Osun Sets To Clampdown On Quack Estate Agents
IN response to the clamour of Osun State residents, the state House of Assembly has passed the Estate Agency Regulatory Authority (Establishment) and Lo eries Gaming Bill into law.
The Estate Agency Regulatory Authority (Establishment) according to the assembly will help in checkma ng the illegal ac vi es of some selfacclaimed estate agents in the State.
Both bills were passed into law during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
According to Egbedun, passage of both bills will mark another notable achievement in the Assembly’s legisla ve agenda.
Recall that many accommoda on seekers in the state have on many occasions called on the government of the state to regulate the ac vi es of the estate agents, saying some of their acts are fraudulent.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered from a statement
issued by the spokesperson to the Speaker, Olamide Tiamiyu that the Lo ery and Gaming Bill, sponsored by the Speaker, aims to establish Osun Lo eries and Gaming Board, a regulatory framework that harmonises all laws rela ng to lo ery gaming ac vi es within the state.
The statement also revealed that the bill seeks to ensure transparency, ethical prac ces, and compliance among operators in the gaming industry.
The statement reads, “Similarly, the Estate Agency Regulatory Authority (Establishment) Bill, introduced by Hon. Babajide Kofoworola Adewunmi, the Majority Leader, is designed to provide for the establishment of the Osun State Estate Agency Regulatory Authority to manage the ac vi es of estate agents in Osun State.
“This authority will oversee registra on processes, set industry standards, and promote professionalism within the real estate sector, while the bill aims to safeguard
the rights of both property buyers and sellers, ensuring fair prac ces in real estate transac ons.”
Also, Egbedun highlighted the importance of the bills in promo ng
transparency and accountability in their respec ve industries.
“These laws will not only protect consumers but also foster a conducive environment for le-
gi mate businesses,” he stated.
Both bills which will be sent to the Governor for assent once signed into law, “are expected to significantly impact the
governance of the gaming and real estate sectors in the state promoting economic growth and protec ng the interests of residents,” the statement said.
Osun Students Call For Arrest Of Ex-Leaders
TState Axis has called for the arrest of some leaders of the associa on who are ex-students, but s ll parading themselves as ac ve
MEDIA VACANCY
students.
Osun NANS made the call at a press conference, addressed by its Chairman, Comrade Solomon Ayobami
on Monday while urging the individuals to desist, saying such ac on is detrimental to the organisa on’s im-
Job
Lead a dynamic team of journalists and staff to produce a weekly newspaper and occasional publica ons, covering Osun’s latest news in poli cs, business, society, and human stories.
Key Responsibili es:
• Oversee news coverage and distribu on across Osun State
• Liaise with government, corpora ons and various organisa ons and Individuals for subscrip ons and revenue genera ng ac vi es.
• Manage online presence
• Drive adver sing revenue and explore paid event coverage.
• Manage marke ng and distribu on
HE Na onal Associaon of Nigerian Students, (NANS), Joint Campus Council, Osun
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf Oketola
•Osun State First Lady, Mrs1 Titilola Adeleke, with some beneficiaries of the food support scheme held at Government House on Monday
Inflation And Politics
THE result of this week’s presiden al elec on in the United States of America confirms the reality that inflaon is a puni ve tax on the least protected sectors. The triumph of President-Elect, former President Donald Trump, is actually a revolt against the cost-of-living crisis.
The economy in the United States was not dire, but a clear majority were feeling the pinch of the infla onary spiral. The voters had to make a protest by vo ng for the man who presented himself as the outsider and change agent. This should be a lesson for us here in Nigeria. Unlike the United States, in Nigeria, the issue has become a cost-ofexistence crisis. The effect has been devasta ng! The costs of groceries, electricity, transport, and so forth have simply gone through the roof, and no “palliaves” and meaningful wage increase can ameliorate these facts.
The horrible pictures of underage cap ves fain ng in court are a pointer to the social dislocaon already happening, and with more to come. Unchecked, the dysfunc on could become a crisis. Government at all levels must not go beyond
ves and disaster managing into a root and branch approach. Produc on must now be subsidized, star ng with input into Agriculture and Pharmaceucals, in addi on, the logis cs side must be tackled through massive investment into rural and feeder roads to help evacuate Agricultural produces, too much of which is ro ng away rather than ge ng to the market.
There must be a fierce urgency about this. The market themselves need to be upgraded for the use of the consumer and to bring prices down. For example, Solar empowered cold storage facilies must be built in a market for perishable food stuffs.
A lot has to be done in a market to reduce waste, and this is only one of so many items. What has happened in the United States is despite the fact that the country has social safety nets. Nigeria does not even have rudimentary safety nets. We are in a precarious posi on. We, the country’s weak ins tu ons, had better be proac ve now!
It is me to go back to the drawing board and stop living in denial; the situa on is very bad, and all the op ons must be considered to counteract the damage.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2024 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024
The Discourse
State Police: Make Nigeria Safe Again
FROM 1861, when the Ac ng Governor of Lagos Colony; William McCosky established the first police force, to protect Bri sh trade. A er that, we had a Bri sh style system based on Constabularies, Na ve Authori es, and the post-independence regions controlling the security system within their territories and it was effec ve. Only the Eastern region under the 1963 cons tu on did not exercise the right to establish a regional police force. The police in other regions had regional training and civilian orienta on and inclina ons. The coup of 1966 threw out the baby with the bath water. The first casualty was the 1963 cons tu on which was ignored. All local police were abolished through the centraliza on and militarisa on of the police force. Thus began the destruc on of the ethos of a developing, devolved policing system leading to a loss of espirit de corp, focus and effec veness. The 1979 and 1999 dra ed by the military foreclosed the forma on of any decentralised police architecture.
