Ayodele Odularu, a Nigerian lecturer at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, has been found dead at her residence in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
Speaking with Punch’s Diaspora Tales on Wednesday, Gbadebo Odularu, the brother of the deceased, said she died on August 16 at the age of 51.
A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the publication that the lecturer’s death was not natural and the circumstances remained unclear to the family. The family had asked for an investigation into her death.
In a GoFundMe statement published by Gbadebo on behalf of the family, the lecturer was described as someone who “dedicated her life to knowledge, discovery, and creating a better future for communities”.
The family said “although her journey on earth ended too soon, the impact of her life continues through the people she inspired, the knowledge she shared, and the communities she hoped to serve”.
“Ayodele was far more than a sister. She was a cherished daughter, aunt, friend, mentor, scholar, and a source of encouragement, compassion, wisdom, and strength to everyone blessed to know her,” the statement reads.
“Her presence brought warmth into every room. She was known for her kindness, infectious laughter, generosity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. She had a rare ability to make people feel valued, heard, and inspired.
“Dr. Ayodele Odularu dedicated her life to knowledge, discovery, and creating a better future for communities.
“As an Independent Senior Researcher at the University of Fort Hare Community, she contributed meaningfully to academic research and the advancement of knowledge through her scholarly work.”
On Thursday, University of Fort Hare organised a memorial service in honour of the lecturer
The lecturer died amid the violent attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
Since June, the federal government has facilitated the evacuation of 1,716 Nigerians from South Africa over Xenophobic attacks in the former apartheid country.
supporter of President Bola Tinubu in Kebbi State, Adamu Yahaya, popularly known as Adam Fakai, says he has stopped promoting the Federal Government’s programmes, claiming he received no recognition or support from leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) .
Fakai became popular on social media for visiting major Federal Government projects, including road construction sites, and sharing photographs, videos, and reports showcasing the Tinubu administration’s achievements, earning him both criticism and, at times, praise
In a statement posted on his social media pages, Fakai said[b]:“I have spent more than two years using my money, time and energy to promote the programmes and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to Nigerians in both the North and South. I did so because I believed in his efforts to build a better Nigeria. [/b]
Fakai said that despite his commitment, he did not receive any encouragement, appreciation, or support from APC leaders in Kebbi State or at the national level.
“I am from Kebbi State, and throughout this period, I never received any form of encouragement or support from politicians in my party, either at the state or federal level,” he wrote
He further claimed , “It is unfortunate that some prominent figures at the federal level use the pictures and videos of government projects that I captured and shared, yet none has ever contacted me directly.”
Fakai added that he believes he might have received more support if he had come from another state, saying the feeling of being ignored influenced his decision to stop promoting the administration.
He, however, thanked those who supported him with prayers and words of encouragement
honeyB2018: I made a post, somewhere else about this development. Some 23yrs, it was IBA GANI ADAMS and his OPC members. OPC then was like a terrorist organization, the name and it's presence only drives fear into you. 23yrs after, IBA GANI ADAMS, is missing in the security architecture of Yorubaland. Waoo. What an Irony of life. With the noise that was made in the security architecture of Yorubaland and Amoteku, aside Ondo State, where else is Amoteku actually working in Yorubaland? Power is transient, you have it today, tomorrow it's not with you. Those who are using the presidency of Tinubu, to intimidate and harass others, should learn a lesson from here. Tinubu's presidency has an expiring date, think about Yorubaland after the tenure of Tinubu, it's just by the corner Max. It maybe 2031. A word is enough for the wise.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has donated N100 million and a brand-new Hilux vehicle to support the Iru Ekun Security Network, a community security outfit established by Yoruba Nation advocate, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The donation was announced on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by Sunday Igboho and members of the Iru Ekun Security Network to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
According to a statement issued by the Ooni’s Senior Media Officer, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch described the security outfit as a timely initiative created to complement existing security efforts in protecting the lives and property of Yoruba people.
The Ooni praised Sunday Igboho for what he described as his courage, resilience and commitment to the security and welfare of the Yoruba people. He said true leadership is reflected in selfless service and meaningful contributions to society.
He also said every son and daughter of Oduduwa has a responsibility to contribute to the peace, unity and development of Yorubaland, stressing that lasting development depends on a secure environment.
The monarch said the financial support and vehicle donation reflected his commitment to initiatives that promote peace, community harmony and the protection of Yoruba communities.
