Osun Defender Online Version of February 12, 2021

‘Yahoo Boys’ Panic As EFCC Arrests 10 Suspects In Osun

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021 VOL 16 NO 05

Aregbesola Passionate About Awolowo’s Ideology, Yoruba, Youth Devt. - Aide Page 2

OAUTHC Cures 101-YrOld COVID-19 Patient Page 4

Woman Will Soon Be Nigeria’s President - Folasade Olujide, Osun PYW Coordinator

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Sports Enthusiasts Remember Ogunjobi 2 Yrs After Death

Absconded OSPOLY Student Gambles With Union’s N270, 000

Back Page

Erin-Osun, Ilobu Residents Still In Fear After Peace Accord Page 2

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The Life And Times Of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande (1929 - 2021)

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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News

Erin-Osun, Ilobu Residents Still In Fear After Peace Accord

By Ismaeel Uthman & Solomon Odeniyi

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HERE was still tension and palpable fear in Erin-Osun and Ilobu after the peace accord reached by the traditional rulers of the two towns, Oba Yusuf Omoloye, Oyagbodun II and Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan II, following the deadly communal clash between their subjects last Saturday.

Obas Omoloye and Olaniyan, including the Olufon of Ifon-Orolu, Oba Almaroof Magbagbeola, Olumoyero II and other chieftains of the towns signed a peace accord with the Police and the State Government on Monday in Osogbo, after meeting the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wale Olokode.

However, Residents of the two communities were on the alert, vigilant and suspicious of perceived reprisal attacks, after the relaxation of the 24-hour curfew declared by the State Government to restore law and order in the towns on Tuesday.

OSUN DEFENDER visited the communities

on Wednesday and yesterday and noted that the youths of the communities were still much agitated and hostile to strange faces in their various environments.

Soldiers and mobile policemen were stationed at strategic places in both Ilobu and ErinOsun. The popular Ojutu bridge was manned by soldiers and policemen with Armoured Person-

nel Carriers.

Passengers of minicommercial buses, known as Korope and those of commercial motorcycles were asked to walk through the security checkpoints with their hands up.

Wreckages of burnt movable and immovable properties were seen on the roads and by the roadsides.

It was noted that

normal life and activities were yet to take off, as sizeable number of residents of the communities, who had been repelled out of town during the hot crisis, were yet to return to their various houses.

Human and vehicular movements were so scanty on the roads in both Ilobu and Erin-Osun.

There was still palpa-

The Governor State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; his wife, Kafayat; Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu in company of Osun Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo and others at the swearing-in event of the new President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Wasiu Akanbi in Osogbo on Wednesday.

ble fear on the faces of the people, as they were afraid of the unexpected.

But semblance of peace has returned to both communities, not minding mutual suspicion that permeated the atmosphere.

Cause Of The Crisis Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the communal clash was as a result of an ongoing Enumeration Area Demarcation in Erin-Osun and Ilobu by the National Population Commission.

According to verified reports, officials of the NPC in the State of Osun had visited Ireakari and Ahoro Afin areas being claimed by both Ilobu and Erins-Osun for the purpose of demarcating landed properties ahead of approaching physical head-count exercise of the commission.

It was gathered that crisis engulfed the exercise when residents of the area, who are majorly Ilobu indigenes, insisted that their landed properties could not be marked as part of Erin-Osun.

The disagreement, according to reports, de-

Aregbesola Passionate About Awolowo’s Ideology, Yoruba, Youth Development - Aide

By Sodiq Yusuf

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IGERIA’S Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has been described as a politician that is passionate about the development of Yoruba race and the growth of the youths.

Aregbesola, the immediate past governor of the State of Osun, was equally commended for his innovative programmes, aimed at promoting intellectualism and restoration of Yoruba values.

The Director of Protocols to the Minister, Barr.

Abiodun Tiamiyu, gave the commendation while handing over a complete set of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s books to the Awolowo Centre for Philosophy and Ideology, Osogbo on Monday, on behalf of the former governor.

According to Tiamiyu, Aregbesola is so much in love with intellectual development; hence his decision to set up the centre for promotion of progressive ideology, Yoruba ethos and values and reorientation of Nigerian youths for desired growth.

He said: “Aregbesola

is a man that has passion for intellectual development, societal growth and youth development.

He is passionate about the progress of the Yoruba race and Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s ideology.

“The idea of the Minister on the centre was

born out of the fact that he realized that there is a missing link between the past and the present.

That is why he feels that with this centre in place, it is an opportunity to go back to where we got it wrong and have a fresh plan.

“When he was leaving office as governor of the

State of Osun, Aregbesola did not give his cabinet members any money. Instead, this package of the books of Awolowo was handed over to them, and what was the message behind that? It simply means: “You have been a team of Aregbesola, go and study these books at your leisure time, study

Symbol’s Quote

“Moral discipline is as important, if not more important, than physical discipline. You must be disciplined at all times. Just as you tone your muscles to be physically fit, you must also tone your mind to be morally fit at all times.”

what he has conceptualized, study what progressivism stands for and Awolowo’s ideology too.

“What is in the complete set? Chief Obafemi Awolowo published 16 books. And Aregbesola ensured that all the books were reproduced, and each time we have visitors from the West and among Yoruba leaders, we usually give them the complete set of Awolowo’s book. That is part of what endeared him to the West.”

Speaking further, Tiamiyu said there is need to bridge the gap between the past and the present in terms of intellectual development through reading and promotion of Yoruba values, saying that the society began to degenerate when reading culture, Omoluabi ethos and hardwork lost their values.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of Awolowo Centre for Philosophy and Ideology, Mr. Tope Mustapha commended Aregbesola for his moral support to the centre, just as he solicited for more assistance from the minister.

Mustapha stated that the centre is committed to promoting Awolowo’s ideology, intellectual development and progressive ideals.

generated into physical assault and pandemonium ensued afterwards.

Investigations by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that a family from Ifon originally owned the land before it was ceded to Erin-Osun by the State Government, based on the recommendations of an Administrative Committee into the Boundary Disputes among Erin-Osun, Ifon and Ilobu Communities in 2014.

The government’s gazette and reports of the committee is now a subject of litigation as the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Almaroof Adekunle Magbagbeola has challenged it in court.

Judgment was delivered on the Olufon’s suit registered HOS/40/2015 at an Osogbo High Court on July 13, 2018, by Justice W.O. Akanbi, who upheld the report of the committee and refused to declare it as unconstitutional, null and void against the plaintiff’s prayer.

