FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026
Crisis Looms In Osun House Of Assembly
Our Reporter
Amajor crisis is looming in the Osun State House of Assembly as some lawmakers elected on the pla orm of the People’s Democra c Party (PDP) who joined the Accord Party lately are planning to defect to the opposi on All Progressives Congress (APC).
It was learnt that many of the lawmakers are not comfortable with their current poli cal party as indica ons already emerged that many of them may be denied cket to contest elec on come 2027.
Already, the member represen ng Iwo state cons tuency in the House of Assembly, Hon Adesina Rabiu Atanda has reportedly joined the APC.
The lawmaker was seen on a viral picture circula ng on the internet with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and some prominent leaders of the APC including Hon Oluwole Oke who represents Obokun/Oriade federal cons tuency in the House of Representa ves.
It was rumoured that many other lawmakers who are of the Accord Party extrac on are already planning to dump the party and pitch their tent with either the African Democra c Congress (ADC) or the APC.
The lawmakers are said to be aggrieved with the decision of the leadership of the party not to give them automa c ckets for the next year’s House of Assembly elecon.
In the state House of Assembly, 25 members were elected on the platform of the PDP but cur-
Police
rently in the Accord Party
a er a formal declara on on the floor of the House, while one of them represen ng Boripe/Boluwaduro state cons tuency was elected on the platform of the APC.
However, it was learnt that some members of the House have signified their inten ons to contest for another term but yet to get the consent of the party.
The lawmakers, it was gathered are lobbying for automa c ckets, but sources said the leadership of the Accord Party did not consent to it, hence the decision by many of them to join the opposi on poli cal pares.
The lawmaker represen ng Iwo State cons tuency, Hon Atanda had ini ally reversed his resigna on of the Accord Party via a video posted in the social media where he was seen announcing his support for Governor Ademola Adeleke.
In the said video, Hon Atanda who was flanked by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun and the spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed publicly announced that he’s determined to remain in the Accord Party and work for the re-elec on of Governor Adeleke.
But barely 48 hours a er resigning from the Accord Party and briefly reversing his earlier decision to dump the Accord Party, Hon Atanda’s picture taken with Oyetola and prominent APC leaders featured on the internet.
Rabiu had ini ally announced his resigna on from the Accord Party
Nab Wanted
O•Many Lawmakers Allegedly Denied Automatic Tickets For Another Term
and distanced himself from Governor Ademola Adeleke, but reconsidered his move shortly a er a visit by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, and Olawale Rasheed on Monday.
Reac ng to the defec on, the Accord Party Chairman in Iwo, Chief Alidu Adeoye, described Rabiu as a liability and an embarrassment rather than an asset to the par-
ty. He said “the lawmaker had cons tuted serious nuisance and disappointments to his cons tuents from 2022 to date, the party had refrained from acting against the lawmaker.
“When he was invited to the Government House a few days ago, we knew he wouldn’t stay any longer because his request for a second term cket is a direct viola on of the zoning formula opera ng within
the Iwo state cons tuency.
“Aside from his abysmal performance which has made the party a laughing stock among Iwo people, Accord cannot violate the zoning formula which confirmed that Isale Oba is the next region to produce a state lawmaker.
“We apologize to the state leadership of the party and our dear Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke for fielding and sustaining such a failed poli cian
in the first place. We assure that the Accord Party in Iwo will never support such mediocrity again and we will deepen the hold of Accord among Iwo people,” he added.
Osun Defender reliably gathered that many other Accord Party lawmakers in the House of Assembly may defect to the ADC or APC in the coming days as many of them may not be given automa c ckets for another term.
Osun: APC Chairmen Commence Grading Of Rural Roads
Michael Bamigbola
LOCAL Government council chairmen elected on the platform of the All Pro-
Cult Leader,
Four Others After Violent Political Clash In Ilesa
Aremu Bisola
PERATIVES of the
An -Cul sm unit of the Osun State Police Command have reportedly arrested a wanted cult leader, Amokeaja Basit, along with four suspected gang members in Ilesa.
Police sources confirmed the arrest, describing Basit as a notorious figure in Ijesa area of the state.
The arrest was said to have followed a violent clash between supporters of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress in Ilesa on Monday.
Reports indicate that Basit and his gang allegedly a acked some polical figures during the incident, resul ng in injuries
and damage to vehicles.
The four other suspects arrested alongside him have been iden fied as Olatunde Segun, Adeyeye Suji, Babatunde Lekan, and Olayinka Laide.
Police sources added that invesga ons are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend other members of the gang who are currently at large.
gressives Congress (APC) in the October 15, 2022, local government elecon in Osun State have commenced the grading and rehabilita on of rural roads across the 30 Local Government Areas and Area Office in the state.
The chairmen said the move was to raise the bar of grassroots transporta on system, ease communal mobility and enhance social connec vity at every nook and cranny of the state.
Each of the Local Government Areas is expected to grade 35km according to a statement signed by the leader of the APC council chairmen, Mr Idowu Abiodun.
Abiodun said the roads grading exercise will enhance and scale up rural-
urban mobility for rapid socioeconomic growth and development.
The statement reads in parts: “We have begun massive roads grading and rehabilita on across the 30 Local Government Areas including Local Council Development Areas, Area Councils and Administra ve Offices in Osun State. This is in line with our resolve to bring grassroots’ development to the doorsteps of our people, expose our communi es and rural centres to commercial and industrial opportuni es through passable roads.
