How Buhari’s Military Coup Saved Oba Sikiru Adetona from fellow Ijebu Governor On November 23, 1981, Governor Victor Olabisi Onabanjo of Ogun State signed a formal order suspending Oba Sikiru Adetona from office as the Awujale of Ijebuland until further notice. However, it soon turned to a deposition, and the removal was scheduled to take effect on January 2, 1984. But the Muhammadu Buhari coup of December 31, 1983, which toppled President Shehu Shagari's civilian government, halted the plan. Buhari’s intervention inadvertently preserved the Awujale’s reign for the next 41 years. By the early 1980s, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, and Governor Victor “Bisi” Onabanjo, both sons of Ijebu, had entered a tense phase. The foundation had been set years earlier, when Adetona had generously assisted Onabanjo during his illness and even provided accommodation and support while he studied in London. Yet as politics took centre stage, friendship gave way to rivalry, and personal ire would lead to a constitutional crisis. In August 1981, Oba Adetona wrote to the governor notifying him of his upcoming trip to London for medical reasons, including his overseas address and phone number, purely informative, not requesting permission. Onabanjo replied, demanding more details of the trip and the health grounds, apparently implying that it needed his approval. Oba Adetona bristled, reminding him that his letter was purely a courtesy update and that, as a traditional monarch, he did not require permission to travel. Defiant, he departed anyway, changing his phone number to avoid further contact. On November 23, 1981, Governor Onabanjo issued a proclamation suspending the Awujale from office, an unprecedented move. He established a Commission of Inquiry under Justice Solomon O. Sogbetun to investigate Oba Adetona’s perceived insubordination and administrative conduct. True to the governor’s intentions, the commission reported unfavourably, and by early 1982, the Awujale was formally deposed by the Ogun State Executive Council. Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona mounted a legal challenge against the Ogun State Government, contesting the validity of the Sogbetun Commission of Inquiry, which had recommended his deposition. His legal team was formidable, led by none other than Chief F.R.A. Williams, one of Nigeria’s greatest legal minds, and supported by Chief Sina Odedina, a prominent Ijebu lawyer. As the case made its way through the courts, political events moved with dramatic speed. Governor Bisi Onabanjo, the man who had orchestrated the deposition, was re-elected and sworn in for a second term on October 1, 1983. For a time, it appeared that the Awujale’s fate had been sealed. But destiny, always patient, waited quietly in the wings. Just two months and 30 days later, on December 31, 1983, the Nigerian Second Republic collapsed in a swift military coup. In a broadcast, Brigadier Sani Abacha announced the takeover of the government by the military. The democratically elected administration of President Shehu Shagari was overthrown, and Major-General Muhammadu Buhari assumed the role of Head of State. In Ogun State, Brigadier Oladipo Diya, a fellow Ijebu son from Odogbolu, was appointed the new Military Governor. The terrain had shifted. Then, in 1984, the defining moment arrived. Justice Kolawole of the Ogun State High Court delivered a landmark judgment. The court nullified the findings of the Sogbetun Commission and ruled that Oba Adetona’s deposition was unlawful. It ordered his immediate reinstatement to the stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland. The military administration of Brigadier Diya, rather than appeal the ruling, respected the court’s decision. Without drama or delay, the judgment was enforced. And thus, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona returned to his throne in Ijebu Ode—restored, vindicated, and unbroken. The monarch who had been deposed returned not in disgrace, but in quiet triumph. Like a cat with nine lives, he resumed his place not only as a custodian of tradition, but as a symbol of endurance, dignity, and the power of lawful resistance. From that moment, a new era began: an era that would span decades, as Oba Adetona continued to reign with wisdom, courage, and conviction. The scars of 1981 remained, but they became part of a larger story, one of resilience in the face of injustice, and of a king who refused to be cowed. Over the next 41 years, until his transition on July 13, 2025, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona would go on to become one of Nigeria’s longest-serving monarchs, revered across the nation not only for his longevity, but for the strength of his character and the example he set.

