HE Na onal Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Osun Command, has appealed to Hospitality business owners in the state against accommoda ng illicit drug users in their facili es.
The Osun Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Chidi Nnadi while giving the warning at a workshop organised for Business Owners Associa on in the state, highlighted the dangers it can caused to their business.
The workshop according to the commander is aimed at training supervisors of workplace to also enlighten their staffs and customers on
the effect of drugs on their produc vity and lives, adding that their facility will become drug havens if drug users are allowed.
He said: “There is no war that can be fought and won by a single individual or Agency and the drug war is not an exemp on. It is on this premise, that this collabora on between NDLEA and Osun State hospitality owners deemed it expedient to hold this seminar and jointly fight the drug menace to a stands ll.
“This seminar is the first in the series as the target audiences are frontline managers who by our es ma on, know your major customers, your employees and oversee ac vi es.
“This seminar will avail us the opportunity
to brainstorm, and collec vely strategize to fight the drug war collec vely.”
The commander further disclosed that in the last two years, the command under his watch has arrested 645 suspects with total cannabis farm destruc on 15.8 hectares amoun ng to 39.500 tons of cannabis sa va while over 117 suspects were successfully convicted.
OSUN DEFENDER had in its July 14, 2023 reported that the advent and increase in the hospitality business in the state has contributed immensely to the prevalence of drug abuse in the state.
E L E K E P R E S E N T S ADELEKE
DOur Reporter
IFFERENT reacons have started trailing last week’s presenta on of 2025 Budget es mate by Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke to the state parliament in Osogbo, the state capital.
A post-budget presenta on analysis by a cross-sec on of the state residents have revealed diverse views on the state government budget for the 2025 fiscal year. Recent findings through a report by BudgIT, an accountability and transparency advocacy group, stated that Osun State ranking in overall fiscal responsibility performance has dropped from 11th in 2022 to 13th in 2023, which remains an indica on of a decline in financial management.
In the group’s opinion, the state ought to be posi vely moving from total dependence on federal alloca on towards
•Continued on page 2
erent inscriptions during a protest
•The coalition of Princes in Osogboland armed with placards with diff
against the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Adetunji Olanipekun, on Wednesday
•Chidi Nnadi, the Osun NDLEA Commander •Chidi the Osun NDLEA Commander
Knocks, Kudos As Adeleke Presents 2025 Budget
self-sustenance.
Dr. Yinka Anjous, a financial expert and public speaker, while assessing the 2025 budget as presented by Governor Adeleke, objected to a prac ce whereby the state government priorses overhead Expenditure far above capital Expenditure.
“By the way, what is capital vote? Capital vote represents overhead cost including salaries of workers and poli cal func onaries and pensions of rered civil servants.
According to him: “In a Third World country, especially in a sub-na onal government, every budget should be seen, allowing the capital vote to be higher than the recurrent for obvious reasons. This because a developing economy like that of Osun State must zero-in on developing infrastructural facili es without which it cannot develop.
“Most capital votes are for infrastructure which which no government can develop. A situa on where ci zens have to drill their own boreholes, provide their
own power and others, is called self-governing.
“This is why government ought to come on board to ensure that capital vote is higher, as this will go a long way in ensuring overall development,” he stressed.
“In every economy, there are two sectors, namely, public and private sectors. While the
public
“Mind you, when we talk of private sector, we are talking about infrastructure which includes power, agriculture, health, educa on among others. Therefore for a government to accord more priority to the consuming sector above the produc-
ing one, something must have gone wrong. It’s like moving the state backward.
“The worst could have been allowing the capital expenditure to be at par with the recurrent expenditure.
“Therefore, I expect Osun State government of Governor Adeleke to have a rethink on this,”
MEDIA VACANCY
Dr. Anjous advised.
While corrobora ng, another economist and lawyer, Elder Ademola Alabi wondered why Osun State government should toe that path of dedicating a chunk of its annual budget on recurrent expenditure.
“With 37% of 2025 budget dedicated to capital expenditure, it means
for the period, development would elude the state, as developmental projects would have to take the back seat.
“I would have preferred a situa on whereby 63% is earmarked for capital expenditure and 37% for recurrent expenditure,” he emphasized.
However, a cross-secon of civil servants in the state have expressed their support for the state government, as it priorses their welfare above other considera ons.
“This is the mark of new era for the state workforce as our welfare is paramount to the current administra on in Osun State,” one of them who preferred anonymity stated.
A poli cal of the Peoples Democra c Party, PDP in the state, Alhaji Bakate Sulaiman, was full of praises for the Governor Adeleke-led government in the state for being a worker-friendly administra on.
“Unlike what we used to have in the state with past administra on, the current PDP-led regime is worker-friendly,” he stressed.
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
•Comrade Stephen Olanrewaju, flanked by other members of Concerned Civil Society Groups in Osun State, during a press briefing on the arrest of OSTMS Chair, Nurudeen Alowonle, in Osogbo, on Wednesday
sector consumes, the private sector produces.
Fear, Loathing And Non-State Actors In Osun
FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo brought back into a discourse the concept of “State Capture” this week. Origina ng from the republic of South Africa state captured refers to the subordina on of the ins tu ons of the state to powerful interest and groups. There is consequence a ached to this. In Nigeria apart from encouraging the emergences of cartels and monopolies which distort the compeveness of the State, they are also led to the arrival of non-States actors of an unruly and increasingly violent disposi on. If these non- States actors are not checked they could begin a process which will undermine and indeed threaten the integrity of the State. It’s within this contest we must view the ongoing tussle for turf,space and pecuniary benefits in Osun State. The poten al inadvertent fall out must not be underes mated.
The a tude of the state government of Osun towards the arrest of the Chairman of Osun State Park Management System is concerning. They are trivializing the current arrest of Alowonle and making puerile jusfica ons to ease his freedom.
The Press Statement of the state government regarding the arrest of Alowonle signed by the Commissioner for Informa on, Kolapo Alimi, is unpat-
rio c and should be condemned in all its en rety by good-spirited Nigerians.
The body language of the state government on the temporary suspension of operaon by the transporter in the early hour of Wednesday in solidarity to their chairman is uncalled-for. This subjects the people to excrucia ng pain as many were stranded by the roadside, including students who ought to be in class learning.
The failure of the state government to issue a single statement to that effect shows they are in support of the menace. Only economists can provide the accurate revenue the state would have lost within that break as business acvi es were paralysed for hours.
No doubt, the situaon would have made Osun people surpassed their budget on transporta on during the protest.
