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By Biodun Busari

Human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has advised music artistes and other celebrities in the entertainment industry to employ legal practitioners, financial advisors, and estate managers to help them protect their properties from predators who might want to victimise their spouses and children after their demise.

The legal practitioner said that aside from hiring a lawyer to write the will safeguarding their financial holdings, properties, and intellectual property rights, the celebrities also need to appoint a trusted individual as the executor, to ensure the spouses and children have the appropriate share of their rights.

Olajengbesi made these known in an interaction with Vanguard on Thursday, following the drama unfolding at the death of Nigerian music sensation, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as MohBad.

MohBad died on Tuesday and was buried the following day, with the death throwing his relatives into a feud over owning and distributing the estate of the deceased, according to several videos on social media.

Olajengbesi said, “The recent untimely passing of Nigerian musician Mohbad has once again highlighted the importance of celebrities taking proactive steps to safeguard their inheritance and protect their loved ones from nosy and contentious family members.

“A video in wide circulation around social media allegedly shows a group of men at the gravesite of the deceased artiste ruminating on plans to sideline his wife, and consequently his young son, from the inheritances left behind by him.

“As sad as that may be, it is the reality of human existence that makes careful planning of one’s estate (monies and properties) very important and non-negotiable.”

“As a precaution to those celebrities who continue to draw breath but are nonchalant about such matters, I’d like to briefly explore the legal and socio-economic considerations that can help them secure their legacies and ensure their wives and children are shielded from potential disputes and financial challenges after their demise.

“Right away, a fundamental step any celebrity must take in the industry is to retain the service of a lawyer. Beyond contract drafting and proofreading, any celebrity worth his salt ought to have created a legally valid will to safeguard his estate in life as much as in death for the benefit of his family.

“In this document, they can clearly articulate their wishes regarding the distribution of assets, including financial holdings, properties, and intellectual property rights. Importantly, the will should specify the beneficiaries, particularly spouses and children, and outline how assets are to be divided among them.

“Within the will, it is advisable to appoint a trusted individual as the executor. This person will be responsible for executing the instructions outlined in the will and managing the fair distribution of assets. The chosen executor should have the ability to ensure the celebrity’s wishes are carried out without bias.”

Vanguard reported how an elderly man, at MohBad’s gravesite, said his wife should not be trusted as he talked to the sympathisers, as well as his sister-in-law allegedly claimed that the deceased’s father fought his mother-in-law over a piece of land.

Speaking on the two videos and reactions of Nigerians, the lawyer said, “Trusts can also be an invaluable tool for protecting assets and controlling their distribution over time. This is especially relevant when considering the welfare of minor children or beneficiaries who may not be equipped to handle large sums of money immediately. Trusts provide a structured way to provide for loved ones while minimizing the risk of misuse or disputes.”

He advised that, “Life is dynamic, and circumstances change. Celebrities should periodically review and update their wills, particularly after significant life events like marriages, divorces, or the birth of additional children. Keeping the document current ensures that it accurately reflects their wishes.

“To navigate the intricacies of Nigerian inheritance laws and ensure compliance with legal requirements, it’s imperative to consult with a qualified attorney specialising in estate planning. Legal experts can offer personalized guidance and help celebrities avoid potential tax implications.

“Celebrities should also prioritise financial education within their immediate family. This includes discussing the inheritance plan openly and honestly as educating family members about financial matters can prevent misunderstandings and disputes in the future.

“Open and transparent communication is indeed essential. Celebrities should engage in candid conversations with their family members about their inheritance plan, explaining their rationale and addressing concerns. Managing expectations can go a long way in maintaining family harmony. I however concede how novel and controversial such revelations can be in one’s lifetime given our proclivities as Nigerians, but it remains a valid way to manage expectations within the family.

“To further protect personal and financial information from nosy individuals, celebrities must consider involving a trusted financial advisor who can help manage assets discreetly and confidentially.

“Celebrities may also consider enlisting the services of financial advisors and estate planners to help manage and protect their assets during their lifetime and beyond. These professionals can offer invaluable guidance and ensure that assets are handled efficiently.

“By creating a well-drafted will, seeking legal advice, and implementing measures to facilitate a smooth transition of assets, our celebrities can leave a lasting impact and provide for their families even after they are gone.”

Finally, Olajengbesi sent condolences to the deceased’s family and implored MohBad’s wife to seek legal advice that would shield her and the son from the cupidity of the family members.

“My condolence and sympathy go to the wife and son of Mohbad who from certain indication, though as yet proven, passed on intestate. It is my huge and well-intentioned advice to the surviving wife and son to immediately seek legal advice and take proactive steps to protect their claims and inheritances from the avarice of extended family members,” Olajengbesi added.

