Ogbeni: The Progressive @ 68
In Osun, Estate Agents Risk Three-Month Jail
THE Osun State House of Assem-
bly has proposed three months imprisonment as punishment for Estate Agents whose acvi es are not in line with the new Estate Agency Regulatory Bill in the state.
This, according to the assembly is in a bid towards checkma ng and curbing the excesses of some Estate Agents who are exploi ng residents of the state in the process of seeking accommoda on.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that residents of the state, especially youths have persistently raised the alarm on the exploita on of some quack house agents while calling on the state government to regulate their ac vi es.
In a facebook post by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House and member represen ng Irepodun/Orolu State Cons tuency, Hon Prince Adekunle Oladimeji, the bill has already scaled through third reading, adding that it would address the agita on of the people of the state towards the excesses of some of the estate agents.
According to the bill, no license Estate Agent shall not carry-on business of Estate Agent in the state except is licensed by the state government.
He wrote: “The Osun State House of Assembly is commi ed to serving the good people of Osun with quality legisla on as well as enac ng laws that will have a posi ve impact on the wellbeing and welfare of the ci zens of the state.
“I’d like to inform you all especially our Youths who are facing challenges when hun ng for accommodaon, that the Osun State Estate Agency Regulatory Bill has already scaled through the 3rd Reading,this bill will address the agita on of our people towards the excesses of some Estate Agents in Osun state.”
Part of the clauses in the bill are as follows: “A license Estate agent shall not carry on Business of Estate Agent in the state except is licensed by the Osun state Estate Agency and Regulatory Authority;
“A licensed Estate agent shall have an ascertained business premises/office within the state;
“A licensed Estate agent shall not collect money from more than one prospec ve tenant or purchaser in respect of the same premises and shall remit money collected to the landlord within fourteen (14) days,unless otherwise directed in writing by the landlord and such money collected shall be receipted for;
“A licensed Estate agent shall ensure that the prospec ve tenant or purchaser takes physically possession of the property paid for within ten (10) working days;
“Agency fee(s) shall be 10% of the total rent collected on any transac on;
“Sales or purchase of land and buildings where two or more agents are retained by the owner/ vendor for the sale, the fee shall be the 15% of the total proceeds of sale.
“A licensed Estate agent shall not prepare any legal document pertaining to any transac on handled by him; every tenancy agreement must be prepared by a Legal Prac oner and the fees shall not be more than 10% of the total consideraon;
“A licensed Estate agent shall refund the rent paid by any prospec ve tenant in case of failure to deliver up physical possession of the premises within 14 days of collec on and any delay in refunding beyond the s pulated me shall a ract interest at the prevailing Bank rate;
“Any Estate agent whether an individual or a body corporate who contravenes or fails to comply with the provision of the bill shall commit an offense and be liable on convic on.
“The fines varies with
• As Estate Agency Regulatory Bill Passes Third Reading
the offense commi ed ranging from 10,000 to 200,000- or 3-months imprisonment.
“The Osun State House of Assembly will not relent in its obliga on and commitment to quality legislaon that will address all pressing issues in all sectors.”
Meanwhile, tenants in Osogbo, have decried what they described as exploitave hikes by landlords in the state and called for urgent government intervenon.
A cross-sec on of the tenants, who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER on Monday in Osogbo, said that “landlords were making life unbearable for them due to a hike in rent”.
They called on the state government to, urgently, implement the bill so as to guide house rent in the state.
A tenant, Mr Emmanuel Ayanda, who resided in Osogbo, said that his landlord recently increased his house rent from N180,000 to N400,00 for a three-bedroom flat, not minding his source of income.
“A few months before the expiry of my rent, the landlord, through his lawyer, sent me a le er stating that the rent had in-
creased from N180,000 to N400,000, without any jusfica on.
“The building is very old, without les and with old wooden doors, but since I cannot afford the said amount, I have to pack out”, he said.
Ayanda, however, appealed to the state government to rescue tenants by se ng up a task force to control rent in the state.
Another resident, Miss Feyisayo Akomolafe, who lives in Ogoluwa in Osogbo, said that her rent was increased from N450,000 to N600,000 a year for a two-
Obasanjo, Adeleke, Atiku, Aregbesola Present As
Owa Haastrup Takes Crown
THE 41st Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimọkọ III was officially inaugurated on Friday amidst pomp and pageantry.
Haastrup, who succeeds the late Owa Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran III, who joined his ancestors last year, was crowned at the Owa’s palace.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion include former president Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice Presidents A ku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, Governors Ademola Adele-
ke, Lucky Aiyeda wa, Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Barr. Adebayo Lawal, former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and his wife, Sherifat, among others.
The event also a racted the presence of notable tradi onal rulers in Yorubaland including Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, and others.
In his address, Governor Ademola Adeleke described the new Owa as a philanthropist with a big
impact on society and a leader with a large heart.
