Redirecting Osun’s Path To Development: The Najeem Salaam’s Blueprint
THE African Democra c Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Dr. Najeem Salaam, on Monday unveiled his manifesto ahead of the August 15 Guber elecon in the state.
During the manifesto presenta on held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Cen-
tre, Osogbo, Dr. Salaam promised job crea on, workers Welfare, educa on, security, infrastructure & power among others. The manifesto istled, “My 10 Points Development Agenda: Restoring Trust, Rebuilding Osun, Empowering the people “
•Continued on Page 4
Highlights
•Job Creation, Workers Welfare, Education, Security Priorities
Ipese Ise, Igbayegbadun Fun Awon Osise, Eto Abo Todaju Leke Iwe Igbega Ero •Promises N1 billion Annual Loan For Women Entrepreneurs
Adije Se Adehun Owo To To Bilionu Kan Fun Oko Owo Awon Obirin Ni Odun Kan
•20,000 O-YES Cadets In First 100 Days In Office Gbigba Awon Odo Ti O To Oke Kan Si Inu Eto O-YES Ni Ogun Ojo Akoko Ni Ofisi
Yusuf Oketola
Osun 2026: Why Omisore May Be Forced To Remain In APC
THE former Na onal Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore may be forced to remain in the party ahead of the August 15 governorship elec on in Osun State, following the resigna on of some of his loyalists.
This may be necessitated by his N4.7bn fraud case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to sources in the APC.
Recall that Omisore, who was declared wanted by the EFCC in May, was arrested on July 3, 2016 a er N1.310bn was traced to the accounts of five companies allegedly belonging to him.
The money was said to be part of the N4.7bn allegedly disbursed by a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and his two sons, Gbolahan and Babajide.
He was later released on bail a er 19 days in deten on.
This, according to
•As Two Oyetola’s Commissioners, Aide Dump Party
sources within the Osun APC is preven ng Omisore from leaving the party as the alleged fraud case may be reopened against him by the Federal Government.
OSUN DEFENDER reliably gathered that he resigned as the Na onal Secretary of the APC a er the 2023 general elec ons as he was being threatened with EFCC case.
“I can categorically tell you that Omisore won’t be leaving the APC to join another party. He dares not do that. Recall that he had a EFCC case, this
Bandits Allegedly Invade Farmlands In Imesi-Ile...Security Team Arrest Suspect
Bisola Aremu
RESIDENTS of ImesiIle in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State were thrown into panic on Wednesday following reports that suspected bandits allegedly invaded farmlands within the community.
The incident reportedly raised fresh concerns among farmers and residents over the security situa on in the area.
According to informa on gathered from community sources, the suspected bandits were sighted around farm settlements, causing fear among local farmers.
The development prompted an immediate response from local security stakeholders and vigilante groups working to protect lives and property.
The security opera on was reportedly coordinated by Chief Layi Abesin, Chairman of Security in the community, alongside Chief Muyiwa Oguntoye, Vice Chairman of Security. Sources in the town told newsmen that both leaders mobilized security personnel and local hunters to comb the affected areas in search of the suspects.
During the opera on, several Fulani youths
were reportedly arrested a er they were allegedly found hiding in mountainous areas around the town.
Security opera ves have since begun invesga ons to determine their involvement and establish the circumstances surrounding their presence in the area.
Community leaders described the situa on as serious and called for increased vigilance among residents.
They also urged security agencies at the state and federal levels to strengthen surveillance and security opera ons across rural communi es to prevent future a acks and safeguard agricultural ac vi es.
Many residents com-
groups.
mended the efforts of the hunters and local security teams for their swi response to the reported invasion.
They called for greater support for community security ou its, including improved equipment and resources, while expressing hope that lasting measures would be taken to ensure the safety of lives, farmlands, and property in the area.
may be used against him. However, some of his loyalists had resigned from the party. But he will be forced to stay behind.
“But we hope leaders of the party will also swing into ac on to prevent further defec on. This was how we lost the 2022 elec on as a result of the crisis with Aregbesola’s fac on. We should avoid the same history this me around,” the source said.
Omisore, who contested the 2026 governorship cket was disqualified alongside other aspirants from par cipa ng in the APC primary which paved way for Bola Oyebamiji as a consensus candidate.
ment, a former Osun House of Assembly member in Odo-O n, Hon. Olalekan Oyediran, former Commissioner for Poli cal Affairs and Intergovernmental Rela ons, Hon. Taiwo Akeju and Hon. Halim Bakare, who served as Special Adviser on Lands during the Oyetola administra on, has also announced his resigna on from the party.
The departures have fuelled fresh discussions about the state of the opposi on party in Osun ahead of the 2027 elecons.
Poli cal observers say the resigna ons reflect growing discontent among some party stakeholders, although APC leaders have yet to issue an official response to the latest developments.
Sources within the party alleged that several grassroots members and leaders have become dissa sfied with the party’s internal affairs, ci ng concerns over leadership decisions, internal democracy, and the management of party structures.
The sources further claimed that some aggrieved members believe their contribu ons to the growth of the APC in the state have not been adequately recognized, leading to increasing frustraon within certain party circles.
OSUN DEFENDER reliably gathered that meetings involving some APC stakeholders were recently held at the Ede residence of the Governor Ademola Adeleke’s family ahead of the latest resigna ons.
Kidnapping: Adeleke Mobilises Security Forces To Protect Osun Schools, Communities
Yusuf Oketola
GOVERNOR Ademola Adeleke said he has taken a bold step in protec ng schools and communi es in Osun State amid security threats in the Southwest zone.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Adeleke noted that the approach brings together the state’s formal service commanders with grassroots paramilitary and hunter groups to form a defensive front against banditry.
“In the past few days, I have held extensive security consulta ons with stakeholders across the state, formal and informal, to strengthen our collec ve preparedness against emerging threats.
