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VOL 21 NO 81
PCC: Mixed Reactions Trail Gov Adeleke’s Appointment P2
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Michael Bamgbola Shola Aderinto
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IXED reac ons have con nued to trail the recent appointment of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State as the coordinator of the Presiden al Campaign Council in the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Adeleke whose appointment was announced by the All Progressives Congress (APC) had assured the President of 1.5 million votes in Osun State. However, the appointment of Adeleke has triggered reac ons from both the APC and the ruling Accord Party in the state. While some chie ains of the APC described the appointment as a marriage of inconvenience, some leaders of the Accord lauded President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in Adeleke. Governor Adeleke and former Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore, were inaugurated on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Presiden al Villa, Abuja, as Osun State Coordinator and Adviser respec vely. The Imole Campaign Council described the appointment as well deserved, promising to support Governor Adeleke to deliver the state for Tinubu come 2027. Director-General of the Council, Senator Olalere Oyewumi, said the confidence reposed in Governor Adeleke by President Tinubu would not be misplaced, assuring that Osun would deliver massively for the President. Speaking, the spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed described the development as a Rainbow Coalion, stressing that what is happening is not unusual in poli cs. He said Governor Adeleke was given the role because he is the number one ci zen of the state and he’s making a sacrifice by accep ng to coordinate the campaign of President Tinubu, having stood by his endorsement of the President even before now. He said Governor Adeleke is not holding the people of Osun back from their right to vote for whom they want to vote for in other elec ons, insis ng that the Governor remains in Accord Party. He dismissed insinuaons that there would be confusion at the polls because Governor Adeleke is in Accord while campaigning for Tinubu of APC. According to him, Osun electorate are poli cally
savvy, intelligent and highly literate who know what they want and can clearly differen ate between ballots. “Osun electorate are savvy, intelligent, highly literate poli cally. They know what they want, they know the difference between A, B, C. They know presiden al elec on is different from House of Reps, different from Senate or House of Assembly. So there will be no confu-
News sion,” he said. He said voters in Osun know their representaves at all levels who have delivered for their people and will vote accordingly based on performance and not confusion. “We are not envisaging any crisis because we are dealing with a very enlightened electorate. Osun people know what to do. This is presiden al ballot, this is House of Reps ballot, this is senatorial bal-
lot,” he added. Reac ng, a chie ain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Kehinde Ayantuji, said one of the outstanding qualies of President Tinubu is his ability to manage every tendency to galvanize support for his aspira on. Ayantuji noted that APC in Osun is one of the most organized par es and has been planning and strategizing since the last governorship elec on,
with a lot of architecture and design already on ground, especially since Governor Adeleke le PDP and did not go to court to challenge his victory. “While accep ng Governor Ademola Adeleke’s appointment, the reality is that there are some tendencies. It is a marriage that is even difficult for the Governor and it’s difficult for some of us too, but it is the current poli cal reality,” Ayantuji said.
•The Oke-fia roundabout beautification garden in the heart of Osogbo, Osun State capital, overgrown with bush Photo Shola Aderinto Israel Oladele
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PERATIVES of the Osun State Police Command have arrested a man iden fied as Saheed Babalola for allegedly exhuming the remains of an 18-year-old girl and removing her head and wrist in Feesu community, Iwo, Osun State. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday, October 12, barely 24 hours a er the deceased was buried within the compound where she lived. It was gathered that the teenage girl, whose identy had yet to be disclosed, died under circumstances described as suspicious on Sunday, October 11, and was buried later that day. Babalola, who reportedly resided in the same compound as the deceased, was said to have par cipated in her burial alongside other mourners. However, he allegedly returned to the graveside the following morning in the company of two uniden fied persons, where they reportedly dug up the grave and removed parts of the deceased’s body. Their ac vi es were said to have a racted the a en on of residents a er
unusual sounds were heard around the burial site. Upon inves ga ng the disturbance, residents reportedly discovered Babalola at the scene, while his alleged accomplices escaped before they could be apprehended. A resident of Feesu, who requested anonymity over security concerns, said members of the community immediately restrained the suspect and subsequently handed him over to the police. According to the resident, three individuals were allegedly involved in the incident, but only Babalola was apprehended. Confirming the development on Wednesday, the Police Public Rela ons Officer of the Osun State Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed that the suspect was ini ally arrested by officers a ached to the Iwo Police Division. Ojelabi explained that the case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Inves ga on Department for further invesga on. He confirmed that both the suspect and the deceased lived at Olomo Compound in Feesu, Iwo, adding that detec ves had
recovered the missing body parts during the inves gaon. According to the police spokesperson, inves gators discovered the loca on where the suspect allegedly concealed the deceased’s head and wrist. He said the recovered remains had been taken into police custody as inves ga ons con nued. Ojelabi further disclosed that Babalola was coopera ng with inves gators, while efforts were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The police have yet to
announce the arrest of the two other individuals alleged to have par cipated in the exhuma on. The development follows other reported cases involving suspected ritualrelated ac vi es in the South-West and neighbouring states. In a separate development, the Kwara State Police Command recently announced the arrest of four men in connec on with two incidents involving the alleged removal of human heads from exhumed
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HE leadership of the Na onal Parents Teachers Associa on of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has distanced itself from the allega on of extor on leveled against some Principals of public secondary schools in Osun State. The associa on, which is the umbrella body of all parents of public school students in the country declared that educa on remains the collec ve responsibility of all and sundry,
He said because of that, party leaders will look at how to balance the equaon so that every poli cal interest that wants to work for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Osun will have a base to work and will be given needed support. Ayantuji added that as a serious poli cal party, APC also has areas of interven on and structures where the Governor will not be able to galvanize, and the party will fill that gap to ensure those who believe in Asiwaju and those who massively voted for him in the last elec on are not lost. “Definitely we have some grey areas. It’s a poli cal reality. It is only a fool that will pretend that it will be smooth as people expect. It can never be smooth considering the toxic nature of the last elec on. It can never be smooth, but that is the current reality and ability of a leader can only be determined in a me of controversy. This is a me of controversy and this is a litmus test for our leaders,” he said. He assured that for the sake of Tinubu, the party and the na on, leaders will reconcile all no ceable grey areas to ensure massive votes for Tinubu in January 2027.
