A Monarch Caught in Political Crossfire THE deposition and eventual reinstatement of Erejuwa II remains one of the most striking examples of how Nigeria’s early post-independence politics reshaped traditional institutions. Born Wilson Gbesimi Emiko around 1908, Erejuwa II ascended the throne of the Olu of Warri in 1951. Before becoming monarch, he had built a […]
A Crime That Captivated Colonial Lagos IN 1953, a young Nigerian woman, Ada Ocha Ntu—widely known as Esther Johnson—became the centre of one of colonial Nigeria’s most controversial murder trials. At just 22, she was accused of killing her British partner, Maurice Hall, a railway engineer, in Lagos. The case quickly transcended the courtroom, evolving […]
By ZACKIE MESSENJAH Historical Continuity and U.S. Foreign Policy Reassessing U.S. Power: Continuity or Departure? DEBATES over the foreign policy posture of Donald Trump have intensified following recent global developments, particularly the 2026 U.S. military operation in Venezuela. While critics frame his actions as unusually aggressive, a broader historical lens suggests continuity rather than rupture in […]
A New Chapter in Nigeria’s Film Landscape THE launch of Igbowood Films’ Abuja chapter marks a renewed push to position Igbo storytelling as a distinct force within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving film industry. While Nollywood has grown into one of the largest film industries in the world—ranked among the top three globally by volume—critics have long […]
By PRINCE SOLOMON AKENI Ozoro Community Pushes Back Against ‘Rape Festival’ Narrative Amid Calls for Accountability Residents, Stakeholders Reject Viral Claims COMMUNITY voices in Ozoro, Delta State, have strongly refuted viral claims describing a local cultural celebration as a “rape festival,” insisting that such characterisations are false, misleading, and damaging to the community’s reputation. The controversy, […]
Understanding “In Chambers” Proceedings in Nigerian Courts PUBLIC reactions to courtroom language often reflect a mix of curiosity and suspicion. One such phrase — “the matter will be heard in chambers” — frequently triggers assumptions of secrecy or even misconduct. However, legal experts say such interpretations are often misplaced, as the concept is firmly grounded […]
By SIMBO OLORUNFEMI Trump 2.0 and the Revival of Disruptive Power Politics THE return of Donald Trump to the White House has reignited a familiar debate in global politics: whether the United States is retreating from multilateral leadership into a more force-driven, unilateral posture. Within days of his inauguration, the administration signalled a decisive shift. From […]
Revisiting a Defining Moment in Delta’s History THE creation of Warri South-West Local Government Area in 1996 under Sani Abacha was intended as part of a broader effort to decentralise governance across Nigeria. Instead, it triggered one of the most contentious disputes in Delta State’s history—one centred on the location of the local government headquarters. […]
A Diplomatic Breakthrough with Consequences NIGERIA’S latest migration agreement with the United Kingdom marks a turning point in bilateral relations, blending diplomacy with hardline migration enforcement. Signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit, the pact enables the UK to fast-track the return of Nigerians without legal residency — including visa overstayers, failed asylum seekers, and […]
Detention Expansion Plan Sparks Controversy A controversial plan tied to the administration of Donald Trump to convert two warehouses in Pennsylvania into large-scale detention centres has ignited a fierce policy and governance debate. The facilities, reportedly intended to house thousands of detainees, were acquired without the standard processes of environmental review, community consultation, or permitting—triggering […]