Osun Defender Newspaper Online Version of May 2nd, 2025 by Osun Defender Newspaper

•Governor Ademola Adeleke, top Osun Government ofﬁcials and other stakeholders at the closing of the Pre-Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICI-2025) Stakeholders Engagement Workshop held in Ede, on Wednesday.

Hoodlums Kill Amotekun Corps

Member In Osun

Yusuf Oketola

Amember of Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, Lamidi Abiodun was on Wednesday killed by suspected hoodlums.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that the incident occurred when members of the Amotekun Corps and those of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) were trying to rescue some farmers from suspected

•Continued on page 7

Five Months After, Osun Govt Yet To Fulfil Promise

Yusuf Oketola

IT is over ﬁve months that Governor Ademola Adeleke pardoned 52 inmates serving various terms at diﬀerent Custodial Centres across Nigeria’s South West region.

OSUN DEFENDER, however, learnt that months after their release, the state government is yet to fulﬁl its promises to the freed ex-inmates, par cularly Sunday Morakinyo and Segun Olowookere.

The duo were idenﬁed specially during the Amnesty programme of the state government in December 2024 due to the nature of the oﬀences that led them to prison for more than a decade.

Olowookere and Mo-

rakinyo were incarcerated and were on death row in Ilesa, Ibara and Kirikiri Prisons for stealing fow and eggs in Oyan, Odo-o n Local Government Area of the state.

But the police claimed they were armed with cutlasses during the act.

Shortly a er their release from the prison, a human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana called on the Osun Government to facilitate the rehabilitaon of the pardoned convicts, Olowookere and others before integra ng them back into the society.

Meanwhile, Falana described the trial, convicon, and death sentence

•Continued on page 2

Pardoned Inmates

•Governor Ademola Adeleke acknowledging cheers from members of Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Osun State Council at the 2025 May Day Celebration, held at Fakunle High School, Osogbo, yesterday

Photo: Olushola Aderinto

Residents Turn Fakunle-Olaiya Walkway To Mini-Market

Kazeem

SOME residents of Osun State have turned the walkway at the Fakunle axis of the Olaiya area into a minimarket.

The residents who have their kiosks on the walkway some mes prevent pedestrians from using the space.

Also, the unused area of the walkway, which spans from Fakunle to Olaiya junc on, was ﬁlled with bush when OSUN DEFENDER visited the place on Wednesday.

One of the traders who does not want her name in print, while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, said she came to erect a stand at the place because she couldn’t aﬀord a shop.

The trader said a friend of her who also has a space on the walkway advised her to come over.

When asked if she knew the place was meant for pedestrians, the trader said they were not disturbing those passing through the place from walking freely.

She said, “We are not disturbing those passing through the walkway. Our kiosks are not disturbing them. As you can see, we leave some space for those passing here.

“I came to this place through a friend who also has a kiosk here. When I told her I couldn’t come

up with the cash to rent a shop, she advised me to come to this place, and since I came, I have been feeding my children with what I’m selling here.”

Another trader who

spoke to OSUN DEFENDER claimed that they were paying taxes for the space they occupied on the walkway.

He said someone among them collected the

tax on behalf of the state government. He, however, failed to name the person collec ng the tax, adding that he has been in the place for over two years.

“I’ve been here since

2022. I am part of the ﬁrst set of people who came here to sell. There is someone who you have to see before taking a space here. The person claims he is working for the gov-

•Osun First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Ti lola Adeleke distributed seedlings, farm tools, livestock with feeds and ₦50,000 grants each to over 300 Osun women farmers across the state under various farmers associa ons, as part of the “Renewed Hope Ini a ve Agricultural Support Program”, recently

ernment and he does collect tax from us.

“We don’t want the government to chase us away from this place as we have established our businesses and I don’t think we are disturbing anybody from moving,” he said.

When contacted, the Osun State Commissioner for Environment, Mayowa Adejorin said government oﬃcials have gone to the place several mes to chase the traders away, adding that the people kept coming back to the place.