corpses and the possession of suspected human body parts. The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, disclosed the arrests during a briefing with journalists at the command headquarters in Ilorin. Meanwhile, inves gaons into the Feesu incident remain ongoing as the Osun Police Command works to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime and idenfy other persons who may have been involved.
hence the decision to allow parents contribute to their children’s educa on. The Na onal Director of Media and Publicity of the associa on, Dr Ademola Ekundayo in a statement agreed that the state government only approved #500 as payment for Educaon Trust Levy (ETL) across all the secondary schools in the state. He said “for the avoidance of doubt, the Osun •Continued on Page 4
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N the free-wheeling world of what is absurdly described as poli cs in Nigeria, anything goes. There are always subplots, shi ing alliances and tales of the unexpected. Principles are negoable, ideological differences are easily discarded, and yesterday’s adversaries can become today’s allies whenever poli cal convenience dictates. The latest poli cal realignment in Osun State illustrates this absurdity. Governor Ademola Adeleke, who secured re-elec on on the pla orm of the Accord Party, has reportedly emerged as the coordinator of President Bola Tinubu’s re-elec on campaign in the state. The irony is difficult to ignore: the Accord Party has its own presiden al candidate, yet its governor is posi oning himself to lead the campaign of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Clearly, Governor Adeleke is enjoying the fruits of his non-aggression pact with the APC, with former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola seemingly pushed to the sidelines. In this new arrangement, the former adversaries have switched posi ons, leaving Oyetola to contend with the uncomfortable reality of watching his erstwhile opponent assume a prominent role in the poli cal camp he once dominated. How the mighty have fallen! There is, however, a need for cau on. Poli cal calcula ons built around elite agreements do not always translate into electoral victories. In 2003, a similar understanding between the then ruling Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) and the Alliance for Democracy (AD) was followed by a sweeping PDP victory across the SouthWest, with Osun standing out as the excep on. The AD candidate, Bisi Akande, defied the prevailing de to retain the state. The lesson is that poli cal arrangements among leaders do not necessarily dictate the choices of voters. The Osun electorate is too poli cally sophis cated to be taken for granted. Voters cannot simply be expected to abandon their convic ons, party affilia ons or expecta ons of good governance because poli cal leaders have struck convenient bargains. The
“This is precisely why Nigeria urgently needs a credible political alternative anchored in clear ideas, coherent policies and a demonstrable commitment to sustainable development. Political alignments should be driven by shared visions for the country, not merely by calculations about who gets what and who is left out”
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velopment exposes the ideological bankruptcy of Nigeria’s poli cal par es. When par es lack clearly dis nguishable programmes and principles, poli cal compe on becomes a contest for power, patronage and the distribu on of spoils. Poli cal pla orms are reduced to special-purpose vehicles for individual ambi on, while public interest takes a back seat. This is precisely why Nigeria urgently needs a credible poli cal alterna ve anchored in clear ideas, coherent policies and a demonstrable commitment to sustainable development. Poli cal alignments should be driven by shared visions for the country, not merely by calcula ons about who gets what and who is le out. The APC-led Federal Government has struggled to inspire confidence amid the persistent economic hardship confron ng Nigerians. The country cannot afford to con nue with a poli cal culture in which elite bargains take precedence over meaningful solu ons to ci zens’ problems. The vacuum must be filled by a credible alterna ve with a prac cal programme to revive the economy, restore public confidence and put Nigeria on a path to sustainable development. The task demands urgency, courage and a departure from the poli cs of convenience. Nigeria needs more than strange bedfellows and poli cal carpetbaggers. It needs leaders and par es prepared to put principles before personal ambi on and the welfare of the people before the pursuit of power. assump on that an agreement at deres mates the intelligence of That transforma on must bethe top will automa cally secure the electorate. gin now, with the fierce urgency of compliance at the grassroots unMore fundamentally, this de- the present moment.
