Photo:Shola Aderinto
How Sacked Osun Waste Management Workers Turned Robbers, Killed During Operation
Yusuf Oketola
SOME work-
ers of the Osun State Waste Management Agency working at the Egedi dumpsite were said to have resorted into armed robbery after their disengagement, Inves ga ons by OSUN DEFENDER have revealed.
It was learnt that the sacked workers ventured into crime a er they were disengaged by the consultant (Bolarin Merchant) hired by the Ademola Adeleke’s government to manage the affairs of the dumpsite.
The medium gathered that about thirty of them were chased away from the site a er the change of government in 2022. According to sources within the Egbedi dumpsite, some of the sacked workers were the three suspects killed by the opera ves of the Amotekun Corps during a shootout in January 2024 at the Dangote Integrated Steel Rolling Mills, Osogbo while on the mission to rob the facility.
Five other suspects were arrested during the operaon.
According to Amotekun,“The an-cul sm squad received a distress call from the chief security officer (CSO) of the company at 3.00 am that a group of armed robbers had invaded the company.
“Our opera ves quickly moved to the scene of the incident together with the police an -cul sm squad and arrested the culprits.
He added those arrested are Adepoju Abdullateef, 18, Rasheed Hammed, 20, Liadi Afeez, 20, Wasiu Sodiq, 21 and Rabiu Lekan, 29.
He noted that one single-barreled gun with four expended shells, knives, electric cable cu ers and one itel phone were recovered from the suspects.
He said the bodies of three of the suspects had been deposited at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in
Osogbo. “The five others arrested with gunshot injuries are presently receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said. One of the sourc-
•Colleagues Blame Consultant Hired By Adeleke’s Govt
es told OSUN DEFENDER that the state government
must as a ma er of urgency, revive the dumpsite and return
Osun Senator Calls For Reassessment Of Nigeria’s Foreign Trade, Security Strategies
THE Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi has called for the reassessment of Nigeria’s Foreign Trade and Security strategies.
This according to him is within the broader context of declining U.S. mul lateralism and rising Chinese influence in Africa.
The senator made the call while delivering a lecture at the College of Humani es and Culture, Osun State University, tled “Nigeria in a Challenging Global Order: Opportuni es and Challenges in the Wake of U.S. Economic Policy Reforms.” Recently.
The central theme of the lecture focused on how evolving U.S. economic policies are impac ng Nigeria. This is a cri cal topic given the significant trade and investment es between the two na ons.
The lecture analyzed the implica ons of poten al changes in U.S. trade policies, such as the introduc on of new tariffs (e.g., the recently announced 14% tariff on Nigerian exports) and protec onist measures. It explored
how these policies affect Nigeria’s export earnings—particularly from oil—and the overall trade balance. Senator Oyewumi examined U.S. economic reforms, including corporate tax rate adjustments, and how these could influence the repatria on of offshore earnings by U.S. corpora ons, which has historically led to a decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) in countries like Nigeria. He also addressed how reducons in U.S. foreign aid could strain Nigeria’s
budget and social programs. Despite the challenges, he also highlighted emerging opportuni es for Nigeria. These include leveraging the African Connental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade and strengthen local industries, fostering economic resilience through industrializa on, and implemen ng sound fiscal policies to a ract alterna ve sources of foreign investment. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to di-
versify its development partnerships and enhance internal revenue genera on. Within the broader context of declining U.S. mullateralism and rising Chinese influence in Africa, Senator Oyewumi called for a reassessment of Nigeria’s foreign trade and security strategies.
Nigeria’s digital economy and vibrant fintech sector were spotlighted as engines of inclusive growth and global compe veness. This digital revolu on, he noted, extends beyond finance into sectors such as edtech, agritech, and healthtech, where startups are delivering scalable, locally relevant solu ons.
The also underlined the importance of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberaliza on of exchange rates and how these can be er posi on the country amid global economic shi s. He stressed the need for sustained reforms, the implementa on of social protec on mechanisms for vulnerable popula ons, and improved communica on about the benefits of these reforms.
the workers to boost the economy of the state.
“Before the emergence of the PDP government in the state, the affairs of the dumpsite was managed by a consultants named FENOLAD. But none of us were privy to the agreement between the consultant and the APC government. But everything was going on well at the site during the period. The consultant retained all scavengers and buyers.
“But since the incep on of the PDP led-administration in the state, both scavengers, buyers and people who are into recycling coming from outside the state were all barred from the dumpsite by the new consultant (Bolarin Merchant) hired by the state government.
“Then, the consultant promised to remit sum of N3 million to the purse of the state government. But a er two months, he changed to N1 million. He said they could not meet up with their target. However, we heard it authorita vely that they are not remitng anything. The consultant claimed he is a loyalist of the Secretary to the state Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, saying they are the one in power.
“The most unfortunate aspect of it is that three of the workers, mostly who are scavenger barred from the dumpsite are dead. Due to the fact that they do not have any other source of income, they went into robbery and were killed at Dangote Steel Rolling by Amotekun opera ves while others were living in abject poverty.
“We plead to the state government and the consultant to please return the guys to the dumpsite for their survival. The consultant claimed he has to disengaged everyone so he can get the required money to pay the state. He is the one buying the scavenging materials.
