FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026
Osun Govt Pays February Salary To Omoluabi Security Workers After Osun Defender Report
March, April Remuneration Remain Pending
STAFF of the Omoluabi Security Services have been paid one month salary out of three months salaries owed by Osun State Government, OSUN DEFENDER gathered.
The development comes two weeks after OSUN DEFENDER reported that the security workers are facing difficul es over the unpaid salaries by the state government.
The medium reliably gathered that February salary was paid leaving March and April pending.
“They hurriedly paid one month (February) out of three months they owed a er your medium reported the issue. Up ll this moment, we have not been paid for March and April respec vely. This month (May) is almost running to an end,
there is no hope that they will pay. We are in a dilemma because sallah is approaching. We have Muslims who have obliga ons to perform in this
month.
“We appeal to Governor Ademola Adeleke to please pay the three months arrears so we can clear our debts. It has not
been easy. The one month we got couldn’t sustain us,” one of the staff told OSUN DEFENDER yesterday. Meanwhile, the situa on, according
to a cross-sec on of the security workers who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER under the condi on of anonymity, is becoming unbearable, as many of
Najeem Salaam Condemns Killing Of Abducted Teacher, Says Nigerians’ Safety More Important Than 2027 Politics
Israel Oladele
THE governorship candidate of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) in the August 15 Osun State elec on, Najeem Salaam, has condemned the brutal killing of a teacher abducted by suspected bandits in Oyo State. Salaam described the beheading of Mr. Michael Oyedokun as disturbing, heartbreaking, and a reflec on of the worsening insecurity currently facing the country. He said the increasing rate of kidnappings and killings across Nigeria has become deeply alarming and requires urgent atten on from the government and security agencies.
In a statement obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly reacted to the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where several students and teachers were abducted by armed men.
According to him, the incident highlights the growing danger faced by ordinary Nigerians, including teachers and schoolchildren, who have increasingly become targets of criminal groups opera ng across
different parts of the country.
Salaam stressed that the protec on of lives and property should take precedence over polical ac vi es and prepara ons for the 2027 general elec ons. He warned that governance would lose its meaning if ci zens could no longer feel safe in their homes, schools, and communies.
“The lives of Nigerians must come before polical calcula ons and 2027 campaigns. The primary responsibility of government is to secure lives, protect communi es, and restore confidence in the na on’s security system,” he stated.
He further described the con nued abduc on and killing of innocent Nigerians as unacceptable, adding that the na on’s security challenges have reached a cri cal stage that demands sincere and decisive ac on from leaders at all levels.
The ADC candidate called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently intensify efforts aimed at rescuing the remaining abductees and bringing the perpetrators of the a ack to jus ce. He urged authori es to deploy every available resource and strategy
necessary to tackle insecurity and prevent further tragedies.
According to Salaam, the a ack should serve as a wake-up call for poli cal leaders across the country to treat insecurity as a na onal emergency rather than focusing solely on poli cal contests and alignments ahead of future elec ons.
He also extended condolences to the family of the slain teacher, his colleagues, students, and the people of Oyo State over the painful incident.
The a ack occurred last Friday when armed bandits reportedly in-
vaded communi es in Oriire Local Government Area, targe ng three schools — Community Grammar School, Bapst Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
During the a ack, about 30 students and teachers were reported-
ly abducted, while two persons lost their lives. The incident has since sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the security situa on in the country, par cularly in rural communi es and educa onal ins tu ons.
“I’m Still In The Race” – Transformer Dismisses Imposition Rumours
and
DR. Adewale Majeed Salami, popularly called “Transformer,” has reaffirmed his candidacy for the House of Representa ves elec on under the pla orm of the Accord Party. This is even as hundreds of Accord Party supporters gathered at his residence in a peaceful show of solidarity.
Addressing the crowd, Salami said he remains fully in the race to represent Ede North, Ede South,
State. Dismissing the claims, Salami insisted no indi-
vidual or group could inmidate him out of the contest.
He said his ambi on reflects the people’s de-
•Continued on page 4
them could not afford to feed themselves and their respec ve families.
Also, the affected workers are resor ng to loans to take transporta on to their places of duty.
The workers are paid a sum of N25,000 as their monthly takehome by the state government.
A staff of the security ou it who craved anonymity while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, yesterday, expressed disappointment over the situaon.
“The situa on is becoming unbearable for us. What we are earning is not what the government should delay for months. We are not even sure if May’s salary will be paid before Ileya. That will make it the third month. The situa on is excrucia ng and we can no longer endure it. I have been trekking to work since this issue began while I borrow from people to feed myself and family.
“We appeal to Governor Adeleke to please look into the issue as a ma er of urgency. We don’t know why our own case is different; all other security agencies are not treated this way. Their salaries are being paid regularly,” the staff stated.
Another operave of the Omoluabi Security Service also appealed to the authori es to treat the ma er with urgency, saying she has run into debt as the situa on persists.
The staff also begged the state government to review the N25,000 remunera on in view of the current economic reality.
The source said, “I want to plead with the authority to please attend to our ma er. It has been almost three months that we have not received salaries. We also at the same me urged the government to review the N25,000 to meet up with the current economic reality.
“Imagine a married woman trekking to work. The money is not even enough to cater for our needs. We believe the governor has a listening ear,” he added.
