Born as the youngest of four to Nigerian immigrant parents, I’m a living testament of where faith, family, and chasing your dreams can lead. Despite being the only member of my family born outside of Nigeria’s borders, I’m blessed to have maintained a strong connection with my heritage, including limitless ambition, and genetics that ensure I’ll look like a teenager for the majority of my adulthood.
Over 15 years of my life have been dedicated to competing as a track & field athlete, and I’ve spent more than half of the last decade doing so professionally. Throughout that time, I successfully chased — and caught — many of my biggest dreams, including competing in the 2016 Olympic Games. Along the way, I learned countless invaluable lessons which I credit for my success both in life, and on the track. Many of them have little to do with sport…
MISSION
“THE ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS, LEADS TO NO CITY, NO COUNTRY… THE ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS LEADS — IN THE END — TO THE BEST WITHIN US.”
— JESSE OWENS
Life exists beyond the lines of the playing field, and I created The Daily Athlete in light of this truth. Its mission is to provide support, tools, and resources for athletes to thrive outside of sport.
Throughout the platform, you’ll find practical, real-world guidance for athletes and other purpose-driven people in the form of blog entries, podcast episodes, and much more.
PSA: We are more powerful when we stand TOGETHER ⠀⠀ You probably know me as Olu the Olympian by now, but did you know it was the support of my community that helped me get there?⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ This is why I’m reaching out to my community once again, to help support my journey to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Pro track and field is a unique sport where the greatest athletes in the world often need a day job (or 3) just to make ends meet. It’s an enormous weight to lift alone. ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ My goal this time isn’t just to reach the Olympic Games, but to excel once I’m there. Please visit the link in my bio, or visit TheDailyAthlete.com/Donate to help support the mission.⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ Whether it’s a few dollars, or a few kind words, all help is greatly appreciated. Thank you ⠀ ⠀ #NoDonutsTilTokyo ♂️
I’m excited to share my recent conversation on the Mindful Business Renegades podcast with you all! We talked about everything from the importance of positive stress in life, to my past obsession with Krispy Kreme doughnuts (hey Krispy Kreme — I’m ready to talk sponsorship when you are )
These are the enlightening conversations I live for. Thanks again for the opportunity Leneé Cook Braxton, M.S., RYT and Joe Lemon!
Justice Olusegun Odusola of the Ondo state High Court in Akure has sentenced the Founder of Sotitobire Praising Chapel, Prophet Babatunde Alfa and 5 others to life imprisonment over the disappearance of one year old gold kolawole in the church last year.
Justice Odusola convicted the defendants having found them guilty of the two count charge of kidnapping and aiding and abetting to kidnap based on the circumstancial evidence presented by the prosecution.
He also condemned in strong terms the complicity, compromise, and lackadaisical attitude of the Ondo state police command after Gold got missing which also led the burning of Sotitobire Church.
Justice Olusegun Odusola of the Ondo state High Court in Akure has sentenced the Founder of Sotitobire Praising Chapel, Prophet Babatunde Alfa and 5 others to life imprisonment over the disappearance of one year old gold kolawole in the church last year.
Justice Odusola convicted the defendants having found them guilty of the two count charge of kidnapping and aiding and abetting to kidnap based on the circumstancial evidence presented by the prosecution.
He also condemned in strong terms the complicity, compromise, and lackadaisical attitude of the Ondo state police command after Gold got missing which also led the burning of Sotitobire Church.
Candidates vying for governorship election slated for this Saturday in Ondo State have signed a peace accord.
