Osun ADC Guber Osun Teenager Candidate Promises Scammed N326,000 In Online Workers-friendly P4 Government P 2 Scheme
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
2026: Osun Students Fume Over Endorsement Of Oyebamiji P5
VOL 21 NO 04
•In remembrance of the gallant patriots now faithfully departed, Governor Ademola Adeleke laying a wreath yesterday.
Photo Shola Aderinto
Community In Fear Over Construction Of Road In Adeleke’s Hometown Yusuf Oketola
R
ESIDENTS of Irewunmi community, Bin nlaye, Owode-Ede in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State have raised concerns over the diversion of
water channels to their community for the ongoing road construc on project in the area. The residents claimed that there is no river in the community to link the drainage system for free flow of water.
Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the contractors handling the project have channeled drainage to the community for erosion control. However, the residents argued that the •Continued on Page 2
Ikirun Community P 5 In Grief As Three Prominent Indigenes Die
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
2
News
Community In Fear Over Construction Of Road In Adeleke’s Hometown •Continued from Page 1
diversion of the water channel to the place would endanger their houses as many houses would be affected by flooding during rainy season. A visit by OSUN DEFENDER to the area on Wednesday also confirmed the situa on. Some of the residents who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER said the diversion was illplanned and may lead to demoli on of houses in the nearest future. “This project has become a nightmare to us since they started the diversion. There’s no river to connect the water. Our people may be forced to remain wherever they are to avoid possible calami es during rainy season. Many houses would be affected if there is flooding. “It’s like the government is endangering
•Ongoing road construction along Ede Road, Bintinlaye Area, Owode-Ede.
our lives. Our welfare should be their concern. We hope they will come down to assess the situa on properly,” one of
Obatala Devotees Converge On Ile-Ife, Celebrate World Obatala Festival Shola Aderinto ORSHIP PERS of Obatala from all over the world on Wednesday converged on Ile-Ife, the source of the Yoruba race for this year’s world Obatala fes val. The fes val is an annual celebraon by devotees of Obatala worldwide who gather at the Obatala groove in Ile-Ife to appease the gods. The Curator of Na onal Museum, Ile-Ife, Mr. E. Y. Adesiyan alongside members of his research team, paid a courtesy visit to the Obalesun Obatala, Chief O.O Dada at the World Obatala Temple, Igbo Itapa, Ile-Ife as part of acvi es to celebrate the event.
W
The visit, according to Adesiyan was aimed at facilita ng consulta ons and seek the blessings of Obatala devotees Adesiyan emphasized the need for collabora on between the Obatala devotees and the Na onal museum. Also, he stressed the need to engage in research, documenta on and publica on, to further preserve and promote the rich heritage of Obatala. In his response, the Obalesun Obatala appreciated the team for the visit and offered prayers for the team. Also, he assured the team of total support in the area of cultural preserva on and heritage promo on.
the residents said. “Since the project started, we have been facing difficul es. we can no longer come in
with our vehicles. All we want is for the government to expedite ac on before we enter into the rainy season so wa-
ter won’t disturb us. “If at all they want to channel the water to this area, there is a need to construct a bridge
and extend the drainage beyond this community down to wherever there is a stream or river to avoid calamies,” a business owner in the area said. The medium learnt that leaders from the community on Tuesday visited the state government secretariat, Abere to register their concerns. Responding to enquiry by OSUN DEFENDER on the environmental impact of the diversion on the community, the state Commissioner for Environment and Sanita on, Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin said necessary ac ons would be taken on the ma er. He said: “Ac ons are being taken. The media person of my office will speak to you” But the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Bashir Bello could not be reached as at press me.
Osun ADC Guber Candidate Promises Workers-friendly Government Yusuf Oketola The Governorship candidate of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Dr. Najeem Salaam, has broken his silence on the controversial modulated salary policy implemented during the administra on of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, describing it as a painful but necessary response to an unprecedented fiscal crisis. Reac ng to renewed cri cisms and social media calls urging civil servants to distance themselves from leaders linked to the policy, Salaam rejected what he termed “simplis c narraves” that overlook the economic realies that prevailed at the me. In his response to the cri c, the ADC flag bearer acknowledged the hardship and sacrifices endured by Osun workers, stressing that leadership must take responsibility, par cularly in the period of collec ve suffering. He explained that the introduc on of modulated salaries •Salaam
•Defends Modulated Salary Policy
coincided with a severe na onal economic downturn triggered by the crash in global oil prices, which significantly reduced federal alloca ons to states. According to Salaam, the state government, at the me, was confronted with moun ng obligaons, including salaries, pensions, loan repayments and ongoing infrastructure commitments, amid dwindling revenues. He said the administra on faced a
stark choice between allowing prolonged salary arrears, mass retrenchment and administra ve paralysis, or adop ng a temporary survival measure to keep the state func oning. “ The decision was not driven by malice or contempt for workers,” Salaam said. “It was a difficult but pragma c response to an extraordinary fiscal crisis, aimed at preserving jobs, sustaining public services and preven ng total
loss of income for families.” He maintained that the policy was never intended to be permanent, adding that efforts were made to restore full salaries and address arrears as the state’s financial situa on improved. Reaffirming his belief that civil servants remain the backbone of effec ve governance, Salaam pledged that workers’ welfare would be a central pillar of his administra on if elected governor. He promised that dignity of labour, mely payment of salaries and improved working condi ons would be treated as nonnego able priori es under an ADC-led government. As poli cal ac vies intensify ahead of the 2026 governorship elec on, observers said Salaam’s interven on appears aimed at addressing lingering grievances, reshaping public percep on of the policy and presen ng himself as a leader informed by experience and empathy.