But It would have been a commendable move if the state government deployed all the former Omoluabi Scholar Buses which has been renamed to the Governor’s petname, Imole De Bus to ameliorate the suffering the people went through on Wednesday.
The government is elected by the people and they must always serve the people in every situa on. Their policies must be people-oriented.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024
Edo/Ondo Elections And Matters Arising Opinion
Oluwatobi Ayinde
THE manipula ve way the last two offcycle governorship elec ons in Edo and Ondo states were conducted and their predictable results is saddening. It is rather unfortunate that the quality of democracy in Nigeria keeps dwindling as each elec on held with contradic on to the basic principle of development and its clear tenets.
We keep exhibi ng and or improving on our knack for nega vity and manipula ve tendencies o en notoriously referred to as the “Nigerian factor”. If this is the way democra c elec ons are conducted in the civilised world, good governance, stability, and sustainable development would have been far away from them and would not have been admirable as it is today.
The conduct of the Edo and Ondo elections has made nonsense of the so-called technology introduced into the process. The connivance of the the electoral body, INEC, the supposed impar al umpire leaves much to be desired in manipula ng the process to favour the government in power. It is par cularly noteworthy to note that the use of money in buying the will of the electorates who are incapacitated by the current deliberately encouraged economic crisis which has made a larger percentage of the people to live below the poverty line.
In both Edo and Ondo elec ons, the heavy use of money by those in power was rampant than all other electoral crimes as no ced and reported by all stakeholders. It made a sham of the process and the outcome and indeed, all decent human beings should be ashamed in all ramifica ons. It is on record that the poor and hapless electorates confirmed to receiving money live on na onal television simultaneously watched by millions the world over.
The poli cal dog handlers confirmed that they gave voters money while various agencies in charge of security also reported it with emphasis on different manners by which distribu on took place, without any consequences!
Many writers have given various descripons to the elec on. The one that sounds most interes ng is “elec on is a seamless transac on by the willing buyer, for the helpless seller and for the win by the highest bidder.” The talk on the use of money was so rife and patently embarrassing to the winners that they had to personally vehe-
OSUN
“It
will interest discerning minds to note that, the speaker of that iniquitous statement to capture Osun 2026 by all means, failed woefully in his own state while the attempt at a judicial coup was thwarted by the resistance of the masses”
mently refute using money and claimed their victories were clean.
It is an ironical for a beneficiary of a sham of an elecon as witnessed in Edo/Ondo states to claim purity of his victory. A good product needs no advertisement. The whole world knows what happened.
Those involved in the scam should hide their ugly face in shame and accept their commi al of a grave sin of electoral malprac ce against democracy and devious reversal of the development fortune of the people of Nigeria.
Incidentally, the men in the high command of the party involved the electoral heist are already boas ng of capturing Osun and Oyo, undoubtedly by manipula on and heavy use of money. This is therefore a Clarion call on Nigerians to be on the alert henceforth and do everything humanly possible to end this shameful character of manipula ve and bought elecons that retains in power, the cannibals who have retarded the progress of our country.
It will interest discerning minds to note that, the speaker of that iniquitous statement to capture Osun 2026 by all means, failed woefully in his own state while the a empt at a judicial coup was thwarted by the resistance of the masses.
OSUN DEFENDER
Nigerians in the remaining states of the federa on should wise up, reject money poli cs which ought to have been used for their welfare by the few but is now deployed to curry their votes for further enslavement. Nigerians should start to look for those few who genuinely have their well-being at heart and vote for them massively while rejec ng the vote buyers who are only a er their welfare.
•Oluwatobi Ayinde, a political analyst, writes from Otan-Ayegbaju, Osun State.
•Okpebholo of Edo•Aiyedatiwa of Ondo
Parents Beg Adeleke For Amnesty As Son Sentenced To Death For Stealing Fowls, Eggs
PARENTS of Segun
Yusuf Oketola cure his release since he was convicted in 2014. He is a brilliant chap who have a brighter future ahead of him. We must not allow him to waste the peak of his life within the four walls of the prison.
Olowookere, an inmate who was convicted to death and currently in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison have pleaded with Governor Ademola Adeleke to grant their son amnesty ahead of his second year anniversary in office.
Olowookere was sentenced to death by Jus ce Falola of an Osun State High Court si ng in Ikirun for robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-o n local government, where he was said to have stolen a fowl and eggs.
But fi een years after his convic on, Olowookere, who was arrested at the age of 17, is s ll languishing in the prison with his appeal pending at the Court of Appeal in Akure Court, Ondo State.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, Segun’s mother, Mrs Folashade Olowookere called on the governor to revisit the case and use his good office in gran ng amnesty to her son.
The mother who spoke in an emo on laden voice noted that Segun is their only son and they cannot afford him to con nue was ng within the four walls of the prison, saying her son did not commit t the offence he was convicted for. She said:
“I want to plead with our amiable governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to please use his office to release my son. We have sold our proper es to se-
“The speaker of the House of Assembly is from our town, we also plead for his interven on on this case. Also, the A orney General and Commissioner for Jus ce should also help us. Segun has a promising future and can be useful to the society,” the mother pleaded.
Also, Segun’s father, Mr Olanrewaju Olowookere asserted that his son has never been involved in any crime before he was arrested in 2010 on the accusa on of stealing fowls and eggs from a rela ve’s poultry.
The father claimed that his son was arrested in his shop while playing with some of his friends, saying the arrest was a setup.
He said: “At this point, all we need is the assistance of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke to grant amnesty to our son. We are always in grief since he was sentenced. We have not experienced any kind of happiness. Nobody will be happy seeing his only son rot in jail.
“Meanwhile, his case was a kind of frame up. He never went out on the day of his arrest in 2010. He was with me at my shop in Oyan playing with
some of his friends un l the police came to arrest him. We didn’t know what his offence was. Also, the
poultry they claimed he robbed belongs to one of our rela ves. The owner even denied it in open
court that Segun was not involved.
“The governor should please help us with his power. We have spent fortunes, sold proper es on this case, but proved fu le. As the governor prepares for his second year anniversary in office, we want him to set our son free. He can s ll be useful to the society.
Olowookere, according to his parents, has finished his first degree at the Na onal Open University (NOUN) while in prison.
OSUN DEFENDER in its September 13, 2024 edion, reports that about 86 convicts from Osun state are in dire and unbearable condi ons as a result of overcrowding in the death row sec on of the Nigeria Correc onal Centre, especially in Lagos and Ogun States. The medium learnt
Amotekun Has No Power To Prosecute — Osun Govt
Yusuf Oketola
THE Osun State House of Assembly has debunked claims that the recently amended law establishing the Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, grants the corps prosecutorial powers. This clarifica on follows what the Assembly describes as a deliberate misinterpreta on of the amended law by certain groups.