•Salaam
•Ambassador Majeed Salami addressing his supporters during the peaceful protest
Ibrahim Abdullahi
Egbedore,
Ejigbo Federal Cons tuency under the Accord Party in Osun
•Cross section of African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates during their screening exercise at Oranmiyan House in Osogbo, recently Photo Shola Aderinto
Yusuf Oketola
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026
THE a acks on Oriire Local Government in Oyo state makes it unambiguously clear to even the deluded that everywhere in Nigeria is now in the frontline in war against terror. Nobody, nowhere is now safe against the mayhem unleashed by the marauders.
We cannot but commend our valiant officers in uniform. In their patrio c call to duty, they have consistently gone beyond the call of duty.
We once again call for extra funding for them and members of their families. Nevertheless, there is now a compelling need for a review of strategy and tac cs.
We are making this call for the upteenth me as a patrio c duty and it is an urgent request. It is clear that its commendably posi ve result coming out of the combined a acks on known beeheaves in the North East and North West.
They are now changing their strategic focus and dispersing South wards. Alarmingly we are hearing of a acks in the last two days in Ogun State! In thier ba le for survival the terrorists are showing the fires element of supply, they must be caught napping.
As far as the South West is concerned. We must now on the reboo ng re-equiping the amotekun and expanding the forest rangers . It is clear that both are under equiped and the two forma ons do not have adequate boot on ground.
Both issues have to be tackled with ferocious energy. We there to suggest that bilateral agreement should be negoated with the Bri sh and the United States amongst other to send trainers to retrain them. Retraining must also
“The South West is clearly now enticing to the terrorists because it has a lot of mining sides outside of the control of the State. This is now an issue, for with constant bombardment the marauders are loosing a lot of their traditional site of funding. They now have to look elsewhere. What must be done is that we have to develop Special Forces to secure unbehave of the State areas of illegal mining activities both actual and potential”
It Has Come To The South West
focus on the use of technology as a fighter modus operandi.
The South West is clearly now en cing to the terrorists because it has a lot of mining sides outside of the control of the State. This is now an issue, for with constant bombardment the marauders are loosing a lot of their tradi onal site of funding. They now have to look elsewhere. What must be done is that we have to develop Special Forces to secure unbehave of the State areas of illegal mining ac vi es both actual and poten al. It is clear that there is a limit to how much the criminal can extract from kidnapping and adopons. Illegal mining clearly provides higher and steadier returns.
The source of funding must be cut off in addi on, the State must now loose a combina on of intelligence network as well as the incorpora on of technology to trace the movement of funds.
The heart rendering seems from Oriire Local Government now makes it urgent to review the safe school ini ave. This was put together as a response to the a acks on schools, and a lot of foreign dona ons was involved. The ini a ve has been so serious that an esteem former Bri sh Prime Minister Gordon Brown was brought in to be involved in the scheme. Alarmingly bit has been a specular failure.
This is a disgrace to the naon.
We therefore call for an urgent forensic audit of the funds under the strict supervision of civil society incorpora ng bodies such SERAP, BUGGEIT, The ins tute Chartered Accountant in Nigeria (ICAN) and so forth. The audit must be a full public glare and those who have been tampering with the funding in the process endangering the life of peoples and students must be fished out and brought to book. Not only as a deterrence but also as a face-saving measure to redeem the country in the house of the interna onal community. Further more, there must be res tuon of a puni ve type.
The Safes Schools ini a-
EXPLAINER
•Nigeria is now facing a full blown attack by terrorists, we must consider if need activating a War Economy
•A holistic review on outlook of the entire Military strategy must be undertaken as response to the mutations of the Terrorist.
•Interrogating and tracing the terrorists source of funding is now critical to befitting them.
•There must be a holistic forensic audit of the Safe Schools initiative under the strict supervision of civil society.
•The outcome of the investigation in itself should be seen as a national security issue.
ve has to be restored under a new opera ng and driven by civil society and not by bureaucra c. This me local communi es, tradi onal instu ons parents -teacher associa on as well as old students must be at the driven sea of the revived project.
Incorpora ng local community will ensure that local intelligence gathering will be at the epic center of the safe garden ini a ve. The government must send out the above new opera onal guidelines in order to gain vitally needed foreign funding as well as enthuse local dona ons.
This must be done quickly for we are in a race against me as we cannot considerably consider an alterna ve whiçh could lead to shu ng down if all schools na onwide. This will be catastrophic for a country that already hideously has million school children out of school.
Today, we are at a cross road and we must accept the country at war, there must be a tudinal changes, if necessary we must now consider running a War Economy.
OSUN DEFENDER
Zainab Olalere
Produc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa
Painful reali es have to be adjusted to and cannot be wished away. Our hearts go out on the eve of Eid adha to the parents, the loved ones and all, the communi es involved in the carnage at Oriire Local Government.
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
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com
All correspondence to the above email addresses.
That an innocent school teacher shepherding his wards was so brutally killed drive home the point that we are dealing with monsters and the response must be ferocious.
•The gun toting abductors represents the age of monsters Nigeria must now confront
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026
Farmers, Business Owners Flee Osun Community After Deadly Attacks
Yusuf Oketola
FARMERS and business owners
in Oropa, Ido-Ayegunle in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State have been forced to desert the community a er the June 19, 2025 deadly a ack that claimed lives and destroyed proper es.
Nearly a year a er the incident, OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the community has been deserted by many over fear of possible a ack from their neighbouring community, Esa-Oke.
During the a ack, four people were gruesomely killed while many others were crically injured, according to the police.
Also, houses, shops, generators and other valuable property, including motorcycles, were razed by hoodlums, leaving residents fleeing to avoid being caught up in the melee.
