MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026
VOL 21 NO 03
Killings, Kidnappings, Threats Fuel Fear Across Oyo Communities •As Business Owners In Highbrow Areas Close Early •Police, Local Security Beef Up Action, Urges Civic Cooperation Abiodun Ogunrinde, Ibadan YO State has been hit by a rising de of insecurity over the past three weeks, marked by deadly a acks, kidnapping incidents and alarming threat messages. According to trending reports, residents and officials have described the situa on as unprecedented in recent memory. OSUN DEFENDER reports that the most severe out of the raging violence was recorded on January 6, when suspected bandits a acked the Na onal Forest Rangers’ Office in Oloka village, Oriire Local Government Area, killing five forest guards in a nigh me assault. The Oyo State Police Command later confirmed the a ack and launched an intensive manhunt for the assailants, deploying tac cal teams and intelligence opera ves to track them down. Just days a er the deadly park a ack,
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threat le ers allegedly from suspected bandits were found in Ikoyi-Ile town, warning of a planned assault on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The handwri en notes wri en in both Yoruba and English has triggered widespread panic, promp ng the police to beef up security and launch a fullscale inves ga on into the origin and intent of the messages. Security forces have since responded with 24-hour patrols, stopand-search opera ons and reinforced deployments in affected areas, Police Public Rela ons Officer DSP Olayinka Ayanlade said, describing the situa on as “serious but under control” while urging residents to remain calm and vigilant. In Oloka village, many families have deserted their homes out of fear of further violence, with sources describing deserted streets and locked homes as commercial life grinds to a
Ekiti, Osun Polls Litmus Test For 2027, Says INEC Chair P 2 Adeleke’s Commissioner Collects Kickback On Every Approved Fund For Us, Youth Council Alleges P 4
halt. “We have never seen violence like this here before. People are scared and unsure when it will end,” one resident said. The insecurity trend in Oyo is not limited to these recent events. In December 2025, a prominent poli cal chie ain was abducted by suspected gunmen in Ibadan, illustra ng how the threat of kidnapping is extending into urban centers as well. As Business Owners In Highbrow Areas Close Early
Business owners around Akobo, Bodija and Agodi GRA in Ibadan, the state capital, among others have reportedly adjusted their closing hours to as early as 7:00 p.m. to safeguard staff and customers. OSUN DEFENDER learnt that the development has begun to affect the hospitality and nightlife economy in the areas, which has witnessed a no ceable decline in ac vity over the past 96 hours. On Friday, the Police Community Rela ons
Council (PCRC) issued an ‘Urgent Safety Alert’, warning residents of increased criminal ac vies targe ng the affluent communi es. In the statement tled *“Urgent Safety Measures Amid Rising Kidnapping and Armed Robbery,”* the PCRC a ributed the spate of incidents to the growing quest for “quick wealth” among criminal elements, no ng that residents of high-value zones were being deliberately targeted. The alert confirmed that the Bodija Housing
Estate Police Division has been placed on high alert following reports of residen al breaches and street abduc ons, which reportedly increased in the first week of January. Residents of Bodija were said to be living in fear, with many now avoiding evening outings and non-essen al movements due to security concerns. The PCRC, in collabora on with the Community Policing Unit, released emergency •Continued on page 5
Osun APCs Yet To Return To Streets Eight Months After Adeleke’s Refurbishing P. 2
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026
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News
Osun APCs Yet To Return To Streets Eight Months After Adeleke’s Refurbishing
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IGHT months a er Governor Ademola Adeleke announced the refurbishment of 11 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) purchased by the administra on of former governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, residents of Osun State are awai ng the deployment of the security vehicles for opera ons across the state. OSUN DEFENDER reports that the APCs, part of the 20 procured in 2014 by the Aregbesola administra on and handed over to the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, were staoned at strategic locaons to combat crime and criminality before they were withdrawn during the immediate past administra on of Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola. Most of the vehicles were reportedly le in a state of disrepair. In May 2025, Governor Adeleke announced that his administra on was nearing the compleon of the resuscita on of 11 out of the 20 APCs, explaining that the decision was driven by his commitment to poli cs without bi erness and his resolve not to abandon inherited government assets. The governor said the vehicles had been neglected for about four years under the administra on of former governor Gboyega Oyetola. A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, quoted Adeleke as saying the rehabilitaon was being carried out in phases, with the first batch of 11 APCs at an advanced stage. The governor added that the ini a ve was aimed at strengthening security and surveillance across the state. The refurbished vehicles were reportedly repainted from red to black and inscribed with the words, “Rehabilitated by Governor Ademola Adeleke.” However, several months a er the announcement, the refurbished APCs have not been sighted on Osun roads, sparking public concern amid ongoing security challenges. Residents have repeatedly ques oned the whereabouts of the vehicles and called on the state government to deploy them without further delay. One such resident, Lamina Kamiludeen, last month publicly urged Governor Adeleke to release the APCs for secu-
rity opera ons. In a Facebook post, the ac vist accused the government of keeping the vehicles idle despite rising insecurity in parts of the state, alleging that the APCs were merely repainted rather than fully rehabilitated. Kamiludeen argued that the vehicles should have been deployed to Ora Igbomina to support security opera ves searching for an abducted former customs officer, no ng that another person had reportedly been killed by unknown gunmen in the area. He said the APCs would enable security forces to access difficult terrains believed to be hideouts for criminals. Reac ng to the concerns, Governor Adeleke said a military-backed rescue and protec on opera on was ongoing
in Ora Igbomina, assuring residents that the refurbished APCs would soon be deployed across the
state. He also disclosed plans to procure addional patrol vehicles and
review the joint security patrol programme to enhance security architecture.