Strange Bedfellows And Carpetbaggers
Brie y... Anthony Kila And The Burden Of Credibility development. The controversy therefore
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OTHING corrodes public trust more than the suspicion that those who claim the authority to educate, analyse and shape public opinion may have misrepresented the very creden als on which their influence rests. The Anthony Kila saga therefore goes beyond a controversy over academic tles. It strikes at the heart of credibility, ins tu onal integrity and the standards by which Nigerians determine who deserves to be heard and trusted. When ques ons arise about the authen city of a public intellectual’s qualifica ons, the implica ons extend beyond the individual to the ins tu ons that validate such claims and the media pla orms that amplify them. The inves ga ve reports by PREMIUM TIMES ques oning Kila’s professorial tle and academic qualifica ons have consequently raised serious concerns about integrity, accountability and the verifica on standards of Nigerian ins tu ons. For years, Kila featured prominently in public discourse as an academic and poli cal analyst, earning a pla orm to shape conversa ons on governance and na onal
al consequences of unanswered ques ons about academic creden als. However, public judgment must rest on verifiable evidence and due process, not specula on or mob sen ment. Kila deserves an opportunity to respond comprehensively, while the ins tu ons concerned must independently establish the facts. Ul mately, this saga Publisher – Moremi Publishing should provoke a wider House Ltd. ins tu onal reckoning. Deputy Editor – Michael Bamigbola Nigeria cannot afford a Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto culture in which tles command respect without Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere verifica on. Media organProduc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa isa ons must strengthen their fact-checking proceOSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing dures, while universi es House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, must ensure that appointOff Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. ments to posi ons of auISSN : 0794-8050 thority are supported by Telephone : 0809-301-9152 authen c creden als. Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php The lesson is simple: e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com reputa on may open osundefenderbank@gmail.com doors, but only integrity All correspondence to the above email addresses. can sustain public trust.
raises ques ons about how media organisa ons, universi es and professional ins tu ons confer legi macy without sufficiently scru nising the claims of those they present to the public. ARISE News’ decision to bar him from its pla orms underscores the reputa on-
OSUN DEFENDER
FRIDAY, OCTBER 16, 2026
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Shola Aderinto civil society organisaon, the Insight Ini a ve for Community and Social Development (IICSD), has called on the Osun State Government to immediately reopen all special needs schools in the state, lamen ng the prolonged closure and its effect on pupils. The call was contained in a press statement signed by the Programmes Manager of the organisa on, Engr. Kolade Onaolapo. IICSD described the con nued closure as an unacceptable disrup on of the children’s right to educa on, care and development, and urged the government to priori se their welfare. The organisa on said while it welcomes the interven ons by stakeholders that have compelled the government to explore alterna ve funding sources, such efforts must translate to urgent ac on and not further delay. It faulted the earlier explana on that the schools could not resume due to unavailability of local government alloca ons, quesoning the government’s commitment to protecting children with special needs. According to the group, the prolonged closure has disrupted the students’ educa on, social interac on and access to specialised support, leaving them demoralised and placing extra burden on their parents and caregivers. “Children with special needs should not be made to suffer the consequences
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Israel Oladele SUN State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has approved the immediate commencement of a compulsory two-hour weekly environmental sanita on exercise across the state, beginning Thursday. The exercise, scheduled to hold between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. every Thursday, forms part of the state government’s renewed efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal and improve environmental cleanliness. The direc ve was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Service and Chairman of the newly cons tuted Osun State Environmental Sanita on Taskforce, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina. According to the statement, the exercise will involve government offices, markets, shopping complexes, business premises, stores and other commer-
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News of funding challenges or administra ve shortcomings,” the statement said. IICSD called for sustainable funding arrangement to guarantee uninterrupted academic ac vi es, urging proper planning, intergovernmental collabora on
and explora on of available resources to address financial challenges. The organisa on also demanded an urgent review of the reported N180 daily feeding budget per student, arguing that it should be increased to re-
flect current food prices and the nutri onal needs of the children. It urged the government to ensure that pupils, especially those in residenal facili es, receive three balanced meals daily to support their health and
learning. Beyond feeding, the group raised concerns over infrastructure deficiencies in the schools, calling for accessible classrooms, func onal toilets, suitable accommoda on, assis ve learning materials and oth-
•Officials of Osun State Ministry of Health and OYAWIN with 20 healthcare providers during a 2-day training on Safe Termination of Pregnancy Guidelines in Osogbo, on Tuesday
Shola Aderinto HE Directorate of Cri cal Na onal Assets and Infrastructure Protec on in the Office of the Na onal Security Adviser (NSA) has sought collaboraon with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to promote responsible repor ng, curb misinforma on and strengthen public awareness of issues rela ng to cri cal na onal infrastructure.
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The delega on made the appeal during a familiarisaon visit to the NUJ Na onal Secretariat, where discussions centred on the role of journalists in protec ng cri cal infrastructure, promo ng na onal security and ensuring that the public receives accurate and verified informa on. The delega on expressed concern over the spread of misleading informa on, par-
cial establishments across the state. Market operators, shop owners, ar sans and other business owners are expected to be physically present within the s pulated period to par cipate in cleaning their immediate surroundings. Aina explained that law
enforcement personnel would be deployed to various loca ons during the exercise to ensure compliance with the government’s direc ve. He, however, clarified that the security opera ves would not be deployed to arrest residents but would primarily assist in enforcing
•Aina
er essen al facili es. It called for a comprehensive assessment of the affected schools and a clear, me-bound plan to fix idenfied gaps, no ng that inclusive educa on requires adequate funding, trained personnel and appropriate infrastructure. The organisa on further called on relevant ministries, local government authori es, school administrators, parents and disability advocates to collaborate for a las ng solu on, and recommended transparent funding and monitoring mechanisms to prevent future disrup ons. IICSD commended stakeholders advoca ng for the affected pupils and urged them to sustain pressure un l the schools are reopened and improvements begin. “These students deserve more than promises; they deserve immediate acon and an educa on system that gives them a fair opportunity to thrive,” the group said.