The monarch said the financial support and vehicle donation reflected his commitment to initiatives that promote peace, community harmony and the protection of Yoruba communities.
“I commend Chief Sunday Igboho for taking a bold step towards strengthening community security. Protecting our people is a collective responsibility that transcends political, religious and ideological differences. Every initiative genuinely designed to preserve lives and maintain peace deserves encouragement and support,” the Ooni stated.
The Ooni also called on prominent Yoruba sons and daughters, traditional rulers, traditionalists, community leaders, business executives, professionals and other stakeholders across the world to support the Iru Ekun Security Network.
Describing Sunday Igboho as a courageous and determined patriot, the monarch said history would remember those who stood up to protect their people during critical moments.
“Our strength lies in our unity. When we speak with one voice and work together, no force can undermine the peace and progress of Yorubaland. This is the time for all lovers of Yoruba culture and heritage to unite for a common purpose,” the Ooni added.
Responding, Sunday Igboho thanked the Ooni for the financial support and encouragement given to the Iru Ekun Security Network.
He described the traditional ruler as a leader whose humility, wisdom and commitment to Yoruba unity continue to inspire millions across the world.
“The Ooni is the father of all Yoruba people worldwide. He is God’s gift to our race. His love for the Yoruba nation, humility and kindness distinguish him among traditional rulers. I have come to receive his royal blessings as we continue our mission of protecting our people,” Igboho said.
BREAKING: Ooni Backs Sunday Igboho's Iru Ekun, Pledges ₦100 Million
The Ooni of Ife has reportedly pledged ₦100 million to support Chief Sunday Igboho's Iru Ekun Security Network, reinforcing calls for stronger community-based security across Yorubaland. pic.twitter.com/WKIhGRnPqj
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu’s inability to provide his primary and secondary school certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, disqualifies from being Nigeria’s president.
Okonkwo charged Tinubu to respect the Nigerian law governing qualifications into universities.
INEC had published credentials and other details of all presidential candidates contesting in the 2027 elections.
Tinubu had presented only his university certificate, while that of his primary and secondary were missing.
This has raised a widespread concern from Nigerians, raising fresh questions about his educational qualifications.
However, Okonkwo posted on X: “Nigeria has its laws that should be respected. No Nigerian is qualified to go to a University without 5 credits at the O’ Level.
“Tinubu purporting to be qualified for President by providing a foreign University certificate, which the University publicly declared did not emanate from it, without providing his secondary school certificate or its equipment disqualifies him from being President.
“The only reason our democracy is in peril is because of judicial rascality.
Despite all warnings by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council (NJC), some judges have operated as an island on their own, interpreting the laws they made on the bench, bereft of the imprimatur of the legislature.
“The judges have usurped the powers of the executive and the legislature from the bench with the instrumentality of perverse judgement.”
Fuckyoumod: This is the same man who went across the world spreading hate against the white man. Doing the work of African elites for them, selling propaganda and racism that Africa is not doing well because of a white man.
Indirectly, exonerating failed, corrupt and wicked African leaders and elites of any wrong doing.
What is happening in South Africa today, is it the white man that is doing it?
The mismanagement of Nigeria oil and gas revenue over the years by corrupt Nigeria leaders, is it the white man?
Lumumba is complicit and share in the underdevelopment of Africa.
Renowned Pan-Africanist, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, has condemned the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, calling on the South African government to publicly apologise to Africa and the international community and compensate victims who lost their businesses and means of livelihood
Speaking on the sidelines of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, Lumumba described the attacks as a betrayal of the spirit of African unity.
He urged Africans not to respond with hatred but with compassion and understanding, arguing that love rather than retaliation would help change the mindset of those promoting xenophobia and strengthen the bonds of continental brotherhood.
Addressing Africa’s economic future, Lumumba challenged governments and investors across the continent to place greater confidence in Africa’s abundant resources, human capital and entrepreneurial potential.
He called for increased intra-African investment to drive industrialisation, create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign capital.
The Pan-Africanist also advocated the adoption of a common African currency, saying it would deepen economic integration, boost trade and accelerate sustainable development across the continent.
When Omar urtan a Fifa grade A referee was detained and treated like a criminal by ICE.
Many taught Infantino would wade in due to his closenes to Trump. But to the surprise of all Omar was kept in a wire cage through out the night, was giving no reason and put on a plane the next day back to Somalia.
I knew Infantino’s end was near.infantino has shown his just after money and have no principles.
