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Bonfrere Petitions Senate over LASG refusal to release his Property
By George Mgbeleke
Former Nigeria Coach, Bonfrere Jo has petitioned the senate over the alleged refusal of Lagos State Government to release a property given him by the state government in appreciation for winning the 1996 Olympics gold in football tournament for the country.
The Dutch technician had won a gold medal for Nigeria during the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, United States defeating global football power houses, including Mexico, Brazil and Argentina in a very astonishing fashion, making Nigeria the first country to lift the trophy in Africa.
However, 29 years after winning the laurel, Coach Bonfrere Jo, according to documented evidence is yet to receive a property given the team and coaching staff by the then Lagos State Governor, Col. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, prompting him to seek senate’s intervention with a view to getting the legislative arm pressure Lagos State Government to give him his property.
In a letter by his lawyer, T. O Adejoh and Company which was submitted on thursday to the Senate through the Chairman of the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition and copied the Senate Committee Chairman on Sports, Bonfrere “prayed the senate to Summon the Lagos State Government to a public senate hearing to provide a detailed explanation for its refusal to allocate a plot of land to our client.
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“Investigate the circumstances surrounding the denial of Our Client’s allocation and ensure that justice is served.
“Take necessary steps, including pressuring Lagos State Government to release, or reallocate another befitting plot commensurate with the achievement of the team to ensure that Our Client, after 29 years gets justice”.
Speaking shortly after submitting the petition, his Media Aide, Eze Okechukwu said the petition became necessary, following the persistent and blatant refusal of Lagos State Government to release the property despite having given all members of the team theirs.
” What Bonfrere Jo achieved for Nigeria during his days as our coach remains unequalled till date. Which Nigeria Coach has defeated those big names since that Atlanta episode? Which Nigeria Coach has ever won the Olympics gold medal in football since Bonfrere did it in 1996″?
” Col. Oyinlola, then Governor of Lagos State, in the euphoria of the celebration gave out a parcel of land each to all the players and coaching staff in Lekki. The documents of the land are domiciled with the Lagos State land Registry. All the players have received theirs. Confirm from Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachie, Taribo West, Kanu Nwankwo, Tijjani Babangida, Emmanuel Amuneke.
So,why is Bonfrere’s own not given him? Who’s tampered with it? Why? Those are the questions the State Government will answer when they appear before the senate.
“If there’s anyone to be shortchanged, for goodness sake and image of Nigeria,it shouldn’t be Bonfrere”, he said.
Expressing confidence in the Senate leadership, Mr Eze noted that the Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio is a sports loving senior citizen who understands the importance of winning a global laurel, especially doing it in a remarkable fashion against the world’s best legs.
” The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio built the Stadium in Uyo which the National team uses now. So,he loves sports, especially football as much as every average Nigerian. Therefore, he will do everything humanly possible to get the right thing done to Bonfrere Jo. It will add a great feather to his position,as Nigeria’s number 3 citizen”, he said.
Asked if Bonfrere had made any efforts to meet with the current Governor of Lagos State, with a view to resolving the matter before coming to the Senate, he said yes, stressing that each time he tried he was technically blocked from seeing the Governor.
” Do you know what 29 years is? It’s now 29 years since Governor Oyinlola gave out the land. So, for 29 years he’s been making in roads but no results. Infact, Bonfrere Jo had visited Nigeria and sought for the help of late Senator Ifeanyi Uba to take him directly to the current Governor of Lagos State. Senator Uba could have done it,but for his untimely death.
” Governor Sanwolu is a sports loving man,who could be shocked at hearing the story. I believe he will not only pacify Coach Bonfrere,but investigate the issue to know what really happened to the property”, he said.
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Governor Adeleke Mourns SOJ Worldwide Publisher, Adesoji Omosebi ● Mulls Health Insurance Programme for Journalists
By David Owei .
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed sadness over the death of Adesoji Omosebi, Publisher of SOJ Worldwide Online News, a member of the Osun Online Publishers Association.
The Governor described his demise as a great loss to the media industry in Osun state adding that his contributions to the growth and development of the online media industry in Osun state cannot be over emphasized.
In a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the Governor noted that the contributions of the late Publisher to the development of Osun State as a player in the fourth estate of the realm will never be forgotten.
“Today, we mourn the demise of Adesoji Omosebi, the Publisher of SOJ Worldwide Online News and a member of the Osun Online Publishers Association.
