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OB Lulu-Briggs: Kalabari Chiefs urge Dumo Lulu-Briggs Never to exclude stepmother and Monipulo boss from Oil mogul’s burial
Modupe ASUDO
Late Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs and wife Seinye Lulu-Briggs
PORT HARCOURT-AS the controversy rages over the burial of oil Mogul and founder of Monipulo Petroleum Development Company, Late Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs, Elder Statesman and renowned business mogul, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba has called on Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, son of the deceased in a three paged letter in which the Governor of Rivers State and the King (Amayanabo) of Abonnema were copied, to work towards a very peaceful and successful burial in which all stakeholders will fully participate, and also refrain from plans to exclude his step mother and Executive Vice-Chairman of Moni Pulo Petroleum, Dr. Mrs Seinye Lulu-Briggs from the burial arrangements.
Similarly, the families of Chief Dodo West Elebike of Buguma and Daibisrama Iniikeiroari Young-Briggs of Abonnema also wrote a petition to the Acting Paramount Head, Oruwari Group of Houses, Abonnema, demanding that the family of High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs do the right and proper thing with regards to his widow and his in-laws in respect of the burial plans. The petition which was signed by Chief Alaiyi Tom-West and Chief Obrasua Ernest Francis Briggs stated that the families of the deceased’s widow have not received any formal message ‘oku’ regarding funeral arrangements in accordance with the culture and traditions of the Kalabari people, neither has the late High Chief’s daughter, Solate been incorporated by the elder sons to perform her traditional rites at the funeral.
In pursuant of a peaceful burial ceremony for the late Lulu-Briggs, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba urged Dumo to shelve plans to exclude his stepmother, Seinye and his Sister from the burial plans. Alabraba in a letter he personally signed on the aforesaid subject matter said, “it is alleged that as a result of the anger over your father’s Will, you decided to exclude your dad’s widow and daughter from the burial plans, thus denying them the right to perform their customary roles to honour him in death.”
In the said letter, Chief Ferdinand Ngogo Alabraba, queried among others that “it is alleged that as a result of the anger over your father’s Will, you decided to exclude your dad’s widow and daughter from the burial plans, thus denying them the right to perform their customary roles to honour him in death. That time-honoured Kalabari culture cannot be ignored and must be respected, otherwise, the burial of our most respected High Chief will be incomplete.
In addition, he said, “Please ensure that your dad’s widow and his first daughter are duly restored in the burial plans so that they can carry out their customary roles in line with Kalabari tradition.”
The full transcript of the letter read thus: “Dear Dumo, My Son It is now less than three weeks to the burial of your late father and our brother, Chief (Dr.) O. B. Lulu-Briggs and seeing the way plans are unfolding, it has become necessary for some of us not just to sit and watch but give our honest advice “openly” so that outsiders will know that not all the Elders in the family kept quiet when things were not going well.
Recall that not too long ago, you were nominated as the leader of Young Briggs House and, only recently, installed on your personal Chieftaincy stood, thus making you a leader of the Young Briggs and head of the Chief O. B. Lulu Briggs family. You are, therefore, uniquely placed to unite the Chief O B Lulu Briggs family, bringing everybody on board in the burial plans so that as a united family, you can give your dad the befitting burial you have promised the world which he truly deserves. Unfortunately, the O B Lulu Briggs’ family still remains divided and as we move closer to the burial date people have started talking, insinuating things and blaming you for the lingering state of affairs, and rightly too because everybody knows and sees you as the face of the Lulu Briggs family.
My son, please know that your dad can only be buried once and if you allow anger to rule your emotions in working out the burial plans, you will be susceptible to serious mistakes which will remain a source of regret for the rest of your life. That will not be your portion by God’s grace, so kindly eschew bitterness and embrace all members of the family for a successful burial.
There are some misconceptions being peddled against you and you must act to correct them: (i) On your Chieftaincy titles, it is alleged that when you took custody of your father’s mortal remains you deliberately held it back not only to pursue chieftaincy titles for self-aggrandizement but also to challenge his Last Will and Testament in court and with the bitterness resulting from your failed court action you called the press conference to announce the burial date, just to play to the gallery and no real intent to give your father a befitting burial.