Adejorin also debunked the claim that a government oﬃcial was collec ng tax from the traders, promising to intensify eﬀorts to make the walkway free.

He said, “Our enforcement unit, many a me, chases them away, but some of them are very recalcitrant. We promise to intensify eﬀort to make the walkway free.”

Five Months After, Osun Govt Yet To Fulfil Promise To Pardoned Inmates

•Continued from Page 1

passed on Olowookere and Morakinyo as illegal, null and void in every material par cular, said: “The case ought to have been instuted in Osun State Family Court, which exclusively empowered to exercise

jurisdic on in any criminal proceeding involving or rela ng to any penalty, forfeiture, punishment or other liability in respect of an oﬀence commi ed by a child, against a child or the interest of a child.”

OSUN DEFENDER reliably gathered that both Olowookere and Morakinyo were within the age

Osun Speaker Unveils Bills To Boost Road Safety

Yusuf Oketola

THE Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, has announced the introduc on of two cri cal bills aimed at improving road safety and promo ng entrepreneurship in the state.

This was disclosed in a statement shared on the lawmaker’s oﬃcial X han-

dle on Tuesday.

“Yesterday, during the plenary, we introduced two crucial bills: the Osun State Road and Vehicle Inspec on Services Bill, 2024, and the Osun State Start-Up Bill, 2024,” the Speaker’s terse statement partly said.

According to Egbedun, the Osun State Road and Vehicle Inspec on Serv-

ices Bill is designed to improve vehicle inspecon standards across the state, thereby reducing accidents and enhancing safety on Osun roads.

“The Road and Vehicle Inspec on Services Bill aims to enhance vehicle inspec on protocols, ensuring safer roads for all,” he added.

Equally signiﬁcant is the Osun State Start-Up Bill, which targets the crea on of an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs and innova ve ventures in the state.

The legisla on seeks to boost the local economy by fostering a vibrant start-up ecosystem.

“The Start-Up Bill is set to create a vibrant ecosystem for new businesses, driving innova on and job crea on in Osun. As we move beyond the second reading of these bills, I encourage everyone to engage with us.

“Together, we can build a safer and more prosperous Osun!” Egbedun concluded.

of 17 and 16 years at the me of their trials in 2010.

The medium learnt that Olowookere and other pardoned ex-convicts have been roaming the street since their release from the prison due to the inability of the State government to engage them.

Also, the Osun State chapter of the Commi ee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) at the me called on Nigerians to urgently rehabilitate the pardoned inmates.

CDHR in a statement by its chairman in the state, Comrade Emmanuel Olowu made the call when one of the freed ex-convicts, Sunday Omisakin was rearrested a er breaking into a building in Osogbo and stole a television few days a er he was released from prison.

Olowu in the le er highlighted poten al risks associated with the release of the individuals without any form of rehabilita on, saying the Administra on of Criminal Jus ce Law 2015 and Osun State Administra on of Criminal Jus ce Law 2018 mandat-

ed a rehabilita on exercise for pardon prisoners.

But a er the calls from both Falana and Olowu, the government has neither organised a rehabilita on programme nor empowered the ex-convicts as promised.

OSUN DEFENDER reliably gathered that Adeleke through the Ministry of Children and Women Affairs has requested for the submission of academic creden als of both Olowookere and Morakinyo who is currently ba ling mental illness due to the torture received from the police during his incarceraon.

The medium learnt that it was only the dou that the government has idenﬁed and to be absorbed into the state civil service out of the 52 pardoned individuals.

But the government is yet to fulﬁl the promise as the individuals have submi ed their O’levels to the appropriate quarter.

Olowu while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday stated Adeleke has successfully

integrated over 50 criminals into society because they have not been rehabilitated

“The answer is that His Excellency Ademola Adeleke has successfully released At least 50 criminals into the society.

“When inmate are in prison they passed through a very chronic psychological trauma and releasing them required a rehabilita on program. The fact is that lots of them are presently into crime as we speak but the hands of Jus ces as not just touches them.