Adeleke reaffirmed his administra on’s commitment to the development of Ijesaland with focus on upgrading Ilesa to a modern city.
He said, “Our new monarch, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, is a socialite with the public interest at heart, a philanthropist with a big impact on the society,, and a leader with a truly large heart.
“I congratulate the good people of Ijesaland on this historic occasion when a leader of repute is ascending the throne of his forefathers.
“I reaffirm the commitment of our administra on
•Continued on Page 7
bedroom apartment.
According to Akomolafe, the way landlords are increasing rent without any form of control may result in a situa on where many tenants might become homeless, if nothing is done urgently.
“This is a civil service state and not an industrialised state.
“I wonder where the landlords expect civil servants, who are s ll struggling for survival, to get money to pay for this exorbitant house rent,” she said.
Also, Mr Jeremiah Obeh, who resides in Ofatedo, Osogbo, said that he rented a three-bedroom apartment for N900,000 per annum.
Obeh, however, said that his landlord recently added N200,000 to the rent to make N1.1 million per annum.
He appealed to the state government to make a law that would regulate the acvi es of the landlords and their agents.
Also residing in Ofatedo, Miss Glory Adeola said that the number of oneroom self-contained apartments she rented recently increased from N250,000 to N320,000.
Adeola lamented the “arbitrary increase by landlords without any tangible reasons.”However, some of the landlords who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER gave reasons for the exorbitant hike in the state.
Mr Peter Osinubi, a landlord, said that the increase in house rents was a result of the current economic situa on.
“I feel the government is in the best posi on to do something about it,” he said.
Another landlord, Mr Oladele Bode, however, said the tenants could direct their complaints to the government, which was responsible for the rising costs of items in the country.
Mr Abiodun Olowopo-
roku, Chairman, Associa on of Real Estate Managers in Osun, however, a ributed the hike in rent rates to the insa able appe te of some greedy landlords in the state.
Olowoporokun said that several efforts had been made to prevail on landlords to stop the unnecessary, exorbitant hike, but to no avail.
“Once an estate agent tries to convince a landlord not to put too much on the rent, they will abandon such an agent and go for another one that can do their bid,” he said.
Olowoporokun said that the reason landlords gave for the exorbitant hike was the current infla on in the country.
According to him, the state government is working on a bill to regularise house rent in the state.
“Once the bill is out, it will help to checkmate the ac vi es of the greedy landlords,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Kofoworola Adewunmi, Majority Leader, State House of Assembly, said that the “Osun State Estate Agency Regulatory Authority Bill 2024,” had already been passed.
According to him, the bill seeks to ensure that tenants are not exploited by landlords and estate agents, and it has been passed by the assembly.
“The bill is seeking to control the abnormal charges by the agents and the landlords.
“I sponsored the bill. It has passed through the third reading and has been sent to the governor for his assent.
“Once the bill is signed into law, it will regulate the charges and percentage taken by the house agents.
“It will not give room for any unregistered house agents to operate. It will be mandatory for estate agents to register before they can operate in the state,” he said.
•Former Vice president, Alhaji A ku Abubakar paid a courtesy visit to former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in his Ilesa residence on Friday
Yusuf Oketola
Kazeem Badmus
•L-R: Wife of former Vice President, Chief Mrs Titi Atiku,Olori Haastrup, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, the Osun State Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi at the coronation ceremony on Friday
MEN do not make history in a vacuum, they do so under circumstances and in situa ons over which they have hardly any control. We have this in mind as we give the former two-term governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola sixty-eight hearty ‘Gbosas’ on his special day. He has actually made a profound historical incursion. In the opinion of the Italian philosopher, Antonio Gramsci, “the main essence of poli cs is to shi the territory of debate in the direcon of your own posi on”. Ogbeni Aregbesola since he entered the poli cal terrain as part of the NADECO brigade has been instrumental in redirec ng the alignment of poli cal thought and ac on in a progressive direc on. This has been a herculean task in view of the a empt to discredit the progressive posi on by both the military and especially, the implementa on of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).