PEOPLE FIRST
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
3
Analysing What’s On The Front Burner
Explaining Nigeria’s ‘Growth’ Without Development The Efficacy Of Lobbyists
E
MPLOYING foreign Lobbyists Is not a new introduc on to the Nigeria poli cal landscape. During the Nigerian civil war in the 1960s, both the federal government of Nigeria and the separates Biafra Republic employed and spent suitable funds on Foreign lobby fans to push through their propaganda and public rela ons. There Is nothing new here. For example the Government of Japan spent and es mated 45 million dollars a year on foreign lobby. The news is now out that the government of Nigeria is going to pay a lobby firm 750,000 United States dollars a month, to a Washington DC lobbying firm amoun ng to 4.5 millions dollar for the ini al six months of the contract which could be extended. There is nothing wrong in this since a country is image as receive a buffe ng in recent me not least from US president Donald J. Trump and assaulted groups the country also has to contend with the shadow so called Biafra Separates Group. First of all, there must be transparency about transporta ons and there should
“This is the vital issue to learn a lobbying firm can be employed for specific issue or even as one of the strategic imperative but at the end of the day Nigeria must project itself and sell its own stories to the world”
be parliamentary oversight to ensure that the cost and benefits analysis is in the favour of Nigeria. Furthermore, we cannot just handover the selling of Nigeria image alone to a foreign lobbying firm. A very effec ve tool to be used must be to garner Nigeria civil society groups as well as Nigerian in the diaspora to be involved in the refurbishment of the misconcep on about Nigeria and effec vely sell a posi ve image to their own formal and informal net worth. This is why government policies itself must be pro-people and designed for the benefit of overwhelming majori es and their families. If this is the norm, then the share force of con nuing interven on of civil society will be very effec ve as well perpetuity. This is in contradis nc on to short term payment to foreign Lobbying firms. The current contract to the America company cannot go on forever. This means that the overall strategies must be to define the framework through which Nigeria sells its own stories. This is the vital issue to learn a lobbying firm can be employed for specific issue or even as one of the strategic impera ve but at the end of the day Nigeria must project itself and sell its own stories to the world. This reminds one of an aphorism from East Africa that “un l the Lion learns to write and tell its own story, the hunter will all the credit.”
●Poverty Rate on the increase contradicting Feel Good Statistics!
A
CCORDING to the PWC, the internaonal accoun ng firm’s latest report tled: “Turning macroeconomics stability into sustainable growth,” en tled: The Development of under Development revisited. The interna onal Audit firm (PWC) Price Water house Coopers has come out with a very important report indica ng a con nuing fault lines burning down the Nigerian economy. The study projected deteriora ng poverty level of about 62 percent of Nigerian populaon in the year preceding the elec on year
2027. The report is not oblivious to the fact that 2027 is an elec on year the conversa onal interpreta on indicate that in the year preceding an elec on year governance will be more or less relegated to the back seat while policking takes the front burners. This is already manifes ng itself with the campings and realignment currently going on. Nevertheless, the study brings up very cri cal issues. There is already a danger that in order to s mulate a feel good effect preparatory to an elec on sta s cs are already being doctored and alterna ve reali es are being created. This goes with Publisher – Moremi Publishing the poli cal calculus but it is House Ltd. dangerous to ignore what is Deputy Editor – Michael Bamigbola now a daun ng reality. Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola Nigeria as of now appears to be sleep walking back to Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto the past. We would have Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere thought that all the issues of development as well as “the Produc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa stages of economic developOSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing ment” were dealt with in House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, the 1960s and the results of the findings being that error Off Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. have now translated into the ISSN : 0794-8050 achievement in many countries of sustainable developTelephone : 0809-301-9152 ment. Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php Landmark studies of that e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com error which appears ben-
OSUN DEFENDER
osundefenderbank@gmail.com All correspondence to the above email addresses.