“I urge the state government to track these individuals and give them the proper orienta on and as well empower them. They need to be engaged. There is a popular saying that an Idle hand is the devil workshop.”

The Commissioner for Women Aﬀairs, Children and Social Welfare, Hon. Ayobola Awolowo did not respond to the terse message sent to her phone as at the me of ﬁling this report.

•Egbedun

Badmus

THE lead story of our newspaper today highlights a very serious social problem in Nigeria. This is actually a social crisis; for a civilized society must have a program through which those who are falling by the road side are integrated back into the society. This not only ensures social balance but is also an important way of preven ng the constant repe on of the oﬀense. Without a rehabilita on program, the oﬀender eventually transformed from a pe y criminal to a very hardened threat to society.

Already, Nigerian incarcera on centers are very terrible places for anyone to be pu ng even for a few weeks, an extended stay turns the unfortunate inmate eventually into threat to a society. Prisons in Nigeria are a reality a barbaric existence at variance with any concepon of civiliza on.

To act as social safetyness and to prevent con nued disorder and threat to society, civilised countries are very sensibly enacted laws and mechanisms to guide the oﬀenders back into civvy street, this is very important in order to contain a possible explosion of inmates

WRehabilitating The Offender

in the correc onal centres. Thereby limi ng the ﬁnancial costs to the state.

For example, The UK’s Rehabilitaon of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA) allows some criminal convic ons to be considered “spent” a er a specified period, meaning they can be treated as if they never happened for most purposes. This helps individuals with past convicons who have stayed on the right side of the law to rebuild their lives and find employment.

The length of the rehabilita on period depends on the sentence or disposal administered by the court. For example, a ﬁne may become spent a er one year, while a custodial sentence of between 1

and 4 years will take 4 years to become spent.

We really need this kind of framework in any overhaul of the criminal jus ce system and this should be done urgently. Because in Nigeria, there are class, environmental and internal security issues Involved. in the case of Nigeria, the level of poverty is rising and increasingly, poverty is providing personnel for terrorist groups.

As a preven ve mechanism, a new framework to limit the damage caused by s gma must be put in place. The government should seek the support of Civil Society as well as Interna onal Donors to rehabilitate the oﬀenders. Skills Cent-

TheIssuesDiscourse & Policy

“ The length of the rehabilitaon period depends on the sentence or disposal administered by the court. For example, a ﬁne may become spent a er one year, while a custodial sentence of between 1 and 4 years will take 4 years to become spent”

ers must be developed within a correconal center. It’s important to remember that Nigeria is suffering from cri cal skills shortage in a lots of sectors. It’s well known for example that the construcon and agricultural sectors are heavily dependent on labour from neighbouring West African countries, with the devalua on of the naira and its weakening Visa-vis the CFA, labour cost in both sectors has gone up astronomically. This issue therefore present an opportunity to do something about our skills deficit by conver ng the inmates into skilled ar sans. The government must have a properly work out program towards the rehabilita on of the offender in order to turn a poten al danger to society into an opportunity for renewal.

The Democratic Get-Together

Jide Afolabi

HAT is the founda on of Democracy and its basic assump ons? Simple: that the wishes of the majority should prevail. What are the wishes and common interests of the majority? Not farfetched at all - a roof over the head, clothes on the body, food on the table, educa on for children, good roads, access to health services and security to life and property. Freedom caps it all: freedoms of expression, movement, associa on, believe; which are rights equally accessible to all across gender, cultural, religious and poli cal divides. Democracy is, therefore, not an end in itself. It is a means to achieving those stated ends. It is why Democracy as a method of government is hailed as the best form of government on earth because of the goals, not because of the name. Democracy, however, does not operate itself, human beings operate it. Whether democracy works or not is, therefore, not the fault or favour of democracy, it is kudos or knocks to its operators.