Aregbesola has not been just an arm chair theorist or pundit, circumstances gave him the opportunity to turn thinking into praxis. He did so very astutely as the Commissioner for Works in Lagos State. The big stage was provided when he was elected as a gov-
The Progressive At 68
“Aregbesola re-invented the progressive ethos long associated with the Social Democratic Movement of an earlier decades such as the Action Group government in the Western Region of Nigeria in the 1950s, the Congress party in India and the Labour party of the United Kingdom”
ernor of Osun State a er a long ba le to recover his stolen mandate. Aregbesola re-invented the progressive ethos long associated with the Social Democra c Movement of an earlier decades such as the Ac on Group government in the Western Region of Nigeria in the 1950s, the Congress party in India and the Labour party of the United Kingdom. The main thrust of this posi on
is to always put the interest of the overwhelming majority and their families FIRST. This is not easy in a rent seeking state riven by what is known as State Capture. Aregbesola’s structural redefini on of Osun State was remarkable within the context pointed out above that he had to work in. The transforma on cut across the social as well as the physical infrastructure. He did so within
The Discourse
very ght fiscal constraints. Nevertheless, it was profoundly transforma ve. To paraphrase what was said of Christopher Wren, a Architect of modern London, “If you seek to know what he has done, look around you”. Under Aregbesola, a new lease of life was breathed into economy and society in Osun State. They have proved difficult to dismantle. Nigeria itself is now at a cri cal juncture. The country appears to be in a state of flux. It is our hope that the Aregbesola tendency woven around and propelled by Social Democracy will be at the forefront of the determina on of the choice to be made in the months ahead. The country at the moment is facing a very debilita ng cost of living crisis, indeed, cynics allude to it as a cost of existence crisis. We expect a man like Aregbesola as he has done in the past, to help to provide an “Alterna ve Perspec ve” to the crisis. Such a posi on will be realis c and provide a compass to navigate the country out of the present situa on. In salu ng the foresight and courage of the indomitable Ogbeni, we state here that he s ll has a lot to contribute drawing upon the ins tu onal memories of the past of which he is a custodian. Man wonderful returns to the symbol of the progressive ethos in Nigeria.
Osun State’s Leadership Challenge: What South Africa’s Local Government Model Offers
By Matt Olu Olowokere (Engr)
OSUN State, like many other states in Nigeria, is grappling with leadership challenges that have hindered its development and progress. The state’s poten al is undeniable, but the reality on the ground suggests that something is amiss.
As we search for solu ons to these challenges, it’s worth exploring models from other countries that have successfully addressed similar issues. One such model is South Africa’s local government system, which offers valuable lessons for Osun State.
South Africa’s local government model is built on the principles of decentraliza on and community engagement. The country has a robust system of municipali es that are responsible for delivering basic services such as water, sanita on, and electricity to ci zens.
These municipali es are also empowered to collect revenue and make decisions that are responsive to local needs. This approach has enabled South Africa to ensure that power is distributed evenly, and that local communi es have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.
In Osun State, the story is different. The state government s ll maintains a ght grip on power, and local governments are o en seen as mere extensions of the state government. This has led to a lack of autonomy and decision-making power at the local level, which has hindered the delivery of basic services to ci zens.
By adop ng a more decentralized approach, Osun State can empower its local governments to take ownership of development projects and make decisions that are responsive to local needs.
Another key feature of South Africa’s lo-
“By adopting a more decentralized approach, Osun State can empower its local governments to take ownership of development projects and make decisions that are responsive to local needs”
cal government model is community par cipa on. The country has a strong tradi on of community engagement, where ci zens are encouraged to par cipate in decision-making processes through public hearings, ward commi ees, and other mechanisms.
This approach has ensured that the voices of ci zens are heard, and that local governments are held accountable for their ac ons.
In Osun State, community par cipa on is o en limited to tokenis c gestures, such as public rallies and fes vals. While these events may provide a pla orm for ci zens to express themselves, they do not necessarily translate to meaningful par cipa on in decision-making processes.
By adop ng a more inclusive approach to governance, Osun State can ensure that ci zens are empowered to hold their leaders accountable and par cipate in the decisions that affect their lives.
Leadership and Capacity Building
South Africa’s local government model also places a strong emphasis on leadership and capacity building.
Municipali es are required to develop capacity-building plans that focus on building the skills and competencies of local gov-
ernment officials. This approach has enabled South Africa to build a cadre of skilled and competent leaders who are equipped to deliver services to ci zens.
In Osun State, the story is different. The state government o en priori zes poli cal loyalty over competence, which has led to a lack of capacity and exper se at the local level. By inves ng in leadership development and capacity building, Osun State can build a new genera on of leaders who are equipped to drive development and progress in the state.
So, what lessons can Osun State learn from South Africa’s local government model? Firstly, the state needs to priori ze decentraliza on and community engagement. This can be achieved by empowering local governments to take ownership of development projects and making decisions that are
responsive to local needs.
Secondly, Osun State needs to adopt a more inclusive approach to governance, where ci zens are empowered to par cipate in decision-making processes and hold their leaders accountable.
Finally, the state needs to invest in leadership development and capacity building. This can be achieved by providing training and capacity-building programs for local government officials, as well as promo ng merit-based appointments.
By adop ng these lessons, Osun State can build a more responsive and accountable system of governance that delivers services to ci zens.
DEFENDER
Osun State’s leadership challenge is a complex issue that requires a mul faceted approach. By exploring models from other countries, such as South Africa’s local government system, the state can learn valuable lessons about decentraliza on, community engagement, and leadership development.
As we move forward, it’s essen al that Osun State priori zes these lessons and works towards building a more responsive and accountable system of governance. Only then can the state unlock its full poten al and deliver services to ci zens. By doing so, Osun State can build a brighter future for its ci zens and become a model for other states in Nigeria.
SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2025 - THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025
SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2025 - THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025
OAU Students Launch New Project To Tackle Real-life Problems
THE Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has launched the Smart Chemistry Project to revolu onise scien fic educa on and research and tackle real-life problems.
The ini a ve was unveiled at the department’s inaugural alumni mee ng and fundraising, which brought together dis nguished alumni, esteemed guests and faculty members.
The Smart Chemistry Project is technologically designed to transform the department into a hub of excellence in scien fic teaching, research, and innova on.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Adeyinka Adesina, stressed the importance of the project, no ng that scien fic educa on today demands far more than it did in the past.
“It now requires cutng-edge tools, immersive experiences, and teaching that mirrors the demands of modern science and technology. The
Smart Chemistry Project seeks to address these demands, inves ng not only in infrastructure but also in students’ capacity to learn, innovate, and
lead.”
According to him, by equipping laboratories with state-of-the-art instruments, providing hands-on training for
students, and fostering a culture of cri cal thinking and crea vity, the project aimed to empower students to tackle real-world problems and contribute
Bill For New Federal College In Osun Passes Second Reading
IN a remarkable display of commitment to healthcare educaon,
The Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery (Special), Ora Igbomina, Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, and for Related Ma ers (HB. 2112) has successfully passed its second reading at the Federal House of Representa ves, Abuja.
The Bill, sponsored by the member represen ng Boluwaduro/ Ifedayo/Ila Federal Cons tuency, Hon Clement Akanni marks a significant step towards improving healthcare and educa onal opportunies within the region.
The Bill, which was first read on Tuesday, March 4, 2024, reached its second reading on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The lawmaker was asked to move the Bill for the second me. Subsequently, the moon was seconded by an Honourable Member from Kano State and received unanimous affirma on from the House, demonstra ng crossregional support for the establishment of the ins tu on.
The proposed College is expected to provide specialized training and educa on to future healthcare professionals, addressing the growing need for skilled nursing and midwifery personnel.
According to a state-
ment from the media office of the lawmaker, the ini a ve is in line with the commitment of Hon Akanni to deliver quality and responsive representa on to his cons tuents and to support the advancement of healthcare services.
Speaking on the development, the lawmaker expressed his gra tude to his colleagues for their overwhelming support, stating that the passage of the Bill would significantly impact the lives of the people in Osun State and beyond. He reiterated his dedicaon to championing inia ves that foster educa onal and healthcare improvements in the Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Ila Federal Cons tuency.
Campus Review Campus Review
to na onal development through science and innova on.
“Over the decades, the Department of Chemistry has played a central role in the training of competent sciensts who have gone on to contribute to academia, industry, government, and public service.
“The Smart Chemistry Project is an investment not only in infrastructure but in our students’ capacity to learn, innovate, and lead. With this project, the aim is to equip our laboratories with stateof-the-art instruments, ensure hands-on training for all students, and foster a culture where crical thinking and crea vity are part of everyday academic life.”
“For true innova on to occur, our students must be exposed to the kind of training that ig-
Why Oyetola Failed At 2022 Poll – Omoluabi Spokesperson
THE Organising and Publicity Secretary of the Omoluabi Progressives, Abosede Oluwaseun has a ributed the failure of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola at the 2022 Osun governorship elecon to the lack of governance understanding.
According to Oluwaseun, Oyetola throughout his four years tenure was busy figh ng his Predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his loyalists through which he offended the electorates who gave him the mandate.
He said some of the people-oriented policies by Aregbesola were reversed and abolished by Oyetola.
The Publicity Secretary stated this while featuring on a radio programme on Monday.
“Oyetola throughout his four years tenure was figh ng his predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and anyone close to him. He thought he was figh ng us but offending the electorates in the process. His failure to understand system of governance
was the main reason he was kicked out of office by the people in 2022,” Oluwaseun asserted.
Speaking further, he explained why they opted for the Omoluabi Progressives caucus rather than defec ng to the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) a er their fallout with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
According to Oluwaseun, the movement emerged out of years of internal marginalisa on and deliberate exclusion of Aregbesola’s loyalists by the former Governor Gboyega Oyetola-led administra on.
“Everything has a
way it should be done. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is a master of poli cs who understands ming. Omoluabi Progressives is not yet a poli cal party, it is a movement — a large one — and it includes members from APC, PDP, and others,” Abosede said.
According to him, the group remained within the APC fold despite repeated acts of polical hos lity, hoping for reconcilia on, but the leadership of the party chose to alienate them.
“The reason we le APC was because the former Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, and the then APC Chairman, Gboyega Famodun, made it clear they didn’t want us. They drove out our leaders and made it impossible for us to operate within the party,” he stated.
Abosede recalled that at the end of Aregbesola’s two-term tenure, he had suggested that the next governorship candidate should emerge from Osun West Senatorial District, but the party’s na onal leader, now President Bola Tinubu, overruled
the idea and pushed for Oyetola.