Ekiti, Osun Polls Litmus Test For 2027, Says INEC Chair
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HE Independent Na onal Electoral Commission has said the off-cycle governorship elec ons in Eki and Osun states, alongside the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elec ons scheduled for February 2026, would serve as a cri cal test ahead of the 2027 general elec ons. INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN), stated this at a two-day Induc on and Strategic Retreat for newly appointed Commission members and Resident Electoral Commissioners in Lagos. Amupitan explained that the retreat was organised to familiarise new appointees with the Commission’s ins tu onal framework, administra ve structure, communica on processes and ethical standards, as prepara ons intensify towards future elec ons. While no ng that the
•Amupitan
2027 general elec on remained INEC’s ul mate focus, the chairman said the Commission must first successfully conduct key electoral exercises that would help finetune its opera ons. “These elec ons will serve as important testing grounds for refining voter registry management, elec on logis cs and the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accredita on System,” Amupitan said. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conduc ng elec ons that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive, adding that INEC was deliberately strengthening its leadership capacity, opera onal systems and ins tu onal coherence in response to rising public expecta ons. The INEC boss stressed that early planning, strategic coordinaon and strict adherence
to the rule of law would be crucial to the credibility of the 2027 general elec on. Amupitan also outlined five non-nego able pillars guiding the Commission’s mandate: elec ons free from interference; fairness to all poli cal par es and candidates; credibility in the eyes of Nigerians and the interna onal community; transparency at all stages of the electoral process; and inclusivity to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is disenfranchised. Earlier, the Resident
Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Prof Ayobami Salami, described the retreat as a significant milestone in INEC’s ongoing ins tu onal development. Salami said the engagement provided an opportunity for reflecon, strategic alignment and ins tu onal consolida on at a me when public expecta ons of the electoral process were higher than ever, stressing that early planning and coordina on remained indispensable as the Commission moves towards the 2027 polls.
Despite the renewed assurances, the APCs have yet to be deployed more than a month later, even as insecurity persists in neighbouring states. OSUN DEFENDER recalls that suspected bandits recently a acked the Na onal Park Service office in Oloka, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, killing five forest guards, an incident that further heightened security concerns in the region. When contacted on the delay, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Ma ers, Mr Samuel Ojo, told OSUN DEFENDER in a brief response that the APCs would be distributed soon. “It will soon be distributed in no distant me by God’s grace,” he said.
Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji Revalidates APC Membership As Party Stakeholders Meet Francis Adekunle, Ado-Ekiti KITI State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday revalidated his membership of the All Progressives Congress as party leaders and stakeholders met ahead of the 2026 governorship elec on in the state. The revalida on took place during a high-level stakeholders’ mee ng held at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Eki , where the governor was formally captured in the ongoing na onwide electronic registra on exercise of the party. Commending the governor, the APC said Oyebanji had demonstrated strong commitment and aggressive mobilisa on efforts that had
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•Oyebanji con nued to strengthen the party’s support base across the state. Speaking at the event, the Eki State Coordinator of the APC e-registra on exercise and Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Adesola Adedayo, said the success and wide ac-
ceptance of the exercise were largely driven by the governor’s personal involvement in mobilising residents to join the party. Adedayo said Oyebanji’s poli cs of inclusion had united all tendencies within the APC, no ng that former governors and key leaders in the state were now working together for the party’s progress. He urged party stakeholders to embrace the governor’s inclusive approach to further consolidate the APC’s structure across the state. Responding, Oyebanji described the revalidaon and electronic registra on exercise as a strategic innova on capable of strengthening the APC ahead of future elec ons.