In the United Kingdom (UK) in contra-dis nc on, the system created by Sir Robert Peel devolved from London to the regions and there was never a need to create a centralised policing system around London because the topography of the regions are different. For effec veness the military concep on of a centralised Bonarpar st concep on of the State must be discarded. Napoleon created a centralised state to suppress a revolu on, what revolu on is Nigeria, a mul ethnic state suppressing? Furthermore France was at the me homogenous with a shared culture and a State religion. We are heterogenous, with diverse cultures. Today policing has been so devolved in the United Kingdom, much like the USA, where there are democra cally contested elec ons for top posts in the police system. That was inconceivable decades ago. Anyone can contest on a non party basis. Nigeria cannot con nue to swim against the de.
The reserva ons against the devolu on of the policing system can also be used against the Federal police force, that is; par sanship, high handedness etc. The andote to all these is professionalism as well as the entrenchment of democra c control and civil society monitoring and oversight. This is what obtains elsewhere since no country is populated by Angels.
OSUN
Professionalism of an an diluvian policing system is key for effec veness; frankly every aspect of the State must be retooled and technologically driven if Nigeria is to become compe ve again. A government Technology Service must be established to infuse technology into every department including the police, customs, judiciary, ports and so forth. This is long overdue. The Bri sh premier achieved a similar modernising objec ve in his administra on when in 1964 he created the under performing agencies and departments of the State.
The argument for state police is not just about decentralisa on, it is about building a Nigeria that is secure enough to compete and be globally relevant. As it is today, the Nigerian police have not transited from a force into a Service. Its focus is s ll about regime protec on and not on service rendered to protect the community.
What is delaying the crea on of state police? According to the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Asishana Okauru; The official posi on of the forum is in favour of state police. I don’t know of any state that is not in support of state police.” As at September, Kwara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory have not submitted their report to the Na onal Economic Council (NEC). Society is ordered and coordinated from the base, that is, the community level. This is why the late Governor Ro mi Akerodolu SAN is now a cherished historic persona. By insis ng on the efficacy of Amotekun he changed the territory of the discourse, which as Gramsci stated is the real purpose of poli cs. His interven on has been posi ve.
“The argument for state police is not just about decentralization, it is about building a Nigeria that is secure enough to compete and be globally relevant. As it is today, the Nigerian police have not transited from a force into a service. Its focus is still about regime protection and not on service rendered to protect the community”
A vast and varied territory with diverse cultural etymology like Nigeria, cannot be subjected to a centralised internal security mechanism. The United Kingdom, United States of America, Ethiopia and Canada know that this is most absurd. The United Kingdom is a devolved unitary state but it operates over fi y autonomous police boards and does not have a czar called Inspector General of Police. The crea on of this post, in post independence Nigeria in 1962 must now be subject to re-evalua on. Nigeria must rebuild its internal security with subna onals controlling the policing system and be responsible for their effec veness. There will of course be democra c control, as well as parliamentary scru ny, and oversight. As President Eisenhower showed in Li le Rock in 1958, that the local police can be temporarily “Federalised” in the na onal interest in an emergency. The present defec ve unitary set up is affec ng Nigeria’s credit risk analysis leading to ques ons about its suitability as an investment des na on.
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All correspondence to the above email addresses.
Nigeria’s food security is also at risk, leading to horrendous food price infla on. An acclaimed federalist President, Bola Tinubu has a compelling, historic responsibility to devolve the police framework and make Nigeria safe again.
Olateju Bamidele
pallia
•Inflation is a political challenge as well as an economic one
•Olateju
2026: OAU Denies Affiliation With Bogus Group, Democracy Polling Agency
MANAGEMENT of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has denied affiliaon with a group, Democracy Polling Agency (DPA), which said it conducted a survey on major poli cal par es in the state ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elec on.
Osun Defender reports that the group had, in a report released to some reporters, claimed to be an affiliate of OAU.
However, the management of the ins tu on through the Public Relaons Officer of the school, Mr Abidoun Olanrewaju, in an interview with Osun Defender, outrightly denied any affilia on with the group.
“OAU is a University. We are a degree-awarding university and can’t have any affilia on with any
c or autocra c group. That is not true,” Olanrewaju told Osun Defender’s reporter.
Osun Defender also observed the non-existence of the group on the internet.
The group had in a snippet of the report of the survey conducted from the period of August to Oc-
tober 2024, on state of poli cal par es in Osun, said the opposi on party in the state, the All Progres-
Osun 2026: APC Stalwart Warns Against Zoning
•Says Adeleke’s Commissioner For Agriculture Inactive
Yusuf Oketola
Astalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, Prince Oladele Oyelude, has advised leadership of the party not to be too desperate about picking its governorship candidate from a par cular zone ahead of the 2026 poll. Oyelude said the party should instead look for a credible candidate that would be acceptable to the electorates from any zone in the state.
He made the advice while speaking with newsmen at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, recently, while warning party leaders against their insistence on zoning system.
According to him,” the APC hierarchy should look inwards without considering any par cular zone, and pick a righ ul candidate who can deliver the state to the APC.
“When it comes to zoning ma er, I’m not qualified to discuss it. But I think the party should look at the best zone where we can get bulk votes.
“As opposi on is trying to take over, zone shouldn’t be our major priori es. Just look at the last elec ons, Southeast has been clamouring for presidency, but APC and PDP did not believe they can get bulk votes from that region and Southwest favoured our party. That’s how it works.”
Speaking on the current administra on led by the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke in the state, Prince Oyelude
noted that, the state is the only state that is having lowest IGR in the SouthWest.
He argued, “When other states have tenbillion-naira differences, Osun has just N2bn, de-
spite all the infla on and fuel subsidy removal. That shows how unserious our state government has been.
“Governor Adeleke should look for capable hands for different port-
folios. Or maybe the Governor is hiding certain things and does not want to expose all that they are ge ng.”
“The state Agricultural sector is even a write-off I don’t even know who
the commissioner for agriculture in the State is. Maybe he has no idea or he should be sacked. We were shown some tractors in his ministry, Some weeks ago and today no one can say those tractors are working,” Oyelude added.