“We began at the grassroots: hunters, OPC, Agbekoya, Amotekun and community-based security
“Today, we escalated to an expanded State Security Council session with service commanders. Every layer of our security architecture is ac vated and coordinated,” Adeleke wrote
“Securing our schools, our communi es, and our people is non-nego able, and we are deploying intelligence gathering, strategic collabora on and coordinated ac on to protect every inch of the state,” the governor added.
Sta ng the role of tradional intelligence networks, the governor revealed that he has personally reached out to the Osun State Tradi onal Council of Obas, through the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
“I have personally reached out to the Osun State Tradi onal Council of Obas, through the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and
we will soon be mee ng with all tradi onal rulers across Osun.
“They are not just custodians of our culture, they are also the eyes and ears of their domains, and cri cal partners in community security response,” he wrote.
Adeleke urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the ongoing deployments, saying, “To the good people of Osun: we are watching. We are working. And we will not relent. If you see something, say something.”
The state’s mobilisa on comes amid cases of bandit a acks in the Southwest region, par cularly the recent a ack on May 15 in Oyo State, where armed bandits invaded three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area, abduc ng dozens of pupils and teachers, and beheading a mathema cs teacher in cap vity.
Former governor Adegboyega Oyetola was accused of manipula ng the exercise in favor of Oyebamiji.
The development has however created a sharp division within the party, especially between Oyetola and Omisore’s camp.
Oyetola allegedly failed to manage the imbroglio between him and Omisore’s group since the primary elec on.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the internal wrangling within the Osun APC appears to be deepening following the resigna on of three prominent members of the party during the week.
Hon. Folorunso Oladoyin, popularly known as Bambam, a former Commissioner for Educa on under the administraon of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and a two-term member of the Osun State House of Assembly, has officially resigned from the APC.
In a related develop-
The medium further learnt that there are imminent defec ons in the coming weeks, with several APC figures set to dump the party.
This is necessitated by his N4.7bn fraud case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to sources in the APC.
Omisore, who contested the 2026 governorship cket was disqualified alongside other aspirants from par cipa ng in the APC primary which paved way for Bola Oyebamiji as a consensus candidate.
Former governor Adegboyega Oyetola was accused of manipula ng the exercise in favor of Oyebamiji.
The development has however created a sharp division within the party, especially between Oyetola and Omisore’s camp.
Oyetola allegedly failed to manage the imbroglio between him and Omisore’s group since the primary elec on.
•Wife of Osun State Governor, Mrs. Titilola Adeleke presenting free Mosquito Net to a student of Ataoja School of Science Osogbo, during the flag-off ceremony of Free Mosquito Net distribution held at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, Abere, on Wednesday
Yusuf Oketola
MUCH of the current discord and rancor in the Nigerian poli cal firmament is based not on a contestaon of idea but personal jockey for advantage in a country that is clearly lacking in opportunity for self advancement.
Those wishing the country well must now ask for the poli cal actors to enumerate in full public clear so that they can be subjected to debate what they really plan for the long suffering electors of the Republic.
There is no doubt that most of the incoming governments in Nigeria today cannot posi vely answer the ques on, the ques on is clear are you be er off today than you were three years ago?
We must therefore commend all those who at least want to take the elec on seriously by pu ng forward in manifesto for them to see if they are presen ng a credible alterna ve posi on.
We will be highligh ng all credible ini a ves portraying a candidate and someone who is taking the quest for a be er society seriously.
A good ini a ve comes from Dr. Najeem Salaam the Governorship candidate of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) who on Monday presented an invigora ng pla orm proffering clear op ons for the electors of Osun State in the August 2026 off-cycle governorship elec on.
It is clear that Dr. Najeem Salaam is acutely aware that structural change must be made to reinvigorate the economy of Osun State .
We highlight the key posi on of Dr Salaam’s manifesto already carried on our front page.
● Job Crea on, Workers Welfare, Educa on, Security Priori es
● Promises N1 billion Annual Loan For Women Entrepreneurs
● 20,000 O-YES Cadets In First 100 Days In Office
The Politics of Poverty and the Need for a breakthrough Plan
● 24-hour uninterrupted power supply
● Re-introduc on of School Feeding Program
The programme from our perspec ve is a fightback against the dominant acceptance of
“Stagfla on and jobless growth” a key element here which we are enthusias c about is the promise to make “1 BILLION NAIRA available to women entrepreneurs”.
This is a forward thrust, we will however suggest a er reordering the priori es of the costs of the merchinery of the government this should be increased to 2.5 Billion Naira annually a er the first Year and to 3 Billion Naira there in a er.
Women are decisive in any economy, they have a huge mul -
plier effect on the family immediate and extended. They are also very highly produc ve. Frankly, even just 1 Billion Naira of investment funding per year will have a mul plier effect in consider our opinion of at least 4 Billion Naira. This will come in terms of the genera on of direct and indirect employment it will help in skills acquisi on and strengthen chain in cri cal sectors.
For example, Dr Najeem Salaam’s ini a ve can help to fund the se ng up of coopera ve solar powered storage facili es made from containers to preserve foods in the urban market.
This will cut down wastage of perishable commodi es and in the process help the profit margin of market women and at the same me bring down prices for the consumer, this is a win-win
ini a ve and we urge Dr Najeem Salaam to advocate with vigour to the relevant focus groups. Such administra ve will also resonate in the rural areas ,the point commencement of the value chain.
It will help as an ini a ve the transfer from subsistence to commercial farming, since the same containerized solar enabled storage facili es can and should be replicated at the farm-gate. We are also very enthusias c about the inten on to revive the school feeding program pioneer by the administra on of former Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.
This should have been con nuously built upon as a veritable tool of modernizing agricultural produc on and even eventually turning Osun State into an agroindustrial power house with export poten al.
