₦airaland Forum

At 74, the stadium roars have faded into the quiet of a solitary existence. Odegbami rarely replays old matches in his head, nor does he long for the multi-million-dollar European salaries of contemporary football. Instead, as his body ages, reminding him of his mortality, Odegbami looks forward with a striking, urgent clarity to a more fruitful, selfless twilight. From the profound lessons of unconditional fatherhood to his enduring, post-romance alliance with Oyindamola Adeyemi, Nigeria's ultimate Number 7, aka ‘Mathematical Odegbami’ proves that his greatest victory isn't a silver trophy, but his unshakeable grip on his own integrity.

You recently turned 74. When you look in the mirror today, who do you see, the footballer millions of Nigerians remember, or a completely different Segun Odegbami?

People remind me constantly about my relationship with football on a daily basis to the extent that I look at most of life through the prism of football. Even in maturing to the person that I am today, football (as a part of sport) has been at the core of my life’s journey - my work, my pastime, my social engagements, my projects, most things around me.

You recently described this stage of your life as the “evening” of your journey and every additional day as a bonus. Has turning 74 made you think differently about mortality, legacy and the things that truly matter?

As I get older, and refuse to acknowledge the increasing numbers in my age that stare at me, physically, my slowly ‘withering’ body makes me acknowledge mortality, the increasing aches and pains, the small health conditions, more aging and dying colleagues around. There is no ‘whole lifetime ahead’ any more, as I used to think in my younger days. Getting things done NOW, not prevaricating over issues, seeing the positives and opportunities in most things around me now, have become my response to the constant reminder of the inevitability of mortality.

If the Segun Odegbami of 1980 were playing today, with European salaries, endorsements and modern sports marketing, how big do you think “Mathematical” would have become?

Ah, very big, I believe.
I could have approached my football career differently, not just as an object of passion and for national service, but as one that had the power to take care of me for the rest of my life! I would have given it my all deliberately, and played more intentionally, packaged and marketed myself better. I ‘sold’ my career too cheaply!

People know almost everything about Segun Odegbami the footballer, but surprisingly little about Segun Odegbami the husband, companion and lover. Was that deliberate?

No, that aspect of me is just a reflection of the life I lived after sports.

You were married to Jumoke Tejumola Odegbami. Looking back today, what happened to that marriage, and what did its breakdown teach you about yourself?

I don’t like to look back at that period.
My young family moved abroad and started to live there. I did not move abroad with them. The time spent apart from family expanded to several years. It created irreversible damage. Living alone in Nigeria, with all the fame I had, created a gap that I could not fill as the years rolled by.

Let me ask you very simply: were you a good husband?

No, I was not. I could not manage the situation I created for myself well enough.

Could you please clarify when your first marriage ended and when the divorce was officially finalized?

I married Jumoke Tejumola in February 1978. We were together for many years, but somewhere along the line, the marriage broke down and we started living apart. Eventually, I had to take the legal steps to formally bring that chapter of my life to a close. On June 21, 2012, the High Court in Ibadan granted the decree nisi for the dissolution of the marriage. It was a long and important chapter of my life, but sometimes relationships simply run their course. You accept it, learn from it and move on with your life.”

Football gave you extraordinary fame while you were still relatively young. Did fame make marriage and perhaps fidelity more difficult?

It was more the separation by distance that did the most damage. Not the game. I learned to live alone and by myself, and got used to it. That ‘freedom’ allowed me to endure all the hardships I encountered because I was by myself, accountable to no one. I had to pay a high price for that for the rest of my life.

You once publicly clarified that you are a monogamist and not a polygamist. Why was correcting that perception important to you?

Because, I was never a polygamist. There may be the perception out there in public that I have been married more than once. Since my divorce I have not remarried. I was going to try again, but it never happened.

Having experienced marriage and relationships, do you think you understand women better today than you did 30 or 40 years ago?

No. I can’t claim such authority. Women are complex. My life is complicated too.

At 74, what does companionship mean to you? Do you still believe in marriage?

Companionship to me now is having a friend you can share good times with.
I do not see marriage in the picture. I cannot cope with the complexities of multiple relationships in the family. So, no marriage for me again.

Chief, let me take you somewhere a little more personal. For years, your name and that of businesswoman Oyindamola Adeyemi were romantically linked, with different accounts of exactly what the relationship was. So, let us hear it from Segun Odegbami himself: what exactly was Oyindamola Adeyemi to you?

