Osun Defender Online Version Of January 22nd, 2021

‘Yahoo Boy’ Bags 14-Month Jail Term For N19.6m Fraud

Page 5

No Preference For OYES, Others In Teachers’ Recruitment - Osun Govt.

Page 2

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021 VOL 16 NO 02

COVID-19 On The Surge In Osun Page 2

• State Records 253 Cases In 8 Days • Another Lockdown Imminent

Operatives of Amotekun stationed at Oju-Irin and Olaiya motor parks being managed by Kazeem Oyewale (Asiri Eniba) in Osogbo after a civil unrest on Sunday evening.

Osun 2022: Adeleke Deserves Right of Page 6 First Choice For Gov’ship Ticket – Adagunodo

FUTA Deputy Registrar Dies After Gunmen Attack In Osun Page 4

Osun United Assure Fans Of Participation In NNL Page 7

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

2

News

COVID-19 On The Surge In Osun

By Solomon Odeniyi

C

oronavirus pandemic has been on an alarming increase in the State of Osun, a data analysis done by OSUN DEFENDER has revealed.

According to data on the website of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the state has recorded 253 cases in the past eight days. This is between January 12 and 20, 2021.

The state recorded 45 cases on January 18; 39 on 14; 37, 33, 29, 12 and 3 on January 15, 12, 17, 13 and 19 respectively. A total of 55 cases were also recorded on Wednesday, January 20.

The number is the highest within the period of days since the state recorded its first case in March 2019.

So far, the number of cases confirmed by the NCDC for the State of Osun as at Wednesday was 1,318.

The high number of index cases within this period puts the state among others where the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic has reared its ugly head.

Two members of Gover-

By Ismaeel Uthman

T

Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Governor, State of Osun (2nd right), Hon. Kunle Akande, Deputy Majority Leader OSHA, Chief Bayo Jimoh, former GMD, Oodua Investments and other dignitaries at the Fidau prayer for Late Senator Hamzat Adebayo Salami, held at the Technical College Ground, Osogbo, on Tuesday. nor Adegboyega Oyetola’s cabinet have also tested positive to the Coronavirus.

The members, whose identities were not disclosed, are said to have gone into isolation and are currently receiving treat-

ment.

Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, confirmed the development in a statement.

Egbemode said Governor Oyetola had ordered

all members of the cabinet, drivers in his convoy, domestic staff and other aides to take compulsory COVID-19 tests.

Worried by the continuous increase in the recorded cases, the state govern-

ment has come up with new guidelines to stem the tide of the virus.

The government said it would not hesitate to declare a fresh lockdown if the spike in COVID-19 cases persists.

COVID-19: Osun Workers To Work From Home, As Govt Bans Vigils, Crusades

By Sodiq Yusuf

A

S the second wave of Coronavirus pandemic continues to rear its ugly head, the State Government of Osun has directed workers in the civil service to stay and work at home.

In a new set of guidelines to enforce nonpharmaceutical safety protocols, the state government said only civil servants from Grade Level 12 and above were expected to report physically at their offices.

According to the guidelines, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji on Wednesday, civil servants below level 12 were expected to work from home with effect from Monday, January 25, till further notice.

The government, however, clarified that teachers, health workers and other workers on essential services, irrespective of grade levels, are exempted from the ‘work at home’ directive.

Also, the government directed that “no face mask, no entry” policy must be enforced in all government offices, just as it reintroduced a duskto-dawn curfew every day from 10:00pm till 5:00am.

The government also places a ban on vigils and crusades, just as it direct-

No Preference For OYES, Others In Teachers’ Recruitment - Osun Govt

ed that no religious gathering should exceed two hours duration, while religious organisations should operate at only 30 per cent capacity of their space.

Parts of the guidelines also include that: “No social events can hold forthwith without the approval from the government.

These special phone lines: 0813 508 1156 and +234 8187187678 have been released, through

which those seeking to hold social events may apply via WhatsApp. “No social gathering (having obtained approval) can have more than 50 participants. All applications for social events must show commitment that the organisers will strictly adherence to the new guidelines.

“No motorcycle can carry more than two people, including the rider.

No mini-bus (korope) can

carry more than five people, including the driver.

“Eateries, restaurants, joints and bars should operate at 50 per cent capacity and ensure adequate physical distancing of customers.

“No face mask, no entry” policy must be enforced in every eatery, restaurant, joints and bar.

Operators and attendants must also wear their face masks at all times.

“Hotels must ensure

Symbol’s Quote

“The absence of quick dispensation of justice has been a major drawback to operational efficiency in offenders’ management, often precipitating agitations, jailbreaks as well as escape tendencies, which the authorities have to manage with great pain and huge cost.”

that they follow all safety protocols, and must especially ensure that there are hand sanitizers in every room.

“Parents and guardians should continue to ensure their children and wards comply with the safety protocols against COVID-19, especially the use of nose masks/face shields and regular washing of their hands.

“Children must also be cautioned against unsafe practices such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing of materials and personal effects, visiting crowded spaces, etc.

“School Owners, Head Teachers and Principals will be held responsible for any infraction.

“Malls, stores and supermarkets must also enforce the use of face masks, and also organise customers in ways that allow social distancing.

“Any hotel, event centre, mall, joint or business that is found flouting the safety directives will be sealed, and will only be reopened upon the payment of a fine of N250,000.

“Churches and mosques found flouting the safety directives will be sealed, and will only be reopened upon the payment of a fine of N 50,000.”

HE State Government of Osun has declared that there would be no preference for past or serving cadets of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) or anybody in the recruitment of teachers in the state.

This is just as the government disclosed that it had contracted the recruitment exercise for teachers to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for transparency.

According to the Commissioner for Education in the state, Hon. Folorunso Oladoyin in a statement on Wednesday, no one would be treated with special preference, as recruitment would be based solely on merit.

Oladoyin urged members of the public to disregard that a section of the residents would be favoured, saying that the recruitment of teachers into public schools will not be done with sentiments.

He said: “I want to assure prospective candidates who have obtained the recruitment forms to disregard the rumour going around that the recruitment will be done in a way to favour OYES cadets who are serving or have served in the past.

“It is still an exercise that will be done based on merit; nobody is planning to do it in a way that will help only OYES cadets to get the appointments.

They too will partake in the exam which will be conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, nobody can influence anything.

“We can never afford to make the same mistakes of the past; we want the best of the best as teachers to teach our children, how can we now think of such move as being peddled around? Governor Adegboyega Oyetola will never agree to that.