However, Olufon has appealed the verdict and the suit is pending at the Appeal Court, Akure, Ondo State.

NPC’s Statement Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER in an interview, the State Director of the National Population Commission, Pastor Bayo Adejobi said the agency had no hand in the communal clash that erupted in Erin-Osun and Ilobu.

According to Adejobi, the commission had series of meetings with the three communities; and all gave it assurances of peace and security before embarking on the demarcation exercise.

Adejobi said: “We are not responsible for the communal clash, although we were there to do demarcation which is being done across the state and the country at large. We recently had a successful exercise in communities in Ife East and Central before moving down there.

“Ours is not to take sides with anybody. We would go there and mark it as a disputed area; it would not be counted for either of the communities, that is the standard.

Theirs is not between local governments, it is within. The two communities could attest to the fact that we did everything to ensure peace is not breached.

We held about three meetings with them three weeks before the exercise Continued on page 6

PEOPLE FIRST

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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By Niyi Olasinde

LG Caretaker Illegal

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EPRESENTATIVE government is the hallmark of democracy. In Nigeria, local government was instituted, pursuant to achieving this, even at the most remote segment of the society. This tier of government is the closest to the people.

Prior to the Local Government Reforms of 1976, administration at this level took various disuniform structures across parts of the federation. Never, before that year, did the local government administration assume a level of high conceptualisation as the reforms imbued in it. This gave credence to what we have today.

Down the line of history, standards set had it that appointment into political offices at this level should come through elections, which, initially were scheduled to hold at intervals of 4 years. The reforms, a creation of military government, suffered implementation setbacks, especially in areas of appointments of headship into its successive governments as the military junta appointed members into the council as it chose. Thus, we had at its head at several times, chairmen, caretaker chairmen, sole administrators and the likes at its beck and call.

Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, elections have become sine qua non to having cabinets in place at this level. However, further reforms reduced the term of governance to 3 years while elections are to be conducted by electoral bodies set up by state governments, referred to in the suffix ‘SIEC’, i.e.

State Independent Electoral Commission. These are facts backed up by appropriate sections of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended.

Unfortunately, aberrations have almost completely displaced these constitutional provisions, such that in most places, state governments from time to time stage-manage elections or even manipulate events such that instead of elections, selections carry the day. Opposition parties “Aberrations have almost completeworsen matters through liti- ly displaced these constitutional gations, which their inconclusive nature scarcely allows for provisions, such that in most places, elections into this vital tier of state governments from time to time government. In all, subsist- stage-manage elections or even maing judgment of the Supreme nipulate events such that instead of Court has finally pronounced caretaker administration ille- elections, selections carry the day” gal and unconstitutional.

Recent developments in the State of Osun saw us nosediving from known high standards and reputable pace-setting traditions, especially the strides and feats recorded in years back, when a model elective parliamentary system was introduced, following the creation of more Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs) and Area Offices (AOs), bringing the total number of councils to 67. The best tradition, which aligns with democratic ideals, was the conduct of elections, the like of which saw the light of day on January 27, 2018. Any arrangement falling short of this will work contrary to best democratic ethos of the progressives. We should not stoop that low.

As one good turn deserves another, the elections under reference, which produced the local government parliamentarians whose tenure just expired, deserve continuous replication. Though criticised popularly for lacklustre tenure and apparent lack of political willpower, the tenure was rancour-free and the manner of emergence of functionaries far less strenuous, less expensive and very easy to manage.

At best, and in copious fulfilment of his promises during the inaugural meeting held with council managers, holding the fort as helmsmen over local government structures in the state, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is urged to make the period of interregnum, during which the civil servant appointees and/or any other caretaker managers will hold sway brief. At the expiration of their unconstitutional stay, they should be replaced with duly elected parliamentarians, in the best elective traditions, in tandem with the Republican Constitution of 1963.

The National Assembly should choose the path of virtue: offering the very best to the Nigerian public by embracing options that will serve its best interests; reverting us to that Republican order, especially at the local level, is best for all time.

Above all, all encumbrances obstructing smooth transition at the grassroots level could be conveniently swung overboard if conduct of elections into that level of governance is reverted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and if the system is made parliamentary, leading to the emergence of a collection of equals, among which a chairman eventually emerges.

This is the clear, right and legal way out of the current doldrums.

Akinrun’s Impactful Reign (1990-2021) NIYI OLASINDE reviews the contributions of late Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Abdulrauf Olayiwola Olawale, Adedeji II in his lifetime.

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PON his ascension to the throne on spects.

July 5 1990, the most pressing task Upon at hand, which had been pursu- the creaant since the time of his predecessor, Oba tion of Lawani Atoyebi Adeyemi Oyejola (1945- L C D A s 1989), was the creation of a state with the and Area status and identity of Osun. This noble O f f i c e s , cause, which came to fruition almost ex- I k i r u n , actly a year into his reign, formed the acid u n d e r test for his royal status. He threw himself Oba Olaat it and other progressive causes with all w a l e might and mains. n e v e r The foregoing defines the life and times lagged, as of the departed royal father of Ikirun, the it got its headquarters of Ifelodun Local Govern- fair share ment of the State of Osun, Oba Abdulrauf, in the Olayiwola Olawale, Adedeji II, who, till b a r g a i n . Thanks to the Rauf Aregbesola breathing his last on Wednesday, Febru- administration. ary 3, 2021 lived, exerted and worked out As at the time of his installation/ the best for his people, his domains and coronation, Ikirun was begging for exthe State of Osun throughout his glorious pression as zonal head in the full context. reign, spanning almost 31 years.