Who are then the best sets of humans to operate Democracy? They are called Democrats - those who believe in Democracy. So, before you judge the successes or failings of democracy anywhere, ask yourself, is it being operated there by democrats? If not, why do we expect that devils can deliver heaven? It is like handing over an independent country to colonial masters to run and expec ng the prosperity of the na ves. How best do lions know as to taking care of lambs? Fundamentally and personally,

“Fundamentally and personally, there is the need to ask ourselves “how much of a democrat am I”? Every good thing in the world begins with one person thinking it out and putting it into action”

there is the need to ask ourselves

“how much of a democrat am I”? Every good thing in the world begins with one person thinking it out and pu ng it into ac on. Considering the goals of democracy outlined in the opening paragraph, measure yourself on the democra c scale by simply judging how commi ed you are, in thought, disposi on and especially in ac on to the collec ve good and the prosperity of the majority - not just yourselves and your clique. That is how much of a democrat you are. Democracy is ba ered when people who would rather run a slave camp hide behind its fancy name to pursue self-serving ends. Non-democrats come in several categories and are usually successful behind their masks and decep ve make-ups. However, they generally do not believe in the universal equality of all ci zens before the law, nor do they believe in separa on of powers between execu ves, legislators and judiciary. For them, the execu ve is almighty and the other two arms are to be manipulated,

punished or rewarded to the degree of their compliance. Non-democrats in those other arms too (legislatures and judiciary) understand very well, and make successful careers out of “compliance” by scheming to eventually get to execu ve posi ons. Non-democrats would have you know that they can guarantee “freedom of speech, but not freedom a er speech”! If you feel it is a man’s world and that every man should be for himself and God should be for us all, you will make a poor democrat indeed.

Unfortunately, because of our long years under feudalism, colonialism and military rule, the majority of Nigerians, young and old, men and women, are non-democrats. They would rather lord it over others and have their ways

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and ends - woe be unto others! It is when these ordinary undemocra c Nigerians get to leadership of any organiza on that you now see the trait. Unfortunately too, only democrats can come together and form polical par es commi ed to democracy and make a success of running governments in a democracy. Their poli cal par es will be diﬀerent only as per strategies and tac cs for achieving democra c dividends, conserva vely or progressively. It should be clear what is to be done - a democrats’ get-together within all organiza ons, ins tu ons, poli cal par es; to rescue the organiza ons, ins tuons, democracy and governance, and more importantly, to rescue the na on from clear and present danger of implosion.

Jamiu Akintoye Yusuf Abidemi

A67-year-old man, Mufutau Bakare, has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court, Osun State for allegedly providing false informaon while standing as a surety for a defendant in the court.

According to the charge sheet, the de-

Surety Lands In Trouble For Giving False Information In Court

fendant allegedly conspired to defeat the course of jus ce in a stealing case involving one Abiakeze Juliet, by providing false informaon to procure her bail. He was accused of disrespec ng the court

by failing to fulﬁll his promise to procure the bail of Abiakeze Juliet.

The police prosecutor, Oluolokun Babatunde, told the court that the defendant had been evading arrest since last year, and was eventually apprehended through the help of a night guard security.

He was arraigned before the court on a fourcount charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and forgery.

The alleged oﬀence according to the police contravened sec ons 126, 133, 180 and 480 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun, 2002. But he pleaded not guilty to the counts levelled against him.

Defense Counsel JP Jones prayed the court for the bail 22of the defendant, saying he will provide a reliable surety.

In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate M.A Olatunji granted him bail in sum of N500,000 with two sure es. The case was adjourned ll June 9, 2025

Osun Right-of-Way Fees Second Highest In Nigeria

Yusuf Oketola

OSUN State, which has one of the lowest levels of ﬁbre deployment at just 64 kilometres has been ranked second in Nigeria for ﬁbre Infrastructure Investment, charging a right-of-way fee of ₦6,850 per linear metre.

Compiled by telecom industry operators in March 2024, the list is the ﬁrst comprehensive snapshot of right-of-way charges across Nigerian states. It highlights the fragmented and o en burdensome nature of right-of-way governance. It reveals how several states have leveraged it primarily for revenue genera on rather than as a tool to promote digital infrastructure development.