In a statement issued by Olamide Tiamiyu, the Chief Press Secretary to
Osun Considers Additional New Agency
Yusuf Oketola
THE “Osun State Drug and Medical Supply Management Agency Establishment Bill 2024” has been passed for a second reading at the floor of the state House of Assembly on Tuesday.
The bill scaled through the first reading a er lawmakers made contribu ons and stated the advantages of having the agency in the state.
The bill policy thrust was read by the Majority Leader, Babajide Kofoworola.
Also, bill seeking penal es and fines for willful and accidental damage to private and public property was presented before the House.
The bill, ‘Osun State Property Protec on Bill 2024’, was sponsored by Adewumi Adeyemi, the lawmaker represen ng the Obokun cons tuency.
Mr Adeyemi, in a le er
addressed to the speaker, Adewale Egbedun, said that the proposed bill would enable the protecon of public and private proper es in Osun by establishing penal es for damage.
“The bill provides clear legal guidelines on property protec on, covering incidents related to accidental, inten onal and negligent damage, including traffic-related harm and civic disturbances.
“Addi onally, the bill introduces a repor ng system and defines penal es and fines to serve as deterrents.” the le er said.
Similarly, the bill seeking to increase the remittances to the office of the auditor-general for local governments was also introduced before the assembly.
The bill, ‘Osun State Local Government (Amendment No. 2) Bill
2024’, was sponsored by Bamidele Lawal, the House Commi ee chairman on Public Account, represen ng the Osogbo cons tuency.
Mr Lawal said that the bill aimed to increase the percentage of contribuon remi ed from the Osun government as audit fees from 40 per cent to 60 per cent.
The audit fees are meant to care for services rendered by the auditorgeneral of the local governments. Mr Lawal said the bill equally seeks to repeal the Osun State Local Government (Amendment) Law 2018.
A er that, the Osun State Fire Service Establishment Bill 2024 was passed a er its third reading.
Subsequently, Mr Egbedun directed that clean copies of the bill be sent to Governor Ademola Adeleke for his assent.
the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, on Monday, the Osun State Assembly noted that Sec on 4(1)(k) of the amended law explicitly mandates the Amotekun Corps to forward case files to the office of the A orney-General upon comple ng inves ga ons.
The Assembly stressed that this provision aligns with Sec ons 174 and 211 of the 1999 Cons tu on (as amended), which assigns prosecutorial powers exclusively to the federal and state a orneys-general.
The Assembly noted that the Amotekun Corps was created as a response to escala ng security challenges that have overwhelmed the police force, not as a poli cal tool.
While urging cri cs and stakeholders to refrain from poli cising security ma ers, it cau oned that such ac ons undermine the corps’ effec veness and public trust.
According to the state-
ment: “The law was passed with the aim of strengthening crime deterrence and ensuring jus ce for the people of Osun State. Poli cising the opera ons of Amotekun is not only unhelpful but also dangerous.
“The Assembly further advised individuals and groups with ques ons or concerns about the law to seek clarifica on from the appropriate channels instead of spreading false narra ves.”
Amotekun, described as a “child of necessity,” was established to address gaps in the security architecture and protect the lives and property of Osun residents.
The Assembly reiterated its commitment to ensuring the corps operates efficiently and free from undue hindrance.
The Assembly urged the public to disregard misinforma on and trust in its efforts to safeguard the state’s security inter-
that the convicts are presently in Ibara Custodial Centre, Abeokuta and Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison. This, according to findings, is due to the unavailability of a Board of Mercy yet to be cons tuted by Governor Ademola Adeleke in place.
In the mean me, a faith-based nongovernmental organisa on, the Centre for Jus ce, Mercy, and Reconcilia on (CJMR), has asked Governor Adeleke to establish the Board of Mercy to see to the needs of prisoners, especially in rela on to gran ng amnesty to inmates on death row.
CJMR, in a le er signed by its Execu ve Director, Pastor Hezekiah Olujobi, stated that “It has come to our no ce that throughout the previous administra on in Osun State, there was no Board of Mercy; as a result, the state governor has not been gran ng amnesty to inmates on death row in Osun State, in contravenon of the provisions of the Nigerian Cons tu on. He said:
“We would like to humbly draw your a enon to Sec ons 175 and 212 of the Cons tu on of the Nigerian Cons tu on, which empower the state governor to grant amnesty to convicts, both those serving imprisonment and those on death row. It is concerning that this cons tu onal provision has not been fully implemented in Osun State for nearly six years.
“Furthermore, we wish to highlight the dire and unbearable condions of overcrowding in the death row sec on of the Correc onal Centre. Presently, in Ibara Custodial Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, there are 85 people on death row who are convicts from Osun State.
“We believe that some of these inmates could be transferred to the general convict sec on, thereby reducing the overcrowding in the death row secon. Addi onally, we urge that those who meet the criteria for total freedom under the Cons tu on be considered for release.
“We respec ully request that Your Excellency looks into this appeal and take the appropriate steps to cons tute the Board of Mercy in accordance with the provisions of the cons tu on and take the necessary ac ons to address the issues raised,” CJMR stated.
•Olowookere
Osun Govt Sues MTN For Defamation, Demands N3bn
Kazeem Badmus
Athree billion naira lawsuit has been filed by the Osun State Government against telecommunica ons giant MTN Nigeria Communicaons PLC, for alleged defama on.
The state government, in the suit filed before the Osogbo High Court, accused MTN of publishing false informa on about the state.
Joined in the suit marked number HOS/99/2024, as claimant is the state A orney General, Jimi Bada.
The claimants alleged that the telecommunicaons giant published false informa on about the state in some na onal newspapers.
They noted that MTN’s claim that Oodua Infraco Resources Limited is a company owned by the state government, and the government tried to collect that money for right of way is not only false but damaging.
The claimants sought the declara on of the court that “the statement published by the Defendant on 16th and 19th of August, 2024 is false, malicious, injurious and calculated to damage the image of the Claimants.
“A DECLARATION that the statement published by the Defendant on 16th and 19th of August, 2024, has maliciously injured the Claimants.”
They also sought an order of the court, “directing the Defendant to make and/or render a public, clear, and unequivocal retrac on of the said publicaon vide paid adverts in ten newspapers with na onal circula on.
“AN ORDER direc ng the Defendant to render and tender unreserved apologies to the Governor of Osun State for the publica on of malicious/injurious falsehood published by the Defendant.