“The grading of 1,050km with 35km each in every Council is a well- thoughtout and decisive move to strengthen the transporta on sys-
tem at the grassroots, and it is our collec ve belief that the ongoing roads grading exercise will enhance safety, increase accessibility and advance socioeconomic acvi es in our rural and communi es in the state. We firmly believe that the exercise will in no measure support our farmers in transpor ng farm produce to the markets which in turn, will enhance the produc on capacity and as well ease the transporta on system in the state.
“This is in fulfilment of our commitment to turn around the socioeconomic fortunes at the grassroots as we begin to unveil different people-focused and massesdriven developmental projects.”
•Bishop Mike Bamidele of Victory Chapel International ministering at the maiden Osun NUJ Lenten Lecture held at the NUJ press Centre on Tuesday Photo Shola Aderinto
“ ARE you be er of today....?”
A spectre haunts Nigeria today, this is the devasta ng effect of a puni ve cost-of-existence crisis. Even before the crisis in the Middle-East Nigerians have been up and against a cruel reality. And it’s ge ng worse. The current economic situa on is as a result of structural dysfuncon and the inep tude of the response of the government.
The responses so far have been ad-hoc and some mes opportunis c. For example, a ridiculous pallia ves economy “ has become entrenched.This is u erly ridiculous for pallia ves can hardly be described as an economic model. It portrays utter in inep tude and intellectual indolence.
Unfortunately it will be a herculean task to find the poli cal will to dismantle it; nevertheless for the sake of social stability and the endurance of our democracy it has to be dismantled. Pallia ves cannot replace a programme based on inclusive stainable development leading to a be er life for all.
Nigeria therefore needs a programme of economic regenera on or with full acknowledgement to a formal governor of Osun State Rauf Aregbesola an “alterna ve perspec ve” this must be put on offer to the Nigerian people to give them hope in the face of the declining living standards.
The need for an alterna ve makes us to recall the game changing words of the Bill Clintons brilliant poli cal strategies Jim Carville when Clinton ran against the then incumbent President, George Bush.
Clinton an unknown Governor of a back water state was way behind the incumbent president in the polls and a conversional wisdom had already called the elecon for President George Bush.
There was a feeling of despair in the camp of the then opposi on Democra c Party that it was all over bar the shou ng. At this crucial junc on Jim Carville turned it all upside down. He un-
“There have all been unfairly very hard hit. For example the response to the description of the rural economy must be a programme of rural reconstruction resembling the Integrated Rural Development Policy put forward by the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1978”
The Crisis Of Affordability
Such a programme must use all the crea ve tools of the old and new media appeal as well as offer solu ons to the debilita ng needs of segmented groups such as The subsistence farmers in the rural economy, the informal sector also known as the holloi-polloi in the urban areas, the market and the traders, students as well as the generally disposed across the board.
A People’s Charter
•An Alternative Perspective
•FOREWORD BY RAUF AREGBESOLA
•Poverty levels in Nigeria are projected to deteriorate sharply, with as many as 141 million Nigerians—about 62% of the population— expected to be living in poverty by 2026
Ahmad Tijjani Ramallan
expectedly won the elec on for Clinton by asking the ques on “Are you be er off today than you were?”
The Republicans were stumped and could not find an adequate response to the ques on posed Carville in a remarkable feat of contemporary poli cal history had astonishingly snatched victory from the jaws of certain defeat.
Jim Caville’s repose must be replicated in Nigeria today. The key ques on for those offering an alterna ve perspec ve must be centred around “Are you be er off?” Even the most dishonest
Propagandist will find it difficult to respond. No amount of doctoring of sta s cs can hide the fact that for the overwhelming majority of Nigerians existence is now a puni ve reality more like a recurring nightmare. It’s so bad that the amount of people’s dropping out of school is now more than alarming. Food is now been ra oned in many homes, students are trekking to school and back, and very dangerously people are now skipping their prescribed intake of medicine.
Across the country pharmacists ins nc vely know that their customers are in the face of declining purchasing power are not taking the recommended dosage, not because they want to
harm themselves but simply because they cannot afford it. The situa on is daun ng across the board, with tenants facing landlords who also want to maintain their living standards by increasing rents.
An alterna ve posi on must be based on shoring up declining living standards not by using the illusion of pallia ves but by the produc on of an economic programme which will turn a war on poverty into a vehicle to achieve sustainable development. We have seen this such of developmental thrust used to beneficial effect in places such as India, Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia amongst other countries.
There have all been unfairly very hard hit. For example the response to the descrip on of the rural economy must be a programme of rural reconstruc on resembling the Integrated Rural Development Policy put forward by the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1978.
The policy should be based on the inducement of private sector led or public and private sector Commodity Exchanges. This will use mechanism such as Guaranteed Minimum Farm Gate pricing mechanism to assure subsistence farmers of fair pricing which will then led to increased produc vity and output.
This will increase their purchasing power. The provision of storage facili es including Solar powered refrigerated storage will also cut post-harvest losses which has been a disincen ve to producon and a stumbling block to the emergence of much needed food processing manufacturing plants.
Food processing manufacturing plants when they emerge as a result of this provide hundreds of thousands of sustainable jobs in the industrial estates.
For the urban markets they should also be refrigerated, warehouse spaces using solar energy to help to prevent wastages and in doing so will bring down the prices of perishable commodity to the customers.