PEOPLE FIRST
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026
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NITED States President Donald Trump has not ruled out another military strike or interven on in Nigeria, a posi on he reportedly stated in a recent interview with The New York Times. Nigeria would be unwise to dismiss such remarks. They amount to a warning that demands sober reflec on rather than poli cal posturing. Before contempla ng any future interven on, the country must first confront the consequences of the last one. There has been no public post-mortem, no transparent accoun ng of outcomes, and no clear explana on of what was gained or lost. Shielded under the familiar cloak of “na onal security,” Nigerians remain in the dark, even as the effects con nue to unfold. One consequence is unmistakable. Terrorist groups, dislodged from their former strongholds, have simply relocated. Smoked out of familiar terrain, they have dri ed into new communi es, spreading fear and bloodshed. Whether this displacement was an cipated, and whether any con ngency plans existed, remains unclear. What is clear is that the resul ng carnage serves as a stark warning against poorly sequenced military ac on. Disturbingly, the evolving confidence of these groups is now on open display. Terrorists have reportedly begun issuing wri en warnings to communi es ahead of planned a acks. This brazen behaviour is not merely psychological
Trump’s Second Coming
“Nigeria must therefore anticipate the possibility of renewed collaboration and prepare deliberately for it. Preparation, not panic, must guide policy”
warfare; it is a direct indictment of ins tu onal weaknesses, parcularly in intelligence gathering, logis cs monitoring, and financial surveillance. Special Forces working in tandem with a revamped intelligence architecture and localized intelligence frameworks have therefore
become indispensable. Community-based intelligence, when properly coordinated and protected, remains the most reliable earlywarning system against asymmetric threats. Without it, military strength risks becoming reac ve rather than preven ve. Equally cri cal is the urgent need to disrupt terrorist logis cs and funding. Emphasis must now be placed on structured cooperaon between security agencies, financial ins tu ons, and telecommunica ons companies. Terror networks do not operate in isolaon; they move money, communicate constantly, and rely on supply chains. Nothing cripples criminal ac vity more effec vely than tracing and dismantling its financial lifelines. Any renewed foreign intervenon also raises serious ques ons
of sovereignty and strategic control. External force, no ma er how well-inten oned, cannot subs tute for coherent domes c leadership. Without Nigerian command at the centre, such ac ons risk compounding instability rather than resolving it, while further weakening local accountability. There is, however, a proven domes c capability to build upon. Nigeria’s Special Forces have demonstrated professionalism and taccal competence, most notably in their role in foiling an a empted coup in neighbouring Benin Republic. Their performance underscores what is possible when intelligence, training, and coordina on converge. In the unconven onal war Nigeria faces, Special Forces are not peripheral; they are decisive. Expanding their numbers, enhancing their technological capacity, and deepening intelligence-sharing partnerships with friendly na ons offer a far more sustainable path than episodic foreign strikes. Nigeria must therefore an cipate the possibility of renewed collabora on and prepare deliberately for it. Prepara on, not panic, must guide policy. Any future interven on—foreign or domes c— must be informed by hard lessons, guided by intelligence superiority, and executed under clear Nigerian leadership. The cost of repea ng past mistakes would be far too high.
The Discourse Eye-Contact, Charms, And The Art Of Bus-stop Selling By Babatunde Adesokan
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ROWING up and watching my father sell, we took some cues as per what a smile could do and how your gaze could pummel your would-be customer to make an urgent purchase. We sold to Yoruba and we sold to Fulanis, who o en have the knacks for buying be er ma resses for their marriageable females. Yet, language differences did not at once affect the use of monetary figure and the psychic need to know when and how to close a deal. Aside that the bus stop engagements unmask the fake lure of Ibadan peacefulness, the city’s park hub is a beehive of lessons for would-be salesperson. Sales there start from compulsory patronage and discre onary patronage; a micra driver and a hawker respecvely. Whilst a micra would not need charms to sell his service, nor eye contact to make his demand sink in, a hawker employs a lot of subtle psychological tac cs to get you to buy. In fact, neccesary services created a niche for the likes of Micra drivers who may appear rude and seem very en tled but you s ll have to engage their services. Same way a “motherly” nurse might treat her pa ents like they would regard their recalcitrant kids at home. Whereas, a street vendor, even when bereaved, will s ll rile all form of nice es to get you to
“Art of Charm in Sales is to create rapport, diffuse tension and kill skepticism in the mind of the customer, also to highlight benefits in an attentive way. Some hawkers go as far as telling alarming stories (we remember the usual “molue” pitch), stand up comedy, compliments passing etc” close purchase. Because, for someone selling discre onary goods or services the buyer’s choice to buy is based on personal preferences, desires or priori es. A street hawker besides the bus, knows the importance of convincing you to buy. That’s why they build jus fica on for sales. “Iya kaabo, Omo ku ile” roughly translated as “This is a wonderful gi for your children a er sojourn as a mother”. They employ this with the use of charms and eye contact. Eye contact, to them, serves as a vital hook to grab the a en on of passing or disinterested customers. Vendors employ this deliberately to: First, establish connec on: this creates a sense of familiarity and rapport with poten al customers. As they say, a en on is in the eyes. Second, convey enthusiasm: this shows genuine passion for their products, making customers more
recep ve to their pitches. Raised eye-brows, bulging eyeballs can show passion or convinc on. Third, build trust: this demonstrates honesty and transparency, essen al for building trust with customers. Street vendors, alongside the aforemen oned, have developed unique charming techniques to maintain eye contact, even in the most challenging environments. They might use: Mirroring: subtly imitate the customer’s body language to create a sense of rapport. Or to s r response from the disinterested buyer.