•Gov. Ademola Adeleke with the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi, at the commissioning of Key road networks and flag-off the dualisa on of Odo Ori market to Adeleke road, in Iwo, on Wednesday
Yusuf Oketola
•Sen. Oyewumi
THE poli cal season has kicked off as expected. Sadly, it has been a disappoin ng start. The hauling of bricks, visceral abuse and distor ons has sadly replaced a muchneeded appeal to reason.
To say that this is regrettable is to understate the direness of the situa on. Nigeria is today faced with existen al threats on a myriad of fronts. Poli cal discourse, thoughts and proposed ac ons should be measured and geared towards finding long term solu ons. The country clearly needs a realis c, rigorously costed program of social and economic reconstruc on and regeneraon.
This is the direct opposite of what is largely on offer at the moment. Sadly, some of what is on offer could turn out to be
Reason And Not Hauling
Of Bricks Needed
self-immola on. This is because of the reckless way in which some exuberant perhaps intoxicated cheer leaders are going about hurling brickbats and gratuitous insults. They have inadvertently become fi h columnists undermining the objec ve of their principal in a concerted search for enemies.
Nothing of value is go-
ing to come out of hysteria and paranoia. At the end of it all, the country will s ll have to confront its demons and look for soluons. Whoever wins will have to rally the republic and construct a common ground upon which a naonal democra c agreement can be effected. It is all so vitally important for a leadership to read
The Discourse
“Sadly, some of what is on offer could turn out to be selfimmolation. This is because of the reckless way in which some exuberant perhaps intoxicated cheer leaders are going about hurling brickbats and gratuitous insults. They have inadvertently become fifth columnists undermining the objective of their principal in a concerted search for enemies. ”
the riot act to delirious supporters whose tantrums are in effect undermining the very leadership they seek to sell. It has been a very poor start, for the sake of us all the campaigns need to be more sober, reflec ve and policy oriented.
Rebuilding Osun’s Roads: Why Comprehensive Planning Is The Key To Sustainability
By Engr. Matt Olu Olowokere
ROAD infrastructure is the backbone of any thriving economy, and for Osun State, it represents more than just physical connec vity. It signifies access to healthcare, educa on, markets, and overall development.
However, despite various rehabilita on efforts over the years, many of Osun’s roads remain in poor condi on— vulnerable to seasonal weather, substandard construc on, and poor maintenance culture. The root of this problem is not a lack of effort, but the absence of a truly comprehensive and sustainable planning framework.
For far too long, road projects in Osun have been reac ve rather than strategic. We o en build in response to poli cal melines or public outcry, not based on data, long-term use cases, or environmental considera ons.
This approach leads to repe ve road failures, inflated costs, and community frustraon. Comprehensive planning starts with an integrated assessment of Osun’s road networks—both rural and urban. It requires mapping out traffic pa erns, economic relevance, topography, soil types, and
“ebuilding Osun’s roads isn’t just about laying asphalt—it’s about vision. It’s about building with tomorrow in mind. With careful planning, technical expertise, and community involvement, we can pave a future that is economically vibrant and physically connected”
hydrology.
A road serving a farming hub like Iwo or Ife South should be priori zed differently from a road leading to a low-traffic residen al area. This kind of planning ensures that scarce resources are allocated efficiently and impac ully.
Equally cri cal is stakeholder engagement. Local communi es must be involved in iden fying road priori es and ensuring contractor accountability. Engineers, planners, and environmental experts must work collabora vely from design to implementaon. Moreover, Osun must
embrace technology-driven project monitoring systems to track progress and flag lapses in quality.
Sustainability also depends on what we build with. The use of poor-quality materials and disregard for drainage systems have been the undoing of many of our roads. With climate change intensifying, durable construc on methods—such as reinforced concrete for flood-prone zones—should replace the over-reliance on asphalt.
Finally, rou ne maintenance must no longer be treated as op onal. Osun needs a dedicated Road Maintenance Fund, managed transparently and independently, to ensure our roads are preserved long a er comple on.
OSUN DEFENDER
Rebuilding Osun’s roads isn’t just about laying asphalt— it’s about vision. It’s about building with tomorrow in mind. With careful planning, technical exper se, and community involvement, we can pave a future that is economically vibrant and physically connected. Let us rebuild with inten on. Let us build to last.
ISSN : 0794-8050 Telephone : 0809-301-9152 Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com All correspondence to the above email addresses.
Residents Seek Help As ‘Boode Itaapa’ Gang Allegedly Terrorise Community
Kazeem Badmus
RESIDENTS of ItaApa in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun State have cried out over the con nuous insecurity in the town.
In a pe on sent to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone II, Osogbo, the residents alleged that some hoodlums who are disciples of a notorious cul st, Bode Omokayode, have been tormen ng the community.
The pe on, which was filed through the pe oner’s counsel, Nathaniel Oginni of Equity Chamber, alleged that since Omokayode’s arrest, some hoodlums have been causing problems in the community.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Omokayode, popularly known as ‘Bode Itaapa’, was arrested by opera ves of the police an -cul sm unit in Ilesa, Osun State, last year April.
He was later transferred to the Force Headquarters, Abuja where he was subsequently arraigned in court.
In the pe on dated May 06, 2025, the peoners stated that the hoodlums had vowed that there would be no peace in the community un l Omokayode is released. The pe oners
urged the police to come to the aid of the community by rou ng those threatening the lives and property of the people in the town.
The pe on reads in part, “Sir, we have drawn par cular a enon to the facts that the reprisal a acks are a flow back from our earlier Police ac on, which rightly led to the detenon of the ring leader of this reported hoodlums.