The Olojudo of IdoAyegunle, Oba Oluwa mileyin Ajayi, on Monday, May 18, 2026 visited the affected se lement to assess progress in rebuilding the community and to restore hope to the people.
The visit according to him was in a bid to rese le those in exile.
Oba Ajayi was accompanied to the scene of the incident by former Yoruba Naon Agitator, Chief Sunday Igboho.
In a social media post by the monarch, he called on the indigenes, farmers and businesses owners in the area to return home while reassuring them of maximum-security protec on.
He wrote: “To all our ci zens, our hardworking farmers, and our resilient business owners who were forced to flee: this is your royal invita on to come back home. We are officially assuring you of a significantly ghter, for fied security network.
“Your ancestral lands, your farms, and your businesses are now fully protected. With the solid reassurance and the solemn vow from the Government, security agencies and Oloye Sunday Igboho to protect
Oropa, Ido-Ayegunle and the Yoruba Na on as a whole, you have nothing to fear. The palace has your back, our heroes are with us, and peace has returned to stay.”
The June 19 crisis exposed a long-standing dispute over land ownership and tradi onal authority between IdoAyegunle and Esa-Oke.
Community leaders referenced past government panels of inquiry and pending white papers related to the dispute, which dates back decades and involves land ownership, tradi onal authority, and alleged poli cal interference.
Court Declines Adeleke’s Bid To Join Suit Seeking Accord’s
Oladele Israel
THE Federal High Court si ng in Abuja has rejected applica on by some par es and poli cians, including Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who sought to be joined in a suit reques ng the deregistra on of some poli cal par es over alleged cons tu onal breaches.
Jus ce Peter Lifu, in a ruling on Wednesday, held that the applicants seeking to be joined were not necessary par es.
He subsequently announced 5th June for judgement a er listening to lawyers’ arguments on the merit of the substan ve suit.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the affected applicants are Governor Adeleke, Accord’s Osun State governorship candidate for the 15 August elec on in the state; Abayomi Arabambi, the Accord governorship candidate in Eki State for the elecon scheduled for 20 June, and Sani YakubuNoma of African Democra c Congress (ADC).
With the judgement scheduled for 5 June, the suit puts the candidacy of Governor
Adeleke, who is seeking re-elec on for a second term, and Mr Arambambi at great risk. Candidates would automa cally lose their status to compete in an elec on if their polical par es are deregistered before the elecon takes place. This is because the window for changing poli cal par es, as in this case, would have closed, and the Nigerian cons tuon does not allow individuals to run as independent candidates.
Also, victorious can-
didates could lose their posi ons if courts later find they contested on the pla orm of par es that should not have existed at the me of the elec ons.
Mr Lifu held that the applicants’ polical par es were already defendants in the suit, therefore, joining individuals in the case would be unnecessary.
The judge also refused applica ons seeking a stay of proceedings, ruling that the ma er had already proceeded to an ad-
“I’m Still In The Race” – Transformer...
•Continued on Page 5
mand for fairness, jus ce and balanced representaon across the four local governments that make up the federal cons tuency.
“The push for Ejigbo to produce the next representa ve is not about division,” he said.
Salami urged supporters to remain calm and law-abiding despite rising tensions.
He also called on party members to keep mobilizing for the Accord Party and Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship elecon, warning that internal
division could undermine the party’s chances. Also, he expressed confidence that party leaders at both state and cons tuency levels would weigh Ejigbo’s concerns before deciding on the House cket, stressing that jus ce and fairness are essen al for peace and stability.
vanced stage.
He said that hal ng the case at this stage would create hardship to other li gants in the suit, par cularly as poli cal par es were expected to submit names of candidates ahead of forthcoming elec ons.
“It is my considered view not to grant the stay except otherwise decided by the upper court,” Mr Lifu said.
He said that the Supreme Court had repeatedly cau oned the lower courts against gran ng undue stay of proceedings.
He added that the issues raised by the applicants lacked merit and were accordingly dismissed.
The suit, marked FHC/ ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was ins tuted by the Naonal Forum of Former Legislators.
The plain ff sued the Independent Na onal Electoral Commission (INEC) and several poli cal par es, including the ADC, Ac on Alliance, Ac on Peoples Party (APP), Accord, and Zenith Labour Party as defendants.
A er the ruling, the judge directed par es to adopt their processes in the main suit in line with the order of accelerated hearing earlier granted by the court.
Court sets date for judgement a er lawyers’ arguments
While adop ng their processes, the plain ff ’s lawyer, Yakubu-Abdullahi Ruba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), argued that the affected poli cal par es failed to meet cons tu onal
Deregistration
requirements rela ng to electoral spread and performance.
Mr Ruba, who relied on the Supreme Court authori es, contended that poli cal par es were required to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in prescribed elec ons to remain relevant under the law.
He urged the court to order the deregistra on of the par es, insis ng that none of the defendants had effec vely countered the argument.
Lawyer to the Attorney-General of the Federa on (AGF), A. Abdulrahman, told the court that his office possessed cons tu onal powers to support ac ons aimed at ensuring compliance with the cons tu on.
The AGF, Nigeria’s chief law officer, already filed processes supporting the suit.
At Wednesday’s hearing, the AGF’s lawyer, Mr Abdulrahman, urged the court to determine whether the par es listed as 3rd to 16th defendants had breached cons tu onal provisions.
The lawyers represen ng the affected poli cal par es, however, urged the court to dismiss the suit and impose substan al costs.
Judge Lifu, in a brief ruling, stated that the court would consider the appellate court’s decision alongside all issues canvassed by par es before delivering judgment.