My best friend. Then, when we first met, till now.
She was very young and very innocent. She did not even know that I was famous, or anything like that. Because of my outdoor life style and because she was really a very private person, It took a long time for her to realize the implications of a serious relationship with me and to run away.
We became so close that we even had a family introduction ceremony that probably would have led to marriage. But it never did.
When our son came, it was like a wake-up call for her.
You know, she is a sure-footed person, strong-willed and very focused. She knew what she wanted in life and went after it. I was a distraction for her, away from where she was heading.
That’s why she is such a very successful woman succeeding so well in a man’s world. She has always been a deep thinker and scholar, very knowledgeable and very well-read academically. On top of that she is very beautiful.

So, we just became very good friends with some romance. A son came wonderfully into the picture.
We are not married. We will not be married. We settled that matter over a decade ago.

There were reports at one point that the relationship was heading towards marriage. How close did the two of you actually come to getting married?

It could have ended in marriage but obviously it would not have worked out well. We were better off at been just very good friends.
In a way, we complimented each other.
Opposite ‘poles’ attracting.

What was it about Oyindamola that first attracted you to her?

She was (and still is) a very beautiful woman. Most men will salivate on seeing her. At the same time, she is very intelligent and very smart. Don’t listen to her talk on any subject because you will be enamored with the depth of her knowledge and intellect.
And she is a very very private person.
She blew my mind the first time I met her.

Two highly accomplished and strong-minded people can love each other deeply and still discover that building a life together is another matter entirely. Was that ultimately what happened between you and Oyin?

You can put it that way.
I understand her very well.
I don’t know if she understood me that well, but we complimented each other at the time because we were very different on almost all counts.
Yet, she is an amazing person.
Our wide age difference was also a hindrance, I think. She makes fun of me always with it!

Reports subsequently suggested that the relationship ended. Without intruding unnecessarily into her privacy, what happened between the two of you?

We just ended the romantic relationship a long time ago, well over 10 years now. But we kept our friendship. Nothing happened. It was as if we both knew that we had to give up the romance for the friendship to survive and with a son we both love deeply, in between.

Was losing that relationship painful for you?

We are still very good friends.

People naturally concentrate on what went wrong when relationships end. Let me turn that around: what went right between Segun Odegbami and Oyindamola Adeyemi? What beautiful memories remain?

It was a beautiful relationship. There is no romantic relationship between us anymore, but we are still the best of friends. That’s the kind of person she is. She is steely on the outside, but soft and tender inside. A great mother to our son.

Do you and Oyindamola still speak today?

Of course. We are still very good friends.

If Oyindamola were sitting opposite you now; not the businesswoman, not the woman people wrote about, just Oyindamola; and you had one completely private minute with her, what would you say?

Thank you for everything you have being to me, and done for me.

Did loving her change anything about your understanding of women, relationships or marriage?

Everybody is different. She is a different being completely. She does not fit the profile of the women that have I encountered in my life.

And perhaps the question that finally settles years of speculation: who occupies Segun Odegbami’s heart today?

No one, romantically. My children!

Strip away “Mathematical,” the national honours and the celebrity for a moment. What kind of father do your children say Segun Odegbami is?

The best father in the world. Every single one of them, bar none, would say that. We are all very close friends.



Is that different from the father you believe yourself to be?
No. My children are my best friends.

Is there anything you wish you had done differently when your children were younger?

I wish I had spent more time with them.

What has fatherhood taught you that football never could?

To love unconditionally. In football, you have to ‘hate’ your opponent a little to inflict the pain of defeat on them. And then you make up after. Unreal!

When people discuss Segun Odegbami, football inevitably dominates the conversation. Is there another part of your life you fear history may overlook?

My life is an open book.
The modern search engines in the information super highway will reveal things about me that I may not even realize are a part of my story. That’s how much the world has changed. Nothing is hidden any more.

If you were permitted to live your life again from the age of 18, knowing everything you know today, the triumphs, mistakes, heartbreaks and consequences, would you still choose football?

That’s all I really know, seeing the world through the lens of football. What I see is virgin territory of opportunities in a vast wilderness of football waiting to be discovered and exploited to make the world a better place for everyone.

If you could sit beside the young Segun Odegbami for five minutes before he became “Mathematical,” what would you warn him about?