An alterna ve perspec ve on the lines suggested above will be a very table game-changer in the electoral calculus.
OSUN DEFENDER
Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.
Deputy Editor – Michael Bamigbola
Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola
Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto
Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere
Produc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, Off Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State.
ISSN : 0794-8050
Telephone : 0809-301-9152
Across the board, a revigora ng pro-people posi on has to be taken in order to preserve Nigerians democracy. Emphasis must be placed on the devolu on of the func on of the state in order to create a proper federal structure for example the deteriora ng cannot be tackled without the devolving the internal state security mechanism to the community level.
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com
All correspondence to the above email addresses.
Nigeria needs urgently to be addressed with a programme of reconstruc on based on an alterna ve perspec ve to the current sham!
Accord Party Chastise Osun PDP Chairman, Bisi
THE Chris Imumolen led fac on of the Accord Party in Osun State has cau oned the state chairman of the People’s Democra c Party (PDP), Mr Sunday Bisi against making any reckless statement regarding the structure of the party in the state.
The leadership of the party under Prof Chris Imumolen described the recent statement credited to Bisi that the chairmen of PDP are automa c chairmen of the Accord Party at all levels as reckless and unguided.
Reac ng to a viral video where Bisi said the Accord Party does not have a structure in many wards un l Governor Ademola Adeleke joined the party alongside many of the PDP members, the Accord Party noted that the statement was that of a frustrated poli cian
•Says Party Well Grounded In Osun Before Adeleke Joined
who has lost bearing and struggling for poli cal relevance.
The party reiterated that the authen c leadership of the party in the state presented Hon Clement Kolawole Bamigbola as its gorvernorship candidate and the failure of the Independent Naonal Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize him as the party’s flag bearer has led to a pending li ga on.
Also, the party noted that the statement made by Bisi was subjudize as there is a pending suit in court to determine the authen c leadership of the party in the state and also the gorvernorship candidate of the party.
The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Muideen Abayomi Afolabi in a statement released on Monday said he remains the only chairman of the Accord Party in the state, stressing that the party is well grounded in
the state contrary to the statement made by Bisi. He warned Bisi to
desist from ac ons and statements capable of heighten poli cal ten-
Two Injured As APC, Accord Party Members Clash In Ilesa
not be immediately verified.
persing the aggrieved supporters.
of the commission’s officials was harmed.
AT least two persons were injured on Monday a er a violent clash erupted between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party in Ilesa West Local Government Area during the ongoing Con nuous Voters Registra on (CVR) exercise.
The incident occurred around noon at Ward 08, Isida area, Ilesa, where residents had gathered for the exercise organised by the Independent Na onal Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2026 governorship elec on in the state.
Eyewitnesses said tension began to rise shortly a er INEC officials arrived at about 12:34 p.m., mee ng a large presence of APC supporters at the venue. The situa on reportedly escalated when members of the Accord Party also mobilized to the area, leading to a confronta on between the two groups.
A resident, Segun, disclosed that the clash quickly turned violent, with sporadic gunshots heard across the Isida and nearby Ita-Akogun areas.
The sound of gunshot forced traders and business owners to abruptly shut down their shops, while residents fled for safety to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
Sources within the community said some individuals sustained injuries in the chaos, though the exact number could
Security opera ves were later deployed to the scene and succeeded in restoring calm a er dis-
Meanwhile, INEC spokesperson, Musa Olurode, confirmed the incident, saying that none
He added that the commission had convened an emergency stakeholders’ mee ng to assess the
situa on and decide on the next line of ac on, including possible rescheduling or reinforcement of security for the exercise in the affected area.
Art/Culture
sion in the state, just as he urged members of the public to discountenance the statement made by Bisi.
The party reiterated that the only recognized na onal chairman of the party is Prof Chris Imumolen, while the state chairman is Alhaji Muideen Abayomi Afolabi.
The Impacts Of Arts In The Society
ART has always held a significant place in society, influencing and reflec ng the culture and community it emerges from. From ancient cave pain ngs to contemporary digital art, the impact of art is profound and far-reaching. It serves as a mirror to societal values, challenges norms and inspires change. Art bridges the gap between different cultures and me periods, offering a universal language that transcends words. It enhances our environment, making spaces more vibrant and meaningful. The crea ve process itself fosters innovaon and cri cal thinking, essen al skills in today’s world.
The Role of Art in Cultural Iden ty Art plays a crucial role in forming and expressing cultural iden ty. It captures the essence of a community’s beliefs, tradi ons, and experiences, preserving them for future genera ons. Through visual storytelling, art conveys complex cultural narraves that might otherwise
be lost. This preserva on of heritage ensures that cultural iden ty remains vibrant and influen al. Furthermore, art fosters a sense of belonging and pride within a community. Public art installa ons, for example, become landmarks that locals iden fy with, strengthening communal bonds. These ar s c
expressions celebrate diversity and encourage cultural exchange, fostering mutual respect and understanding among different communi es.
Art as a Catalyst for Social Change
Throughout history, art has been a powerful tool for social ac vism. It challenges the status quo, giv-
ing voice to marginalized groups and sparking conversa ons about cri cal issues. From protest art to socially engaged projects, ar sts use their pla orms to highlight injus ces and advocate for change. By engaging audiences on an emo onal level, art can inspire empathy and ac on. Iconic works like
Picasso’s “Guernica” or Banksy’s street art have raised awareness and influenced public opinion on various social and poli cal ma ers. This ability to provoke thought and mo vate ac on makes art an indispensable element in the pursuit of social jus ce.
