2026: Uneasy Calm In Osun APC, PDP Over Emergence Of Coalition
●Aregbesola’s Role As ADC Nat. Secretary Unsettles APC
●As Osun ADC Collapses Structure Into Omoluabi Progressives
●Adeleke Not Joining Coalition - PDP Chair
2026: Uneasy Calm In Osun APC, PDP Over Emergence Of Coalition
Yusuf Oketola
THERE is uneasy calm in the rank and file of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) in Osun State, following the announcement of former governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the Interim Na onal Secretary of the African Democra c Congress (ADC), the official pla orm for Nigeria’s Na onal Coalion Group ahead of the 2027 general elec ons.
From subtle murmurs to loud wailings, APC members took to various online and offline platforms, struggling to come to terms with the ‘polical earthquake’ that may soon hit them.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that since the exit of Aregbesola and his teeming followers from the APC, members of the main opposi on party have keenly followed his poli cal ac vi es, throwing tantrums at him, cricising his alleged betrayal of President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the party in January 2025 expelled the former Minister of Interior, over alleged anparty ac vi es.
Meanwhile, while unveiling his agenda on Wednesday, Aregbesola promised that he will transform ADC into a party that has a clear ideological compass absolutely commi ed to the people, rooted in democra c values, rule of law, social jus ce, account-
•Aregbesola’s Role As ADC Nat. Secretary Unsettles APC
ability, transparency and na onal development as the party’s na onal secretary. He was one of those who championed the forma on of the APC, that ended 16-year dominance of Nigeria’s polical space by the Peoples Democra c Party, PDP in 2016.
His appointment as the interim Na onal Secretary General of ADC followed his alignment with the coali on of poli cians plo ng to kick Tinubu out of office in 2027. The na onal opposion coali on on Wednesday formally adopted the ADC as the poli cal party
they will use in the ba le against Tinubu’s APC in the 2027 elec on.
Aregbesola also explained why he accepted to serve as the Interim Na onal Secretary of the party.
His words, “It is me for a new kind of Poli cs in our Na on. Poli cs of Character, Poli cs of Ins tu on, not Personality. One that we can be proud to pass to the next genera on of Nigerians.
“While our poli cs has evolved, the landscape is plagued by par es that lack ideological depth, where merging and splitng, not over policy or principle, but over power
and personality is the order of the day. There is little regard for the country, even less for the people.
“That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve.
“As General Secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass—a party that is rooted in democra c values, social jus ce, accountability, and na onal development. A party that listens to the people, not only during elec ons, but every single day.
“We must be the party that champions educa on as the tool for delivering prosperity for
all. That delivers community-based solu ons to secure our people, our na on and borders. That promises Prosperity and labours to create it. That stands for Nigeria—not just during campaigns, but in the sacred work of daily governance.
sives Congress (APC).”
In his remarks, Osun State Chairman of the ADC, Mr. Charles Omidiji said members of the state working commi ee of the party are ready to coalesce with the Omoluabi Progressives to strengthen the opposi on to reclaim power in the state.
They also expressed their unflinching loyalty to the leadership of the immediate-past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, assuring members of the public that the ADC will serve the interests of the masses.
Responding, Chairman of Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji appreciated the state execu ves of the ADC for their readiness to work with the tendency.
Adesiji noted that efforts will not be spared in solidifying the ADC structure in Osun, as it prepares to present its formidable force in next year’s governorship elecon.
He also called on members of the public who are willing to return Osun to the governance built on responsible leadership and service to the ci zenry.
Members of the new ADC family in the state expressed op mism to work together and win the forthcoming gubernatorial elec on.
Osun APC kicks As NULGE Withdraws Suit Against LG Chairmen
THE Na onal Union of Local Government Employees, Osun State chapter, has informed the state High Court si ng in Ilesa of its decision to discon nue a case ins tuted against the All Progressives Congress and the chairmen elected in the October 15, 2022 local government polls. The no ce of withdrawal, dated June 25, 2025, and signed by the counsel for the claimant, Musbau Adetunbi (SAN), had also been served on the counsel to APC, Fama Raji, on Tuesday.
In the no ce of discon nuance, a copy sighted by OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, the claimant said it withdrew the case due to the verdict of the Court of Appeal of June 13, 2025, no ng that the “Ruling in Appeal No.: CA/ AK/15/2025 effectually
answering the substan al issues raised for determina on raised in this suit.
(The said ruling of the Court of Appeal is hereto a ached).
“It will be er sa sfy the interest of jus ce for this suitl to be discon nued/withdrawn.”
There has been ongoing poli cal and legal dispute over the control, legality, and dissolu on of local government councils in Osun State, involving the PDP–led state government and the opposi on APC.
The crisis has affected the smooth running of the councils, with alloca ons reportedly seized since February by the Federal Government.
The state chapter of NULGE also took the matter to court, as civil servants had refused to come to work since the crisis which took place a er the takeover of the councils by the APC-chairmen. NULGE in a suit
number: HIK/5/2025 had dragged before the court, APC, its LG chairmen, the Inspector General of Police, Osun State Police Commissioner, the Director General, Department of State Services, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Governor of Osun State and the A orney General and Commissioner for Jus ce.
In the suit, NULGE challenged the occupaon of local government secretariats by the APC chairmen, saying the development cons tuted a threat to the en re work-
force under its umbrella.
When the ma er came up before Jus ce M. Agboola and the applica on for discon nuance was moved by the claimant’s counsel, S. Ayeni, on Tuesday, the APC counsel, Muhydeen Adeoye, opposed it.
While NULGE counsel held that it was within the right of his client to discon nue the ma er at any stage, if the need for such arises, the APC counsel, in his response, however, insisted that withdrawal of the ma er must not be based on any previous court decisions not related to the ma er being heard.
Adeoye urged the court to dismiss the withdrawal applica on.