The judge subsequently adjourned the ma er un l 5 June for judgement.
•Adeleke
•Olojudo of Ido-Ayegunle, Oba Oluwatimileyin Ajayi and residents of the town during the assessment of the properties destroyed during the last crisis
Fear, Apprehension Grip Osun Residents Over Oyo Kidnap, Killing
Michael Bamigbola
THE recent abducon of some students and subsequent killing of a teacher in Esiele, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State has s rred fear and apprehension in the minds of many residents of Osun State.
This is even as the residents of the state especially parents of school children have called on the state government to beef up security in the state, especially in both public and private schools located in the state.
The recent kidnap and killing in neighboring Oyo State has also led to an intense security in many towns in the state as many communi es now engage the services of local vigilantes for surveillance.
Osun Defender reliably gathered that since the ugly incident happened in Oyo State, some students in Osun State have abandoned their schools for fear of similar incident considering the proximity of the state to Oyo.
The ugly development has also made many residents of the state to demand from the state government the whereabout of the Armoured Personnel Carrier procured by the state government during the administra on of Og-
Sciences, Redeemer’s University and guests at the maiden edition of the Faculty’s Lecture Series on Wednesday
beni Rauf Aregbesola to fight crime in the state.
For years now the state government has not made use of the Armoured Personnel Carrier and the vehicles are not seen at strategic loca ons where they were
sta oned during the era of Ogbeni Aregbesola.
For instance, in Osogbo during the era of Aregbesola, the vehicles were strategically posioned at Olaiya, Dele Yes sir and other strategic areas.
It’s on record that the vehicles which were given to each of the 30 Local Government Areas and Area Office assisted at figh ng crime during the Aregbesola era.
For instance, a bank robbery in Ikirun, head-
quarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state was averted by security agents with the mely use of the Armoured Personnel Carrier.
The current security situa on in the
country, especially the extension of banditry and terrorism to the neighbouring states has made residents to ask for the whereabout of the Armoured Personnel Vehicles.
Recall that gunmen had earlier this year stormed Ora Igbomina in Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state and kidnapped some residents of the sleepy community.
The recent killing of teacher in Oyo State and the abduc on of students have also raised the anxiety of many residents of Osun State, thereby causing apprehension.
Inves ga ons revealed that some public and private schools in the state have resolved to the use of security guards while in school to prevent illegal entry of strangers.
Ooni Unveils Names Of Newborn Twin Princes
THE Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Tradi onal Rulers Council (SNTRC) Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has officially unveiled the names of his newborn twin Princes during a colourful tradi onal naming ceremony held at the ancient Emese Court within the palace in Ile-Ife, Osun
Michael Bamigbola State. The Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the ceremony, which a racted scores of dignitaries, tradi onal rulers, palace chiefs, family members, religious leaders and wellwishers from different parts of the country, was held exactly one week a er the twins were delivered by one of the Ooni’s wives, Queen
Mariam Ogunwunsi.
The joyous event was filled with cultural displays, prayers and royal blessings as the ancient city of Ile-Ife celebrated the arrival of the twin princes into the revered royal household.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Ademola Adeyeye, announced the tradi onal names of the newborn princes with the approval of
Otan Aiyegbaju Born Prof Appointed JAMB Registrar
Michael Bamigbola Management Programme at Lagos Business School.
PRESIDENT Bola
Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Osun State born Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matricula on Board (JAMB).
The 3 year old professor will succeed Ishaq Oloyede, whose second and final tenure ends on July 31, 2026. The appointment was announced on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Informa on and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Professor Aina is a disnguished academic in Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University. He also completed the Senior
Aina’s connec on with JAMB dates back to his Na onal Youth Service Corps year, where he gained early experience in na onal admissions
processes. With over 15 years of post-gradua on exper se, he has advised federal and state governments on digital infrastructure, examina on systems, and ins tu onal reforms. He has also
consulted for bodies like Na onal Examina ons Council (NECO) and Naonal Business and Technical Examina ons Board (NABTEB).
At just 39, Aina became one of Nigeria’s youngest professors of Computer Engineering and is set to become JAMB’s youngest registrar. His appointment underscores a focus on technology-driven solu ons to enhance examina on integrity, digital transforma on, and opera onal efficiency in the educa on sector.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed confidence that Professor Aina would build on Oloyede’s achievements and reposi on JAMB for greater innova on and service delivery to Nigerian students. The new registrar is expected to assume office in August 2026.
Aina hails from Otan Aiyegbaju, headquarters of Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State.
the Ooni.
He disclosed that the first twin, Taiwo, was named Adelowo, Adelanaire, Adejare, Adedunmininu, Ademola, Taiwo, Omo Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II.
According to him, the second twin, Kehinde, bears the names Adelẹye, Adelanaola, Adejuwon, Adedoyin, Adebola, Kehinde, Omo Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II. He offered prayers for the newborn princes, praying that they would grow in wisdom, strength, sound health and become worthy ambassadors of the royal dynasty and the Yoruba race.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, expressed apprecia on to Olodumare for the successful delivery of the twins and congratulated the Ooni and Queen Mariam on the historic addi on to the royal family.
He described the birth of the twin princes as a moment of joy not only for the palace but for the en re people of Ile-Ife and the Yoruba race, praying for enduring peace, prosperity and progress in the ancient kingdom.
In an Islamic way, a renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Nda Salaty, who led a delega on from the family and rela ves of Queen Mariam Ogunwunsi, announced the Muslim names of the twins with the approval of the Ooni.