The Economic Impact of Art
The art industry significantly contributes to the economy through various channels. Art galleries, museums, and cultural events a ract tourism, generating revenue and crea ng jobs. The commercial art market, including sales of artworks and art-related merchandise, is another substan al economic driver.
Moreover, art investments have become a popular means of wealth preserva on and growth. High-net-worth individuals o en include art in their por olios, recognizing its poten al for long-term apprecia on. This economic aspect of art underscores its value beyond aesthetics, highligh ng its role in financial ecosystems.
•Chairman, Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Isa Adesiji presenting ADC flag to newly defected Accord/ PDP members from Egbedore Local Government Area yesterday at Oranmiyan House, Osogbo
Michael Bamigbola
Oladele Israel
South West ADC Youth Mobilisation Team Mobilises Support For Ekiti, Osun Governorship Candidates
THE South West Youth Mobilizaon Team of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) has intensified efforts to galvanize grassroots support for the party’s governorship candidates in Eki and Osun States ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Speaking during a strategic mobilizaon engagement, the South West Zonal Coordinator, Prince Babatunde Adewumi, emphasized the crical role of youth parcipa on in shaping the poli cal future of the region.
He noted that the ADC remains commi ed to providing credible leadership alterna ves anchored on transparency, accountability and in-
clusive governance.
Prince Adewumi highlighted that the youth wing of the party has embarked on coordinated outreach campaigns across communi es in both states, aimed at sensi zing voters on the party’s agenda and encouraging ac ve civic par cipa on.
According to him, the ini a ve seeks to harness the energy and numerical strength of young people to drive meaningful poli cal change.
He further stressed that the ADC governorship candidates in Eki and Osun States represent a new genera on of leadership capable of addressing key developmental challenges, including unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and economic growth.
“The future of our
•Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Abiodun Bankole Ojo with co-converner of Asa Day World wide, Mr Gbemi Faleti and others during a press briefing on ASA Day 2026
democracy lies in the hands of young people. We are mobilizing, organizing, and empowering youths to take ownership of
the electoral process and support candidates who truly represent their interests,” Adewumi stated. Poli cal observ-
ers note that youthdriven mobiliza on efforts have become increasingly significant in Nigeria’s evolving democra c
landscape, par cularly in the South West region, where voter awareness and parcipa on con nue to rise.
World Oral Health Day: OSCO-HEALTH Provost, Dr Raheem Calls For Concerted Efforts To Improve Oral Hygiene
Shola Aderinto I hereby declare this year’s edi on of the celebra on opened”.
AS the world marks the 2026 Oral Health Day, the Provost, Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa, Dr Lateef Olarewaju Raheem has called for a widespread awareness on the dangers of not paying a en on to oral health.
This is even as the School of Dental Health of the College hosted a Public Lecture en tled “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life.”
The Provost who was represented at the programme by the Deputy Provost, Mrs Margaret Oparinde, established a connec on between oral health and overall mental well-being of an individual.
He noted that poor oral hygiene can lead to condi ons like cavies, gum disease, and tooth loss, which may affect confidence, social interac ons, and overall mental health.
According to him, “It is worthy of note that a good oral health can lead to a healthy mental wellbeing of an individual, hence i urge everyone the world over to take good care of their mental health.
Delivering the lecture, Guest Speaker, Dr Adebukola Adegbite noted that a very good oral hygiene will give an individual high confidence which can invariably lead to success in his/her endeavours.
He stressed that If anything goes wrong with any component of the mouth, the individual will not be comfortable in the day to day ac vi es because of pain or low self esteem.
Dr Adegbite enjoined all and sundry to take their oral well being serious for a healthier life and an overall mental wellbeing.
In a goodwill message, the Director, School of Dental Health, Mr Mu au Bello described the World Oral Health Day as the largest global campaign promo ng oral health hygiene around the world.
In their separate remarks, the Head of Department, Dental Therapy, Mr Ojesola Joseph and H.O.D Dental Surgery, Mrs Idayat Adebayo commended the Provost of the College for his support towards the
•As School Of Dental Health Hosts Public Lecture
department which made it possible to organise the event. They called on
members of the public to raise awareness and priori ze oral health which they de-
scribed as an essen al component of overall well-being that is often overlooked.
Entertainment
The ADC’s renewed grassroots strategy is expected to strengthen its visibility and compe veness in both Eki and Osun, as par es intensify prepara ons for the governorship elecons.
Asa Day 2026: Dele Odule, Antar Laniyan, Toyin Adegbola, Others To Storm Osun
Michael Bamigbola
OSOGBO, the Osun State capital will on March, 31 played host to renowned ar stes including Dele Odule, Antar Laniyan, Toyin Adegbola and several others who have made mark in the entertainment industry.
The ar stes are expected in the state for the 2026 edi on of the Asa Day organized by the Asa Day Worldwide in collabora on with the Osun State government.
Addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Tuesday, the co-convener of Asa Day Worldwide, Mr Gbemi Fale hinted that the programme which is the 10th in its series will feature prominent personali es in the entertainment industry drawn from different parts of the country.
He disclosed that the programme which will hold at the Oasis event centre, Agunbelewo, Osogbo will also a ract cultural icons from all parts of the coun-
try, while different cultural troupe will also feature.