Proximity: posi on themselves close to the customer, making eye contact more in mate and engaging. A lover’s pose is a trader’s close. Facial expressions: use warm, genuine smiles to create a welcoming atmosphere. Unlike the Micra driver, the street vendor needs to get that money from your pocket through apppeal. Warmth creates a bias for sales. Art of Charm in Sales is to create rapport, diffuse tension and kill skep cism in the mind of the customer, also to highlight benefits in an a en ve way. Some hawkers go as far as telling alarming stories (we remember the usual “molue” pitch), stand up comedy, compliPublisher – Moremi Publishing ments passing etc. House Ltd. To them on the Deputy Editor – Michael Bamigbola street, these are not Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola rocket science but necessary skills you pick Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto up through creatvity, Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere flexibility and resilient Produc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa learning and unlearning. Just like us, as OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing small boys, we subtly House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, imbibed our fathers knacks for closing purOff Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. chases and remainISSN : 0794-8050 ing a friend to almost Telephone : 0809-301-9152 every customer for life. Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php #ThingsILearntFrome-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com MyFather. •A-Adesokan is a poet, osundefenderbank@gmail.com writer and public affairs All correspondence to the above email addresses. analyst.
OSUN DEFENDER
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026
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News
Adeleke’s Commissioner Collects Kickback On Every Approved Fund For Us, Youth Council Alleges Sodiq Yusuf HE Osun State chapter of the Na onal Youth Council of Nigeria has accused the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Moshood Olagunju, of allegedly collec ng kickbacks on every fund approved for the council by the state government. The allega on followed a festering disagreement between the commissioner and the youth council over the distribu on of rice pallia ves and claims of misappropria on, which escalated on Saturday. OSUN DEFENDER reports that the dispute reportedly began last week a er 20 bags of rice, described as a New Year package for youths, were handed over to the NYCN chairman, Olakolupo Olusegun Akinbode, by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, without passing through the Ministry of
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Youth Affairs. Groups said to be loyal to the commissioner subsequently accused the NYCN leadership of failing to account for the rice and an alleged N25m released to the council. The Youth Assembly of Nigeria, through its Speaker, Dare Fatomide, demanded a public explanaon from the SSG on why the rice was given directly to the NYCN without the ministry’s involvement. Responding, the NYCN, in a statement by its Public Rela ons Officer, Hassan Rafiu Olayemi, denied receiving N25m from the state government and accused the commissioner of demanding what it described as “se lement” on every approved fund meant for the council. The group said it had only received a total of N17m, insis ng that deduc ons were made by the ministry at different mes.
•Olagunju The council listed the funds to include a N2m government grant, from which it alleged N500,000 was taken by the ministry; N2.5m approved for a town hall mee ng with an alleged N500,000 deduc on; and N5m for a
Wike Allegedly Abandons Ministerial Duties, Focuses On Rivers Ahead Of 2027 Sodiq Yusuf ONCERNS have con nued to trail the ac vi es of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following reports that he has been largely absent from his official du es in Abuja for over two weeks while touring local government areas in Rivers State. Since December 26, 2025, Wike has reportedly visited at least 20 of the 23 local government areas in the state. Although the minister has described the visits as a “thank-you” tour, his speeches have largely focused on the 2027 general elec ons, with calls for support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-elec on and sustained cri cism of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The visits have coincided with major poli cal developments in the state. Notably, Wike was in Bonny Local Government Area barely an hour a er the Rivers
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•Wike
State House of Assembly ini ated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, further fuelling specula ons of deepening poli cal calcula ons ahead of 2027. Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administra on has come under moun ng pressure as labour unions threaten industrial ac on. The Joint Union Ac on Congress issued a sevenday strike ul matum beginning January 7, 2026, ci ng the non-release of overhead costs for the second half of 2025, five months of unpaid wage award arrears, alleged staff in mida on and phone usage restric ons at the FCT Geographic Informa on System, as well as unpaid wages for street sweepers and enforcement officers under the Abuja Environmental Protec on Board. The union warned that its members could no longer endure the con nued denial of their en tlements, adding that the failure to grant financial autonomy had under-
mined effec ve administra on in the FCT. Cri cs have also quesoned the minister’s prolonged absence from Abuja. Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, said it was disturbing that poli cal ac vi es were taking centre stage despite the fact that the 2027 campaigns were yet to commence. He also raised concerns over rising insecurity in the FCT, referencing the recent killings of a nurse and a lawyer while the minister was away. Similarly, the spokesperson for former Vice President A ku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, accused Wike of abandoning his responsibili es as FCT minister in favour of poli cal control of Rivers State, while the Na onal Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, suggested that the minister should resign if he intended to focus fully on poli cs in the state. Responding to the cri cisms, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, dismissed claims that the minister had neglected his du es, arguing that physical presence in Abuja was not mandatory in the digital age. He said official files could be treated from anywhere and maintained that Wike was effec vely performing his du es. Olayinka also insisted that the Rivers visits were not campaigns but apprecia on tours, adding that despite recent incidents, insecurity in the FCT had reduced under the minister’s leadership.