He brought this to fruition through his ‘Baba Akinrun’, as he was fondly ad- impressive, eventful reign. Oba Olawale dressed, epitomised the best traditions brought developments to Ikirun and enviof the royal institution. Bold, pungent, rons via his visionary and accommodating practical and pugnacious, the liege lord gaits. The number of government establishtowered prominently and earned respect ments and institutions multiplied during his of state and local helmsmen; national reign. Some of the federal establishments and international movers and shakers, as that either got instituted outright or got uphis reign witnessed “Oba Olawale brought de- graded are the Fedswitches across syseral Government Coltems: military and velopments to Ikirun and en- lege, the State of Osun civilian. Barely a year virons via his visionary and School of Science, the before his ascension, Federal High Court, Bórípé was severed accommodating gaits. ” upgraded State Hosout of Ifelodun LGA, pital and the federal the duo becoming vibrant councils in the security and paramilitary apparatuses, all of 42-structure old Oyo State LGA system. which got their offices and services upscaled The two councils formed two solid first in the zonal headquarters during the time of generation LGAs in the new State of Osun, the late monarch. Aside this, trade and comemerging through the 1991 state creation. merce thrived, private institutions increased By political delineation in Osun Central, in number, while religious institutions grew Baba’s domain of jurisdiction became the in leaps and bounds. On the whole, peace headquarters of the Ifelodun/Bórípé/ and tranquility became a creed all through Òdò-Otin (IBO) Federal Constituency; Oba Olawale’s reign. and zonal headquarters in many other reRoads and other infrastructure in Ikirun and environs got a touch of rejuvenation under his reign. New roads were opened and paved. The famous and prestigious Akinorun Grammar School became totally overhauled and revamped through the progressive and dynamic drives of this great king.

Secondary educational institution ceased to be the pinnacle, as a faith-based private university, in the order of Islam, was in the offing before Papa’s translation.

As a former banker, it is impressive to put on note how financial institutions multiplied in Ikirun under his reign, even when many communities were losing bank branches to recapitalOSUN DEFENDER IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OTHER NEWSPAPER, isation! A cog in the wheel MAGAZINE OR ANY PUBLICATION WHATSOEVER Continued on page 7

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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News

Osun 2022: Oyetola’s Second Term Posters Spotted In Osogbo

By Solomon Odeniyi

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osters canvassing votes for the incumbent Governor of the State of Osun, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola for 2022 Gubernatorial Elections have surfaced in some areas in Osogbo, the state capital.

Our Reporter sighted the posters pasted directly opposite the Government House, Oke-Fia and under the November 27 Interchange, along Abere, on Osogbo/Gbongan/Ibadan

Expressway.

The posters read “continuity 2022, Gboyega Oyetola for second time” instead of ‘Continuity 2022, Gboyega Oyetola for Second Term”.

Though the governor has not declared his second term ambition, his loyalists and supporters have been canvassing for his return in 2022.

Oyetola won the September 2018 Gubernatorial Elections with slim margin and his first term in office will end on November 27, 2022.

OAUTHC Cures 101-Yr-Old COVID-19 Patient

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HE Chief Medical Director of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) Ile-Ife, Prof. Victor Adetiloye, has disclosed that the institution had successfully treated a 101-yearold COVID-19 patient.

According to Adetiloye who spoke with newsmen yesterday in Ife, the centenarian, a woman was the first aged person to survive the virus.

Adetiloye said it has never happened in Nigeria that a Coronavirus patient of that age survived the infection.

The CMD stated that adults of any age with cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, down syndrome, heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies ailment are at high risk of severe illness from the virus.

He said the hospital had treated 120 COVID-19 patients without casu-

alty since the second wave started till date.

On how the aged woman, (name withheld) was cured, the CMD explained that: “This woman was admitted and treated at the private hospital for malaria, but when the condition worsened, she was screened for COVID-19 and tested positive and she was later referred to our isolation centre.

“She was in a state of comma, placed on oxygen when she was admitted, but thank God for our professionals that successfully revived her.

“The woman was admitted on January 30 and discharged on February 10, which means she spent 11-day at the hospital and went home alive.

“If you see this aged mother, after discharge, she was so excited, singing, dancing and praying for the staff with her children because all hope has been lost on her.”

‘Yahoo Boys’ Panic As EFCC Arrests 10 Suspects In Osun

By Ismaeel Uthman

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ALPABLE fear has gripped some of the internet fraudsters known as ‘Yahoo Boys’ in Osun, following a tactical operation on them by the Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC on Tuesday raided Ilesa and arrested 10 young men suspected to be internet fraudsters.

The arrested suspects

are: Oyesoji Tosin, Olaniyi Emmanuel, Samson Ojo, Sodiq Sunkanmi, Kolawole Abiodun, Oluwole Gbenga, Olajuyigbe Olamide, Oyebanji Olabisi Temitope, Ayoola Oluwafemi and Oluwatobiloba Gbadamosi.

Spokesperson of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspects were arrested after series of surveillance, based on intelligence on their alleged criminal activities.

Items recovered from the suspects, according to

Uwujaren, include seven cars, laptop computers, mobile phones, and several documents containing false pretences.

He said the suspects have made useful statements and will soon be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

However, the development has sent jilters down the spine of the ‘yahoo boys’, as some of them have gone into hiding in Osogbo.

Though, the suspected internet fraudsters protested

the arrest of their colleagues on Tuesday in Ilesa, they have all gone underground for fear of fresh raid by the EFCC, according to credible sources.

There seems to be a consistent raid on the suspected internet fraudsters by the EFFCC since 2019 in Osogbo.

According to available records, the anti-graft agency has recorded success in the prosecution and conviction of some of the arrested suspects.

Crime

Absconded OSPOLY Student Gambles With Union’s N270, 000

By Yusuf Oketola

A

Higher National Diploma 1 Student of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Adewunmi Oluwatobi, whose colleagues declared missing last week, has reportedly confessed to absconding with the Students’ Union Government’s money in his custody.

Oluwatobi, who served as General Secretary of Independent Student Electoral Commission (ISEC) of the institution in the just-concluded January 27, 2021 SUG election, was accused of running away with a sum of N300, 000, being the remaining sum with him after the poll.

However, Oluwatobi was said to have put a phone call to his colleagues from his hideout.

In a voice note message sent to the ISEC Chairman, Abidemi Oladapo and made available to OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, Oluwatobi pleaded with the students to forgive him for his action.

He stated in the voice message that he used the students’ money in his possession to gamble without any positive return and he was afraid of telling the students.

Oluwatobi, a student of Electrical Engineering was also the Governor of his class before

he reportedly absconded.

The medium gathered that

Oluwatobi has missed seven papers since the beginning of

the ongoing Second Semester Examination.

Police Arraign 45-Yr-Old Rice Supplier For Alleged N2.31m Scam

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OLICE authorities in the State of Osun have arraigned a 45-year-old man, Elijah Olanrewaju before an Osun State magistrate’s court in Osogbo over N2,031,000 rice scam.

Olanrewaju, according to the charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, fraudulently obtained the sum of N2, 031,000 from one Mrs. Kudirat Akande, under pretence of supplying her 73 bags of rice.

Police prosecutor, Mr. Idoko John, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence between the months of September and October 2016 in Osogbo.