“Bode Ita-Apa is s ll in police custody in Abuja, and apparently, his disciples have made a vow not to allow peace reign in Ita-Apa for long as their leader is in custody.
“Un l there is a holis c rou ng out of all the elements of threat to life and property in our client’s community, the people in that community will remain endangered by func onaries of the cartel that had held themselves out to terrorize the community and made life very difficult for them.
“Sir, we humble request that the situaon in that community requires a serious and comprehensive security approach to get out all elements that may have cons tuted themselves as a threat to life and property in the community.”
Bride Price And Modern Love: Are Our Traditions Still Serving Us?
IN many African societies—including Yoruba land—the tradi on of bride price is not merely symbolic; it is a deeply rooted cultural prac ce that affirms a man’s readiness to take on the responsibili es of marriage. It is also, in many cases, a gesture of respect and goodwill toward the bride’s family.
However, in today’s changing social and economic landscape, we are called to ask difficult ques ons: Is the tradi on of bride price s ll serving our modern values of love, respect, and equality? Or has it become a transac onal relic that silently enforces inequality?
Tradi onally, bride
Man Rescued After Jumping Into Osun River
Aman, whose idenes could not be immediately ascertained had been rescued from a river, a er he took a dive in, around Tes ng Ground Area of Osogbo, Osun State on Wednesday.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the incident occurred in the afternoon on the bridge along East Bypass road. The incident however led to panic when
speaking with newsmen, posited that the man had been wandering around the area since Saturday. Taiwo, who said she
Art/Culture
price—o en in the form of money, livestock, or material gi s—was never meant to “buy” a woman. Rather, it was intended as a token of apprecia on to her family. But over me, in some communi es, this prac ce has been mone zed, commodified, and even weaponized.
Some families now place high financial demands on grooms, se ng the tone for marital imbalance and reinforcing the idea that a woman is a possession to be acquired.
In this dynamic era of women’s empowerment, educa on, and economic par cipaon, the implica ons of bride price deserve cri cal reflec on. For many young couples naviga ng love in ci es
like Osogbo, Lagos, and even in the diaspora, the tradi on creates a tension between cultural allegiance and personal convic on.
Women who are financially independent may feel uncomfortable with the symbolism. Men, especially those s ll establishing themselves, feel pressured and undervalued when bride price is equated with their worthiness to marry.
We must ask: Are we inadvertently placing more value on custom than on the emo onal maturity, mutual respect, and partnership that should define marriage? If a marriage fails, as many sadly do, do we refund the bride price— as is customarily expected in some tribes? Or do we accept that love and human dignity cannot be priced?
This conversa on is not about discarding
tradi on altogether, but about re-evalua ng its purpose. Just like we modernize our homes, dress codes, and legal systems, we must be willing to evolve our tradi ons in ways that reflect equity and dignity for all involved.
Some communi es have begun to set symbolic bride prices—token sums that preserve the ritual without imposing economic burdens. Others priori ze premarital counseling, community witness, and mutual consent above material exchange.
In African socie es
where the strength of family bonds is s ll central, reforming the prac ce of bride price could open the way for healthier marriages built on mutual choice—not commercial nego a on. It is me we revisit our customs not with rejecon, but with renewed insight, ensuring they empower rather than restrict us. In doing so, we safeguard our heritage while embracing a love that is both African and modern—bold enough to honor our past, yet wise enough to upli our future.
immediately drew atten on of the people around the man when she observed him moving towards the bridge where he took the plunge, added that some volunteers had to jump into the river and saved the man.
“It happened before noon. A yet to be iden fied individual had jumped into a river located not far from Tes ng Ground roundabout along East Bypass. The place is close to my shop.
“The man had been wandering around Testing Ground Area towards that river since Saturday. His sanity is doub ul. Immediately he jumped into the river, I shouted and some passer by also joined us.
“Some of them jumped into the river and brought him out. He was completely without dress when he was rescued. He was rescued alive. Shortly a er, opera ves of the Osun and the Federal Fire Service, arrived the scene.
The man was laid beside the road and the community near the scene took further charge of the situa on,” Taiwo said.
The spokesperson of Osun State Fire Service, Adekunle Ibrahim, confirmed the incident.
He further said, “It was a joint opera on by the opera ves of Osun and Federal Fire Service. He had been brought out of the river before we arrived and we le him in the care of the people from the community. He was rescued alive.”
•3rd left, Wife of Osun State Chief of Staff, Dr. Kafayat Akinleye, and other dignitaries at this years Ajilala Oso festival, last Saturday
Yusuf Oketola
the man jumped into the over flown river.
A shop owner near the scene of the incident, Dorcas Taiwo, while
June 12: Osun Civil Societies Demand Good
Governance
AYusuf Oketola
S Nigerians mark Democracy Day on Thursday, the Osun Civil Socie es Coali on has demanded good governance across all ers of government.
The group made the call while embarking on a peaceful protest in Osogbo, yesterday.
The protest, according to the organisers, is held to mark the 32nd year since the fateful June 12, 1993, presidenal elec on, which they adjudged was won by the Social Democra c Party presiden al candidate, Bashorun MKO Abiola.
Speaking with Journalists, one of the organisers of the protest and Osun State Chairman for the Commi ee for the Defence of Human Rights, Emmanuel Olowu, said the peaceful protest is being held to
●
Urge
Adeleke To Recruit More Teachers, Health Workers
press home some demands which the government has neglected over the years.
