdi offered some advice to young couples. He emphasised that marriage requires effort and responsibility. *“Marriage is a responsibility. You don’t go into a marriage expecting it to happen to you. You are not the third party in your marriage.

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You are the relationship. It’s between two people; you have to make it work,”* he advised.

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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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