Lagos, which leads Nigeria in ﬁbre coverage with 7,864.6km, charges ₦6,264 per metre, making it the third most expensive state for right-of-way. Other high-fee states include Oyo (₦5,303), Cross River (₦4,737), Rivers (₦4,047), Edo (₦3,491), and Ondo (₦3,075).

Some states have more aﬀordable rates: Sokoto and Jigawa charge ₦3,000; Benue and Bayelsa ₦2,500; Kano ₦2,258; and Abia, Taraba, and Akwa Ibom ₦2,000. At the lower end, Borno and Yobe each charge ₦1,000, while Gombe oﬀers the lowest rate at ₦500 per metre.

In 2013, the Na onal Economic Council (NEC)— including the Vice President, state governors, and other senior oﬃcials—recommended a fee of ₦145 per metre to streamline costs and promote na onwide ﬁbre deployment. But with no legisla on behind it, many states simply ignored the direc ve and imposed arbitrary fees.

Some progress was made a er a January 2020 mee ng between the then Minister of Communicaons and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum. Since then, 16 states have revised their fees. Twelve states—Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, Anambra, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Adamawa, Kaduna, Eki , Imo, and Plateau—have

eliminated the fees. Delta, Enugu, Ebonyi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) now charge the NECrecommended ₦145.

For some states, waiving right-of-way fees is a deliberate strategy to attract telecom investments beyond just urban centres. In Anambra, where over 1,000km of ﬁbre has already been deployed, much of the investment is concentrated in commercial hubs like Onitsha and Nnewi. The goal, however, is to extend coverage statewide.

“If telcos judged every investment strictly by profit, only commercial zones would get infrastructure,” said Chukwuemeka Fred Akpata, Managing Director of the Anambra State ICT Agency. “By waiving right-of-way, we’re encouraging deployment in underserved areas.”

Similarly, Niger State passed a law adop ng the ₦145 standard fee before issuing an execu ve order in September 2024 to waive the fee altogether.

“The ₦0 right-of-way fee is based on execu ve

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

order, but the ₦145 is law,” said Suleiman Isah, Commissioner for Communica ons and Digital Economy, Niger State. “If the investment we a ract in the next year or two outweighs what we made from fees, we’ll amend the law permanently.”

Telecom operators have o en nego ated these fees and received reduced fees in a few states. In 2021, the Associa on for Licenced Telecommunica on Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), whose members include the big-

gest telecom operators such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, nego ated a reduced Right of Way fee with the Lagos State Government.

Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Associa on of Licensed Telecommunicaons Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has observed these developments closely. He argues that while removing right-of-way fees is a step forward, it is not a sustainable solu on on its own.

“The era of state governments charging Right-

Art/Culture

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, citing 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 recognized

that our individual ac ons have consequences for our families, communi es, and society. By living with integrity, we contribute to building trust, fostering coopera on, and promoting 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 a ripple eﬀect that can inspire posi ve change in our communi es. Integrity promotes accountability, transparency, and fairness, which are essen al

of-Way fees should be over,” Adebayo told TechCabal. “When states impose these fees, they lose out on the broader beneﬁts of digital infrastructure. Instead of charging right-of-way fees, states should require telecom operators to deliver social impact projects.”

Adebayo added that some states, despite officially waiving right-of-way fees, impose hidden costs such as educa on taxes and highway levies, which discourage investment. In contrast, states like Kwara have successfully a racted impac ul projects, including a mul -million dollar ICT hub, the Ilorin Innovaon Hub. These inconsistencies in right-of-way policies con nue to influence where fibre infrastructure is deployed, deepening regional dispari es in digital access. While some states leverage fee waivers to draw long-term investment, others risk missing out by imposing high entry costs. Without a unified and enforceable na onal right-of-way framework, Nigeria’s ambi on for universal broadband coverage will remain uneven and fragmented.