Ilobu Indigines Urge Adeleke To Fix Dilapidated Hospital, Collapsed Bridge
IKazeem Badmus
NDIGENES of Ilobu community, headquarters of Irepodun local government area of Osun State have called on the state government to rescue the completely dilapidated health center in the area.
This was as they called for the reconstruc on of the washedaway Ilobu Grammar School Bridge, which linked several communi es in the town.
The indigenes said the hospital serving several communi es in the area is in bad shape.
The hospital, Konda Comprehensive Health Center, serves as a secondary referral center for Ilobu, Erin-Osun, and Alapupu.
The hospital, according to the people, currently has three nurses.
They added that the rodent-invested hospital had no doctor due to its unhealthy environment.
Speaking with newsmen as part of the acvi es for the 2024 Ilobu Day celebra on, the Na onal President of the Ilobu-Asake De-
velopment Union, Mr Olufemi Salako, said the state of the facility has made access to healthcare delivery difficult for the teeming populace in the council area.
His words, “We again appeal to the Osun State government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke to rescue the completely dilapidated Konda Comprehensive Health Center. This facility is the only secondary health center serving thousands of residents of Ilobu, Erin, Alapupu, and other adjourning communi es.
“The non-func onality of the facility has compounded the health challenge of our people. The one modern facility is in the worst state as we speak. Apart from being in a very bad shape, the only Medical doctor was withdrawn without replacement almost a year ago.
“Last year, we clamored for the reconstrucon of the washed away Ilobu Grammar School Bridge, the impact of which is not only threatening to increase the number of
out-of-school children in Ilobu but also becoming worse on a daily basis. It is sad to inform the world that despite our appeals to both the State and federal governments and the trauma c and harrowing experience faced by over 2,000 students of three schools connected to the bridge, no respite has come to fore.
“We appeal again for an urgent a en on for the reconstruc on of this bridge in order to avoid the accident and loss of life wai ng to happen on the bridge”.
While commending Governor Adeleke
for the infrastructural projects ongoing in the town, Salako noted that this year’s Ilobu Day will not be without giving back to the community
“This year’s celebration started with a giving back medical outreach in partnership with the Ilobu Pla num Lions Club Interna onal, a nongovernmental organiza on. This year again, no fewer than 550 persons benefi ed from the health programme, with medicated eye glasses distributed freely to all in need”, he added.
sives Congress, APC, had split into two halves with the Omoluabi fac on holding roughly 45 percent of the old APC membership with the remaining about 60 percent being with the Oyetola fac on tagged ‘Ilerioluwa group’.
It also said that from the period covered by the survey, the 60 percent share of the APC for Oyetola has dwindled by close to 45 %, adding that from across the three senatorial districts, the Oyetola fac on of the APC has suffered torrents of decamping which may con nues even as the survey was rounded up by October ending.
The report said respondents who le the APC mostly moved to the ruling Peoples Democra c Party whose membership swelled by more than 40 percent within the period under review.
Reasons cited for the mass exodus in the report from respondents’ reacons include – the impressive performance of the Osun Governor, the rigidity of state APC leadership to reconcilia on moves, the slow response of Mr. Oyetola to discon nue his guber bid, the worsening economic climate and series of disasters that had befallen the party leadership in some local governments.
Meanwhile, members of the APC and poli cal analysts in the state have faulted the report, claiming it was a glorified PDP group.
Speaking with Osun Defender, a poli cal analyst in the state, Olabiyi Owoade, said details of the report showed that those in the group are PDP members.
According to him, “I lost interest immediately when I saw the group said in its report that one of the reasons for the passive mass exodus of the APC members to the PDP was because of the impressive performance of the si ng governor, Adeleke.
“How can someone tell me the governor is performing excellently. That is far from it and it shows the bias of those in the group.
“This is the way the former governor, Gboyega Oyetola was deceived by some faceless groups then un l he lost his re-elec on bid.
“Can we also call this one a faceless group because there is nothing on the internet about socalled group. They even claim crown to be an affiliate of a reputable instu on like OAU. Now that they have been denied, there is need to probe that group and those behind it.”
•Mrs Yemisi Opalola, Osun Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Blessing Ojo, Special Adviser to Gov. Ademola Adeleke on Community Communication, Representative of Osun State Gov, Alhaji Moshood Adejare, Special Adviser to Gov on Transportation and others at a peace meeting organised by members of Osun State Transporters Union (OSTMS) in Osogbo, on Wednesday Photo: Shola Aderinto
Kazeem Badmus democra
Osun Mourns Exit Of General Lagbaja
Yusuf Oketola
THE Osun State Government has condoled with Ilobu people over the death of one of their sons and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The state, in a statement personally signed by Governor Ademola Adelele, described his death as a sad loss and “a huge misfortune”
Lagbaja was appointed COAS by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Informa on and Strategy to the President, Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos a er a period of illness.
Adeleke wrote: “A huge misfortune has befallen the people of Osun State, the Nigerian army and the great Lagbaja family of Ilobu. We lost a rare breed, a gentleman and a true patriot to the cold hands of death.
“Our late brother had a big vision of opera onal reforms for the Nigerian Army. He
•As Hometown Suspends Anniversary Indefinitely
•Gov. Adeleke with late Lagbaja
launched out and commenced the implementa on of root and branch reform of the Nigerian Army. Within his short s nt in office, he enforced professionalism and ba led terrorists and bandits with terrifying fierceness.
“Our late brother was a very hardworking officer, a true workaholic, a fierce soldier,
a replica of the tradional army officer with an ambi ous plan for moderniza on and integra on of the Nigerian Army.
“In my last encounter with him, he exuded hope and aspira ons of a be er Nigeria with the military as a stabilizer and unifier of the federa on. In late General Lagbaja, we had a great
military leader with the poise, the confidence and the firmness to realize the vision of a new Nigerian Army.
“Unfortunately, the end came suddenly. We surrendered to the will of the Almighty creator. I commiserate with the Commander – in- Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the men and women of the Nigerian
Armed Forces, my people of Ilobu and the great Lagbaja family.