“We accepted Oyetola and supported him, only for him to later turn around and persecute those loyal to Aregbesola. Despite the oppression, we stayed, insis ng on unity, but they con nued to shut us out,” he explained.
He noted that the crea on of Omoluabi Progressives was a response to con nued exclusion, not an act of betrayal to the APC.
“They thought we
THE Osun Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said it has 4,312 unclaimed driver’s licences in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Mrs Agnes Ogungbemi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Osogbo on Tuesday. Ogungbemi said out of the 4,453 available permanent licences, only 141 had been collected,
would run to the PDP. But we didn’t. We chose to form something of our own — a principled pla orm rooted in progressive values.”
Abosede stressed that Omoluabi Progressives is currently a poli cal movement but may evolve into a party in the future.
“For now, we’re building strength and structure. The movement reflects the true ideals of Aregbesola’s poli cal philosophy,” he added. leaving 4,312 uncollected.
She, however, said that 2,970 of the unclaimed 4,312 licences had already expired, leaving 1,342 s ll valid.
The road safety spokesperson, therefore, implored owners to pick them up to avoid being apprehended for driving without valid licences.
According to her, this may also result in their vehicles being impounded.
nites curiosity, deepens understanding, and inspires problem-solving. A well-equipped laboratory is not a luxury — it is a necessity. It is the workshop where theories are tested, new ideas are born, and scien fic breakthroughs are made.
“Moreover, we all believe that this ini a ve will not stand in isolaon. As the Chemistry Department takes bold steps forward, we hope that the Smart Chemistry Project will inspire similar transforma ons across departments and ins tu ons na onwide, crea ng a ripple effect of educa onal renewal and scien fic progress,” he stated.
He noted that the project’s impact is expected to extend beyond the Department of Chemistry, inspiring similar transforma ons across departments and ins tuons na onwide, adding that the ini a ve has the poten al to create a ripple effect of educa onal renewal and scien fic progress, contribu ng to a more innova ve and self-reliant Nigeria.
On his part, Former Head of the Civil Service of the Federa on, Professor Oladapo Afolabi, stressed the importance of the project, describing it as a transformave ini a ve aimed at revitalising the Chemistry Department into a hub of cu ng-edge scien fic teaching, research, and innova on.
OAU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire, commended the ini a ve, describing it as mely and aligned with the university’s vision of academic and research excellence. “We are proud of our alumni,” he said. “They’ve shown deep passion and commitment to suppor ng the university in ways that the government alone cannot”, he said.
The launch of the Smart Chemistry Project marks a new era in scien fic educa on and research at OAU, with the poten al to shape the next genera on of scien sts and innovators. As the Department takes bold steps forward, it is poised to lead into the future, driven by a shared vision of innova on, progress, and excellence.
Yusuf Oketola
Jamiu Akintayo
Latifat Bello
Yusuf Oketola
Owa Obokun Laments Illegal Mining Activities In Ijesaland
Yusuf Oketola
THE Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, vowed that during his reign, the Ijesa people would resist invaders in gold-rich areas of his kingdom.
Oba Haastrup lamented over the ac vi es of illegal mining which expose communi es in Ijesa land to environmental pollu on.
The monarch, speaking at the unveiling of a video documentary on the state of mining in Ijesaland to discuss the theme ‘Value-crea ng best mining prac ce and world-class environmental stewardship,’ noted that the Ijesa people are not cowards but only give peace a chance.
According to him:
“The issue of gold mining has been an area of interest to me for the past 10 years. The cogent thing that I see that some speakers have enumerated, gold mining is a heavy investment and we need a coali on of investors first, it must be local before you can get Interna onal investors.
“There are a lot of studies that have to be supported by some interna onal analysts from
Canada, South Africa and Australia, this is very expensive but we must first start with a local consultant and let them guide you truly Ijesa has a lot of poten al in gold to tap on.
“Precisely, Ijesa’s gold is 24karat, it is true, that a lot of illegal miners have messed up many areas. I am also aware that we have security issues where illegal miners threaten our communies, I must say that Ijesa people are not cowards, we are just allowing peace but let me tell you that during my reign we would resist invaders in our gold-rich areas.”
He also called for a friendly atmosphere to harness the poten al in the gold of Ijesaland, adding that “It requires a lot of investment, it is not millions but billions and that is why it needs collabora ve efforts by our well-to-do business people sca ered all over the country. So I plead with all and sundry to get interna onal recogni on and once we cross that line, the sky is the limit.”
Also, he advocated for hos ng communi es to get dividends of mining beyond signing Community Development Agreements and giving s pends to their heads or
tle owners, but a policy that will ensure that they will con nue to benefit
as shareholders. The Chairman of the Corona on Media Com-
mi ee, Mr Shola Oshunkeye disclosed that the ac vity is part of the
lineup for Friday’s corona on of Oba Haastrup as 41st Owa Obokun.