Among the candidates who signed the pact at the Dome in Akure were Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN of APC, his PDP counterparts, Mr Eyitayo Jegede SAN, ZLP candidate, Mr Agboola Ajayi, Martin Olateru-Olagbegi of the ADP and Rotimi Adeleye of the Accord Party
The candidates however enjoined INEC and security agencies to be fair and objective throughout the electioneering process
Addressing the candidates, the peace committee national chairman and former head of state, Retired General Abdusalami Abubakar advised political stakeholders across the state to give peace a chance noting that nothing could be achieved in the atmosphere of rancour
Also, the state chairman council of Obas, Oba Frederick Akinrutan and a member of the committee, Bishop Mathew Kukah as well as the sultan of sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar urged the governorship candidates to play by the rules saying the governorship position was meant for a person
Alhaji Abubakar also cautioned their followers especially the youths against being used for thuggery.
Meanwhile, the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu who decried the recent political heat in Ondo State polity enjoined the supporters to be tolerant adding that the commission would remain fair to all parties to achieve credible governorship election.
The superlative grand Rally of APC of September 28, in which Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, Ondo State Deputy Governor Designate Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other high profile dignitaries stormed Okitipupa for the ongoing APC rallies has sent a clear signal to both PDP and ZLP in Okitipupa LG that APC this time around is much prepared and very confident of victory this Saturday’s Ondo State Governorship poll because electorates in the LG have made up their minds to vote massively for the governor they trust who is not a betrayer.
But hours after the highly successful rally, the opposition destroyed some of the APC Campaign Billboards in the ancient town while also resulting to outright falsehood that one young man was killed at the rally.
To APC, the party said “we feel we should be more careful because APC is better favour to win this Saturday election in this LG..we will not retaliates irrespective of the degree of provocation”.
Analysts believes that Akeredolu has been very frank and above board in his social contract with the people of the State, in terms of what he can do.. such a man deserves another term given the fact that he didn’t govern like a politician but like a stateman.
Equally, APC being at the center, there’s are gains for the sunshine state if APC continue to govern the state, someone said.
So, steadily and clinically APC is clearing the way for a resounding victory on October 10 poll, as the rate at which people are decamping from opposition parties to APC in the LG is very encouraging because of the fact that Akeredolu has earned the trust of Ikale.
When the immediate past Government of Dr Segun Mimiko abandoned Ondo South Senatoral District for eight years, it should have dawn on those being sponsored by Mimiko that there would be consequences which is exactly what is happening now.
Also, APC’s roll call of who is who in the LG is very intimidating with the likes of Pastor Femi Agagu, Princess Oladunni Odu, Dr Ibrahim Jimoh OFR, MFR Diran Iyantan, Igbekele Akinrinwa, Dr Deji Oyedele, Dr Paul Akintelure, Engr Ife Oyedele, Hon ( Chief ) Tayo Eniku, Professor Dayo Faduyile, Hon Alaspart Ola Oguntimehin, Hon Segun Ayerin, Hon ( Chief ) Olayeye Ayeniyi, Hon Arsenal Gbenga Akinrinlola, Hon Lolade Gbegudu, Hon Tomide Akinrogunde, Hon Bode Ikulala, Gbenga Osedele, Hon Femi Johnson, Bombay Ladi-Okunniga, Hon Morenike Alaka, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya Princess Dupe Adetuwo, Engr Folake Omogoroye, Hon Benson Akinbo, Comrade Tunde Ayenumelo amongst others.
Equally to the advantage of Okitipupa LG APC is the fact that Chief Olusola Oke SAN whose support base is in Okitipupa LG is on the side of Akeredolu this time around. His outstanding rally that he Organized for Akeredolu’s re-election few weeks ago at Okitipupa has also yielded big fortunes to the APC family in the LG.
Another thing working for APC success story is the fact that Akeredolu has promised to honour the zoning arrangement of the State which the party believe is sacrosanct.
The governor has promised to hand over power to people from Ondo South Senatoral District after his second term.
Indeed, APC in Ondo State is deeply rooted in the zoning formula which is working like magic for the party.
While Akeredolu is unjustly vilified and scoffed ; overwhelming number of unbiased and responsible citizens fetes and chant his praises laudably in and around the LG.