“His demise is a huge loss to the media industry in Osun state. His contributions to the growth and development of the online media sector as pioneer Chairman of OOPA will never be forgotten.
“His contributions to the development of Osun as a major player in the fourth estate of the realm will never be forgotten.
The governor further directed the State Health Insurance agency to study the possibility of enrolling journalists in the health Insurance scheme, describing them as important stakeholders in the society.
“May God Almighty comfort his family and grant them the fortitude to bear this great loss. SOJ will be missed greatly”, the Governor noted in a condolence message.
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FCT court orders recovery of property at plot 18 Ademola Adetokunbo Wuse 2 Abuja
BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA
The FCT High Court sitting in Gwagwalada has ordered the enforcement for the recovery of property at plot 18, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent,Wuse two,in Abuja
On Tuesday, 9 December 2025, the lawful owner of the property at Plot 81, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, regained full possession of the premises following enforcement by court sheriffs of a binding High Court judgment.
Legal proceedings revealed that the property was formally acquired by Collins Onwuzulike (the rightful owner) through a valid Deed of Assignment and payment executed on 1 May 2024. A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwagwalada ruled in favour of Onwuzulike, ordering immediate vacant possession of the property and directing all occupants, including Obi Cubana’s firm, to hand over the premises.
On the morning of the enforcement, sheriffs — accompanied by security agencies — arrived at the site. Despite reported attempts to obstruct the process, possession was lawfully transferred. Keys to the building were handed over to the owner’s legal representative in public and coverd by journalists, signifying full compliance with the court’s order.
This development officially ends the occupancy of the property by Obi Cubana’s operations under the trademark CASH FLOW (a lounge/nightlife hub), bringing closure to a protracted property dispute.
According to our reporter who was on the spot,observed that this outcome underscores the primacy of lawful ownership, due process, and enforcement of court orders. It demonstrates that, irrespective of public profile, no individual or entity is above the law when it comes to legitimate property rights and legal obligations.
This should serve as example to others who thinks they can manipulate the law to suit their purpose always.
The law is above any individual no matter your status and affluence.
The landmark judgement has reaffirmed public confidence in the judiciary.
It is always good to be just and fair in every situation, truth is the same anywhere in the World.
Hence people should learn to always do the right thing even when nobody is looking in your direction.
The landmark judgment has nullified and invalidated further tenancy of Obi Cubana and his sub-tenants and they were all ejected from the property.
The Court ordered them to vacate the premises immediately.
Everybody who has gained entrance through Obi Cubans had the loads removed to ensure full compliance with the court’s verdict and they were banned from parading the premises directly or indirectly.
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NDDC honours 203 staff with long service awards
By Magnus Chukwudi, Port Harcourt
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has honoured 203 staff at its ‘2025 Long Service’ awards for their contributions to the Commission’s progress and performance.
The awards recognised employees, who have dedicated 10, 15, 20, and 30 years of service to the Commission.
Speaking during the award ceremony at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the awards were meant to motivate and build staff confidence.
Ogbuku, represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, celebrated the awardees and prayed that the years ahead bring them fulfilment, growth, and continued success.
He urged staff to draw inspiration from their colleagues’ achievements and remain committed to delivering quality service.
According to him, “The reward for good work is more work.” He urged employees to continue giving their best to the Commission and the Niger Delta region, stating that the practice to honour long-serving staff was a demonstration of the Commission’s appreciation for their years of dedication.
He noted that the awardees have contributed immensely to the management’s drive to move the Commission “from transaction to transformation.”
He congratulated the awardees on reaching remarkable milestones and declared: “Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence are genuinely inspiring. We sincerely appreciate your years of service dedicated to the NDDC.”
In his remarks, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade, one of the recipients for 20-year long service award, expressed gratitude to the management for the recognition.
He noted that while some organisations fail to acknowledge their employees’ contributions, the NDDC has consistently rewarded excellence and commitment. He thanked the Executive Management for recognising the individual and collective efforts of staff, urging his colleagues to remain steadfast in their service and support for the Commission’s mandate.
The NDDC Director, Education, Health and Social Services, EHSS, Dr George Uzonwanne, who received the 20-year Long Service Award, described the recognition as a double celebration.
He reflected on joining the Commission years ago as a young doctor with many aspirations, noting that the NDDC played a significant role in his professional development through local and international training opportunities. ###.
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