•The Olowu of Òwu Kuta Kingdom Ọba Adekunle Oyelude receiving an award of “Outstanding Na onal Contribu ons” from Director General Nigerian Book of Records, Dr. David Davies held at Kuta recently
Osun Launches Anti-drug Clubs In Over 200 Secondary Schools
Kazeem Badmus
THE Osun State government has extended its Imole War Against Drug Abuse (IWADA) campaign to over 200 secondary schools, sensi sing 6,300 students and establishing an -drug clubs.
Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Mrs Adenike Adeleke, announced this at
Refrain From Dumping Refuse On Rail Corridors – NRC Warns Osun Residents
Kazeem Badmus
THE Nigerian Railway Corpora on (NRC) has deployed a team of engineers to the flood-ravaged area to repair a por on of the narrow gauge threatened by washout around Osogbo, Osun State Capital.
The site, located at km 294+12 poles, OkeOnitea area in Osogbo, suffered a washout following heavy rainfall on Saturday, May 17, 2025. According to NRC, the remedial work is
cri cal to maintaining safe and uninterrupted train opera ons for passengers travelling to Osogbo, Ilorin, and Minna corridors during the Eid fes ve season.
Managing Director/ Chief Execu ve Officer, NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed regret over the washout but reassured passengers that all necessary steps are being taken to bring relief to the corpora on’s esteemed passengers and ease train movement before the Eid-el Kabir
celebra on.
The NRC management also called on residents of Oke-Onitea and other communi es along the rail corridors in Osogbo to refrain from dumping refuse indiscriminately, as such prac ces contribute to culvert blockages and rail infrastructure damage.
The Corpora on reiterated its commitment to delivering safe, customer-focused rail services to the Nigerian public.
•Targets Artisans, Civil Servants
Osogbo Grammar School during the campaign’s conclusion for Osun Central Senatorial District.
Moreover, Adeleke revealed plans to expand the ini a ve to ar sans, skilled workers, and civil servants, sta ng, “As we officially wrap up the Imole Drug Abuse campaign in secondary schools across the state, we do so with deep gratude and overwhelming sense of purpose. This campaign which took root in the vision of a be er future for our youth has now blossom into a powerful movement that touch lives.”
She added, “At this point, it will interest you to know that we will be moving the campaign to ar san, skill workers and civil servant in Osun state.”
Addi onally, Adeleke affirmed ongoing monitoring of IWADA clubs, saying, “We will con nue to monitor the IWADA clubs established during this campaign. These clubs are the seeds we had planted and we shall con nue to nurture them through periodic visit, evalua on and guidance.”
She praised Governor Ademola Adeleke’s moral and strategic support, noting his commitment to sustaining the campaign.
Adeoye Oyebola, Execu ve Secretary of Osogbo’s Ministry of Educa on, urged students to avoid drug use and nega ve peer influences. Rotarian Ayobami Oyetunde, from the Bureau for People with Disabili es, encouraged students to emulate successful role models.
NDLEA representa ve Comfort Oyebayo warned against peer pressure, stating, “Drug abuse destroys lives and futures. Do not allow anyone to mislead you.
Stay focused, concentrate on your studies, and develop your talents. Take only prescribed medica on and always seek guidance from responsible adults.”
Obasanjo, Adeleke, Atiku, Aregbesola Present As...
•Continued on Page 6
to the overall development of Ijesaland. In line with our promise, Ilesa is now a university town. Over 50 courses are already accredited. We are building the internal infrastructure within the university. The university management is building a credible global ins tu on under the direc on of our administra on.
“I am glad to announce that the General Hospital, Ilesa has been approved as the Teaching Hospital for the University of Ilesa. This will boost Ilesa as a centre of medical excellence. We are focussed on the upgrading of Ilesa to a modern city. Hence, we are almost comple ng the over 12-kilometer Ereja SquareBrewery Junc on dual carriageway. This landmark project, for the first me, is opening up Ilesa for business and pleasure.
In his remarks a er his Corona on, Owa Haastrup Ajimọkọ III thanked the people of Ijesaland for their support.
He promised to seek the growth and development of Ijesaland, urging all stakeholders to join hands with him to move his domain forward.
Dignitaries who spoke at the two-in-one event prayed for Owa Haastrup’s peaceful reign.
Excerpt from history of Ijesa Obokun Kingdom by Adeoye Ogunleki to be followed up next week.
,withformerDate of Birth 06/06/1996, but now wish to be known and addressed as OLAIYA OMOLARA BUKOLA, with New Date of Birth 15/06/1996. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.
“In the mining sector for which Ijesaland is heavily affected, our administraon is implemen ng farreaching mining reforms. We are tackling illegal mining and comba ng environmental degrada on. I want to assure Kabiyesi that our administra on is open to further Public Private Partnerships in all areas. We are ready to collaborate with the new monarch for the development of Ijesaland.”