The demands, he said, include “good governance at all levels, free, fair and credible elec ons, non-nego able adequate security, affordable and qualita ve educa on and payment of en tlements to MKO Abiola’s family.”
Also, in their different interviews, stakeholders within the Osun Civil Socie es demanded that the Osun government should give premium atten on to the educa on and health sectors of the state.
They charged Governor Ademola Adeleke to fastrack the pending teachers’ recruitment exercise and employ more health workers in
Methodist Church Kicks Against Convertion Of Wesley Guild Hospital
TKazeem Badmus of some people to snatch the Wesley Guild Hospital, llesa which is an heritage of Methodist people.
HE Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ijesa North Diocese, has appealed to the Federal Government not to convert Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, into a Federal Medical Centre.
The Diocese also urged President Bola Tinubu to focused more on reducing the rate of poverty in the country, no ng that the economic situa on of the country has led to an increase in suicide rates.
OSUN DEFENDER had reported that the lawmaker represen ng Ilesa South Federal Cons tuency, Hon Sanya Omirin, last month accused Methodist church of frustra ng Presiden al Assent on the upgrading of the hospital to a Federal Medical Centre.
The lawmaker alleged that the church was frustra ng the effort in a bid to transform the hospital into the Teaching hospital of her Ondo-based Wesley University.
But the church, in a communique issued at the end of the 13th Synod of the Diocese, urged the Federal Government to build a befi ng Federal Medical Centre in Ilesa and leave Wesley Guild Hospital alone.
The communique, signed by the Rt. Rev. Timothy Olatunji, Diocesan Bishop and Very Rev. Sunday Ajiboye, Synod Secretary, stated that, “As a people that is seeking the progress of ljesa land, we condemn the a empt
“Synod rather appealed to the relevant authori es to build a befi ng Federal Medical Centre in Ilesa for the provision of Ter ary Health facility to the community.
“Synod reiterates the increasing rate of poverty in the land. This has been seen to have also increased the rate of suicide, hence we charged the president, President Bola Hammed Tinubu to be more focused on reducing the rate of poverty in the country.”
The communique while commending Governor Ademola Adeleke’s effort in the infrastructure development of ljesa, however raised concerns over the increasing threat to in Oriade Local Government area.
“The efforts of the government of the state in infrastructure development; especially in ljesa land is commendable. However, we have concerns regarding the increasing threat to security of agrarian ac vi es in Oriade Local Government area.
“Synod hereby appealed to the government of Senator Jackson Ademola Adeleke to intensify efforts on improving the security of Ijesa land while we prayed for lasting peace in the 3 communi es of Ifon, llobu, and Erin-Osun,” the communique stated.
the state hospitals. The protesters marched from the Baba Onisekere Roundabout,
Aiyetoro, and advance towards the Old Garage (Freedom Park) area of Osogbo.
The march was terminated at the Adolak Event Centre along GbonganIbadan Road where dif-
ferent speakers spoke on the topic, “Osogbo June 12 Revisited: Reflec on on it’s legacy and relevance to the current democra c reali es.”
Entertainment
Why I Announced Separation From My Husband – Actress Biola Adebayo
FAMOUS Nol-
lywood actress, Biola Bayo has revealed why she announced her separaon from her husband, Oluseyi.
Recall that the actress had a week ago announced her separa on from Oluseyi, in a post shared to celebrate him on his birthday.
The development that came four years a er their marriage sparked controversy on social media with many condemning her for the ming.
She was accused of making the announcement on her husband’s birthday to set him up for dragging.
However, speaking amid the backlash, the heartbroken actress explained that she made the announcement because “she doesn’t want another person to announce it for her online”.
Speaking about the ming during the presenta on of a house to actress Jumoke George, Biola Bayo noted that the post was made with the consent of her husband.
“Please, I’m a human too. The other one I said about my marriage was because I don’t want people to say my story
for me, that was why I came out to say it. And that’s my style. So that people would not be saying something differ-
ent or saying things that would make me sad. But I didn’t know that you people would s ll use it against me.
“People have already asking me that you are not pos ng your husband, and I knew different rumors would come out online that very day, that is why I spoke about our separa on but yet it was used against me.
“I have already told my husband before I posted. So he was aware that I would post it so that other people won’t be the one to tell the story on social media. But I know that God will reward everybody accordingly,” she said.
In 2023, the actress who is known to be open and realis c, while announcing the arrival of their son, revealed that they gave birth to him through a surrogate mother.
Ex-Christian singer confesses to drug use, sexual assault
FORMER lead singer of the Chris an rock band Newsboys, Michael Tait, is speaking publicly following recent allega ons of sexual misconduct.
The 59-year-old ar st had earlier announced his exit from the band on January 16, calling it a “monumental and hear elt decision” and admi ng it had come as “a shock to
even myself” in an Instagram post.
A Chris an invesga ve media outlet
published the results of a two-and-a-halfyear probe involving Tait. The report includes accounts from three men who claim Tait sexually assaulted them during Chris an music tours in 2004, 2010, and 2014.
Tait, who took over as Newsboys’ frontman in 2009 following the departure of co-founder Peter Furler, allegedly befriended the men before the incidents occurred.
•Chairman, OCSC, Comrade Waheed Lawal addressing the people during the June 12 protest, in Osogbo, yesterday
Photo Shola Aderinto
New Osun Varsity To Take Off In October
Avisi ng team from the Federal Ministry of Educa on, Abuja, to the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State, has disclosed the feasibility of commencing academic ac vi es at the new university before the end of 2025.