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 essenal 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 les-

sons from our ancestors, I’m reminded of the power of integrity in shaping our lives and communies. 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.

Despite Reassurances, Osun Govt’s New Teachers Fail To Resume

AS Public school pu-

pils and students resumed the third term academic session in Osun State, the fate of the newly recruited teachers in the state is s ll unclear.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that Governor Ademola Adeleke a er assuming oﬃce, announced that his administra on will recruit new teachers for the state public schools.

The Governor’s announcement came a er the sacking of the 1,500 teachers recruited by former governor Mr. Gboyega Oyetola.

The sacked teachers were recruited a er Oyetola lost his re-elec on to the incumbent Governor.

However, more than two years a er the nulliﬁca on of their appointment and the subsequent announcement of a new recruitment exercise, the state government has yet to appoint the teachers.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the state Commissioner for Educa on, Dipo Eluwole had at diﬀerent fora, talked about when the recruitment exercise will be concluded.

Eluwole had, while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER last year, promised that the recruitment exercise would be concluded before the start of the second term academic session. However, the state government failed to keep to its promise.

While the recruited teachers did not resume during the last academic session, the situa on is s ll the same as public schools resumed for this term academic session on Monday, April 28, 2025.

Recall that the Osun government had, between Monday, September 9 and Friday, September 13, 2024, conducted interviews for the successful applicants seven months a er the screening examina on.

The applicants had sat for the screening examinaon in February 2024 and have since been wai ng for the recruitment.

Also, Governor Adeleke on Monday, March 10, 2025, directed immediate ac on on le ers of appointment to newly recruited teachers in Osun State.

However, since the direc ve, nothing has been heard of the recruitment exercise with applicants le in limbo.

Meanwhile, a nongovernmental organisaon, the Commi ee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has expressed disappointment in the administra on of Governor Ademola Adeleke over the prolonged delay in the is-

suance of appointment le ers to the shortlisted candidates for the 2024 teachers’ recruitment in the state.

CDHR, in a le er dated April 8, 2025, signed by its chairman in Osun State, Comrade Emmanuel Olowu, and addressed to Governor Adeleke and the Ministry of Educa on, said the delay is having a negave impact on the educaon system of Osun State, as the vacancies remain unfilled, resul ng in increased workload for the already exis ng staff Olowu urged the government to take prompt ac on to alleviate the situa on by immediately alloca ng appointment le ers to all qualified applicants, adding that the deployment of ‘Imole Youth Corps’ to teach in public schools may cause damage to the future of children in the state considering the technical skill of teaching.

Fmr. Governorship Candidate Dumps Osun PDP

Yusuf Oketola

Achie ain of Peoples Democra c Party (PDP), in Osun State, Mercy Ayodele has resigned from the party. Her resigna on is com-

ing barely a week a er the lawmaker represen ng Ijesa North Federal Cons tuency at the House of Representa ves, Hon. Oluwole Oke dumped the party. Oke and Ayodele are

from same cons tuency. Ayodele, a former gubernatorial candidate of Restora on Party of Nigeria (RPN) in 2018 and currently serving as member Obokun Local Government

New Owa Obokun Coronation Activities Begin May 16

TLatifat Bello

HE Palace of the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland has announced series of ac vi es that will culminate in the corona on of Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, as the 49th monarch of the Kingdom.

Haastrup, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State and billionaire business mogul, was named as successor to the departed Owa, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, on Friday, December 27, 2024.

In a statement issued by Shola Oshunkeye, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Commi ee, the corona on commi ee has planned a 10-day programme of ac vi es that will start on Friday, May 16, and hit a crescendo with the corona on of the new Owa on Friday, May 23, 2025.

The statement disclosed that all events will hold in Ilesa, the capital and heartland of Ijesaland, where strong indica ons have already emerged that the ceremony would be “an iconic representa on of royal pageantry rarely witnessed in this clime.”