As football figures eagerly shared Gianni Infantino’s humiliating climbdown, many willingly staying up well into the early hours of Saturday, a resolve was only hardened.
The sentiment was very much that step one was achieved. Now for step two: “He’s still got to go.”
Most of Infantino’s power base has certainly gone, possibly right up to the patronage of Donald Trump. When the US president was asked whether he had been consulted about the plan on Friday, Trump dismissed it – and, by extension, a figure he has offered unusual praise for – with one word. “No.”
And that was it. This might be it now.
Uefa has already declared that it has “lost confidence”.
One leading figure spoke of how “his leadership has been exposed as poor, his character questionable, his interests self-interested and he is absolutely the wrong person to lead Fifa”.
Even by the standards of football and everything around Infantino, it’s been quite a week.
Monday: in an apparently unassailable position and heading for another presidential term, to the point he berates media for criticism.
Friday: his world collapsing and the rest of the world attacking him in a way that had previously been unseen.
No other serious organisation could go through this kind of public humiliation, with all credibility undermined, without heads rolling and thorough cultural inquests.
It’s why “step three” should be more important than one or two: that there is proper accountability and an acknowledgement that this is ultimately about much more than one man and one week.
Fifa executive Kevin Lamour, one of the few figures to come out of this with his reputation enhanced, summed it up superbly in a statement on Friday that was seen as the real killer blow to Infantino. “Regarding this project and what comes next, everyone must take responsibility.”
It has been a classic week of political collapse in that sense, with football figures comparing it to the demise of Margaret Thatcher. The fall might take a while, but when it comes, it comes quickly.
It is also why, as bad as such a week can initially be in terms of showcasing all the dismal forces dictating the game, it can bring out some of the good. Football executives, often criticised for lethargy, were “electrified”.
It is similarly very much a moral victory that the World Cup’s future and nature haven’t been decided at something like an invite-only billionaires’ retreat called the Allen & Co Conference, where the outline of this plan was decided last year. The gall of these people, especially in attempting to use the people’s game, is astonishing.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin, who can be rightly criticised for some of the same issues as Infantino, got to show what he excels at.
As with the Super League, he spoke admirably, and stirringly. As with the Super League, though, so many of the problems that led to this remain.
Natasha urges FG to review visas for South African artistes over Ayra Starr report
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to review visa applications by South African artistes and their entourages in line with the principle of reciprocity following reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr was denied entry into South Africa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the senator said Nigeria should not remain passive when its citizens are subjected to unfair treatment abroad.
She urged the federal government and the NIS to ensure that Nigeria’s foreign policy reflects mutual respect and safeguards the dignity of Nigerians wherever they may be.
“I call on the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Government of Nigeria to review the visa applications of South African artistes and their entourages in accordance with the principle of reciprocity in foreign policy,” she said. NigerianBusiness
Akpoti-Uduaghan said if reports that Ayra Starr and members of her team were denied South African entry visas, forcing the cancellation of their engagements, are confirmed, Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures.
“If it is confirmed that our Nigerian artiste Ayra Starr and her team were denied entry visas to South Africa, leading to the cancellation of their engagements, then Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures until Nigerian citizens and artistes are accorded fair and respectful treatment,” she said.
The lawmaker, however, clarified that her position was not directed at South African singer Tyla or any individual artiste but was aimed at promoting fairness in diplomatic relations.
This is not a call against Tyla as an individual. Rather, it is a call for Nigeria to uphold the principle of mutual respect that underpins international relations,” she added.
According to the senator, reciprocity remains a recognised tool of diplomacy and should be applied whenever Nigerians are subjected to discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad.
“When our citizens face discriminatory or unjust treatment abroad, Nigeria must demonstrate that such actions carry corresponding consequences,” she said.
She further urged the Federal Government to ensure that Nigeria’s foreign policy protects the dignity of Nigerians and promotes mutual respect among nations.
“Our foreign policy should protect the dignity of Nigerians everywhere and ensure that respect between nations is mutual, not one-sided,” she said.
The senator’s statement followed widespread reports that Ayra Starr and members of her team were allegedly denied visas to South Africa, a development that has sparked debate on social media over whether Nigeria should adopt stricter reciprocal visa measures against countries accused of treating its citizens unfairly.
Foreign Affairs › Nigerian Lecturer, Ayodele Odularu Found Dead In South Africa by Ironfaceman(op): 5:29pm On Sep 19