“AN ORDER of perpetual injunc on restraining the Defendant, either by themselves, officers, agents, privies, servants or through any person or persons whosoever or through any means or channel whatsoever from publishing or further publishing, dissemina ng or further dissemina ng, broadcasting or further broadcas ng any malicious/injurious material concerning or rela ng to the Claimants.
“AN ORDER of perpetual injunc on restraining the Defendant either by themselves, officers, agents, privies, servants or through any person or persons whosoever or through any means or channel howsoever from making avail-
able to any third party for publica on, broadcas ng, dissemina ng, or for any other purpose whatsoever any malicious material or any other such item concerning or rela ng to the Claimants.
“The sum of
N3,000,000,000 (Three Billion Naira) as general and aggravated and exemplary damages for the malicious/ injurious falsehood published by the Defendants on 16th and 19th August 2024.” Meanwhile, the con-
sultant to the Osun State government on telecommunica ons infrastructure, Global Transac ons Nigeria Limited has disclosed that a criminal case has been reported against MTN for breaches of the Osun State Environmental Protec on
The Director, Data and Project Management of the company, Morenike George-Taylor said the matter has been reported to the Osun State Police.
George-Taylor said despite the ongoing disputes
regarding an outstanding payment of 945 million Naira owed to the Osun State government, MTN cables are reportedly s ll being laid by Oodua Infraco Resources Limited. She added that le ers have been sent to the Office of the Na onal Security Adviser and the Federal House of Assembly, while the Nigerian Communicaons Commission (NCC) has also been no fied of the development.
George-Taylor emphasized that these ac ons would form the basis of a landmark case against the Cri cal Na onal Infrastructure Bill, passed in June 2024. She stated that telecommunica ons companies cannot evade their tax obliga ons by hiding behind legal statutes.
When contacted for reac on, MTN in a message said, the cases are being handled by the appropriate team.
“Please be informed that cases of this nature are handled by the appropriate team and will be treated accordingly when officially served or no fied.”
2026: Osun APC Shops For Oyetola’s Replacement
•As Party Disagrees On Zoning Arrangement
TYusuf Oketola
HERE is a looming crisis within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the choice of the next governorship candidate in the state.
While some leaders of the party are agita ng for zoning of the cket to Osun West Senatorial District, there is an alleged subterranean plot by others to thwart the plan.
Although, the former governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who is Minister of Blue Economy, has the right of first refusal, but party stakeholders are disposed to the zoning of the slot to Osun West, where the current Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) governor, Ademola Adeleke, hails from, if the minister is not running.
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that, the party is considering former commissioner for finance and Managing Director/CEO of the Na onal Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s choice in 2026.
There are also speculaons that the Na onal Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Bashiru and the Execu ve Director, Marine and Opera ons of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Olalekan Badmus are eyeing the governorship cket. The duo are from Osun Central Senatorial District.
Since the crea on of the
state, apart from the first civilian governor, the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, no one from Osun West has governed the state un l Senator Ademola Adeleke came in 2022.
Osun Central District has produced Chief Bisi Akande for four years, Gen. Olagunsoye Oyinlola for seven years and Oyetola for four years, making 15 years.
Also, Osun East has Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who was in the saddle for eight years.
An APC source said: “Already, some APC faithfuls are also agita ng to have a candidate from Osun West who will slug it out with the incumbent to have a balanced contest in 2026.”
A chie ain, Oluomo Sunday Akere, disclosed that the party would zone its governorship cket to only the West Senatorial District if former Governor Gboyega Oyetola refuses to run for another term.
Akere, who served as Commissioner for Informaon under the administraon of Rauf Aregbesola in the state, said the district will be the party’s focus once the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy refuses to run, since he has the right of first refusal to run for another term as Governor of the State.
Akere, a Special Adviser to then Governor Oyetola on Poli cal Affairs, while speaking with journalists in Osog-
bo on Sunday, stated that the party has credible personalies across the three senatorial districts who will deliver victory for it in 2026 but for fairness, the party focused on Osun-West senatorial district for our candidates.
According to him, all the poli cal bigwigs from the district are eminently qualified to pick the party’s cket and deliver victory against the incumbent Governor, hence, the party would not have problem zoning its cket there.
“I need to quickly let you know that the APC is a party with discipline and tradi on, not only here in Osun but the en re Na on. So, we realise fully that former Governor Gboyega Oyetola has the right of first refusal for the governorship cket for 2026 and that decision is en rely his to take.
“If the now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy decided not to run, then our party would focus on OsunWest senatorial district for a candidate.
“You should also understand that the APC in Osun State today has credible personali es across the three senatorial districts that can pick its cket and deliver victory come 2026 against Governor Ademola Adeleke, that is a certainty.
“But for fairness, the APC will focus more on the West senatorial district for its candidate. I am not going to men on anyone but you
are all aware that every major poli cian in the district is academically, psychologically and morally qualified to wrestle power from Governor Adeleke in 2026”.
“Adeleke has wasted the state resources on frivoli es, he hardly spent three weeks in the state, he focuses more on a ending par es in and outside the state on the state bills.
“And important state ma er that calls for a en on is always treated with levity. Can you imagine an indigene of the state, the Late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja being given a State burial where the President and Commander in Chief, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the en re paraphernalia of the Nigerian Naon, only for the Governor to be nowhere to be found. All these reckless kick and start a endance to state affairs must end by 2026, God helping us”.
Reac ng to Akere’s statement, the APC leadership in the state on Tuesday said the party has not taken any posion on the zoning of the governorship slot of the party on the forthcoming 2026 governorship elec on in the state.
The party, in a statement by its Director of Media and Informa on, Chief Kola Olabisi, noted that the story credited to Akere should be disregarded as it was a mere personal opinion of the chieftain of the party.
“The decision on where the next governorship candidate of the party will spring up from is not such that can
be taken under the table to the effect that it shall be made public to all the stakeholders of the party.
“Without necessarily cas ng any aspersion on the former Special Adviser to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola on Poli cal and Intergovernmental Affairs on the development, our members should discountenance the statement as it was his personal opinion on the choice of where the APC is zoning its governorship slot from with respect to the 2026 elecons.
“It is needless for the members and supporters of our party to have sleepless nights on the issue as it remains a yet-to-be treated programme , which process would be as transparent as ever when the me for it arises.
“We commend the spirit of our numerous members and supporters who have been calling ceaselessly through telephone and physically in order to know the true posi on of the party on the issue.
“Let’s con nue to work ceaselessly and assiduously for the progress and eventual victory of our party at the polls in 2026 in the overall interest of the people of the state.
