‘Selective’ Severance Payment Sparks Uproar
Ismaeel Uthman
SOME former parliamentarians of various Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas in the State of Osun have accused the State Government, under the leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, of withholding their rightful severance allowances.
According to the affected former parliamentarians, other council chairmen and parliamentarians were paid on Tuesday with cheques, while their severance pay was withheld for no reason.
Some of the affected politicians are: immediate past chairmen of Ayedaade Local Government, Hon. Abdullateef Adeyeye, Ede North LCDA, Hon. Mukaila Uthman and Leader of the Orolu Local Government Council, Hon. Rafiu Durodola.
Also affected are: Hon. Demola Owoade, a
•Continued on page 2
•Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), exchanging pleasantries with Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. With them is the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), during the first Progressives’ Youth Conference, organised by the Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday.
‘Selective’ Severance Payment Sparks Uproar
Continued from page 1
former parliamentarian in Irewole Local Government, his colleague from Odo Otin North LCDA, Hon. Rasheed Raji
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, Owoade said: “I called the Council Manager of my local government to ask about my own cheque for the 25 per cent of our severance pay on Tuesday. He told me that I needed to get clearance from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“When I got to the Ministry, I was asked to see the Coordinating Director who also asked me to see the Accountant. The Accountant also told me to see the Commissioner, Mr. Adeleke Adebayo. I waited for four hours before I was able to see the Commissioner. When I met him, the Commissioner told me that I, and others who were similarly not paid, are currently undergoing investigations by the State Government.
“I told him that I was not the accounting officer of my local government and so I see no reason why the government would withhold my severance pay.
“The Commissioner told me that my Council Manager would get across to me when the government is done with the investigations.
“I know the commissioner gave me a flimsy excuse. I had been told earlier that the Governor would not pay some of us because of our loyalty to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and that is unfortunate. We cannot deny Aregbesola because he is our benefactor. As a matter of fact, the Governor and his cabinet members are beneficiaries of Aregbesola.”
When contacted, Raji, who is popularly known as Triple R, said: “I called my Council Manager to know about the modalities for payment of the severance. He told me that I needed
to get clearance from the Ministry of Local Government.
“I knew my own severance pay has also been withheld because of my loyalty to Aregbesola. I did not bother to go to the ministry because a colleague of mine had shared his experience with me. That is what we are witnessing in the Osun of today.”
“I remember very well, in 2011, it was Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who paid entitlements of council chairmen elected under the PDP prior to his coming into office. That was even after the Supreme Court had sacked them. That is to tell you that it is an aberration not to pay the severance packages on time, not to talk of withholding it.”
Also, one of the affected chairmen, Uthman expressed dismay
over the matter, saying that none of them deserved to be subjected to ill-treatment.
He stated that he did not commit any offence while in office and he was not found culpable of any atrocities.
He submitted that there was no reason to
withhold his severance pay other than being a loyalist of Aregbesola.
But the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Adeleke Adebayo dismissed insinuations that the severance pay of the affected former council chairmen and
parliamentarians was withheld because of their loyalty to Aregbesola.
He said: “It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs that some of the ousted political office holders in the council are claim-
Kabiru Aregbesola Advocates More Inclusion Of Youth In Governance
Sodiq Yusuf
TOboost the chances of Nigeria’s rapid socioeconomic development, the nation’s political parties must give a strong backing to qualified youths to take up the gauntlet of governance.
This, according to a young politician, Kabir Aregbesola, will aid the long-term
survival of the country’s progressive legacy being built by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Aregbesola stated this on Monday in Abuja, in his speech titled “Shall We Rise?”, delivered at the maiden Progressives’ Youth Conference.
The son of the Minister
of Interior held that to guarantee the longevity of the mass prosperity efforts of the APC-led government beyond 2023; the youths must be remarkably incorporated into governance, with a call on every Nigerian to jettison self-centeredness.
He said: “For us to deliver mass prosperity and a
Symbol’s Quote
“Ajimobi was very receptive, collaborative and warm all through our time (together). There was never a time I needed him on any matter that he was not by my side. Looking at the age difference, he was far older than me. I must not fail to recognise his maturity, his ever-ready disposition towards me and his unwavering support for our collective aspirations”
Remembering Senator
Abiola Ajimobi A Year After
stable social, economic and political future, we must see beyond 2023. We must rise beyond our selfish interests to a bigger and bolder vision for our children, your grandchildren.
“We must rise beyond the divisions of self- interest, ethnicity and religion and such other narrow self-serving considerations to solve the bigger problem, POVERTY.
“Poverty of the mind and of the pocket is ravaging the social fabric of our Nation on all fronts; productivity, values and security. Poverty knows no tribe or religion. We must rise beyond our divisions to deliver functional education for all, affordable healthcare for all, safe and secure homeland and many more progressive solutions through this bold progressive and political platform, the All Progressives Congress; for our Nation.
“To deliver this legacy of progressive and inclusive development the Nation needs, change must start from within. Our great party, zwhich produces the current President and must produce the next one, must be led by the boldest of progressive values that see beyond just 2023.”
He added: “Nigeria is a young country, with 50% of our population aged between 30 and 45 years. To achieve our goals of delivering a long-
•Continued on page 7
ing that their payment of severance allowances, recently approved by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola were withheld because of their loyalty to the former Governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
“To put the record straight, this insinuation was nothing but lies and deliberate conjectures meant to mislead the public on the activities of the ministry.
“It is correct that the severance allowances of some political office holders in councils were withheld until they get clearance from the Ministry of Local Government based on the fact that there are issues they need to clarify on their spending and some other activities when they were serving.
“Such issues varies from councils to councils and I don’t think that should generate issues, because some have shown up and they had been cleared, some were asked to wait until the allegations against them are proven to either be correct or wrong.
“So, it has nothing to do with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola or Governor Gboyega Oyetola, it is purely the policies that we have set out in the ministry that must be complied with.”