•Akinbode ci zenship and leadership training programme, from which another N500,000 was allegedly taken. For the 2025 Interna onal Youth Day, the council said N6m was eventually released out of a larger approved sum, with N1.5m
earmarked for mobilisaon. The NYCN maintained that it had fully accounted for all funds received and challenged the commissioner to provide evidence that it collected N25m. It also
said the 20 bags of rice were distributed to affiliated and non-affiliated youth groups across the state, adding that the commissioner was informed upon receipt of the items. The council further accused the commissioner of interfering in its internal affairs and a emp ng to fac onalise the body through loyalists, calling on the state government to intervene. Following the controversy, the state government has suspended its dealings with Osun NYCN pending the outcome of ongoing inves ga ons. A government statement signed by the Commissioner for Informa on, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, yesterday said it has cons tuted a threeman commi ee to inves gate the alleged leadership crisis and controversies bordering on allocated resources.
Osun APC Seeks Probe Of Alleged N13bn Payroll Fraud Under Adeleke
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HE Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called on an -corrup on agencies to inves gate an alleged payroll fraud involving over N13bn under the administra on of Governor Ademola Adeleke. The party made the call in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Informa on, Kola Olabisi, following claims that a forensic audit of the state civil service uncovered payments to thousands of non-existent workers. The APC’s posi on followed a press conference addressed on Friday by Ji Ogunye, legal counsel to SALLY TIBBOT Consul ng Limited, which conducted the audit. Ogunye said the firm iden fied 8,452 alleged ghost workers on the Osun State payroll, adding that more than N13bn was allegedly paid annually to the purported non-existent employees. According to Ogunye, the execu ve brief submi ed to Governor Adeleke showed that the January 2023 payroll for mainstream workers and pensioners stood at N4.48bn, based on payments to 37,456 workers and 17,918 pensioners. He said a subsequent staff audit, payroll reengineering and valida on exercise revised
the genuine monthly payroll to N3.34bn, with an actual workforce of 29,004 staff and 17,918 pensioners. He added that the exercise, conducted between June 2022 and April 2023, resulted in alleged monthly savings of N1.14bn, amoun ng to about N13.7bn annually. Ogunye said the firm submi ed its full report to the governor on June 27, 2024, and publicly presented its findings in Osogbo on July 10, 2024. Ogunye further claimed that despite repeated demands for the implementa on of the report’s recommendaons and payment for the completed assignment, the firm had yet to receive a response from the state government. He also alleged that members of the consulting firm’s management had received threats following their insistence on the implementa on of the audit recommenda ons. Reac ng, the Osun APC urged the Nigeria Police to inves gate the alleged threats and called on statutory an corrup on agencies to probe the claims surrounding the reported N13bn payroll payments. The party also said it expected the state government to address the allega ons and clarify
the status of the audit report. However, Governor Adeleke welcomed calls for a review of the staff audit report by an -corrup on agencies. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Saturday, the governor said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Prac ces and Other Related Offences Commission were free to examine the report and the processes behind it, no ng that any review would concern payroll and personnel records inherited from the administra on of former governor Gboyega Oyetola. Similarly, the Osun State Government, through the Commissioner for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, dismissed the allegaons of ghost workers, describing the consulting firm’s press briefing as an a empt to blackmail the government into accep ng what it termed a disputed audit report. Alimi said the unusually high number of alleged ghost workers necessitated a reverifica on exercise, which, according to him, revealed significant infla on in the figures originally submi ed.
PEOPLE FIRST
Sports
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026
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AFCON 2025: Ighalo Backs Osimhen, Slams Calls For Super Eagles Star’s Ouster
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ORMER Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has cri cised calls for Victor Osimhen to be dropped from the Nigeria squad, insis ng the Napoli forward remains indispensable as the Super Eagles con nue their Africa Cup of Na ons campaign. Nigeria booked a place in the semi-finals on Saturday a er a composed 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech, with Osimhen and Akor Adams scoring the goals that se led the quarter-final encounter. The win followed earlier controversy involving Osimhen a er a heated exchange with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s round of 16 victory over Mozambique, an incident that sparked debate over the striker’s conduct. Osimhen has since responded on the pitch, scoring four goals at the tournament to sit one behind Spain-born forward Brahim Diaz on the scorers’ chart. His two assists have also taken his total goal contribu ons to six, just one fewer than Lookman. His strike against Algeria was his 35th goal in 51 appearances for Nigeria, leaving him two goals shy of the late Rashidi Yekini on the country’s all- me scoring list. Speaking while analysing the quarter-final on SuperSport, Ighalo dismissed sugges ons that Osimhen’s reac on had become a distrac on in the camp, describing the
backlash as overblown. “Well, I think the media are taking it too far,” Ighalo said. “In games like that, there are always emo ons. Players want it badly and react differently. We have seen Ronaldo do things like that. Though Victor is not Ronaldo, in the Nigeria team he is the biggest player for me.” The former Manchester United striker argued that elite players should not be cast aside over emo onal outbursts if a team is serious about success. “If Ronaldo does that to Mbappé or anyone else, are you going to send him away from the team? No. I’m not saying Victor is Ronaldo, but in the Super Eagles he is our biggest player. What he did was not right, but they have se led it,” he added.
