Entertainment
Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Funke Akindele, Other Movie Makers
Governor, Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has joined the crop of the Nigerian elite sending hearty shout outs to movie maker Funke Akindele on the success of her ‘A Tribe Called Judah’.
Sanwo-Olu took to his verified handle on X on Saturday to rejoice with the actress, whose efforts on ‘The Tribe Called Judah’ exceeded the N1 billion mark in the box office.
The governor also applauded other movie makers like “Mercy Aigbe, and all the passionate minds behind captivating movies like “Malaika,” and “Ada, Omo Daddy.”
He maintained that their creativity was not just diversifying the economy but also inspiring greatness.
He stated, “Your artistry is diversifying our economy and inspiring greatness.”
Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos State would continue supporting the creative industry.
He wrote, “Congratulations to @funkeakindele on the success of her record breaking film, “A Tribe Called Judah” which crossed the One Billion Naira mark recently.
“With this milestone, she leads the record of highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time in Nigerian cinemas with 3 titles. A great feat, indeed.
“As a female led initiative, it also showcases the power and influence women wield in the film industry, inspiring countless others to aim for greatness. A big well done to the cast: Timini Egbuson, Jide Kene Achufusi, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde, Olumide Oworu, Genoveva Umeh, Nse Ikpe Etim, Juliana Olayode, Uzor Arukwe, Fathia Balogun, Yvonne Jegede and many others as well as the outstanding crew.
“Celebrating the magic of Lagos’ creative industry, we also celebrate @toyin_abraham1 , Mercy Aigbe, and all the passionate minds behind captivating movies like “Malaika,” and “Ada, Omo Daddy.” Your artistry is diversifying our economy and inspiring greatness.
“We also celebrate outstanding titles that have made it to the streaming platforms and international movie festivals showcasing the excellence and progression of Nollywood.
“The Lagos government is the biggest supporter of the creative industry in Africa and we will continue to do more.
“Here’s looking forward to even bigger things in 2024.”
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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