He revealed that Taiwo was given the Muslim name Hassan, while Kehinde was named Hussein.
The Islamic cleric noted that the names symbolise honour, nobility, peace and spiritual blessings, adding that the children were born into a royal family known for promo ng religious harmony, peace and unity across the country.
Sheikh Nda Salaty lauded the Ooni for his con nuous commitment to religious tolerance, cultural preserva on and na onal unity, describing the monarch as a symbol of peace and fatherly leadership in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, in a statement, said the Ooni appreciated all tradi onal rulers, religious leaders, associates, friends and well-wishers who a ended the naming ceremony and celebrated with the royal family.
According to the statement, the Ooni commended Nigerians and admirers across the world for their prayers, goodwill messages and show of love towards the palace following the birth of the twin princes.
The Ooni also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace, cultural heritage and unity among Nigerians irrespec ve of ethnic or religious differences.
The ceremony further witnessed cultural entertainment and tradi onal performances as members of the Ebira Vonya Youth Associa on thrilled guests with energe c dance presentaons in honour of Queen Mariam Ogunwunsi, who hails from Ebira land in Kogi State.
•Students of the Faculty of Medical
Osun College Of Technology In Dire State - Alumnus Raises The Alarm
Yusuf Oketola
AN Alumnus of the Osun State College of Technology (OSCOHTECH), Esa-Oke, Michael Adeniji has expressed displeasure over the deteriora ng condi on of the ins tu on.
Adeniyi in a Facebook post recently, bemoaned the decaying infrastructure, dilapidated classrooms and poor laboratory facili es in the school.
According to him, the ins tu on is currently in shortage of Staff with permanent staff less than 10 percent of the en re workforce.
He also pointed out that lecturers in the ins tu on are underpaid while blaming successive governments in the state for the current state of the school.
He wrote: “Honestly, what I saw was painful, heartbreaking, and deeply disturbing. This was once a school filled with dreams. A school where children of ordinary Nigerians came to seek a be er future. A school that produced engineers, technologists, innovators and leaders.
“But today, the school looks abandoned. Bushes everywhere like farmland. Bad and decaying infrastructure, dilapidated classrooms, poor laboratory facili es, departments struggling to survive while the ins tu on gasps for life.
“And the most painful part, there is a terrible shortage of staff. Permanent staff are now less than 10% of the enre workforce. The school is being run mostly by IGR contract staff, men and women who lecture students, supervise projects, and carry departments on their heads while earning slavery salaries; ₦36,000 for BSc/HND holders, ₦40,000 for MSc holders and ₦45,000 for PhD holders.
“Some of these people have worked
for 5, 10, 15, even 20 years without dignity, proper benefits, or job security.
Campus Review Campus Review
This is not educaon. This is survival. And we must ask difficult ques ons. I hold both the past and current administra ons responsi-
ble for this decline.”
Adeniji called on Governor Ademola Adeleke and other stakeholders to save the school and educa on in the state.
Universities No More Centres Of Awarding Degrees But Engines Of Discovery - Redeemers University VC
Shola Aderinto
THE Vice Chancellor of Redeemers University, Ede, Prof Shadrach Olufemi Akindele has described universi es as engines of discovery, transforma on and societal advancement.”
The university don declared that universies are no longer mere centres of awarding degrees Akindele stated this while delivering his address at the maiden faculty lecture of the faculty of Basic Medical Science of the university.
He described the event as “not only a milestone in the history of the faculty, but also a significant contribu on
to the intellectual and developmental aspiraons of the university and the na on at large.
He added, “The theme of today’s lecture, ‘Impac ul Research for Na onal Development: Roles of Academic Stakeholders and Policymakers,’ is both mely and deeply relevant.
“Across the world, na ons that have achieved sustainable development and global relevance have done so largely through purposeful investment in research, innova on, and knowledge transla on.”
The Vice-Chancellor noted that “Universi es are therefore not merely centres for awarding degrees. They are engines
of discovery, transforma on, and societal advancement.”
According to him, “In Nigeria and across Africa, we are confronted with numerous challenges in health care, educa on, food security, technology, environmental sustainability, and economic development. These challenges demand soluons that are evidencebased, context-driven, innova ve, and socially responsive.
“This is where impactful research becomes indispensable. The Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences occupies a strategic posi on in this regard. Research in biomedical sciences has immense capacity to improve
The Weight Of Integrity: Lessons From Our Ancestors
GROWING up in Ilesa, Osun State, I was taught the importance of integrity, honesty, and hard work. These values were not just mere words; they were a way of life, passed down from our ancestors. I recall my grandfather’s story, the Late Odofin of Isaobi, who was a humble farmer in our village. He would o en say, “A man’s word is his bond.” He lived by these words, and his integrity earned him respect and trust from our community. His commitment to fairness, honesty, and compassion
inspired me to strive for similar values in my own life.
One memorable incident that stands out was when my grandfather was offered a significant amount of money to compromise on a cocoa business deal. He refused, ci ng that it would go against his principles and damage his reputa on. His decision may have cost him financially, but it earned him something far more valuable – the respect and admira on of our community and family.
Our ancestors understood that integrity was not just a personal virtue but a collec ve responsibility. They recog-
nized that our individual ac ons have consequences for our families, communi es, and society. By living with integrity, we contribute to building trust, fostering cooperaon, and promo ng social cohesion.
In Yoruba culture, the concept of “iwa” (character) is deeply rooted. It emphasizes the importance of living a life of integrity, honesty, and compassion. Our ancestors believed that a person’s character was their most valuable asset, and that it should be nurtured and protected at all costs.