Idoko said the alleged offence

Olokode

contravened Sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

But, Olanrewaju pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of fraud and stealing leveled against him.

Defence Counsel, Mrs. B.Y Dada prayed the court to admit the suspect to bail on a most liberal term, promising that reliable and credible surety would stand for him if admitted to bail.

Dada informed the court that a peace meeting was on between the two parties and that the complainant would be refunded to the last kobo.

She assured the court that reasonable amount from the money will be brought to court on the next adjournment date.

However, the bail application was opposed by Idoko, the prosecutor who stated that the accused person had been on the run since he allegedly committed the offence before he was tracked down on his phone with the aid of technology.

Idoko stated that releasing the accused person on bail would jeopardize the effort of the Police,

saying justice might not prevail eventually.

However, the accused person was admitted to bail in sum of N1,000,000 and two sureties by Magistrate Ishola Omisade.

The case was adjourned till March 8, 2021 for reports of settlement.

Bricklayers Remanded For ‘Attempting To Kill 72-Yr-Old Woman’ In Ede

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WO bricklayers, Mujeem Adenle (21 yrs) and Kamilu Olagunju (21 yrs), have been remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre by an Osogbo magistrate’s court for allegedly attempting to kill a 72-yearold woman, Mrs. Fatimah Sulaimon in Ede, State of Osun.

The accused persons, who were arraigned on three-count charge of conspiracy, attempted murder and robbery, allegedly covered Sulaimon’s face with a polythene bag and choke her with while attempting to rob her of her valuables.

According to the charge

sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday, Adenle and Olagunju committed the offence on February 2, 2021, at about 12:00noon at Isosu area, Ede. Police prosecutor, Inspector Jacob Akintunde told the court that the alleged offence contravened Sections 516, 320 and 509 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

However, the defendants said they were not guilty of the offence when the charge sheet was read to them in the dock.

Defence counsel, Mr.

Sunday Abolade prayed the court to grant bail to the accused persons.

Abolade said the suspects were presumed innocent until the contrary is proven in court.

But the bail application was opposed by the prosecutor. He said the action of the accused persons could lead to the death of the septuagenarian.

However, Magistrate Ishola Omisade ordered that the suspects be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre till the next adjournment date.

The case was adjourned till March 2, 2021 for ruling on bail.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Interview

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Woman Will Soon Be Nigeria’s President - Folasade Olujide, Osun PYW Coordinator Folasade Olujide is a businesswoman and budding politician. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), she contested the position of Deputy National Youth Leader at the party’s national convention in 2018.

She currently coordinates the activities of the Progressive Young Women in the State of Osun. In this interview with OSUN DEFENDER, she speaks on the role of young women in politics and nation-building.

Excerpts:

T

ell us the idea behind Progressive Young Women?

Progressive Young Women is a group made up of young women within the largest party in Africa, the All Progressives Congress. The movement, as the name implies, is a convergence of young and vibrant women in the party who seek to enhance the participation of women, especially those of us who are up-starters, in politics. We are out to awaken the consciousness of young women on the importance of their role in societal development, so as to make them see reasons why they need to contribute their quotas to the development of our great nation, through involvement in political process.

As I said earlier, women are vital in politics. The older generation of women politicians has done a lot of work regarding promotion of women’s political inclusion; as youngsters full of energy, we can also add to what they have achieved.

There is no gainsaying the fact that young people will surely take over the mantle of leadership of this nation someday. This is why it is of immense importance that we have young women across all fields in politics. We want to show them that they can also join us and add value to the system. Young women in our country are successful, resourceful, brilliant, intelligent and savvy. We hope they can bring into the political space their noble ideas for the betterment of our fatherland.

What does it take to be a part of the Progressive Young Women?

It is simple. Anybody that wants to join the group should take part in the ongoing membership registration cum revalidation exercise of the All Progressives Congress in her ward and join us. Very soon, we will make public our contact platforms for the group in the state so as to enable direct contact.

Are you satisfied with the current rate of women inclusion in governance?

We had been grappling with the challenge of low representation of the womenfolk in governance long before the APC took over at the centre. Presently, we have more women holding key positions in the federal cabinet and even at the state level. Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the State of Osun believes so much in our ability to perform and even do better than our male counterparts. There is, however, always room for improvement.

There is this perception that politics is a game for men. Do you think there is room for the womenfolk to fulfill their potentials in politics in the face of the male domination?

Yes. Politics is not a tea party, but I must say that the womenfolk can always fulfill their potentials in politics. We now have quite a number of women as local government chairmen, commissioners, appointees, ministers and so on. There is nothing hindering anyone from reaching her zenith if you play the game by its rules and you are committed to the cause. It is a fact that women are always subjected to all forms of challenges, but it is very

possible for all women to attain their political goals if they are dedicated, loyal and resilient.

Aside canvassing for young women to join the APC, what other advocacies do you do?

We are poised to help young women develop the skills required to excel in politics and in life generally. We will also educate even older women on the imperatives of political participation. We will work hard to ensure that women benefit in no small measure from initiatives that will better their lots, and will play the role of providing

“ There

is no gainsaying the fact that young people will surely take over the mantle of leadership of this nation someday. This is why it is of immense importance that we have young women across all fields in politics

”

the required support to our leaders, both male and female.

Osun is a state with large population in the rural areas, how are you planning to extend this to the grassroots?

We are surely working on that.

Very soon, our advocacy will be taken to rural communities across the state serving as an avenue for them to be aware about the group.

We are looking to get this done in the shortest possible time.

What is your advice for young women; especially those who seek to participate in politics but are exercising restrain?

There is the need for young women to be in politics. We cannot sit in our homes, offices and places of business condemning those in power without trying to contribute to nation-building. We should stand up and rise as young women to take our rightful place in the scheme of things by joining the party en-masse and demanding more women inclusion in governance, as well as join hands with the leadership of the country to move our society forward.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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N the Name of Allah, The Entirely- Merciful, The Especially-Merciful. All praise due to Allah, Who has chosen for us Islam as our religion. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His Messenger, His household and companions. O Brethren!

The golden period of Islamic history fell within the first three generations of the Islamic era, namely: the Prophetic/Companions’ era, the eras of Taabi’een (the followers) and Taabi it Taabi’een (followers of the followers) respectively. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The best people are those living in my generation.