cularly reports involving telecommunica ons and other service providers, no ng that inaccurate or unsubstan ated claims could misinform the public and undermine confidence in the country. The Director, Air Vice Marshal Effiom, who led the delega on, urged journalists to uphold professional standards by conduc ng thorough inves ga ons and verifying informa on before publica on or broadcast. He also called for the development of NUJ-led guidelines
to guide media coverage of telecommunica ons and other cri cal service providers. Responding, the NUJ Naonal President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, appreciated the delega on for recognising the Union as a strategic partner in advancing na onal security and the public interest. Yahya assured the delega on of the Union’s willingness to collaborate with the Directorate, stressing that responsible journalism
par cipa on in the sanitaon programme. The taskforce chairman said the ini a ve was introduced to address the persistent problem of refuse being dumped in unauthorised loca ons, par cularly along roads and other public spaces. He added that the exercise would also help curb viola ons of environmental regula ons, reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and promote healthier living condi ons across communi es in Osun State. The government maintained that improving environmental sanita on requires the ac ve involvement of residents, business operators and other stakeholders rather than relying solely on enforcement agencies. Aina consequently appealed to residents to cooperate with the taskforce and comply with the weekly sanita on schedule. He urged members
of the public to dedicate the designated two-hour period to cleaning their homes, workplaces, business premises and immediate environments. The weekly exercise is expected to run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every Thursday throughout the state.
remains essen al to na onal development, public enlightenment and the promo on of the country’s collec ve interests. He expressed the NUJ’s commitment to supporting ini a ves that would strengthen professional journalism and posi on journalists as agents of posi ve change in the media industry and the country at large. Also speaking, the NUJ Na onal Secretary, Mr. Achike Chude, emphasised the need for a clear framework to guide the proposed collabora on. He highlighted the importance of structured engagement between the Union and the Directorate, as well as capacity-building programmes to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills required to report effec vely on cri cal na onal assets, infrastructure protec on and related security issues.
•Continued from page 2 State Government’s approved levy remains #500 Educa on Trust Levy (ETL) per term. NAPTAN fully supports and appreciates the free educa on policy of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke. However, he added that stakeholders in the educaon sector in the state collec vely agreed to support the government, hence the payent of addi onal money. “Government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of educa on. What is free may not always be qualita ve. Good things are not
always cheap, just as cheap things are not always good,” he added. Ekundayo stated that “In all our public schools today, the needs are enormous - dilapidated classrooms, no laboratories, no toilets, no security, no teaching aids. The N500 returned to schools as running grant cannot fix a single toilet. That is the reality.” The NAPTAN boss informed that the money being paid by parents is part of voluntary resolu on and agreements reached by parents themselves at •Continued on page 5
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Israel Oladele
HE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cri cised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its newly expanded presiden al campaign council, alleging that the inclusion of opposi on governors is part of a broader attempt to weaken Nigeria’s mul party poli cal system ahead of the 2027 general elec ons. The allega on was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Media and Publicity of the ADC Presidenal Campaign Council, Kola Ologbondiyan. Ologbondiyan accused the ruling party of a empting to consolidate poli cal power by allegedly pressuring opposi on governors to join its ranks or assigning them responsibili es within its presiden al campaign structure despite their connued membership of other poli cal par es. He described the development as an a empt to undermine poli cal independence and weaken opposi on par es. “What we are witnessing is not poli cs but poli cal abduc on,” he said. According to him, the alleged prac ce raises ques ons about the commitment of the ruling party to poli cal plurality and democra c compe on.
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challenges, arguing that poli cal calcula ons ahead of the next general elec ons appeared to be receiving greater a en on than the difficul es confron ng Nigerians. “These par cular sets of leaders don’t care about the current condi ons of the people but how best to remain in power at a me when average Nigerians
find it difficult to eat and be secure,” Ologbondiyan stated. He expressed concern over what he described as increasing intolerance towards opposing poli cal views, alleging that opposi on figures were facing harassment while democra c ins tu ons were being weakened for par san purposes.
The campaign council spokesperson also referenced the sacrifices made by Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other figures associated with Nigeria’s democra c struggle, arguing that the country’s mul party system must be protected. Ologbondiyan maintained that the ADC presiden al candidate, former Vice-President A ku Abu-
Meanwhile, the bereaved family has requested prayers and support from friends, colleagues and members of the public as they mourn the singer. Further informa on regarding his burial arrangements is expected to be announced by the family.
three months a er he and members of his crew survived a road accident while returning from a gospel ministra on in July. Following the incident, the singer shared photographs of their damaged vehicle on social media, explaining that a fully loaded trailer had nearly crushed the vehicle conveying his team. He subsequently confirmed that everyone involved survived the accident.