The ini a ve will increase farm produc on since they are guaranteed of a sustainable market as well as minimum farm gate prices. The process will lead to value-addi oningby inducing the se ng up of Agro hyphen processing plant. It is a tragedy that the Aregbesola program was sidelined.
On the contrary a similar home grown feeding program was used by government of President Ignacio Lula Da Silva to turn Brazil into an awesome agricultural power house and leading exporter of semi processsed and fully processed agricultural commodi es. Was also instrumental in taking out over 20 million Brazilians out of poverty in 8 years. Reinsta ng this program shows posi ve thinking on the part of Dr. Najeem Salaam.
In the weeks ahead we would be scru nizing more programmes as they have offered by the governorship candidate.
At this juncture, we are delighted that the Candidate, Dr Najeem Salaam is offering substance rather than the vacuous pla tude which has become rou ne.
OSUN DEFENDER
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com All correspondence to the above email addresses.
He is focusing on the sources of dysfunc on and in doing so , inducing a much a war on poverty is in itself a powerful economic too to increase produc on. Well being jobs crea on and and achieving the much needed social stability required at a me of strife. He deserves a pass mark and we will be keeping and eye on him and his efforts on the campaign trail in the weeks ahead.
•The Multiplier effect of a school feeding programme is Multi-dimensional and important to increase production, and able nutrition and transit from subsistence to commercial agriculture
•Dr. Najeem Salaam’s manifesto realistically highlights the need to emphasize and increase the productivity of the female labour force.
Redirecting Osun’s Path To Development: The Najeem Salaam’s Blueprint News
•Continued from Page 1
The former Speaker said: “Today, I present myself before you with a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to building an Osun State that works for all. A state where workers and pensioners are valued, respected, and priori zed, because our civil servants are the silent engine of governance.
“A state where our farmers are supported and agriculture becomes a major driver of economic prosperity. A state where our youths are empowered with skills, jobs, and opportuni es to thrive. A state where quality healthcare and educa on are accessible to every ci zen.
“A state where businesses flourish and investors find Osun a racve for investment.
A state where transparency, accountability, and integrity define governance. My fellow ci zens, no society can a ain sustainable development without a strong economic founda on. And no economy grows without electricity.
“Electricity is the engine of development. It powers industries, drives innova on, supports businesses, strengthens healthcare delivery, improves educa on, and enhances the quality of life of our people.
“That is why our administra on will pursue an ambi ous but achievable power agenda. We believe that 24-hour power generaon is possible, through strategic investments, alterna ve energy soluons, and effec ve public-private partnerships, we shall work relessly to provide reliable power infrastructure that will s mulate industrial growth, a ract investors, and create thousands of jobs across our state.
“When there is power, industries emerge. When industries emerge, jobs are created.
When jobs are created, families prosper.
When families prosper, communi es flourish.
This is the future we envision for Osun State.”
The 10-point development agenda are below:
1. Workers Welfare & Accountable Leadership
● Prompt Salary and Pension payments.
● Review of low-cost Housing/Car Loans system for Civil Servants.
● Prompt payment of Impress for smooth running of offices
● Employment of Civil Servants and Improved welfare package for workers in the State.
● Digital governance pla orms • Training & Retraining of workers
● Ensuring Local Government Autonomy Compliance.
● Ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
2. Agriculture
● Posi on Osun to be the regional food hub•Off season irrigaon along riverbanks.
● Establishment of Farm Estates at the 3 senatorial districts
● Pu ng five Agric extension officers in each local government to assist farmers
● Establishment of farmers’ market in urban centres, and the establishment of drying and pressing plants
● Provision of 62 tractors and mechanized farming implements (two per local governments)
● Off-taking, markeng, and price guarantee of farm produce•Agroprocessing hubs•Farmer financing programs and provision of farm input support
● Development of 1000 hectares Farm Estate/Se lement in the State•Resuscitaon of Ọlọba Ca le Ranch and empowerment of graduates and agriculture entrepreneurs in poultry and other animals farming.
3. Security & Territorial Protec on
● Community policing
● Surveillance systems
● Provision of monthly s pends to security agents in the state
● Mapping entry/exit points in border towns
●Provision of security amenies and equipment support to the state’s security forma ons
● Community policing and engagement of tradi onal rulers and youths in the security architecture
4. Educa on
● Reintroduc on of the School Feeding Program
● Free Educa on from Elementary to Secondary Educa on
● Bursary and scholarship awards to ter ary students
● Enhancements of inspectorate division in public schools
● Sports development in public schools
● School upgrades and Construc on
● The return of calisthenics
● Annual awards for excellence in educa on
● Recrui ng more teachers (where needed), regular training and retraining and improved welfare package for educa on workers.
● Review of the school syllabus and introduc on of skills acquisi on for self reliance and entrepreneurship at both secondary and terary levels
● Enhancement of Technical Educa on
● Digital learning systems and upgrade of ICT laboratories at our schools.
5. Infrastructure & Power
● Establishment of 213 megawa s alternave power plant/system each at the 3 senatorial districts in Osun
● Rehabilita on and Construc on of at least 10kilometer roads per Local Government.
● Construc on of Rural access roads
● Electrifica on of all rural communi es in Osun
● Urban Renewal and Development
● Community based infrastructure maintenance system
• Resuscita on of moribund infrastructures through public private partnership scheme (PPP)
● Provision of rural borehole system in each local government
● Judiciary: Construcon of new state of the art courts and Renovaon of dilapidated buildings in the judiciary.
● Evalua on and comple on of the abandoned House of Assembly Members’ Quarters
6. Youth Engagement, Job Crea on & Social Welfare
● Re-establishment of the O-YES SCHEME with employment of 20,000 cadets in the first 100 days of the government.