And then those who will follow them, and those who

Religion

JUMAT SERMON By Imam Ibrahim Raji Oladejo

will come after the latter.” Though, the foundation of Islam had been solidly laid during the lifetime of the Prophet (SAW) as Allah confirmed in the Qur’an 5:3: “This day, I have perfected your Deen (religion) for you, completed My ni’mah (favour ) upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” A short while after that revelation, the Prophet (SAW) passed away, but not until He had raised a group of trustworthy prominent people who continued the noble cause He initiated by Allah’s command. They strove tirelessly till the glory of Islam reached the peak. They were responsible for the spread of the religion beyond Arabian Peninsula to all parts of the world. That generation and their immediate successors are commonly referred to as the “Salaf” (the predecessors), or “Salafus Saaliheen” (the righteous predecessors).

They were elites worthy of emulation. More so, the Messenger (SAW) commanded the Muslims to follow their footsteps. When he said in the Hadeeth narrated by Irbaad ibn Saariyah who said: “The messenger of Allah (SAW) delivered a sermon during which our hearts trembled and our eyes shed tears. So we said, “O Messenger of Allah! This sounds like a farewell sermon, would you counsel us please? He said: “I counsel you to have taqwa (fear) of Allah, and to listen and obey (your leaders), even if a slave were to be appointed as your Ameer (commander).

Verily he who among you lives long shall witness many discrepancies, so you should hold onto my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of Khulafa arRashideen (the rightly guided Caliphs), cling to it stubbornly. And beware of newly invented matters (in the religion), for verily every bid’ah (innovation) is misguidance”. The hadeeth was related by Tirmidhi, who said that it was a good and sound hadeeth. “Allah The Most High also commended the people of this generation thus: “Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave their Bai’a (pledge) to you (O Muhammad SAW) under the tree, He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquility) upon them, and He rewarded them with an imminent victory.”Quran 48:18.

Now that we are in the 21st century, must we be doing things exactly the way it was done in the past by the salaf? Some individuals have

Emulating The Salaf (Predecessors)? horrible opinions on matters related to this; because they do generalise and mix up things such as religious obligations with day-to-day activities and the means to carry out some obligations. To them, every act of a Muslim must unconditionally tally with that of the Salaf. Otherwise, such act is Haraam (unlawful). Of course, no part of any Islamic rituals should be altered starting from Salaat, Zakaat, Fasting during Ramadan to performing Hajj. But when it comes to the means to performing some of the above-mentioned acts, there may be no harm in doing it in a way different from that of the Salaf provided the actual Ibadah is not tempered with. In the modern time for instance, Muslims all over the world do call to prayer using loud speakers, which were not available in the past. In the ancient times, people used to either trek to the Holy Land, or ride on Camels’ back, horses and donkeys to perform Hajj, for those were the only available means of transportation then. But in these modern times, the fastest, efficient and more convenient means has been adopted owing to advancement in technology. Even though Allah The Most High said in Quran 22:27: “And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj.” Even the residents of Mecca today who live a few kilometres away from Munaa, Arafaa and Muzdalifah, the venues where the bulk of Hajj rites are duly observed, neither ride on animals nor trek. They do travel in more comfortable automobiles, talkless of foreigners from all over the world who go on pilgrimage by air. Yet all the rites of Hajj still remain the same as when the Prophet was alive, but the old means of transportation are completely obsolete. Do these means

of modern transportation enjoyed render their Hajj invalid?

Another related issue is hanging posters with Quranic calligraphy on the walls, which some people condemned outright.

That was not based on any proof from Kitab and Sunnah (Quran and Hadeeth), but the strongest proof they advanced for opposing it was that the Salaf did not do it. One wonders if these persons have ever visited the Holy Ka’bah in Mecca and seen the golden gate of the Sacred House and the black silk that covers the House and observed the various calligraphy works on them. Likewise in this direction is the Mosque of the Prophet (SAW) in Medina. We should fear Allah in our judgments and refrain from imposing our wish on others. Even The Apostle of Allah (SAW) might personally dislike some things but would never impose his wish on others. For instance, it was narrated that The Prophet (SAW) was once served a meal which contained the meat of a reptile belonging to lizard family known as “Dhabb” in Arabic. The Prophet ate the food, but declined from eating the meat; neither did he prevent others from eating it. When his host curiously asked whether it was forbidden to take it, he simply said: “this type of meat is alien to me so I personally detest it”. Nevertheless, to eat such meat is Sunnatic, for the prophet (SAW) only declined from eating it but yet sanctioned it. May we seize this opportunity to advise all our brothers when giving verdict on religious matters to be more scrupulous rather than base such verdicts on hearsay? The Prophet said: “Make things easy (for people) and avoid complicating (issues). Give good tidings (to people) and never scare them away (from Deen)”. An opinion of any Sheikh or scholar on any religious matter, no matter how great is not binding to be followed except with a sound proof from Quran or Hadeeth. Umar bin al- Khattab, the second Caliph’s opinion was once refuted by a woman; he instantly succumbed while still on the pulpit and said: “indeed, Umar has committed an error while the woman was right”. This scenario transpired when the Caliph decided to peg the bridal dowry, which he noticed was getting too high. The woman out of protest said: “Why should the Caliph attempt to limit what Allah has freely awarded women? Referring to Quran 3: 20 which implies that one can give as much as Qintaar (a huge amount of gold) as dowry.

By calculation, the worth of a Qintaar was far above the dowry Umar wanted to peg then. This story depicts how humble the past leaders were and the commitment of the followers. May Allah make it easy for us to emulate them; and may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon whom has been sent as mercy for mankind.

• Sheikh Ibrahimd Oladejo Raji, Imaam Kosemani Jum’ah Mosque, off Iwo Ibadan Road, by Adetoro Shopping Complex, Mercyland Area, Dada Estate Osogbo, Osun State. irajoladejo1951@gmail.com

Erin-Osun, Ilobu Residents...

Continued from page 2 We held about three meetings with them three weeks before the exercise proper. We emphasised on peace at these meetings and they actually assured us that there would be peace.

“We started the exercise until it took that sad turn. Three of our staff members were attacked but they are now recuperating. We hope that with the intervention of the Governor and the Commissioner of Police, they would embrace peace. “ Erin-Osun’s Comments Speaking on the matter, the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Omoloye said the clash would have been avoided, had Olobu acted appropriately, claiming that he had earlier called Oba Olaniyan to settle the disputes on the land when the crisis was brewing, before it degenerated.