However, there has been no indica on that the July incident was connected to his death, as his family has not disclosed its cause. Reac ng to the development, the Convener of the Coali on of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates, Pelumi Olajengbesi, expressed grief over the singer’s passing. In an emo onal Instagram post accompanied by a photograph of Toluwanisings, Olajengbesi lamented the increasing reports of young people dying. “My God! What a life! No, Lord! We plead for Your mercy upon Toluwanisings. “I am deeply troubled by the deaths of young men and women. This is not God’s plan for us. “We say no to un mely death,” he wrote. The death of the Ikirunborn gospel minister adds to the losses recorded within Nigeria’s gospel music industry, following the reported passing of other gospel ar stes, including Big Bolaji and Omije Ojumi.
bakar, and his running mate, Ro mi Amaechi, possessed the poli cal experience required to advance the party’s proposed governance agenda. He described A ku as an experienced poli cian with na onal poli cal connec ons and said the ADC remained commi ed to its stated objec ve of strengthening democra c ins tu ons. The spokesperson subsequently called on media organisa ons, civil society groups, Nigerians and members of the internaonal community to pay a en on to poli cal developments ahead of the 2027 elec ons. His remarks followed Tuesday’s announcement by the APC of an expanded presiden al campaign council featuring several prominent poli cal figures, including governors elected on the pla orms of other poli cal par es. Among those listed were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; and Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo. Under the announced arrangement, Wike was designated campaign coordinator for Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, while Adeleke and Soludo were named coordinators for Osun and Anambra states, respec vely. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, was also appointed Deputy Na onal Coordinator for Stakeholders’ Mobilisa on in the South-West. The ADC’s cri cism centres on the inclusion of opposi on poli cal figures in the APC campaign structure, although the statement did not establish whether the affected governors had consented to the appointments.
•Continued from page 4 PTA mee ngs in individual schools to solve their own children’s immediate problems. His words “As correctly explained by the Commissioner for Educa on, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, each school has its own peculiar and pressing needs. The parents of Fakunle Unity Grammar School may agree to buy a school bus for their children. The parents of Osogbo Grammar School may agree to repair their fence, buy markers, brooms and disinfectants for hygiene. Laro Grammar School parents may agree to provide 18 items to make learning conducive. “These are not collec-
ons by Principals. They are PTA levies - contribu ons by parents, for parents, and for their own children. No Principal can levy parents without PTA resolu on. And no child is sent out of school for not paying PTA levy. Also, the associa on disowned Mr Moshood Fadare as the state chairman of NAPTAN, saying that his tenure has since lapsed and he no longer func ons as the state chairman of the associa on. The parents body called on the state government and the stakeholders in the educa on sector to stop recognizing Fadare as the chairman of the associaon, describing him as an impostor.
•L-R: Members of Osun NUJ and NAWOJ, Osun NUJ Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin (4th from right) and NAWOJ Chairperson, Abisola Ariwodola (2nd from left), celebrating with their colleagues, Oluwaranti Ojewumi (4th from left) and Aderonke Badiora (5th from right), during their graduation from Redeemer’s University, held at the University Auditorium The ADC spokesperson further alleged that the APC was pursuing an agenda aimed at concentra ng poli cal authority, claiming that na onal ins tu ons, security agencies and the judiciary were being used to weaken opposi on forces. He also cri cised the government’s handling of economic and security
Israel Oladele
HE Nigerian gospel music community has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular gospel singer and minister, Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, widely known as Toluwanisings. The singer, who hailed from Ikirun in Osun State, reportedly passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14, 2026. His death was confirmed in an official statement shared by his family through his Instagram account on Wednesday. The family, however, did not disclose the circumstances surrounding his death. “With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM), who passed away in the early hours of 14 October 2026,” the statement read. Describing the deceased as a beloved husband, family member and gospel minister, the family appealed to members of
the public to remember his wife and loved ones in their prayers during the period of mourning. It added that details concerning his funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course. Toluwanisings, through his gospel music ministry, had established himself as a singer and minister, releasing inspira onal songs, including My Plea, which a racted media a en on in 2023. His death comes barely
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The Race And The Runners... 2027
Hon Oladigbo Oluwasogo Olalekan is the House of Representatives candidate for Obokun/Oriade federal constituency of Osun State under the Social Democratic Party (SDP}. In this continuation of our series of interview ahead of the next year’s general elections, our man, Shola Aderinto engaged Olalekan in an interview where he bore his mind on sundry issues, especially the forthcoming general elections. Excerpts:
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AN you introduce yourself to our readers? Who is Oladigbo Oluwasogo Olalekan beyond poli cs? First and foremost I want to thank the management and staff of Osun Defender for this interview, It is important for me to acknowledge this act of professionalism in a situa on where most media organiza ons have been poli cized, where it is only the ruling party’s candidates that have exclusive media coverage. I think all responsible media organiza ons should take a clue from Osun Defender. To your ques on: My name is Oladigbo Oluwasogo Olalekan, popularly known as Olalekan Efficient or Mogaji Olalekan in broadcas ng circle. I am a human resource professional, administrator, broadcast journalist, writer, Author, public affairs analyst, community development advocate and interna onal affairs commentator. Beyond poli cs, I have wri en many books in which two are published namely “ Nigeria Poli cal Journey in the fourth Republic, A comprehensive Analysis, foreword by Barr Deji Adeyanju, available in major bookshop and on selar.com also my second book published” Trump’s not Done With