● Reintroduc on of Agba Ọṣun with Monthly Allowance and free medical treatment to ALL senior ci zens from 70 years and above who are without pension.
● Re-establishment of OMOLUABI Youths, Boys and Girls Club for character building ins lling Omoluabi Ethos
● Special a en on to the people living with disabili es and establishment of rehabilitaon centres
● Introduc on of appren ceship Programme with monthly allowance and provision of tools and start-up capital upon comple on of training.
● Skill acquisi on programmes
● Establishment of Technology Innova on Hubs
● Start-up funding support scheme
● Resuscita on of the Osun Job Centre with focus on job creaon, training, and innova on.
● Establishment of one Sport Arena at each Federal Cons tuency of the State.
7. Health
● Revamp and upgrade of 332 primary health centres
● Free Ante-natal care for women
● Free healthcare for children from age 1-18years
● Establishment of a state-of-the-art SPECIALIST hospital with diagnos c and interven onal radiology centres at the 3 senatorial districts for proper accessibility through a public private partnership model for adequate sustainability.
● The upgrade of exis ng state hospitals.
● Recruit health professionals
● Expand insurance coverage
● Resuscita on of the Osun Pharmaceucal Company through a public private partnership model
● Resuscita on of the O-AMBULANCE system at every local government of the state and at major federal and state roads.
8. Women Empowerment & Inclusion
● Inclusion of at least 35 percent women in the government structure
● Support for women businesses
● Introduc on of Women Protec on policies
● N1 billion annual
loan for women entrepreneurs.
9. Culture, Tourism and Community Engagements
● Upgrade of tourism sites in the state
● Development of resorts and hospitality centres at the 3 senatorial districts.
● Promo on of cultural fes vals
● Improvement of tourism infrastructure and sites around the state.
● Establishment of an ac ve community sanita on systems
● Periodic town hall governance mee ngs and engagements
● Introduc on of grassroots par cipa on mechanism
10. Investments Facilita on & SME Empowerment
● Resuscita on of the Osun State Investment Promo on Agency
● Provision of loans and grants for SMEs
● Re-introduc on of broad-based cooperave enhancement system
● Business support programs
● Product off-take and marke ng of Madein-Osun products.
● Enhancement of the One-Stop-Shop to improve Ease of Doing Business in the State.
The implementa on strategy for the 10-point development agenda are as follows;
“Governor’s Delivery Unit (GDU).
“Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for Commissioners and Heads of Government Agencies and Parastatals.
“Quarterly public performance reports as every MDA must jus fy spending, eliminate redundant agency, reduce cost of governance, digitalize processes and provide transparent procurement systems.”
Speaking during the manifesto presentaon, the Chairman of Osun ADC, Alhaji Isa Adesiji commended party members for the resilience, urging them to remain steadfast and con nue to work for the success of the party at the poll.
He also assured residents of the state of the full implementa on of the manifesto.
Present at the event are party stakeholders, Market men and women, youth organiza ons and representa ves of the Civil Society Organisa ons.
•Rt. Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salaam (PHD), ADC Gubernatorial Candidate in Osun State (4th from left), and his running mate, Mrs. Fumilayo Agiri, with party chieftains during the public presentation of his manifesto and development blueprint at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, on Monday
Gov Adeleke Pledges More Support for Youth Entrepreneurs In Osun
Oladele Israel
GOVERNOR Ademo-
la Adeleke of Osun
State has reaffirmed his administra on’s commitment to suppor ng youth entrepreneurship and a rac ng more investments to Osun State, saying the state has witnessed significant economic
•As Osun Govt Allocates Land To 12 Companies
growth and increased business ac vi es since he assumed office.
The Governor made the declara on during the inaugura on of the Backroom Lounge in Osogbo, where he highlighted what he described as a transfor-
ma on in the state’s economic landscape.
According to him, Osogbo and several surrounding communi es are now experiencing roundthe-clock commercial acvi es, a development he a ributed to deliberate government policies aimed at s mula ng investment and business growth.
Represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev Bunmi Jenyo, Adeleke noted that the proprietor of the newly inaugurated
facility, Tunde Oladimeji, was encouraged to invest in the state despite having spent much of his life outside Osun.
The Governor recalled that the same investor had earlier established a mini stadium in 2024, which was also inaugurated by the state government.
He said the latest investment, which includes a modern lounge and restaurant, demonstrates growing confidence in Osun’s business environment and reflects the posi ve impact of government efforts to create a more a rac ve des na on for investors.
According to Adeleke, Osun has gradually moved beyond its tradi onal identy as a predominantly civil service state and is now witnessing growth across various sectors of the economy.
“Osun is now experiencing 24-hour business opera ons in Osogbo and its environs. Residents no longer need to travel to major ci es to enjoy recrea onal and hospitality services. These develop-
ments are the result of inten onal policies and investments that have transformed the state’s economic outlook within a short period,” he stated.
The governor further assured that his administra on would con nue to encourage young entrepreneurs to invest in sectors such as hospitality, sports, entertainment, agriculture, and other emerging industries capable of genera ng employment opportunies.
He emphasized that empowering youths through entrepreneurship would not only reduce unemployment but also inject more capital into the local economy and promote sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, the owner of the lounge, Tunde Oladimeji, explained that the project was conceived to provide a premium relaxa on and entertainment experience while complemen ng the mini stadium already opera ng within the same facility.
of their loved ones.
Atiku Demands Immediate Rescue Of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers, Says Government Must Prioritise Security
FIsrael Oladele government unable to guarantee the safety of its ci zens, par cularly school children has failed in one of its most fundamental responsibili es.
ORMER Vice President and presiden al candidate of the African Democra c Congress (ADC), A ku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently deploy all available security and intelligence resources to secure the release of school children and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
A ku warned that any
The former Vice President made the demand through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communica on, Phrank Shaibu, in a statement released on Wednesday.