“I want to assure all prospective candidates that the recruitment exercise will be conducted soon, we are only being hampered by this second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are preparing and watching the trend, as soon as it abates, the recruitment process will commence.”

Oyetola

PEOPLE FIRST

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

3

By Ademola Yaya Riddance To Brigandage, Hooliganism

W

E have a goodly heritage. The recent downturn of events, consisting of hooliganism and brigandage, kidnapping, ritual killings amongst others is sad, regrettable and unfortunate. This trend is alien to us as a people and constitutes clear threat to the Omoluabi ethos for which we are renowned.

Right from last year when “Almost on daily basis, reports of the nationwide #EndSARS attacks, counter-attacks, killings protests turned sour, the rel- and attempted killings, either in atively peaceful atmosphere fresh tantrums or perceived reprisprevailing in most parts of the nation has become threat- als rend the air. The sterling quesened, to the extent that ne- tion this poses is how did we confarious activities have been descend this low?” in the upsurge. The State of Osun is not spared. We are being infiltrated by miscreants, vulgars, hoodlums, kidnappers and cultists. If we should fold our arms helplessly, succumbing to further degeneration, God forbids, we are doomed!

Almost on daily basis, reports of attacks, counter-attacks, killings and attempted killings, either in fresh tantrums or perceived reprisals rend the air. The sterling question this poses is how did we condescend this low?

Peace and tranquility are the core ingredients to development and progress. The way our communities are fast deteriorating into den of robbers and epicentre for brutal exchange of hostilities calls for timely intervention.

Sterling efforts of the progressive administration in human capital development and youth engagement/empowerment intervention programmes within the last 10 years, coupled with ongoing efforts by the incumbent administration in our state are expected to put in the upscale the virtues of discipline, dignity, hardwork and peaceful coexistence. Our youths are called upon to eschew every negative value and embrace honest living, with determined focus on directing their energies and intellect positively to productive causes.

Parents and religious organizations should gird their loins to giving positive directions. Youths are a vibrant organ of the society. The future we so much cherish will be delusive without their maximum utilization along accepted norms.

We call on our security agencies to shore up their arsenals, be proactive intelligently and beef up to the task by ensuring adequate coverage of all nooks and crannies of the state, so as to apprehend those who infract established laws. Their operations should also ensure that there are no sacred cows.

Lastly, government should go all-out to initiate more empowerment programmes to capture more and more youths within its economic empowerment safety nets.

Endless Wait For Prepaid Metres Dear Editor,

I

write to convey the feelings of millions of Nigerians who are endlessly waiting to receive their prepaid metres from the electricity distribution companies years after paying for them.

It is appalling to note that in the last few years, fellow countrymen have continued to languish in endless expectations for a commodity they have paid for to regulate their electricity consumption.

In these years, the DISCOs

have failed to understand this harrowing plight; consequently they proceeded to slam es-

timated billing on customers under the direct usage arrangement. This development is not palatable to the economic condition of Nigerians.

As an affected customer, I paid for my prepaid metre in 2018, which I’m yet to get 3

years after. It is saddening to always hear in the news efforts by the Federal Government to ensure more metre production in the country, which is yet to materialise.

Some of us have decided not to visit the offices of the DISCOs again, as the situation has been frustrating. It is my belief that in no distant time, this overdue process will be completed to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses.

Ogunkorede Sanni, Iragbiji

Navigating Out Of The Woods

A

T an appropriate time, we shall trace Ni- most a failed state whose political and ecogeria history to the existence of several nomic properties have become so weak that powerful and well organised kingdoms the government seems not to be in charge any and empires in existence between 900AD and longer; where basic conditions and responsithe 17th Century, before their invasion and bilities of government are abdicated; where eventual conquest by marauding Britain. For armed groups, gangsters and terrorists thrive this piece, however, we shall only limit our- and expand. The situation seems to be hopeless selves to the period between its Independence as most productive ventures now appear to be in 1960 till date to locate, perhaps, where we kidnapping and terror. The army and other segot it wrong so as to relocate to a better place curity agencies appear to be overwhelmed. Nobody seems to be in charge, as kidnapping for we should historically belong.

The name - Nigeria - was given in 1871 by ransom has become almost a daily occurrence.

Flora Shaw, a British journalist who covered The situation has so deteriorated that the govanti-slavery conference in Brussels in 1886, but ernment has to be negotiating with terrorists to later got married to Lord Lugard, Governor- secure release of captives!

It is instructive, however, to state that we General of Nigeria. Before renaming, Nigeria was known as Royal Niger Company Territo- did not get to this ruinous position in a jiffy. ries, a mercantile company chartered by the It is the cumulative self-serving interest of the British government to enable British Empire es- elite - ruling and those in corporate establishtablish sole control over the lower Niger against ments - as against the national interest; their gradual conscious and unconscious but steady the German competition led by Bismarck.

Right from its Independence in 1960, Ni- policies, activities and politics brought us here.

They consciously geria earned an enpublic viable position as “Combination of poverty, hunger, weaken and the traditional lead- starvation coupled with hopeless- institutions get them comproer and redeemer of Africa. This leader- ness in the midst of stupendous mised; they engage ship role made it to wealth, which is the case for the ma- in corruption with impunity; they galvanise African countries for inde- jority of our people, has symbiotic substitute compependence, especial- relationship with either depression tence for political patronage; they enly the ones still un- or crime” courage electoral der foreign rule as malpractices; they at then, which snowballed into creation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 - ignore our infrastructural deficit and decay, now African Union (AU) - and the Economic amongst many more. All these have led to enCommunity of West African States (ECOWAS) demic poverty in the midst of plenty with about in 1975. Between 1960 and 1995, Nigeria spent 80% of its population living in poverty and starover $61bn to support the end of apartheid in vation, which have put majority of the people in South Africa. It boycotted Olympic Games and a vulnerable and compromised condition to sell Commonwealth games, and went up to nation- their conscience for survival.

Apart from its crude oil production, which alisation of British Petroleum asset in 1979. Although, former Soviet Union, Zambia and Tan- is the largest in Africa and 6th in the world, Nizania provided military support to the African geria has Africa largest reserves of natural gas.

National Congress (ANC), Nigeria’s moral and It also has other solid minerals like tin, gold, political campaign with stupendous financial coal, across its land untapped. Instead of making optimal utilisation of these gifts of nature, it support was unrivalled.

Today however, Nigeria has become al- has only concentrated on one - oil - and refuses to develop, explore and exploit these other natural endowments.