“We mourn together on this sad occasion. On behalf of the people and Government of Osun state, we extend commisera on to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and the two children.”
Also, Governor Adeleke on Thursday declared three days mourning for the late Chief of Army Staff
The State government also directed that half mast flags should be flown in the state during the same period.
This was stated in the release by the Commissioner for Informa on
Transporters Union Advocates Peace and Unity Among Members
Kazeem Badmus
THE Osun State Transporters Union (OSTMS) has launched a peace and unity ini a ve aimed at promo ng harmony among its members.
The ini a ve seeks to address the longstanding divisions and crises that have plagued the transport sector in the state.
This was revealed by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Bankole Ojo, represented by Mrs Blessing Adegbite, S.A on Community Communicaon to Governor Ademola Adeleke, who stated that the union is commi ed to achieving maximum peace and avoiding crises that have hindered the growth of the transport industry.
According to her, “OSTMS has been recognized by law as the sole representa ve body for transporters in Osun state.
“We have noted that the union has engaged in a series of mee ngs with various stakeholders, including transport union leaders and state government officials. These meetings have resulted in a
collec ve agreement to work towards a united front, with all par es commi ng to set aside their differences and embrace peace.”
In her remarks, Osun Police Public Rela ons Officer, CSP Yemisi Opalola, emphasized the importance of peace and unity in achieving progress and prosperity in the transport sector, and She encouraged all members to work together and support the government in maintaining peace and stability in the state.
As stated by Opalola, “We are appealing to drivers in the state, to adopt safe driving pracces, avoid overspeeding, and drive defensively to ensure safety of themselves and all road users.”
The Nigerian Police, believes that by working together, transporters can achieve great things and make a posive impact on the community.”
With the peace and unity ini a ve gaining momentum, transporters in Osun state are opmis c about a brighter future, free from crises and divisions. The ini ave is expected to have a posi ve impact on the
transport sector, leading to improved services and increased economic growth - Opalola stated.
Also in his remarks, the representa ve of the Governor, Alhaji Moshood Adejare, Special Adviser on Transporta on, pledged its support to the inia ve, promising to strengthen the existing union and promote peace in the transport sector, adding that the government’s support is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the
ini a ve’s objec ves.
The OSTMS is commi ed to ensuring that the ini a ve is successful and that all members benefit from it. The union is working relessly to promote peace and unity among its members, and its efforts are already yielding posi ve results.
As the OSTMS connues to drive this ini a ve forward, the people of the state can look forward to a more harmonious and produc ve transport
sector that benefits all. The union’s commitment to peace and unity is a beacon of hope for a brighter future, - he stated.
The OSTMS Chairman, Alhaji Nurudeen Alowonle on his part urged the Union members to embrace the peace and unity ini a ve support from all stakeholders, he added that by working together, “we can achieve great things and create a more peaceful and prosperous society for all.”
Osun Govt Spends N527million On Refreshment In 9-Month
Yusuf Oketola
THE review of the budget performance documents in Osun State has shown that the state spent N527million on refreshment and meals in the first three quarters of the year, that is between January and September of the year.
While N527million was spent by the state on refreshment and meals, the capital expenditure to the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, stood at N297million, that to Osun state hospi-
tals management board stood at N45.6million.
The development would mean that Osun state spent on refreshment and meals more than it earned from direct assessment tax.
The state earned N378 million from direct assessment tax, it however spent N527 million on refreshment and meals, this would mean that the state spent equivalent all of its earnings from direct assessment tax on refreshment and meals and added extra.
It would also mean that the state spent 5% of its internally generated
revenue in the first three quarters of the year on refreshment and meals.
Osun State earned N10.514billion internally within the period under review.
The development comes amid calls for prudence in the management of states resources. States rely on loans to augment their stated insufficient revenue.
There have been concerns on management of resources in the face of developmental challenges across the federa on in the country.
and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi.
Alimi disclosed that Condolence Registers has also been opened at the government house and Governor’s office for the condolence messages of the people of Osun.
As Hometown Suspends Anniversary Indefinitely
Meanwhile, the 2024 Ilobu day celebra on billed to take place tomorrow has been suspended ll further noce.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman, Ilobu-Asake Development Union, Pastor Olufemi Salako, IDU announced the immediate suspension of Ilobu day celebra on following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Salako, who described the demise of Lagbaja as devasta ng, said late Chief of Army Staff died at a me when his service and leadership are much needed for the development of their community.
Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun local Government area of Osun state is the hometown of the late Chief of Army Staff
He said: “The IlobuAsake Development Union, the umbrella body of all sons and daughters of Ilobu, is greatly shocked by the un mely demise of a great member of the Union, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
“The death of Lt Gen. Lagbaja is indeed a devasta ng one to all of us as it came at a me when his service and leadership are much needed for the development of our community, Osun State and Nigeria at large.
“We take solace in the legacy of service, gallantry, diligence and commitment to Nigeria he le behind.
“In lieu of the sad development, the Na onal Execu ve of IDU has announced immediate suspension of all ongoing ac vi es marking the 2024 Ilobu Day Celebraon, announcement of a new date for the event shall be made later.
“We call on Nigerians to remember the immediate family of Lt Gen. Lagbaja, Ilobu Community and the Nigeria Army in prayers as we mourn the transi on of our son.”
“ FAIR in the eyes of men is the love of things they cover, women and sons, heaped-up hoards of gold and silver, horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) ca le and well- lled land.” Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals - (to return to)
JUMAT
SERMON JUMAT SERMON
By Alh. Zakariyah Sarumi By Alh. Zakariyah Sarumi
“Say: shall I give you glad dings far be er than those? For the righteous are gardens in nearness to their Lord, with river flowing beneath; with companions pure (and holy); And the good pleasure of Allah.