The team lead, Mrs. Ilyasu, Director of the University Educa on Department, made this disclosure on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of available facili es, following the recent approval for the establishment of the university by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The inspec on team visited the Administra ve Block, Take-off Site, and Permanent Campus of the new university.
Addressing the press at the permanent site, the Director said, “Based on the me the approval was given by the President and now, I like to say that you have started well. Your commitment shows you’re ready to take the bull by the horns.
“When we get to Abuja, we are going to make sure that we
do our own part to ensure this ins tu on is men oned among the newly established ins tu ons. This will give it the power to be inserted in the JAMB brochure so that any student that wants to come in by September should be able to go for a change of ins tu on.
“Before that, I think the next thing is to have the principal officers. And once you have the principal officers, the Na onal University Commission (NUC), being represented by Dr Victoria Pillah, will come around for Resource Verifica on, where the NUC would tell the Principal Officers what and what to do based on the needs of the University and the community.
seen, a hospitable community where people are happy with them-
selves, the Administrave Block where principal officers would
Campus Review Campus Review
use as offices, and the Take-off Site, which, according to the Engineer, would be ready soon; so, we believe that the University is ready to receive students by October.
“We are not doubting your ability as a community, and we are going to relay eve-
rything we have seen, and those told us by Kabiyesi and the wife of the Minister, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, regarding the availability of quarters that could accommodate principal officers, as this would ginger the Federal Government to announce them very soon.”
OAU Activists Raise Funds For Brutalised Students During Wike’s Visit
STUDENTS under the aegis of the Broad Ac vists Group (BAG) at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State are raising funds for their members they said suffered psychological, physical and material violence in the hands of the university security, the police and the
The fund raising campaign sent to a long list of poten al donors by the leaders of the group
said what they get will help BAG to give the affected students adequate psychological and medical a en on as well as replace their handsets allegedly seized or smashed by security operaves. They are, by implicaon, challenging the OAU, Ile-Ife account of what transpired on June 5, 2025 when the minister went to deliver a lecture on the campus.
OPUUSA Doles Out Food Palliative To Osogbo Indigenes
IN a bid to lessen the current economic hardship among its people in Osun State, the Osogbo Progressive Union USA (OPUUSA) has distributed beans grain worth N20 million to over 115 compounds in the state capital.
The programme which was third of its kind took place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Osogbo. Each of the compound were given two bags of the beans.
The compounds are located Oke-popo, Owo-ope, Oke-baale, Isale-Osun and Itaolokan respec vely.
Speaking while declaring the distribu on open, the president of the Union, Alhaji Kazeem Adetunji posited that the goal of
“We are sa sfied with what we have the programme is to ameliorate the suffering of their people back home in the view of the current economic hardship.
Adetunji noted that pallia ve distribu on is one of the programmes lined up by OPUUSA to help the people of Osogbo, adding that their annual scholarship programme will follow.
He said 46 students in the higher ins tuons were captured for the scholarship
The president said: “In view of the current economic situaon in the country, we want to do as li le as we can to give back to the community which are our indigenous compounds. The goal is to help even if it is just a token by giving pallia ves to Osogbo compounds.
“This pallia ve is one of the programmes we have highlighted to give back to this community. This Saturday, we will be having an educa onal programme which is the annual scholarship. We will be giving back to 46 students who are Osogbo
indigene in higher ins tu on with a token of N150,000 each.
“We also plan to have empowerment programme where we will distribute startup materials to 30 newly trained ar sans of Osogbo. They include tailors, barbers and hairdressers. This will enable them start their career.
“This is a viable organisa on that is aimed at giving back to the society. We also call on other nonprofit organisa ons to embark on these kinds of programmes by helping the downtrodden back home.
If others can join this kind of programme, it will lessen the suffering of the people.”
Some of the beneficiaries while speaking with Journalists thanked the OPUUSA for remembering their families back home while praying that God will con nue to upli them and replenish their pockets.
According to the Obafemi University media office, the students were arrested in their own interest so that they were not beaten by their colleagues who were keen to listen to the FCT Minister. And that there was no case of brutality by any layer of security opera ves.
On the contrary, the funds campaigning statement says those arrested were not arrested because students wanted to beat them up but because they called Minister Wike a tyrant and were bent on resis ng what they call “Wike’s incursion into an ivory tower”. By their account, those arrested were released when the campus was ge ng tense as mobilisa on for a showdown between the larger student populaon and the university was in full swing. The number of students affected by the arrest and deten on by security agents is not clear but two cases seems to be the immediate concern of the students.
Kazeem Badmus
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf Oketola
DSS during a protestaon of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s visit to the campus early June.
•A visiting team from the Federal Ministry of Education to Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies (FUADSI), Iragbiji
Jardel and Mauro Icardi.
‘Shame On You’ - Pundit Slams Ex-Galatasaray Striker Drogba For Trying To Lure Osimhen To Chelsea
TURKISH pundit Ugur Karakullukçu has slammed former Chelsea and Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba for allegedly a emp ng to convince Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen to join Chelsea during the summer transfer window.
Osimhen has emerged as one of the ho est names in the transfer market a er a sensa onal loan spell at Turkish league
champion, Galatasaray.
The 26-year-old scored 37 goals and registered eight assists in 41 appearances across all compeons, playing a crucial role in helping the Istanbul giants secure a domes c double.