He hinted that the inia ve was conceived years ago by the Oloro of Oro kingdom in Kwara State, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye to promote culture and tradions of the Yoruba people. Fale who recalled the successes recorded in the previous edi ons of the programme held in Lagos, Ibadan, Canada and other places assured that the rich cultural values and tradion of the Yoruba people
will be awakened at the programme.
He said “Asa Day 2026 promises a rich showcase of Yoruba heritage through tradi onal dances, poetry,music and other cultural expressions. Featured performances will include renowned ar stes such as Adunni and Nefre , Yomi Duro-Ladipo, Arewa Asa Culturetainment Founda on and many others.
“The event will also host prominent Nollywood personali es including Dele Odule, Antar Laniyan, Toyin Adegbola and Bose Akinola among many others,” he
added.
Also, the state commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Abiodun Bankole Ojo said the state government is fully in support of the programme, adding that the current administra on in the state has promoted culture, tradi on and tourism in diverse ways.
The commissioner said a lot of poten als are embedded in culture and tourism, assuring that the Governor Ademola Adeleke led administra on in the state is determined to tap into the poten als for the benefit of the state.
Bisola Aremu & Abdullahi Ibrahim
•Odule
•Adegbola •Laniyan
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026
NELFUND Disburses Over N2billion To UNIOSUN Students
Yusuf Oketola
THE Nigerian Educa on Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the successful disbursement of ins tu onal loans to students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) and Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU) for the 2025/2026 Academic Session.
In an announcement on its official X account on Wednesday, NELFUND said a combined total of
₦2,109,980,200 has been disbursed to
support 7,382 UNIOSUN and KIU students across mul ple batches.
NELFUND explained that ₦2,038,534,000 was disbursed to 5,924 beneficiaries across six batches in UNIOSUN.
It said ₦47,638,900 was disbursed to 955 KIU students in the fi h batch while the sixth batch saw ₦23,807,300 being disbursed to 503 students, making a total amount of ₦71,446,200 to 1,458 students in the ins tuon.
This milestone, NELFUND said, reflects its unwavering commitment to expanding access to higher edu-
ca on across Nigeria and ensuring that no eligible student is le behind due to financial constraints.
Adeleke Laments Delay In Completion Of Ife Flyover/Dualisation
Yusuf Oketola
OSUN State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed dissatisfac on with the slow pace of work on the Lagere flyover and dualisa on projects at Ile Ife, tasking the contractor to hasten up the construc on.
The Governor in a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, ques oned the a tude of the contractor handling the Ile-Ife project, warning that the state government would not accept any further delay.
The Governor, accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi and the Commissioner for Special Du es, Dr Bashiru Salami, said the April ending deadline should be complied with without any further delay.
“I am dissa sfied with the slow pace of work on this project. This is totally unacceptable. We will not tolerate any further delay. I have promised our father, the Oonirisa and people of IleIfe of early compleon. There should be no room for any further delay”, the Governor warned.
Earlier, the Governor had flagged off the rehabilitaon of GbalefefefeOmi-Igbin-KoolaAsabi Famia Road in Modakeke.
The Governor received by Oba
Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, the Ogunsua of Modakeke; the Commissioner for Transport, Hon Sesan Oyedele; and Hon Samuel Oyedotun, said his administra on is embarking on the road rehabilitaon in response to the yearnings and aspira ons of Modakeke people.
The Governor said his administra on has already completed the rehabilita on of Celesal - Ajape road and Ap - Oronna road within Modakeke.
APC Trying To Frame Me - Osun SUBEB Chair Cries Out
Yusuf Oketola
THE Chairman of Osun State Universal Basic Educa on Board (SUBEB), Hon. Ibukun Fadipe, has accused the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning his arrest.
In a statement by his Media Director, Felix Alalade, a mee ng was allegedly held by APC the leaders in Osogbo to orchestrate his arrest and unlawful deten on based on his widely acceptability as the leading voice of the Osun East Senatorial District.
“The reported involvement of selected APC figures from Osun East in this ignoble conspiracy further exposes the depth of despera on that has engulfed the party. Having clearly lost poli cal relevance and the confidence of the people, the APC has now resorted to in mida on, harassment, and oppression of credible leaders within the Accord poli cal family.
“Let it be made abundantly clear: Hon. Fadipe
Ibukun Ishola is a lawabiding ci zen, a tested administrator, and a symbol of hope whose growing acceptance across Osun State cannot be suppressed by cheap poli cal machina ons,” the statement read.
Alalade called on tradional rulers, civil society organiza ons and security agencies in the state to
take keen interest in the development.
“We therefore call on: Tradi onal rulers across Osun State, Respected opinion leaders and stakeholders, Civil society organizaons, Security agencies And all well-meaning Nigerians to take keen interest
in this alarming development and ensure that no individual or group is allowed to subvert democra c principles for selfish poli cal gains.
“We wish to state, without ambiguity, that any a empt to execute this malicious plot will be met with lawful, democra c, and overwhelming resistance from the
masses, including youths, women, students, and all lovers of jus ce across Osun State.
The peace of our state must not be sacrificed on the altar of poli cal despera on,” the statement added.
All efforts to get the reac on of the APC proved abor ve as of the me of filing this report.