However, the affected politicians claimed that they are not in possession of any government property neither did they commit any misconduct.
•Director-General of Oranmiyan Worldwide, Mr. Olajide Sadiq, commissioning newly purchased ambulance for Federal Fire Service, State of Osun C ommand, on Tuesday.
Captured by Olushola Aderinto
Hearty Congratulations, The State Of Osun
THEestablishment of a Federal University of Medical Sciences in IlaOrangun in the State of Osun is well thought out and greatly deserved. Everyone involved in steering policy in the right direction merits great kudos.
The unexpected novel COVID-19 exposed once again the life threatening deficit in our sustainable development. The inadequacy of our grotesquely underfunded medical research could no longer be hidden; the paucity of pharmaceutical products also came hauntingly to the fore in the face of a rampaging pandemic.
It is humiliating that African countries now have to beg and supplicate for life preserving vaccines. In contradistinction, little Cuba long hobbled by punitive United States led sanctions is once again defying the conventional wisdom by getting to the testing stages of vaccines production in the war against the COVID-19. Kudos to Cuba for playing the role that the much touted giant of Africa should be playing.
It is to be hoped that the establishment of the new medical facilities is the beginning of an overdue redressing of the balance.
Funding will be key. Medical research is a long marathon requiring structured, consistent long term planning and fund. The government must involve the private sector through tax breaks and other fiscal measures to be at the forefront. There is also nothing wrong in a one off tax to fund medical research. Intellectual property protection and enhancement is very important. The government will have to revamp the present statutes creating in the process a conducive environment to attract funds. The protection of intellectual property will also have to be more rigorous.
Hearty congratulations to the Orangun of Ila, Chief Bisi Akande and the people of the state of Osun.
Renewed Emphasis On Youth
KUDOS
to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its recently concluded Youth Summit. This is refreshing albeit overdue step in the right direction. The initiative alters the territory of the discourse from vacuous mendacity about “age” into the need for a clear direction based on preparing another generation for a very complex future.
In an excellent contribution, one of the few committed ideologues around, the Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, focused on this area, pointing out the need for mentorship to prepare generation next for the mantle of leadership. Preparation for the burden of leadership Aregbesola sensibly pointed out requires that “first you must be widely
read and have a keen understanding of history”. This is the crux of the matter. An ill prepared set of people without any philosophical orientation rooted in a keen understanding of the past will be unsuitable to navigate a very tricky future. The APC initiative is welcome and should be built upon and incorporated by all other political parties. In the past in this country, political parties had vigorous ideologically oriented youth wings trained not as thugs but as the cadres to steer the party in the future. Same goes for political parties of different orientations across the world. It is salutary that we are now attempting to see incursions into politics not as a meal ticket but as a worthwhile vocation.
Review & Outlook
B
Y BY R A U F RAUF
A R E G B E S O L A AREGBESOLA
Our Unstoppable Youth
Imust thank the youth of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) most sincerely for the kind invitation to this conference and to be on the panel.
Let me commend you also for coming up with this conference, a platform for ideation, agenda setting and constructive engagement, not just among yourselves but also with select elders of the party.
I will like to begin by examining the idea of the youth, as it applies to our meeting here. The general definition of youth given by most dictionaries is social, which is the period between childhood and adulthood. This is rather too broad and elastic as it can stretch from 12 to 50 years or any period that catches anyone’s fancy.
Youth has also been conceived of in psychological term as a thing of the mind. Using this, it is possible to have a 70-year-old identifying as youth – dressing like youth, walk and talk like one, having mannerism of one and even sharing ideas of a youth.
The United Nations is more precise in categorising the youth in biological terms as those between the ages of 15 and 24. However, a UN agency, UN Habitat, extends it to 32.
A more appropriate taxonomy will come from the African Youth Charter of the African Union that defines the youth as those between the ages of 15 and 35. This, for our purpose, is more representative. Those within this age bracket represent the idea of the youth in the party and represent also the immediate future of the party.
Having this conference is a reflection of the self-awareness within this group and I must implore you to direct this consciousness to obtain an advanced level of usefulness to the party, the nation and to yourselves. You are simply announcing yourselves to the world as worthy successors to those in power today.
If the rule of historical succession is correct, then you will certainly at some point take over the affairs of the party and of the nation. You must recognise then that we are simply managing the party on your behalf and what is being done today will impact
on you; and what you will do when your time arrives will likewise impact on those coming after you.
This understanding should spur you to ensure that nothing goes wrong now; and that the party adopts the right policies and programmes that accord with the party’s long and short terms, national and your own interests.
It is imperative therefore that you do better than what obtains now. This is the essence of progress. There cannot be progress if the present generation cannot improve on the past and if the future cannot improve on the present.
If you are to be taken seriously on this mission then, you must prepare not just to do what is being done today but to seriously advance and vastly improve on what they are doing.
First, you must be widely read and have a keen understanding of history – to know what we did right and what we missed, how you can improve on what works and avoid what failed.
Secondly, you have to develop a form of puritanism in thought, moral disposition and actions.
Thirdly, you must raise to top notch your patriotism in committing to Nigeria and determinedly seeking her good.
You must also be committed to democratic development and supremacy of the democratic ethos in our party and in government and politics.
The youth should recognise the need for internal democracy in the party and be resolutely committed to it as sacrosanct. All party positions and offices and all legislative and executive positions contested on the platform of the party therefore has to be democratically contested. This should be the minimum irreducible demand of the youth. The era of imposition of candidates for offices should be brought to an end.
OSUN DEFENDER
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Produc on Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa
Reporter – Yusuf Oketola
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Computer Graphics – Zainab Olalere
We must understand, as late Prof. Claude Ake said, that democracy is a system of governance, not a system of power. The temptation and the risks are high to always see democracy as an instrument of obtaining power – denuded of its values and ethos. But the power and the strength of democracy as an emancipatory instrument lie in its internal logic of democratism. Once this is removed, it becomes an empty shell and democracy itself is in danger of being supplanted and ultimately subverted.
