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Meet Sarah Forbes Bonetta: Queen Victoria’s Goddaughter

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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.

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BREAKING NEWS: Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland, Passes at 91

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Ijebu Ode, Nigeria — A monumental chapter in Nigeria’s traditional history has come to a close. Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has reportedly joined his ancestors at the age of 91, after reigning with wisdom and grace for over six decades.

The revered monarch, who ascended the throne in 1960, was one of Africa’s longest-serving traditional rulers. His reign witnessed the transformation of Ijebuland into a symbol of cultural pride, economic vitality, and progressive leadership. Often referred to as a king of the people, Oba Adetona was admired for his fearless advocacy, sharp intellect, and unwavering dedication to the development of his kingdom.

Born into the royal Anikilaya family of Ijebu Ode, Oba Adetona was installed as Awujale at the youthful age of 26. Throughout his reign, he became a national figure, respected by politicians, academics, business moguls, and traditional institutions across Nigeria and beyond. His influence extended far beyond royal duties, often shaping national conversations on good governance, traditional relevance, and constitutional order.

Though his exit from this world marks the end of an era, his impact will continue to echo through time. Under his watch, Ijebuland thrived culturally and economically, with landmarks like the annual Ojude Oba Festival gaining international recognition.

Condolences have begun to pour in from dignitaries, royal houses, and citizens, all mourning the loss of a great custodian of Yoruba heritage.

Details regarding funeral rites and official mourning procedures are expected to be announced by the royal family and the Ijebu traditional council in the coming days.

As Ijebuland bows its head in deep reverence, Nigeria remembers a king who ruled not just with a crown, but with courage, vision, and a profound sense of service.

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Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82

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Nigeria is in mourning as news breaks of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The elder statesman reportedly passed away in the early hours of today at the age of 82.

Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, was known for his anti-corruption stance, military background, and strong influence on Nigeria’s political landscape for over four decades. Before his civilian presidency, he also ruled as military head of state from 1983 to 1985.

Sources close to the family confirmed his peaceful passing at his Daura residence in Katsina State, surrounded by loved ones. Official statements from the presidency and his family are expected soon.

Tributes have started pouring in from across the nation and beyond, recognizing Buhari’s role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey and his dedication to national security and infrastructural development.

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Akpabio Removes Natasha Akpoti as Chairman of The Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made a major change in the leadership of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been removed as the Chair of the committee, and a new replacement has been named immediately.

Although no official explanation was given at the time of the announcement, the development has sparked conversations in political circles. Senator Natasha, known for her passion in representing diaspora-related matters, has not yet reacted publicly.

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