To rebuild and reposition Nigeria to its erstwhile position in Africa is not a very difficult task. It only requires a visionary leadership that can walk the talk. We have heard more than enough on economic diversification with no practical follow-up from successive governments. What needs to be done is a legislative policy and political will to engaging the teeming population in mechanised farming particularly in our best areas like in cotton, palm oil, cocoa, cattle rearing; exploring and exploiting our scattered mineral resources; reviving our steel and rolling mills with machine tools production; reawakening our textile mills; revival of our sporting activiOSUN DEFENDER IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OTHER NEWSPAPER, ties, amongst others.

MAGAZINE OR ANY PUBLICATION WHATSOEVER Continued on page 5

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

4

News

How Osun Govt Compelled Oluwo To Abort My Chieftaincy Title Installation – Salinsile

By Sodiq Yusuf

T

HE Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in the State of Osun, Hon Rasaq Salinsile, has alleged that some officials of the state government were behind the decision of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba (Dr.) Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi Telu I to shelve his planned installation as Otun Oba of Iwoland.

Salinsile said it was the officials who mounted pressure on the Oluwo not to install him as Otun Oba of Iwoland.

The Osun APC Secretary, in a media briefing where he spoke on a video which circulated on social media at the weekend, alleged that the Iwo monarch knew why he cancelled the installation ceremony, said claims by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Adebayo Adeleke were untrue.

Adeleke had in the clip debunked an allegation of the involvement of the state government in the cancellation of Salinsile’s installation as Otun Oba of Iwoland by the traditional ruler.

In the video which lasted a minute and 17 seconds, the commissioner held that government was only involved in the appointment of kings and not chiefs, adding that Governor Oyetola has no influence in giving out chieftaincy titles.

The Commissioner said, “Government is only involved in the appointment of kings and not chiefs. Governor Oyetola has no influence in giving out chieftaincy titles. If Alhaji Salinsile is to be honoured with a chieftaincy title, we are supposed to be there because he is a member of our party.

“So we have no connection with Oluwo’s decision to deny him the title. Oluwo knows why he refused to offer him the title. Those spreading the rumour are detractors. He is a member of our party and we have no reasons to say he should not be given the title.

The claims by the Local Government Commissioner did not go down well with Salinsile and he swiftly reacted, saying Oluwo confirmed to him that Governor Gboyega Oyetola sent three of his Commissioners to him to stop his installation as Otun Oluwo.

Salinsile said while addressing journalists in

Osogbo on Monday that: “Three years ago, during Aregbesola’s administration, Oluwo informed me that he wants to honour me with a chieftaincy title because he wants me to be close to him. He wanted to give me Otun Balogun title, the Chieftaincy title that he has stripped Chief Abiola Ogundokun and I told him to give me few days to think about it.

Days later, I met with the monarch and I declined

the offer.

“When we later saw, he said I should choose any title I want as his chief and I told him that my father died as Otun Oba and currently the position is vacant, I told him that I will be glad if he honours our family with the title.

“In the past year, he started to mount pressure on me for my installation. So two months ago I informed him that I am

ready. I put all preparation in place, committee formed, aso ebi widely bought but surprisingly on 4th January 2021, Oluwo called me around 6:30 to 7:00 pm that he wanted to see me in his palace.

When I got there he asked me, “What was the issue between you and Oyetola,” I told him that nothing at all other than we are from the same party, and I am the Secretary of APC in the state.

“Oluwo told me that the Commissioner of Police called him a day earlier that there was a security report against me being installed as Otun Oluwo of Iwo and I said ‘what? I am not a criminal!’

“He said even aside that very day, there was a powerful deligation from the state comprising three of his (governor’s) eminent commissioners delivering the Gov-

Mr. Wale Olokode, the new State of Osun Commissioner of Police paid a courtesy visit to Oba Adesola Olubayo Windapo Oyelade Abidogun 1, the Alárà of Ara Kingdom in his palace on Monday.

Police Arraign 61-Yr-Old Over N1.7m Land Fraud

By Yusuf Oketola

T

HE Police on Wednesday arraigned a 61-yearold man, Azeez Popoola before a magistrate’s court, sitting in Osogbo, State of Osun for fraudulently obtaining a sum of N1, 700,000 from two persons on the pretence of selling plots of lands to them.

Popoola was said to have fraudulently obtained the sum of N1, 280,000 from one Abdulazeez Moshood on the promise of selling four plots of land to him.

The defendant was also alleged of collecting a sum of N460, 000 from one Tunde Adewale, who he also promised a plot of land.

According to the charge sheet obtained

by OSUN DEFENDER, the defendant committed the alleged offence sometimes in the month of March, 2020 at OkeMokin, Igigogoro Area, Osogbo.

Police prosecutor,

Abiodun Fagboyinbo, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, told the court that the alleged offence contravened Sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

But, the accused person pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false

pretence levelled against him.

However, Defence Counsel, Ibrahim Imran prayed the court to admit the suspect to bail on a liberal term.

Imran noted that the accused person was ready to provide reliable and credible surety if he was granted bail.

When asked where he kept the money he

obtained from the two nominal complainants, the suspect told the court that the money had been shared between him and the rest of the family.

He was later admitted to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties by the presiding magistrate, Dr. Olusegun Ayilara.

The case was adjourned till February 24, 2021 for hearing.

FUTA Deputy Registrar Dies After Gunmen Attack In Osun

By Solomon Odeniyi

T

HE Deputy Registrar of the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure, Ondo State, Dr. Amos Arijesuyo has been attacked by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Osun.

Reports indicated that the Deputy Registrar, who was returning to Akure from Ibadan, was attacked by bandits operating on the Ilesa-Akure expressway last Saturday.

Arijesuyo, who was

said to have been attacked alongside his driver and one other unidentified person at Iwaraja Area of the Ilesa-Akure expressway, worked at the Guidance and Counselling unit of the Students’ Affairs Department of the University.

The late Deputy Registrar was pronounced dead as a result of the gunshot wounds sustained few hours after the attack.

Arijesuyo died at the Nigerian Air Force Command Hospital, Ipetu-Ije-

sa, State of Osun.

Police Public Relations Officer, Osun Command, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident.

According to Opalola, the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle conveying Arijesu when the driver did not stop.

Opalola said Arijesuyo was hit by bullet in the abdomen and did not survive the gun wound.

She said two other occupants of the car, who are also hit by bullets, were responding to treatment.

ernor’s message to him against my installation.

