News
Meet Sarah Forbes Bonetta: Queen Victoria’s Goddaughter
Sarah Forbes Bonetta was originally born ‘Aina’ in 1843 to Egbado parents of the Yoruba ethnic group . Her father was the high chief of Oke-Odan, an Egbado village in western Nigeria, till he was killed in 1848 when King Gezo of Dahomey , one of the notorious slave raiders in the 19th century , raided his village.
Sarah’s parents and siblings whose names are unknown were killed in the raid which turned Sarah, an Egbado princess, into a slave. Many of the villagers captured during the raid were made slaves and sacrificed to the gods of Dahomey but fortunately for Sarah, she was saved by the quick intervention of Captain Frederick E. Forbes , a British naval officer who was on a visit to Dahomey kingdom to persuade King Gezo to abolish slave trade. Captain Frederick E. Forbes persuaded King Gezo to present Sarah (then Aina) as a gift to Queen Victoria, he said: “
She would be a present from the King of the Blacks to the Queen of the Whites. ” King Gezo agreed and thus Sarah’s life was spared and subsequently she was named Sarah, Forbes, the captain’s surname and Bonetta which was the name of his ship (HMS Bonetta).
On the 9th of November, 1850, Captain Frederick Forbes took Sarah to Great Britain to meet Queen Victoria at Windsor castle. The Queen admired Sarah’s intelligence and ability to learn quickly. Even Captain Frederick wrote: “ She is a perfect genius; she now speaks English well, and has great talent for music… She is far in advance of any white child of her age in aptness of learning, and strength of mind and affection…” Shortly after, Captain Frederick Forbes died and so Sarah was sent to the Schoen family in Palm Cottage, Gillingham. Queen Victoria adopted Sarah as her goddaughter and sponsored her education. Being the Queen’s goddaughter, Sarah had unlimited access to Windsor castle like other members of the royal family. Shortly after Sarah began to live with the Schoen family, she developed a health problem due to the damp weather of Britain. Queen Victoria arranged for her migration to Sierra Leone to continue her education at the Female Institution, a CMS school in Freetown where she excelled in music and her academics. In 1855, Sarah returned to Great Britain.
In January 1862, Sarah Forbes Bonetta, now 19 years old, attended the wedding of the Queen’s eldest child, Princess Royal Victoria, as a guest. Seven months later, she was offered a marriage to Captain James Labulo Davies , a 31-year-old wealthy Yoruba businessman who lives in Britain. Sarah was reluctant to accept the offer due to reasons known to her but she eventually accepted after much persuasion. The wedding took place in August 1862 at the St. Nicholas Church in Brighton, England. It was such an extravagant one; dignitaries from different parts of the world were in attendance.
The new couple moved back to Africa and settled in the town of Badagary in Lagos, Nigeria. Shortly after her marriage, Sarah Forbes Davies had her first daughter and requested for permission from Queen Victoria to name her Victoria. The Queen granted the permission and also adopted baby Victoria as her goddaughter. In 1867, Sarah and her daughter visited the Queen then returned to Lagos where she had two more children named Arthur and Stella. Sarah was diagonised with tuberculosis and later died on August 15, 1880 at the age of 37. She was buried in Funchal, Madiera Island, Portugal. It was such a sad moment for her family. Queen Victoria wrote in her diary, “ Saw poor Victoria Davies, my black godchild, who learnt this morning of the death of her dear mother ”. Queen Victoria took good care of Sarah’s children and maintained close contact with them. Till today, the decendants of James Labulo Davies and Sarah Forbes Bonetta Davies lived in England, Sierra Leone and Lagos, Nigeria.
News
2027: Ex-Lawmaker Urges Makinde Not to Contest Against Tinubu

Jude Idimogu, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and former lawmaker, has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against considering a presidential run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, Idimogu, who also serves as the Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in Lagos APC, described such a move as a futile endeavor that would ultimately waste time and resources.
“The reality is that Governor Seyi Makinde cannot defeat President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu will secure re-election by God’s grace. Nothing will stop his victory,” Idimogu stated.
He further described President Tinubu as a strategic leader and “game changer” whose political prowess remains unmatched in Nigeria.
While acknowledging that Governor Makinde has the constitutional right to seek any elective office, Idimogu expressed doubt that Makinde would heed calls urging him to challenge Tinubu, especially given their cordial relationship.
Addressing the emergence of a potential opposition coalition ahead of 2027, the former lawmaker dismissed its chances of unseating Tinubu, asserting that no alliance could stand in the way of the president’s re-election.

News
Police Restore Calm in Omu-Aran After Violence, Palace and Bank Attacks; Five Arrested

The Kwara State Police Command has restored order in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, following a wave of violent disturbances on May 25 and 26, 2025, sparked by the actions of unruly youths.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, and made available to Just Event Online TV, the unrest was triggered by the arrest of a suspected drug dealer and arms trafficker known as Azeez, also called “A-Z,” by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
Azeez was reportedly freed by a mob while being transported to the police station. The group later attempted to storm the station but were successfully repelled by officers. The mob then moved to the Olomu’s Palace, where they set a motorcycle belonging to the monarch’s police orderly ablaze.
The situation escalated on the second day as the mob attacked the Olomu Aperan Microfinance Bank, vandalizing vehicles, the bank’s signboard, CCTV system, and other assets.
Police have arrested five suspects in connection with the attacks. Staff of the affected bank were safely evacuated and taken to the police station for protection.
In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has directed enhanced patrols and surveillance across the community to maintain peace. The public has been urged to remain calm and refrain from spreading misinformation while investigations are ongoing.
Foreign
UPDATE: Real Reason for Sheikh Gumi’s Deportation from Saudi Arabia Uncovered

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage—an action that has sparked widespread public reaction. Now, sources have revealed the reason behind the unexpected move.
According to reliable reports, Saudi authorities refused Gumi entry into Medina due to concerns over his alleged associations with groups involved in regional unrest in Nigeria. During routine immigration procedures, the cleric was reportedly questioned about his previous public statements and affiliations, particularly his consistent calls for negotiations and leniency toward armed factions in Northern Nigeria.
Sources claim Gumi was unable to provide responses that satisfied authorities, resulting in his immediate deportation—even though he held a valid Hajj visa. The incident has ignited intense discussions in Nigeria, raising questions about the potential impact on his public standing and influence.

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