DUNAMIS SEEDS OF DESTINY DEVOTIONAL FOR 15TH JULY, 2025 BY DR PAUL ENENCHE TOPIC: LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW SCRIPTURE: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night… 2 PETER 3:9-10. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The end of earthly life on earth is the beginning of an endless life in eternity. Genesis 1:27 makes it clear that man is an eternal being made in the Image and Likeness of an eternal God. The meaning of that is, everyone you see will live forever. To further buttress this, James 4:14 reveals that man’s life on earth is a temporary adventure, just a fraction of man’s overall life. So, man’s life on earth is a temporary adventure. This implies that the end of earthly life is the beginning of an endless life in eternity. (Daniel 12:2). And it is to in 8 to to to either an everlasting life with God in Heaven or an everlasting contempt with satan in hell. The truth is, God does not desire for anyone to be lost in hell; rather, He desires for people to live with Him forever in heaven after their sojourn in the earth. In other words, God is not looking for whom to send to hell. It is possible to hear some messages that sounds as if God’s satisfaction is how many people can end in hell. Scriptures make it clear that hell was not created for man (Matthew 25:41). Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels. It is only those who reject Christ and decide to end with the devil that will follow him to hell.66y But the point is, God has no desire for the loss of any soul (2 Peter 3:8-9). Now, wisdom demands that we pay attention to our eternal destination, the place where we will spend the bulk of our lives. That is why today, we are looking at what it means to live with eternity in view. 1. It is living in the present with the end in mind. Living in the present with the end in perspective (1Peter 4:7). You are alive today, but the end is in your mind. 2. It means living and conducting our life’s actions with eternity as a major consideration. Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter, fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of a man. For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil. Everything we do on the earth has eternal consequences. 3. It means living in the now with readiness and preparedness for eternity. That is, you are not trying to get prepared; you are living prepared (Matthew 25:13, Matthew 24:44-45). 4. It is living as strangers and pilgrims on the earth. This is living with the full knowledge that this world is not our home (1 Peter 2:11). 5. It is living in the world without forgetting yourself in the world. Living in the world without forgetting your eternal and heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20). Beloved, don’t forget yourself in this world because one day, the curtains of eternity shall be drawn, and the world shall end. Remember this: The end of earthly life is the beginning of endless life in eternity. ASSIGNMENT(S): 1. Live ready in anticipation of Christ’s coming. Keep your spiritual temperature high. 2. Refuse to live in sin 3. Ask God for mercy if you have erred and make amends. PRAYER: Lord, help me to live on earth as a pilgrim. I refuse to conform to the pattern of this world. Draw me closer to You Lord, in Jesus’ Name. FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW DAILY BIBLE READING: Isaiah 1-3 QUOTE: If you want to look like Christ, then look at Christ. What you look at determines what you will look like. Culled from the book, The Essence of Christianity by Dr Paul Enenche. AMAZING FACT: A lion’s whiskers are highly sensitive, helping it to detect movement and objects in the dark. PROPHETIC DECLARATION/WORD: Receive grace to live with heaven in perspective always in Jesus Name.

🍒🌽 SEEDS OF DESTINY DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE BY DR PST PAUL ENENCHE DATE: TUESDAY, 15TH JULY 2025. TOPIC: LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW SCRIPTURE: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night… 2 PETER 3:9-10. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The end of earthly life on earth is the beginning of an endless life in eternity. Genesis 1:27 makes it clear that man is an eternal being made in the Image and Likeness of an eternal God. The meaning of that is, everyone you see will live forever. To further buttress this, James 4:14 reveals that man’s life on earth is a temporary adventure, just a fraction of man’s overall life. So, man’s life on earth is a temporary adventure. This implies that the end of earthly life is the beginning of an endless life in eternity. (Daniel 12:2). And it is either an everlasting life with God in Heaven or an everlasting contempt with satan in hell. The truth is, God does not desire for anyone to be lost in hell; rather, He desires for people to live with Him forever in heaven after their sojourn in the earth. In other words, God is not looking for whom to send to hell. It is possible to hear some messages that sounds as if God’s satisfaction is how many people can end in hell. Scriptures make it clear that hell was not created for man (Matthew 25:41). Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels. It is only those who reject Christ and decide to end with the devil that will follow him to hell. But the point is, God has no desire for the loss of any soul (2 Peter 3:8-9). Now, wisdom demands that we pay attention to our eternal destination, the place where we will spend the bulk of our lives. That is why today, we are looking at what it means to live with eternity in view. 1. It is living in the present with the end in mind. Living in the present with the end in perspective (1Peter 4:7). You are alive today, but the end is in your mind. 2. It means living and conducting our life’s actions with eternity as a major consideration. Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter, fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of a man. For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil. Everything we do on the earth has eternal consequences. 3. It means living in the now with readiness and preparedness for eternity. That is, you are not trying to get prepared; you are living prepared (Matthew 25:13, Matthew 24:44-45). 4. It is living as strangers and pilgrims on the earth. This is living with the full knowledge that this world is not our home (1 Peter 2:11). 5. It is living in the world without forgetting yourself in the world. Living in the world without forgetting your eternal and heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20). Beloved, don’t forget yourself in this world because one day, the curtains of eternity shall be drawn, and the world shall end. Remember this: The end of earthly life is the beginning of endless life in eternity. ASSIGNMENT(S): 1. Live ready in anticipation of Christ’s coming. Keep your spiritual temperature high. 2. Refuse to live in sin 3. Ask God for mercy if you have erred and make amends. PRAYER: Lord, help me to live on earth as a pilgrim. I refuse to conform to the pattern of this world. Draw me closer to You Lord, in Jesus’ Name. FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW DAILY BIBLE READING: Isaiah 1-3 QUOTE: If you want to look like Christ, then look at Christ. What you look at determines what you will look like. Culled from the book, The Essence of Christianity by Dr Paul Enenche. AMAZING FACT: A lion’s whiskers are highly sensitive, helping it to detect movement and objects in the dark. PROPHETIC DECLARATION/WORD: Receive grace to live with heaven in perspective always in Jesus Name.