“For in Allah’s sight are all His Servants(Namely), those who say; ‘Our Lord! We have indeed believed: forgive us, then, Our Sins, and save us from the agony of the fire.
“Those who show pa ence, firmness and self-control; who are true (in word and deed); who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of Allah); And who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning”. Quran 3: 14-17.
The craze and the race a er money which is listed a er wealth and riches properly named greed and avarice, has robbed nearly the whole world of all virtues and righteousness and instead implanted in it the burning desire of ge ng rich quick. The lust a er possessions of naira and dollars has culminated in all sorts of vices, nefarious ac vi es, malprac ces, dishonesty, bribery and corrup on, extor on big fraud and scandalous act, etc., in high places.
On account of money, man has forgo en his lord and creator and consequently has failed totally in the object of his existence or life mission, which is to lead a peaceful, decent, happy and successful life beneficial to both himself and humanity in general. Man has made money his Lord and idol worship and has therefore, deviated from the right course preferring the highest dis nc on for probity and integrity; his fame is that of wealth and riches - never mind how amassed or acquired.
Lust For Wealth
In order to amass wealth, he has devised and put into ac ve prac ce various ways and means, lawful and unlawful, good and bad, foul and vicious, crooked, managing directors of non-exis ng companies and corpora ons, daylight robbery, night marauding, to men on a few.
Having developed the mentality that money can buy and do everything for him, man should be suspected of doing everything for the sake of money, for which he has been using his fake wisdom and ingenuity for diver ng public and other people’s money into his own purse or personal account, forge ng altogether (poor soul) that there is no safety or security for evil or, wrongdoings.
Quran 102:1-8 says: “Abundance diverts you un l you come to the grave. Nay you will soon know. Nay again you will soon know. Nay you would you know with a certain knowledge. You will certainly see hell. Then you will see it with certainty of sight. Then on that day, you shall certainly be ques oned about the boons”.
“Wealth and children are an adornment of the life of this world and the ever abiding the good works are be er with thy Lord in reward and hope.” Quran 18:46.
My dear readers, let us all digress a li le to find out what is the cause of these nefarious acts and unprofitable businesses. The answer
Ato this important ques on is not farfetched, more than a decei ul-yet-destruc ve a tude to life, abuse and misuse of educa on without manners and character, resul ng in the fran c chase a er money by whatever means possible, forge ng that manners maketh man. Thus, has man been intoxicated by the burning desire of ge ng rich quick and thereby has become insane, witless and crazy a er wealth poor mortal!
Muslims par cularly have been warned against greed, as could be learned or observed from the quota ons above. Would you then desist from the vicious and unpromising lives? Beware therefore, and be cau ous in the matter of wealth and riches, realising that the more you get, the more you want, with excep on of a very few granted contented minds. Money is just a means to an end for the provision of food, clothing and shelter and not the end in itself. Again, therefore, cul vate contentment and learn on labour and to wait. Know this, too, that all that gli ers is not gold; there are so many spurious and counterfeit therein, and make haste slowly looking for money.
One who makes money his lord will be plagued to death by it. Again, in the hustle and bustle of life, remember that character and manners are good amours for successful life to stem the vicissitudes of life. Surely, real wealth is not in abundance of money but in good thoughts of doing good to others as we wish them do unto us, for this brings happiness to the mind.
You have brought nothing into the world and neither can you go back or, depart therefrom with any money or material gains except good works and righteousness.
And peace be unto those who follow the guidance.
•Shaykh Imam Zakariyah Sarumi is the Grand Imaam of Ipetu-Ijesa.
Son Allegedly Beheads Father Inside Cocoa Farm
Oketola
middle-aged man, idenfied as Saidi, has been arrested and detained by the opera ves of the Osun State Police Command for allegedly beheading his father, Bale, in his farm.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the incident occurred at Ilusi village via iperindo in Atakunmonsa East Local Government area of the state.
Bale was said to have been decapitated on his farm on the day he was to begin harves ng his produce.
Sources in the village who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER said the remains of the deceased were discovered on his farm last Friday a er he went missing some hours before the corpse was found.
A resident of the village, simply iden fied as Sakariyau, told the medium, that Bale went missing last Thursday and a er an intense search around the village, his corpse which was covered with leaves was found on his farm the following day.
He further said, “Before he (Bale) was traced to his farm on Friday, he could not be found anywhere around the village since he le for the farm.
“When we got to his farm, we searched everywhere and
found his remains covered with leaves. His head was cut off by unknown people.
“Therea er, people around, who suspected Bale’s son, who accompanied the deceased to the farm on the
day he was killed, descended on him.
“He was seriously beaten because people knew he went with his father to the farm to harvest cocoa. He ini ally denied killing the man, but he
later admi ed commi ng the crime a er he was seriously tortured by some angry youths.
“The cocoa produce already harvested and the motorcycle of the deceased were
found on the farm. The boy was later handed over to police and he was taken to the Iperindo sta on for further inves ga ons.”
When contacted for confirma on, spokesperson for
the command, Yemisi Opalola, said she had been briefed.
“The suspect was arrested on the suspicion that he killed the father. I have been briefed about it. Inves ga on is ongoing,” Opalola said.
Oyo Govt Under Fire Over Default In 8bn LAUTECH Refund To Osun
THE Oyo State Government is under fire for failing to fulfil its obliga ons to Osun State regarding the dissolu on of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
The university was jointly owned by Oyo and Osun states for 30 years un l Oyo proposed dissolu on in November 2020.
As part of the agreement, Oyo State agreed to pay Osun State N8 billion in instalments, with the final payment due by 2023.
However, according to Osun State’s Commissioner of Informa on, Barr. Kolapo Alimi, and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Oyo State has only paid N4 billion, leaving a balance of N4 billion unpaid.
Olawale claimed that
the Oyetola’s administraon actually got a payment of Three Billion, Five Hundred Million from the Oyo state government as part of the LAUTECH se lement payment before leaving office.
He added that the Adeleke’s administra on received only Five Hundred Million Naira refund since assump on of office from November 2022 ll date.