In his ruling, Jus ce Agboola directed the respondent to file a response to the withdrawal applica on and subsequently adjourned the ma er to November 25, 2025.
“For we understand this eternal truth: power is not a prize to be seized, but a responsibility to be shouldered. It is not a throne to occupy, but a burden to bear with honour. True power lies not in what we can claim for ourselves, but in what we can deliver for our people. This is our covenant with history: Power is Responsibility,” Aregbesola stressed.
Osun ADC Collapses Structure Into Omoluabi Progressives
Meanwhile, the leadership of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) in Osun State has formally collapsed its structure, pledging alliance with the Omoluabi Progressives, the leading poli cal organisa on in the state.
This follows the official adop on of the ADC pla orm by leaders of the Na onal Coali on Group.
A statement by Abosede Oluwaseun, Organising and Publicity Secretary, Omoluabi Progressives on Thursday said scores of supporters of the ADC alongside their colleagues in the Omoluabi Progressives thronged the Oranmiyan House in Osogbo, celebra ng the official birth of the coali on “to rescue Nigeria from the current hardship inflicted by the ruling All Progres-
Adeleke Not Joining Coali on - PDP Chair
The Osun State chapter of the People’s Democra c Party (PDP) has firmly rejected any sugges on of Governor Ademola Adeleke joining the African Democra c Congress (ADC), labeling the party as merely a coali on pla orm ahead of the 2027 general elecons.
PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, made the party’s stance clear during a telephone interview, sta ng that Governor Adeleke remains fully commi ed to the PDP.
“We (Adeleke and his supporters) remain with the PDP. We are in the PDP; we are not going anywhere. I can assure you, we are not going anywhere,” Bisi asserted.
He also dismissed efforts by former Vice President A ku Abubakar to court PDP members into the ADC, stressing that the Osun PDP is united and unwavering in its allegiance.
•(R-L) Former Vice President, A ku Abubakar, founder, African Democra c Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, Sen. David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Peter Obi and Aminu Tambuwal at the official unveiling of the Na onal Coali on in Abuja, on Wednesday
Yusuf Oketola
FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2025 - THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025
HISTORY is made in unexpected ways. It is full of twists and turns, and those involved could not have envisaged the context, neither could they have wished for it. In today’s unfolding scenario, there is a fierce urgency about the need to respond to the na onal malaise correctly. The forma on of a credible alterna ve aligns with our posi on last week that the naon needs a broad-based Popular Front to unite the country around a program of na onal reinvigoraon.
The coali on must be broadbased, as this is not the me for ideological purity. Fundamentally, the new pla orm must develop a clear program focusing on reviving the produc ve base of the na on to pull millions out of poverty and create enduring prosperity. Without a focus on na onal rebirth, a percep on will emerge that the ADC cons tutes an amalgama on of self-serving individuals.
The new ADC is lucky to have an amalgama on of astute thinkers and doers, such as Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who as Governor of Osun State, implemented a farsighted program of social reconstruc on similar to that admirably done by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil. Other coali on members can formulate a program focusing on fiscal discipline, redirec ng funds to areas of social and economic reinvigora on.
Many have pointed out that a pallia ve economy cannot build a produc ve base, which is needed
An Awakening
to focus on export programs to ameliorate our perennial balance of payments crisis. The new ADC must focus on building the produc ve base, as associated with people like Aregbesola, Peter Obi, and others.
The days of a pallia ve economy must end. A new focus on produc on, rather than rent-seeking, is the only way to get out of the present crisis. The new ADC coalion must be pro-people, focusing on policies like a mass affordable housing program, similar to what was done in the 1950s and 1960s and by Lula da Silva in Brazil.
Such a program would involve over two million people directly, require massive skills training centers, and have a profound effect on the country. By rebuilding infrastructure and involving people in the process, we can build a be er, more produc ve society.
In other areas, the emphasis must be con nuously based on produc on and job crea on. A new policy on exports is neces-
sary. As Pandit Nehru famously said, “We either export or we perish.” Today, we see the effect of that policy statement, with India on its way to becoming the largest economy in the world by 2050.
The ADC offers a fundamental opportunity to break away from the past. The party must focus on a program of ac on that will en ce the grassroots. Right now, there’s pervasive cynicism across the country, with voter turnout falling due to loss of faith in the ballot box as a means of change.
To get people engaged again, the program will have to appeal directly to their self-interest and to their wallets. Right now, people are hard-pressed with not just a cost of living crisis but, in reality, for many, a cost of existence crisis. The program must work out an immediate, short-term, and long-term plan, encompassed in four years, as to how to rebuild the purchasing power of the mass of the people and begin to, within months, pull people out of pov-
The Discourse
Coalition: A Lot Needs To Be Done
By Architect Goke Omigbodun
WELL, the new coali on has prospects of working if it’s well worked out. Right now, you can’t exactly say it’s dead on arrival or that it’s going to be successful. A lot of things have to work together. You have to consider many factors that would be brought together to make things work.
You need to consider the party itself, recognizing it’s not just a newly registered party, but one registered by INEC as far back as 2005, about 20 years ago. Perhaps it was trying to find its foo ng, but it has presented a candidate and won and lost a few elecons in mes past.
Another factor is who the people are that are coming into this coali on. Many are old warhorses, some described as recycled elements who have been in government offices before and high-ranking poli cal offices. Others might describe them as spent forces and disgruntled elements.
However, each of them has both negave and posi ve values. The virtues each possesses would come together as a combined factor to determine their acceptability. You’re talking about someone like Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State, who was governor and enjoyed two straight terms. You can’t say he has no value.
I’m discussing the poten al dynamics within the party, par cularly in Osun State. If Rauf Aregbesola, a former governor, joins forces with Olagunsoyi Oyinlola, another
•Afenifere accessing on-going events
• If former governors Aregbesola, Oyinlola and others can coalise together, it could be quite formidable in Osun
•Will Adeleke consider the new formation as an alternative to unsteady PDP?
former governor who had previously led the party, it could poten ally work in their favor.