Fame is sweet, fleeting, and ephemeral. Education is the key and a security. The two are paradise.

When the final whistle eventually blows and hopefully many years from now, what would you like Nigerians to say Segun Odegbami stood for?

He stood for integrity and good name. He came, he saw, and he made the world around him a better place!

For millions of Nigerians living on the edge of the poverty line, the "emergency" button on their mobile phones has suddenly gone dark. Following a sweeping regulatory directive by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), major telecommunications operators, including market leaders MTN Nigeria and Airtel, have suspended their popular airtime and data lending services.

The move, part of the new Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (2025), aims to bring "loan sharks" to heel. However, on the streets of Obalende and the sprawling markets of Kano, this supposed "protection" feels more like a pincer movement.

For the average Nigerian, this isn't just a technical glitch; it is a breakdown of a critical financial safety net. The service allows customers to "borrow" small increments of airtime or data to be repaid on their next recharge. In an economy characterized by unpredictable cash flows, these micro-loans are often the only thing standing between a petty trader and a lost sale.

"It’s been heartbreaking to watch young Nigerians complain so bitterly," an industry observer told Gemini News. "The network providers didn't just stop the service on a whim. There is a deeper, silent regulatory friction that has been brewing for months."

Evidence of the disruption’s origin surfaced in a circular circulating online. The FCCPC, under the leadership of Tunji Bello, reportedly instructed telcos to shut off the service.

The letter, titled “Re: Failure of Compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON Lending Regulations 2025) and Ensuing Enforcement,” referenced an earlier directive from November 13, 2025. It mandated that telcos deal only with FCCPC-approved Airtime Credit Services (ACS) providers.

The move has sparked accusations of regulatory overreach. Critics argue the FCCPC is "throwing its weight around" in territory traditionally overseen by the NCC or the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, headed by Mr. Bosun Tijani.

"Consumers were not consulted, nor were they considered," a source familiar with the matter stated. "The telcos were given no choice. They don't want to be in the government's bad books, so they are complying, but the pain is being felt by the masses."

The industry has moved to challenge the commission's authority. On Tuesday, April 16, 2026, the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) secured a significant victory at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

In Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa granted an interim injunction restraining the FCCPC from enforcing or implementing the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations 2025.

The court’s order prevents the commission, its officers, or agents from giving effect to the regulations pending the hearing and final determination of the case. This legal reprieve offers a glimmer of hope for the millions currently cut off from emergency credit.

As Nigerians vehemently demand the restoration of the *303# service, the situation has prompted calls for a thorough review of the FCCPC’s operational methods.

While the commission’s mandate is to protect consumers from predatory lending, the current blackout suggests a disconnect between regulatory goals and the survival needs of the "underbanked." For a nation striving for digital inclusion, cutting off the most basic form of mobile credit may be a cure far more damaging than the alleged disease.

In a shocking turn of events, the already tumultuous saga surrounding the late Herbert Wigwe's estate has taken another dramatic twist.

Inside sources close to the family reveal that tensions have reached a boiling point, with relatives publicly distancing themselves from Uchechukwu Wigwe, Herbert’s younger brother. They express deep distrust in his ability to manage the family assets and estates, objecting to his portrayal as the next of kin or representative of the late Herbert Wigwe.

The Wigwe family, known for their high-profile status and considerable wealth, has been embroiled in a fierce battle since Herbert's untimely passing. Reports indicate that a court injunction has warned Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, who claims to be Herbert’s cousin, to cease actions that prevent the rightful execution of Herbert Wigwe’s will. This injunction was filed at the instruction of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, Herbert’s father, and the affidavit has been made public.

Christian Chukwuka has been asked to defend his interests in the property, and the court may proceed with issuing a grant of probate, allowing the appointed executor, Uchechukwu Wigwe, to take full control of the estate while acting as the estate’s personal representative. Following his brother's death, Uche has enlisted the legal expertise of Mr. Munirudeen Liadi to expedite the process.

This latest document marks a crucial point in the dispute, indicating that Christian’s challenge may be nearing a breaking point as the entire family now rallies against Uche, arguing that he is not reliable enough to manage such substantial assets. “Uche has always been the black sheep, and after Herbert’s death, many felt he should have stepped up. Instead, his questionable decisions have left everyone worried,” insiders shared.