“When it is me, the state execu ve officers of our party led by Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, would not be found wan ng in addressing the press to the effect for all and sundry to be in the know of the crucial development,” the statement reads.
•Osun State First Lady, Titilola Adeleke, at the launch of a community-led initiative to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Osun State, partnering with UNFPA to protect girls’ and women’s rights and well-being, held in Osogbo recently Law 2022.
PDP Chieftain Sues IGP, Osun CP Over Invasion Of Residence
Aformer Na onal
Deputy Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP), Dr Diran Odeyemi has filed a fundamental rights suit against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Joined in the suit is the Osun State Commissioner of Police.
The suit dated November 7, 2024, was filed before a Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State capital. In an affidavit in support of origina ng summons, Odeyemi accused armed agents of the defendants of invading his residence at Ibadan on October 26, without prior no ce.
The plain ff said the invasion of his residence and a empt to unlawfully arrest him was part of plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to silence leaders of the Peoples Democra c Party in Osun State.
Odeyemi alleged that the Na onal Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje on 20th of October, 2024, declared in Akure, Ondo State capital that the party had a secret strategy to recapture Osun State for APC, adding that what
played out at his residence was part of the broader plans of the APC.
The plain ff asked the court to determine where the a empt and threat by the defendants and their agents to arrest him on wilful inves ga on of some stalwarts of the APC do not cons tute an infringement of his fundamental rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, expression and associa on.
The ground of the origina ng summons includes, “The plain ff by virtue of sec ons 35, 39, 40, 41 and 46 under Chapter IV of the 1999 Cons tu on of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights is en tled to enjoy his rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of expression and freedom of associa on.
‘The Plain ff, being a ci zen of Nigeria, has the right to move freely without any inhibi on, express his thoughts, associate freely, and enjoy his dignity without being harassed, in midated, or hindered in any way or manner.
“The Defendants and their officers are rigorously a emp ng to violate the plain ff ’s fundamental rights to personal liberty,
freedom of movement freedom of expression, and freedom of associa on by threatening and planning to in midate, harass, molest, and unlawfully arrest and detain him on wilful ins ga on of some poli cians within the All Progressives Congress who are hellbent on framing the Plain ff in order to silence him, as part of the All Progressives Congress secret strategy to recapture Osun State and wrestle power from the Peoples Democra c Party in the State., come 2026.
“The Na onal Chairman of the All Progressives Congress boas ully stated in Akure on the 20th October 2024 that the APC had a secret strategy to recapture Osun State from the Peoples Democra c Party but that he would not reveal the secret and his threatening statement was widely reported in the media.
“In what appears like the commencement of the secret poli cal machinaons, the agents of the Defendants, at the instance of some APC poli cians and without having ever invited the Plain ff, invaded the Plain ff ’s home on the 26th day of October 2024 in an a empt to unlawfully arrest, detain, harass and in midate the Plainff, but they failed because the Plain ff was not in the country.”
Keep Faith In Tinubu’s Economic Recovery Agenda - NPA ED Charges Nigerians
THE economic recovery plan of President Bola Tinubu is poised to strengthen Nigeria’s economy for greater prosperity and abundance.
Execu ve Director, Marine and Opera ons of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Engr. Lekan Badmus who stated this stated that in no distant me, Nigerians will feel the impact of the reforms put in place by the federal government, which will further impact their lives.
Badmus who spoke through his Personal Assistant, Damilare Adeyemi, at an empowerment programme held in Osogbo on Wednesday, emphasised the need for entrepreneurship development as it is key to engendering sustainability and financial independence.
He urged the people,
especially women to further expand their businesses with the latest trends, so as to boost their turnover.
His words, “It is an undeniable fact that things are ght. The economy is how it is but that does not mean Mr. President is not doing anything to make things even more be er.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu feels the pain of every Nigerian and is working round the clock to ensure that the common man is strengthened to put food on his table.
“The current economic reforms are result driven and oriented and will produce impeccable results at the end of the day. We are further inspired by the numbers we are seeing and how much efforts is put into the economy. By the me the efforts materialise, we will all live to enjoy the proceeds.
“Nigeria is on the right path of economic recovery. We must first accept that nothing good comes easy. We have to sacrifice and be accountable for our ac ons and inac ons in order to a ain that height.
ACivil Society Organisa on, Centre for Social Jus ce and Public Protec on (CSJPP), has urged the Osun State Government to conduct a proper integrity test on Olaiya bridge.
“He has done it before. He did it in Lagos. He laid the founda on and he is here to do it again. Let’s support the President in this process of economic recovery.
“I also want to charge us all, especially our mothers, to further look inward and curate strategies to infuse the latest trends in your business. It is important because we need to adapt to the reali es of life and benefit massively from it. We cannot but shy away from the posi ve impact of the social media and network marke ng strategies to business.
“In our own li le way, we will con nue to provide support for all residents of our dear country, more importantly in Osun, as emphasised by our leader and mentor, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola CON. The welfare of the people is taken seriously by this government and we will not rest on our oars to see a prosperous country.
“Keep the faith us and I assure you that the present administra on will not let the people down,” Badmus stated.
“We must all remember that there is no gain without pain. We must all endure and believe in this process of transforma on so that our kids and genera ons to come would be able to enjoy.
Cracks In Olaiya Bridge: Group Urges Adeleke To Conduct Integrity Test
“Describing the decision as a preemp ve step, Governor Adeleke said the Ministry should erect barKazeem Badmus
This was as the group said the state government should not succumb to any poli cal manipula on, adding that the issue has to do with people’s safety.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on October 23, directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ban heavy-duty trucks from plying the Olaiya bridge, ci ng safety reasons.
The bridge was constructed during the administra on of the immediate past governor of the state, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.
Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Rasheed Olawale, said the need arises from the technical reports on the state of the bridge.
The governor added that the decision became necessary to protect the bridge from possible collapse and avoid untoward happenings with con-
Warns Governor Not To Fall For Political Manipulation
nuous passage by heavy trucks.
ricades across the bridge to allow only cars and buses to ply through the road.
“As a step towards implemen ng the direc ve, the Governor also instruct-
ed the Ministry to issue a travel advisory with radio jingles to sensi ze members of the public and the transport ecosystem,” the statement said.
Your Attitude Unpatriotic - Youths Blast Osun Govt Over Arrest Of PMS Boss
YOUTHS under the umbrella of Na onal
Youths Inclusive Ini ave and the Societal Safety Network have faulted the posi on of Osun State Government on the case of the Chairman of Park Management System, Nurudeen Iyanda, popularly known as Alowonle.