In a statement signed by Arch. Suleiman Oparinde, on behalf of Osun Renaissance Group, the reluctance of Oyo State Government to honour the promise and agreement reached with its brotherstate betrays the age-long friendship that have existed between the two states.
“2024 is almost over and the promise of Governor Seyi Makinde to Osun over LAUTECH dissolu on
is yet to be fulfilled. This is dishonorable. How much is N4 billion that the government of Oyo state could
not se le in the last four years,” Oparinde queried.
The group urges Governor Makinde to, in the in-
terest of peaceful co-existence, see to full se lement of its liability to Osun State without any further delay.
Osun Students Call For Arrest Of...
age.
The chairman urged security agencies in the state to take necessary ac on against the Impostors.
“We will not tolerate any further impersona on. We urge security agencies to take necessary ac on against these impostors.”
•Continued from page 2 and overall development of Osun State. His efforts in delivering dividends of democracy to Osun people is clear even to the blind to see.
The text of the press conference reads partly, “We have been made aware that some individuals, some of whom have graduated and are no longer students, are parading themselves as leaders of NANS JCC in Osun.
“These individuals are impostors and should be completely ignored going forward. We urge them to desist from such ac ons, as they are detrimental to our organiza on’s image and integrity.
Also, the students’ body highlighted some of their vision to move the Associaon’ forward in the state.
This, according to them include; “Students’ Welfare, Empowerment, Transparency and Accountability”, among others.
They also appreciate Governor Ademola Adeleke, for providing them with an enabling environment that made their conven on and emergence possible.
“We acknowledge his unwavering commitment to the growth of educa on
“Our administra on shall con nue to support the policies and programs of the Adeleke administraon.
“We must also express our deepest gra tude to the Students Union Presidents from the various schools for their support, we look forward to a robust and con nuous coopera on ll the end of our administra on. We also thank all stakeholders and all Nigerian students in Osun state,” the students stressed.
Yusuf
Yusuf Oketola
NSCDC Officer Dies After Receiving October Salary
Kazeem Badmus
AN An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, Mohammad Opatola has reportedly died a er suddenly taking ill at work.
•As Colleagues Blame Unpaid Promotion Arreas
The officer who was attached to the Iwo Division died on Monday.
Conflic ng accounts of the events leading to his demise were given by his col-
leagues, while social media users speculated about the cause of death.
A viral WhatsApp post had suggested that Opatola collapsed immediately a er
receiving a salary alert for October, which, according to some accounts, did not include promo on arrears expected by NSCDC personnel.
OAU Workers Lament Non-payment
Kazeem Badmus
THE Na onal Associa on of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, branch, on Wednesday protested over the non-payment of their withheld salaries and backlogs of Earned Academic Allowances by the Federal Government.
However, his colleagues refuted the claim, sta ng that Opatola did not immediately slump a er seeing his salary alert, but rather went about his du es before the illness struck.
One colleague, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed to The PUNCH, “We were all disappointed when we saw that the promo on arrears were missing from the salary. Opatola, like the rest of us, was disappointed but didn’t collapse immediately. He went back to his office and performed some tasks before he suddenly took ill.”
The source further explained, “He excused himself to the restroom, but a er some me passed and he didn’t come out, we checked on him and found him unresponsive on the floor. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.”
Another colleague speculated that Opatola may have suffered from high blood pressure following
the alert, no ng that employees from other agencies under the Ministry of Interior had received their arrears alongside the October salary, heightening NSCDC personnel’s hopes.
“He was visibly upset when he saw the alert. We all shared our frustra ons, but it seems he took it harder,” the colleague added.
A third colleague menoned that Opatola had been promoted and decorated with his new rank less than a week before his death, making the missing arrears even more disappoin ng for him.
“He was hale and hearty when he arrived on Monday. A er receiving the alert, he appeared troubled and excused himself to the restroom, where he was later found unconscious,” the source said.
Efforts to get an official response from the Osun NSCDC Command were unsuccessful, as calls to the spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke went unanswered, and a text message sent to her remained unanswered.
Of Withheld Salaries, Arreas Avoid Being Victim Of Prison - Osun Inmate Urges Nigerians
union was on strike for five and a half months, and the federal government withheld our salary for those months.
“Despite all our pleas, mee ngs, and nego a ons we had with the federal government, our withheld salary has not been paid un l now.
The protesters who converged at the school campus to express their grievances accused the federal government of reneging on their 2009 agreement.
The protesters carried placards with various inscrip ons such as “We Say No To Unfair Treatment;” Broken Promise, Broken Trust, Respect Our 2009 Agreement;” “We Deserve Be er;” “Pay Our Withheld Salaries.”
Briefing newsmen shortly a er the protest, the branch chairman, Comrade Mathew Oluwaniyi, who was represented by his Vice, Aminu Ro mi, said the salaries of members of the union were withheld by the federal government for going on strike for five and half months in 2022.
Oluwaniyi said members of the union only received one month of the withheld salaries in October, no ng that the federal government has failed in its promise.
He said, “We are here to show our grievances with the Federal Government of Nigeria on the way our union is being treated. In 2022, the university-based unions went on strike. Our
“Last week, we received an alert of what looks like the payment of one of our five and half months withheld salaries, and up ll now, the federal government has not given any communica on to us.
“The federal government is also owing us arrears of allowances and that is why we are coming out to let the people know that the federal government is not being fair with us.
“We signed an agreement with the federal government in 2009 and up ll now, that agreement has not been fully implemented. One of the things that the federal government failed to implement in the agreement is our occupaonal hazard allowance.”
In his words, the former
secretary of the union in OAU, Dr Taoreed Adesiyan, lamented the shortage of workers in the university laboratories across the country.
“We also have a dearth of workers in our laboratories. All our laboratories are not being manned by sufficient number of people. We are overworked, and our members are dropping dead, and we’ve said several mes that the federal government of Nigeria should endeavor to employ more workers.”