The Nigerian striker’s exploits have a racted interest from several top European clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Juventus, and Galatasaray, who are eager to retain him permanently.
Notably, club legends and former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi and Ivorian icon Didier Drogba have reportedly been involved in trying to sway Osimhen’s decision in favour of a move to Stamford Bridge.
However, Karakullukçu believes Drogba has overstepped his bounds.
Speaking via his YouTube channel, and as reported by habersarikirmizi, the pundit slammed Drogba for interfering in Galatasaray’s efforts to keep Osimhen.
“Also Didier Drogba wants Osimhen to play for Chelsea. Drogba also wants to spoil the deal,” Karakullukçu said.
“His words about Mourinho had already made him lose favor with the fans. Drogba will never be valued by Galatasaray fans as much as Mario
“If you are going to seduce Osimhen and take him to Chelsea, shame on you. He should have remained neutral.”
Meanwhile, Osimhen is reportedly in no rush to make a decision and is calmly assessing his opons.
Despite receiving offers, including some from the Saudi Pro League, the striker is said to prefer staying in Europe and compe ng at the highest level.
NPFL Orders Clubs To Upgrade Stadiums Ahead Of 2025/26 Season
THE Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has instructed all par cipa ng clubs to upgrade key facili es at their home stadiums before the 2025/2026 season kicks off
The 2025/2026 NPFL season will start in August. With the new season around the corner, the NPFL has emphasized that clubs must comply with the required stadium improvements--including the installa on of standard LED floodlights and backup power generators--or risk
losing their hos ng rights.
Failure to meet these infrastructure standards could result in sanc ons, including the revoca on of home match privileges.
NPFL in an official statement to the clubs, signed by the Chief Opera ng Officer, Davidson Owumi, said, “Clubs must install and maintain LED floodlights that meet the required illuminance levels to facilitate night matches.
“A reliable backup power source is mandatory to guarantee unin-
terrupted ligh ng during games, even if the main electricity supply fails.
“These facili es and other grade A infrastructure criteria must be in place and fully func onal before our rou ne stadium inspec on. Failure to meet these requirements may affect your club’s usage of your primary home ground in the upcoming season,” the le er read.
Several Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs, including Abia Warriors, Shoo ng Stars, Kwara United, Niger Tornadoes, Plateau United, and newly pro-
We Are Apolitical, Only Want Our Road Fixed - Osun Community Counters
Kazeem Badmus
RESIDENTS of Unity Estate, Ido-Osun, have debunked allega ons that their peaceful protest concerning their abandoned road was polically mo vated.
The residents in a disclaimer signed by the community’s Development Associa on chairman, Alhaji Sheu Taofeek, the community Secretary, Mr Ojo Gideon and the community Public Rela ons Officer, Engr Adio Michael, said the peaceful protest was not in any way meant to disrespect the office of the governor.
The disclaimer was in response to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Government House Transport Pool, Alhaji Rasaki Oluomo, claiming that the protest was poli cally mo vated.
Oluomo had, in the statement, claimed that the protest was carried out mainly by APC-affiliated community members who chose to poli cize the matter.
He also claimed to had personally led members of the affected community on several visits to the Ministry of Works in order to get solu on, a statement that was outrightly rejected as untrue by the community.
In the disclaimer, a copy obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, the community noted that insinua ons from some quarters that the protest was to target some people
are false and misleading.
The residents noted that the peaceful protest was neither poli cal nor incited by any poli cal party or actor, adding that the community only called atten on to the poor condion of their access roads.
“It has come to our atten on that certain individuals have a empted to mischaracterize the protest as poli cally mo vated and targeted at specific individuals or families within the state’s leadership. We wish to state categorically and without ambiguity that these allega ons are enrely false, unfounded, and misleading.
“The demonstra on was neither poli cal nor incited by any poli cal party or actor. It was a peaceful, community-led exercise of democra c rights by concerned residents calling a en on to the poor condi on of their access roads and appealing for urgent government interven on. Contrary to some misleading reports and insinua ons, including those referenced in the Osun Defender; there is no evidence whatsoever to support claims that these demonstra ons were targeted against any individual or poli cal family,” the statement noted.
The statement further stated that those poli cising the peaceful protest were doing so to divert a en on from real issues affec ng the daily lives of ordinary residents.
“The inclusion of the Adeleke family in these narra ves is not only misleading but also diverts atten on from the real issues affec ng the daily lives of ordinary residents.
“To further correct the distorted narra ve being pushed by some quarters, we wish to highlight the fact that: Similar peaceful demonstra ons were conducted by at least three other communi es across Osun State on the same day or earlier, all of which raised parallel concerns about infrastructure neglect. These include: Aratumi, Araromi, Akogun, Okete Igbale, Asejere, Alagbaede, and Isundun Communi es, along Osogbo-Ikirun road in Olorunda local government area, Aduramigba Community Osogbo in Egbedore local government area
Each of these communi es took independent ac on to draw a en on to the infrastructural neglect in their areas, seeking government interven on through civil and peaceful means.”
The statement added “These ac ons reflect a ‘wider grassroots concern’ about road condi ons and public ameni es, and they should not be misinterpreted as poli cally mo vated stunts.
“These coordinated but independently organized protests reflect genuine grassroots concerns, not par san scheming. Attemp ng to isolate or poli cize the ac ons of any
single community not only does disservice to their civic rights but also distracts from the broader call for development and equity across the state.