Research assistance by Ibrahim Abdullahi •Continued on Page 7
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
4
News
Osun Teenager Scammed N326,000 In Online Scheme Yusuf Oketola
A
19 year old boy, Taoheed Olaniyan has been arraigned before an Osun State Magistrate Court si ng in Osogbo over alleged involvement in an online investment scam amounting to #326,000. Olaniyan was dragged before the court by the state Police Command, on a two-count charge bordering on false pretence and stealing. The prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Adepoju said the suspect committed the offence on January 2, 2026, at about 4pm, at Koledowo estate, Ibuaje Community, behind Ilesa garage, Osogbo. According to him, “Taoheed fraudulently obtained and stole the sum of N326,000, the property of one Baruwa Augus ne Oluwabukola, and there-
•ADC gubernatorial candidate for Osun State Governorship election, Rt Hon Najeem Salam with other leaders of the party at the stakeholders meeting on Tuesday in Òsogbo.
by commi ed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sec ons 390(9)
and 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria
2003.” Inspector Adepoju further explained that the de-
fendant met his 16-yearold vic m on WhatsApp and introduced her to a
Ponzi scheme, instruc ng her to pay N2,000 to earn N10,000. The vic m then began sending money from her mother’s bank account. In her statement, the vic m’s mother said, “My daughter has the password to my bank account, and she transferred the money. I had warned her against parcipa ng when Taoheed introduced her to the scheme, but she went ahead unknowingly.” Taoheed pleaded not guilty to the charges, while his counsel, Najite Okobe, applied for bail on the most liberal terms. The presiding chief magistrate, Dr. Olusegun Ayilara, granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum. The ma er was adjourned to February 19, 2026, for men on.
Art/Culture Echoes Beneath The Palm: The Founding Of Iwata And The Sacred Legacy Of Atamora Cave
I
N the heart of Osun State, nestled within the Irewole Local Government Area, lies a town whose origin story is as layered as the soil beneath its shrines. Iwata is not merely a se lement, it is a living testament to migra on, divine guidance, ancestral resilience, and spiritual connuity. At the center of this tale stands Okunlabi, a hunter, warrior, and visionary whose journey from Oyo-Ile to the sacred grounds of Ọpẹ̀ tẹ́ and eventually Iwata, carved a legacy that s ll resonates today. Intertwined with this history is the mys cal Atamora Cave, a shrine of deep reverence and spiritual power that anchors the town’s iden ty in both myth and memory. OKUNLABI: The Man Who Walked with Des ny Okunlabi hailed from Alapinni’s compound in OyoIle, a city steeped in Yoruba tradi on and poli cal heritage. Though skilled in hunting and warfare, his personal life was marked by longing, he and his first wife remained childless. This absence of lineage, coupled with a desire for new opportuni es, led them to Ilorin in Kwara State, where they se led in Ìdí-Àpẹ́ quarters. However, Ilorin proved turbulent. During the Egungun fes val, a cultural celebraon involving masquerades and ancestral homage, Okunlabi clashed with the Fulani community. The conflict was severe enough to prompt another reloca on, this me to
Àgọ́-Òwu, a town known for its royal lineage and spiritual openness. There, fate shi ed. Welcomed by the Olówu, Okunlabi married Fájìnmọ́lá, the king’s first daughter, who bore him a son named Ólá létàn. Later, he married Ọlásọ̀ mí, who gave birth to Óláseéní. With children now part of his legacy, Okunlabi’s desire for autonomy grew stronger. Though he had found refuge in his in-law’s palace, his chie aincy tle from OyoIle—Olúwàtà—called him to establish his own domain. GUIDED BY IFA: The Search for Ọpẹ̀ tẹ́ Okunlabi turned to Ifá, the Yoruba oracle, seeking divine direc on for his next move. The oracle instructed him to journey un l he found a bending palm tree, Ọpẹ́tẹ̀ , a symbol of spiritual alignment and ancestral approval. His search led him to the present-day Kóléoṣó village near Májérókù, along the Ife–Ibadan expressway. There, beneath the shadow of the sacred palm, Okunlabi se led with his wives and children. He assumed the tle Olúwàtà of Ìwàtá, bringing with him the tradi onal goddess Bàyánì, a spiritual en ty he had carried from Oyo-Ile. This marked the true beginning of Iwata, not just as a geographical loca on, but as a spiritual and cultural enclave. ATAMORA CAVE: The Shrine of Ìyá-Alárọ̀ While living in Ọpẹ̀ tẹ́, Okunlabi discovered a cave that would become central to Iwata’s spiritual iden ty—
Atamora Cave, also known as Ìyá-Alárọ̀ . This shrine was not merely a natural forma on; it was a place of divine encounter. Locals believe it holds ancestral energy, feminine power, and protec ve forces that have guided the town through genera ons. The cave’s name, Ìyá-Alárọ̀ , evokes the image of a maternal figure, perhaps a goddess or ancestral spirit, who watches over the land and its people. Oral tradi ons suggest that the cave was used for rituals, divina on, and healing. It became a sanctuary for those seeking clarity, protec on, and communion with the unseen. Okunlabi’s discovery of Atamora was no accident. It was a con nua on of his spiritual journey, a place where his leadership, lineage, and legacy could be anchored in sacred soil. He passed away in Ọpẹ̀ tẹ́, leaving behind not just a family, but a spiritual blueprint for the town that would rise in his name. Archaeological Significance of Atamora Cave The cave first entered academic discourse in 1985 through the work of Eluyemi, who referenced it in studies on Yoruba terraco a tradions. However, it wasn’t un l 2003–2004 that systema c excava ons were conducted by Jere Joel Akpobasa, in collabora on with the University of Ibadan. These excava ons aimed to challenge prevailing assump ons that forest zones in Nigeria were uninhabitable before the Iron Age.