Ighalo revealed that he spoke directly with Osimhen a er the incident and confirmed that the ma er had been resolved internally. “A er the game, I
spoke to him and he explained what happened. I told him not to react like that next me. They sorted it out in the dressing room and they are friends,” he said.
The confronta on occurred during Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Mozambique in Fès, when Osimhen, chasing a hat-trick, reacted angrily a er not receiving a pass from Lookman and
Inter Milan Monitor January Move For Fulham’s Bassey
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NTER Milan are reportedly monitoring a possible January move for Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, with the Nigeria interna onal attrac ng growing interest from Serie A. The Italian giants are said to have placed Bassey on their radar as they seek to reinforce their defence, with a le -footed central defender among their priori es, alongside plans to strengthen at right wingback. According to TEAMtalk, Inter and several other Serie A clubs
are closely tracking the 26-year-old’s situa on during the ongoing transfer window. However, Fulham are understood to be unwilling to allow the former Rangers defender leave midway through the season, describing him as a key figure in their defensive setup. TEAMtalk reported that sources at Fulham have stressed that the club has no inten on of sanc oning a January exit, insis ng that Bassey remains central to their long-term plans at Craven Co age.
Inter’s interest is believed to be driven by the
need for defensive depth as they contend with
News Killings, Kidnappings, Threats Fuel Fear... •Continued from page 1 helplines and urged residents to promptly report any suspicious movements, par cularly around the Agbowo and Bashorun corridors. Police, Local Security Beef Up Ac on, Urges Civic Cooperaon Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command have assured residents that addi onal tac cal assets will be deployed to curb the situa on. The command said un l the security threat is neutralised, residents have been advised to limit night movements and adopt a low-profile lifestyle. DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the command’s PPRO in a statement over the weekend said the handwri en note, which was allegedly dropped in front of a
Bruno Onyemaechi, leading to a verbal exchange that required interven on from captain Wilfred Ndidi and other players. Despite the episode, Ighalo insisted Osimhen’s commitment to the naonal team remained unques onable, praising his work ethic and influence. “You cannot fault his commitment. He fights, he scores goals and he gives everything for the na onal team,” he said, while also commending head coach Eric Chelle for handling the situa on calmly behind closed doors. With Osimhen back among the goals and Nigeria through to the last four, Ighalo urged supporters to focus on the Super Eagles’ tle push rather than internal issues he believes have already been resolved.
residen al building, threatening an a ack on the Ikoyi-Ile community, is currently being inves gated. Ayanlade stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna immediately ac vated the command’s intelligence, tac cal, and opera onal response architecture. He said the State Intelligence Department (SID), in close collabora on with tac cal units, was directed to commence intensive debriefing of all persons connected with the discovery of the note, while opera onal assets were promptly deployed and reposioned within Ikoyi-Ile and its surrounding communi es. “As part of deliberate and visible security ac ons, armed patrols, stop-and-search op-
era ons, intelligence surveillance, and strategic area domina on have been significantly reinforced. “Police personnel are currently on 24hour high alert, with sustained ground presence to deny criminal elements any opportunity to operate or exploit the situa on. “The Area Command has equally been directed to maintain constant supervision and con nuous patrol coverage across the affected axis.” the statement reads. He further disclosed that the command has launched a thorough and intelligence-driven inves ga on into the origin, authen city, and intent of the said note. “The command wishes to state unequivocally that every
lead is being pursued, and no effort will be spared in uncovering the truth behind this threat and ensuring that any individuals or groups found responsible are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law,” the spokesman stated. The command reassured the good people of Ikoyi-Ile and residents across Oyo State that there is no cause for panic and encouraged the public to go about their lawful daily ac vi es without fear, while remaining security-conscious. The command urged ci zens to promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or ac vi es through the nearest police staon, security post, or established emergency channels, no ng that mely informa on re-
mains cri cal to preven ve policing. Governor Seyi Makinde, while condemning the a acks in strong terms, has called for enhanced coopera on between security agencies and local communi es to prevent further loss of life. “We will pursue every perpetrator of these heinous crimes and ensure the safety of our people,” he said in a statement issued through his spokesperson, Sulaimon Olanrewaju. Security analysts, however, warn that without sustained and coordinated operaons addressing root causes such as criminal networks and weak rural security infrastructure, Oyo’s insecurity crisis could deteriorate further.