Afew weeks a er he was sworn in as Governor in November 2010, Rauf Aregbesola observed a no ceable number of people with psychosis, in various degrees of carefreeness to the world around them - dirty, clad in rags or some mes just naked, unkempt, si ng or roaming around - as he went around Osogbo and the streets of Osun.
He called a en on to this, expressing the view that a society that simply ignored its vulnerable people in such mental state, was unlikely to develop.
Contact was made with the Ministry of Youths and Sports (which was said to have responsibility for such) and the officer in charge gave a budget with which to clear the streets of the people with psychosis and a end to them.
And the people with psychosis disappeared within a week. Or so it seemed; because within less than two weeks a er this, a new set in different states of carefreeness to the world, appeared, almost in vengeance.
When enquiries were made from the officer in charge, he explained that usually the ones removed from the streets were profiled with the aim of iden fying their towns and States of origin in Nigeria and were then subsequently returned to those States and that the new ones may have also been returned to Osun by some other States.
When asked to clarify how those cleared from the streets in Osun were handed over in their supposed States of origin, he said they simply dropped them on the streets in the middle of the night!
Ogbeni - meaning “ simply Mr” as Aregbesola likes to be called - could not imagine and couldn’t reconcile himself with what he heard. A er delibera ng with his close aides and agreeing on how best to a end to this, he immediately approved funding and support, to restore a run down rehabilita on centre in the State and gave instruc ons for the people with psychosis to be removed from the streets, treated at government’s expense at the Psychiatric unit of the then Lautech Teaching Hospital Osogbo and reunited with their families.
That was how the journey that ensured that all a person with psychosis needed to be treated and rehabilitated, was to find his/ her way to Osun, to be found on (and cleared from) the streets by Aregbe’s “Commissioner for were (Yoruba for psychosis)” - as some of his colleagues jokingly called the Special Adviser (later Commissioner) for Youths, Sports and Special needs - whose por olio included ensuring these vulnerable ci zens were taken care of humanely. And there were no quesons asked about State of Origin of the vulnerable pa ent.
In fact, this writer encountered one such psycho c person, rescued from the streets (with her son who was about one year plus old), who said she just came from a distant State because she heard Aregbe took care of people exhibi ng such symptoms as hers!!
When in 2018, INEC declared the elec on for Governorship inconclusive and rescheduled a rerun in some wards, this lady rescued from the streets with her son, called from her loca on (outside Osun) and remarked that if only because of beneficiaries like her, God would not but win the elec on for Aregbe’s candidate!!!
Among such people picked from the streets, treated and reunited with their families is someone who later became a lecturer at a higher instu on of learning and is said to be happily married
“All through his time as Governor, Ogbeni ensured that these class of vulnerable Nigerians - and many other vulnerable people - were supported under the Social Protection Programmes”
By Kolawole Wasiu Omotunde-Young PERSPECTIVE
Leadership Unusual
and raising a family and several others who were reunited with their spouses and children and are gainfully engaged.
All through his me as Governor, Ogbeni ensured that these class of vulnerable Nigerians - and many other vulnerable people - were supported under the Social Protec on Programmes.
When the Social Protec on scheme for the vulnerable elderly in Osun - named Agba Osun - in which a monthly s pend was paid to each idenfied vulnerable old ci zen was being planned, a partnership was deliberately established with experts from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences of Obafemi Awolowo University to prepare the template and help establish a fair and just iden fica on and documenta on of beneficiaries to prevent favouri sm and abuse.
O-Meals, the school feeding programme, was developed to ensure pupils in the first four years of elementary school have the right nutri onal intake to support development of their brains and bodies. Studies by UNICEF and top scholars in the world have shown that the state of health at early years of the child’s life, permanently affect, the de-
velopment of the brain.
The State partnered with Obafemi Awolowo University to design diet and menu that provided high nutri on at minimal cost using agricultural products sourced from the State. To many of the pupils, the meals served in school, was the most nutri onally beneficial meal they ate every day.
Aregbesola ins gated the redesign of the programme beyond Educa on to include Agriculture, Economy, Employment, Produc vity and Enterprise. Farmers, Caterers and suppliers in the State were organised, empowered, supported and patronised.
The government led by Aregbesola was sworn in, during the last days of the last week of November 2010 which was in the harma an season. He organised within a short me before the next rainy season, to clear and desilt drainages, canals, streams and rivers, to put an end to the perennial flood that had plagued Osogbo and several towns in Osun virtually every year during the raining season, damaging proper es and causing losses of lives.
Residents of Osogbo were pleasantly surprised from 2011 that the “god of flooding”, which some
officials of a previous government, were reported to have said needed to be worshipped to prevent annual flooding, had been appeased simply by applying knowledge and technology under a new leadership.