The Youths stated that the a tude of the government on the ma er as unpatrio c and concerning.
The group led by Fasasi Sodiq and Suleiman Salahudeen made the disclosure while addressing Journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
This is as the youths called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure jusce is served in the case.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that a statement by the ac ng Police Public Rela ons Officer for the Osun
Command, Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, confirmed that Alowonle was arrested alongside some associates on Monday over allega ons of murder, a empted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and malicious damage.
However, the case took a drama c turn following the alleged shoo ng of Alowonle while in police custody.
The police and the Osun State Park Management have since traded blame over the incident, with the police claiming that Alowonle was shot while a emp ng to escape from custody.
“The a tude of the state government of Osun is concerning. They are trivialising the current arrest of Alowonle and making puerile jus fica ons to ease his freedom.
“The Press Statement of the state government re-
garding the arrest of Alowonle signed by the Commissioner for Informa on, Kolapo Alimi, is unpatrio c and should be condemned in all its en rety by goodspirited Nigerians.
“We implored the Inspector General of Police to use his good office to “rid-the-state-of-crime and personally address the emerging brigandage going on in Osun State before it becomes a bigger monster that will impact on security, law and order. It is disheartening that Alowonle’s case has been given undue poli cal coloura on, and it is about to be swept under the carpet.
“Specifically, we appealed to the police authority to clear the name of the force of the grievous allega on by the suspect that policemen supplied him with guns and ammuni on found in his possession,” the groups said
The statement further noted that the Governor assured the public that the decision was taken to protect the public and state assets while a long-las ng review of the technical status of the bridge is being conducted by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the decision to ban heavy-duty trucks by the state government attracted cri cism from the opposi on All Progressives Congress party, who described the move as polically mo vated.
The state chairman of the APC, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, said the move was aimed at discredi ng the legacy of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
However, a check on the bridge by Osun Defender showed mul ple cracks on both sides of the bridge.
Speaking on the development in a statement signed by its coordinator, Akin Akanji, a copy obtained by Osun Defender, CSJPP, urged stakeholders to support the state government in carrying out due
diligence on the bridge.
The statement read, “As a group that deals with public protec on, it is our duty to make sure the state government rises to its responsibili es among which includes the protec on of lives and property.
“We’ve observed the claims and counterclaims by the two major poli cal par es and some stakeholders concerning the Olaiya bridge; we want everyone to come together to know the true state of this bridge.
“We want to urge the state government not to fall for poli cal manipulaon concerning this issue as this is something that affects the well-being of those the governor is governing over.
“Also, we want to appeal to the opposi on and other stakeholders to allow the bridge to be subjected to an integrity test in order to know the true posi on of the bridge.
“We must also not fail to tell the state government not to play cheap poli cs concerning the bridge. Experts should be invited to look into it, and necessary adjustments should be made as recommended.”
Yusuf Oketola
Our Reporter
Yusuf Oketola
•Tinubu
Owa Stool: Candidates to Purchase 11m Intention Forms Each
Yusuf Oketola
CANDIDATE jostling for the next Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland are expected to purchase inten on form of N11 million at the Local Government Secretariat in the area, OSUN DEFENDER gathered.
The medium learnt that the four ruling houses vying for the throne are being required to purchase inten on forms at the local council for N11 million each. But observers have cri cised this, describing it as exploita ve and capable of reducing the esteemed Owa Obokun stool to a mere par san contest.
Meanwhile, the Arimoro family endorsed two candidates for the throne:
Prince Kayode Michael Adewale Arimoro as its
first-line candidate for rafica on by the kingmakers.
The selec on process, led by a three-man commi ee and endorsed by the Arimoro family, also saw Prince Adesoji Joseph Arimoro emerge as the second runner-up. This development indicates that the family will present only two candidates, showcasing a strong internal consensus.
Under the established rota onal system, it is currently the turn of the Bilaro Oluodo ruling house to present a candidate for the Owa Obokun throne. The dynasty is divided into four lineages: Ofokutu, Ajimoko, Arimoro, and Fajemisin.
In a recent mee ng, the Bilaro dynasty instructed each lineage to submit its eligible candidate (Omo Oye) for the throne, with the Bilaro-in-Council only
Osogbo Princes Protest Against Ataoja, Accuse Monarch Of Appointing Non-Indigenes As Chiefs
Kazeem Badmus
THE coali on of Princes in Osogboland on Tuesday protested against the appointment of non-indigenes as chiefs by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun.
Armed with placards with inscrip ons such as, ‘Ataoja Stop Compromising Osogbo’s Future’; ‘Save Osogbo’s Future’; ‘Let’s Protect Osogbo’s Culture And Heritage’, ‘Governor Adeleke Help Us,’ The protesters said, Osogboland is losing its value due to the ac ons of the monarch.
In a statement obtained by OSUN DEFENDER, the protesters said the Ataoja of Osogbo stool has been compromised and roughened.
The protesters, who dissociated themselves from the appointments made by the monarch, said the Ataoja of Osogbo does not respect the rule of law and the sanc ty of the tradi ons and culture of the town. They called on the state government to reverse the unlawful appointments made by Oba Olanipekun.
The statement read in parts:, “All the previous exalted occupants of our royal stool have not only maintained but also jealously sustained the sacred history of our town to the admira on of the sons and daughters of Osogbo land.
“However, recently, the culture and heritage of Osogbo Oroki Asala has not been as vibrant and elegant as it used to be before. These have been je soned for materialis c purposes. These no doubt
have brought us nothing as a people and as a town, but the decay and bastardizaon of Osogbo values
“One may, therefore, conclude that Ataoja of Osogbo stool has been compromised and roughened. We the Olomoobas of Osogbo land wish to dissociate ourselves from the myriad of installa ons especially, the following:
“Installa on of one of his boys in person of Mr Adewale Sikiru Who is from Apago Compound, Idi Omo, Osogbo as Olu of Irepodun Oke-Osun Osogbo, who has no any traceable rela onship with Irepodun OkeOsun Osogbo.
“Installa on of Alhaji Marufu Olayiwola as Olu of Agunbelewo, Osogbo, on November 2024 despite our earlier le er wri en to the Ministry of Local Government and Chie aincy Affairs on 13th May 2019 and copied to all kingmakers of Osogbo land establishing the incontrover ble fact that the said Alhaji Olayiwola Marufu is from Obaagun in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State. He is not an indigene of Osogbo.
“Oba Ojimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun does not have respect for the rule of law and the sanc ty of the tradi on and culture of Osogbo Land
“We employ the Government of Osun, State, under the able leadership of our amiable Governor, Asiwaju Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, to graciously look into our complaints with a view to revoking all the said abnormal installa ons in Osogbo land.”
recognising candidates officially presented by lineage leaders.