Cultural and Ecological Value Beyond its archaeological importance, Atamora Cave holds immense cultural and ecological value: - Po ery tradi ons: The surrounding clay-rich soil supports local po ery, linking ancient cra smanship with modern livelihoods. - Eco-tourism poten al: The cave and village offer opportuni es for sustainable tourism, educa on, and heritage preserva on. - Spiritual significance: Local lore hints at the cave’s role in tradi onal rituals and ancestral memory. THE FLOOD AND THE FINAL SETTLEMENT Nature, however, had its own plans. A devasta ng flood swept through Ọpẹ̀ tẹ́, forcing Okunlabi’s wives, children, and servants to relocate. They moved to higher ground, establishing a permanent home in what is now Iwata town. The move was both prac cal and prophe c, ensuring the survival of the lineage and the preserva on of the spiritual elements Okunlabi had cul vated. Iwata became more than a refuge. It was a town built on divine instruc on, royal bloodlines, and ancestral reverence. The goddess Bàyánì remained central to its rituals, and Atamora Cave con nued to serve as a spiritual anchor, even from afar. CULTURAL LEGACY Today, Iwata stands as a symbol of resilience and spiritual depth. Its founding story
is not just about migra on, it’s about transforma on. Okunlabi’s journey mirrors the broader Yoruba experience: naviga ng conflict, seeking divine guidance, and building communi es rooted in tradion and spirituality. Atamora Cave, meanwhile, remains a site of pilgrimage and reverence. Though not widely documented in academic texts, its oral history is rich and enduring. Elders speak of its healing powers, its role in community rituals, and its connec on to the feminine divine. It is a place where the past whispers to the present, reminding Iwata’s people of their sacred origins. PRESERVING THE STORY: A Call to Ac on As moderniza on sweeps through Osun State, there is an urgent need to preserve stories like that of Iwata and Atamora Cave. These are not mere anecdotes, they are cultural blueprints, spiritual maps, and historical treasures. Documenting them ensures that future genera ons understand the depth of their heritage and the sacrifices of their ancestors. For civic advocates, historians, and cultural custodians, Iwata offers a unique case study. It blends migra on history, royal alliances, spiritual
discovery, and environmental adapta on. It is a town born of conflict and consecrated by divine signs, a narra ve that deserves to be celebrated, studied, and shared. CONCLUSION: Where the Palm Bends, History Begins The story of Iwata and Atamora Cave is one of convergence, where humans will meet divine instruc on, and where natural landmarks become spiritual beacons. Okunlabi’s journey from Oyo-Ile to Ọpẹ̀ tẹ́ and finally Iwata is not just a tale of se lement; it is a saga of purpose, resilience, and sacred con nuity. As the palm tree bent to signal a new beginning, so too did history bend toward the crea on of a town that would carry the legacy of its founder and the spirit of its shrine. Iwata is not just a place, it is a living archive, a spiritual compass, and a cultural gem wai ng to be fully unearthed. Wri en by Adeyemi Fisayo Ayobami Enthnographer 2, Na onal Museum, Osogbo, Osun State Raji Lilian Tolulope, Assistant Chief Heritage Officer, Na onal Museum, Osogbo, Osun State.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
5
News
Ikirun Community In Grief As Three Prominent Indigenes Die Michael Bamigbola HE people of Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State are in serious mourning and sorrow following the death of three of their illustrious sons. The three prominent indigenes of the town ; Dr Ismail Olasunkanmi Adeyemi, Alhaji Gazali Dewale Lawal and Sheik Yunus Balogun died in a space of one week. While Adeyemi, the Medical Director of Cristal Hospital, Akowonjo, Lagos was a renowned medical prac oner based in Lagos, Lawal re red as Deputy Inspector General of Police and served as the Asiwaju of Ikirun ll he breathed his last and Balogun, a promi-
T
•Sheikh Yunus Balogun
nent Islamic scholar was the grand Chief Imam if Ikirun un l his death. The incident, no doubt threw the
•Dr. Ismail Adeyemi
people of Ikirun into serious sorrow and mourning even as many residents of the town especially rela ves of the de-
•DIG Gazali Lawal
ceased s ll mourn the deaths. The news of the death of Dr Adeyemi was the first to be broken and it fol-
lowed by that of Lawal, while that of Sheik Balogun was broken on Monday. Adeyemi had shown interest in
the vacant stool of the Akinrun of Ikirun and he was said to be the choice of the Asiwaju of Ikirun and many other influen al people of the town, especially the elites. However the death of the prominent medical guru and direct son of Akinrun Lawani Adeyemi who reigned ll 1990 brought an abrupt end to his desire to ascend the throne of Akinrun of Ikirun. The three deceased persons who were all Muslims had since been buried according to Islamic rites but the people of the town s ll mourn their demise as issues rela ng to their deaths s ll take centre stage in all discussions in the town.