He strongly cri cised reports sugges ng that
government officials had visited affected families with bags of rice and other relief materials, describing the gesture as insensi ve and inadequate in the face of the tragedy confron ng the vic ms’ families.
According to A ku, parents whose children have been taken away by criminals are not seeking pallia ves but urgent and decisive ac on that would guarantee the safe return
How Adeleke Declined Tinubu’s Invitation To Join APC - Fadahunsi
SENATOR Fran-
cis Fadahunsi has claimed that leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made several efforts to persuade Governor Ademola Adeleke to join the ruling party but were unsuccessful.
In a video shared by Viable TV, speaking during an interview with journalists, Fadahunsi alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu invited Adeleke on more than one occasion as part of a empts to convince him to defect from
the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP).
According to the senator, the APC was prepared to hand over control of its structure in Osun State to Adeleke, similar to arrangements he claimed were made in states such as Akwa Ibom State and Delta State.
Fadahunsi said he was also asked by the president to help persuade the governor, adding that it took several months before he could discuss the ma er with Adeleke because of the governor’s cau ous approach to poli cs.
The lawmaker further alleged that differ-
ent poli cal offers were presented to Adeleke, including proposals that would have given him significant influence within the APC in Osun State. However, he said the governor repeatedly declined to accept the offers.
Fadahunsi maintained that despite the failed efforts to secure Adeleke’s defec on, the APC remains determined to regain poli cal control of Osun State ahead of future elec ons.
In his words, “They even offered to give him the party, the way they were giving Akwa Ibom, Delta and so on, he couldn’t respond.”
“The pain being experienced by these families cannot be eased with bags of rice or token relief materials. What grieving parents need is leadership, swi ac on, and reassurance that every effort is being made to bring their children home safely,” he stated.
The ADC presiden al candidate lamented the worsening security situa on across the country, arguing that insecurity has become deeply entrenched and con nues to threaten the safety of ordinary Nigerians.
He described the abducon of students and teachers as another indica on of the growing challenges facing the na on’s security architecture, adding that cizens are increasingly losing confidence in the ability of authori es to protect lives and property.
A ku further argued that criminal groups now appear to operate with boldness while many communi es remain vulnerable to a acks, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.
“It is deeply troubling that innocent schoolchildren can be abducted from their schools while their families are le in anguish. The priority of government at this moment should be the immediate rescue of
the vic ms and the arrest of those responsible,” he said.
The former vice president warned against normalising insecurity, no ng that many Nigerians now live in constant fear due to the frequency of kidnappings and violent a acks across the country.
He stressed that there must be consequences for those involved in criminal ac vi es, insis ng that failure to bring perpetrators to jus ce would only embolden other criminal groups and expose more communi es to danger.
A ku also urged security agencies to intensify ongoing efforts to locate the abducted pupils and teachers, emphasizing that every available resource should be deployed to ensure their safe and uncondi onal release.
According to him, Nigerians are increasingly demanding results rather than assurances, adding that protec ng lives remains the foremost responsibility of any government.
He concluded by urging the Federal Government to demonstrate urgency and commitment in addressing the security crisis, saying the safe return of the abducted vic ms should be treated as a na onal priority.
According to him, visitors who accompany footballers and sports enthusiasts o en require comfortable spaces to relax and socialize, prompting the idea behind the investment.
Oladimeji commended the state government for crea ng a conducive business environment and urged other investors, especially young people, to take advantage of the opportuni es available in Osun.
“The environment is welcoming, businessfriendly, and the government has shown readiness to support investors. This is a good me for entrepreneurs to explore opportuni es in the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government recently disclosed that it has allocated land to about 12 companies willing to establish opera ons within the revitalized Living Spring Free Trade Zone in Ede.
Speaking at an empowerment programme in Osogbo, Jenyo revealed that the industries are expected to generate more than 10,000 direct jobs, with addi onal employment opportuni es likely to emerge through suppor ng supply chains and related business ac vi es.
The development is seen as part of broader efforts by the Adeleke administra on to diversify the state’s economy, attract private investment, and posi on Osun as a major des na on for business and industrial growth in southwestern Nigeria.
•Cross section of ADC members and invited guests at the public presentation of the party’s manifesto in Osogbo on Monday
Yusuf Oketola
UNIOSUN Student Wins International Grant For Lassa Fever Research
A400-level Biotechnology student of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Philip Ayomide Ogundele, has secured an internaonal research grant valued at 950 US dollars for an innova ve project aimed at improving the detec on and surveillance of Lassa fever.
The grant was awarded by Sigma Xi – The Scien fic Research Honor Society, one of the world’s recognised organisa ons suppor ng scien fic research and innovaon.
The development was disclosed in a
statement issued by the University Public Rela ons Officer, Ademola Adesoji, who described the award as another significant achievement for the ins tu on.
According to the statement, the grant will support Ogundele’s research proposal tled, “Wearable Biosensor Prototype for the Detec on and Surveillance of Lassa Fever Infec on in LowResource Se ngs.”
The project seeks to develop innova ve methods for monitoring and detec ng Lassa fever, par cularly in communi es where access to healthcare facili es and diagnos-
c technologies remains limited.
University authories said the research is expected to contribute to efforts aimed at improving disease surveillance and promo ng early detecon in vulnerable popula ons.
The award also highlights the growing involvement of students of the university in interna onally recognised research ini a ves with praccal applica ons.
Sigma Xi Grantsin-Aid of Research, established in 1922, provides support for undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking sci-
en fic inves ga ons and developing innova ve solu ons to societal challenges.
Reac ng to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, said the award reflected the ins tu on’s commitment to academic excellence and impac ul research.
“This interna onal recogni on further reflects our commitment to producing graduates and scholars equipped with the capacity to address real-life challenges through research, innova on and knowledge-driven solu-
ons,” he said.