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), Gbogan Road Osogbo, State of Osun
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You have been making the demand that some concessions be given to the youth in party and national leaderships. It is a legitimate aspiration. I will even go further to say that a system of mentorship should be created in the party where individual youths that show bright prospects of leadership should be put under the mentorship of accomplished and successful leaders. This
FRIDAY, JUNE 25 - THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021
Federal University, An Unexpected Favour – Orangun Of Ila
IKazeem Badmus
NDIGENES and residents
of of Ila-Orangun, the headquarters of Ila Local Government Council of the State of Osun, trooped out massively on Tuesday to celebrate the establishment of Federal University of Medical Sciences in the ancient town.
Minister of Educa on, Mallam Adamu Adamu, through the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Sonny Ochono, had on Monday announced the establishment of four specialised universi es, out of which two are universi es of medical sciences.
According to him, the huge gap in doctor-pa ent ra o, as well as in medical research and produc on of pharmaceu cal products, compels the need for the establishment of the universies.
Aside the one sited in IlaOrangun, State of Osun, the other in its category is situated in Azare in Bauchi State. The other two specialized universi es are in the category of university of technology and are sited in Jigawa and Akwa Ibom states.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun described the announcement of the si ng of the university in his domain as an unexpected favour, adding that the ancient town had been agita ng for the establishment of a Federal University since pre-1990.
Oba Wahab, who commended President Muhammad Buhari for si ng the university in Ila-Orangun, declared his total support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next General Elec ons.
He said he could not believe when the news first filtered in, un l it was confirmed, adding that the university will bring about posive development within the community.
The first class tradi onal ruler said: “I could not believe it. I was thinking its truth status, un l I read it online through my phone. I am thankful to Almighty God and I am very happy and fulfilled right now. We have been agita ng for a university of this status since pre-1990.
“When Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) was to be established. The en re Ila-Orangun contributed a lot, hoping that the ins tu on would be sited on our soils, but it was taken to Ogbomoso town and since then, we have not relented.
“The economy of this town will change dras cally, as people will come from the Diasporas to establish their industries here and traders will also benefit a lot.
The monarch also eulogised the former Na onal
Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande for his contribu on towards situa ng the university in the town.
He said: “I really appreciate the Federal Government for this kind gesture. Also, Chief Bisi Akande has not relented and has been there for us. He is a strong man and I want the people to appreciate him by vo ng APC in the next General Elec ons.
“We are going to support APC in this town because the ruling party has earned our votes now with the establishment of this university”.
Also speaking, the Elemona of Ila, High Chief R.A Adedapo, said the university will contribute immensely to the economic development of Ila
community, its environs and State of Osun in general, just as he applauded the Federal Government for the gesture.
In his own reac on, a member of the Peoples Democra c Party in the state, Mr. Aderemi Adekeye, renounced his membership of the PDP and instantaneously joined the All Progressives Congress, hinging his decision on the newly-sited university.
He said: “I am a member of PDP in Ila-Orangun, but with what happened today, I renounce my membership of the party because I am very happy with what the APC has done for us in this community. My family and I are now going to join Chief Bisi Akande’s party”.
Islamic Group Attacks, Injures Suspected Bisexual In Osogbo
AKazeem Badmus him inside an uncovered pit. They reportedly fled the scene a er.
suspected bisexual simply iden fied as Olayinka was on Sunday, June 20, 2021 attacked by some members of an Islamic group known as Jama’at al-Tabligh.
Olayinka, according to sources, was a acked at his residence in Ataoja Estate, Osogbo, by some members of the Islamic group around 7pm.
He was said to be returning from work.
Asked why he was attacked, an eye witness who iden fied himself as Taofeek Babawale, said he overheard the assailants threatening to kill their vicm if he con nues with his bisexual acts.
“I think the vic m has involved himself in homosexual ac vi es. I overhead the a ackers, who are these Islamic group that wear above-ankle trousers, telling him to desist from immoral act of bisexualism or they will kill him. The attackers said he (the vic m) was disgracing Islam”, said Babawale.
Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that Olayinka is a health worker with the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, formerly known as Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH).
It was gathered that the assailants, a er bea ng Olayinka with clubs, pushed
The vic m, according to the eye witness, could no longer walk by himself and his neck was sta c when he was rescued.
Babawale said: “That man was seriously injured. He could no longer walk nor move his body again; he was seriously in pain when we rescued him. Five of us brought him out from the pit he was thrown into before taking him to the hospital. I don’t know why he involved himself in such acts, he knows his religion (Islam) does not support homosexuality, bisexualism and all the nonsense. I pray he survives the a ack.”
OSUN DEFENDER traced the vic m to the hospital where he was receiveing treatment in Osogbo, on Wednesday, June 23.
The medium could not disclose the name of the hospital because of security concern.
However, the vic m was sighted on the bed at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital.
It was noted that the vic m could not talk as of the me this medium visited the hospital.
But a rela ve of another pa ent at the ICU told OSUN DEFENDER that a spinal cord surgery was performed on the vic m before he was moved to the ICU.
Police Arrest 2 Suspects Over Ikire/Apomu Bank Robberies
THE State of Osun Command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspects in connec on with the bloody failed bank robberies that occurred in Ikire and Apomu on June 2, 2021.
It would be recalled that about 35 dare-devil armed robbers stormed Ikire and Apomu in Irewole and Isokan Local Government Areas respec vely around 5:30pm on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 with five different vehicles.
Two policemen, ASP Osho Oluran , Inspector Lekan Olalere, two Special Constabularies, Oladeni Olalekan and Oyedeji Muyideen, and three residents of Apomu, Toheeb Oyebola, Temilorun Adebiyi
and Segun Olamoyero were shot dead by the armed robbers in the unsuccessful opera ons.
However, OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the Police have arrested two suspects, Olufemi Adedeji and Olatunji Oladipo in connec on with the raid.
According to invesga ons, the suspects were arrested on Monday, June 21, 2021 in Ikire.
The medium got the informa on on the arrest of the suspects in a mo on exparte filed at an Osogbo magistrate’s court on Wednesday, by the Police.
The Police were asking the court to grant a prayer of remanding the suspects in their custody for 14 days.
A ached to the moon was an eight para-
graph affidavit disposed to by the Inves ga ng Police Officer on the case, Inspector Nurudeen Akanni and presented to the court by the Police prosecutor, Inspector Elisha Olusegun.
The Police argued in the mo on exparte that the IPO needed me to extend inves ga on to Delta State to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover exhibits, adding that releasing them will hamper proper invesga ons on the case.
However, Magistrate Adekanmi Adeyeba ordered that the two respondents to be remanded in Police custody for 14 days pending the comple on of invesga on on the ma er.
CHANGE OF NAME
That IBITOWA PET-KOLA ESQ AND IBITOWA PET KOLA TAIWO are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as IBITOWA PETKOLA TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public should take note.
OLANIYAN OLASUNKANMI OLUWASOGO
That I was formerly known and addressed as OLASUNKANMI JOSEPH OLANIYAN now wish to be known and addressed as OLANIYAN OLASUNKANMI OLUWASOGO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.
Yusuf Oketola
•Oba Abdulwahab Kayode Oyedotun, Bibire I, the Orangun of Ila.
•CP. Olokode
IBITOWA PETKOLA TAIWO
FRIDAY, JUNE 25 - THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021
JUNE 25 - THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021
•Continued from last week
Derivable Benefits From Sincere Repentance LOVE of Allah: Anybody that turns to Allah in repentance will be loved by Allah. Allah Himself says; “Allah loves those who turn to Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves” (Quran 2:222).
Religion
SERMON JUMAT SERMON
Repentance is a path to Paradise. Whoever turns to Allah in repentance is already on his way to Paradise because Allah says; “ex- cept those who repent and believe and work righteousness such will enter Paradise and these will not be wronged in aught” (Quran 19:60).
By Imaam Raji, Musa Oladapo
By Imaam Raji, Musa Oladapo
Sincere repentance makes Allah to change sins into good deeds: Allah says; “Except those who repent and believe do righteous deeds, for those Allah will change their sins into good deeds and Allah is Ever oft forgiving, Most Merciful” (Quran 25:70).
The Angels who bear the throne of Allah prays for the repentant: Allah says; “Those (angels) who bear the throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord and believe in Him and ask for forgiveness for those who be- lieve (in the oneness of Allah) saying; Our Lord, You com- prehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive these who repent and follow your way, and save them from the tor- ment of the blazing fire. Our Lord, and make them enter the ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting garden) which you have promised them and to the righteous among their fathers, their wives and their offspring; Verily, you are the All Mighty, the all Wise. And save them from (the punishment what they did of) the sins, and whomsoever you save from (the punishment from what they did of) sins (i.e. pardon him) that Day, him verily, you have taken into mercy “And that is the supreme success ” (Quran 40:7-9).
A cursory glance at the above-quoted verses gives us an insight into a numbers of different litanies being said by the Angels for those who turn to Allah in repentance. In fact none of them is negligible because they all form a greater part of what a sincere believer must look for.
It is worthy of note therefore for a reasonable person to join the train of repentance and stop chasing invisible shadow called world, which may come to an end suddenly.
At this juncture, let us look at some traditions of the Prophet (SAW) where he gave us stimulus on the benefits of repentance:FIRSTLY: He (prophet) gave us an assurance that the gate of repentance remains open until the eleventh hour of Judg- ment Day. According to this narration, on the authority of Abu Musa that the Prophet (SAW) says; “Indeed Allah, The
Let Us Turn To Allah In Repentance
Most High, stretches His hands out in the night in order to forgive those who wrong themselves during the day, and stretches His hands out in the broad day in order to forgive those who wrong themselves during the night. This will con- tinue until the sun rises from where it used to set (sign of end of the time).
SECONDLY: The Prophet (SAW) emphasizes Allah’s preparedness to accept repentance. In this tradition, Abu Huray- rah reported from Allah’s Messenger (SAW) that his Lord (SW) thus said; A servant committed a sin and then he came to realize that he has a Lord who forgives the sins and takes to account (the sinner) for the sin and said my Lord, forgive me my sin, and Allah (SW) said; my servant committed a sin and came to realize that he has a Lord who would forgive his sin or would take (him) to account for the sin. He again commit- ted a sin and said; my Lord, forgive me for my sin and Allah (SW) said; My servant has committed a sin and then came to realize that he has a lord who forgives the sins or takes (him) to account for sin. O servant, do what you like, I have granted you forgiveness. Abdul-A’ala said; I do not know whether he said thrice or four times” Do what you desire.
THIRDLY: The Prophet (SAW) encourages us to seek re- pentance of our sins from Allah not minding the enormity of the sins. Abu sahid al Khudri reported Allah’s Messenger (SAW) as saying; “there was a person before you who had killed 99 persons and then made an enquiry about the learned persons of the world (who could show him the way to Salva- tion). He was directed to a monk. He came to him and told him that he had killed 99 persons and asked him whether there was any scope for his repentance to be accepted. He said; No, he killed him also and thus completed 100. He then asked
Crime
Suspected Cultist Arraigned For Terrorising Osun
Stories By Yusuf Oketola
A29-year-old suspected member of the Eiye Confraternity, Afeez Asimiyu, has been arraigned before an Osogbo magistrate’s court for alleged cultism and possession of Cannabis Sativa.
According to the Police prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Adeoye, Asimiyu and others at large unlawfully assembled themselves in the name of Eiye Confraternity and were terrorising the state.