According to Oba Omoloye, the disputed parcels of land belong to Erin-Osun, as contained in the gazette of the state government dated October 13, 2014,

adding that a State High Court in Osogbo had also upheld the gazette when it was challenged by the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Almaroof Adekunle Magbagbeola, as contained in the judgment of the court dated July 13, 2018.

He explained that the government ceded the land to his town and gazetted it based on the recommendations of Administrative Committee into the Boundary Disputes among Erin-Osun, Ifon and Ilobu communities.

Oba Omoloye said when the disputed land was later being sold to Ilobu people by Ifon, he objected to it, but later remained calm because of the peaceful nature of his town and the belief that Erin-Osun owns the land and whichever community owns the land owns everything on it.

The traditional ruler told the medium that peace had returned to the two communities and that they are committed to the peace accord signed with the Police and government.

However, a Prince from Olusookun royal house, who claimed to have witnessed the genesis of the crisis, Alhaji

Sulaimon Azeez, said: “When the demarcation was about to start, the Elerin had called Olobu that the land they were occupying would be counted as part of ErinOsun.

“Olobu sent four of his chiefs. Elerin did same. The delegation went to inspect the land and agreed to feed their monarchs back. Elerin was expecting Olobu’s call but the call never came. On Saturday, February 06, we proceeded to the Moje-Eweta area, alongside officials from the NPC. “We were expecting the representatives of Olobu there too, because we had requested them so there won’t be dispute.

While waiting around Sawmill area, we saw armed men numbering 25, with guns, wearing hoods. We all scampered for safety. One Mr. Fatade, a staff of NPC and one other lady with him fell and got injured.

“Before we knew what was happening, the Ilobu people had launched attack on Erin and attempted to raze the Elerin Palace, but for the timely intervention of the vigilante and hunters. It was a sudden

attack on us. They burnt out houses and killed many people.”

Ilobu’s Position Explaining his community side to the events, the Otun-Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Goke Ogunsola described the communal clash as provocation from Erin-Osun, but assured that peace have returned to both communities.

Ogunsola, in a telephone interview with OSUN DEFENDER said: “There are two communities in Ilobu. The first one is Oke-Ayepe, Ilobu; while the other one is called Ayedaade, Ilobu.

In the areas where these two communities are located, some plots of land were sold to the inhabitants of the place by the Afin family of Ifon-Osun. Those who bought parcels of land there are mainly indigenes of Ilobu. As a result of the fact that there is a dispute between Afin family of Ifon-Osun and the Olobu royal class, those who bought the land decided to repurchase it from either Afin family or Olobu’s family whenever there was crisis.

“Suddenly, on the 6th of February, 2021 around 1pm, we discovered that some gunmen went there

to chase people, mostly women away. We were at the palace then. The distress call of those women made us to send people to the place to go and check what was happening. On getting there, they discovered that the people of Erin-Osun had come to the place, shooting sporadically and in the process destroying a car and houses.

“The owner of the destroyed houses came to the palace and we appealed to them for calm; and that the matter was being handled. But they could not wait to keep witnessing further destruction of their property and as a result went back in anger.

“They took whatever they could lay their hands on and chased those people away across a river called Awesin, near the sawmill in Ilobu, back to their communities. The Erin-Osun people, who were chased out of Ayedaade and OkeAyepe, now resorted to attacking Ilobu indigenes who were coming from their farms.

“Around 8am in the morning of Sunday, when we were at the palace deliberating on how to resolve the issue ami-

cably, Ilobu people residing at Ire-Akari ran to the palace that ErinOsun people came to the area, chased them away and burnt their properties .

“It was at that moment that we could no longer put in check the emotions of our people at Ilobu. We contacted the Governor about the issue and he sent security agents who came to appeal to the youths not to engage in war against one another.”

Asked why the Ilobu and Ifon people would be laying claim to the area when the State Government had ceded the place to them, Ogunsola said: “Government cannot give what it does not have. If government wants to give the land, it will first of all acquire the land. The government has never acquired the place.

You will acquire the land and pay compensation to whoever is due to make them do whatever they want to do with it.

“However, everything they want to do must be in the interest of the public, not in the interest of a particular/ private person.

Continued on page

Sports

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

7

Sports Enthusiasts Remember Ogunjobi 2 Yrs After Death

By Solomon Odeniyi

S

PORTS enthusiasts in the country have paid glowing tributes to the late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, who died two years ago.

Ogunjobi was a former Secretary General of Nigeria Football Federation.

He passed away after a brief illness on February 11, 2019.

He was also a former Nigeria Shooting Stars player, as well as the Chairman of the State of Osun FA. Mr. Tunde Shamsudeen, media aide to the late Ogunjobi, in a statement yesterday said: “Two years ago you left this sinful world.

“I am honoured and blessed to have known and worked closely with former Secretary General

of Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi TJO. He was truly a blessing in my life and I will forever miss him.

Thank you for your exceptional kindness during your lifetime. Rest on Fiwajoye! Rest on Skippo!!”

The Head Coach, FC Dynamic Iwo, Rasaq Akinkunle said Ogunjobi remained one of the successful football administrators in the country.

Akinkunle added that his death has exposed incompetence at various football levels in the country; and most especially in the State of Osun.

He said: “The death of Chief Ogunjobi is like sudden blow of a transformer that supply electricity to multiple areas and like a sudden collapse of the popular ever-busy Niger Bridge.

Ogunjobi

“His death has exposed incompetence at various football levels in Nigeria, but most especially in the State of Osun.

“Nobody is indeed irreplaceable, but after two years, the uniqueness of TJO still makes the replacement difficult. Thus, his extraordinariness is still

making others to look ordinary.

“Continue to rest in peace Sir, our own pride, unique manager, great organiser, evergreen coordinator, men builder, exceptional administrator, destiny helper, talents discoverer, Special father to all.

“Football is still missing you just as we do on daily basis.”

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Women Professional League, Olayinka Olawole, described the late Ogunjobi as a mentor who led an impactful life.

Olawole said: “A great leader, father, boss, friend, mentor and more. Continue to rest in peace Sir. Humble to the core. You lived well and impacted a lot of lives.”

Also, the Omoluabi Giant, Osun United, in a statement by its Media Officer, Tajudeen Amodu, said the late Ogunjobi, after his service at the national level, came back to his state of origin to develop sports.

The statement reads, “The late Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), now NFF was the former President of

the Omoluabi Giants and until his death, the Chairman, the State of Osun Football Association.