I appealed to him but all my appeals fell into his deaf ears.”

Oluwo said, “He loves me so much but if he installs me as chief, he would have a problem with the government.” I was wondering why installation as a community chief turned political.

“I went to see Baba Akande over the matter and he promised to see the governor because the governor was not in Nigeria at that time.

“Baba Akande later told me that he had spoken with the Governor and governor told him, he knew nothing about his installation.

“I met the APC Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun, he also Promised to meet the Governor and it was the same thing Baba Akande told me that the Chairman said.

“I inquired from CP and DSS over the acclaimed security report that negates my installation but they both said they were not aware of anything against my installation.

“Oluwo insisted that the three commissioners that came to meet him threatened him that there would be repercussions for him and Iwo town if he installed me as a chief.

“In the message Oluwo sent to me, Oluwo said , ‘I hold you to high esteem and I appreciate your love for me and Iwo in general, you are the Otun Oluwo of Iwo but the political rhetorics recently in the state requires a bit of caution. Do bear with me. Definitely, your installation will come up immediately the political tension subsides.

Please understand my plight I can’t do the installation except you don’t love me. I can’t face the consequences else I will pay dearly. It will cost this stool in a negative way and Iwo in general.

“One of those commissioners was going round on Saturday in defending himself and inciting people against me. That is why I am reacting to this issue.”

While reacting on the court injunction barring Oluwo from installing him Salinsile said “the court issue came after the whole plan and threats.

It is just face-saving for the political undertone.

Those people behind it were mischievous about the issue.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

5

Crime

‘Yahoo Boy’ Bags 14-Month Jail Term For N19.6m Fraud

By Yusuf Oketola

A

32-year-old Civil Engineering Graduate, Samuel Oteyewo has been sentenced to 14-month imprisonment by the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, State of Osun for defrauding an American, Warren Doht the sum of N19, 664,128.00 through dating scam.

Oteyewo, who was arraigned at the court on Monday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was convicted on a count charge of criminal impersonation.

The convict was part of the suspected internet fraudsters notoriously known as ‘yahoo boys’ who were arrested by the EFCC at Club Secret in Osogbo, on October 15, 2019.

Oteyewo’s bank accounts’ statements, email conversations with his victim, cheques and others were tendered as exhibit.

Prosecution Counsel of the EFCC, Mr. Murtala Usman, tendered an intelligence report, documents printed from Oteyewo’s e-mails, letter to his banks requesting for his bank records, recorded statements, re-

sponse from the banks, bank drafts and cheque as exhibits before the court.

The crime committed by the convict contravened Section 22(2) (b) (ii) of the Cyber Crimes

Navigating Out Of...

Continued from page 3 However, mechanised farming is clearly the one-stop sector that has the capacity to engage all who are unemployed and rapidly transform the economy to an enviable position that will make us, again, to be an actor to reckon with in Africa and the world.

Engagement of citizen, in productivity and real wealth creation is the only way to sustainable development. Our endemic poverty in the midst of plenty cannot be explained.

To reverse our relegation position in Africa, we need a restructure within by mobilising our local resources - human and natural - for development. Free oil money which has encouraged corruption and bleeding the economy is plummeting in the world market. Right from the beginning of this 2021, we must roll out a blueprint for real wealth creation, as anything short of this is a postponement of an economic emergency which may consume the country.

The daily high level of crimes everywhere including kidnapping for ransom, terrorism, ritual killings, armed robbery, etc, which

have overwhelmed our security system are by-products of hopelessness in despair and non-engagement of the youth in productive activities that can make them better citizens.

Military engagement alone cannot, therefore, work. It has to be combined with productive socio-economic rebuilding that can give people a renewed hope for a decent living. Palliative measures in addressing security problems like amnesty and rehabilitation of terrorists by giving criminals fried rice and chicken, clothing and sending them abroad on scholarship are likened to running away from one’s shadow. Combination of poverty, hunger, starvation coupled with hopelessness in the midst of stupendous wealth, which is the case for the majority of our people, has symbiotic relationship with either depression or crime. A holistic approach to navigating out of the woods is the key - mechanised farming and harness of our untapped mineral resources across the land for good and decent working and living conditions for mass majority of our people. This is the essence of good governance.

P

OPULAR Disc Jockey, DJ Spinall has said that Tiwa Savage collapsed during the video shoot for his hit single, ‘Dis Love’ featuring her and Wizkid.

The CEO of The Cap Music revealed this during an interview with Ebro Darden, an American media personality.

He said: “We had the record and we shot the video in London. She ac-

tually fainted at the video shoot because she was exhausted from a long trip and I forced her to come for the video shoot right away. So she collapsed on me and I was scared.

Then she came back up and still gave me the second verse.”

DJ Spinall also said the song was Tiwa Savage’s idea adding that she has always wanted a song featuring the three of them.

ailing father as the eldest son, due to unemployment and other factors.

He had to commit this offence to take care of his father.”

Oduneye told the court that the offence committed by the defendant has an option of fine, praying the court to temper justice with mercy on him.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered the convict had earlier approached the EFCC for a plea bargain, which formed the basis

for the amendment of the charge sheet with which he was arraigned and convicted on Monday.

In his judgment, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola said the sum of the N19million should be forfeited to the Federal Government and paid to the convict’s victims Warren Doht, through EFCC. Justice Ayoola thereafter sentenced Oyetewo to 14-month imprisonment, which will run from the day of his arrest.

NULGE Member Arraigned For Allegedly Defrauding 186 Local Government Workers

By Yusuf Oketola

A

member of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Mr. Taofeeq Adepoju has been arraigned before an Osogbo magistrate’s court for allegedly defrauding 186 persons of the sum of N45m bank loan.

Adepoju was alleged of conspiring with some bank officials and others to obtain the sum of N45,293,916.00 from 186 workers of Irepodun Local Government, State of Osun.

Police prosecutor, Mr.

Abiodun Fagboyinbo stated that the accused person posed as a bank official and obtained money from the victims to repay loans he secured for them from First Bank.

According to the charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, the suspect and others at large committed the offence between 2012 and July 2015.

The offence was contrary to and punishable under Sections 422, 419, 516, 390(9) of Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol II, Laws of Osun State, Nigeria 2002.

But Adepoju pleaded not guilty to the four-count

charge of conspiracy, stealing, fraud and impersonation preferred against him.