Adeoye added that Asimiyu was also caught in possession of some Cannabis Sativa when he was arrested.
The charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday stated that the accused person and others at large committed the offence on April 8, 2021 at about 1pm at Kolawole Area, Osogbo. But the defendant pleaded not guilty to the allegations levelled against him.
Defence counsel, Kehinde Adepoju, prayed the court to admit the
defendant to bail on a most liberal term, noting the allegation against the suspect was bailable.
Objecting the bail application, the Police prosecutor said cult related crimes rampant in Osogbo and Osun at large, saying that releasing the
suspect on bail will send bad signal to the society.
The prosecutor stated that the Police have been making frantic efforts to arrest other suspects at large; stressing that granting bail to Asimiyu will jeopardize investigation and he might go
back to perpetrate same offence if admitted to bail.
However, Magistrate Abayomi Ajala admitted the defendant to bail in a sum of N200, 000 with a surety, just as he adjourned the case till July 16, 2021 for hearing.
Truck Driver Remanded For Manslaughter, Malicious Damage
Atruck driver, Dayo Obiyomi, has been remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre by an Osogbo magistrate’s court for alleged manslaughter and malicious damage of a bus.
Obiyomi, a 33-yearold, was said to have caused the death of one Sulaimon Adebiyi, a resident of Isale Abetu, area in Abeokuta, Ogun State and also damaged a bus valued at the sum of N4, 800,000, property of one Adeyemi Ayodele.
According to the charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, Obiyomi committed the alleged offence on December 11,
2020 at about 0430HRS at Ileki Area, along Ilesa/Akure expressway, in Ilesa.
According to the Police prosecutor, Inspector Jacob Akintunde, the accused person was a driver in charge of an IVECO Truck with Registration Number, LAGOS GGE 337 XA, stating that he drove in a manner dangerous to the public.
Akintunde added that the alleged offence contravened Section 18, Cap 146, Vol. II, Section 18(1), Cap 15, Vol.6, Laws of Osun state 2002 and Section 27 of RTA, Cap 546, Laws of Nigeria.
However, the accused person pleaded
not guilty to the threecount charges of reckless driving, manslaughter and malicious damage.
Defence Counsel, Kasia Mobi Nwoke, prayed the court to admit the defendant to bail, promising that he would provide reliable surety and would stand trial.
But the bail application was opposed by the prosecutor, who argued that the defendant will jump bail if granted.
In his ruling, the Magistrate, Mr. Adekanmi Adeyeba ordered that Obiyomi be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre and ordered that the defence counsel should file a formal bail application to the court.
The case was adjourned till June 30, 2021 for hearing.
about learned person of the earth and he was directed to a scholar, and he told him that he had killed one hundred persons and asked him whether there was any hope for his repentance to be accepted. He said; Yes, what stands between you and repentance? You better go to such land; there are people devoted to prayer and worship and you also worship along with them and do not come to the land of yours since it was an evil land (for you). So he went away and had hardly covered half of the distance when death came to him and there was a dispute between the angels of mercy and the angels of punishment. The angel of mercy said: “This man has come as a penitent and remorseful to Allah.” And the angels of punishment said: “He has done no good at all. Then there came another angel in the form of a human being in order to decide between them; He said; “You measure the land to which he has drawn near. They meas- ured it and found him nearer to the land where he intended to go (the land of piety), and so the angels of mercy took pos- session of it. That was how he secured mercy of Allah despite the hugeness of his sins.
My esteemed readers, there are still a lot of texts from both the Quran and Hadith that talk about importance and benefits of repentance. Let us regard those quoted above as few of them, with a view of making use of them so that the countenance of Lord will not elude us.
Human frailty or fallibility is general, therefore the status or sainthood can’t be said to be capable of making one not infalli- ble. It is in realization of this that made the Prophet to be offering supererogatory prayer to appreciate Allah’s mercy; ever after it was certain that He had been forgiven all of his sins. It was also on record that He used to seek forgiveness of his sins from Allah 100 times in a day. If the prophet (SAW) used to do this, what kind of excuse would you advance that prevent you from doing it? Let us then get our tongue wet with the phrase Astaghfirullaha at all times and let it be accompanied with sincerity.
There are number of signs that a true repentant will see if his repentance is actually accepted. I will just mention only one here. The repentant will be full of fear, he will never be confident of the plot of Allah at any moment. His fear will continue un- til he hears words from messengers who want to terminate his life. “Fear not, nor grieve But receive the glad tidings of paradise which you had been promised” (Quran 41:30).
On this note, I charge you to and I also glorify the praises of our Creator and ask His forgiveness. Verily, He is the one who ever accepts the repentance and who forgives.
Septuagenarian, 2 Others Arrested For Alleged N5m Land Fraud
A70-year-old man, Hameed Lawal and two other persons have been arraigned before an Osogbo magistrate’s court over an alleged N5,000,000 land fraud.
The septuagenarian was arrested alongside David Olatunde (50) and Mutairu Ajibola (50) for allegedly obtaining the sum from Wakeel Ayeloja under false pretence of selling a plot of land situated at Opposite Po-
lice Zonal Headquarters, Osogbo.
According to the charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, the accused persons and other at large committed the offence sometimes in the month of January 2021 in Osogbo.
But the defendants pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and stealing levelled against them.
Defence Counsel, Saheed Imam-Elewu prayed the court to admit the accused persons to bail on a liberal term, promising that they would not jump bail as reliable surety would stand for them.
However, Magistrate M. O. Daramola admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N1, 000,000 with two sureties each.
The case was adjourned till July 6, 2021 for hearing.
•Imaam Raji, Musa Oladapo is the Chief Imaam of Telemuland, State of Osun.
UK-Based Industrialist Declares Interest In Akinrun Throne
Kazeem
Badmus
AUK-based industrialist, Prince Aderemi Akinwoye of Gboleru Ruling House in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government, has declared his interest in becoming the next Akinrun of Ikirun.
