Steve Oluseyi Ayorinde is a distinguished Nigerian journalist, author, media consultant, and public servant whose remarkable career spans over three decades.

From shaping Nigeria’s media landscape to advancing cultural diplomacy and public communication, Ayorinde remains one of the most respected voices in the country’s creative and civic spheres.

A Legacy in Public Service

Ayorinde brought his wealth of media experience to governance when he was appointed as Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy in 2015 by then-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. His tenure lasted until 2018, after which he was named Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, a role he held until 2019. Under his leadership, Lagos State gained global recognition as a vibrant cultural and investment hub.

Journalism Journey: From The Guardian to Editor-in-Chief

His journalism career began in 1991 at The Guardian, and he quickly rose through the ranks of Nigeria’s top media establishments. He was a pioneer staff member at The Comet, where he edited the Arts and Media section between 1999 and 2003.

At The Punch, he served in several influential roles including Arts Editor, UK Correspondent, editorial board member, and Daily Editor. He was also known for his popular column “Something Before the Weekend.” Later, he became the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Mirror from 2010 to 2013.

His expertise also extended into politics as the Director of Media and Communications for the Ambode Campaign Organisation during the 2014–2015 election season.

Today, Ayorinde continues to serve as a media strategist, consultant, syndicated columnist, and the founder of The Culture Newspaper (TCN)—Nigeria’s first dedicated publication on arts and culture.

A Global Cultural Ambassador

A true connoisseur of film and the arts, Ayorinde has represented Nigeria on juries at some of the world’s top film festivals, including Cannes, Toronto, Berlin, Mumbai, and the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). His insights have helped project Nigerian creative talent to global audiences.

Education and International Exposure

Born on July 9, 1970, in Oyo State, Ayorinde holds degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos, as well as a master’s degree in Globalisation and Communications from the University of Leicester in the UK.

His global training includes prestigious programs and fellowships with the European Union (Journalists-in-Europe), the U.S. State Department’s International Visitors Program, the Goethe Institute in Berlin, and the University of Siena in Italy.

Published Works

Steve Ayorinde has authored and edited several impactful books, including:

• Masterpieces: A Critic’s Timeless Report (2008)
• Abokede: The Man, The Hill, The City (2011)
• Cascade of Change: A Decade of Liberal Thoughts (2015)
• (Editor) For Law, For Country: Conversations with the Bar and the Bench (2012)

These works reflect his deep understanding of culture, politics, and journalism in Nigeria.

Leadership and Influence

Within the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Ayorinde has served in key leadership capacities, including Assistant Secretary-General, Vice President (West), and Deputy President—solidifying his legacy as a thought leader in the media profession.

Personal Life and Net Worth

Steve Ayorinde is married to Temitope Ayorinde, and the couple is blessed with three children. Known for his intellectual curiosity and multilingual abilities, he actively participates in global cultural exchanges and remains a strong advocate for the creative economy.

His net worth is currently estimated to be between $700,000 and $1 million, earned through his impactful roles in journalism, public service, consultancy, and publishing.

Steve Ayorinde together with wife Temitope

Chief Ayiri Emami stands out as one of the most prominent businessmen and political figures to emerge from Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.

With deep roots in Warri, Delta State, and an empire spanning the oil and gas, construction, logistics, entertainment, and hospitality industries, Emami’s journey reflects a blend of ambition, influence, controversy, and philanthropy.

Profile Summary

• Full Name: Ayiri Emami
• Date of Birth: April 26, 1975
• Place of Birth: Delta State, Nigeria
• Education: Delta State University (B.Sc. Political Science)
• Religion: Christianity
• Profession: Businessman, Politician, Philanthropist

Early Life and Education

Born on April 26, 1975, in Warri North Local Government Area, Chief Ayiri Emami is the son of the late Chief Akonu Emami and Mrs. Felicia Emami (née Ogunfeyimi). He attended Ikengbuwa Primary School and Yonwuren College in Warri before proceeding to Delta State University, where he earned a degree in Political Science.

Business and Political Career

Chief Emami is the Chairman and CEO of A & E Group, a diversified business conglomerate with interests in oil and gas, construction, logistics, entertainment, and hospitality. His strategic business acumen has positioned him as one of the wealthiest and most influential entrepreneurs from the South-South region.

In politics, Emami has been active since his youth. A founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Warri, he once served as the PDP chairman in Warri South-West LGA. However, in April 2015, he switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he became one of the party’s powerbrokers in Delta State.

His public service includes appointments to the board of Nigeria Cat Construction Company and chairmanship of the Delta State Waterways Security Committee—an initiative focused on tackling crime in the Niger Delta.