Defence Counsel, Mr. S. P Ogundare pleaded with the court to admit the suspect to bail on a liberal term, assuring that credible sureties would stand for him as he was ready for trial.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Modupe Awodele admitted the suspect to bail in sum of N10, 000,000 with two sureties.

Awodele adjourned the case till February 9, 2021 for hearing.

Entertainment

Tiwa Savage Collapses During ‘Dis Love’ Video Shoot In London

By Odunola Akinbode

(Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) of the same Act. Oyetewo pleaded guilty to the allegation.

Defence Counsel, Ismail Oduneye, while making his allocution said: “Pursuant to the plea of the defendants, he is a responsible citizen and a first offender and who has regretted his action.

“He said he was persuaded to commit the offence due to the age of his

I’m Not Happy; I Need A Man In My Life - Tima Kumkum Cries Out

F

How To Stop Being Insecure By Simi

S

INGER Simi has dished out tips to her fans on how to stop being insecure.

The Duduke singer took to her Instagram story to share the tips during a question and answer session.

A fan had asked the mother of one to share tips on how to stop being insecure and she replied: “You need to realise your selfworth; should never come from anyone that is not you.

“You’re enough because you are. You’re special because you are. Not because people say you are. Don’t

let fickle human beings determine how you feel about yourself.

“When you see that you’re doing something to impress people, don’t do it.

Be comfortable with people not liking something you like etc…Ya dig?”

Another fan asked if she would be happy, should her daughter Deja turn out to be a musician, Simi responded “I will be happy as long as she’s happy”.

Simi further revealed that she is working on another album from her IG story.

EW years after divorcing her husband, Ghanaian television and radio presenter, Cynthia Tima Yeboah, popularly known as Tima Kumkum, says she is not happy and that she needs a man in her life to give her comfort.

According to Tima Kumkum, she is single and worships God, but she is not a happy woman, and her life is not complete without a man.

The Adom TV presenter disclosed this in an interview on ‘The Delay Show’ which is yet to publish.

“I am not happy because I need a man in my life,” she told Delay. “Despite being single and worshipping God, I sometimes feel

I need a man who will comfort me when I’m in distress.”

She said she sometimes needs a man to talk to when she faces some challenges at her workplace, but she has no one to talk to.

“Sometimes when someone offends me at work, I feel I should pick a phone and call a man but when I pick the phone, who do I call?”

Tima, 33, told Zionfelix in 2017 that she divorced her husband, Kwadwo, due to irreconcilable issue.

She married right after university, but she said she was young and naive at the time she agreed to settle with her ex-husband.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

6

Interview

Osun 2022: Adeleke Deserves Right Of First Choice For Gov’ship Ticket – Adagunodo Hon. Soji Adagunodo is the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the State of Osun.

In this interview with OSUN DEFENDER, he speaks on the genesis of the crisis rocking the party in the state. Excerpts:

W

HAT could be the reason behind the plot to remove you as the PDP Chairman in the state?

What could be the reason for such other than selfish interest? There is nothing impossible in politics, but I pity our party, PDP. We are at a point that things like that should not be done. The issue is no longer a family affair, it is in court and we went to court after all the internal mechanisms to resolve the issues were exhausted and I was still aggrieved. Our party constitution allows that. If you read the court order very well, it is well spelt out that I can’t be sanctioned and other people involved in the process, which includes my working committee members. And I cannot sanction anyone until the case is concluded. I wonder where they will get the power to suspend me as being planned in some quarters.

Who are those you think are behind the move?

I don’t know, we are all politicians and people say and do whatsoever would reinforce their followers’ belief and even win more.

Won’t the plot to suspend you frustrate the efforts of the Senator Bukola Saraki-led reconciliation committee?

That is the main reason I said the plot to expel me from the party would be futile. Who is even going to do it? Is it the ward chairmen or local government chairmen or the state executive or myself? Is it the national body that just set up a reconciliation committee?

Does that make sense?

It is being said that you have a running battle with the Adeleke’s dynasty, which is the reason you are wanted out of your current position, how true is this?

I don’t need to have a cordial relationship with them.

All I need to do is to have a fair relationship like I do with all card-carrying members; that is what is expected of anyone at the helms of affairs of a party.

That is where I think I have is-

sues. They are not used to that, they are used to doing things the old way and somebody doing things differently is strange to them.

I don’t think I have issues with the Adeleke dynasty. I am only having issues with my fellow politicians who have been going about misinforming the Adelekes just to get money from them. I worked with the Adelekes during the West Senatorial District byelection and the relationship was beautiful. At that time, a lot of people were unable to make frivolous money and they were not pleased. We won nine out of 10 local governments in that election. But by the time they caused crisis between the Adelekes and I, you could see the results of the elections yourself. Despite the money spent by the Adelekes, they did not get the kind of results I got for them in the West. We won nine local governments when I was involved and spent less; but they could only manage to win three local governments in 2018 with the huge money spent. These people have penetrated and are extorting the Adelekes.

They Adelekes fell into the trap because they did not listen to me. I will be frank here: Dr Deji Adeleke and I spoke last in 2018 before the election. We hardly talk and that was not the practice during the by-election, we talked on daily basis, strategising and restrategising. Then, if anything came from his end he would call me, if anything sprang at my end I would call him. It is a pity some people sat in Ede and shifted the party hierarchy there, making decisions without consulting others in the party. That also forms part of the problems. The Adelekes should have confronted me with the allegations levelled against me and avail me with the privilege to answer them; that is what I expected, it is so unfortunate.

It is said that you do not want Sen. Ademola Adeleke to

“I told them that the right of first choice would be given to Senator Ademola Adeleke, being our last candidate, if he is still interested.

But if there is a clear reason that the PDP will lose the governorship election if he runs, don’t expect me to support that”

Adagunodo emerge as the standard bearer of the party in 2022. How true is that?

What is my own? Why would I deny anyone as the party’s candidate? I went round the 30 local governments in the state to campaign for Senator Adeleke as our candidate. And I have told our people that the scenario in 2018 will be different in 2022. At the same time, I told them that the right of first choice would be given to Senator Ademola Adeleke, being our last candidate, if he is still interested. But if there is a clear reason that the PDP will lose the governorship election if he runs, don’t expect me to support that. As a party chairman, I want to win every election I take part in. I am not against and not discouraging anyone.

I have been canvassing for this and many people in the party and all can attest to it. I am not God, and I can’t take decisions in the party alone. I may be the chairman but I can’t know the mind of all the members of the party. You see, a delegate election is the most dangerous one anybody can think of. You can be so sure of going to the poll with 100 delegates and may not have more than 20 votes when the results come out. It is the party people that would decide who they want as their candidate. I have no say on this.