It would be recalled that the late Akinrun, Oba Abdulrauf Olayiwola Olawale, Adedeji II passed on early this year, leaving the stool vacant.
Aderemi made the declaration when he paid homage to the Eesa of Ikirun, Chief Lawal Adebayo at his residence with other chiefs in attendance.
According to Aderemi, mounting the stool will be a call to service to Ikirun indigenes and residents at large, adding that he will use the entire experience he has garnered within and outside the country to work towards the development of the town.
He said: “The main thing that really motivates me is the call to serve. I see myself as a
servant and if God says go and serve and you feel reluctant to do so, God is ready to raise stone in place of human being to serve that particular purpose.
“I wish to be a servant in a way that the people of Ikirunland and the community as a whole will have a sense of belonging in all areas of their lives. I really want to come around and serve humanity and God Almighty.”
Answering questions on how equipped he is, considering the enor-
mous task of being an Akirun, Aderemi said with the support of God and his experience both locally and internationally, the responsibility will be an easy one.
He said: “If God decides to use me, I will not be the one doing it but Him. No matter how big the responsibility could be, God will surely make the whole thing easy.
“By the special grace of God, I am more than prepared in terms of my working experience, my line of duty, career-wise and education.”
•Prince Aderemi
Aregbesola Seeks More Political...
•Continued from page 2
term progressive legacy, sustaining North-South progressive alignment and produce the next President for our Nation, our great party, must rejig its relationship with the most energetic constituency of our Nation; the youth.
“What we do on this matter and when we do it, will shape politics of our country for years to come.
The APC must rally leadership and leverage the energy of the younger generation to be the Model Political Party for our country and deliver Nigeria as the model of development for Africa.
“The APC must re-energize the younger generation in a transformational way to secure the party’s future and the country’s progressive legacy. The time has come to leverage
the younger generation as the engine room for participation, growth and opportunities for our long termsurvival.
“Our President must end well. We must sustain North–South progressive alliance. This is the time for our great party to mainstream the younger generation into politics and governance for our long-term survival.”
Our Unstoppable Youth
•Continued from page 3
will give us a system of leadership succession that we see and admire in advanced democracies of the West.
But I must warn that power is never given voluntarily. It has to be taken. It is the inimitable lesson of politics that nobody concedes power. It has to be fought for and taken. It should even be a no-contest. If the youth are actually 60 per cent of the population, then you should use your numerical advantage to democratically and peacefully organise to inherit power.
The youth will always have their moment under the sun. Looking at the Nigerian history, you will notice that those who have been in a position of political, economic, entertainment and sporting leadership burst unto the scene as youth. Chief Obafemi Awolowo,
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Adeyemi Lawson and other national titans made their mark as youth. In business, the Ibrus, Da Rocha, the Dantatas, Henry Fajemirokun, Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, Dr. Michael Adenuga, Dangote, Femi Otedola and others too numerous to mention became captains of industries in their 30s. Victor Olaiya, Victor Uwaifo, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Ayinde Barrister, Bright Chimezie, Oliver de Coque, King Wasiu Ayinde and indeed our music legends emerged in their 20s. At the international scene, French President, Emmanuel Macron, was 39 when he assumed office. In Finland, 34-year-old Sanna Marin is set to become the Finnish Prime Minister. Jacinda Arden was 37 when
she became Prime Minister in New Zealand. Others are Ukraine’s 35-year-old Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk, and El Salvador’s 38-year-old President, Nayib Bukele. These are youth who worked through the system to emerge leaders in their countries. It is also possible here. But you must be organised and worked consciously to be able to achieve this.
Let me thank you once again for inviting me here. I wish you fruitful and successful deliberations in working for the greater success of our party, our nation and the Nigerian youth.
I thank you all for your kind attention.
•The above speech wasdelivered by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at the APC Youth Conference, held at the National Conference Centre, Abuja on Monday, June 21, 2021
Community Accuses Osun Mall Of Environmental Pollution
RESIDENTS
of IbuAmo Community in Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun, have accused the management of Osun Mall of polluting their environment as a result of the waste and erosion coming from the mall during rainy periods.
OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday visited the affected community and spoke with some of the residents.
In an interview with the Secretary of the Community Association, Mr. Moses Badmus, the pollution started two years ago and they have logged series of complaints to the management of the Mall, saying that nothing had been done to address the situation.
Badmus said: “The crisis started two years ago when we began to experience erosion and waste coming out of the Osun Mall which has been polluting our environment.
“We were not experiencing this when Fakunle Comprehensive High School was still at the same location now occupied by Osun Mall. The management of the school then made sewage to channel the water to the Osun River which is close to this area.
“When Osun Mall came
into being, we met with the management and had understanding that they should also make sewage to channel the water to the river to avoid erosion coming to our community.
“The sewage constructed by Fakunle Comprehensive High School had been blocked in the course of constructing the Mall. They have refused to replace the sewage till date. Now, all the water and waste coming from the mall are directly coming into our community.
“We have approached them on three different occasions to finding a lasting solution to it. But when they did not turn up, we contacted our lawyer who wrote a letter to the Justrite Headquarters in Iju-Ota, but they said they cannot attend to us.
“We are directed to meet with Omoluabi Investment Company, which is charge of the property to register our complaints.
“However, we have also gone to the State of Osun Ministry of Environment and their officials came to tell Osun Mall to make sewage but they did not turn up still. The water has damaged all our roads. It has even turned from erosion to a storm when it’s raining now, you cannot walk or pass through the street due to the heavy torrents of water com-
ing out of the mall.”
Badmus called on the State Government of Osun to come to their aid by helping them to construct drainages across the community, since the management of Osun Mall has refused to do the needful.
Reacting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Rufus Oyegbile, said there have never been official complaints on the said erosion, even as he promised to take drastic steps on it.