“Known for his sagacity in football administration and management, the Ijesa-born icon, after serving his fatherland meritoriously between 2002-2005 berthed to his source, the State of Omoluabi, raised the bar of sports, particularly football and made Osun United a force to reckon with in Nigeria’s football community.

“The late Ogunjobi was known for his generousity and philanthropic gestures, as he assisted most of the football administrators at the helms of football affairs in Nigeria today.

“TJO, Osun United remember you today and always. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Lifestyle & Entertainment 3 Ways To Make Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Jay Z, Mary J for Rock Women Addicted To You in the grave, of work was released and Roll Hall Of Fame VEN ASING your relationship with a woman on other things late Afrobeats mu- over 40 years ago. Kate

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Fela

Adieu, Oba Olawale, Adedeji II,...

Continued on page 7 was the threat posed to this trend by incessant nefarious activities of armed robbers and bandits. The late Akinrun was almost through with putting the bank branches fully back to their feet before his supreme call of reunion with his ancestors.

Trade and commerce flourished and this reasserted Ikirun’s status as commercial hub. Notably, Monday and Thursday (Alamisi) markets sprang into existence. They both tower colossal influence till date.

In copious cognizance of his sterling contributions and impact-filled reign, the President Goodluck Jonathan PDP-led administration, during its hey-days, conferred on Oba Olawale, Adedeji II the prestigious National

Merit Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

We identify with Ikirun sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora, the kingmakers, the Olómo Obas, the Akirun-in-Council, Ifelodun Local Government and the State of Osun in mourning the monumental vacuum created by the irreparable loss of this quintessential monarch. We pray that God’s peace continue to reign supreme over his domains and our state. May God raise another goodly, progressive monarch as replacement over His people.

We wish the kind and illustrious soul of Oba Abdulrauf Olayiwola Olawale, Adedeji II, MFR an everlasting repose with Allah in Aljanna Firdaus.

sician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti continues to receive honour for his impact in the music industry.

On February 10, 2021, the Nigerian legend, Anikulapo-Kuti, alongside American stars, Jay Z and Mary J. Blige, were nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2021.

An artiste becomes eligible for nomination after 25 years of release of their bodies of work. Fela’s first body

Bush, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, New York Dolls, Dionne Warwick and more.

If Fela gets the nod, he will be the first Nigerian artiste in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. If Jay Z gets it, he will follow Hip-Hop icons like 2Pac, B.I.G, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious 5 and Run DMC in the esteemed company.

Announcements will be made in May 2021, as regards who made the cut.

Erin-Osun, Ilobu Residents...

Continued from page 6 “The families that lay claim to the land from Ifon chose to challenge the decision of the committee to seize the land from Erin Osun in court and at present, the case is at the Court of Appeal, Akure, where the appeal is still pending.”

Ogunsola also refuted the claim that the NPC officials were assaulted on the land, saying: “There was no NPC official on the land. I think the plan of the people of Erin was to scare away the population census officials. The officials were not even on ground at the site when the people came.

“There is no place called Eweta in Ilobu.

Eweta is in Orolu Local Government. There is no place called Eweta where there is dispute between Ilobu and Erin Osun.”

Asked how true was Elerin’s claim that he called Olobu to intervene on the matter before it degenerated, Ogunsola said: “It is an insult on Ilobu people for Erin or Elerin to say that its own part of Ilobu should be demarcated to Erin-Osun. The whole land called ErinOsun today was ceded

by Olobu to Elerin of Erin Osun. It is an insult on us for Elerin to call on Olobu that a part of Ilobu should be demarcated in favour of Erin Osun.”

B

without these three factors is like fishing in shallow waters.

What do women really want?

Women like to be pampered and valued and respected and treated right and fairly.

At the core of many women is the need for deep emotional intimacy, something true, and genuine. Once they achieve this level of intimacy, they become hooked to you, mad over you.

And below are three more things you need to achieve this: 1. Confidence Nothing looks as sexy on a man as confidence. An undeniable swagger and an aura proceeds from you and commands respect and admiration.

There is a thin line between this and pompousity and only a very few know how to sublimely maneuvre that line.

The moment you are able to perfect this and you become able to converse, carry yourself and relate in this manner, best believe it; women would be stuck to you like steel to a magnet.

2. Loyalty Everyone knows how hard it is to locate loyalty these days, especially in men and for this reason, if you can project a charisma and back it up with loyalty and unfaithfulness to stick with her exclusively, she’ll be locked down with you, man, best believe that.

Women are more trusting; often willing to love with the whole of what they’ve got and loyalty is one of the things that assures them that they are not mistaken in giving you the whole of themselves.

Once they can ascertain that, the likelihood that they’ll leave is pretty low.

3. Super Sex Some might want to argue with the validity of this, but it is every bit solid as the other two points above.

If amazing, spine-tingling sex is added to your confidence and loyalty, the formula becomes complete and she’ll be addicted to you like crack.

While some might argue that wealth might be a better substitute for one of these three points, all you need do is look around you and see the number of people who aren’t rich but are stuck together in real love.

That tells you that wealth or lack of it does not really weigh on the hearts of women when they’re truly, really falling in love.

CHANGE OF NAME

LESHI ADEBUKOLA TOLUWALASE That I was formerly known and addressed as AJIBADE ADEBUKOLA COMFORT now wish to be known and addressed as LESHI ADEBUKOLA TOLUWALASE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ISSN : 0794 - 8050

Crime

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

VOL. 16 NO 05 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

Bricklayers Remanded For ‘Attempting To Kill 72-YrOld Woman’ In Ede Page 4

Tributes

Jakande Takes His Blissful Bow

The Glorious Exit Of A Progressive Monarch

Erin wo, ajanaku sun bi oke, Akinrun lo!

T is with a heavy heart and much sadness that I receive the news of the transition of the Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdulrauf Adewale Adedeji II, on Wednesday.

Oba Adedeji ascended the throne of his fathers in 1991 and his rein brought significant progress to Ikirun. He was well loved by all his subjects at home and abroad.

As a king he conducted himself with dignity and honour befitting his office and promoted Yoruba culture and tradition.

Though a monarch, he was a thorough progressive. He wore his progressive identity with pride and never wavered in his support for the progressives.

He was one of our strongest allies since my emergence in 2004, before I became governor and for the eight years I was in the saddle. Even till he breathed his last, he continued to support the progressive government in Osun. He was a rare breed monarch whose position is well assured in the pantheon of progressive monarchs.