How will you feel if the court does not rule in your favour at the end of the day?

I will leave everything to God. Will you consider defecting to another party?

The issue of defecting to another party does not arise here, except they chase me out of the

PDP themselves. But as a foundation member of the PDP, I wish to remain in the party.

But if they chase me out, you can’t tell me not to go to another party. It is like suffering to build a house and you invited people to come and live there and they say they don’t want to see you in the house again.

What right do they have? If they don’t chase me out, I am not leaving. We will fight and settle everything within. My fight is not about the chairmanship position, but the soul of the party. If I am no longer the chairman, I will continue to fight it, provided I am still in the same house. If you chase me out and think I will be peeping, forget it! I will go to another house and I will from there be throwing missiles like I am doing to APC. So, if you chase me out of the PDP and still feel like I should be involved in politics and APC is the only party available for me, I will go there and show PDP pepper.

Do you have confidence in the reconciliation committee set up by the national body?

I have full confidence in the committee. About five months ago, no one set up a reconciliation committee. Go and look at the first letter I wrote in April where I urged the National Chairman to look at the reconciliation option because the allegations against me were frivolous. Are the people that signed the petition against me members of our party? Two of them are not members of our party. They only came when the tribunal declared Senator Ademola Adeleke the winner of the election and they are

signing a petition against me on an issue they knew nothing about.

How soon do you think this will be laid to rest, considering the 2022 governorship election?

It is only the court that can answer that, but I pray it ends tomorrow if possible, the earlier the better. More so, the crisis is affecting a lot of things, part of which is playing the role of a virile opposition. We should try and maintain peace within the party, for the good of the party and the people of the state.

OLUWOLE OLUWATOSIN ELIZABETH That I was formerly known and addressed as ESAN OLUWATOSIN ELIZABETH now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWOLE O L U W A T O S I N ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS. OSENI NURAT BUKOLA That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS. BELLO NURAT BUKOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OSENI NURAT BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid.

Polaris Bank General public should take note.

MURTADOH JELEELAH OYEBIMPE That I was formerly known and addressed as USMAN YUSUF ABIODUN with former date of Birth, 08 - 08 - 1988 now wish to be known and addressed as UTHMAN YUSUF ABIODUN. With correct date of Birth, 08 08 - 1997. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

7

Religion A

LL praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the universe, the Sustainer and Cherisher of our lives, he whom Allah guides he is rightly guided, but he whom He sends astray, for him he would find no one guiding friend (waliyy) to lead him (to the right part). I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him and I also testify that Prophet Muhammad is His Servant and His MessenBy ger. May the peace and mercy of Allah be upon His soul, Imam Musa member of His household, His companions and those who Oladapo Raji follow him till the day of accountability.

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. And strive hard in Allah’s cause as you ought to strive with sincerity and with your efforts that His Name should be superior. He has chosen you to convey His Message of Islam. And has not laid upon you in religion any hardship…”, Quran 22:77.

What is Islam? Islam is total submission to the will and dictates of the Supreme Being, the Creator of everything seen and unseen. A Muslim is somebody who believes in the Supreme Being whose faith in Him is firm and absolute. In other words, a Muslim is somebody be evil. Scholars were unanimous on obligation of prayers on every who establishes peace between himself and his Maker. And by exten- believer, irrespective of the condition one may find himself. A Muslim must not therefore deny or ignore it. They base their opinion on sion, among other creations of God. In order to achieve this aim, a set of ibaadah - formal devotions several traditions of the Prophet (PBUH) but it suffices to quote these has been laid down which could be likened to a course of training. two: Jabir (RAA) reported that The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Between a This is known as the FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM. These are the obliga- person and disbelief is discarding prayers.” Buraydah (RAA) also retory requirements from anybody who professes the religion of Islam ported that He (PBUH) said, the pact between us and them is prayer, whoever abandons it is a disbeliever.” to carry them out either on a daily basis or annually.

However, there is no way one can discuss prayer, as an act of worThe Prophet (PBUH) was quoted to have said on the authority of Abdullah bn. Umar bn. Khattab, May Allah be pleased with them; he ship, without first mentioning purification, i.e. ritual bath and ablusaid, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), saying; Islam is built on tion. Despite the fact that Islamic laws place high premium on it, it still five things; on giving testimony that there is no god expect Allah, and relaxes it in order to give room for Muslims to perform the prayer as that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; on saying prayers regu- and when due. When there is no water at all, when there is but insuflarly, on giving Zakat (poor rate), on fasting during Ramadan and per- ficient or when one entertains fear that if used it may have adverse effect on his health status, dry Ablution (Tayyammum) is recommended forming pilgrimage to the House. AlBukhar and Muslim related it.

For the purpose of this sermon, I want to limit my discussion on as an alternative means of purification. Proof of its legitimacy could be simplicity of Islam to the above stated pillars, knowing fully that there seen in both The Quran and Hadith. Allah says; “And if you are ill, or are other areas of acts of ibaadah which Islam makes simple. Permit on a journey or one of you come from relieving himself, or you have me to start with Salaah, the 2nd pillar. Prayer is an act of worship touched women, and you do not find water, then go to the high clean consisting of specific statements and actions. It begins with Takbiir, i.e soil and rub your face and hands therewith. Lo, Allah is Most Benign, Allahu akbar and ends with Tasliim.i.e what we utter to terminate it. Great Protector.” Quran 4:43. Abu Umamah related that the Prophet The Prophet (PBUH) had once said; “The head of the matter is Islam (PBUH) said: “All of the earth has been made for me and my nation a and its pillar is the prayer.” In another way The Prophet (PBUH) re- pure place of prayer. Whenever a person from nation wants to pray, garded it as the first thing the slave will be accountable for on the Day he has something with which to purify himself, that is, the earth.” This of Judgment. According to Him, if the prayer is good, then the rest practice, that replaces ablution, no doubt, is a blessing from Allah.

Allah (SW) in many verses of the Holy Quran enjoins believers in of his acts will be good. And if it is evil, then the rest of his acts will

JUMAT SERMON

Islam: The Simple Religion (Part 1)

Him to perform the prayers irrespective of the condition or circumstances they may find themselves. One is ordered to observe it while travelling or not, while one is safe or in fear, while one is sick or healthy. Allah says: “Guard strictly, (five obligatory) As Salawat (the prayers) especially the middle Salah (i.e the best prayer ‘Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience (and do not speak with others during the Salah (prayer)). And if you fear (an enemy), perform Salah on foot in riding and when you are in safety, offer the (prayer) in the manner He has taught you, which you knew not (before).” Quran 2:238-239. Apart from this, whoever has some excuse due to illness and cannot perform prayer according to its stipulated manner should do it in any manner that pleases him.

