Community Affairs
Former CBN Executive and Ara Community Leader, Chief Joshua Oyedele Olugbodi, Dies at 94
Chief Joshua Oyedele Olugbodi, a former senior executive of the Central Bank of Nigeria and one of Osun State’s most influential community leaders, has died at the age of 94.
The Olugbodi family confirmed his death in Ara Kingdom, Egbedore Local Government Area, on Saturday, 6 December 2025.
Why It Matters
Chief Olugbodi was widely regarded as a stabilising figure in Egbedore politics and community development.
He previously served as Chairman of Egbedore Local Government and held the traditional title of Bobagunwa of Ara, where he championed educational and rural development initiatives for decades.
Local residents say his loss leaves “a vacuum difficult to fill,” particularly among young professionals who drew inspiration from him.
Family Reaction
His son, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, Executive Vice Chairman of Verdant Zeal Communications and the Asiwaju of Ara said the family was heartbroken.
“We are devastated by the death of Baba and we are sad to see him go, but we are grateful to God for his life of sacrifice, impact and exemplary service to mankind,” he said.
Community members have described the late chief as “a man who never stopped giving,” noting his regular visits, mentorship, and financial support to indigent families.
Life of Service
Chief Olugbodi spent part of his career at the Central Bank of Nigeria, where colleagues said he was admired for his discipline and integrity.
Beyond public service, he became known for supporting rural electrification initiatives, youth programmes and scholarship schemes in Ara and neighbouring communities.
What’s Next
The family says burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
Mourners from across Osun State are expected to attend, given his expansive influence across public service, community development and traditional leadership.
Community Affairs
Pa Olofintuyi Celebrated on Birthday as Hon. Fatoki Hails His Legacy of Service
Pa Olofintuyi birthday celebration took centre stage on Saturday as Hon. Fatoki Abiodun Olumide, Convener of the Joorefade Initiative, paid tribute to the elder statesman’s enduring influence on community life.
In a goodwill message released by the Joorefade Initiative, Hon. Fatoki described Pa Osuntuyi as a pillar of wisdom whose life continues to inspire younger generations.
“Pa Olofintuyi represents the values of integrity, service and compassion that our society urgently needs,” Hon. Fatoki said.
“As he marks another year, we celebrate a life that has shaped minds, strengthened families and uplifted our community.”
The convener said the birthday was not just a personal milestone but a moment of reflection on leadership rooted in selflessness.
“Our elders are living libraries,” he added.
“Pa Olofintuyi’s counsel and example remind us that progress is built on character and continuity.”
What’s next
Hon. Fatoki said the Joorefade Initiative would continue programmes that promote mentorship, civic values and youth engagement inspired by elders’ examples.
He urged younger people to “learn actively from those who have walked the path before us”.
Community Affairs
Jamara Home supports Syrian Charity Bazaar in Lagos with Appliance Donations
Jamara Home, a major supplier of electronics and home appliances in Nigeria, has supported the Syrian Charity Bazaar and Fun Day in Lagos, donating refrigerators and air conditioners to help raise funds for people in need.
The annual bazaar is known for promoting cultural exchange while mobilising aid for vulnerable communities. Organisers say corporate support is essential for sustaining its outreach efforts.
Community-focused contribution
Families, partners and well-wishers gathered for the event, where participants won a 135-litre Aeon Barossa refrigerator, as well as 1HP and 1.5HP air conditioners donated by the brand.
Representatives of Jamara Home attended the bazaar to engage with guests and reinforce the company’s growing community footprint.
Oluwatomi Famiran, Head of Marketing at Jamara Home, said the brand’s participation reflects its values beyond sales.
“We are proud to have participated in the Syrian Charity Bazaar and Fun Day. Our donation of premium Aeon Barossa home appliances reflects our dedication to giving back to the community and adding value beyond commercial activities,” she said.
“We believe in making luxury accessible and meaningful in everyday life, and this gesture is a testament to that philosophy.”
A brand positioning itself around lifestyle and community
Jamara Home says its investment in charitable causes aligns with its mission to improve everyday living.
The company sells televisions, refrigerators, audio systems, gas cookers, washing machines, air conditioners and other home products from more than 30 international brands — all backed by manufacturer warranties and available via jamarahome.com.
The charity bazaar, according to organisers, was a success, with Jamara Home’s donations helping to draw engagement and encourage participation.
What’s next
The company says it will continue supporting social initiatives and expanding efforts that promote cultural appreciation and community well-being.
Industry analysts expect more Nigerian retail brands to adopt similar engagement strategies as customers increasingly prioritise socially responsible companies.