Of course, only a fool expects praises or endorsements from all because in an attempts to work for the good of the society, there are the entrenched interests of evildoers which are terribly hurt, and it is normal for them to disparage the crusade of good, justice and fairness to all.
So, if Okitipupa LG APC continues it’s ongoing tempo, APC will win Saturday poll with an outstanding margin.
Three and a half years on Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s performance portrays Ondo State in a very good light and increase the profile of the State in all ramifications.
One only has to reflect upon where Governor Akeredolu met Ondo State; the sorry consequences of that blind past on our state to form a sense of the importance of the decision made to vote Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in 2016, which is to restore the State to the pathway of progress and development.
I like to believe that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu loves Ondo State dearly and will keep on working for it’s continued success.
I also believe that all lovers of good governance and indeed Ondo State people in their numbers will once again this Saturday October 10 give their important endorsements, Supports and votes to APC, thereby continuing the building as well as the reconstruction of a state that we can all proud of.
By voting massively for APC on October 10, both Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the good people of Ondo State can demonstrate to any underperforming state government in Nigeria, unrepentant pessimists and subjective critics in their employ that the provision of good governance to the people can be delivered to an exceptional standard with the resources of Ondo State.
The urgent concern is to consolidate on the gains of the ongoing Sterling performance of Akeredolu’s led government by voting massively for APC this Saturday, October 10.
The Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Mr. Peter Fasua has withdrawn from this Saturday’s Governor election and backed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fasua, who is from Akure, said his decision to step down and back Governor Akeredolu was hinged on his conviction that his desires and plans for Ondo state would be achieved totally by Governor Akeredolu.
He explained that during the Governorship debate on Sunday evening, he realized that most of his vision for the state was already the expressed and initiated by Governor Akeredolu.
Fasua expressed his readiness to mobilize the structure of his party and his supporters across the state for the re-election of Governor Akeredolu.
He donated campaign coaster buses and other material to the Akeredolu’s campaign.
Governor Akeredolu appreciated Fasua for his love for the state, while describing his decision to join him as another sign of victory.
The Governor assured that his administration will continue to deliver on its promises and smiles on the faces of the people.
As court rules in the trial of the founder of Sotitobire Praising Chapel on Tuesday, controversies have trailed a letter written by the Ondo state government Attorney General and the commissioner for justice , Adekola Olawoye,(SAN). asking the Police to halt ongoing investigation on the missing child, Gold Kolawole.
It was gathered that the inspector general of police has also ordered the intelligence response team at the Force Headquarters to stop the investigation of the missing child following a letter written by Mr Olawoye
A copy of the letter was presented to the court during the last sitting, at the Ondo state high court, where prophet Alfa Babatunde and six others are being tried over the missing boy.
Prophet Babatunde and his co-defendants are standing trial on a three counts including conspiracy to aid and abet kidnapping, kidnapping and destroying evidence.
It was also gathered that on the 14th of September 2020 when counsels to the defendants and that of prosecution led by the Ondo state attorney general, Adekola Olawoye ,SAN appeared before Justice Olusegun Odusola for the adoption of addresses , the letter was tendered ‘off record’ written by the attorney general and addressed to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.
In the letter dated 29/ July 2020, signed by the Ondo state attorney General and received by the inspector general of police on 07/ August / 2020 states that
“ ATTENTION: STATION OFFICER, INTELLIGENCE RESPONSE TEAM
CHARGE NUMBER: AK /1c / 2020 BETWEEN THE STATE Vs PROPHET ALFA BABATUNDE & 6 OTHERS
Please be informed that the above name charge is presently pending before the high court of Ondo state.
To this end, it is advised that no action can be taken in respect thereof until judgement is delivered”.
It was gathered that the revelation led to serious arguments between the counsels and raised a dust on why the attorney general wrote such a letter when it was a criminal case and that the major interest of parties involved is to unearth the mystery behind the missing child.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, Counsel to the fifth and sixth defendants in the case, Akinyemi Omoware confirmed that it was true the attorney general wrote the letter .