Oyegbile said: “As far as our ministry is concerned, especially my own department which deals with erosion and flood control, we have never had an official letter from any of the residents complaining about erosion or flood water around Osun Mall.
“I will say it is the responsibility of those who engaged themselves or the owner of the Osun Mall to make sure there is proper drainage and channelisation because the drainage was there before and there was no complaint from the members of the community then.
“So, I want to see what happened but we will not wait for the paper to come. I will raise it at the executive meeting. Very soon, we will deploy our men to the area to discuss on the issue between the management of the mall and leadership of the community.
TOP Raises Alarm Over Intimidation, Persecution Of Members
THEOsun Progressives (TOP), a caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun, has condemned what it described as systematic attempt to intimidate its members with state security apparatuses by some government officials.
TOP, in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Reverend Adelowo Adebiyi and made available to OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, noted that some government officials were violating democratic norms, saying that such practice will never serve anyone any good purpose.
It stated that a staunch member of TOP, Mr. Tunde Boladale was invited on Wednesday and detained from 12 noon till noonday on Thursday on a matter in connection with his membership of the caucus and refusal to denounce it as allegedly demanded by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Yemi Lawal at a meeting.
The press statement reads: “The Osun Progressives (TOP) condemns the systematic attempt to intimidate its members with state security apparatuses by some government officials.
“We note with sadness that democratic norms are being violated by this tendency and we state that it will never serve anyone with good purpose.
“A staunch member of The Osun Progressives, Mr. Tunde Boladale was held at the office of State Security Service (SSS) where he had reported from 12noon on Wednesday, till noon yesterday based on invitation by the State Director.
“It is rather unfortunate that a situation like this is happening to a member of APC, who just concluded his service to his local government, Isokan, as a councillor.
“Mr. Boladale had been invited to a meeting by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Yemi Lawal, who hailed from the same local government, where he directed him to renounce his membership of The Osun Progressives (TOP).
“Boladale however refused, saying that since Lawal will not renounce his association with Otunba Omisore, who brought him from SDP to APC, he cannot renounce his relationship with Aregbesola.
“The next thing was the invitation by the Director of
SSS, where he was alleged to have made some statements against the Governor and asked about his membership of the TOP.
“While denying making any statement against the Governor, Boladale affirmed his membership of TOP and unalloyed loyalty to Aregbesola, who he said did a lot of good things that he appreciates.
“The Osun Progressives (TOP) condemn in strong terms, the persecution of Boladale for holding views and the assault on his freedom of association.
“Indeed, we consider such steps as anti-democratic and a serious negation of the provisions of the Constitution.
“We note that the invitation of the SSS was premature and unnecessary as a report made to them much earlier of a state commissioner vomiting verbal assault in a video has not attracted their attention till now.
“We smell bias and bad faith in the prompt invitation and detention of Boladale as an example of what to expect from the SSS by anybody with opposing views to the present government.”
Boladale was eventually released around 3pm yesterday from the DSS custody.
Yusuf Oketola & Kazeem Badmus
Niyi Olasinde
system is moral principle or standard of behaviour; it is a person’s basic attitudes, beliefs, or feelings in relations to a particular subject or issue. Values have to do with preferences in relations with appropriate courses of action which reflect a person sense of right and wrong or what ought to be. Values influence attitudes and behaviour. In Yoruba parlance, it is called Omoluabi ethos. According to Wikipedia, “An Omoluabi is a person of honour who believes in hardwork, respects the rights of others, and gives to the community in deeds and in action. Above all, an Omoluabi is a person of integrity. The Omoluabi concept is an adjectival Yoruba phrase, which has the words - “omo+ti+olu-iwa+bi” as its components.”
For about 3 decades after Nigeria’s independence (1960 till 1990), our value system was optimally operational. Money was proceed of labour, productivity and services rendered. Right from the secondary school, a child was being moulded and prepared for what he/she intended to study and become in life so as to fulfil his/her ambition and become responsible to himself/herself and the society. For children who were not academically inclined, they were given choices of artisanship they intended engaging.There were peace, tranquillity, and reasonable progress in the society and social relations. In the farm areas, farm produce would be displayed along footpaths for whoever wanted to buy while the owner-farmer would be busy cultivating on the farm. The intended buyer would pick the produce and drop money as signified by the farmer. On his way home after work, the farmer would simply pick his money. At that time, the buyer did the needful without police surveillance or CCTV Camera watching him/her. It was simply an Omoluabi ethos!
Under this milieu, the ruling elite were having their personal privileges and allowances, they were not so reckless. They made efforts to provide some basic amenities for the populace like free education, especially in the South-West Nigeria, potable water, relatively stable and affordable electricity, healthcare, etc. They invested in people and infrastructures. All these created enabling environment for private sectors and multinationals to thrive who engaged young school leavers from high and higher schools. Meanwhile, the government at all levels also engaged the people.
In that era, there were no high fences and fence wires around homes and houses. People could sleep with their two eyes closed. Although, there were some selected cases of crime and criminality, they were exceptions and never the rule as we have it today.
The ruling elite attitude and orientation changed, especially from the 1990s, which gradually but steadily eroded our value system. Apart from their refusal to invest in people and infrastructures like their forebears, the contemporary ruling elite have divested and sold to themselves and their cronies our collective assets and infrastructures under the guise of privatisation and commercialisation. They started with the slogan, “Government has no business in business.” They systematically ran and are still running aground all public assets and institutions. Very soon, instead of building more private universities, they will start selling off the public universities via Private Sector Participation (PSP). After all, according to them, government alone cannot fund education and the ASUU wahala is too much in demanding adequate funding of the universities, prompt payment of salaries and allowances among several, which have always made ASUU to be at logger-
Cancellation Of Hajj: Osun Begins Refunding Intending Muslim Pilgrims Page 7 News
Where Is Our Value System?
heads with the government. Although, COVID-19 struck a major blow to every system, for most part of 2020, ASUU was on strike to demand the aforesaid.