The estate, which includes multiple properties and business ventures, is now at the center of heated family debates, with some relatives advocating for a more experienced professional to take charge. “They don’t want Uche to take full control of the assets,” another source disclosed. “They’re discussing hiring a trustee to ensure everything is managed properly.”

Sources also claim that Uche is orchestrating the media buzz to gain public sympathy. His actions have raised eyebrows, as many believe he is positioning himself as both an actor and a victim in this unfolding drama.

The family also accused the late bank chief’s business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of undue interference in the family issues as regards the children left behind by the late banker and some decisions in the area of business without consulting his family.

Meanwhile, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings and a close friend of Herbert, has chosen to remain uninvolved in the family affairs. This decision highlights the complexities of the situation, as Uche continues to navigate the media landscape, seemingly seeking to sway public opinion in his favour.

Before Herbert’s death, he positioned Uche with several high-profile roles, even at the top managerial level of Access Bank’s private banking division. Uche Wigwe currently sits as the Non-Executive Director of Coronation, a leading African financial services provider. He is also the principal partner at Wigwe & Prtners. With an LL.M. in Petroleum Law and Policy from the University of Dundee, Scotland, an LL.B. from the University of Ibadan, and a B.Sc. in Banking and Finance from the University of Port Harcourt, Uche wields strong expertise in advising on various practice areas, including corporate insolvency and debt recovery.

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Foremost institute iRep Institutes (Africa) is gearing up to address the knowledge gap in the field of project management within the realm of business development.

The institute, known for its commitment to lifelong learning and unlocking project management potential, is set to host a master class aimed at equipping participants with the skills needed to lead projects to success.

For a beginner looking to delve into the world of project management or a seasoned professional seeking to enhance skills, the master class offers a comprehensive guide through the essentials of planning, executing, and closing projects efficiently, participants can expect to engage with experienced professionals who have navigated real-world scenarios, providing valuable insights and practical tools to elevate their careers.

The Must-To-Attend program is scheduled to commence on March 30th, 2024 even as the master class will take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM GMT via online Zoom calls.

According to a statement by the project director; David Solomon said the program will encapsulate "a total of 8 sessions, participants will delve into key topics such as Overview of Project Management, Key Concepts in Project Management, Project Life Cycle, Project Management Methodologies, Tools and Techniques, Case Studies, Knowledge Checks, as well as a Resume and Interview Workshop.

"The tuition fee for the master class is set at N300,000, with payment plans available for those interested in enrolling.
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By the end of the program, participants can expect to gain a solid understanding of project management principles and practices, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their professional endeavors", it stated.

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An interesting letter by a Civil Society Organisation, Zero Tolerance for Social Immoralities Initiative, ZETSI, addressed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has gone viral.

Signed by ZETSI Chairperson, Ibrahim Rasq Imam, while President Bola Tinubu and four others were copied, in the letter entitled, Re: Unjust Suspension of Seven Staff of Rural Electrification Agency over N1.2bn fraud, And Another N300m Training Fraud In The Agency, the CSO accused Adelabu of scoring own goal against Nigeria, alleging the former banker of condoning fraud and alleged fraudulent practices of the agency’s MD.

The letter reads:

This is to serve as a reminder, asking you to look seflessly into several petitions before you, regarding allegations of financial malfeasances levelled against the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, and his suspension of seven staff members of the agency after he and some others at the upper echelon of REA used them to commit N1.2bn fraud.

We are aware that you are in receipt of many petitions from several quarters against Ahmad bordering on fraudulent practices since about eight months ago.

Sir, your lingering inaction
on this matter despite the compelling evidence is not golden, but tantamount to condonation of fraud and the Managing Director of the agency.

Your disposition towards those petitions at your disposal if consider at face value, goes against the oath of protecting and defending the constitution and interest of the nation you swore to.

Sir, based on fair deductions, we would be right to say that you are not on the side of Nigeria on those issues. In fact you're just scoring own goal against the country.

It remains to be seen how many of such own goals Nigerians should expect from you throughout your time in office.

As a 53-year-old man, we are in hopes that you are redeemable, and can only encourage you to start scoring for Nigeria for posterity sake.

To that end, we took pain to locate acknowledgement
copies of some of the said petitions to you, and herein attached them.

Accept our assurances of highest regards.

Ollyz001:
Previous thread: https://www.nairaland.com/7971756/csos-protest-abuja-demand-sack