domes c and European commitments. The report noted that the Nerazzurri are keen to bolster their squad amid a congested schedule that includes a ght Serie A tle race and Champions League demands. Other Italian clubs are also said to be monitoring Bassey’s situa on, drawn by his Premier League experience and interna onal pedigree with Nigeria. Bassey is currently on interna onal duty with the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Na ons, where Nigeria faced Algeria in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Fulham signed the defender from Ajax in the summer of 2023 for €22.5m, a year a er the Dutch club had acquired him from Rangers for a similar fee. He made an immediate impact in west London, winning Fulham’s Player of the Year award last season and further boos ng his reputa on across Europe. Comfortable at centre-back and capable of opera ng at le -back, Bassey’s composure on the ball and physical presence have been vital to Marco Silva’s side during the current Premier League campaign. Despite the interest, any poten al transfer is considered unlikely before the end of the season. TEAMtalk reported that a move is more probable in the summer, with Fulham reluctant to weaken their squad as they push for European qualifica on. Bassey is under contract with Fulham un l 2027, with the club holding an op on to extend by a further year, strengthening their posi on in any future nego a ons.
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FTER the First World War which broke out between 1914-1918, the necessity to construct a world intergovernmental organisa on whose main duty would be maintenance of world peace and security became impera ve. Hence, on January 10, 1920, the League of Na ons was founded as first organisa on to play that role – forestall a repeat of World War. Within the space of two decades however, it failed in its primary responsibility as the World War II broke out between 1939-1945 and by 1946, the League of Na ons ceased to exist, having been succeeded by a new organisa on – United Na ons. Before its final ex nc on, on 25 April, fi y na ons had met in San Francisco, California, for a conference to dra the UN Charter which was adopted two months later-25 June, 1945. This charter was built on four core areas – Peace and Security; Human Rights; The Rule of Law; and Development. There was Universal Declara on of Human Rights which is a document that is a worldwide standard for rights, freedom and equality of every individual globally. There are thirty ar cles on this Universal Declara on of Human Rights which accord civil and poli cal rights such as right to life, liberty, free speech, right to educa on, right to organise and to be treated fairly and right to privacy, among others to every human being no ma er who he/she is and where he/she lives. However, under the UN watch, these ar cles have been serially, violently violated with impunity by the west led by United States. It is instruc ve to note that end of the World War II resulted into emergence of bipolar world between United States leading the west and Soviet Union leading the eastern bloc. The two super power houses had dis nct ideologies. Soviet Union with its eastern bloc sought to promote communism where means of produc on are collec vely owned and private property is severely curtailed, giving premium to the social welfare of the people while US and its western bloc promoted bourgeois democracy and capitalism where means of produc on are privately owned to promo ng profit and private property of a few over the welfare of the majority. Un l the beginning of rapid disrupon of Soviet Union in 1989 under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev and its eventual collapse in 1991/92, the bipolar
“However, under the UN watch, these articles have been serially, violently violated with impunity by the west led by United States. It is instructive to note that end of the World War II resulted into emergence of bipolar world between United States leading the west and Soviet Union leading the eastern bloc. The two super power houses had distinct ideologies”
UN Exhausted Its Relevance world was divided into these two ideological lines while weak countries, mostly in Africa, subscribed to Non Aligned Movement – receiving supports from the two blocs without aligning to either. With the collapse of cold war and emergence of US as the sole super power, the world has consistently been threatened of wars mostly engineered by US with flagrant disobedience to UN resolu ons and Universal Declara ons, making unipolar world order consistently in disorder with unprecedented escala on of regional conflicts and widespread deadly terrorism. There are many examples to a est to this fact but few will suffice because of limited space. Cold war is a state of conflict between na ons that does not necessarily involve direct military ac on but pursuit of economic and poli cal propaganda and some mes, proxy wars by surrogates. That was the situa on between Soviet Union and US immediately a er the
STRIKER
World War II ll 1991. On March 20 ll 1st May 2003, United States with its allied forces invaded Iraq to topple Saddam Hussein regime based on unverified allega on of building and accumula ng Weapon of Mass Destrucon (WMD) which was a threat to world peace. WMD means nuclear, biological, chemical and long-range ballis c missiles. To jus fy Iraq a ack during assemblage of US allied forces, Mr. Tony Blair, UK Prime Minister, publicised an “intelligence” reports, claiming that Iraqi missiles could be readied within 45 minutes to hit UK targets in the Eastern Mediterranean. To ascertain these allega ons and claims, the UN had sent its weapon inspectors and that of Interna onal Energy Authority to Iraq for verifica ons. US didn’t, however, wait for the inspectors’ reports before it invaded Iraqi, ousted Saddam Hussein and murdered him. Eventually, interna onal inspectors’
Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