7th November, 2024
FAREWELL TO THE GALLANT SOLDIER
I received with shock and much sadness the announcement of the transition of the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, in Lagos on November 6, 2024. This is a shocking exit of a gallant officer from the stage when he is needed most.
General Lagbaja was a soldier’s soldier with an illustrious career spanning more than three decades. He distinguished himself with distinction and valour in all the commands he headed. He was a terror to the nation’s enemies in all the combats he led and contributed significantly to national peace and security.
It is most unfortunate that he left his mission not fully accomplished before he bowed out. His death is the end of an era.
My deepest condolences to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian armed forces, his immediate family and the good people of Ilobu and Osun for the sad exit of this illustrious officer.
I pray especially that God will comfort his family, give them his peace and the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
May Allah grant him Aljanah Firdous and unending comfort in his next estate. Aamin.
Ògbeni Ràùf Arẹgbéṣọlá
NIGERIANS have been urged not to engage in criminal ac vi es that would land them in custodial centres.
The appeal was made at the Ilesa Custodial Centre in Osun State by the Chief Imam of the inmates (name withheld) on Tuesday, during a visit by members of an Islamic organisa on, the Daaru-r-Rahmat Society of Nigeria, as part of ac vi es marking the 15th anniversary of the group.
The Chief Imam, who had already spent 13 years at the facility, said he was unaware of the grave consequences of his ac ons un l he was caught a er he robbed a hostel.
Describing prison as “a graveyard of the living,” he appealed to Nigerians to be content and pa ent.
“Help us tell people in Nigeria to live with contentment. Help us appeal to the government not to abandon us here. They should not think we are the worst human being on earth. Some of us came here to discover that we have done wrong and we have repented.
“I have been here since 2008. I have finished at Open University now. Some of us are here because we could not afford a lawyer. Some of us are here because they stole due to hunger. Some could not af-
ford to pay an op on of fine while others have spent almost 20 years because they could not raise N500,000 to pay the se lement.
“We came to prison because of a lack of contentment. My father warned me but I didn’t listen. I was the only person caught out of four of us that went to rob a hostel in Iree then.
“If we are lucky to leave this place, we will be of good conduct because we now realise that returning to crime a er leaving prison is either you are killed or you return to jail.”
Addressing the inmates a er making dona ons of food items and clothing, Ameer of Darmat, Imam Muali Olawale, who was accompanied on the visit by members of the group, urged them to renew their faith and hope, imploring them to learn at least a skill and keep hope alive.
The Imam further said, “Don’t see this place as the last place. It is not over for you. Use this place to learn how to be of good conduct a er your freedom. It is in your des ny that you will be kept here for a while.
“Renew your hope and your faith. That is the campaign mantra of the present administra on and Nigeria will be be er for us all.
“Be steadfast and maintain your brotherhood. You will leave this place to become important a er your freedom.”
•Hon Olubi Adejobi (SA on Intergovernmental Affairs to Gov Adeleke) flanked by models at Osogbo Fashion and Garment Week 2024 Press and Media Briefing, held in Osogbo last Saturday
Photo :Shola Aderinto
Yusuf Oketola
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2024 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024 VOL. 19 NO 41 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
“ ONE of the penal es of refusing to par cipate in poli cs is that you end up being governed by your inferiors” – Plato. I have had interac ons with scores of youths in the south-west especially - between 20-35years - who have never voted. They mostly have no voters’ cards as they didn’t bother to register; very few that have the cards merely obtained to trade with them during elec ons. The interes ng aspect is that some of them do organise or join the protests against SARS, hunger and bad governance. Meanwhile, the sacrifice made to register as a voter and voting during elec ons based on manifestoes of the party and orienta on of the candidate is smaller but more rewarding than one million protests against former candidate who has now become the head of the government, running our affairs as he/she pleases.
While we have right to such protests as they are major condiments of civil rule that we mostly label democracy, this head of government could instruct police and other security agencies to get us arrested and criminalise our protests with damning consequences on our life and general wellbeing if he/she is lenient not to summarily get rid of us. Recent development should suffice. Last Friday, 1st November, 2024, the Inspector General of Police brought to a High Court in Abuja for arraignment 76 #End Bad Governance protesters arrested in Kano State since August 1-10 peaceful protests against hunger and hardship brought about by IMF/World Bank induced neo-liberal policies of subsidy removal from petrol, increase in electricity tariff, floa ng of Naira amongst other an -poor policies of APC Tinubu led government that have made life miserable for majority of Nigerians.
The fragile appearances of these protesters who are charged for treason, some of whom are in their early teens, reflect malnourishment and dehumanising condi on they must have been subjected for almost 90days in deten on as some actually fainted and had to be revived in the court. Hunger and hardship, products of neo-liberal policies of Tinubu led APC government, must have pushed these children to the streets to protest. While their counterparts are in school, they are languishing in deten on for par cipa ng in a legi mate protest against hunger they are subjected to.This Friday again, 8th November, 2024, trial of Adaramoye Michael Lenin and 10 others will commence for treason and their offense is par cipa ng in same peaceful protests against hunger and hardship. But Tinubu regime is making a bold statement of these trials –protest, which is a democra c right, will not be tolerated by the regime! People should swallow bi er pill of hunger and hardship; endure difficult living condion while the rulers junket around the
“If you cannot actively participate in political activities for one reason or the other, as everybody cannot be full time politician, try to be a card carrying and financial member of any political party that has programmes and manifestoes with relatively upright leadership that will be faithful to implementing what the party stands for when it gets to government”
Be A Spectator At Your Own Peril
globe, living ostenta ous life but urging the poor to be hopeful. Even under military dictatorships of Obasanjo/Yar’Adua, Buhari/Idiagbon, Babangida, Abacha, that prohibited “unlawful assembly” and protests, Nigerians did several protests which eventually culminated into their extermina on that ushered in this unbroken civil rule since 1999.