WHO IS A TRUE FRIEND? A true friend is someone who is loyal, trustworthy, and supportive, offering a safe space to be yourself without judgment. They are honest, even when it's difficult, and they have your best interests at heart, celebrating your successes and offering support during tough times. They are dependable, consistently showing up and prioritizing the friendship. Ultimately, a true friend is someone you can count on through thick and thin, someone who makes you feel loved and accepted for who you are.

BREAKING: Akpabio Appeals Court Order To Reinstate Senator Natasha The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has filed a notice of appeal challenging the judgment of Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate following her controversial suspension.

BREAKING NEWS Court Bars Sole Administrator from Inaugurating Newly Confirmed Chairman and Members of Rivers State Services Commission A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has barred the sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibasa, from inaugurating the newly confirmed Chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission pending the court's judgment in a suit instituted before it. Presiding Judge Justice FRANK ONYIRI issued the caution after parties addressed and adopted their final written addresses on the suit by the chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission appointed by the suspended governor, SIMINALAYI FUBARA, challenging their suspension by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral IBOK-ETE EKWE-IBAS. Our correspondent reports that Justice FRANK ONYIRI, after ordering parties to maintain the existing status quo, issued sometime in April 2024 an adjournment the 29th of September, 2025, for judgment. The claimants, who are Reverend GOODLIFE IDUOKU BEN, AMADI CHRISTIAN ECHELE, CHIMENEM WISDOM JEROME, and three others, are challenging what they described as their illegal sack by the sole administrator and move to place them without due process. The claimants contend that they were legally appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and that before they were issued letters of appointment by the governor, a record of their confirmation was on file with the clerk of the house. According to their affidavit, signed by the suspended chairman, GOODLIFE IDUOKU BEN, the claimants are insisting that the sole administrator lacks the legal powers to suspend them and appoint a new chairman and members of the commission. The defendants in the suits are the sole administrator of the state, IBOK-ETE IBAS; the accountant general; Access Bank; Zenith Bank; and eleven others. Source: Classic FM

The death of former President Buhari in London should offer the Nigerian political class another opportunity for sobriety and circumspection. As President, Buhari had 8 years to offer selfless leadership and change the country for the better. He abused and missed that golden opportunity. Buhari had all the power and resources to build a standard hospital in Nigeria that would have catered for his medical needs, but he failed to do so. He returned to power in 2015 by projecting himself as a reformed democrat, but he did not only continue in his military attitude to governance, he transformed into a civilian dictator and a serial desecrator of human rights and democratic norms. Those who benefited from Buhari’s misrule can grieve endlessly about his death, but the millions of Nigerians whose lives and sources of livelihood were destroyed by his ungodly and tyrannical actions also have the right to ventilate their feelings. Politicians who make the lives of Nigerians miserable during their lifetime cannot be venerated as saints in death. A culture that allows people to blatantly lie about the dead cannot bring progress and prosperity. I do not celebrate Muhammadu Buhari’s death, our mortality is what makes us to be humans. However, the living should always reflect on what they’ll be remembered for when they die. To his family, Buhari may have been a caring and loving father, but to many Nigerians, he was a colossal disaster. Those who are alive today and actively ruining the lives of Nigerians and destroying the country should remember that they’ll be gone someday. It is a sad commentary that Nigeria is cursed with kleptocratic dictators who are only out to steal, kill and destroy. Our politicians destroy our country while enjoying their best lives abroad. When they are sick, most of them seek medical care abroad. Many of them also die abroad and their corpses are brought back to be buried in the same Nigeria that they destroyed. As Buhari faces the judgment of his maker, it is my prayer that those currently in power who are making lives miserable for us will realize that they will also face their eternal judgments. - Ibibehe Effiong