Chieftaincy Titles and Controversies

Chief Ayiri Emami was first honored with the traditional title Akulagba of Warri Kingdom by Olu Atuwatse II. His standing in the kingdom rose significantly when Ogiame Ikenwoli named him Ologbotsere—a highly revered position equivalent to the Prime Minister of Warri Kingdom.

However, in 2021, tensions escalated within the Warri traditional council. On March 30, 2021, the Ginuwa I Ruling House suspended him from the Ologbotsere role. Further controversy erupted on October 5, 2021, when the newly crowned Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, announced that Emami was no longer the Ologbotsere—a decision that remains the subject of legal and traditional dispute. Prince Yemi Emiko, an influential royal figure, later described the suspension as a mistake, reflecting the ongoing complexities within the Warri royal lineage.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Chief Emami is renowned for his generosity and commitment to community development. He has awarded scholarships to students and provided startup capital to local entrepreneurs. His charitable works have endeared him to many in Warri and beyond, as he continues to champion youth empowerment and grassroots upliftment.

Personal Life

Chief Ayiri Emami married Asba Jite Emami in 2009. The couple is blessed with three children. Despite his public life, Emami maintains a strong family presence and is often seen at community and social events with his wife and children.

Net Worth

With a net worth estimated at over $55 million, Ayiri Emami ranks among the wealthiest businessmen in the Niger Delta. His wealth and influence span across multiple sectors and reflect decades of entrepreneurial resilience and strategic positioning in Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.

Conclusion

Chief Ayiri Emami remains a key player in Delta State’s political, traditional, and business spheres. Despite facing controversies, his contributions to commerce, culture, and community upliftment continue to shape the future of Warri and the broader Niger Delta region.

Chief Ayiri Emami with wife and children

Following the death of Oba Lekan Balogun, Olubadan of Ibadanland, on July 7, 2025, all eyes are now on High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, as the next in line to ascend the revered Olubadan throne.

As the Otun Olubadan and the most senior chief in the civil line of the Ibadan traditional hierarchy, Ladoja is constitutionally and culturally positioned to take over the kingship in accordance with the rotational chieftaincy system that has guided Ibadanland for over 170 years.

Ibadan’s Unique Royal Succession System

Ibadan’s monarchical structure is unlike many others in Nigeria. It operates a dual-line succession model—civil (Otun) and military (Balogun). Each line consists of six graded positions, and ascension is strictly by seniority, creating a predictable and time-honored path to the throne.

The late Oba Olakulehin rose from the Balogun line, having started as Jagun Balogun and climbing the ladder for 38 years. With his passing, tradition now shifts the royal seat back to the Otun line, where Ladoja currently stands as the most senior chief.

Who is Rashidi Ladoja?

Birth and Education

Rashidi Ladoja was born on September 25, 1944, in the Gambari area of Ibadan. He began his educational journey at Ibadan Boys’ High School and later attended Olivet Baptist High School. In 1966, he traveled to Belgium to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège, graduating in 1972.

Corporate and Political Career

After returning to Nigeria, Ladoja joined Total Nigeria and rose through the ranks before venturing into banking and politics. He was elected Senator in 1993 under the short-lived Third Republic and became Governor of Oyo State in 2003 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

His tenure was marked by a fierce political tussle with PDP strongman Lamidi Adedibu, leading to his controversial impeachment in 2006. However, the Supreme Court later reinstated him that same year. Though he completed his tenure in 2007, he could not secure a return ticket and later moved between several political parties, including Accord Party, ADC, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), before stepping back from active politics.

Legal Troubles

Ladoja’s political career wasn’t without controversy. In 2008, he was arrested by the EFCC over allegations of misappropriating N1.9 billion in government funds. Though the case drew media attention, it did not diminish his standing in Ibadan’s political and traditional circles.

His Royal Journey

In August 2024, Ladoja made headlines when he accepted the ceremonial beaded crown of Otun Olubadan—a step he had resisted for years. This decision came after the Oyo State Government amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration to allow only beaded crown holders to ascend the throne, a move many saw as a political strategy to sideline him. Eventually, Ladoja embraced the title and was formally crowned by the late Oba Olakulehin on August 12, 2024.

In a radio interview shortly after, he confidently declared:
“By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. My blood pressure has been stable; anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan.”

Awaiting the Final Step

With the Olubadan throne now vacant, the Olubadan-in-Council is expected to convene and formally confirm Ladoja’s ascension. Once ratified by the kingmakers and approved by the state government, he will officially become the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.

If confirmed, Rashidi Ladoja will make history—not just as a former governor ascending a royal stool, but as a symbol of perseverance, tradition, and cultural continuity. His journey from the corridors of political power to the throne of one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional institutions embodies the enduring legacy of Ibadan’s chieftaincy system.