President Bola Tinubu has sacked the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Mr. Muhammad Nami.

The President also approved the appointment of his Special Adviser on Revenue Hon. Zacch Adedeji as the new Acting Executive Chairman of the FIRS.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale in Abuja, Thursday.

According to the statement, President Tinubu directed the erstwhile FIRS Chairman, Mr. Nami,to proceed on a three month of pre-retirement leave, as provisioned by Public Service Rule (PSR) 120243, with immediate effect, leading to his eventual retirement from service on December 8, 2023.

The statement said, “Hon. Zacch Adedeji is hereby appointed in acting capacity for a 90-day period before his subsequent confirmation as the substantive Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service for a term of four (4) years in the first instance.

“Hon. Zacch Adedeji is a first-class graduate in accounting from the Obafemi Awolowo University. He most recently served the nation as the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, following meritorious service terms as the Oyo State Commissioner of Finance and as the Executive Secretary / CEO of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).

“By these directives of the President, the new appointment takes immediate effect.”

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Zacch Adedeji as the acting chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS).

Until his recent appointment, Adedeji was formerly the special adviser to Tinubu on revenue.

He was a former Commissioner of Finance during the administration of later Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi.

Adedeji, a certified accountant who hails from the Iwo-Ate area of Ogo-Oluwa local government of Oyo state, recently bagged his doctorate degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

A lady got her Nigerian passport approved without stress and received the document within weeks. The lady, Ada Cross River, said she applied for the passport online at the website of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

A 19-year-old boy reportedly won N38 million from sports betting, but the problem is that his father is not comfortable with it The boy was said to have staked only N400 and was lucky to get the large amount, but his father said betting was wrong In a story that has gone viral, the boy’s brother shared an anonymous message asking for advice on how to convince their father

His father, however, referred to sports betting as something bad and asked the boy to take the money back to where it came from quickly.

The Federal Government has described aviation workers’ two-day strike action, on Monday, as unnecessary and unfounded; despite its efforts at meeting the various demands of the workers.

The Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, made the point in a statement by the Ministry’s Head, Press and Public Affairs, Odutayo Oluseyi, in Abuja.

Calling for an end to the strike action, Sirika said that the reasons for the strike were issues that ordinarily should not have amounted to disrupting flight operations, inflicting hardship on the citizens, among others.

According to him, the Ministry of Aviation has expressed her displeasure at the ongoing warning strike by the aviation unions in spite of efforts at meeting the demands of the workers.

“The strike is unnecessary as it will increase the hardship on our citizens, affect flight schedules, lead to economic losses and negatively impact on our rating globally.

“On the grievances prompting the strike by the Unions, these are issues that should not lead to strike,” he added.

Specifically, Sirika said the ministry’s move to demolish certain buildings hindering the runway would be beneficial to the general public, adding that if there were any wranglings, it would be best resolved internally.

Among other things, Sirika, while maintaining this stand on concessioning of airports, pointed out that the moves taken so far were part of efforts to improve infrastructure, make the country’s airports economically viable, and meet with global standards.

He said: “It should be noted that the planned demolition of certain buildings obstructing the runway is in public interest and an administrative issue that can be sorted in-house.

“The unions should have met with management of Agencies for alternative accommodation to all affected offices before going ahead with the strike.

“On the concession of airports, the unions are aware of global practices and for the aviation industry in Nigeria to be the hub in Africa, the concession is the way to improve infrastructure and make our airports economically viable as this is without loss of jobs.

“On Conditions of Service in some of the agencies, it is work in progress. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is already carrying out assessments and will soon conclude.

“The unions should also note, if they are not already aware, that consequential adjustment of the minimum wage has been finalized and about to be paid anytime soon.

“We have always conveyed this information in the several conversations and meetings held with the Unions.”

He stressed that the management of the Ministry of Aviation were open to continuous engagement with the unions to improve their welfare, adding that engagements can only be done in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.

Reiterating the need to call off the strike, Sirika, any action that would lead to break down of law and order in the airports would be seriously addressed.

‘Eyo is not a criminal organisation’, Vector differs with ‘Gang of Lagos’

Nigerian rapper, Ogunmefun Olanrewaju, popularly known as Vector has expressed his displeasure at the ‘misrepresentation’ of the Eyo Masquerade in the trending movie, ‘Gangs of Lagos’.

The Jade Osiberu film which was released on Prime Video on April 7, 2023, with a star-studded cast including Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Akpotha, and Iyabo Ojo, has been the talk of the town since its release, charting in several countries across the world.

The film tells a story of the criminal activities of Lagos Island in Lagos State and part of the elements used to tell the story was the sacred Eyo Masquerade.