I know that the Chieftaincies were intended to position you to lead the Lulu Briggs family in the burial arrangements and nothing more, so please don’t leave room for anybody to doubt your sincerity in giving your father a most deserving burial. (ii) It is further alleged that as a result of the anger over your father’s Will, you decided to exclude your dad’s widow and daughter from the burial plans, thus denying them the right to perform their customary roles to honour him in death.
That time-honoured Kalabari culture cannot be ignored and must be respected, otherwise the burial of our most respected High Chief will be incomplete. Please ensure that your dad’s widow and his first daughter are duly restored in the burial plans so that they can carry out their customary roles in line with Kalabari tradition. (iii) Chief O B Lulu Briggs was a member of the Abonnema Council of Chiefs and he died as the revered Head of Young Briggs House of Abonnema but in your press conference announcing his burial date, you referred to him as the “paramount head of Oruwari Briggs House”.
No doubt, he acted as paramount head of Oruwari Briggs House for a very brief period when the then incumbent was hospitalized for about two weeks but he was never installed by the Abonnema Council of Chiefs as paramount head. Why bring in this unnecessary controversy to reduce your father’s stature in death by decorating him with false/borrowed robes in spite of his robust profile and many accomplishments in life.
Please do not do anything to alienate the Abonnema Council of Chiefs from participating in the burial because the Council, headed by a learned first class King, will not undermine its integrity by participating in the burial of the so called “paramount head” who was not installed in his lifetime. In conclusion, I wish to remind you that your late father was a global personality and people will come from all parts of the world for his burial. Our dear Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has eloquently demonstrated his commitment to give him a State burial.
The Amayanabo of Abonnema, the Abonnema Divisional Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, and the entire Kalabari Kingdom are critical stakeholders in the burial. So, kindly work towards a very peaceful and successful burial in which all stakeholders will fully participate.” A three-man committee set up by the Abonnema Council of Chiefs to resolve pending issues raised by both parties regarding the burial is expected to submit its report to His Majesty King Disrael Bobmanuel, the Amayanabo of Abonnema before the scheduled date of burial of the elder statesman High Chief Dr. O. B. Lulu-Briggs for 13th March 2021.
Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have returned to Abuja following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The team arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday, where they were received by officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and supporters.
The Flamingos made history on Saturday after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final to win their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, becoming the first African team to lift the trophy.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the historic victory for Nigeria, capping an impressive campaign by the young players.
SEE ALSO: Tinubu Hails Flamingos After Historic World Cup Final Qualification, Urges Team to Win Trophy
The triumph followed another successful outing at the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Flamingos recorded five victories from five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.
Head coach Hakeem Busari has described the team’s achievement as the outcome of sustained development, resilience and tactical discipline.
Speaking after the final, Busari said the performance of African teams at the tournament reflected the growing quality and competitiveness of women’s football on the continent.
“What we are seeing now is not a fluke. It is about development, it is about character, and it is about fighting from the beginning to really get it right. So we are elated and happy,” he said.
The coach also explained that his technical crew carefully studied Japan’s playing style before the final, particularly the team’s ability to win second balls and exploit spaces behind defensive lines.
He said the Flamingos adjusted their approach to limit Japan’s attacking opportunities, describing the encounter as a tactical contest that required collective defending, discipline and effective game management.
Busari expressed optimism that more African teams would progress to the latter stages of future editions of the competition.
Tinubu Congratulates Flamingos
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Flamingos on their historic achievement, describing the victory as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark for African women’s football.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he received the news following his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.
“What wonderful news to return home to! Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country.
“To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up,” Tinubu said.
The President recalled that the players had promised to bring the trophy home following their semi-final victory, commending them for fulfilling their promise.
He particularly applauded Bashiru and Umejiaku for scoring the decisive goals, while praising the entire squad for their teamwork and determination throughout the tournament.
Tinubu also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the historic success.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their sporting potential.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against what it described as a dangerous attempt to weaken the opposition through judicial controversies, following a judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, affecting the party’s leadership and the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The party alleged that the judgment, which reportedly sacked the Senator David Mark-led leadership and invalidated Atiku’s candidacy, was a desperate attempt to undermine the opposition and deny Nigerians the right to freely choose their leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
SEE ALSO: Atiku Raises Alarm Over Attacks on Sowore, ADC Governorship Candidate, Accuses APC of Intimidation
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Thursday, the ADC linked the timing of the judgment to the massive turnout at its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto, which took place barely 24 hours earlier.