The party has a history in Osun State, having had Oyinlola as a leader, Fatai Akinbade as a gubernatorial candidate, and Ebaba Opasango as a leader. Given this background, if A ku Abubakar joins the party, Oyinlola’s presence might bridge the gap between him and Opasango.
If this coali on comes together in Osun State, with Aregbesola and Oyinlola working together, it could poten ally benefit the party. However, these calcula ons might not necessarily work out as planned.
Meanwhile, the PDP is struggling to put its house in order, with internal conflicts between Sunday Okoye and Anyawu over the legi mate secretary-general of the party. This infigh ng might hinder the party’s ability to present candidates to INEC without uncertainty.
That’s an interes ng scenario. If Ademo-
la Adeleke is looking for a party alterna ve to PDP with a stable leadership, it could potenally impact the poli cal dynamics in Osun State. A stable party structure might provide a more solid founda on for his poten al second-term bid. The ques on is, which party would he consider, and how would it affect the state’s poli cal landscape?
Recognizing that the country is in a deep economic and security crisis, with infrastructure not working, electricity shortages, and security concerns, an alterna ve pla orm
“Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who as Governor of Osun State, implemented a far-sighted program of social reconstruction similar to that admirably done by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil”
erty.
This program must be wellar culated, and the appeal must be made to segmented focus groups, looking at their self-interest and how this program will be implemented in their interest. The disconnect between the overwhelming majority and the polical establishment is dangerous for any democracy.
The ADC should see itself as Nigeria’s equivalent of a historic compromise. Nigeria actually needs an historic compromise. The demons of the past, which con nually rear their ugly head, must be addressed. The na onal ques on, the issue of peaceful coexistence in one country, must be addressed. We cannot con nue to postpone the evil day on many fronts.
The ADC should be seen as a heaven-sent opportunity for the country to have an alterna ve that can rebuild hope. If they do not meet up to what, at the moment, appears to be great expecta ons, the consequences could be devasta ng.
coming to dislodge the exis ng government should priori ze making life be er for the people.
For security, state policing might be necessary, given Nigeria’s size. Restructuring is key, and the ADC’s manifesto highlights this. If the coali on emphasizes restructuring, it could become a rac ve to groups like Afenifere.
As chairman of Afenifere in Osun State, our organiza on is open to programs, not ed to specific individuals or par es. You’re considering op ons, including joining a coali on or the current government, based on which aligns best with your interests.
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A coali on that promises restructuring of the Nigerian polity to guarantee devolu on of powers to federa ng units, away from the federal government, would be a rac ve. This would include resource control, allowing states to have their own police and more autonomy.
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Reducing the exclusive list from 68 items to around 10, limited to essen al areas like currency, exchange, immigra on, and defense of territorial integrity, would be a step in the right direc on. Any party that advocates for such restructuring might find support from Afenifere, either through floa ng a new party or forming a coali on.
•Omigbodun is the chairman Afenifere, Osun State
How Aregbesola’s Influence Will Determine Osun 2026 – Omoluabi Spokesperson
Yusuf Oketola
THE Publicity and Organising Secretary of Omoluabi Progressives, Comrade Abosede Oluwaseun has posited that the influence and popularity of former governor and the interim Na onal Secretary of the African Democra c Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola would be a major determinat to who become the governor of Osun in 2026.
Oluwaseun explained that the Aregbesola system remains the party to beat in Osun, saying his body language will determine the wish of the people.
“Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola system is the party to beat in Osun and wherever he is in Nigeria, his body language is what will determine the wish of the people because he aligned with the people, he is with them and he has always done everything in the interest of the people,” he said.
The spokesperson stated this in an exclusive interview OSUN DEFENDER yesterday.
Speaking on the acvi es of the Omoluabi Progressives, Oluwaseun asserted that the group is making necessary steps to gather people, organise and ready not to be caught unaware, adding that they are aligning with other poli cal interests and school of thought that have the interest of Osun and Nigeria
•Berates
Senator Husain Over Defection Claim
•Says He Benefitted Immensely From Aregbesola’s Political Fanbase
as a whole.
He said: “We are doing what we suppose to do to gather people, organise and be ready not be caught unaware. We have told people severally the swelling numbers of people that have registered for Omoluabi Progressives already. We can tell you that we are ready, we are not lagging behind in anything and at the appropriate me we are going to spring up.
“Regarding the issue of coali on, we can boldly say we are aligning with other poli cal interests and school of thought progressively that have the interest of Osun and Nigeria as a whole. You can see the caliber of people in our new party and the role given to our leader and mentor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Going by what is happening in the country today, people are not happy, the are not contended and willing to just fold their arms and allow their des ny further plunged deeper into the oblivion. A lot of people are organising progressively in Nigeria to ensure they a good government come 2026 and 2027 in Nigeria.
“All plans have been concluded by our leaders to ensure that we establish a good poli cal base that
is going to enthrone the government of the people which the people are yearning for which will be put there by the people in the interest of the people and for the benefit of the labour force.”
Commen ng on the recent defec on of some people claimed to be members of the Omoluabi Progressives in Ejigbo to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oluwaseun faulted the story, saying Senator Mudashiru Husain who received them is one of those who benefited immensely from the large poli cal fanbase of Aregbesola.
“Recently, I watched a clip of Senator Mudashiru Hussain. You will recall that he was one of us in the past. He was one of those who benefi ed massively from the large poli cal fan base of Ogbeni Aregbesola. Under Aregbesola’s APC, he became a commissioner, a senator and Aregbesola facilitated how he became Na onal Popula on Commission (NPC) Commissioner in Abuja.