Vector, who was born and bred in the Lafiaji part of Lagos Island, established that the movie would have still been good even if the Eyo was not used the way it was in the blockbuster movie.

Taking to his Instagram on Wednesday, the rapper educated the public about the Eyo Masquerade which he said is known for peace and prosperity.

He wrote: “I was born at the Onikan health center, lafiaji, Lagos island and all i have seen during the Eyo festival every time they’re out is, they stop by at ours and prayed wishing prosperity for my family.

“Most of our friends like the Olugbani’s who are direct Eyo Ologede gatekeepers ( @hypeengine_mcbalo ) are not gun shooting criminals using culture as a disguise.

“As teenagers, i’ve had friends (underneath the regalia )chase me with the staff ( Opambata ) because i knew they would take advantage and show me shege lol.

“My idea of what the Bajulaiye is is totally different from murderous criminality.

“Going by what the term gang means, it is disrespectful to define the Eyo in the same light.

“In light of what i have experienced about Eyo, i wish prosperity to the hands that have labored although the movie would still be good without referring to Eyo as a (criminal) “gang” in lagos.

“There is a reason they say “mo yo fun e, mo yo fun araa mi”

in English,

rejoicing with you,

Is rejoicing with myself.

Twitter boss Elon Musk said running the social media network has been “quite a rollercoaster” and acknowledged “many mistakes” along the way, six months after he bought the company for $44 billion.

In a live interview with the BBC after agreeing to a last-minute invitation for the “spontaneity” of it, Musk appeared to tacitly acknowledge that one of those errors was the decision to label the broadcaster’s account “government-funded media”.

He said he would change the designation on the BBC’s Twitter handle after the broadcaster objected.

“We want it as truthful and accurate as possible –- we’re adjusting the label to ‘publicly funded’,” Musk said.

Britain’s national broadcaster is predominantly funded by an annual license fee set by the government but paid by individual households.

The labeling spat follows an earlier controversy over a similar move involving US radio network NPR, which Twitter briefly branded “state-affiliated”, the same way it styles government-run Chinese and Russian platforms.

NPR stopped tweeting in protest.

Twitter now tags NPR, which has nearly 9 million followers, “government-funded media”, and applied the same label to the BBC’s account.

Musk has expressed deep disdain for news media for years and recently installed an automatic response of a poop emoji to emails sent to the site’s main media address.

Speaking with the BBC late on Tuesday, he also addressed Twitter’s controversial move to strip the New York Times of its blue verified check mark after the company refused to pay to keep it.

From April 20, any legacy verified accounts on Twitter — which were verified as authentic under the company’s old ownership — will have to pay to subscribe to Twitter Blue.

One of the reasons for this, Musk said, was that he does not want Twitter to boost “some anointed class of journalists” who determine what constitutes news.

“I’m hopeful that this can be more a case of the public choosing the narrative, as opposed to the media choosing the narrative,” he said.

Twitter, he said, would “treat everyone equally”.

Musk, in assessing his time in charge of the social media network since he took over in October, said it had been “a stressful situation over the last several months”.

“Were there many mistakes made along the way? Of course,” he said. “But all’s well that ends well. I feel like we’re headed to a good place.”

He said the company was now “roughly breaking even” with the return of advertisers.

When pushed on who was Twitter’s new CEO after he stepped down in response to a poll on the site, he named his dog, Floki.

Nigeria-born UFC fighter, Israel Adesanya has expressed his love for his fellow Nigerians.

The mixed martial artist, however, noted that the country is a ‘very corrupt place’.

The ‘stylebender’ said this while speaking on a Hotboxin podcast.

Adesanya added that government and some of its people are always looking for ways to siphon money from the country’s coffers and swindle others of their money.

He said, “There is a lot of red tape in Nigeria. Nigeria is a very corrupt place. I love my people, but it is just that the government, everyone is finding ways to siphon money.”

The 33-year-old on Sunday knocked out old rival Alex Pereira to reclaim the middleweight crown at UFC 287 in Miami.

Popular Nigerian rapper and singer, John Njenga-Njeng, popularly known as Skales, has basked in the euphoria of a ‘real family’ following his reconciliation with his wife, Precious.

Earlier, the ‘Shake Body’ crooner and his wife welcomed their first child in March, shortly after he apologized to her over his untoward comments about her in a diss track last year.

In a recent tweet, Skales said he is experiencing “a real family” for the first time.

The singer admonished those who are lucky to have their family intact to be thankful.

I’m only experiencing what a real family feels like at this age ! It’s been just me and my mum all my life… if you have your family intact you don’t know how blessed you are !

— SKALES (@youngskales) April 10, 2023
He wrote, “I’m only experiencing what a real family feels like at this age ! It’s been just me and my mum all my life… if you have your family intact you don’t know how blessed you are!”.