Farmer - Herder rela onship was one in which Aregbesola succeeded excep onally . To ensure peaceful coexistence, a commi ee led by a senior aide and having members nominated by the Fulani community, the Bororo community and Yoruba indigenes, was established and tasked with managing herder - farmer rela onship through educaon, interrela onship and dispute resolu on. This commi ee provided a commendable success story in the management of security and farmer - herder rela onship under Ogbeni. It is something the Federal Government should have understudied.
Osun Youth Employment Scheme(OYES) which engaged 20,000 youths within Aregbe’s first 100 days in office, turned out to be the most impacting, most successful youth employment scheme delivered at once, ever in Africa.
OYES impacted the Economy, Security, Environment, Agriculture, Skills sets and Produc vity in the State exponen ally.
As reported by the Na onal Bureau of Sta s cs(NBS) within two years of running OYES, unemployment figure crashed from 12.4% (2008 - 2010) to 3% (2013) in Osun, giving Osun the lowest unemployment rate in the country; a figure which has not been matched anywhere in the country since. Osun became the State with the second lowest figure on the poverty index. Osun was also rated the most secured State in the country.
Aregbesola promoted the linkage of poverty, hunger, lack of access to quality educa on, to insurgencies like Boko Haram, banditry etc. scourging the na on, and how programmes like O-Meal, OYES, O- School etc if sustained na onwide could help diminish and eliminate these security challenges.
is a former Osun State Commissioner for Education
Start Now: Make Your Voices Heard
ON every subject ma er, from football to democracy and governance, almost every Nigerian (from teenage up) is an “expert!” Nigerians have strong opinions on almost every societal problem on which they also have readymade solu ons. Across pubs, newsstands, worship places and all sorts of social gatherings, you can hear their loud voices on different issues that catches the day’s fancy.
However loud the voices are, are they truly heard? If heard at all by those who should hear, is a en on paid to the opinions much else given due considera on and acted upon?
Individuals may rise to prominent social status that makes their opinions powerful and hard to dismiss, Prof Wole Soyinka and Rtd. General TY Danjuma, for good instances. However well the opinions of such statesmen approximate the collec ve wishes, the powers-that-be in any clime have a way of quie ng them down.
Those who are keen to make their voices heard can always do so, and like we menoned in a previous ar cle, the primary thing to do is have solid knowledge on the subject at hand. In poli cs, we have said a study of all the Rule Books, beginning with the Cons tu on of Nigeria, is the way to go.
A er the cons tu on, there are several other rules and regula on books that must come next, among which are The Electoral Act and the INEC Guidelines for poli cal par es and elec on conducts. Once thus equipped with these and general knowledge of society,
you are good to go. Every adult (above 18 years of age) is duty bound to be aware of his or her rights and dues as ci zens. Once you reach that age and beyond, you are either in ter ary schools, working or unemployed. At all levels, there are associa ons formed to look a er your interests. From your immediate community, the Landlord/Tenants Associa ons, The Community Development Associa on, The Associa on at Township levels, The Students Union, Alumni Associa on and Old Students Associa ons, Trades Unions and Market Associa ons, Religious and Cultural Associa ons, Farmers Associa ons, Youth Associa ons, Women Groups, et cetera, you need to take a good look around and develop interest in the ac vi es of associa ons that capture your loca on.
It is by a ending the mee ngs and contribu ng to the proceedings of these associaons that you build a voice that increasingly ma er, and eventually join in ac ons that posi vely help the cause. If you are not in any of these associa ons, join now. If you are already in there, don’t se le down as just a quite number. Make your voice heard sensibly, learn from others, grow in influence and grow the influence of the associa on. The only way to grow is by seeking and accep ng responsibili es!
Governance and Democracy is not a 4-Yearly Elec on Day affair. Poli cs is played every day, right from the family and the neighbourhood all the way to Aso Rock Villa. Having played commendable roles at these
grassroots associa ons, the next level is to really make your voice ma er in poli cs itself, and this too must start at the grassroots level. When it comes to this, the Party is all in all because in Nigeria it is the party that must provide candidates for elec ons.
There is absolutely no way of ever being elected into government posi ons outside being presented by the Party. There is a better chance of being appointed without being a card carrying party member, s ll such individual must have played considerable role for the party, indirectly. His or her voice and acons elsewhere, along with professional competence must have ma ered, which is why it is key to make your voice heard in influen al associa ons to the extent they make posi ve impact.
In conclusion, absence of popular par cipa on is not the only problem of democracy and governance in Nigeria but it is a major one to be addressed. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. When there is a disciplined collec on of reasonable voices, the chances of ignoring them, when they strongly ar culate a progressive voice in a legi mate and legal way, is slim. Therefore, start by taking a stand henceforth, get all the knowledge you need of the rules book and the society, belong to associa ons you should belong and join the party of your choice and begin to make your voices heard and take ac ve part in building be er communi es, LGAs, States and the Na on. “Stop agonising, start organising.”
•Kolawole Wasiu Omotunde-Young
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above