“But at a point in me, he felt that he cannot stay put without earning food from a poli cal structure. You know there are some people that their interest and loyalty lies where they
are ea ng and the moment they felt that the source of the food is drying up from Rauf Aregbesola’s system, they jumped off the ship to the other camp. These are the people that have no homebase fans on their own. He is from Ejigbo, we know what has always happening in the area we know how it has always been done and how we have been doing it and since he has jumped the ship, he came out few days ago to be flaun ng imaginary people that he cannot even men on their names.
“When you say people decamped from a poli cal party to another, you should showcase them, men on their names and let us know their track record. But we are not surprised because
The Echoes Of Silence: Reclaiming Our Mother Tongues In Modern Africa Art/Culture
IN the quiet corners of our collec ve memory, a subtle but profound erosion is taking place.
It’s not the disappearance of ancient monuments or historical scrolls, but something far more inmate: the gradual fading of the very languages that cradled our ancestors’ thoughts, dreams, and wisdom.
Across modern Africa, from the bustling metropolises to the most remote villages, the decline of our mother tongues is a poignant reality, an emoonal wound that threatens to sever our connecon to the very essence of who we are. This is not merely about linguis cs; it is about iden ty, culture, and the irreplaceable heritage we risk leaving behind.
For genera ons, our indigenous languages served as vibrant vessels, carrying the rich tapes-
try of our cultures. They were the mediums through which folktales were whispered under moonlight, proverbs imparted meless wisdom, and histories were woven into epic narra ves.
In Yoruba, the “omoluabi” ethos is not just a concept but a way of life, intrinsically linked to the nuances of its expression. How can one truly grasp the depth of “ubuntu” without understanding its Bantu roots? These languages are not just communica on tools; they are repositories of philosophy, systems of thought, unique worldviews, and the very soul of our people.
The forces driving this decline are mul faceted. Colonial legacies, which o en priori zed European languages for educa on and administra on, sowed the ini al seeds of marginaliza on. Today, globalizaon, with its pervasive influence of English, French,
and Portuguese, con nues this trend.
Many African parents, driven by a understandable desire for their children to succeed in a globally compe ve world, consciously or unconsciously priori ze foreign languages, believing them to be the gateway to economic opportunity. Our educa on systems, too, o en reflect this bias, with a scarcity of resources dedicated to teaching and developing our indigenous languages. The result is a genera on that, while perhaps fluent in global tongues, finds itself increasingly alienated from the linguis c bedrock of its own heritage. This linguis c erosion carries a heavy price. When a language dies, it’s not just a set of words that vanishes; an en re worldview, a unique way of understanding and interac ng with the world, goes with it. The intricate nuances of our oral
we understood the an cs of people like him.
People that have no home fan home based but they want to buy into the current political system.
“He wants to impress his pay master, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola to ensure that he get his loot from whatever largess they are sharing and that is why he is going around to make unfounded claims saying members of Omoluabi Progressives are joining him. People that he cannot show. We are not going to dwell on that anyway. We are not convinced and not bothered by the an cs of people that are nowhere to be found. We will con nue to mobilise and at the appropriate me, the people that he has is going to give it to those he wants to give it to.
“Regarding the agenda of Omoluabi progressives in Osun, you will recall that we are under the banner of Aregbesola who is now
tradi ons, the subtle humor, the profound respect embedded in our gree ngs – these become diluted, fla ened, or en rely lost in transla on. Our children grow up disconnected from the wisdom of their elders, unable to fully appreciate the depth of their cultural inheritance.
The vibrant threads that bind us to our past begin to unravel, leaving us adri in an increasingly homogenized global landscape, stripped of a vital part of our unique iden ty. But all is not lost. The echoes of our mother tongues s ll resonate, and there is an urgent need for a collec ve awakening. This is an emo onal appeal, a plea to recognize the invaluable treasure we possess
and the irreversible loss we face. We must ac vely champion the preserva on and revitaliza on of our languages.
This begins in our homes, by speaking our mother tongues to our children, encouraging them to embrace their linguis c heritage, and sharing the stories and proverbs that define us.
Our educa onal instu ons have a cri cal role to play, by integra ng indigenous languages into the curriculum, developing engaging teaching materials, and celebra ng the linguis c diversity of our con nent.
Governments must invest in language research, documenta on, and promo on, recognizing that
the interim Na onal Secretary of ADC. What we have done before is a testament to what we are s ll going to do in this new party. You will recollect that the theme that Ogbeni used in given Osun a faceli from a glorified town to an urban centre. Those things are s ll with him. His six integral agenda are s ll there to banish and eradicate hunger and poverty, to improve on security, to ensure the children of the half and half not are able to a end same school to the glory of the future of Osun State and to ensure that the economic of the state never go down and to close the gap between the rich and the poor.
“These are many things and more we have on board that we want to do for the masses of Osun State and as event unfolds, we are going to unveil our agenda one by one. I wish to implore the people of Osun State to look very well. They have tasted what PDP was in the past and they are witnessing same now. They have also tasted what APC has to offer in the 8 years of Aregbesola, how we turned Osun around and impacted posi vely in the lives of the people and all aspects of Osun State.”
cultural preserva on is as vital as economic development. Furthermore, media houses, crea ve artists, and content creators can play a transforma ve role by producing engaging content in our local languages – films, music, literature, and digital media that make our mother tongues relevant and attrac ve to younger genera ons.
Let us not be the genera on that stands by as the lyrical beauty and profound wisdom of our mother tongues fade into silence. Let us instead be the champions of their revival, ensuring that the voices of our ancestors con nue to echo through the vibrant expressions of our children. Reclaiming our languages is not about rejec ng modernity; it is about enriching it with the unique perspecves and iden es that only our mother tongues can provide.
It is about truly knowing ourselves, rooted in the rich soil of our heritage, as we stride confidently into the future.