A reliable source told OSUN DEFENDER that the three-man commi ee screened the two candi-
dates, with Prince Kayode Michael Arimoro securing the top spot with 84 per cent, while Prince Adesoji Joseph Arimoro garnered 70.3 per cent.
“The family decided
that Prince Kayode Michael Arimoro would be its primary candidate,” the source disclosed. “However, it was agreed that Prince Adesoji Joseph Arimoro’s name would also be
forwarded for consideraon. The family is prepared to support either candidate who emerges through the kingmakers’ scru ny, which will involve Ifa divina on, in line with tradi on.”
•Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Agboke Mutiu, addressing participants on sensitisation workshop organised by Hope for Family Development Initiative, HFDI to enlighten young girls and women to participate in politics recently
Remembrance Of Accident Victims A Top Priority — FRSC
Adebayo Ayodeji
THE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has emphasised that remembering vic ms of road traffic accidents remains a top priority in 2024.
This was disclosed by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, during the commemora on of the 2024 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Vic ms in Osun State. Represented by the Osun Sector Commander, Sokunbi Adeyemi, Mohammed underscored the importance of changing drivers’ a tudes and suppor ng accident vic ms.
In a press briefing to mark the event, Sokunbi highlighted the FRSC’s dual role as a regulator and a compassionate body. “This year’s theme,
‘That Day’, was carefully cra ed to reflect the impact of road crashes on vic ms’ lives. It reminds us of the day when traffic collisions changed or ended lives and le indelible scars on families, friends, and communi es,” he said.
He con nued:, “Each vic m has their own story of ‘That Day’, a moment forever etched in the memories of their loved ones. Through this event, we aim to remember those stories and honour the lives affected by road traffic accidents.”
Sokunbi outlined the goals of this year’s remembrance event, which include: “Remembering and acknowledging all those killed or seriously injured on the roads, drawing atten on to the o en trivial legal response to culpable road deaths.
“Advoca ng for be er support for road traffic vicms and their families and promo ng evidence-based ac ons to prevent further road traffic deaths and injuries.”
The Osun Sector Command plans to visit the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UTH) through the Road Safety Officers’ Wives Associaon. Sokunbi explained, “The aim of the visit is to support accident vic ms and their families. It is part of our commitment to showing care beyond our regulatory du es.”
The sector has also extended its advocacy to places of worship. “We started on Sunday at the Living Faith Church and will visit the Central Mosque in Abere on Friday,” Sokunbi stated.
Sokunbi urged motorists to adopt safer driving habits while encouraging
passengers to speak up against reckless driving. “We want passengers to understand that they have the right to cau on drivers against rough or dangerous driving. Advocacy is not just for drivers but also for commuters,” he said.
Acknowledging the media’s role in promo ng road safety, Sokunbi called for stronger collabora on. He went further to say: “The media is a cri cal partner in spreading the message of safety and raising awareness about the dangers of reckless driving. Together, we can drive home the need for safer roads in Nigeria,” he concluded.
The FRSC’s ac vi es for the week reflect a comprehensive approach to road safety, combining remembrance with ac onable advocacy to reduce road traffic accidents. Ac vi es lined up for the World Road Traffic Crash Remembrance day are as follows:
Sunday, November 17, 2024: Prayer for the vic ms at Winners chapel, Oke onitea.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024: Press briefing. Wednesday, November 20, 2024: Motor park Rally at Oke-Ijetu.
Friday, November 22, 2024: Mosque service to pray for vic ms. Saturday, November 23, 2024: Road Safety Officers Wives’ Association(ROSOWA) visit to the hospital to present gi items to accident vic ms.
Photo Shola Aderinto
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024 VOL. 19 NO 43 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
Iam a par cipant in the process and evolu on of the poli cal developments that birthed the Lagos and Western states polics of 1998 to date and therefore can speak with a measure of authority.
I will however limit myself in this ar cle to the Osun aspects of the story. This is necessary in view of the falsehoods, disinforma on, misinforma on, outright mischiefs and slanders that characterised most of the narra ves on the ma er.
In order to put the records straight, therefore, I decide to chronicle the facts of the debacle in the progressives’ family in Osun to the best of my knowledge and ability.
The need to recover Osun and the other Western states outside Lagos became sacrosanct immediately the progressives lost those states to the establishment party, the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP), in 2003. Lagos, the only surviving Western progressives administered state, assumed the leadership and driver of the process. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team of argonauts went to works to actualise the objec ve.
A Board of Treasury mee ng for the 2004 Budget in Badagry was the founda on of the struggle. This was the founda on of all that later transpired in the region in different shapes and forms.
The poli cal struggle to reclaim Osun began in 2004. It was an epic struggle in every sense of the word. Lives, limbs, des nies, fortunes and dreams were lost, sha ered and reclaimed. Indeed, history was brilliantly made in a way that only a few moments could have rivalled.
As momentous as this era was, a major beneficiary of this epoch was unknown, unseen and mysterious throughout. This person, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, is a brother (or nephew) of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This mystery is a story on its own for another me.
Gboyega Oyetola came to the consciousness of Osun progressive poli cians few weeks a er the inaugura on of the Ac on Congress of Nigeria (ACN) government in Osun when Ogbeni Aregbesola announced his appointment as his Chief of Staff among other immediate officers of his administra on. The tension generated by bringing this unknown face to a very prominent posi on in government was allayed because of the excitement of the reclama on of the government, the charisma of the governor and lack of deep understanding of the role of a Chief of Staff in an execu ve system of government.
Everyone accepted the choice of the COS, rallied round the administra on and focussed on making the administra on successful. Our mysterious COS went on to become a de facto governor, previewing, preparing and submitng all memoranda, proposals and submissions to the governor and processing all approvals for implementa on. He was the Prime Minister in the administra on.
Ogbeni ins tuted several novel but unique programmes and innova ons. Among them was the open countdown to the end of his administra on. From the first day of his second
“They claim they have suspended Aregbesola from APC, still there is neither respite nor rest of mind for his traducers due to their self-inflicted afflictions. However, despite the relentless churning out of falsehoods against Aregbesola and continued persecution of his followers, Aregbesola and his followers in Osun are focused and determined to deepen progressive politics in philosophy, principle, and practice and return it to its roots in Awoism as they press on with their Omoluabi Progressives movement”
Osun APC Crisis: An Eye Witness Account
term in office, he installed electronic countdown clocks at the recep on of the Government House, the Execu ve Chambers and The Governor’s Office. These electronic boards boldly announced daily the days le for the administra on in the saddle.