When we live with integrity, we set an example for others to follow. We create
health care delivery, strengthen disease preven on, improve public health policies, and enhance the quality of life of our people.”
The guest speaker, Prof Charles Adetunji, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, delivered the lecture.
He said, “The future we desire must be built through science, innova on, and interdisciplinary collabora on.”
“The responsibility of shaping a sustainable future lies with all stakeholders represented at this conference.”
Prof Adetunji, who was awarded Stanford University’s “2025 Presgious Career-Long List of World’s Top 2% Sci-
en sts”, encouraged students and young researchers to ask bold ques ons, seek mentorship, embrace collabora on and pursue problem-driven research.
“Research begins with curiosity, not creden als,” he said. According to the Acting Dean of the Faculty, Dr Dayo Omotoso, the lecture was designed to foster intellectual engagement on how academia, research instu ons, and policymakers can synergis cally drive sustainable na onal development through impac ul research and innova on.
Awards were presented to members of the faculty in recogni on of their service and contribu ons during their leadership roles.
a ripple effect that can inspire posi ve change in our communi es. Integrity promotes accountability, transparency, and fairness, which are essen al for building trust and fostering social cohesion.
In Osun State, we have a rich cultural heritage that emphasizes the importance of integrity. Our ancestors lived by these principles, and it’s essen al that we con nue to uphold them in our modern society. By doing so, we can build a be er future
for ourselves, our children, and genera ons to come. As I reflect on the lessons from our ancestors, I’m reminded of the power of integrity in shaping our lives and communi es. In a world where values are o en compromised, it’s essen al to revisit and reclaim the principles that have guided our forebears. By embracing integrity, we can build a stronger, more compassionate society that honors the values of our ancestors.
FA Congratulates Osun-Born Star On Super Eagles Invitation
Yusuf Oketola
THE Osun State Football Associa on has congratulated Tosin Oyedokun on his invita on to the Nigeria Super Eagles, the senior na onal football team.
According to the FA, the milestone marks a proud moment not only for Oyedokun but for the en re football community in Osun State.
The Associa on commended Oyedokun’s dedica on, discipline, and perseverance, which have shaped his journey from the grassroots pitches to earning recogni on at the highest level of Nigerian football.
The Osun FA notes with pride that his talent was personally spo ed by the
Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, during a recent league match, saying
such recogni on underscores the quality of players emerging from Osun and the
Players Threaten French Open Media Protest Over Prize Money Dispute
Ibrahim Abdullahi
GROWING tensions over prize money distribu on at the French Open have sparked plans for a possible “workto-rule” protest by several professional tennis players ahead of this year’s tournament at Roland Garros. The proposed ac on could see players limit or reduce their media ac vi es during the compe on as concerns con nue to mount over financial inequality within the sport.
Reports indicate that players on both the ATP and WTA tours are increasingly dissa sfied with the gap between tournament revenues and the percentage allocated to compe tors. While Grand Slam events generate hundreds of millions through sponsorships, broadcasting rights and cket sales, many players believe earnings outside the top rankings remain insufficient to sustain professional careers.
The planned “workto-rule” approach would not involve a full boyco of the tournament itself, but rather a scaling back of media obliga ons such as press conferences, interviews and promo onal appearances. Organisers are said to be monitoring the situa on closely amid fears that the protest could overshadow the start of the clay-court Grand Slam.
Several players have privately argued that lower-ranked professionals struggle with rising travel,
coaching and accommoda on costs despite compe ng on the sport’s biggest stages. The issue has become more visible in recent years as athletes con nue to push for reforms aimed at improving welfare, scheduling and revenue sharing across tennis.
The debate has also renewed broader discussions about governance within the sport. Some players believe Grand Slam organisers wield excessive control over commercial revenues while compe tors who provide the entertainment product receive a compara vely smaller share. Calls for greater transparency and dialogue between governing bodies and athletes
have intensified ahead of the Paris tournament.
Despite the growing frustra on, tournament officials remain hopeful that construc ve negoa ons can prevent any major disrup on during the French Open. Fans are expected to pack the stands at Roland Garros as the world’s leading stars prepare for another highly an cipated edi on of the tournament.
The controversy adds another layer of intrigue to an already compeve French Open season, with a en on now split between on-court rivalries and off-court ba les over the future financial structure of professional tennis.
impact of consistent performance in the domes c league.
Speaking on the achievement, Osun FA supremo Mayor Sola Fanawopo stated, “Grassroots is truly the bedrock of Nigeria’s football. We congratulate Tosin on this milestone in his career.” He further emphasized that this accomplishment should serve as mova on for all stake-
holders in the state’s football ecosystem to con nue inves ng in young talent.”
Michael Bamigbola
STAKEHOLDERS
of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State have warned the leadership of the party in the local government and the state against imposi on of candidate for the House of Assembly elec on in Boripe/Boluwaduro state cons tuency.
The stakeholders warned that any attempt to impose a candidate on the party will affect the chances of
the party in the elecon.
The APC members who said it’s the turn of Boripe Local Government Area to present the candidate for the state House of Assembly in Boripe/Boluwaduro cons tuency of the state, alleged that there are plans by some leaders of the party to impose a candidate on the party in the name of consensus arrangement.
It was gathered that the candidate being planned to present
Currently plying his trade with Ikorodu City FC as a midfield maestro, Tosin previously honed his skills with the defunct Desny Boys and 3FC Ifon-Osun.