“Furthermore, we reaffirm that freedom of expression, associa on, and peaceful assembly are cons tu onally guaranteed rights under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These rights must be protected and not poli cized. Ci zens must not be vilified for standing up for be er living condi ons, especially in a democracy that prides itself on inclusion and accountability.
“In light of the above, we strongly cau on against the deliberate poli ciza on of community-based ac vism. This protest was a construc ve appeal for a enon, not an act of rebellion or a poli cal affront. The par cipa on of community members from varied poli cal, ethnic, and religious backgrounds confirms the non-par san nature of the demonstra on.”
The community appre-
ciated Governor Adeleke for con nuing the road project, which was ini ated by the last administra on.
“We also wish to express our deep appreciaon to His Excellency, the Execu ve Governor of Osun State, for magnanimously con nuing the Unity Estate Community road project. The community acknowledges this interven on and pledges to cooperate fully with the government to ensure that the contractor executes the project to a standard that reflects the value of funds being invested by the state.”
On the claim by the SSA that the peaceful protest was targeted at Adeleke’s family, the community said, “Furthermore, to correct some erroneous narra ves, we reiterate that the peaceful protest was unanimously agreed upon by all the suffering members of our community, as reflected in our community general mee ng minutes, and we set up a commi ee for the peaceful protest, not orchestrated by a few
moted El-Kanemi Warriors, have been directed to address deficiencies in their stadium facili es before the 2024/25 season begins.
Clubs that fail to meet the required standards risk losing home advantage and may be forced to use alterna ve venues for their matches.
The NPFL has set the 2024/25 season kickoff for August 31, 2024, with the Annual General Mee ng (AGM) scheduled for July 15-16 in Lagos, where key decisions about the upcoming campaign will be finalized.
individuals as claimed in the Senior Special Adviser’s (SSA) press release.
“We hereby challenge anybody to come forward with concrete evidence to prove that the peaceful protest is targe ng the government or anybody rather than voicing out our pain to the loving government to rescue us as a community from the conduct and inscrip ons on the placards of the peaceful protest.”
The community also said, “The purported SSA never led the community to the Ministry of Works but merely joined community members once during one of their several independent visits, just as other concerned residents working at Abeere also did that day.
“This disclaimer is issued to set the record straight and to appeal for restraint in the public narra ve. Misinforma on, when le unchecked, undermines democra c engagement and fuels unnecessary division. We urge poli cal stakeholders, and members of the public to refrain from poli cizing legi mate civil ac on and to focus on construc ve dialogue that leads to real solu ons for the people of Osun State. We hereby encourage public commentators and poli cal actors to report responsibly, uphold the values of truth and integrity, and refrain from sowing discord where unity and progress are needed most.”
LEADERSHIP, for all its glory, is an emoonal crucible.
In theory, it is a role of vision, coordina on, and delivery. In prac ce, especially within fragile democracies and economically strained socie es like ours, it is something more invisible, more consuming, and more humanly taxing. Leadership is emo onal labour. It is the work of holding steady, absorbing pain, filtering rage, managing percep on, and making peace with the thanklessness that o en accompanies public service.
This dimension of leadership is rarely acknowledged in policy circles or the public imagina on. But in Nigeria, and par cularly at the sub-na onal level where leaders are closest to their people and yet most constrained in capacity, this emo onal burden can be as crushing as the fiscal and ins tuonal ones. It leads to what I call “governance fa gue”: a slow, grinding erosion of empathy, clarity, and stamina that results not from apathy, but from overexposure to the contradic ons of leading in a deeply unequal society.
This is not a commentary on poor leadership. On the contrary, it is a reflec on on the emo onal cost of good leadership, of trying to govern with sincerity and foresight in an atmosphere saturated with distrust, misinforma on, and economic pain.
We must ask, with clear eyes and open hearts: How does a leader keep an open ear as democracy requires without being drowned by distrac ng voices and malicious messages? How does one remain accessible without becoming emo onally available to constant injury?
How does one lead in good faith when even the governed, o en uninten onally, become sources of profound discouragement?
The uncomfortable truth is that the same people we lead are some mes the ones who wound us most deeply. Not out of cruelty, but because poverty distorts the social contract. It turns unmet needs into accusa ons, delays into betrayals, and vulnerability into vola lity. In a context where public trust is thin and material deprivaon is thick, leadership is interpreted less through intent and more through op cs.
This distor on creates a vicious feedback loop: the leader begins to an cipate rejec on and resistance; the people, condi oned by disappointment, respond to policy with suspicion; both sides withdraw emo onally even if they remain formally engaged.
Over me, this leads to a culture where the leader, no ma er how well-inten oned, feels unheard, unappreciated, and unprotected. This is governance fa gue. It is the quiet despair that se les in when impact is not visible, trust is eroded, and leadership becomes synonymous with self-defence.
What if we began to see emo onal resilience as a core governance capacity?
“The goal, then, is not a leadership immune to criticism, but one supported by a culture that recognizes the cost of carrying so many hearts, so many expectations, and so much pain on one’s shoulders”
By PROF. CHINWE
OBUAKU PERSPECTIVE
Emotional Labour And Governance Fatigue: Bearing the Weight Of Leadership In A Wounded Society
Not a private virtue, but a public necessity. Just as we measure the effec veness of a leader by their ability to budget or legislate, should we not also measure it by their ability to remain emo onally whole, empathe c and sane?