•Oluwaseun
Osun CJ Calls For Disciplinary Action Against Adeleke’s Commissioner
Yusuf Oketola
THE Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon. Jus ce Adepele Ojo, has formally pe oned the Legal Prac oners Disciplinary Commi ee (LPDC) against the state A orney General, Wole Jimi-Bada, Esq., accusing him of professional misconduct, cons tu onal breaches, and conduct unbecoming of a legal prac oner.
In a pe on referenced BB/LPDC/1672/2025, Jusce Ojo alleges that Mr. Jimi-Bada unlawfully assumed the tle and funcons of Ac ng Chairman of the Osun State Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The Chief Judge contends that by law, she alone is the designated Chairman of the JSC under the 1999 Cons tu on (as amended), and that the A orney General’s self-appointment directly violates this cons tu onal provision.
The pe on highlights
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a controversial memo issued by Mr. Jimi-Bada in which he iden fied himself as Ac ng Chairman of the JSC. According to Jus ce Ojo, the A orney
General has been promo ng staff, convening mee ngs, and making decisions reserved exclusively for the Chairman, thereby undermining the
authority of the Chief Judge and causing ins tuonal confusion.
These ac ons allegedly con nued despite ongoing li ga on at the
Iwo Princes Threatens To Take Oluwo To Court Over ‘Alaafin Of Iwo’ Title
Kazeem Badmus
PRINCES from the royal families in Iwo, Osun State, have threatened to take the Oluwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi to court if the monarch insisted on being referred to as the “Alaafin of Iwo.”
The princes who rejected, in totally, the tle, ‘Alaafin of Iwo,’ said Oba Akanbi should leave the throne if he so desired to be called Alaafin, adding that the monarch cannot change the tle of the Iwo ruling family.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Oba Akanbi, during the courtesy visit of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade,
at his palace in Iwo on Tuesday, June 03, said, “Henceforth, I will also want to be called Alafin of Iwo, and we will inform the government about it.”
Speaking on behalf of the princes, Prince Adedoja Osunnwo said every tle a ached to a king has a story behind it, adding that Oba Akanbi should leave Iwo if he so wished to be called Alaafin.
According to him, “Oba Akanbi has been calling himself different names like - Emperor, Emir, and others, and we didn’t say anything. The one that made us come out is him saying he is the ‘Alaafin of Iwo’.
“Before Alaafin is called Alaafin, there is a story behind it. Before Owa becomes Owa, there is a story, like other monarchs. Our own tleOluwo also has a story behind it. Oluwo is what joined
us together. We have 46 ruling houses in Iwo land. So, how will one person change the name our forefathers gave us?
“Only the Alaafin of Oyo installs Aare Ona Kakanfo in Yorubaland. Will Iwo also be installing Aare Ona Kakanfo now, and are we going to replace our chieftles with Oyo Mesi? So we are saying here that we, the ruling houses, are not interested in being called Alaafin Iwo; we want to be called Oluwo of Iwo’, and that is what we will called ll eternity.
“So, if he wants to change our name, he should go to another place to bear that name not in Iwo land.”
“We’ve reported the monarch to the Muslim and Chris an communi es in Iwo, the Iwo Board of Trustees, and the Iwo Council of Obas without any changes.
“A er this, if we don’t get a posi ve response, we won’t hesitate to take the monarch to court. We are urging the state governor, Ademola Adeleke to look into this issue. It is because the governor did not show interest in the issue that led us to this situa on,” he added.
The princes also accused the monarch of
demanding N5 million for every tradi onaltle meant for the royal families.
Osunnwo said efforts to make Oba Akanbi change his stands proved abor ve.
“The latest is that the king has now decided that the tradi onal tles meant for Iwo princes and princesses will now be mone zed.
“The family heads and the youths went to him to let him see the reason why his decision was not good, but he insisted that he would be collec ng money for the tradi onal tles meant for Iwo Prince.
“We went there again four mes and the situa on was the same. On the fi h me, he said he didn’t want to see us in the palace again. Now, if we have a concern and Oluwo says he doesn’t want to see us again, where will we go? It shows our monarch is not ready to listen to the people,” he noted.
When contacted by a journalist, the Oluwo Of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi declined comment on the whole accusa ons.
The monarch, who spoke through his Press Secretary, Alli Ibrahim, in a telephone conversa on, told the journalist that he had no comment on the issues.
Na onal Industrial Court, Ibadan Division, concerning the cons tu on of a new JSC by the Osun State government, involving previous JSC members.
Jus ce Ojo accuses Mr. Jimi-Bada of breaching Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct by engaging in conduct likely to bring the legal profession into disrepute and for usurping the cons tuonal du es of the Chief Judge, crea ng instability within the state judiciary.
Suppor ng documents a ached to the pe on include a sworn affidavit from the Chief Judge, copies of the memo, and evidence of the A orney General’s acons under the disputed tle.
Following the pe on, the LPDC has formally no fied Mr. Jimi-Bada, direc ng him to file a defense affidavit with suppor ng documents within 24 days of receiving the no ce. He is also required to submit ten copies of his defense to the Secretary of the LPDC at the Body of Benchers Office in Abuja, including full professional and contact details.
THE Osun State Police Command has dragged a 35-year-old woman, Damilola Popoola before an Osogbo Magistrates Court for allegedly obtaining the sum of N3,286,000 from a vic m under the pretense of procuring an Australian visa.
According to the charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, Mary and others at large allegedly conspired by obtaining the money through her Fidelity Bank account.
The vic m, Ijalana Bukola Elizabeth, reportedly handed over the money believing it would secure her Australian visa.
The defendant was arraigned on a threecount of conspiracy to commit felony, fraud and stealing.
But she pleaded not guilty of the charge levelled against her, claiming she has nothing to do with the money. She disclosed that it was her husband that use her account to obtain the money.
The defense council A.M Idris prayed the court to release the defendant on bail, saying she is a nursing mother while promising that she would provide a reliable surety
But the police prosecutor, Olusegun Elisha, an Assistant Superintendent of Police opposed the orao bail applica on by the defense counsel, no ng that it took the police an electronic tracking before ge ng the defendant.