Eighteen months to the end of the administra on, the state was buzzed with permutaons and specula ons on the successor to Ogbeni Aregbesola as the governorship candidate of the Party. One clear fact is that no one in the party averred to Oyetola making the mark. Why? Osun, like most other Western states, has a tradi on of rota ng the governorship slot among the three senatorial districts – West, Central and East. The incumbent, Ogbeni Aregbesola, was from the East Senatorial District, The two immediate former Governors, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Chief AbdulKareem `Bisi Akande, were from the Central Senatorial District. The three governors altogether had chalked up about 20 years less six months in the office of the Governor. The popular belief or expecta on among both party members and the general public in Osun at this period was for the successor to come from the West Senatorial District for equity, balance and fairness. The Central Senatorial District has had a back-to-back 11 and half years in power, of the 19 and half years between the three immediate past governors. The only s nt of the West Senatorial District in power was the 18 months of Gov. Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke as the Governor in the short lived diarchy of General Badamasi Babangida.
With very many eminent aspirants like the former Chairman of the party and the incumbent Secretary to State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeo , incumbent Speaker of the House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Najeem Salam, Peter Babalola, Engr. Olalere Oriolowo, Mr. Adegboyega Alabi, etc. from the West Senatorial District, no one gave a serious consideraon to the muted murmuring of an Oyetola bid for the cket.
Although the popular sen ment in the Party and town was for the successor to Ogbeni Aregbesola to come from the West, Aregbesola
himself maintained a stoical silence on the matter. He only confided in his few confidants and whoever was confident enough to engage him on the ma er that only two personali es would determine his successor, Chief Bisi Akande and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This posi on he maintained ll July 2018 when Asiwaju told him during a courtesy visit Aregbesola made to him in Abuja during which he directed that Oyetola was his choice. Ogbeni therea er returned to Osun and directed all his foot soldiers to start mobilising support for Oyetola. This was the situa on of the choice of a successor for Ogbeni.
Soon a er the choice of Ogbeni was made public, Alhaji Moshood Adeo and his large followers pulled out from the Party. If we recall that the former Secretary to the State Government was the founda on Chairman of the Party from its AD days to AC, ACN and APC period, his influence in the party was huge. As a matter of fact, the en re structure of the party in Ilesa West Local Government Area collapsed and went with the former SSG. Such was the case all over the state with varying effects and intensity.
This undisguised fact firmly exposed the o en repeated LIE that Ogbeni did not support Oyetola’s candidacy.
In spite of serious protests, defec ons, bitterness and disaffec on from the Party leadership which Oyetola’s candidature brought to party members and the general public, Ogbeni stuck to Asiwaju’s choice and staked it out.
Of the over 10 aspirants that obtained the nomina on forms for the gubernatorial cket and the selec on primary, only four of them, including Oyetola, stayed back to par cipate in the primary. One of the aspirants even competently li gated on the ma er.
A keenly contested direct primary was conducted under the supervision of Governor Abdul Azeez Yari of Zamfara State.
To be sure, Alhaji Adeo pulled out from the Party really when it became obvious that an indirect primary consis ng of elected delegates (who had been previously chosen at the me of elec ng the officers of the party when the influence of the former Chairman was per-
vasive) was no longer possible. Direct Primary was made possible by the STRENUOUS efforts of Ogbeni and his team at the Na onal Secretariat and leadership of the Party. The efforts to change indirect primary to open and direct primary for the gubernatorial cket is a story on its own. Suffice to say that that decision was a landmark and decisive.
Of course, Oyetola secured the gubernatorial cket of the Party and went on to win the general elec on to become governor.
Yet some people s ll peddle the irra onal misinforma on of Aregbesola’s opposi on to Oyetola’s aspira on. From the records of polical par es’ primaries in Nigeria, could any gubernatorial aspirant win and emerge the party’s candidate without the support of the incumbent Governor of the Party? Come on, let us be serious, it is simply insane to expect any aspirant to defeat the candidate of the incumbent governor of his party. It flies in the face of logic and reason. Where the various commentators obtained their warped and false opinions on this ma er is benumbing. It is FALSE in every material par cular that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola withheld his support for Oyetola.
Going forward, it is instruc ve to state that because APC’s strength had been decimated in the acrimonious processes leading to its primary, it could not have a straight win in the first ballo ng as it lost by a few hundred votes. It was sheer fortune that there was a rerun because of some skirmishes and disrup ons of elec ons in some seven wards, which made INEC pronounce the elec on inconclusive. A er the rerun, APC was declared winner and was affirmed so eventually by the Supreme Court. It is on record that a er the nega ve judgment of the main Elec on Pe on Tribunal, a group loyal to Aregbesola, Osun Concerned Ci zens, held the largest protest ever witnessed in the history of Osogbo against the judgment that Oyetola should be sacked for Ademola Adeleke. The protest was so impac ul that even the spokesperson of the Governor had to deny it, perhaps in deference to the coming appeal then.
The concocted fallacy that Aregbesola never wanted Oyetola to become Governor subsequently became the founda on of a sinister conspiracy to efface Aregbesola’s poli cal imprint in Osun, and actual vindic ve-governance paradigm to reverse and destroy all his legacies. At every me when men and women of goodwill astonished by the sad turn of event intervene for genuine reconcilia on, more fallacies were fabricated, including for instance that it was Ogbeni that tried to get Oyetola killed during his #EndSARS appearance.
The details of the effort to thwart all genuine reconcilia on efforts by Oyetola and his stalwarts, and their con nual recruitments of forces simply to further hos li es against Ogbeni, against everything he represented and against all who are following him; the division of the party along these lines throughout the government of Oyetola, the persecu on, arrests and shoo ngs of Aregbesola’s followers and campaign office and on Ogbeni himself during visits as Minister, all remain facts to which all living in Osun today can tes fy. A man described by Chief Bisi Akande as a “wolf in wolf’s clothing” was recruited into the “progressive” fold, and indeed made it to the Na onal Secretary of a “progressive” party all in line with the insane an -Ogbeni conspiracy.
Aregbesola backed a candidate in the APC Primary with Oyetola, Alhaji Moshood Adeo (former SSG under Aregbesola, from Iwo). His candidate lost in the primary due to the shenanigans of a primary that was not allowed to hold. A er the primary, despite the clearly undemocra c process and outcome, Ogbeni never subsequently made a statement against Oyetola, his government or the APC. Ogbeni was not only not invited to the campaigns, it
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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 Asst. News Editor, YUSUF OKETOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com