To buttress this, Imran bn, Hussain says; “I had piles, so I asked the Prophet about the prayer and he said: “Offer the Salah while standing and if you cannot do so, pray while sitting and if you cannot do that, make Salah while lying on your side.” In another tradition it ends thus; “And if you cannot offer Salah while lying on your side, then do it while lying on your back. Allah does not burden a soul; save with what he can bear.” Jabir reports also that the Prophet (PBUH) visited a sick person and found him praying on a cushion. The Prophet pushed it aside and said: “Pray on the ground if you can, , and if you cannot, then pray by making gestures, and make your (sajdah) prostration lower than your (ruku) bowing.” What inability connotes here is that, the person if he prays in the regular way will suffer hardship, or his disease will aggravate, or his recuperation would be hampered, or he will swoon if he prays in the regular manner.

All these recommended alternative ways of worship are a pointer to the importance Islam attaches to Salah .So that no one will come on the Last Day with a flimsy excuse as to what prevented him from observing it .Because it has been made simple. And this is mercy from Him, The Most High.

Al-hamdulillah, from the foregoing, you must have understood that Islam is not as difficult as its adversaries portray it. I want to encourage our esteemed readers to read more about Islam for more understanding of it in order to see the light of Allah. I seek forgiveness of my sins and your own sins from Allah and I follow the path of those who turn to Him in repentance. May Allah reward us with His best reward both here and hereafter Join Me Next Week For The Concluding Part Of The Sermon.

• Imaam Musa Oladapo Raji The Chief Imaam of Telemu Land Ola Oluwa LGA, Osun State.

Sports

Osun United Assure Fans Of Participation In NNL Chelsea Shopping For

By Solomon Odeniyi

T

HE management of the Omoluabi gaints, Osun United has assured fans of the team’s participation in the Nigeria National League slated to start on January 30.

The NNL body had released the fixtures for the season in which Osun United was not included among the participating teams.

This had made some of the fans of the football club to express worries.

Osun United, played in second tier league last season, which was abruptly ended due to the Coronavirus pandemic after purchasing Collins Edwin FC’s slot.

The Lagos-based club took back its slot after the management of Osun United defaulted in the agreement.

The state government however, promised to procure another slot for the team before the commencement of the new season.

However, in a chat with OSUN DEFENDER, the Media Officer of the team, Mr. Tajudeen

Amodu said there was no need for fans to panic as the team would participate in the competition.

Amodu said: “We have gotten the slot but the change of name has not been effected at the NNL Secretariat. We acquired the Slot of Akajiobi, Owerri and we are in NNL Group B1. The change of name should be effected this week”.

He added that Osun United will begin 2020/2021 Nigeria National League (NNL) on Saturday, January 30, when they take on Go Round FC at the Krisdera Hotel Stadium, Omoku, Rivers State.

Also in Group B1, Southern Conference include; Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, Ekiti United, Stationery

Stores of Lagos, Calabar Rovers of Cross Rivers State, Giant Brilllars of Enugu, Dynamites FC of Edo and Nilayo FC of Abeokuta.

Others are Vandresser FC of Akwa Ibom State, who bought the Collins Edwin FC’s slot, Delta Force of Delta and Nnewi United of Anambra State.

Zidane Takes Responsibility For Madrid Loss Against Third Division Side

R

EAL Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has taken full responsibility for Thursday’s early exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Spanish third division side Alcoyano but says the upset is “not a disgrace.”

Madrid lost 2-1 in extratime in the last 32 with Alcoyano playing the last 10 minutes of the game a man down after Ramon Lopez’s sending off.

“We tried,” Zidane said after the match. “The play-

ers gave their all on the pitch.

“I’m the coach, the responsibility is mine. I’m responsible. We’ve played against a third division team and we should have won but it’s not a disgrace.”

Asked if he is feeling the heat, Zidane said: “I’m calm. We will see what happens in the next few days.”

Casemiro and Lucas Vazquez were the only regulars included in Zidane’s starting XI against Alcoyano.

However, Zidane brought out Karim Benzema after the hour and trio Toni Kroos, Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio at the start of extra time in the hope of finding the winner.

However, it was Alcoyano that struck five minutes from time.

“This is football,” Zidane said. “These are things that happen in the life of a footballer. Had we scored the second goal it would have been a different game.

Their goalkeeper made two or three saves.”

Lampard’s Replacement

C

HELSEA football club are reportedly looking to replace Frank Lampard.

A sixth defeat of the season at Leicester on Tuesday night left Chelsea in eighth place, despite spending £230m to get players in a bid to win the league.

Lampard big money move are Timo Werner from RB Leipzig for £53m, while Kai Havertz cost the Stamford Bridge outfit £89m when joining from Bayer Leverkusen.

Havertz and Werner have both struggled to impose themselves in the Premier League since their moves from the Bundesliga in the summer.

The hierarchy of the club are said to be in talks with the former PSG manager, Thomas Tuchel.

Mauricio Pochettino had previously topped the shortlist but the former Tottenham manager took charge of PSG at the end of December.

Avram Grant has also been linked to a return to Stamford Bridge but report according to Goal.com says there is no

chance of the Israeli taking over.

On the list to succeed Lampard is former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko. His relationship with Roman Abramovich, the owner of the club means he could be given a shot at the seat.

Massimiliano Allegri who has been out of job since leaving Juventus in 2019 is also on the wish list of the club.

Also, Sportsmail reports that Chelsea board are looking into the possibility of hiring a coach fluent in German to get the best out of their Bundesliga acquisitions.

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is being considered by the Chelsea board, while Ralf Ragnick and Julian Naglesmann are also admired.

Lampard

ISSN : 0794 - 8050

Entertainment

I’m Not Happy; I Need A Man In My Life - Tima Kumkum Cries Out

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021 VOL. 16 NO 01 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

T

HE passage of Senator Bayo Salami in faraway United States was very devastating and filled me with unspeakable grief. Reminiscing on his life and times brought back memories – sweet and sour.

Senator Salami was one of the leaders of our party that I consulted way back in 2004, before I contested the governorship election of 2007. At the time, he was the most senior active politician in Osun, besides Baba Bisi Akande. He supported me with everything he had.