Mob Storms Amotekun Office In Osun, Injure Officers, Weapons Missing
Oladele Israel
SUSPECTED hoodlums on Monday night reportedly launched an a ack on the Egbedore Local Government Command of the Osun State Security Network Agency (also known as Amotekun in Awo, headquarters of the local government injuring personnel and allegedly carting away firearms. The disturbance
was said to have started around 8:00 p.m. when a man, who had been pursued by a group of assailants ran into the Amotekun facility for safety.
It was gathered that the vic m had earlier encountered one of the a ackers over a lingering dispute believed to be connected to a football related clash from the previous day.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the suspect later returned with reinforce-
ments armed with machetes and other weapons, advancing toward the security office in large numbers. Although officers ini ally intervened to shield the vic m, the situa on quickly escalated as the group reportedly forced their way into the premises. In the process, parts of the facility were damaged, operaonal equipment was destroyed and some officers sustained in-
juries while trying to curtail the a ack. The invaders were also alleged to have seized firearms before retrea ng from the scene. Calm was eventually restored a er Amotekun opera ves repelled the a ackers.
Security sources confirmed that five suspects were apprehended in connec on with the incident and subsequently handed over to the police in Awo for further invesga on.
LENT is a period of 40 days from ash Wednesday to the day preceding Easter, observed by the christian community for the purpose of self-examination, repentance and preparation for baptism of new converts. This season reminds us of Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness as found in Matthew 4:1-11. However, the most striking incidents in the whole episode are the TEMPTATION and VICTORY. A deeper scrutiny in the incident clearly reveals that Christ has been prepared and equipped for the temptation before it began.
Read Matt. 4:1. “Then, was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil”
Obviously, Christ did not go to the wilderness merely to fast but to be tempted. Fasting was a way of preparing him or getting him spirit-filled. Remember he had completed his 40 days fasting.
Read Matt. 4:2-3. “And when he has fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said …”. It’s obvious that the tempter
Winning In Lent
“Child of God this scripture buttresses the fact that lenten season requires spiritual connectivity and baptism. The lenten period is characterised by temptation and you need to be spirit-filled to be able to overcome temptation. If you are spiritually empty in the season of lent, the devil will fill you with filthy contents” came after he had completed his fasting which connotes that he had been equipped.
I want to state categorically clear that one thing that helped Christ to defeat the devil is that he was not carnal. He was spiritfilled.
Gal. 5:16. “This I say then, walk in the spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Temptation is spiritual. Don’t forget the tempter is a spirit and those that must overcome him must be spirit-filled. No carnal mind will be able to overcome temptation because :
“For the flesh lusteth against the spirit … Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these; Adultery, fornication …”.
Gal. 5:17,19
Child of God this scripture buttresses the fact that lenten season requires spiritual connectivity and baptism. The lenten period is characterised by temptation and you need to be spirit-filled to be able to overcome temptation. If you are spiritually empty in the season of lent, the devil will fill you with filthy contents.
For you to be spirit filled, you need to jettison every form of carnal and filthy thoughts and actions.
“.. or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, …”.
Psalm 24:3,4
You must have a pure heart and clean hands for you to be holy and spirit-filled.
May the LORD help us to overcome all trials and temptations this season.
Apostle Dr Bright Onyenweaku
General Superintendent Glorious Light Of The World Evangelical Ministries.
Tel. +2348037924349
Email. apostledrbrighto@ gmail.com
NCS Facilitates Restorative Justice In Osun, Pardons Offenders
Yusuf Oketola
THE Non-Custodial Unit of the Nigerian Correc onal Service (NCoS), Osun State Command, has successfully facilitated a restora ve jus ce process, OSUN DEFENDER reports.
This, according to a statement by the Command Public Rela ons Officer, Joel Oyedokun reinforced the service’s commitment to alterna ve sentencing in accordance with Secon 43 of the NCoS Act, 2019. The ini a ve, coordinated by Chief Superintendent of Correc ons (CSC) Musibau Olopade, brought together offenders, their families and a respected community and religious leader in a mediated session focused on reconciliaon, accountability, and reintegra on. This process highlights the Service’s dedica on to humane, reforma ve, and community-centered jus ce administra on.
During a formal presenta on at the office of the Controller of Correcons in the state, Olapade provided a comprehensive overview of the case and the steps taken to achieve reconcilia on.
He explained the circumstances that prevented the vic m from being physically present at the session.
In his remarks, the
Controller of Correcons, Osun State Command, Ro mi Oluwadele reiterated the core mandates of the Nigerian Correc onal Service, par cularly its
emphasis on rehabilitaon, reintegra on and public safety.
He advised the offenders recently released from the Medium Security Custodial
Osun Guber: INEC Intensifies Pre-Election Preparations, Warn Against Malpractices, Vote Buying
Shola Aderinto
THE Independent Na onal Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has stepped up its pre-elec on prepara ons, with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mu u Agboke, holding stakeholders’ meetings across the state. The mee ngs, held in Osogbo, Ede North and Ede South Local Government Areas, aimed to engage stakeholders and discuss security concerns, voter registra on, and electoral guidelines Dr. Agboke empha-
sized the importance of collec ve adherence to electoral guidelines, stating that no candidate would be declared winner without securing the mandate of voters.
He also warned against electoral malprac ces, including vote buying and tampering with results
The INEC REC reiterated the commission’s commitment to conduc ng a free, fair and credible elec on, urging stakeholders to take responsibility for ensuring peaceful polls.