According to the statement, “The epoch kicks oﬀ on Friday, May 16, 2025, with a special Jumat Serv-

ice at Ilesa Central Mosque star ng from 1 p.m. while cultural celebra on holds on Saturday, May 17th, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the newly refurbished Obokungbusi Hall. From 9p.m. of the same day, culture and tradi onal take the centre stage with a grand Isese night holding at the palace courtyard.

“On Monday, May 19, 2025, there will be royal visit to Ijesa zones between 10a.m. and 4p.m., while on Tuesday, May 20, the grand ﬁnale of the corona on spor ng ac vi es will begin with the Owa Ajimoko III Ijesa Marathon star ng at 7a.m.

“From 10a.m., the same day, the ﬁnal of the corona on football compeon, medal presenta on and awards ceremony will hold at the Ilesa Grammar School Sports arena.

“Wednesday, May 21, 2025, would be the turn of the various orphanages in and around Ilesa to have their fair share of the celebra ons with visits and charity by eminent persons, star ng from 10 o’clock in the morning. The day connues with a video documentary and workshop by ljesa Mineral Resources Development Forum, lMRDF, scheduled for p.m. at the University of Ilesa.

“Sports take the centre stage again, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, with the Ajimoko III Corona on Golf Ki y star ng at 8a.m. The train moves to the Royal Park Interna onal Hotel & Resort, Iloko-Ijesa, where a symposium and Ajimoko III Founda on’s scholarship and empowerment scheme comes up at 11 in the morning.

“At 10a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, the grand corona on train ﬁnally reaches its des na on-the Owa’s Palace as His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, is formally crowned as the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland with all the pomp and pageantry that Ijesas could muster.

“At 1p.m., a never-seenbefore corona on recepon will come up at Ilesa Grammar School with dignitaries and VVIPs treated to the best of Ijesa hospitality and carnival-like entertainment that would be the talk of the town for a long me to come.

“The week-long ac vies will be rounded oﬀ on Sunday, May 25, 2025, with an interdenomina onal thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa, by 10 a.m.”

Educa on Authority (LGEA) announced her formal resigna on from the party on Wednesday’s morning.

In her resigna on le er addressed to PDP leaders and members and obtained through her Facebook handle, Mercy expressed deep gra tude for the opportuni es and support she received during her tenure.

However, she lamented that the party has recently become a “one-man show” where dissen ng voices are s ﬂed, signalling a loss of focus and internal democracy.

She wrote: “To my esteemed deputy, friends, family, loyal supporters, and all who stood by me during my journey in the PDP:

“Thank you for your steadfast support, encouragement, and belief in our vision for a be er future. Our journey together has been marked by resilience, unity, and a shared commitment to progress.

“As we move forward to a new poli cal pla orm,

I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. Together, we will con nue to strive for the development and prosperity of our people.

“Let us embrace this new beginning with opmism and renewed determina on. I am honoured to have you by my side, and I look forward to achieving greater heights together.”

While reac ng to the resigna on of Ayodele, Hon Oke interpreted the resigna on as part of a broader movement of discontent within the ruling PDP in the state.

“More of Osun State PDP lead Government appointees to resign. We raised some of our Leaders been invited to Government House . We are baking more fresh and new Leaders . OBOKUN ORIADE IS FOR PBAT OBOKUN – ORIADE IS FOR APC OBOKUN -ORIADE IS FOR US. IFE IJESA ZONE IS UNDERGOING PANEL BEATING . IT’S TURNING GOLD,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

•Yèyé Funmilola Kalejaye ﬂanked by members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ at the reception programme of the ﬁnal burial ceremony of her late mother, Yeye-Oba Oyekola Janet Ajilore, at Zenabab Resort, Ilesa Osun State.

Photo: Shola Aderinto

Kazeem Badmus

OAU, 50 Others Fingered In Illegal Deductions From Students’ Loans

NO fewer than 51 ins tu ons including Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State have been ﬁngered in illegal deduc ons and a endant exploitaon of the Nigerian Educaon Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that the errant ins tu ons make between N3,500 and N30,000 oﬀ each student’s ins tu onal fee that was submi ed and received from NELFUND.