Professor Adebooye congratulated Ogundele on the accomplishment, adding, “We are proud of Philip Ayomide Ogundele for this remarkable feat, which demonstrates the immense poten al of our students when provided with the right academic environment and support.”
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening programmes that encourage innova on, research and academic excellence, no ng that the latest success adds to the ins tuon’s growing record of achievements and expanding presence in global academic and research communi es.
Governor Adeleke Considers Acquisition Of New Security Drones For Osun
Ibrahim Abdullahi
GOVERNOR Ademola Adeleke has directed his security team to explore the acquisi on of new surveillance drones to strengthen security opera ons across Osun State.
The decision followed a series of security meetings chaired by the governor over the past four days, during which the state’s security infrastructure and preparedness were reviewed.
According to government records, Osun State paid for five security drones during the administra on of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
However, the drones were reportedly not available when Governor Adeleke assumed office in 2022. The administra on also disclosed that a separate security communica ons contract worth about ₦300 million, intended to connect the state’s security communica on centre with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), was never executed.
Officials further stated that several armoured vehicles procured under the previous administraon were abandoned in different parts of the state un l they were later recovered, refurbished, and redeployed by the current government.
Speaking a er the security review, Gover-
nor Adeleke said his administra on is focused on improving security rather than dwelling on past shortcomings.
“Our goal is to acquire new drones and other necessary security equipment to strengthen both formal and informal security networks in combating crime and banditry across the state,” the governor said.
He reassured residents of his administra on’s commitment to protec ng lives and property and urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious ac vi es and individuals to security agencies.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day: Osun NCS Sensitises Female Inmates
Yusuf Oketola
OSUN State command of the Nigerian Correc onal Service (NCS) has joined the na onwide sensi zaon campaign commem-
ora ng the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, with renewed advocacy for menstrual health, dignity, and hygiene rights for female inmates.
The awareness pro-
gramme, organized by the Gender Unit of the Service, was held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Ilesa, where female inmates par cipated in interac ve sessions fo-
cused on menstrual health management, personal hygiene, dignity, and menstrual equity within custodial facili es.
In a statement by the Command’s Public Relaons Officer, Joel Oyedokun, the Controller of Correc ons, Osun State, CC Olalekan Ro mi Oluwadele, represented by the Officer-in-Charge of MSCC Ilesa, ACC Oluwanbe Orisabinone, described the programme as both symbolic and impac ul.
He commended the Gender Unit and invited guests for championing the ini a ve, stressing that “health is wealth,” while encouraging inmates to pay close a en on to the health talks delivered by resource persons and the custodial nurse.
The Controller further reaffirmed that the health and welfare of inmates remain a top priority of the Controller-General of Correc ons, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, As part of ac vi es marking the observance, female inmates were entertained and provided with menstrual hygiene kits, ssue papers, detergents, disinfectants, and other sanitary materials. The inmates expressed gra tude to the Nigerian Correc onal Service, the Gender Unit, and suppor ng stakeholders for the thoughtful interven on and support.
Yusuf Oketola
•Deaconess Kehinde Ogundeji of Bethel Baptist Church Osogbo, presenting a meritorious award to Rev. Olawoyin Babatunde David during his send-off programme held at the Church auditorium on Sunday
‘We
Rely
On You’: MSME Forum Chair Calls For Confidence Building To Formalize 39M Micro Businesses
Shola Aderinto
CONFIDENCE building, not just credit, is the key to bringing Nigeria’s 39 million micro, small and medium enterprises into the formal economy, Professor Adeyemi Fajingbesi, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the MSME Forum of Nigeria, has said.
Speaking on the challenges facing the sector, Fajengbesi noted that MSMEs account for 70-75 percent of employment na onwide but many operators remain outside official systems due to lack of awareness and trust.
He explained that the informal nature of most micro businesses means their contribu ons are o en missed during na onal data collec-
on. When the Naonal Bureau of Stas cs computes GDP,
up to 40 Percent of MSME ac vity goes unrecorded, he said.
Gunmen Attack Accord Party Chairman In Osogbo, Leave Him Critically Injured
Ibrahim Abdullahi
THE Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Asimiyu Ajibola, popularly known as Baba Isila, is currently in cri cal condi on a er he was a acked by suspected gunmen in Osogbo.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday near the Community Bank axis of the MDS area, throwing residents into panic as armed a ackers allegedly opened fire on his vehicle.
Witnesses said the assailants chased a blue Toyota Corolla conveying Ajibola and his associates and repeatedly shot at it, leaving the car riddled with bullets in what appeared to be a coordinated a ack.
Ajibola and others in the vehicle were said to have sustained injuries during the assault. They reportedly managed to escape to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo, where they sought safety before the a ackers fled the scene.
The injured party chairman was later rushed to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he is currently receiving treatment and remains on the danger list.
A survivor of the a ack, who narrated the incident, said they were returning from the MDS area when the gunmen suddenly gave chase and opened fire on their vehicle.
A er reaching the police sta on for protec on, they reported the ma er before rushing the cri cally injured Ajibola to the hospital.
Reac ng to the development, the Osun State Commissioner for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, condemned the a ack and urged security agencies to carry out a thorough inves gaon.
He called for the swi iden fica on and prosecu on of those responsible, stressing that the incident should not be treated lightly, especially as there are indica ons of possible poli cal undertones.
The economist described the sector as largely rural, with farmers, welders, and carpenters opera ng in areas that lack basic infrastructure and grappling with financial problems. “Even when electricity is available, they can’t afford it,” he stated.
Fajingbesi, a former Special Adviser to Ministers of Na onal Planning, referenced a UNDP study he led across six African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries, including South Africa and Namibia. The study examined how governments engage with MSMEs and idenfied gaps in targeted support and legal frameworks for micro enterprises. He emphasized that successful policy outcomes require carrying ci zens
along through sensi za on, especially since most MSME operators have low educa on levels and o en misunderstand government intenons. “Policy is just inten on. For policy to have outcome, you must bring the people into the policy structure,” he said.