The Osun FA wishes him success as he dons the green and white and con nues to make the state proud in the Unity Cup and beyond.
The Associa on also congratulates the grassroots coaches across the state whose reless efforts have been instrumental in developing players like Tosin. “Tosin’s new achievements should further cement their unwavering commitment to the catch-them-young program,” Fanawopo added.
Aston Villa Crowned European League Champion After Dominant Final Victory
Ibrahim Abdullahi
ASTON Villa produced a historic performance on Wednesday night as they defeated SC Freiburg 3-0 in the 2026 UEFA Europa League final at Beşiktaş Park, securing their first major European trophy in more than four decades.
Managed by Unai Emery, Villa controlled the contest from the opening whistle, displaying composure, tac cal discipline and clinical finishing on the biggest stage.
The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute when Youri Tielemans fired a stunning volley beyond the Freiburg goalkeeper a er a flowing a acking move. Moments before hal ime, Emiliano Buendía doubled Villa’s advantage with a curling strike from the edge of the box, sending thousands of travelling supporters into celebra on.
Freiburg a empted to respond a er the break but struggled to break through Villa’s organised defence, led
by captain John McGinn and goalkeeper Emiliano Mar nez, who delivered another assured performance between the posts.
The victory was sealed in the 72nd minute when Morgan Rogers calmly finished a countera ack to make it 3-0, confirming a memorable night for the Premier League side.
For Villa supporters, the triumph represents the end of a long wait for major silverware and a return to the elite level of European football. The club’s last
major domes c trophy came in 1996, while their greatest con nental achievement before this success was winning the European Cup in 1982.
The result further strengthens Unai Emery’s reputa on as one of Europe’s finest knockout compe on managers, adding another Europa League tle to his remarkable résumé.
Celebra ons erupted both in Istanbul and across Birmingham as fans marked one of the greatest nights in the club’s modern history, with victory parades expected in the coming days.
For House Of Assembly
inten on to contest the elec on and they had all obtained the party’s nomina on form.
Already, many contestants have signified
However, it was gathered that there are plans to impose a son of one of the leaders of the party in the local government on the party, a situa on which the members threatened to oppose vehemently.
The party stakeholders noted that the person being planned to impose on the party is not known to the party as he lives abroad.
Also, it was gathered
that the perceived aspirant being planned to impose is not familiar with Iragbiji, his home town and the two Local Government Areas of Boripe and Boluwaduro what make up the cons tuency.
The concerned members of the party insisted that they will not support any candidate imposed on tbe party and therefore made case for a primary elec on which they said will give room for the best candidate to emerge.
is a son of one of the leaders of the party in Boripe Local Government Area.
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026 VOL. 21 NO 40 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
ON Saturday 15th of August, Osun State will go to the polls to elect a new governor who will serve the people of the state for the next four years. The elec on in August is one of the off-cycle electoral events that hold outside the four year cycle general elec ons that hold every four years in the country. Its beginning in 1999 ushered in the naon’s 4th Republic which we have pracsed for 27 unbroken years.
Since the year 2003 when the law courts started to re-determine who won elec ons in the country, off-cycle elecons have started to hold in the country. That has since changed the narra ves of electoral victories in our clime.Un l the courts intervene in many cases it is not yet Uhuru for many INEC declared elecon winners in our country.
Last year off-cycle elec ons were held in Ondo, Edo and Anambra States at different mes. This year 2026, two will hold in Eki and Osun State. Kogi State is another of the states where off-cycle elecons are held every four years, outside the na onal electoral cycle.
Now the country is set for two such off-cycle elec ons this year: Eki on 20th of June and Osun on 15th of August 2026. Expectedly as a ci zen of Osun who also resides in the state, the Osun elec on is one that I would want to concern my self with. More than that, it deserves commentary on its own because of how it has started to evolve especially in the atmosphere of hatred, confronta on and bad blood and across the divide figh ngs.
The 15th of August, the D-Day and the H-hour for the Osun elec on is a mere three months from now ie 12 weeks. What has been happening since poli cal out-door campaigns were given the go ahead to start last March, has not been anything to write home about; nor can it be said to be good enough. As residents in the state would admit, the period March 11th to 31st 2026, did not show off much in terms of poli cal ac vi es.
It was one in which ci zens only saw the two or three major contes ng pares branding their campaign vehicles and other items for the task ahead. Understandably it was all for prepara ons As things stand now, ci zens of Osun State are not likely to know the offices of another 2 or 3 more poli cal par es ( beyond the first trio of Accord, APC and SDP) that are said to be based here in the state. Only the three of them who’s names are being men oned below, can be said to be visible enough because they are on terra firma.
These are 1) Accord, 2) All Progressives Congress (APC) and 3) the African Democra c Congress (ADC) Aside these three, many people in the state may not know the whereabouts of the headquarters of any other par es that operates in Osun State.
Osun’ 26: Give Us Peaceful Campaigns PERSPECTIVE BY SMOLLETT ADETOYESE SHITTU-ALAMU
Among the three that can be said to be visible, the challenge has been mostly between Accord and the APC. This is understandable. The membership of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) had had to move into Accord as a party to enable Governor Ademola Adeleke get a poli cal pla orm on which to stand and run for the August 15 elec on.
Therefore, the animosity, struggle and tension that have been between the PDP and the APC over the years and which had over characterized them appears to have been transferred to Accord as it stands today.
In fact, escalated is more appropriate a word to describe the level the ma er. has degenerated into.