2026: Osun Students Fume Over Unity Community, Endorsement Of Oyebamiji Okinni Begins 2026 •Urge Adeleke To Address Students’ Pending Demands With Prayers Yusuf Oketola The Execu ve of the Na onal Associaon of Nigerian Students (NANS), South West represen ng Osun State and the leadership of NANS JCC, have distanced themselves from an alleged endorsement of the 2026 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Bola Oyebamiji by its Coordinator, Omolewa Taiwo. The state leadership of NANS in a statement on Tuesday in reac on to Taiwo’s endorsement for Oyebamiji, affirmed their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke. According to them, the Coordinator acted on his own, saying they were not consulted, informed or carried along in the said endorsement. The statement was signed by the NANS South-West Secretary General, Comrade Oluwole Aboke. A copy of the statement obtained by OSUN DEFENDER reads: “The Execuves of NANS South West represen ng Osun State, including the leadership of
the NANS JCC, Osun Axis, wish to categorically state that they were not consulted, informed, nor carried along in the said endorsement. “We therefore formally and officially dissociate NANS Southwest (Osun structure) from the posi on ascribed to the organisa on in that publicaon. “It is important to place on record that NANS, as a democra c student movement, operates through collec ve decision-making and broad consulta ons, especially on
•Oyebamiji
sensi ve poli cal matters that concern the future of students and the state at large. Any posi on taken without due process cannot be regarded as the posion of the student body in Osun State. “Also, the students of Osun State, through NANS Southwest and NANS JCC Osun Axis, wish to clearly state that they are solidly behind the current administra on of His Excellency, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke. “We seize this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering sup-
port for his peopleoriented governance, student-friendly policies, and visible commitment to educa on and youth development in the state.” “More so, the Office of the Secretary General wishes to assure the Osun State Government that the Na onal Leadership of NANS will, in due course, be on ground in Osun State to formally engage and endorse Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term, in recogni on of his responsiveness to student concerns and his inclusive governance style. “However, while reaffirming our loyalty and support, NANS Southwest respectfully calls on the Osun State Government to, as a ma er of urgency, a end to the pending and legi mate demands of NANS JCC Osun Axis. Addressing these requests will not only strengthen government-student relaons but also provide concrete reference points for the student leadership as they mobilise, canvas, and campaign in support of His Excellency’s reelec on.”
Shola Aderinto HE Unity community located in Okinni, Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State on Sunday, 4th January, 2026 held an interdenomina onal prayer to commence the new year, 2026. Members of the community who gathered for the new year prayer prayed for love, unity and progress in the community. The chairman of the community, Surveyor Ishola Muyiwa in his remarks at the event expressed gra tude to all members of the community for the support and love in the previous years and solicited for their support in the new year. He lauded members of the community for the seal and passion for the growth and overall development of the community, assuring that all the projects embarked upon in the community will be com-
T
pleted before the end of the year. Specifically, he appreciated the execu ve members of the community for their reless efforts at ensuring the development of the community. Also, he thanked the Public Relaons Officer of the community, Mr Shola Aderinto for being ac ve in his roles as the image maker of the community, saying that his efficiency in informa on dissemina on has assisted the community greatly. A former Chairman of the community, Pastor Alabi, commended the current execuves for their love and commitment to the welfare of the people of the community. At the prayer session, Mrs. Bolaji, Mr. Aderibigbe, and Alfa Musa commi ed members of the community to God in the new year, even as they prayed for protec on in the community.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
6
UNIOSUN Appoints Prof. Alamu As Dean, Post Graduate College Michael Bamigbola
T
HE management of Osun State University, (UNIOSUN) has appointed Professor Oguntola Jelil Alamu as the Ac ng Provost of its Post Graduate College. The appointment, according to a statement by the ins tu on’s Public Rela ons Officer, Ademola Adesoji was approved by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye and took effect from Monday, January 5, 2026. The statement said the appointment formed part of efforts to strengthen leadership and administraon in the university’s postgraduate programmes. According to the state-
ment Prof Alamu is a member of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and has over 26 years of experience in teaching, research and university’s administra on. The new Dean if Post Graduate College, according to the statement holds
a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, a Master’s degree from the University of Ibadan and a doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering from LAUTECH.
According to the ins tu on, “Prof. Alamu has supervised numerous undergraduate, Master’s, and doctoral research projects across several Nigerian universi es, including LAUTECH, Olabisi Onabanjo University, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and UNIOSUN. “Professor Alamu has also served in adjunct and visi ng capaci es at Bells University of Technology, Oduduwa University, and the Federal University OyeEki . “He was previously a Visi ng Research Scholar at the New Mexico Ins tute of Mining and Technology in the United States, with collabora ve research engagements in South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom.”