He said “There is no dispute about the fact that the attorney General (AG) wrote a letter ,requesting the police who are investigating the whereabouts of the missing child to stop the investigation by the police.
We brought it to the notice of the court off record because as at that time, the trial had concluded awaiting the counsels to adopt their written addresses.
So the document can not legally form part of the record of the court .we only brought to the notice of the court for the court to know that investigation about the whereabouts of the missing child is still ongoing and that a letter came from the state, requesting the investigation to be stopped.
We feel we should do that, as good citizens of the country, with the fact that we also want either dead or alive, the baby and for us to find out who is responsible as well as the whereabouts of Gold Kolawole.
We also feel that the letter ought not to have been written so that the police can conclude their investigation and issue a report whether it is true that the baby is still alive or not and who and who is responsible.
The AG did informed the court that he wrote that letter in honest belief that he does not want the trial to be sub judice but unfortunately, there is no way continuation of investigation can subjudice a criminal case.
The doctrine of Subjudice does not apply to criminal trial. It is a principle of law that is only applicable to a civil trial. His intention might be good but it is not appropriate in criminal trial. ”
In a reaction, the attorney General Adekola Olawoye,(SAN) said the letter written did not in anyway stop the police to continue investigation over the missing child.
Olawoye said the matter is subjudice and that criminal trial does not abate.
He said “ There was a letter that was argued upon at the court in that case and those people who claimed they saw the letter did not bring it to court.
The matter is subjudice that the matter is before a competent court and have not said they should stop the investigation. When a matter is before a court , all other matters will have to wait.
Criminal allegation does not abate. It continues for life. It doesn’t have time bound .
If anybody is now mischievous and reading meaning to that letter, I don’t think that letter is telling the police not to investigate .
The dimension there is that they said they have found the missing boy somewhere in Abuja and if they have found him, what is the next thing ? They should have presented the boy.
Does the letter obscure investigation ? Does it say the police should not go further with their investigation ?
I wrote a letter but I didn’t say they should not investigate the matter.
Mind you ,everything is now being investigated by the DSS and when it became a drama , the court order that the DSS should come into it.
The DSS have invited me and I have explained my own . Let the other side go there and explain too”.
The Deputy Force Public Relations Officers, Mr Aremu Adeniran said the police would not want to comment on the matter because it is before the court.
Adeniran said “the fact is that police can not react because the case is in court”.
However, the judgement would be delivered at the State High Court on October 6, 2020.
The deputy Governor of Ondo state and Governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party(ZLP) for the October 10 election in the state, Honourable Agboola Ajayi has given the reasons for his absence at a Governorship debate held at the international event center popularly call the dome in Akure on Sunday
Agboola Ajayi, who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Tope Okeowo said he has no confidence in the organisers of the debate.
“We don’t have confidence in the organisers and they are not likely to be fair to our candidate,” Tope Okeowo, an aide to the deputy governor, said.
He said most of the media organisations and those who ran the show had sympathies for the governor.
According to him, Mr Abodunde, the anchor of the debate, and members of the team are employees of the state government, noting that Mr Abodunde works for the state-owned Orange FM 104.5.
“If the deputy governor attended there would be trouble because the organisers are those earning money from the state government,” Mr Okeowo said. “You can see how the moderator favoured the governor in the distribution of the questions.”
Judgment will be delivered tomorrow in the trial of founder of Sotitobire Praising Chapel, Prophet Babatunde Alfa and six other church members over the disappearance of one year old Gold Kolawole in the church last year.
A notice of judgement exclusively obtained by OSRC revealed that judgement will be delivered by 9am.
The state attorney general and commissioner for justice, Adekola Olawoye confirmed that Justice Olusegun Odusola will deliver judgement on Tuesday 6th Oct 2020 at 9am.