Every poli cal space has its own peculiarity. As far as Nigeria is concerned, ac ve par cipatory democracy by the poor, especially the youth, who have always been the casual es of convenonal poli cians neo-liberal policies could be a way forward. Their numerical strength is enough to form their own party or join any of the exis ng ones, use same vigour to elect leaders and get their own to power as poli cs has
become a legi mate crime with resultant bad governance where the worst in society represent the best and plunge the na on into unprecedented socioeconomic disaster.
The present hardship and woe imposed on us should be a lesson. Apart from conven onal poli cians, especially those who are in government, everybody is bearing the brunt of hardship which has provoked mental illness, sent many into their early graves and many poised to join them on daily basis. No earned income is enough to meet basic necessies especially foods and other consumables as infla on has risen above the roofs while many small scale businesses have collapsed and millions pushed into poverty, hunger and starva on with no end in sight. You can’t, therefore, afford
to con nue your nonchalant a tude of leaving poli cs en rely in the hands of conven onal poli cians. No! If you cannot ac vely par cipate in poli cal ac vi es for one reason or the other, as everybody cannot be full me polician, try to be a card carrying and financial member of any poli cal party that has programmes and manifestoes with rela vely upright leadership that will be faithful to implemen ng what the party stands for when it gets to government. And don’t be deceived again that a successful businessman or and polician can lead be er and take Nigeria out of the wood. No! They see poli cs as flourishing business by other means where they crudely accumulate our collec ve wealth with sole aim of perpetua ng themselves at the top directly or through proxy. Hence, they implement policies that will pauperise people, rendering them to become beggars ll electoral circle with the slogan, “DiboKosebe”, meaning, vote and collect money enough for a pot of soup.
A er vo ng them again and having a pot of soup, what follows? Superlave hunger and suffering. Lamen ng and agonising won’t change anything; only conscious and concerted efforts will bring the desired change. There is a saying that a stone is broken by the last stroke of a hammer. It does not mean that the first stroke is fu le as success is the result of con nuous efforts. Although, the cost and sacrifices may be huge; there is nowhere in history where civilian dictatorship endures forever. However, the struggle for genuine democracy must begin in earnest as the sooner, the be er.
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
Devious Double Standard
DOUBLE Standard simply means applying one set of rule to Situa on A and applying a different, o en opposite, set of rules to that same Situa on A simply because different people or situaons are involved. Always, it is a self serving choice.
With respect to the a tude of America and European powers to the rest of the world, there are uncountable examples. While claiming champions of Democracy, Liberty and Human Rights, their very own declassified documents will shamelessly reveal to you how they killed Bob Marley through poisoning; will reveal how they overthrew, killed and dissolved the body of a democra cally elected President with acid; how they invaded a country against United Na ons stand and overthrew and killed its President for a lie that he has weapons of mass destruc ons…. and so on and so forth ad infinitum.
Unlike most of Asia that have found their historical bearing and made their independent sustainable development choices, while the leaders of the other so called “Third World” countries - in Africa and La n America - con nue to cling to and do the biddings of the persons and ins tu ons (like World Bank and IMF) of America and Europe is truly perplexing. If a man comes into your home, rapes your wife and daughter, kills one of your two sons that tries to resist, and reigns over you for decades before you find a way to send him away through huge sacrifices, hard work and prayers; if such a man comes back as a friend with “friendly” advice on “human rights” and how to ad-
vance the economy and welfare of your family, how should you relate with him? It is symptoma c of an incomprehensible mind disease that our ruling elites treat them as Big Boss and trustworthy guardians! It is plain fact a ested to even by the head of government that Nigeria is going through its worst ever cost of living crises – and unprecedented hardship occasioned by the choices of policies of the current government. Even when those that caused the trauma c crises keep excusing themselves and pleading for me for the hardship to deliver its sweet “fruits”, the World Bank’s Chief Economist, Indermit Gill, was praising the policy choices at the Nigeria Economic Summit Group gathering in Abuja last October, and admonishing the government “to stay the course” of the harsh policies for at least 10 to 15 more years!
The Yoruba have a saying that roughly translates to the fact that “the dog knows well how to breas eed its own puppies but on the other hand, devours those of the rats.” During the Covid 19 Pandemic, which trauma and hardship was not occasioned by any direct policy of the American government, the USA government ins tuted such a wide range of pallia ves to the American commoners, which space will not permit us to list here! Even as at today, 2024, when it is not experiencing any cost of living crises, America sustains a range of astonishing subsidies to make American lives easier –The Low Income Subsidy Enrolment; Inflaon Reduc on Act; American Subsidies for American Autos Act of 2024; etc, etc. Devious double standards have been
the consistent policy of the Western powers in their rela onship to the rest of the world from me immemorial. One good instance is the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 compared with the contemporary RussianUkraine War. America could not stand Cuba being in military alliance with then Soviet Union and having cruise missiles located on Cuban soil next door to it. Accordingly, they occasioned a crisis that dangerously brought the two superpowers close to nuclear confronta on - forcing Soviet Union to withdraw its missiles from Cuba. On the other hand, today, it encourages Ukraine, a former member of the then Soviet Union and next door neighbor to Russia to join the North Atlan c Treaty Organiza on (NATO) such that America and the West will install their military bases next door to Russia, and they expect Russia to accept it because it is the rights of Ukraine as a sovereign naon; which means Cuba was not a sovereign na on in 1962 and not en tled to such rights!
It is me for patriots of Africa and La n America to wake up from their slumber. Asia did not do any strange miracle other than simply standing up for itself through great leadership and dedicated ci zenry. African and La n American patriots need to commence doing whatever needs to be done, legi mately and democra cally, to oust Western despots and ensure that kind of visionary, incorrup ble, patrio c leadership across governments. A er decades of lip services and inac on, as Murtala Muhhammed said, “it is me to reflect, to rethink, and to act!”
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. All correspondence to the Acting Deputy Editor, SODIQ YUSUF, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com