News Agiri Charges Adc Members In Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency To Support Party Activities
Michael Bamigbola A chie ain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Hon (Mrs) Temitope Yemisi Agiri has charged the members of the party in Ila/Ifedayo/ Boluwaduro Federal Cons tuency of the state to support the ac vi es of the party and work accidously for the success of the party. Specifically, the ADC chie ain enjoined all members
of the party in the federal cons tuency to work for the victory of the party’s gorvernorship candidate in the August 8 governorship elec on, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam. She stressed the need for all members of the party to unite and work together for the victory of Dr Salaam come August 8, saying that the victory of the party in the gubernatorial elec on will bring
about development for the state. She also explained that the ADC is a party made up of progressive minded people who are desirous of posi ve change in the country, adding that the victory of Dr Salaam will change the scope of governance in the state. Mrs Agiri who was op mis c that the party would win the August 8 governorship elec on, encouraged members of the party in the federal cons tuency
to remain committed to the party and be loyal to the party leaders. The ADC stalwart who hails from IlaOrangun, headquarters of Ila Local Government Area of the state, said the development of the state is Paramount in the mind of Dr Salaam. The ace grassroot poli cian urged the members of the party in the federal cons tuency to rally round the leadership of the party to ensure.
Campus Review The university disclosed that he is a member of several professional bodies, including “the Council for the Regula on of Engineering in Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.” His research interests, according to the statement, include “thermodynamics of materials, fluid flow, and renewable energy,” with publica ons in both local and internaonal journals.
FUADSI Announces Resumption Date Yusuf Oketola
The Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI) has announced Monday, 19 January 2026 as the official resumpon date for the commencement of its maiden 2025/2026 academic session, marking a major milestone in the history of the newly established university. The announcement was made in an official statement signed by the Registrar, Afolabi Tunde Muritala.
FUADSI Announces Resumption Date Yusuf Oketola
T
•Agiri
HE Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI) has announced Monday, 19 January 2026 as the official resump on date for the commencement of its maiden 2025/2026 academic session, marking a major milestone in the history of the newly established university. The announcement was made in an official statement signed by the Registrar, Afolabi Tunde Muritala. According to the statement, all newly
admi ed students are expected to report to campus on the resump on date to begin academic and administra ve ac vi es. The University noted that the early resump on is aimed at ensuring a wellcoordinated start, especially as FUADSI prepares to receive its pioneer students and lay a strong academic founda on for future intakes. As part of the admission process, the University has scheduled a mandatory physical screening and verifica on exercise for all newly admi ed candidates.
Professor Alamu, before his current appointment, served as Editorin-Chief of the UNIOSUN Journal of Engineering and Environmental Studies and is a reviewer and editorial board member of several scholarly journals. “Professor Alamu’s academic background, administra ve experience, and research exposure will be valuable to the development of the Postgraduate College,” the statement said.
The screening will take place on the University campus from Monday, 19th January to Friday, 23 January 2025 and attendance was said to be compulsory for all students. The University congratulated all the newly admi ed students for earning a place in the ins tuon’s first academic session. Also, the university’s management expressed confidence that the screening and resump on processes would set the tone for discipline, transparency, and academic excellence within the University community.
According to the statement, all newly admi ed students are expected to report to campus on the resump on date to begin academic and administra ve ac vi es. The University noted that the early resump on is aimed at ensuring a wellcoordinated start, especially as FUADSI prepares to receive its pioneer students and lay a strong academic founda on for future intakes. As part of the admission process, the University has scheduled a mandatory physical screening and verifica on exercise for all newly admi ed candidates. The screening will take place on the University campus from Monday, 19th January to Friday, 23 January 2025 and attendance was said to be compulsory for all students. The University congratulated all the newly admi ed students for earning a place in the ins tuon’s first academic session. Also, the university’s management expressed confidence that the screening and resump on processes would set the tone for discipline, transparency, and academic excellence within the University community.
Sport
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
7
AFCON 2025: Why Super Eagles Lost To Morocco — E×-Int’l
F
ORMER international, Waidi Akanni says the Super Eagles failed to prepare for penalty shootout in their defeat to Morocco. The Atlas Lions edged out the Super Eagles 4-2 on penali es in their semi-final encounter in Rabat on Thursday night. Both teams could not be separated a er 120 minutes of football. Morocco converted four of their five spot kicks, while the Super Eagles scored two from
four. Samuel Chukwueze, and Bruno Onyemaechi missed for Nigeria. Akanni said the Super Eagles didn’t envisage the game going into penalty. “Lack of preparedness cost the Super Eagles the penalty shootout against Morocco. “Again, this is all football, and there is nothing the players can do about it,” Akanni told Afrosports. Nigeria will ba le the Pharaohs of Egypt for third posi on on Saturday.