Washington: The returns of the MAGA White House, foreword by my mentor Dr Rich Swier Sarasota Florida United States he is also the publisher of drrichswier.com I am a family man, a professional who believes in hardwork, discipline, accountability and service to humanity. I have spent close to two decades working in the private sector, par cularly in administra on, human resource management and the media. These experiences have exposed me to the challenges facing ordinary workers, young graduates, entrepreneurs, families and communi es trying to make good impacts in life, also to leave a normal decent life. My experience in broadcas ng has also given me the opportunity to listen to people from different backgrounds, understand their concerns and appreciate the importance of giving people a voice. I believe public office should not be about personal enrichment or social status. It should be about making real posi ve difference in people’s lives. That is the principle guiding my aspira on to represent Obokun/Oriade Federal Cons tuency at the Na onal Assembly. As a cer fied HR professional (ACIPM, HRPL), how has your experience in Human Resource Management shaped your leadership philosophy? Although my core calling is within the media space but in the quest of seeking for more knowledge I found Human Resources, which has been a great addi on to my media profession. My experience in human resource management has taught me that people are the most important assets of any organisa on, whether in the private or public sector. As an Associate Member of the Chartered Ins tute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and a licensed Human Resources Personnel (HRPL) I understand the importance of placing the right people in the right posi ons, developing their skills, trea ng workers fairly and establishing systems that reward competence and produc vity. My years of experience in management and administra on in different sectors have also taught me the values of accountability, proper documenta on, financial discipline, high level pressure, efficient resource management and culture. If elected as member of the Federal House of Representa ve represen ng Ijesha North Federal Cons tuency in January 2027, I will bring these principles into legisla ve representa on. I will advocate policies that promote employment, voca onal training, workers’ welfare and equal opportuni es for our people. My focus on office will be centered on typified master plan which will include Cons tuency Project which will be Health Care, Industries and Security. Legisla on which will be to focus on how to sup-
“I would like to see an Obokun/Oriade where more young people have access to skills training, employment and enterprise opportunities; where agriculture generates greater value for local communities; and where our tourism and cultural assets attract more economic activity”
•Oladigbo port and return Nigeria back to regional government, in my opinion the current system we are running is encouraging laziness and rewarding failures. I will work assiduously to return power to the region, like we see in the days of Baba Awolowo. I know it is not going to be easy but I will make my case, seek for partnership among my colleagues at the Na onal Assembly and see what will happen. The third one is Interna onal Rela ons as an interna onal affairs commentator I will seek partnership with ministry of foreign affairs to see how we can rebuild the image of Nigeria, we need to show the posi ve side and greatness of this country, as a columnist to drrichswier.com a news pla orm based in Sarasota Florida, United States of America I will use my network to project the good image of Nigeria to outside world, we will seek adequate partnership with Nigeria foreign missions and high commission office abroad to make this work. I do not believe leadership is about giving orders or occupying a posi on of authority. Leadership is about iden fying people’s poten al, providing opportuni es for them to succeed and accep ng responsibility for the results. Why did you choose to run under the Social Democra c Party (SDP)? My Mentor and leader Arc. Goke Omigbodun, Osun State SDP 2022 Gubernatorial Candidate, and currently SDP 2027 Osun Central Senatorial District who was the main person that influenced me to join the party. Let me leave the story for another day, I chose the Social Democra c Party because its social-democra c orienta on provides a pla orm for discussing social jus ce, equal opportuni es, workers’ welfare and inclusive development. My professional background has made me par cularly concerned about the welfare of workers, unemployed graduates, ar sans, small business owners and vulnerable members of society. I believe development must go beyond economic figures; it must translate into be er living condi ons and meaningful opportuni es for ordinary people I also believe poli cs should provide room for new ideas, construc ve engagement and accountability. My decision to contest under the SDP is an opportunity to present my ideas, engage the people of Obokun/Oriade and work towards prac cal solu ons to the challenges facing our cons tuency. Again, in Nigeria of today there is no poli cal party that have real me solu ons to the problem we are facing as a na on, our Presiden al Candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo has on many occasions simply the soluon to the problem the APC Government has put us as a result of bad economy decision and Gambling of government policies. Let me also make it clear, that the current crops of
poli cians make us believe that governance in Nigeria is difficult at me they blame the ci zens for bad economic system which it’s as a result of bad leadership with no idea and technical knowhow of leading a na on. It is a shame. For me, the party pla orm is important, but so is the responsibility of the individual candidate to listen to the people, remain accessible and deliver on clearly defined priori es. What inspired you to contest for Obokun/Oriade Federal Cons tuency at this me? This is a very emo onal one for me, in 2013 my father died of postrate cancer at the age of 67 years, at that me I didn’t see it as a big deal, infact, I felt it was normal because an elder dying at the age of 67 is as good as natural death. But many years a er, I later discovered that if there were proper medical facili es at least a well-equipped and func oning General Hospital in my local government my father might be alive today because I remember even though he sought medical help, the Medical was not quality enough. Therefore let’s prevent another father from dying. That is why I will put in a major project of world standard well equipped General Hospital in our Obokun Oriade Federal Cons tuency, I don’t care the local government or area the General Hospital will be built, so far it is located within our federal cons tuency. Also, I am contes ng because of my desire to contribute directly to the development of the cons