In the poli cs of Osun State as it is today, Accord and the APC appear to see themselves as the two frontline par es and so the major rivals. Each, thus wants to see itself as the top and not the underdog. This reality is crea ng an unnecessary rivalry or a sense of superiority between the two par es. Unfortunately, this is not urguring well for the state.
As stakeholders in Project- Osun, the undue rilvary is a development we think should be checked before it gets off hand completely and become a Frankenstein Monster which would or may be too dangerous and uncontrollable, sooner than later.
Since the out- door campaigns took off, observers have watched the ugly habit trending. it began with the tearing off the walls, campaign posters of rival par es. Now it has dovetailed into the destroying of party banners and giant bill boards. Some how each of the two pares (Accord and APC) tend to accuse each other for this nasty and ridiculous development.
A few days ago the news got to town about the killing of the son of a lady who is said to be a known sympathizer of Accord. Was this necessary at all?
So far, a lot of back and forth, accusa-
“We appeal again to our politicians in Osun State to allow peace to reign as they spend the next 3 months criss- crossing the state for campaigns .The political class must please allow our citizens to breathe the breath of life which God gave us all at birth”
ons and counter accusa ons have been alluded to, by the two contending par es, APC and Accord.
The African Democra c Congress(ADC ) has so far been the only poli cal party amongst the big three that has not thrown cau on to the wind yet. That party connues to talk and reflect on issues such as how it will roll out electricity supply for the teeming popula on of the state and others. We hope it will stay in the outer lane of the poli cal highway which policians love to ride on very carelessly.
On their part, the APC and the Accord/PDP stronghold on the other hand have been challenging themselves as to what each of them has done at the performance level in the past 7 and 12 years respec vely both being eras in the past tense. While referencing the past, what the people would love to hear more from all of them is the deliberate steps each wants to take to make Osun a be er place for its residence.
Without sounding immodest at all, the good people of Osun State must decry the tension poli cians are crea ng in the land ahead the elec on day itself on the 15th of August.
Our Ci zens and residents should be careful and not allow the selfish clan of poli cians we have in Nigeria today to push them to a level of orgy they never planned for and in the end leave them badly short- changed. We call on us all to be wiser and cleverer than we had been before.
Why in the first place should eyecatcher billboards on dual carriage ways that cost so much to build and to erect, and billboards poli cal par es erect for themselves or their candidates be damaged for no other reason than that they were mounted by an opposing party or candidate who must be seen as an enemy? Why we ask?
Let us submit before we end this piece that life is too short for us human beings to be always willing to allow it during our me to hit an all me low level of reasoning which poli cians are ever willing and ready to throw us into?
As ra onal human beings we must admit the fact that there is no way rivalry would not be played in poli cs or in any compe ve narra ve. But taking it to a ridiculous level as we do in Nigeria is something we must be ready to check and crush out decisively. The ball is really in our court as ci zens and especially as voters.
Democracy that our dear country first borrowed from Europe through Great Britain but which we je soned in 1979
and took hook- line-and-sinker from the United States of America is unfortunately not prac ced in our country the way it is done where we borrowed the culture from in both cases. That is the regre able part of our learning process as a na on.
The posi on we take on this ma er right now is one of appeal to all, a great appeal.The elec on that comes up in 3 months me is one that only the electorate in the en re Osun State as a cons tuency would decide. Yes only the electorate will decide who governs us via the ballot paper that will be issued to us on elec on day.
Since this is so, our greater appeal is to the poli cal class within the APC and Accord poli cal divides to sheath their swords and let peace and harmony reign in the land. It is not banners nor posters nor bill boards that win elec ons, NO!
The quality of candidates or poli cal par es they represent, the manifesto they bring or present to us and the capacity of such candidates to deliver are “sine qua non” for electoral success.
As civil society organisa ons like Yaga Africa reminds us always, elec ons especially in 3rd world countries are not won on the day of the elec on, but at the poli cal par es primaries. This is where selfish poli cal elites impose their lackees and prevent quality men and women from emerging victorious as to go on and coast to victory. Now the party primaries for all the poli cal par es are here with us. Let the godfathers relax their hold on the jugular of the people.
We appeal again to our poli cians in Osun State to allow peace to reign as they spend the next 3 months criss- crossing the state for campaigns .The poli cal class must please allow our ci zens to breathe the breath of life which God gave us all at birth.
If the poli cal tension has been allowed to rise to this ridiculous level which makes out-door campaigns difficult to conduct even 3 months before elec on day, what would the last 2 weeks of eleconeering campaigns look like?
We call on the poli cal class to sit up and help to reduce the tension in the land. We also very importantly, invite the Nigeria Police, Osun State Command and all other security agencies in the state to do the needful in this regard.
The ideology or be er s ll the ambion of a single individual poli cian or a poli cal party must not be equated with the life of any single Nigerian. Our former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan held this view some 15 years back. It is not only relevant but very extant in the way our poli cs should go in Osun State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Leadership is never about how long we sit on a seat. It is most importantly about what we do while there in the seat. It is also about the trust the people have in us as leaders.
This is appealing to our poli cians to allow us in Osun State to think, move on in our na on building effort. This way we can be become more crea ve to decide what we want for ourselves. Our people need a peaceful atmosphere to decide what they want and where to go on 15th August 2026.Let us all give ourselves a chance to live in Osun State with our two eyes closed and without anything to worry but only pray that the God anointed -governor will emerge on the 15th of August, 2026.
•Smolette Adetoyese Shittu-Alamu wrote this price from Osogbo
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