Entertainment
Charles III’s Coronation Marks First UK Crowning in 70 Years
After a lifetime as heir to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, Charles III was officially crowned king on Saturday in the first coronation in Britain since 1953.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed the St Edward’s Crown on Charles’s head at 12:02 pm, symbolizing the monarch’s authority, while cries of “God Save the King” rang out from the 2,300-strong congregation at Westminster Abbey.
The coronation ceremony, steeped in 1,000 years of British history and tradition, featured sumptuous robes and priceless regalia, and was attended by heads of state and global royalty, as well as members of the public who were invited to sit alongside them.
While many of the intricate rituals and ceremonies were similar to the 39 other monarchs crowned at Westminster Abbey since 1066, Charles sought to update aspects of the service. Women bishops participated for the first time, as did leaders of Britain’s non-Christian faiths, while seasonal flowers and foliage were brought from around the country to fill the abbey. A gospel choir sang for the first time at a coronation, and the coronation themes reflected Charles’s interest in biodiversity and sustainability.
Despite the celebratory mood, police arrested dozens of protesters. The anti-monarchy movement Republic said six of its organizers were detained, while climate activists Just Stop Oil said 19 of its members were held. Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International voiced concern at the arrests. London’s Metropolitan Police had some 11,500 officers on the streets in one of its biggest ever security operations.
While polling indicates waning support for the monarchy, particularly among younger people, the huge crowds of royal fans camping out all week at The Mall outside Buckingham Palace indicate that the royals still have a central role in British culture and history. Many of those camping out to watch have flown in from abroad, underlining the royal family’s untouched position as Britain’s leading global brand.
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
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Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
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Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
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Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
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