In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, M.A Olatunji admi ed to bail in sum of sum of N2,000,000 with two sure es.
The case was adjourned ll August 27, 2025.
•Oluwo
•Olori Ọ
of
Abosede Oyedare with other traditional rulers during her 50th birthday celebration at Ọyan recently
Photo Shola Aderinto
Latifat Bello
Osun Final Year Student Slumps, Dies Minutes Before Exam
Afemale final year student of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, Zainab Kolawole has slumped and died while preparing to write one of the ongoing examina ons on the campus.
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that the lady, said to be a mother of three children, suddenly collapsed while revising for the first semester examina on on Wednesday.
The examina on was said to have been slated for 12 noon before she was rushed to the School’s Medical Centre. She was said to have been declared dead the moment she was brought to the health facility.
A student of the polytechnic who did not want to be men oned revealed that deceased was a student of the Department of Quan ty Surveying.
“Her sudden death has thrown her classmates into mourning. We were to write exam at 12 noon even though we are not of the same Department. I doubt if the examinaon in her class later held because the death happened minutes before the me of the examinaon,” the Higher Na onal Diploma I student said.
Meanwhile, some lecturers and students of the polytechnic have been mourning her demise.
One of the lecturers in the polytechnic, David Olufunsho Fagboungbe, took to his Facebook page to mourn the deceased student.
He wrote with crying emojis, “Tears, agony
and grief today as female HND QS student of Federal Polytechnics, Ede and mother of 3 dies in the heat of ongoing first semester examina on.”
Reac ng, the Ac ng Director, Informa on, Protocol and Public Relaons of the polytechnic, Mr Sola Lawal, confirmed the death of the Higher Na onal Diploma II stu-
Campus Review Campus Review
dent, saying, “It is true. Her name is Kolawole Zainab, an HND II student. She was brought in dead to the school medical centre.”
Fountain University Holds Maiden Consortium Of Islamic Faith-Based Universities
FOUNTAIN University, Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday, held the maiden interna onal conference of the consor um of Islamic faith-based universi es in Southwest and Kwara State.
Members of the consor um are Fountain University, Al-Hikmah University, Crescent University, Summit
University, Muhammad Kamaludeen University, and Minaret University
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Prof Wahab Egbewole SAN, disclosed that ter ary educa on in Nigeria is being bastardised by those who prio se money over learning and character.
Professor Egbewole said ter ary ins tuons, especially faith-
based ones must provide in their curricular, ethics and encourage faith-based organisaons to invest in educa on not necessarily for profit but to provide values.
Represented by the Director, Centre for Interna onal Educa on, University of Ilorin, Professor Lateef Onire , the VC who was the keynote speaker at the event, said when universi es focus on adding value and character,
society will be be er for it.
“We are telling them not to emphasise money because money is not everything. What we want to achieve through educa on is value. When you want money, you go into business but when you want to produce people with good character, it is about educa on.
“So, those who are establishing universi es because of monetary gain are the ones bas-
Osun Lawmaker, Omirin Distributes Cocoa Seedlings To Constituents
IN a bid to boost the pro-
duc vity and the livelihoods of farmers in Ijesa South Federal Cons tuency, Hon. Sanya Omirin, the representa ve of the cons tuency, has distributed cocoa seedlings to selected farmers across the area.
The distribu on exercise, which took place on July 2, 2025, at the Ijesa South Cons tuency Office, White House, Oke Omiru, Osogbo Road, Ilesa, was facilitated through a collabora ve effort between the Cocoa Research Ins tute of Nigeria (CRIN) under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and 377 Ollabin Limited.
Farmers drawn from Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Ilesa East, and Ilesa West local government areas were selected as beneficiaries of this agricultural empowerment ini a ve. The gesture is expected to significantly increase cocoa produc on in the region and enhance economic development across the cons tuency.
In his remarks, Hon. Sanya Omirin reiterated his unwavering commitment to suppor ng local farmers, stressing that agriculture remains a vital pillar for sustainable economic growth. He encouraged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the seedlings and tap into the numerous agricultural opportuni es being created.
The Cocoa Research Ins tute of Nigeria (CRIN) was ably represented at the event by the verifica on team, Mrs. Akinwade Olufunke and Mrs. Fabowale Folasayo, who stood in for their Execu ve Director, Dr. P.O. Adebola. Both representa ves lauded Hon. Omirin’s ini a ve and assured farmers of CRIN’s con nued technical support and partnership.
In a hear elt show of gra tude, Chief Olomola, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed apprecia on to Hon. Omirin for his foresight and steadfast commitment to grassroots development. He affirmed that the gesture would not only empower
local farmers but also revive the cocoa value chain in Ijesaland.
The distribu on of cocoa seedlings underscores
Hon. Omirin’s dedica on to the welfare and economic advancement of his cons tuents. As the project takes root, its long-term impact
is an cipated to transform the agricultural landscape of Ijesa South for generaons to come.
Osun NDLEA Calls For Collective Efforts In Fight Against Drug Abuse
THE Osun State Command of the Na onal Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has urged Nigerians to take collecve responsibility in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This according to the command is a crucial step towards safeguarding the na on’s future and protec ng young people from the devasta ng effect of drug.
The call was made by the NDLEA Commander in the state, Lawal Adetula during a sensi sa on programme held in Osogbo to mark the 2025 Interna onal Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking.
Giving an insight on this year celebraon theme, ‘Breaking the chain, preven on, treatment and recovery for all, the Commander emphasised that as the agency is playing its role to break the chain of drug abuse, the soci-
ety also needs to break the chain of drug trade decisively.