The death of former President Buhari in London should offer the Nigerian political class another opportunity for sobriety and circumspection. As President, Buhari had 8 years to offer selfless leadership and change the country for the better. He abused and missed that golden opportunity. Buhari had all the power and resources to build a standard hospital in Nigeria that would have catered for his medical needs, but he failed to do so. He returned to power in 2015 by projecting himself as a reformed democrat, but he did not only continue in his military attitude to governance, he transformed into a civilian dictator and a serial desecrator of human rights and democratic norms. Those who benefited from Buhari’s misrule can grieve endlessly about his death, but the millions of Nigerians whose lives and sources of livelihood were destroyed by his ungodly and tyrannical actions also have the right to ventilate their feelings. Politicians who make the lives of Nigerians miserable during their lifetime cannot be venerated as saints in death. A culture that allows people to blatantly lie about the dead cannot bring progress and prosperity. I do not celebrate Muhammadu Buhari’s death, our mortality is what makes us to be humans. However, the living should always reflect on what they’ll be remembered for when they die. To his family, Buhari may have been a caring and loving father, but to many Nigerians, he was a colossal disaster. Those who are alive today and actively ruining the lives of Nigerians and destroying the country should remember that they’ll be gone someday. It is a sad commentary that Nigeria is cursed with kleptocratic dictators who are only out to steal, kill and destroy. Our politicians destroy our country while enjoying their best lives abroad. When they are sick, most of them seek medical care abroad. Many of them also die abroad and their corpses are brought back to be buried in the same Nigeria that they destroyed. As Buhari faces the judgment of his maker, it is my prayer that those currently in power who are making lives miserable for us will realize that they will also face their eternal judgments. - Ibibehe Effiong

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.

B. R. E A. K. I. N. G. N.E.W.S SENATOR SERIAKE DICKSON THROWS HIS WEIGHT BEHIND SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN'S REINSTATEMENT. The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Seriake Dickson, has thrown his weight behind the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) to the Senate following a court judgment that nullified her six-month suspension. Dickson gave his position while addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday. The former Bayelsa State governor said he had never supported prolonged suspensions of lawmakers, stressing that such actions run contrary to constitutional principles and legislative ethics. Dickson said, “I sympathize with Natasha. I have never been in support of any parliamentary body suspending members for long periods. “The Senate leadership and my colleagues know my position on this, anchored on the law, the constitution, and my conviction. “Senators are here to agree and disagree in the national interest. So, we have to tolerate and respect one another, even when we differ in opinion.” Dickson emphasized the need for Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her duties without further delay, insisting that her voice and representation are vital to the legislative process. “I was not present when her suspension was announced, but that is not my concern. My interest is that she resumes her seat and continues to perform her constitutional responsibilities. “I understand the court has already made a decision on the matter,” he added. Two weeks ago, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension by the Senate as unconstitutional, excessive, and a violation of the rights of her constituents. Justice Binta Nyako, in a ruling, ordered her immediate reinstatement and awarded a ₦5m fine against her for contempt, relating to a satirical Facebook post that breached a court order issued on March 4, 2025. The post, which appeared to mock Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was ruled to have violated an interim injunction. Nonetheless, the court ruled that the Senate’s action in suspending her for six months was beyond its constitutional powers. COPIED FROM: THE PUNCH NEWSPAPERS. -------------------------------------- Senator Dickson is a truthful leader. Other leaders should as a matter of fact emulate him. More power to your elbow sir. #bendelgistsblog.