The party claimed that the rally, which attracted thousands of supporters, had triggered panic within the ruling APC and accelerated the delivery of the judgment.
“We have reasons to believe that the judgment had long been written on this case. The Sokoto rally was simply a trigger that stampeded its delivery,” the statement read.
The ADC argued that the judgment went beyond the political ambitions of Atiku and David Mark, warning that its implications could affect thousands of candidates seeking elective positions at the local, state and federal levels.
It maintained that the development threatened the democratic rights of Nigerians and the participation of opposition candidates in the forthcoming elections.
The party also questioned the legal basis of the judgment, citing an earlier ruling by Justice Musa Liman of the same Federal High Court, delivered on July 2, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.
According to the ADC, the earlier judgment affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership.
The party argued that a court of coordinate jurisdiction cannot sit on appeal over, review, vary or nullify the subsisting judgment of another court of equal jurisdiction.
It said it would challenge the latest judgment through every available judicial process, adding that it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) to establish its precise terms, scope and operative orders.
The ADC further accused the APC of using judicial processes to frustrate opposition parties whenever they gained political momentum.
Warning against what it described as an attempt to eliminate political competition, the party said the peace and stability of Nigeria should not be sacrificed for the political ambitions of any individual or party.
“We warn the APC: do not play with fires you cannot control. The peace and stability of Nigeria are bigger than the ambition of any president or political party,” the statement added.
The party also challenged President Bola Tinubu and the APC to submit themselves to a free and fair electoral contest if they were confident in their performance and popularity.
“Nigeria belongs to Nigerians, not to the APC. The presidency is not an inheritance. If the President thinks he has performed well in office, why is he afraid of competition?” the ADC asked.
The controversy comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the court judgment raising fresh questions about the ADC’s leadership and the status of candidates contesting under its platform.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged newly appointed Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Secretary, Samson Adamu, to protect and promote Nigeria’s interests while advancing the development of African football.
Shettima gave the charge on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when he received Adamu, who was accompanied by a delegation led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko.
SEE ALSO: Sanwo-Olu Pledges Full Support as Lagos Prepares to Host 2026 CAF Awards
The Vice President congratulated Adamu on his appointment, describing his emergence as the first Nigerian to occupy the position in CAF’s 70-year history as a significant achievement for the country.
Conveying President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill, Shettima urged Adamu to approach his new responsibilities with integrity, diligence and a strong sense of national pride.
“The President is proud of you, Samson Adamu. Go and do a yo-man’s job. Go and promote, protect and project and preserve the interest of the Nigerian nation,” he said.
Shettima described football as an important instrument of national unity, noting that the sport brings Nigerians together irrespective of their differences.
“Anytime Nigeria plays, it tends to subsume all other identities. Football and sports generally is a source of unity for our country. What binds us together superseded whatever divides us,” he stated.
He attributed Nigeria’s achievements in sports to the quality of its people and the contributions of administrators, coaches, talent scouts and institutions responsible for identifying and developing sporting talents.
The Vice President also recalled the achievements of Nigerian football legends, including Rashidi Yekini, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha and Finidi George, noting that their successes were supported by individuals and institutions that nurtured their abilities.
Earlier, Dikko thanked President Tinubu and the Federal Government for supporting sports development, saying the administration’s commitment had strengthened Nigeria’s international sporting profile and created opportunities for investment through sports.
He described Adamu’s appointment as a major milestone for Nigerian sports administration and disclosed that the Federal Government had approved Nigeria’s hosting of the CAF General Assembly in November and the CAF Awards in December 2026.
In his remarks, Adamu expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support, describing his appointment as a source of national pride.
He pledged to use his experience as CAF’s former Director of Competitions to strengthen the continental body’s administration and advance African football.
Adamu also promised to support Nigeria’s efforts to harness its football talents and maximise its potential in continental and global sports.
He was appointed CAF General Secretary on Sunday, November 1, 2026, following a recruitment exercise by the continental football governing body. He is expected to oversee CAF’s day-to-day administration.
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