Power Is Responsibility
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reports said Iraq didn’t have significant WMD capability as at the me of invasion by US and allied forces – lies and baseless allega ons! The real reason behind Iraqi invasion has to do with control of Iraqi Oil Wealth and Domina on of Middle East Businesses. President George Bush government orchestrated the plans to invade Iraq based on public decep on and fragrant viola on of Interna onal Rules simply because it saw Iraq as part of its defined “axis of evil” along with Iran and North Korea. Although Muammar Gaddafi collaborated with US during Iraqi invasion by allowing it use Libya as a base to launch offensives, the US used the upheavals in Egypt and Tunisia in 2011 to spur civil wars, first in Libya and later Syria, again for its strategic interest in the Middle East and North Africa. Under the guise of humanitarianism, human rights and enthronement of democracy as a cloak for its predatory interest, US-NATO launched a acks to overthrow and kill Gaddafi to enthrone a government directly under its control. Up ll date, the country and region has been in turmoil with regular destruc on of infrastructures and lives with •Read full article on www.osundefender.com •This article, first published on December 01, 2023 is repeated due to its relevance to trending issues, particularly last week’s attack on Venezuela by the United States of America, amidst widespread condemnation by the world and the UN’s deafening silence. •Ademola is an activist, pro-democracy advocate, writer, researcher and public affairs analyst.
HE “Unusual” Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has several unique trademarks, among which are his signature maxims: “People First” and “Power Is Responsibility.” Simple statements of fact and commitment that have, however, acquired deep and heavy significance in an age of virulent irresponsibility in public governance and distain; nay, outright contempt for the wishes and aspira ons of the common people by state actors they voted into power! Whenever democracy (government of the people by the people and for the people) turns out not to be about the people anymore, it becomes a nasty and oppressive tool, a façade for authoritarian cliques to advance their an -people projects. At such mes, the discerning will no ce that poli cal par es are no longer principled and ideological vehicles for aggrega ng like-minds around grand social manifestoes but iniquitous platforms for power-grabbing by amorphous adventurers and fortune seekers: a typical Nigerian reality, post 2nd Republic especially. In the above scenario, the power of one man’s deep vision and the force of his personal examples in commitment to the common good becomes a deligh ul oasis in a scorching desert of self-centredness and lack of imagina on. If “all ac ons shall be judged by inten on,” however overbearing and however far ahead of their mes such a man’s steps and ac ons are, all can be understood
and none can be intolerable except only to the shallow-minded, the revisionist of history and enemies of the people – sheep in wolf’s clothing. The people must be first, and “why so?” is quite simple to understand and accept, except to hard-nosed, u erly self-centred poli cians spirited away by vanity! The Yoruba say “irorun igi ni irorun eye,” and “bi ara o a ba ro okun, ara o le ro adie;” simply saying “the peace/ stability of the tree/line gives peace to the bird perched on it,” and same for instability. The common people cons tute the majority amidst which the elites live. The elites are the privileged minority. The elites are elites because they are the best exposed, the most successful in business and the professions, the best connected socially, with ways and means to emerge as the leaders of poli cs and government, however it is cons tuted. What does it cost them to guarantee social stability and avoid turbulence so that they can enjoy their vast privileges in peace? Li le, next to nothing – just sense of responsibility with the exercise of the powers submi ed to them by the people in a democracy. What do the people need to maintain their peace and enjoy their ordinary lives? Li le next to nothing – just food and clean water, shelter, clothing, good roads, electricity, schooling for their kids, healthcare, and a job whose income makes those simple
things of life affordable along with li le entertainment. The tans of egalitarianism in Nigeria’s history were not poor; neither did they end up being impoverished by guaranteeing all of the above for their people in the responsible exercise of their powers by considering the people first. Obafemi Awolowo was a mul millionaire in Naira that was then worth more than dollars. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu today is not a poor man. What they have is what the vast majority of their fellow ruling elites lack: a people first and power is responsibility philosophy that gives unto the people’s Caesar what is due to it, so society can enjoy its peace; albeit their own enviable privileges. Insufferably stranded with irresponsible power mongers the like of our today’s Minister of (in)Jus ce, it is understandable why the Nigerian Flight is riding its most turbulent weather historically. Even nature itself did not endow us all equally at birth; for simple instance, some are programmed to end up tall and some as dwarfs. Understanding Equal Rights and Jus ce as a condi on for free society and thriving democracy is the only way those vested with powers to direct society’s affairs can guarantee peace and prosperity by implementing policies that put the common people first; mee ng their basic needs as the majority in whom sovereignty ul mately reside. It is the only condi on that can truly and finally eliminate turbulence and guarantee that the elites too enjoy their many privileges in peace. That is an exercise of power with deep sense of responsibility.
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