He was particularly committed to our victory and was involved in mobilising Osun indigenes outside the state, especially in Ondo State and was unrelenting in his effort, until victory came our way. His support for the progressive cause was so total that at the peak of the June 12 struggle, he risked everything to confer a chieftaincy title, Yeyeoba of Ikirun, on Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the mother of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at a time he could have been dethroned by the military government for being so audacious to romance with elements consid-

I

In remembrance of progressives in times past.

A

CKNOWLEDGEMENT by Staff and Management of Moremi Publishing House, publishers of OSUN DEFENDER titles in honour of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, First Civilian Governor Of Lagos State And A Progressive Icon as he joins the Saints Triumphant.

‘Baba Kekere’, as Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande (1929 - 2021) was endearingly called, has gone to the ages. His was a worthy life of dogged principles.

Throughout, he remained faithful to the tenets of progressive intervention, egalitarianism, democracy and social justice. It is actually the diminishing of the progressive ideals in today’s society that we must lament with nostalgic feelings as we celebrate a life of outstanding achievements.

OSUN DEFENDER as a medium was established to fight for causes that put the people first. Throughout a lifelong immersion in politics, Jakande clearly put the interests of the overwhelming majority of the people at the heart of every policy thrust. If you ever seek to know what he achieved, go to Lagos and look around you. The pro-people housing estates, refurbishing of schools

The Iponri housing estate one of the many constructed by the Jakande administration reinstated the concept of social housing on a rent to own basis and created a new middle class based on home ownership.

and the establishment of the Lagos State University are just a blib in a long list of achievements, including universal health care access and the dismantling of the stressful shift systems in the schools.

As we salute his courage, we admonish the next generation of social democrats such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Akeredolu, among others to step up their game in order to keep the banners of the progressives flying.

Adieu Baba Kekere.

STRIKER

I

ered to be enemies of the despotic government.

He was also a devout Muslim. He lived his entire life committed to the cause of and promotion of Islam, without neglecting his traditional responsibilities as a monarch.

His demise is a monumental loss to the good people of Ikirun and the progressive family in Osun. In him we have lost a strong ally in the bid to keep the progressive flag flying. He will be greatly missed.

My heartfelt condolences to his family, the Akirun in Council, Osun State Council of Obas, the leaders of APC in Osun, Chief Bisi Akande, the State Government of Osun and the good people of Ikirun. I pray that God will give them His peace and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

May he find joy and comfort in his next estate. Ameen.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above

N the last one year, I have not met any Nigerian that said he or she is happy with the way Nigeria is, not that there are none though. Majority of Nigerians are simply trying to stay alive and sieve out a little happiness for self in the dark ocean of misfortune that Nigeria seems to have transformed into.

We are now into the second month of a new year in a new decade and if things must not continue the way they are, we surely cannot continue the same old way.

Frankly identifying the factors responsible for retrogression and underdevelopment, summoning the collective will to confront and resolve them is the way to go; and that implies going straight back to the basics. What or who are we? We are citizens of a Federal Republic of Nigeria. The question to ask then is - are we truly a republic and are we truly a federation? A sincere answer, to which a majority will agree, is that we are not!

Once the foundation of a structure is crooked, no quantum of renovation can uphold it from unremitting cracks and eventual collapse. The task is to pull it down and completely reconstruct it on a solid foundation. Pulling things down constructively is a far more reasonable choice than waiting for inevitable, sudden and catastrophic collapse. Innumerable times, we have seen seemingly magnificent buildings brought down by demolition experts, technically and efficiently with no casualty, and new structures more wonderful than the former put in their places because the old were simply disasters waiting to happen.

In the case of Nigeria, a beautiful, solid foundation was conceived in the architectural drawing and the first builders that were engaged for the young nation did their best to stick to the plan. However, the military sent them packing, and being destroyers

Back To The Basics by nature (organised to destroy any external enemy) they can hardly be blamed for completely messing up the intended foundation; and unfortunately, they hanged around the project too long. The real bulk stops at the table of successive civilian administrations which failed to rebuild it albeit various moneyguzzling Conferences; especially in the last 22 years.

Why that is the case perplexes the mind!

Nigeria’s vibrant and fantastic diversity cannot translate to powerful asset for national cohesion and development outside clearly defined independence for the various component units - within a genuine federation. A one-size-fits-all solution was a military aberration informed by the military’s regimented command structure that is very useful only to it!

Why this is so difficult to understand for our political elites is equally difficult to understand; such that they can abandon the unitary and anti-democratic legacies entrapped in the constitutions handed over by the exiting military regimes. Of course, the military as an institution finally left government, but military big brass have firm grasp of the civil polity on account of connections and big money accumulated during their long years in charge, giving them significant powers and advantage over their purely civilian collaborators in politics.

Nevertheless, despite 2 retired military Generals, OBJ and PMB, being in the saddle along with their colleagues for 14 out of the 22 years of stable return to democratic rule since 1999, and still counting, the truly democratic political elites by now have significant say, logistics and popular base to institute the much needed reform leading to a return to normalcy - a genuine Constitution for a democratic,

Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly on a Parliamentary basis. This is not only overdue; it is simply the one-stop solution to Nigeria’s fundamental nationhood crises that have monstrously festered to terminal stages. The surgery for survival is clear: a reconstruction of the foundation, for a new national edifice that will guarantee peace, unity and prosperity capable of catapulting us to a genuine Giant of Africa.

The call for restructuring for genuine federation, like every good thing, will always have its opponents, among which are many unpatriotic and weak-minded elites and politicians; which is why the common people, the youths especially in all their social strata and across all divides, must unite and make it their next high-flying campaign within all their social formations rather than the current malicious engagement in fraud, kidnapping, banditry, violent crimes, and many such acts that aggravate insecurity and tension across the land.

A genuine federation is a win-win solution for all, elites and commoners, except for the indolent, the parasitic and the unpatriotic. It is the harbinger for peaceful coexistence and national revival at all levels: economic, security and good governance. Going ahead as usual into another cycle of elections, till 2023, with the present arrangement without at least some soothing and meaningful constitutional amendments (not mere cosmetics), may turn not only into an exercise in futility but a potential trigger for the collapse of an overburdened contraption with poorly constructed foundation. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has a golden opportunity to champion the noble cause, and still enough time to do so.

Osun DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun.

All correspondence to the Deputy Editor, ISMAEEL UTHMAN, Telephone: 0805-121-2204, usmanismail001@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.

Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefemder@yahoo.com