AFCON: ‘Make Una Go Interview Referee’ – Akor Adams Tells Nigerian Journalists After Defeat To Morocco
S
UPER Eagles striker, Akor Adams has told Nigerian journalists to go and interview Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea. Adams spoke as he walked past the journalists at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat following the Super Eagles’ AFCON semi-final defeat to Morocco. “Make una go interview the
News Osun Targets 2 million Children In Measles-rubella Vaccination Campaign Yusuf Oketola ORE than two million children will be vaccinated against measles and rubella in Osun State, OSUN DEFENDER learnt. The state Commissioner for Health, Mr Jola Akintola, disclosed this during an orienta on mee ng for journalists on the Measles–Rubella Vaccina on Campaign on Tuesday. OSUN DEFENDER re-
M
referee,” Adams told the journalists as they tried to talk to him. Recall that referee Laryea was cri cized by Nigerian football fans for his offici- •Continued from Page 3 a ng in the Super cial to humanity include Eagles’ defeat to efi the past breaking word by Morocco. the French agronomists; ReFans argued nee Dumont “False Stats in it is disturbing that that the referee’s Africa” Renee Dumont published officia ng was “False Stat” in 1962. Here in c o m p r o m i s e d , Nigeria we have clearly not sugges ng that learned the lessons pointout in the world. Renee he was biased, fa- ed Dumont warned about the vouring the host the catastrophic effect of na on. fixa on with vanity project
ports that Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infec on that mostly affects children and young adults. It is usually mild, but it can be very serious for pregnant women. The commissioner said the vaccina on exercise was part of the state government’s efforts to protect children from preventable diseases through rou ne and campaign-based immu-
nisa on programmes. According to him, the campaign targets children between the ages of nine months and 14 years across the state and will run from Jan. 27 to Feb. 5. “The measles–rubella vaccina on campaign is aimed at preven ng outbreaks of the diseases, which can lead to severe complica ons and even death among children if not properly prevented.
Explaining Nigeria’s ‘Growth’
as opposed to constructing the frame work that will translate into long term sustainable development in contradis nc on. Here in Nigeria we s ll have a fixa on bothering on the absurd on vanity project such as over head bridges when what was needed were investment into rural roads, this is a classic case of pu ng the cart before the horse .Here in Nigeria people are hailed as “Mr Project for pu ng up all manners of white elephant structures without thinking about their sustainability. This is why Nigeria is littered with what we call an abandoned project and decay structures. The country is awash with was ng assets. There is an opportunity cost of a horrendous nature
to this mindless misuse of funds. The money should have been spent on more sustainable projects such as health, educa on and integrated rural development. unfortunately nothing appears to be changing the report. PWC clearly reflects this posi on. The contradicon is clear. Poverty is rising amid growing report about phenomenal “growth” rate. Again, going back to the 60s the economist, Andre Gunter Frank who was at a me the chief economist at United Na ons Economic Commission for La n America “ Growth without development” and “The Development of Underdevelopment” sixty years on the spectre hunts Nigeria so called growth rate as not translated into a war against poverty. It is therefore difficult to work out how the country is going to create the 24 million new jobs which it needs to create before or by 2030 to sa sfy the demographic needs of new entrance into the job markings.The PWC report while being prudently polite highlights the daun ng prospects ahead. It is contradictory that the present APC ran in 2023 on a pla orm of con-
struc ng a “social Market” economy. A social Market economy is vitally needed for it empathizes the need to put the people first as Osun Defender bas always advocated for. A social Market will be based in fiscal prudent leading to macroeconomic stability which will then translate into sustainable development and shared prosperity. Sadly, what is happening right now is the opposite. We all need to really bring back to the sustainable development model carried out by the Ac on Group government in the Western Nigeria in the 1950s. The government bid Dr Michael Okpara in Eastern Nigeria, amongst others like Lateef Jakande in Lagos State, Sam Mbakwe, in Imo State Abubakar Rimi of Kano State and then we skip a genera on or so to people like Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State and so forth. We must really put the big deal in cap back into the development process with alarming band increasing rate of poverty des tu on and despair manifest itself in heighten criminal ac vies. It is me for a long postponed reboot.
“We urge all stakeholders to cooperate with the state government and ensure the success of the exercise within the s pulated period,” he said. Akintola said the government would con nue to strengthen rou ne immunisa on and improve child healthcare services in the state. He added that adequate plans had been put in place to ensure equitable access, statewide coverage, and effecve implementa on, so that no eligible child is missed. The strategies include fixed-post vaccina on at health facili es, schoolbased vaccina on teams, house-to-house visits, and community outreach through mobile vaccinaon teams. “I wish to reassure residents of Osun State that the measles–rubella vaccine is very safe and effec ve. “It is approved by the World Health Organisaon (WHO) and Nigeria’s relevant regulatory authori es,” Akintola said. Earlier, the state’s Immunisa on Officer, Mrs Francisca Olaore, said the vaccine has no harmful side effects. Olaore said measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases that could lead to complicaons such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, blindness, and deafness. She added that the vaccine had been available in the state since Nov. 2025 and is properly stored at the state cold room.