This systematic approach of selling off assets, discouraging production and productivity, refusal to diversify economy and reliance on oil and gas money alone, stealing money appropriated for development with impunity among several scandals have created a huge vacuum that the present ruling elite cannot fill. Most hitherto multinationals and private establishments that used to engage the youth have evaporated as enabling environment no longer exists like constant and affordable electricity among other infrastructures which have made incurred overhead cost prohibitive and forced them to relocate to neighbouring Ghana. Textile which used to be second employer of labour after government is a shadow of its old self now.
With high rate of unemployment and poverty, our value system started to fade away. For everybody from the ruling elite at
“ “
With high rate of unemployment and poverty, our value system started to fade away. For everybody from the ruling elite at the top to the last poor man/woman on the street, the slogan is, “Next to money is money.”
the top to the last poor man/woman on the street, the slogan is, “Next to money is money.” Money is no more earned for work or services rendered. Everybody uses whatever he/she has to crudely get money. Nobody is committed to anything of value again. Very few young people who are privileged to be employed into federal or state government institutions like Police, Army, Civil Defence, etc are not really committed to the fatherland. All is about struggle for an opportunity to make money! Teachers in the universities are no longer committed to learning and culture,
hence, sex for marks. There have been several reported cases of ritual killings; mothers selling their children for money.
The Nigeria Pledge, written by Felicia Adeola in 1976, usually recited after the National Anthem is an enough orientation piece:
“I pledge to Nigeria my Country
To be faithful, loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honour and glory
So help me God.”
Could we confidently state that this pledge is being honoured by Nigerians, especially the security agents, ruling elite and civil servants? The unfortunate answer is NO!
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), founded in 1993 with the task of communicating government policies and promotion of patriotism, among others, seems to be docile.
Meanwhile, the collapse of value is the catalyst of indecency, crimes and criminality. How do we explain a father deflowering his own teenage daughter and impregnating her? This incest has become a regular phenomenon in our land. How do you explain daily kidnapping of people for ransom? Hunger is looming as farmers could no longer go to farm anymore for fear of herdsmen and kidnappers. The trouble is getting out of hand and the present ruling elite who are culprits have no capacity to solving it. It is high time we had a genuine party of the people that can wrestle power from the present thieving ruling elite and inject a new system that will invest in people and infrastructure with reorienting our people to attaining peace and posterity for us individually and collectively. This is the ultimate way out of this logjam.
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
For Democratic Hygiene In Osun And Everywhere
INthe immediate previous edition, Striker wondered why doing the apparent - simply doing the right things - has become rocket science for the political elites. In the course of the week, the President and the Presidency have further confounded that astonishment with controversial statements and actions that are outmoded, disuniting and are far from visionary and innovative. With the “progressive” All Progressives Congress, therefore, the national bewilderment on making right choices continues unmitigated.
A Presidential focus on reinventing grazing routes for cows in an age when nations have stations and satellites in space, their flags on the moon and their explorer spacecrafts already cruising beyond the solar system, is indeed extremely disconcerting. If you are a member of a family that produces one of the highest tonnes of cassava in the world but all they do is sell off all the cassava, collect cash and go around the world looking for where to buy gari, fufu and starch for the family (and complaining about the rising costs of those items, which have existential values for them), you must be abnormal to believe your family heads are normal!
If these aberrations were limited to the economy, there might be hope that someday a democratic and successful change in leadership will engender return to sanity; but when the abnormalities diffuse into the democratic system, there is cause for worry indeed because the final hope for dignified life is under democracy, which guarantees that govern-
ment will always be constituted by the will of the majority, guaranteeing, in turn, the Rule of Law, freedom, equal rights and justice. Distortion of the democratic system and resistance against democratic best practices and innovations is fast becoming modus operandi of many “progressive” state actors from whom it is least expected. It has manifested in Lagos State during recent Council primary elections, crept into Ekiti, shown up in Kwara and reared its ugly head in the State of Osun of all places! For Osun, the signs of wholesale misunderstanding of democracy and “continuity” government have become apparent since.
For one, during the APC Primaries campaigns and the Gubernatorial campaigns, one of Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s wellremembered statements as reasons for being the best man for the job is that there is none of the success stories of the outgoing Rauf Aregbesola administration that he was not directly associated with in conception and translation, every one passing through his table and scrutiny: that he is not only an InMan but the engine room. In retrospect, and with today’s realities that are open secrets in the public domains, what should political observers make of that “continuity?”
For another, there is clearly a manifest misunderstanding of internal party democratic processes, always stated in party constitutions not only in APC but in all parties in democratic system worldwide. Be it on issues or candidacy, before the final choice
of the party - through consensus or majority vote - differences in views and choices are permitted within the party; but when the choice is finally made, all must conform. If political parties always seek to woo and admit defectors from other parties that openly contested against them in general elections, how then would any party treat members with differing views - in the process leading to the party’s final choices - as rebels to be permanently alienated and persecuted, when they not only have proven records of acceptance of party choice but active work for its triumph?
Undemocratic methods and dispositions are danger to democracy within every political party and worse so in progressive political parties. Conservative or progressive, caucuses within are permitted and are permanent features of party politics from Russia to America. Democrats in Nigeria have to shed their oligarchic heritage and the hangover of military rule, and embrace democracy as a culture. Democracy is a number-game in order to be in majority – and the numbers are made up, for successes in contests, through discussions, debates, consultations, lobby, concessions, accommodation, generousity and outreach; not alienation, vindictiveness, persecution, manipulations, strong-hand tactics, self-centredness, impositions and meanness. For the survival of democracy in these delicately-tense times, time is now for democratic hygiene; here, there and everywhere.
UTHMAN, Telephone: 0805-121-2204, usmanismail001@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefemder@yahoo.com