Our path first faintly crossed in Kaduna in 1980 when I went to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. He was an accountant at the company that was my place of primary assignment, where we remotely connected. He was at the head office in the central business district, while I was in the Kakuri industrial estate in Kaduna South.

I must add that he accompanied the Cicero of Esa-Oke, Chief Bola Ige, once or twice to the then residence and campaign office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Sunday Adigun Street, Ikeja, Lagos in 1998, in the build-up to the formation of our mother party, the Alliance for Democracy (AD), of course, where we met at each of the visits.

Quite significantly, we were together at Imesi-Ile Day of 2004 where I confided in him the urge I felt enroute the festival.

On the way to the event, in the towns and settlements, we saw aged women and urchins in throes of extreme poverty and misery. There and then, I became determined to make a difference.

He was a major stakeholder in my quest to clinch our party’s ticket, my campaign for the election and the nearly four years it took for me to reclaim my mandate. He was with me all through the eight years I was the governor and he never wavered in his support for the administration throughout my tenure.

My re-election in 2014 was an epic story and where he played an unforgettable role. The PDP’s Federal Government was fiendish in its determination to deny me a second term. The then president had told some mutual friends that he would take Osun from Rauf, even if heaven would fall. It literally invaded Osun with the largest security deployment and cash in recent memory.

The Federal authority was therefore brutal in its commitment to instal its candidate as the governor by whatever

“He was a man of deep faith and served his Creator with all he got. He was instrumental to the completion of the Osogbo Central Mosque and he was committed to the cause of Islam as he was to humanity in his lifetime. He will be greatly missed ”

Page 5

TRIBUTE

Senator Bayo Salami’s Painful Passage means possible. Carrot and stick strategy was used to manipulate our supporters, whom we directed to collect the cash but never to vote for them, which they did.

But it was a different kettle of fish with our leaders. When they found our leaders impregnable with cash, they went after them with demonic fury. On the eve of the election, they started arresting them. Pa J. O. Fakayode of Oke-Ila; an octogenarian and lawyer, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, and several of our leaders were picked up and subjected to harrowing torture and humiliation.

Senator Isiaka Adeleke was put under house arrest in his country home in Ede. They came to Senator Salami’s house and besieged his residence Salami

STRIKER

D

all night, spraying his house with high calibre bullets, as if it was a military stronghold. But in spite of this we won the election with a wide margin of over 100,000 votes.

He was one of my closest friends, allies and associates. He was a close confidant.

All through my tenure, he never failed to accompany me to Jumat on Fridays, except when either or both of us was or were not in town.

It is the way of democracy to have disagreements.

It is normal and expected. He therefore disagreed with me on our succession plan, towards the end of my tenure on who was most suited to be

the governor of our state and keep the flag flying. Someone close to both of us called a meeting to iron out this disagreement but he stuck to his guns. He was a man of his convictions and you know where you stand with him at any time and on any issue.

He left our party and fielded another candidate. His candidate lost.

But his disagreement with me was principled and without malice.

He was a man of deep faith and served his Creator with all he got. He was instrumental to the completion of the Osogbo Central Mosque and he was committed to the cause of Islam as he was to humanity in his lifetime.

He will be greatly missed.

His exit was totally unexpected and caught us unawares. But as a Muslim, I (and we should all) take solace in the Quran, Surah Baqarah ayah 156: “Who, when disaster strikes them say, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to him we will return.”

It is my prayer that Allah SWT will comfort his entire family, the Ataoja and the good people of Osogbo and the State Government of Osun on the demise of a father, husband, grandfather, patriarch and patriot.

May Allah forgive his misdeeds and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.

• Ogbeni Aregbesola is the immediate past Governor of Osun and Minister of Interior, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above

Democracy Works

EMOCRACY, magnificent as the concept is, does not work and deliver automatically simply upon its adoption. How well it works or how badly it fails depends first and foremost on the actions and/ or inaction of the political elites. It then depends on the aggregate character of the people, in the final analysis.

Nothing illustrates the impact that individuals or groups could have on ideals, however lofty, more graphically than recent events (pre-election, through the elections, post-election, transition, to the Inauguration of the Biden Administration) in the United States of America. The brunt of the (mis)adventure of Messr Trump and Company - in four years - on centuries-old American democratic tradition and institutions will likely not be forgotten for centuries too.

I used to disagree with Frank Herbert, but not entirely anymore, when he said “Good governance never depends upon laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who govern. The machinery of government is always subordinate to the will of those who administer that machinery. The most important element of government, therefore, is the method of choosing leaders.” It is clear now, additionally,

that even methods of choosing - including the democratic method – can stand the test of adversity only if the content of the character of the “determined” majority is in good stead. America has that, and strong institutions built and nurtured for centuries, to thank for not relapsing into a “shit-hole-country” just on account of four years in the hands of bizarre managers.

Democracy, like most ideals, won’t work until it is made to work by committed democrats across all divides - religious, ethnic, gender, etc. It took effort for God to create the world and even now that it seems that He has put it on auto-pilot after the creation and fall of man, His occasional interventions are seen here and there, else man redirects its path to that of self-destruct.

Commitment, actions and sacrifices by devotees are the oil in the engines of ideals; else they get knocked-down.

Sadly, it is increasingly rare to find men and women genuinely committed not just to democracy but even to Nigeria itself; you see through the façade and discern all kinds of commitment and exertions but never something to democracy or Nigeria. The adversity has spread to other tenets; you will be hard-pressed to find a dozen genuine adherents of any faith from many

thousands at hand. Fearfully, this nonchalant, non-committal attitude has crept into the professions (from artisanship to Engineering and to Medicine) even as majority of Nigerians want the best of everything in life - for their world to look like paradise - without making any effort, not to mention sacrifices.

Every process of redemption starts with reflections and a rethink, followed with the right attitude, commitment and positive actions. Whether for the cause of restructuring Nigeria for genuine Republic and Federation or the goal of true democratic governance, Nigerians are needed to stand up and be counted, without fear, favour or prejudice! Uncountable gods have died when their last devotee was lost not to mention mighty nations that are now only history, and not only nations, entire people have become extinct!

In this 21st Century of cut-throat competitions even among nations that are faring well, it is up to us to make up our minds about our collective destiny and, unfortunately, we simply don’t have all the time in the world to do that. A democratic Federal Republic of Nigeria, for real, needs its patriots now.

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