ISSN : 0794 - 8050
Sport
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 VOL. 21 NO 04 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
S
OMETIMES, one is compelled to reflect on what makes people abandon a path, a principle, or an ideology they once defended. Is it mere pecuniary interest, morbid ambi on for power, the urge to se le personal scores, or a combinaon of all these? Too o en, “truth and facts” are invoked not to illuminate reality, but to jus fy prejudice, standing truth on its head and endlessly ra onalising illogical conclusions. A clear illustra on is the posture of the former governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, who has sought to distance himself from the modulated salary structure introduced during the tenure of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, despite being a central actor in that administra on. His poster boy and APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, now follows the same path of denial, even though he served as Commissioner for Finance in Osun State at the me. Yes, the buck stops at the desk of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who accepted responsibility as the leader he was, and remains. As the August 8, 2026 Governorship elec on approaches, Osun electorate should not only distance themselves from, but decisively reject, Bola Oyebamiji, who speaks from both sides of the mouth due to poli cal expediency and a despera on for power he
“Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola accepted responsibility for taking the only viable path available at the time. Available data and federal allocation figures clearly show that his administration navigated a national economic storm with difficult but responsible choices, contrary to the false narratives now being peddled for narrow political gain”
AFCON 2025: Why Super Eagles Lost To Morocco — E×-Int’l P 7
PERSPECTIVE
BY WALE BALOGUN When Power Distorts Principle: Historical Facts On Osun’s Modulated Salary Policy And The Politics Of Denial cannot win in any free and fair contest. For his repeated denials, misrepresenta ons, and misplaced confidence in being rigged into office, the people of Osun must be mobilised to resist the lying, cancerous poli cal character he represents. In defence of facts and the re-establishment of historical truth, the following accurately captures what the Modulated Salary Policy under Ogbeni Aregbesola. Overview: Modulated Salary Policy in Osun State (2015–2018) Confronted with severe revenue shor alls triggered by the 2014 global oil price crash, the Aregbesola administra on introduced a modulated salary structure as a fiscal safeguard. The policy was designed to avoid mass retrenchment, manage the wage bill, and keep the civil service func onal during an unprecedented economic downturn. How the Modulated Salary Worked Not all workers received reduced pay: Levels 1–7 (≈67%): Paid 100% of salary Levels 8–12 (≈25%): Paid 75% of salary Levels 13–17 & poli cal appointees (≈8%): Paid 50% of salary Only about 28% of the workforce experienced salary reduc on, not the enre workforce, as falsely claimed. By July 2018, full salaries were restored across all categories following improve-
ments in federal alloca ons. Federal Alloca on Constraints (June 2015 – July 2018) Osun State’s revenue collapse was stark: 2015 (Jun–Dec): ₦40.42 billion 2016: ₦5.9 billion (peak of the crisis) 2017: ₦10.4 billion (modest recovery) 2018 (Jan–Jul): ₦12.4 billion (con nued rebound) Total (3 years): ≈₦45 billion, underscoring the depth of fiscal stress. These figures debunk the myth that Osun enjoyed ample revenue but mismanaged it. The crisis was na onal and well documented. Broader Na onal Context: FAAC Disbursements (2015–2018) 2015: ₦6.011 trillion 2016: ₦5.1 trillion (sharp decline) 2017: ₦6.418 trillion 2018: ₦8 trillion States received only 26.72% of FAAC alloca ons, severely limi ng fiscal flexibility. Addressing Misinformaon: It is inaccurate to claim that “the en re workforce was paid half salary.” In reality, 72% of workers received full or near-full pay. Claims that pensioners were abandoned or that state funds were squandered ignore: The verifiable na onal revenue collapse. The deliberate choice to preserve jobs rather than sack workers. The eventual clearance of arrears as revenues improved. The real challenge was a na onal eco-
“The Modulated Salary Policy was a pragmatic, temporary response to an extraordinary fiscal emergency. It: Prevented large-scale job losses Sustained government operations during severe economic strain. Enabled continued investment in infrastructure and social programmes. While the hardship it caused was acknowledged, the policy was neither reckless nor permanent” nomic crisis, not local fiscal recklessness. Conclusion The Modulated Salary Policy was a pragma c, temporary response to an extraordinary fiscal emergency. It: Prevented large-scale job losses Sustained government opera ons during severe economic strain. -Enabled con nued investment in infrastructure and social programmes. -While the hardship it caused was acknowledged, the policy was neither reckless nor permanent. Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola accepted responsibility for taking the only viable path available at the me. Available data and federal alloca on figures clearly show that his administra on navigated a naonal economic storm with difficult but responsible choices, contrary to the false narra ves now being peddled for narrow poli cal gain. Against this backdrop, the a empts by Gboyega Oyetola and his anointed APC candidate (Imagine a governor whose administra on failed woefully and was rejected for a second term, now having the effrontery to a empt to impose a governor through tyrannical federal might and a compromised INEC), Bola Oyebamiji, to disown a policy they midwifed and defended at the me amounts not to principled disagreement, but to the poli cs of denial. •Balogun, a writer and analyst sent in this piece.
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