Centre (MSCC), Ilesa to desist from unlawful ac vi es and embrace the opportunity offered by restora ve jus ce to rebuild trust and reintegrate into society as responsible ci zens. He further encouraged them to remain respectful to their parents and contribute meaningfully to their communi es.
The parents of the offenders expressed deep apprecia on to the Controller of Correc ons and the Non-Custodial officers for their professionalism and commitment, which led to the successful resolu on of the case.
Also speaking, community leader Elder Bisi
Makanjuola, a former Managing Director of Machine Tools, Osogbo, commended the Nigerian Correc onal Service par cularly the NonCustodial Unit for its impac ul interven ons.
He acknowledged that prior to this engagement, his awareness of non-custodial measures was limited, but he now fully appreciates their role in promo ng peace, accountability, and rehabilita on. He encouraged the command to intensify public sensi za on on non-custodial services across the state and offered prayers for the con nued success of the Service and the naon. In his remarks, the Officer in-charge Non Custodial service in the state, S O Johnson appreciated the Controller for giving the unit enabling environment to operate, he further charged the offenders to be of good conduct. He also commended the Field officer, Olapade and other officers for the job well done and for being the good Ambassadors of the service in their various courts. H
He pledged that noncustodial units in the state would con nue to focus on rehabilita on and reintegra on programmes.
•Amupitan
•Upbeat on the campaign trail: ADC Governorship candidate Najeem Salam on the campaign beat in Osogbo on Wednesday Photo: Latifat Omotosho
Sermon By Apostle Dr Bright Onyenweaku
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026 VOL. 21 NO 24 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
MR. Timothy Omo-bare was deputy Inspector General of Police when he a ended the Aburi Peace mee ng held in Ghana on 4th and 5th January, 1967. The mee ng was designed to bring peace to Nigeria and prevent a possible Civil war in the country. Other senior officers that a ended the Aburi mee ng were the then Head of State, LtColonel Yakubu Gowon, Colonel Adeyinka Adebayo, Lt-Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, Lt-Colonel David Ejoor, Lt-Colonel Hassan Katsina, Commodore J.E.A. Wey, Major Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Kam Salem and Mr. T. Omo-Bare.
The Secretaries who a ended the meeting were Mr. S.I.A. Akenzua (Permanent Under-Secretary, Federal Cabinet Office, Mr. P.T. Odumosu, Secretary to the Military Government, West, Mr. N.U. Akpan, Secretary to the Military Government, East, Mr. D.P. Lawani, Under-Secretary, Military Governor’s Office, Mid-West and Alhaji Ali Akilu, Secretary to the Military Government, North.
Senior Military Officers with extremist views including Major Murtala Mohammed and Captain T.Y. Danjuma were excluded from the Aburi mee ng which was called by the Ghanian Head of State, General Joseph Arthur Ankrah (18 August 1915 – 25 November 1992).
On the second day of the mee ng, there was a serious deadlock with Mr. Omo-bare, playing the role of a peacemaker. Mr. Timothy Omo-bare was born in January 26, 1913 in Uzebba in Edo state. He had his educa on at St. Peter’s School, Benin City, Government School, Kwale and St. Peter’s Training College, Benin. He joined the Police Force in 1933, became the Commissioner of Police between 1964 and 1966, deputy Inspector General of Police, 19661968 and a Federal Commissioner for Rehabilita on between 1968 and 1970.
Mr. Omo-Bare told the deadlocked mee ng on that day “We cannot sit here and divide up Nigeria, because the way things are now moving is towards regionaliza on of everything, and I do not think it is safe or that we are right to divide up Nigeria at this table”. But it had appeared that Mr. Omo-bare’s appeal fell on deaf ears and in few months later, those military officers came back home to fight a senseless civil war, the scars that are s ll with us today.
I think Mr. Omo-bare’s words of wisdom are be er directed to Nigeria’s poli cal class today. It appears there is despera on in the air. Both the opposi on and the ruling party, have crossed the redline. Each is determined to finish the other by all means. They need to be reminded that they have no right to break up this great country because of the coming elec on. They need also to be reminded that there is no safe haven for them if Nigeria breaks up and that there is no country on earth where they will enjoy their loot like Nigeria. A red line is more than just a phrase; it
“No doubt both the opposition and the government have crossed the red line and there seems to be no ceasefire and no going back. The sad aspect is that the innocent people are the victims of the senseless war, all in a bid for power and to loot the treasury”
Crossing The Red PERSPECTIVE By ERIC TENIOLA
embodies boundaries and limits that, once crossed, signal unacceptable behaviour or ac ons. Imagine you’re in a nego a on--perhaps over something as significant as peace talks or even personal rela onships. The term red line serves as an ul matum: cross this boundary, and there will be consequences.
Historically rooted in various contexts, the concept of a red line has evolved into both metaphorical and literal interpretaons. In diploma c discussion, leaders o en establish these lines to signify nonnego able terms. For instance, when one party states they cannot accept certain condi ons because it crosses their red line, they are drawing a firm boundary around what they deem acceptable.
In everyday life, we encounter our own personal lines too----whether it’s tolera ng disrespect from friends or colleagues or se ng boundaries within family dynamics. These limits help us maintain our values and protect our well-being.
Ul mately, whether we’re discussing interna onal diplomacy or individual rights at home, understanding what cons tutes a red line’ helps clarify expecta ons and responsibili es among par es involved.
Presiden al elec on in Nigeria is always awaited with much anxiety but this coming one, looks more deadly than the previous ones.