tuency and to help create opportuni es for our people. I have spent years working in the private sector, and I understand how difficult it can be for qualified people to secure decent employment, for businesses to grow and for families to access essen al services. I am par cularly concerned about youth unemployment, the condi on of rural roads, limited economic opportuni es and the need to improve access to healthcare for elderly people, which is why in my cons tuency project I will build industries with agricultural products that will enable us to employ 250,000 people across Obokun/Oriade for a period of four years. I believe with the current menace of adulterated palm oil in circula on today, if we put in place industries that are producing an original palm oil duly owned by Obokun/ Oriade people, we will sell the oil at any price we want. This is just one out of the mul ple industries idea that we have plan for. I believe Obokun/Oriade has considerable human and economic poten als. We have hardworking young people, farmers, traders, ar sans, professionals and communi es with valuable cultural and tourism assets. What we need is purposeful representa on that connects these resources to opportuni es, a racts development programmes and follows through on commitments. Finally, am contes ng because I want to bring my experience in human resource management, administra on and public communica on into the service of the people. I want our cons tuency to have a representa ve who understands the value of work, listens to cons tuents and treats public office as a responsibility. Many see the House of Representa ves as a stepping stone. What does this seat mean to you personally? Every a empt to contest for an elec on either win or lose, regardless of the level or hierarchy of the Office , either it is wald Counselor, State Assembly member, local government Chairman,Governor, Senator or President of country there is a saying in Yoruba that said (Aparo kan, ko ga, ju kan lo) which one birds is not bigger than the other, all office has its own peculiari es and func on, therefore no office is smaller or bigger than the other , the most important thing is to use the pla orm to do the job of making people’s life be er according to the provision of the cons tu on that established those office. It is not about how big or high the office may be, it is about being responsible and do what will be er the life of people. To me, the House of Representa ves is not a stepping stone to personal power or a means of acquiring wealth. It is an opportunity to serve, represent my people and contribute to the making of laws that affect millions of Nigerians. The office of member House of Representa ve carries three important responsibili es: lawmaking, representa•Read full article on www.osundefender.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026
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Shola Aderinto
RENCH veteran Olivier Giroud enjoyed a poignant homecoming to North London this week, reuni ng with the Arsenal faithful during a Champions League clash. Although the match ended in a disappoin ng result for his current side, the veteran striker was visibly moved by the recep on he received from both sets of supporters. The 40-year-old forward made his return to North London on Tuesday night as Lille faced the Gunners in a highstakes Champions League encounter. Although he started on the bench, his introduc on in the 78th minute sparked a wave of nostalgic applause from the home crowd, proving that his contribu ons to the club are s ll held in high regard.
During his five-and-ahalf-year s nt at the club between 2012 and 2018, Giroud established himself as a reliable goalscorer and a fan favourite. His return was marked by a poignant atmosphere that transcended the compe ve nature of the game. Reflec ng on the recep on a er the final whistle, the veteran striker admitted he was deeply touched by the environment inside the stadium. “The fans were great tonight. Those from Lille, who sang my famous song. Those from Arsenal too, of course. I took the me to do a li le lap of the stadium, it was great,” he told Canal+, as quoted by Foot Mercato. The evening was clearly a journey down memory lane for the former France interna onal, who helped Arsenal end their trophy drought with mul ple FA Cup
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triumphs during his tenure. Giroud appeared to relish every moment of his brief cameo, acknowledging the respect shown by a crowd that once cheered his every touch. The striker highlighted the specific culture of English football fans and their ability to remember former servants with such warmth. Speaking about
the sen mental value of the night, he noted that the experience
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ARIS Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has delivered a surprising assessment of his side’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Manchester City, claiming the French giants were at risk of losing the e. Despite holding a commanding three-goal cushion at the interval, the Spaniard was le uneasy by his team’s second-half drop in intensity at the E had Stadium. The French champions stormed into a seemingly unassailable posi on during the opening 45 minutes at the E had on Wednesday, racing into a 3-0 advantage. However, the complexion of the e shi ed drama cally a er the interval as the visitors lost their grip on the contest. Erling Haaland spearheaded a fierce Manchester City fightback, ne ng twice to put the hosts right back in conten on. Although PSG ul mately secured a 4-2 triumph, the victory was far from smooth sailing. The visitors squandered a penalty and struck the woodwork during a fran c second period. Those missed opportunies le the door ajar for Enzo Maresca’s side to mount a late charge, ensuring a nervous finale for the travelling supporters. Reflec ng on the result, Enrique expressed mixed feelings about his side’s performance. The Spanish tac cian admit-
le a las ng impression on him. “It was a great feeling, with special emo ons. I spent five and a half years here, they haven’t forgo en me. That’s what’s beau ful about the English,” the Lille forward con nued. Despite the individual joy of the occasion, the compe ve side of Giroud was le wan ng more from the collec ve performance. Lille were soundly beaten 3-0 by a dominant Arsenal side, a result that leaves the Ligue 1 ou it with plenty of work to do in their
European campaign. The Gunners showed no mercy to their former player on the pitch, controlling the tempo and ensuring that the Frenchman’s return did not include a consola on goal or a late comeback. The veteran striker did not hide his disappointment regarding the score line, acknowledging that while the personal reunion was successful, the spor ng outcome was far from ideal. “I would have preferred us to get something tonight, but I am happy with this reunion with my former club,” Giroud admi ed.