IMPORTANCE OF SAYING SORRY IN A RELATIONSHIP AND MARRIAGE WHEN YOU ARE WRONG Apologizing is an essential part of maintaining a healthy, strong, and resilient relationship or marriage. It serves as a bridge to healing, restoring trust, and building a deeper connection with your partner. Here’s why saying sorry is so important: WHY APOLOGIZE? 🤔 1. Acknowledges hurt or wrongdoing An apology signals that you recognize the pain or harm caused by your actions, showing that you care about how your partner feels. 2. Shows empathy and understanding It reflects an understanding of your partner's perspective and emotions, demonstrating that you value their feelings. 3. Diffuses tension and conflict Apologizing helps to de-escalate difficult situations, calming emotions and clearing the air for healthy communication. 4. Rebuilds trust and credibility A sincere apology demonstrates your willingness to take responsibility for your actions, which helps rebuild lost trust and re-establish credibility in your relationship. 5. Demonstrates accountability and responsibility Apologizing shows you are accountable for your actions, accepting responsibility rather than deflecting blame. 6. Encourages forgiveness and healing Saying sorry opens the door to forgiveness, allowing both partners to move forward and heal together. 7. Strengthens communication and intimacy Apologizing fosters open, honest conversations, deepening emotional intimacy and mutual understanding. 8. Sets a positive example for conflict resolution By apologizing, you teach the importance of humility, reconciliation, and healthy conflict resolution to others, especially children or those observing your relationship. Follow this channel ✅ https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vak8fCV9xVJbSFCiGN1K BENEFITS OF APOLOGIZING 🥰 1. Reduces stress and anxiety Apologies clear the air, easing emotional tension and creating a more peaceful environment. 2. Increases feelings of love and affection A heartfelt apology can rekindle affection, making your partner feel valued and loved, even after a disagreement. 3. Improves communication and understanding Apologizing encourages open dialogue and helps both partners understand each other better, leading to stronger communication. 4. Enhances relationship satisfaction Relationships where apologies are given sincerely are more likely to be fulfilling and positive. 5. Encourages personal growth and self-awareness Apologizing invites self-reflection, allowing both partners to learn from their mistakes and grow individually and together. 6. Fosters a culture of respect and empathy By apologizing, you reinforce a culture where mutual respect and empathy thrive, making the relationship a safe space for both partners. 7. Helps to avoid resentment and anger Avoiding the “silent treatment” or holding grudges, a genuine apology helps to prevent negative emotions from building up over time. 8. Promotes a healthier and happier relationship Relationships that feature regular, honest apologies are healthier and more likely to be enduring because they are rooted in love and respect. HOW TO APOLOGIZE EFFECTIVELY 🙏 4 1. Use the "3 Rs" of apology: Regret, Responsibility, and Remedy Regret the hurt caused, take responsibility for your actions, and suggest a remedy for moving forward. 2. Be sincere and genuine in your apology Authenticity is key. A half-hearted apology can often do more harm than good. 3. Listen actively to your partner's concerns Give your partner space to express their feelings and truly listen without interrupting or defending yourself. 4. Validate your partner's feelings and experiences Acknowledge that your partner's feelings are valid, even if you didn’t intend to hurt them. 5. Offer a specific solution or plan for change Demonstrate your commitment to improving by offering a clear solution or changes you’ll make moving forward. 6. Follow through on your commitments An apology is only meaningful if it’s backed up by action. Ensure that you take steps to avoid repeating the same mistake. 7. Show empathy and understanding Show that you truly understand how your actions have impacted your partner, not just in words but in actions as well. 8. Be patient and open to feedback Healing takes time. Be patient with your partner and open to hearing how they feel, even if it takes time to forgive. TIPS FOR MEN 🤜🤛 1. Swallow your pride and admit fault It takes strength to admit when you’re wrong. Let go of your ego to foster a deeper connection. 2. Use "I" statements to take ownership Phrases like “I am sorry for…” rather than “You made me do…” put the responsibility on you. 3. Avoid making excuses or justifying Resist the urge to explain away the mistake. Just apologize and focus on your partner’s feelings. 4. Show vulnerability and emotional intelligence Being open about your emotions builds trust and shows that you care about your partner's feelings. 5. Be willing to make amends Your partner should feel that your apology is sincere, so be prepared to make real changes if necessary. TIPS FOR WOMEN 👗 1. Communicate clearly and assertively Share your feelings honestly and directly, avoiding passive-aggressive behavior or withholding. 2. Specify what you need from your partner Let your partner know what will help resolve the issue or what you need moving forward. 3. Avoid being critical or judgmental Offer a soft, loving approach when addressing the issue, rather than criticizing or pointing fingers. 4. Show appreciation for your partner's apology When your partner apologizes, acknowledge their effort and express gratitude for their sincerity. 5. Encourage open and honest communication Foster a space where both partners can freely express their feelings without fear of judgment. WHEN TO APOLOGIZE 🤝 1. After a conflict or argument Don’t wait for too long to apologize. Address the issue as soon as possible to prevent lingering resentment. 2. When you've hurt or offended your partner If your words or actions have caused pain, it’s important to recognize that and apologize immediately. 3. When you've made a mistake or error A simple acknowledgment that you were wrong goes a long way in healing wounds. 4. When you've broken a promise or commitment If you’ve failed to keep your word, apologize and demonstrate that you can be trusted moving forward. 5. When you've disregarded your partner's feelings Apologizing when you’ve been insensitive shows respect for your partner's emotional well-being. Saying sorry isn’t just about saying words; it’s about understanding, acknowledging, and healing. By apologizing effectively, you strengthen your relationship, deepen trust, and build a stronger foundation for the future.