I remember with Nostalgia, the 1959 general elec on, it was held on December 12, 1959. The Governor General, Sir James Wilson Robertson (27 October 1899 – 23 September 1983) issued a declara on on October 8, 1959. I was then a student at Methodist School Otapete, Ilesha, along with Olu Malomo, Bola Olojo, Bisi Fatunwase, then Miss Bolanle Jegede, late Shiyan Malomo and others.
Our interest in poli cs grew then, because the first Na onal Vice President of the NCN, Sir Odeleye Fadahunsi’s house was at the back of our school. And because of the ac vi es in his house, we took special interests in party poli cs. My guardian and teacher at that me was late Mr. Fa-
tunwase while our Head master was one, Mr. Esan.
Elec ons were to be held in 312 single member cons tuencies throughout the country (elec on for 8 seats for Southern Cameroons representa ves was suspended pending the outcome of the plebiscite on the future of the Territory to be held before March, 1961) of which 174 were in Northern Nigeria, 62 were in Western Nigeria, 73 were in Eastern Nigeria and 3 were in Lagos.
The dissolved House was elected in 1954 and consisted of 184 elected members and 6 special members to represent special interests (commerce, shipping, banking, etc.). On August 29, 1957, the first Prime Minister of the Federa on, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (December 1912 – 15 January 1966), was appointed and a coali on government was formed.
No less than 26 par es were registered to contest the elec ons but by common consent the main contests lay between the Northern People’s Congress of Northern Nigeria, the Ac on Group of Western Nigeria and the Na onal Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons of Eastern Nigeria. Each of these par es was contes ng the elec ons either directly or through its allies throughout the Federa on.
For the first me vo ng was by secret ballot throughout the country. All registered adults in Western and Eastern Nigeria were eligible to vote and all registered adult males were eligible in Northern Nigeria.
An amendment to the Cons tu on Orders in Council provided for the establishment of a Senate consis ng of not less than 56 appointed members plus those members of the Federal House of Representaves who were Members of the Council of Ministers. The Governor-in-Council of each Region and the Commissioner of the Cameroons would each appoint twelve for Lagos (one being the Oba of Lagos and one from the White Cap and War Chief of the Capital) and four were appointed by the Governor-General, Senators should not be less than 40 years old.
By January 1959, the Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe GCFR (16 November 1904 – 11 May 1996), and Chief Obafemi Awolowo (6 March 1909 – 9 May 1987), Premier of the Western Region had decided to stand as candidates in the Federal Elec ons that would take place in December. Dr. Azikiwe’s decision followed a unanimous resolu on of the execu ve commi ee of the N.C.N.C. expressing the belief that “in the interest of the na on and the party and in consonance with the wishes of the people, Dr. Azikiwe should be a member of the Federal Legislature”.
The Sardauna of Sokoto of the N.P.C. and Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello GCON, had stated that he did not intend to try to enter the Federal House. It was believed that Dr. Endeley, Premier of the Southern Cameroons, would not stand as a federal candidate either.
In October, Professor Eyo Ita, a member for Calabar in the Eastern House of Assembly and the Leader of the United Na onal Independence Party resigned from the party and joined N.C.N.C.
In accordance with the dictates of his conscience and in obedience to the chiefs and members of his cons tuency. The professor was for many years the first na onal Vice-President of the N.C.N.C. From 1952 to May 1953, he was the leader of Government Business and Minister of Natural Resources in the East. During the Constu onal Crisis in 1953, he resigned and formed the Na onal Independence Party, which later merged with Mr. Alvan Ikoku’s fac on to become the U.N.P.
Professor Ita was the leader of the opposi on from then un l March 1957, when he was displaced by Mr. S.G. Ikoku of the Ac on Group. He resigned from C.O.R. state movement in September 1959.
By October 25, 1959, the Poli cal leaders were fully engaged in elec on Campaign. There were accusa ons of inmida on, bribery, hypocrisy, etc. Each Party’s representa ves had made official complaints to the Governor General about their treatment in the Regions controlled by their opponents. At a press conference held in Lagos, Mr. K. Bovell, InspectorGeneral of the Nigerian Police described ac ons which police were taking to ensure fair and orderly elec ons.
There would be 5,000 Nigeria policemen, 1,200 L.A. police and 6,000 Special Constables to maintain order.
Polling sta ons would number 25,400; 9,600 in the North;8,000 in the East, 7,500 in the West; and 300 in Lagos. Nine million people would be en tled to vote. The Sta s cs of registra on were as follows: Northern Region---3,885,000(en tled to register); 3,640,284 (Actual registra on) and 93.7% (percentage registra on), Eastern Region---3,423,000(persons en tled to register), 2,598,234 (actual registraon) and 75.7% (percentage registra on), Western Region---2,759,000 (en tled to register), 2,653, 188(actual registra on) and 96.2 (percentage registra on) and Lagos---1777,000(persons en tled to register) , 144,000 (Actual registra on) and 81.6%(percentage registra on).
In the north where the N.C.N.C. claimed that party supporters had been a acked at Bida and the N.E.P.U. claimed that N.A. had been obstruc ve, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe said that he hoped that the rulers of the Region would realise social upheaval could not be resolved by harsh laws and imprisonment.
•Read full article on www.osundefender.com
•Eric Teniola, a former director at the Presidency, wrote from Lagos.
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
•Awolowo
•Azikiwe