He said: “Even though you are law enforcement officers, you are aiding and abe ng drug dealers, your chain needs to be broken and if you are a student and a teacher, a proprietor of a school and you allow your premises to be use as a drug haven which means you are hidden and abe ng, you too your chain needs to be broken. Therefore,
tardising the system because they would have to focus on ge ng that money. The university is for learning and character, but if you concentrate on what you want to get from the university, you will lose the value.
“Being a faith-based university, what we are preaching is that we should concentrate on adding value more than the financial gain,” he noted.
Speaking on the theme, Bridging Faith, Knowledge, and Innovaon for Sustainable Development, Professor Egbewole noted that “Faith is equally playing a very cri cal role in ensuring moral values, ethical frameworks and spiritual consciousness which will ul mately give purpose to learning and not end up being learning for learning sake.
“On the other hand, the integra on of faith, knowledge, and innovaon is very crucial if we are to achieve sustainable development in Higher educa on.”
Earlier in her address, the Vice Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, Professor Ramota Karim, said the consor um was born from a shared vision to foster synergy among Islamic faith-based universi es within the region.
She said, “Our mission is to establish a robust framework for joint academic programmes, collabora ve research, staff and student exchanges, and resource sharing.
“Together, we seek to build pla orms for knowledge crea on, dialogue, and innovaon—guided by the Qur’anic ideals of scholarship and jus ce.”
Professor Karim added that the conference will be used to deliberate on cri cal topics such as “alternave university funding, research sustainability, educa onal technology, and student financing”. all students can be set free. I am appealing to the society at large; we
Latifat Bello
Yusuf Oketola
Kazeem Badmus
Yusuf Oketola
•Adetula
•(L-R) Hon. Omirin and some of the beneficiaries
Veteran Tennis Coach Calls For Sports Development In Osun
Aformer Tennis coach and the coordinator, West Africa Beach Tennis, Kolawole Afinni has urged the state government to give more atten on to sports development in Osun.
According to Afinni, the Adeleke’s administra on is expected to put spor ng ac vi es in the state on a strong foo ng, by rehabilita ng fully, the abandoned Games Village at Ijeda, Ijebu – Jesha; a design that is second to none in the South West.
He highlighted this in a piece tled; Na onal Sports Fes val; Gateway Games 2025 Exploit: Osun State Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow, a copy made available to OSUN DEFENDER in Osogbo yesterday.
He wrote: “However, the government should consider more a en on to sports Development
“Adequate provision for the needs of coaches and athletes.
“More par cipa on of athletes in organized Local, Na onal and Interna onal Compe ons.
Provision of the state –of the Art Facili es such as Indoor sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Hostel accom-
moda on e.t.c.”
“Certainly, with the con nuous support and encouragement of this administra on towards sports development, we can only join others for Imole! Imole!! Imole!!! Now; so as to guarantee the stability and success of the spor ng programmes.
“Hence, the need to advocate and ensure that, whosoever is receiving the baton from Mr. Dunmoye must be seen to be above board in all ramifica ons, Devoted, Disciplined, Determined and Dedicated. Osun has them in quantum both within and outside the sports council establishment; Osun can boast and be proud of seasoned sports administrators like Layi Adesiyan (Ag PS, Director of Sports,
Ministry of Social and special needs); Adegoke Adeyemi (Director of Ministry of Social and special needs,) e.t.c. from outside the establishment, as well as blessed within for a due replacement with seasoned, very professional, dynamic goal ge ers personnel such as Mrs. Amiola Bolaji Oladokun; Mr. Demola Daini (Director of Sports and Coaching), Mrs. Ronke Ajibola (Director of Sports, Development and Organiza on), Mrs. Olabiyi Abimbola ( Assistant Director of Sports, and organiza on), Mrs. Osho Adejoke (Assistant Director of Coaching and Training) e.t.c. all in their classical, outstanding status reckoning that should be ready to carry the mantle being le by Mr. Dunmoye.”
LA Liga president Javier Tebas has once again expressed his opposi on to the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, declaring that he will do everything possible to stop the tournament from taking place in the future.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure that the Club World Cup is never held again,” Tebas said during a press conference yesterday.
This is not the first me Tebas has spoken out against the new format. Ever since FIFA announced the project for a 32-team tournament to be held every four years, Tebas has been one of the most vocal cri cs.
Each par cipa ng club is expected to benefit from a minimum of $15 million, a figure that has a racted the support of top clubs in the world
In its first edi on this year, La Liga is represented by Spain’s two leading teams: Real Madrid and Atle co Madrid. Both teams have agreed to give up their summer holidays to be part of the tournament.
Despite FIFA’s enthusiasm and the support of the clubs, Tebas has no inten on of backing down.
Tebas plans to use legal means and ins tuonal pressure to block this ini a ve, which he sees as a threat to the
I’ll Ensure Club World Cup Never Holds Again – La Liga President
calendar and balance of na onal compe ons.
It now remains to be seen whether the clash between La Liga and FIFA will deepen, or whether the par es will find a compromise for the future of interna onal football.
Meanwhile, the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup is in the quarter-final stage a er the last round of 16 e saw Borussia Dort-
mund edged out Monterrey yesterday’s morning.
The first quarter-final fixture will see Brazilian heavyweights Fluminense take on surprise team of the tournament Al Hilal.
There will be three encounters on Saturday which will see Palmeiras face Chelsea, Paris SaintGermain take on Bayern Munich and Real Madrid ba le Dortmund.
Osun Spends Over N32m To Feed School Children Daily
Yusuf Oketola
OSUN State Commissioner for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi has disclosed that the state government has been spending over N32million daily in feeding school children.
Alimi made this known in a statement he issued on Thursday where he announced plan by the state government to convoke a high-level stakeholders conference focused on the sustainability of the Osun’s homegrown school feeding ini ave, tagged: “O’Meals programme.”
He disclosed further that the state government, through the Ministries of Educa on, Economic Planning, Budget and Development, and Federal Affairs, is set to convene the event, themed: “Sustainabil-
ity of O’Meals for Improved Child Nutri on in Osun State.”