Community Affairs
Unlawful Demolition in Isoko Community Sparks Outrage, Calls for Tinubu’s Intervention
Residents of the Isoko Community in Eti-Osa, Lagos, are calling for urgent intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after what they describe as an “unlawful and violent demolition” of their homes by government-linked agencies.
The late-night operation left dozens displaced, properties worth billions destroyed and one resident dead, according to community leaders.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights long-standing tensions over land ownership, government enforcement procedures, and the rights of indigenous and migrant communities in Lagos.
The community, which says it has occupied the land for nearly three decades under a valid 50-year lease from the Ojomu family, accuses state agents of forcefully evicting them without explanation.
‘We Woke Up Homeless’ — Community Leaders Speak
Community chairman, Mr Lucky Ozero, said residents were taken by surprise.
“We lost everything. Till date, no explanation has been given for our wrongs. Despite every civilised effort we made, none was honoured. We are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervention,” he told our reporter.
Residents claim police officers and armed thugs accompanied a bulldozer that levelled homes in what witnesses described as a “commando-style operation”.
Community secretary Mr Clements Okeh said the treatment they received was “uncivilised and deeply traumatic”.
“The chairman was physically assaulted. We were denied audience despite submitting all lease documents. Instead, they returned with police and thugs and demolished everything within minutes,” he said.
A Death Linked to the Demolition
Among the victims was Mr Gifts Ologbo, a landlord and father of four, who reportedly died from shock after losing his home and business.
“The colossal loss is unimaginable,” Okeh said, adding that widows, elderly people over 80, and 14 landlords were among those displaced.
Community Claims Valid Land Rights
Residents insist the land belongs to the Ojomu family, under whom they have a 50-year lease. They say they are only halfway into the agreement.
Mr Ozero said the community believed the traditional ruler, Oba Ojomu, would never authorise such destruction. The monarch has reportedly denied involvement.
The community alleges an internal land dispute within the Ojomu family may have been exploited by external actors “possibly with government backing”.
How the Demolition Unfolded
Residents say their ordeal began when Lagos State Task Force officials posted a demolition notice. They responded immediately and were told a petitioner was behind the complaint.
However, they claim they were never allowed to meet the petitioner.
A similar notice later came from the Ministry of Physical Planning, and again the community submitted all required documents but heard nothing back.
Soon after, bulldozers arrived with a security convoy.
‘It Was Like a War Zone’ — Eyewitness Account
An elder and long-term resident, Mr Paul Irakpo, described the scene as terrifying.
“They came with armed mobile police firing shots into the air. People were running for their lives. The bulldozer began pulling down homes as we watched. It’s the greatest injustice ever done to law-abiding citizens,” he said.
Irakpo said new building materials were brought in immediately after the demolition, raising suspicion that “someone already had plans for the land”.
Industry & Expert Reactions
Urban development analysts say the incident raises concerns about transparency in Lagos land administration, while human rights observers argue the operation breached due process requirements under Nigerian law.
A Lagos-based real estate lawyer told NigeriaUpdates that any demolition without proper notice, fair hearing, and verified ownership investigation “would constitute a violation of procedural justice”.
Government officials have not publicly addressed the allegations.
Community Heads to Court
Residents say they are determined to pursue justice.
“Our lawyers at Rotimi Williams Chambers are already involved,” Okeh said. “We will not only defend our rights but also ensure the Ojomu family’s name is cleared from whatever scheme was used to justify this destruction.”
What’s Next
The displaced families are asking for:
A full investigation by the federal government
Public explanation from Lagos State agencies involved
Justice for the death of Mr Ologbo
Restoration or compensation for destroyed properties
They insist they will continue pressing for answers.
-
Crime6 days agoIbadan Killing, Forgery Syndicate Arrests Raise Safety Concerns in Oyo
-
Education1 day agoOyo Police Deploy Tight Security for 2026 JAMB Exams Across CBT Centres
-
Business3 days agoNigeria Can Dominate Africa’s Blue Economy, NPA Says Amid Maritime Reforms
-
Security6 days agoSapele LGA Chairman Abducted as Delta Police Launch Rescue Operation
-
Politics4 days ago2027 Elections: ADC Chieftain Accuses Tinubu Government of Interference, Urges Sustained Protests
-
Technology6 days agoWhatsApp Scam Targets Access Holdings Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Company Issues Warning
-
Economy5 days agoLagos Extends Tax Return Deadline to April 21 Amid Surge on eTax Platform
-
Governance5 days agoLASTMA Denies Extortion Claims, Urges Media to Avoid Unverified Reports