According to him, this gap leads many micro business owners to avoid formaliza on. “They think if they register, government will tax them. So they stay informal,” he explained, no ng that broad policies designed to “affect everybody” o en miss the specific needs of micro businesses.
Fajingbesi clarified that tax is not the barrier for most operators. “Most MSMEs have turno-
ver so low. The new tax law exempts you if you’re below 100 million turnover. The issue is they don’t know,” he said. He said registraon helps businesses access credit because “banks need informa on, not to tax you.” Building awareness around that dis nc on is cri cal, he added. The solu on, Fajingbesi maintained, is sustained engagement to make operators feel valued as development partners. “When someone tells you ‘we rely on you’, you become confident. MSMEs are partners in development. They are not supposed to be like people playing lo ery,” he said, calling for workshops, capacity building, and conferences to drive aware.
Return Schools To Missionaries, St Charles Old Students Urge Government, Bars Social, Political Activities On School Facilities
Shola Aderinto
THE St. Charles Grammar School
Old Boys Associa on (SCOBA) has called on the government to return schools back to the missionaries with a view to enhancing quality educa on and discipline .
The global president of the associa on, Peter Tade Adekunle made the call at a press conference to herald the 2026 biennial convenon of the associa on in Osogbo.
Adekunle said the Alumni Associa on is ready to collaborate with the government at providing necessary facili es that will enhance teaching and learning in schools.
He appreciated the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoheed Lagbaja for the construc on of spor ng facili es, two boreholes and Elibrary for the school.
He explained that facili es in the school are only opened to students use and not for social and poli cal gatherings.
Adekunle who said that the Alumni Associa on has increased its endowment fund target to $$1 million roughly ₦1.6 billion, and declared that new infrastructure on
campus said there is now a shi from the hitherto ₦250 million target.
“We have changed our target… to one
million dollars,”_ he said. _“If it’s one million dollars, we won’t touch it… interest of the examina on fund they use in maintaining those schools.”_
Also, he appreci-
ated various projects including provision of computer sets, renova on of class rooms and procurement of chairs and tables that were championed by different sets.
Ede Born Politician Emerges Action Alliance Presidential Candidate, Promises To End Insecurity
Michael Bamigbola
AN indigene of Ede in Osun State and frontline poli cian Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje has emerged the presiden al candidate of the Ac on Alliance (AA).
Omoaje who is also the Na onal Chairman of the party, emerged through consensus arrangement at the party’s presiden al primary elec on held in Abuja on Saturday.
Delegates from all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory unanimously adopted Omoaje as the presiden al candidate of the party at the primary elec on monitored by officials of the Independent Na onal Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agents.
In his acceptance speech delivered after the ra fica on of his candidature, Omoaje assured Nigerians of improved
economy and an end to insecurity in the country if the Ac on Alliance takes over the reins of government in the country.
He expressed gratitude to the INEC naonal chairman, Prof Joash Amupita for his professionalism, dedica on and legal exper se, which he said are invaluable.
Also, Omoaje commended INEC for its respect for the rule of law and its adherence to the judgments of competent courts, saying that the strength of any democracy lies in the willingness of ins tuons to uphold jusce and respect lawful decisions.
“As I accept this nomina on, I do so with a solemn pledge to serve with integrity, fairness, courage and dedica on. Together, we will build a stronger Ac on Alliance and present to Nigerians a vision of hope, progress,
unity, prosperity and good governance, he stated.
The Presiden al candidate added that “this is not the end of a struggle; it is the beginning of a greater mission. Let us move forward united in purpose, determined in spirit, and confident in our collec ve ability to build a better future for our naon,” he added.
He promised to ensure that an end comes to all forms of insecurity in the country, just as he assured that his administra on will revamp the na on’s economy.
PUBLIC NOTICE
That I was formerly known and addressed as TIAMIYU KUDIRAT OMOLAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as JIMOH KUDIRAT OMOLAYO All former documents remain valid General public should take note.
JIMOH KUDIRAT OMOLAYO
•Fajengbesi
FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2026 VOL. 21 NO 43 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
THE deposi on of the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbemiga Oloyede Lanimogun on 7th May 2026, by Osun State government finally put a lid on integrity ques ons that dogged the tradi onal Ruler on fraud related handling of COVID19 relief fund by the American government.
Oba Joseph Oloyede was convicted and sentenced to thirty six (36 months) equivalent four (4) years in prison by an Ohio federal Court in the United States of America.
Tax sleazing, wire fraud and money laundering to the tune of 4.2 million Dollars,meant for vic ms of the global pandemic were high points of the charges for which the tradi onal Ruler was jailed.
But for the personality involved in the crime, the sentence could have been dismissed as inconsequen al by Nigerians, used to recurring decimal of corrup on and abuse of trust by highly placed individuals in public and private sectors of the country.
The removal of Oba Joseph Oloyede is not without far-reaching nega ve implica ons for progress and integrity of the throne he once occupied, but the tradi on and custom of the Yorubas he represents as a crowned Head.
The ancient Yoruba country recognized Tradi onal a Ruler as soul and symbol of the people. He bore their challenges, assuaged their despairs and ensured their survival. His person was held inviolate, his authority was unques onable and his orders were biding on all his subjects.
Why was he dreaded and respected? The answer is found in a wellgrounded Ins tu on that survived thousands of years and became a mirror for the Yorubas to navigate individual and collec ve life experiences.
This is why Obas are not enthroned without a faithful observance of tradi on, custom and rites appertaining to the sacred office they hold. Ifa Oracle is considered the most cri cal feature of Royal Ins tu on through which a Prince is elevated to the posi on of a King.