According to Alimi, the conference would bring together development partners and interna onal agencies ac vely involved in school feeding programmes across Africa and around the globe.
“This significant conference aims to strengthen dialogue around the future of school feeding in subna onal contexts, with a par cular focus on the unique case of Osun State. As the only state in Nigeria to have consistently operated a structured school feeding programme since 2006, Osun’s O’Meals stands as a benchmark in the na onal conversa on on food security, nutri on, and educa onal development,” he added.Business conferences.
The Commissioner, while giving rea-
sons behind the huge spending on feeding pupils in Elementary Schools across the state, said, “With over 200,000 direct beneficiaries, including pupils, food vendors, and local suppliers, the O’Meals programme in Osun State is not only a cri cal nutri onal interven on but also a powerful driver of grassroots economic empowerment. Osun state currently commits over ₦32 million
daily to sustain this ini a ve, reinforcing its commitment to improving child welfare and reducing poverty.
“This remarkable feat has earned Osun commenda ons from several interna onal agencies and development partners who recognize the state’s unwavering dedicaon to child nutri on and inclusive development. The upcoming conference seeks to build on this momentum by fostering partnerships and harnessing technical exper se to further enhance the programme’s impact.”
He said the conference organised by the state government in collabora on with the African Union Development Agency –New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), will play host to global development partners including the Dangote Founda on, Family
Health Interna onal (FHI360), UN World Food Programme, Nutri on Interna onal, Partnership for Child Development, Ac onAid Nigeria, and the Food and Agriculture Organiza on (FAO), among others.Business conferences
“Scheduled to hold on Tuesday July 8, 2025, at NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, the conference will serve as a cri cal forum for discussing key issues surrounding the sustainability and scalability of school feeding programmes, especially within resource-constrained sub-na onal environments.
“Among the core objec ves of the gathering are: to evaluate the sustainability prospects of the O’Meals programme; share best prac ces and innovaons in school feeding; explore improved strategies for enhanc-
ing child nutri on; and to welcome new partnerships for broader impact in Osun State.
“It will also offer an opportunity for policy makers, technical experts, implemen ng partners, and donor organisa ons to deliberate on ac onable frameworks for aligning the O’Meals programme with broader development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on zero hunger, quality educaon, and good health and well-being.
“The Osun State Government remains commi ed to ensuring that no child is le behind. Through strategic collabora ons and purposeful leadership, the State con nues to set a precedent for inclusive and sustainable development prac ces in Nigeria’s educa on and nutri on sectors,” he said.Business conferences
Yusuf Oketola
•Adeleke
•Afinni
DEAR Party Leaders, Disnguished Members, Friends, and Fellow Nigerians,
It is with humility, clarity of vision, and a profound sense of responsibility for our party and our Na on that I accept the appointment as General Secretary of our great party.
I thank the leadership for the trust reposed in me. But more than that, I thank every commi ed member of this party—those who s ll believe that poli cs can be a force for good, and that par es must stand for more than just winning elec ons.
Let me begin by saying this: a poli cal party is not a pla orm for opportunism. It is not a vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambi on over collec ve good. A poli cal party, in its truest form, is a living ins tu on—built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.
Throughout Africa’s history, and par cularly in the legacy of the African Na onal Congress (ANC) of South Africa, we have seen what a party grounded in ideology, principle, and peoplecentered struggle can achieve. The ANC was not perfect—but it stood for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by Women and Men who believed in jusce, dignity, equality, and true freedom. It had character. It had soul.
It is me for a new kind of Poli cs in our Na on. Poli cs of Character, Poli cs of Ins tuon, not Personality. One that we can be proud to pass to the next genera on of Nigerians.
While our poli cs has evolved, the landscape is plagued by par es that lack ideological depth, where merging and spli ng, not over poli-
ORATION
By OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA
Acceptance Speech As ADC Interim National Secretary
cy or principle, but over power and personality is the order of the day. There is li le regard for the country, even less for the people.
That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve.
As General Secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass—a party that is rooted in democra c values, social jus ce, accountability, and na onal development. A party that listens to the people, not only during elec ons, but every single day.
We must become an ins tuon where:
“A political party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition over collective good. A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution—built on values, guided by ideals, and accountable to the people it seeks to serve”
Internal democracy is not just preached but prac ced.
Intra-party compe on is transparent, fair, and just. Young people and Women are at the centre of par cipaon, not just ceremonial presence.
All party structures—from the ward to the na onal level—func on with purpose and excellence.
We will draw wisdom from the world’s finest—from Mandela’s South Africa to Sweden’s social democracy, from Chile’s resilience to Kenya’s renewal—adap ng what serves our unique Nigerian reality. Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us.
We must be the party that champions educa on as the tool for delivering prosperity for all. That delivers community-based solu ons to secure our people, our na on and borders. That promises Prosperity and labours to create it. That stands for Nigeria—not just during campaigns, but in the sacred work of daily governance.
This path demands courage.
“It
is time for a new kind of Politics in our Nation. Politics of Character, Politics of Institution, not Personality. One that we can be proud to pass to the next generation of Nigerians”
It requires me. It calls for sacrifice. But it can be done. I ask for your support—not just in words, but in ac on. Hold me accountable. Challenge me where I falter. And stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return poli cs to its righ ul place—as a service to the people and our na on.
For we understand this eternal truth: power is not a prize to be seized, but a responsibility to be shouldered. It is not a throne to occupy, but a burden to bear with honour. True power lies not in what we can claim for ourselves, but in what we can deliver for our people. This is our covenant with history: Power is Responsibility.
Thank you, and may our work ahead prove worthy of the faith our people place in us.
May God bless our efforts. Long live our Party. Long live our Democracy. God Bless Nigeria.
“We must be the party that champions education as the tool for delivering prosperity for all. That delivers community-based solutions to secure our people, our nation and borders”