ted that holding a massive advantage at the break o en leads to a dangerous sense of complacency among players. “How proud am I? It’s hard to say because the match had very different moments,” Enrique told reporters. “In the first half, we showed what we want to do as a team, but I don’t like going into halfme with a 3-0 lead.” He further highlighted how close the hosts came to pulling off a miraculous comeback. “Most think the game is won, but it’s never the case and even with less luck, we can lose this kind of game,” he added. “We suffered a lot in the second half, they deserved to score more goals. With a bit of bad luck, we could have lost this match.” As back-to-back Champions League winners, PSG are chasing a historic third successive European crown to emulate Real
Madrid. While they currently sit top of the league phase standings, Enrique is refusing to get carried away with early-season form. When asked about their upcoming blockbuster clash against Barcelona, the 54-year-old was quick to temper expecta ons. “PSG vs Barca next? Being the best team at this stage of the season is not the most important thing,” Enrique insisted. “The most important thing is to be the best team at the end of the season.” That grounded sen ment is shared by his upcoming opposite number, Hansi Flick. Following Barcelona’s 4-1 thrashing of Galatasaray on Tuesday, which extended their perfect start to 10 matches, Flick noted: “Football can change very fast. We are proud about this situaon... But our ambi ons are more; we want to win tles. We can win nothing now. In May, June you win the big tles. We are work-
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 VOL. 21 NO 81 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
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our Excellency, I write as a concerned and patrio c ci zen of Osun State to express my apprecia on for your administra on’s efforts in advancing infrastructural development across the state, par cularly in Osogbo, the state capital, and various local government areas. Your commitment to improving the welfare of the people and enhancing public infrastructure is commendable and widely acknowledged. However, despite these achievements, there are pressing issues that require urgent government a enon. I respec ully wish to draw Your Excellency’s a enon to two cri cal concerns affec ng residents of Osogbo: the deteriora ng condion of major roads and the growing environmental sanita on challenges within the metropolis. 1. Deplorable Road Condi ons within Osogbo Metropolis The condi on of many roads in Osogbo has become increasingly alarming. Residents, motorists, and business owners face daily difficul es naviga ng roads riddled with potholes and damaged surfaces. These condi ons not only pose serious safety risks but also result in significant vehicle maintenance and repair costs. Some of the most affected roads include: • Aje Market through Dada Estate to Capital Area and down to Oke-Fia (both sides).
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BY FUNMILAYO ADEBOMI OJO Open Letter To Governor Ademola Adeleke
• Orita Olaiya through Ogo Oluwa to Owode Road. • Oja Oba through Ita Olokan to Ayepe. • Orita Ayetoro through Tes ng Ground to Powerline Junc on. • Immediately a er new Lamaco Overhead Bridge through WODFI, Winner Junc on, AnNurudeen Grammar School, Ayekale Road, and down to Koko Area along Ikirun Road and from Winner Junc on to Oke Onitea down to Igbona Area. • The sec on in-btween the railway crossing at Old Garage (near Lagos/Ibadan Motor Park) towards Dugbe Police Sta on, where motorists experience considerable difficulty. These examples represent only a frac on of the numerous roads within Osogbo that urgently require rehabilita on. 2. Poor Environmental Sanita on and Waste Management Another major concern is the declining state of environmental sanita on across
the city. It has become common prac ce for residents and traders to dump refuse along roadsides. Before waste collec on takes place, scavengers and strong winds o en sca er the refuse, leaving streets li ered and crea ng an unpleasant environment. This situa on nega vely affects the image of Osogbo as a state capital and poses poten al public health risks, including the spread of diseases resul ng from poor sanita on and environmental pollu on. Recommenda ons In view of the above concerns, I humbly appeal to Your Excellency and all relevant government agencies to urgently intervene and implement las ng solu ons. I respec ully recommend the following: 1. Immediate Road Rehabilita on * Priori ze the repair and reconstruc on of severely damaged roads within Osogbo metropolis. * Conduct comprehensive
assessments of major road networks and implement sustainable maintenance programs. 2. Declara on of an Environmental Sanita on Emergency Introduce stricter measures to discourage roadside dumping of refuse in residenal, commercial, and market areas. Strengthen waste collecon systems through regular and efficient refuse evacuaon. 3. Mobile Waste Collecon Services * Deploy waste collec on trucks to patrol designated areas at scheduled mes daily, allowing residents to dispose of waste directly into the vehicles. 4. Enforcement and Public Awareness Enforce exis ng environmental laws against indiscriminate waste disposal. * Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate residents, traders, and market * women on proper waste management prac ces. 5. Strengthening Monitoring and Compliance Empower environmental health officers and local government sanita on departments to monitor compliance and ensure proper waste disposal across communi es. Conclusion Your Excellency, the people of Osogbo remain grateful for the developmental strides recorded under your administra on. Addressing these pressing challenges will further improve the quality of life of residents, boost economic ac vi es, enhance public safety, and preserve the dignity of our state capital. I respec ully urge your administra on to give these concerns the urgent a enon they deserve for the benefit of all residents of Osogbo and Osun State at large. Thank you for your con nued service and dedica on to the progress of our dear state. •Yours Faithfully, A Concerned Citizen of Osun State •Olufunmilayo Adebomi Ojo is a Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communication. A practicing Journalist. Member of ACSPN, NIPR, NUJ and NAWOJ
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, Off Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. All correspondence to the Deputy Editor, MICHAEL BAMIGBOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com