No Oba is fit to wear the Crown without having been pronounced by the Ifa-Oracle. King makers may exist as an integral part of the evolu on of the various Kingdoms of the Yoruba but their decisions are subject to the declara on of the Ifa-Oracle.
Why was Ifa so indispensable to
PERSPECTIVE BY OLUSOLA AJIBOYE
When Wisdom Is Sidelined
the primordial Yoruba civiliza on in the enthronement of Kings?
Yoruba Elders are of a me honoured belief that Ifa is the all knowing seer and a vessel that conveys humanity’s requests to God Almighty (Olodumare) and Vice-versa.
To the Yoruba school of thought, ifa is the eye of the all-knowing God who oversees the Earth and walk the shadows of man, guiding him from sliding or falling. Yoruba historiography is said to align with a general belief that the Yoruba Country has its peaceful period and a ained its Zenith of prosperity whenever Kingmakers adhere to the words of wisdom, spoken by the If-oracle.
When kingmakers succumb to the tyranny or pressures of the flesh, the land is plunged into avoidable chaos and instability, “Eiye ko ni ke bi eiye, eku ko ni dun bi Eku, ‘The Bird will no longer cry like a bird, the Mice, will no longer sound like a mice,”.
In cases like this, a wrong choice is. Or has been made.
To emphasize the cri cal role of Ifa in the trajectory of Yoruba civiliza on, ancestors of the Race were wont of tracing the genealogy of a child between three and seven days a er birth, where upon the Child’s ten toes are imprinted on the temple or train of Ifa to reveal what the future hold in stock for him or her. In every of such ventures, the predicons are explicitly found to be true.
The life and mes of the Olowo of Owo Oba Olateru Olagbegi who reigned between 1941-1968, and 1993-1998 aptly summarized the Inimitable oracular predic on of what the revered Oba would encounter
“The removal of Oba Joseph Oloyede is not without far-reaching negative implications for progress and integrity of the throne he once occupied, but the tradition and custom of the Yorubas he represents as a crowned Head”
and how he would end.
So predicted before his coronaon, “Olateru would be crowned at twenty five (25) years of age, deposed a er twenty five (2%) year on the throne, and re-enthroned a er twenty five (25) years in deposi on.
All happened as Ifa had spoken. Inspite of the me tested veracity of Ifa-corpus, many Tradi onal Rulers in Yorubaland have been enthroned without consul ng this very important religious heritage. More are s ll being enthroned. The results have not been palatable in many towns, ci es and communi es where crowns are placed on the heads of individuals ungroomed for the sacred responsibili es of Royalty. A Tradi onal Ruler was recently suspended in Ogun State for acts unbecoming of his office.
The skin bleaching monarch threw decency to the dustbin by publicly assaul ng a man old enough to be his father. The disturbing trends are not happening without sharp condemna ons from the knowledgeable.
Ifayemi Elebuibon, an Ifa priest and Yoruba culture exponent has been most vocal against what he termed,“the erosion of values and customs that held the Yoruba Naon together in pursuit of goals germane to their individual and collec ve progress,”
In response to misdemeanors of some Tradi onal Rulers, the Ifa priest is o en quoted to liken them to “Olujogbo”, a principal character in Saworo-Ide, a popular Yoruba Nolly wood film.
Elebuibon a ributes the fall from grace of many Natural Rulers in Yorubaland today to un dy subservience and subs tu on of their revered thrones to poli cal brinkmanship.
In an interview with this writer, the Ifa priest asked a number of ques ons relevant to the issues in discourse.
“How many of these Obas were prepped for the pris ne requirements of their offices? How many were purged of Euro-centric mind-
sets before they were enthroned?
How can Tradi onal Rulers who are not confined to Ipebi (Conclave of Kings) marry inherited customs with condescending modern demands and s ll be free of religious confusion?
These ques ons point to an ambiguous submission that the Royal Ins tu on in Nigeria is suffering recruitment deficit not unconnected to the sidelining of Ifa in the selecon process.
Any prince aspiring to be King must accept the impera ves of tradi on which include among others, the sacrifice of personal interests in religion, culture, social orienta on and prejudices for those which the throne demands of its occupant.
In other words, an Oba is recognized only by his capacity to carry out the sacred responsibili es outlined by his ancestors and supported by na ve laws and custom.
There can be no room for doubt for a prince who desires to sit on the throne of his fore fathers.
The kingmakers, Hgh-Priests and Denizens of the palace are in place to extract a pledge to execute ancestral du es and maintain full compliance no ma er the number of years an Oba sits on the throne.
This is the climax of rites that a make a king out of a prince, “Oro o soni d’oba.”
It is worrisome how infusions of Western and Arabian religions and Cultural beliefs are allowed an unchecked impairment to the point of eroding the pillars on which the values, respect, compliance, promo on and sustenance of Yoruba religion, culture and tradi on stand.
As Yorubas bemoan the fate of their Royal Ins tu ons under a divisive self-serving foreign influences, is it not worrisome that products of such contrap ons con nue to destroy the ins tu ons they are supposed to protect?
By succumbing to the tyranny of the flesh, Oba Joseph Oloyede has lost what was his by birthright. He is now confined to a ny cell in an American jail, bringing into the mud, the dignity which his forebears paraded and bequeathed to their descendants.
His family is not the only loser; the kingdom he once superintended over is the larger vic m.
His deposi on in such un dy circumstances is a lesson for all, par cularly the Royalty.
How can such mishap be avoided in other parts of Yorubaland? There appears no two-way solu on to a reoccurrence, but a return to the custom of our forebears which placed the counsel of Ifa on top of consulta ons for princes angling for the throne.
•Olusola Ajiboye is a Veteran Journalist and Media Consultant based in Osogbo, Osun-State, South-West, Nigeria.
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