This is especially important for those of us serving at the intersec on of government and community, those who must translate na onal policy into local relevance while being held emo onally accountable by people who o en live in chronic scarcity.
In Osun State, where I serve as a consultant to the Governor on climate change
and renewable energy, I have witnessed the fa gue firsthand. Not from lack of ideas or inten on, but from the toll that rela onal governance takes on a person’s spirit. One must constantly balance hope with realism, accessibility with boundaries, compassion with firmness.
The expecta on is that one must never be red, never say no, never miss a cue. And when those expecta ons are unmet, cri cism is swi and o en personal. Where Do We Go From Here? We need a shi . We need to normalise conversa ons about the emo onal land-
scape of governance. We need to build support structures for leaders, spaces where reflec on, rest, and recalibra on are possible. We must train future leaders not just in policy and management, but in emo onal literacy, stress regula on, and trauma-informed governance.
We must also deepen public understanding that leadership is a shared journey. That ci zens too hold power, in how they speak, what they amplify, and how they engage. It is not wrong for people to demand. But demands made without empathy erode the very people we expect to serve us.
The goal, then, is not a leadership immune to cri cism, but one supported by a culture that recognizes the cost of carrying so many hearts, so many expecta ons, and so much pain on one’s shoulders.
In Conclusion, we cannot build a just and thriving society without strong leadership. But neither can we sustain leadership if we do not protect its humanity.
If governance is to remain ethical and effec ve, then we must treat emo onal sustainability not as a luxury, but as a necessity. For when the leader’s heart breaks silently, the system trembles slowly, and then all at once.
Let us build leaders who can feel, and a society that understands what it costs them to keep feeling.
•Professor Chinwe Obuaku, is a Visiting Professor, Global Affairs and Sustainable Development Institute (GASDi), UNIOSUN, Consultant to the Osun State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy
How Far, How Close To Failed Society?
MEET any Nigerian and ask him or her the ques on “are you a bad person?” and the answer will be a loud “No!” The other guys are usually the bad guys. Yet, society is on the brink of implosion from toxic corrup on and insecurity that has become road block to progress.
Rebuilding from a failed society is not impossible.
However, it is far be er that all those who believe they are the good guys, and truly are, come together NOW to salvage Nigeria from becoming a failed society. How far away or how close we are to becoming one can be found out by honest people from the defini on of a failed society given by the Great Russian writer Anton Chekhov, which we take liberty to here quote at length:
“In failed socie es, there are a thousand fools for each wise mind and a thousand clumsy words to counter each good advice. The majority are always dumb, illinformed, egois c and constantly dominating the ra onal and intelligent ones. They love trivializing important issues to distract them from facing their reality. They love holding mee ng upon mee ngs but ensuring that each mee ng is turned to throwing banters and cracking jokes to prevent diligent scru ny of issues. They are led by cliques, cabals and a few unserious individuals, while the majority are disenchanted, disgruntled and uninterested. They’re like a cult group where the gangsters are the majority.
They thrive on extor ng from a few among them who have over-bloated egos and always seeking for public a en on,
without knowing they’re being used. It’s called a society of pacifiers and nonenes. Trivial ma ers are always at centre stage, and any a empt to make them face their real challenges are opposed and vehemently resisted. They’re constantly living in denial. An example of a failed society is where millions of people crowd themselves together every me, dancing and repea ng meaningless songs and words to themselves, and turning that to a societal culture.
In failed socie es, everyone have their own opinions, which are never ar culated. It’s a society where construc ve, sound, and workable ideas are constantly being suppressed for the mischievous cabal to keep being the dominant force. In failed socie es, it’s favouri sm and rewards for patronage that’s popular, while merit is sabotaged. Also, it’s characterized by injus ces and praise singing. Such socie es thrive on informa on hoarding and secret keeping as leadership accountability is regarded as a privilege and not a right. Open conversa ons are frowned at and regarded as an a ack against leadership.
Demanding for leadership accountability is forbidden. Gang leaders love to quote laws in the society that’s actually lawless and governed through caucus decisions. The minority are always pretending to be the majority. Divide and rule, rumour mongering, emo onal blackmail, are the readily tools for governance. Those with honest inten ons for promo ng the culture of common good are quickly labelled as saboteurs and isolated, so they don’t corrupt the dormant majority. Genuine contribu-
tors and solu on providers are not known and no one gives them credit for their efforts. Failed socie es lack the a tude of gra tude.
Since the crowd love pe ness and mundane things, they love those telling them it’s okay not to use their own brains to think for themselves, and prefer comedian that make them laugh with meaningless jokes, than the poet who is waking them up to reality and telling them the truth that temporarily hurts. Therefore, the caucus leadership called ’democracy’ is not an ideal leadership model for ignorant people and unenlightened socie es, because the corrupt minority will keep deciding their fate.
The people must seek their own salvaon and redemp on from within themselves before yielding to leadership. In construc ve leadership, one is not above the others; one is a member from within the body.”
Let us close with the admoni on of Ayn Rand: “When you see that in order to produce, you need permission from men who produce nothing – When you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods (or services), but in favours – When you see that men get richer by gra and by pull than by work, and your laws don’t protect you against them, but protect them against you – When you see corrup on being rewarded and honesty becoming a selfsacrifice – You may know that your society is doomed.”
Like Murtala Mohammed said, way back: “it is me to reflect, to rethink, and to act.”
STRIKER