NELFUND and the Naonal Orienta on Agency (NOA) had accused these ins tu ons of engaging in “decep ve prac ces” by collec ng ins tu onal fees from the government without refunding the full value to students at the point of disbursement.

They also accused the schools of a lack of transparency, for allegedly refusing to disclose disbursement records. Other embroiled ins tu ons include: Modibbo Adama University, Yola; Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech); Lagos State University of Educa on (LASUED); Ladoke Akin-

tola University of Technology (LAUTECH); Niger Delta University; University of Port Harcourt; Igna us Ajuru University of Educa on, Port Harcourt; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi; Kaduna State University and Federal University, Dutsinma.

They also include Ebonyi State University; Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa; University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO); Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, Benue State; Abia State University; Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA); Federal University Lokoja (FUL); University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID); Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, as well as Kano State University.

Also, on the list are the University of Calabar; Federal University, Oye Eki (FUOYE); Bayero University, Kano (BUK); University of Ilorin (UNILORIN); University of Abuja (UniAbuja) and Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

It was learnt that the schools added extra fees without any clear explana on on what they were meant for, while others refused to refund the fees already paid before NELFUND’s disbursement.

At OAU, the school charges N125,000 instead of N105,000, which is N20,000 more than the ins tu onal fees.

As the schools foot-drag in refunding their students, and agita ons gather steam for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

(EFCC) to wade into the ma er, some analysts have called on NELFUND to pay fees directly to students instead of ins tu ons.

They cited frustra ons with bureaucra c delays for refunds, which have sparked discontent among beneﬁciaries. They argued that paying ins tu onal fees directly to students would eliminate the risk of ins tu ons misappropriating funds, reduce bureaucra c hurdles, and ensure mely payments.

They said this approach would also give students more control over their ﬁnances and prevent situa ons where ins tu ons deduct unauthorised fees or fail to disclose disbursement altogether.

Findings showed that NELFUND has disbursed

Campus Review Campus Review

over N50 billion to about 300 public ter ary ins tuons across federal and state universi es, polytechnics and colleges of educaon.

It was also gathered that while 128 ins tu ons received the disbursements in 2024, 171 ins tu ons have collected in 2025. The agency had earlier raised the alarm over the failure of some ins tu ons to inform their students of loan disbursements made on their behalf, while s ll demanding payment of instu onal fees from the same students.

The agency, through its Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyer, said recent findings revealed that some ins tu ons receive student loan disbursements directly into their accounts and refuse to no fy the affected students or reflect the payments in their school fee records, crea ng unnecessary confusion.

He subsequently threat-

May Day: IBEDC Reaffirms Commitment To Staff Welfare

THE Management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribu on Company (IBEDC) has reaﬃrmed its commitment to the welfare of their workers.

The management

made the assurance while felicita ng with the staﬀ of the company on this year’s workers’ day celebra on. extends hear elt felicita ons to all Nigerian workers as the na on

marks Workers’ Day 2025.

According to them, IBEDC remain unwavering in its commitment to policies that promote employee welfare, workplace safety, and con nuous professional development.

A copy of the statement obtained by OSUN DEFENDER reads: “This day provides a special opportunity to celebrate the resilience, dedica on, and patrio c spirit of the Nigerian workforce — the true drivers of progress across every sector of our economy.

Osun Govt To Support Youths In Providing Solutions To Digital Challenges

THE Osun State Government on Wednesday, declared its readiness to provide youths in the state with the pla orm and resources needed to develop innova ve solu ons to bridging the digital divide.

The state government said the vision is to posi on Osun State as a hub for innova on and technology.

The state Commissioner for Innova on, Science and Technology, Moroof Ayofe, stated these at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Osun Challenge Ini a ve.

Ayofe said the present administra on is committed to harnessing innovaon and technology to drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and create opportuni es for all.

He added that by leveraging digital solu ons, the

state government can enhance governance, improve ci zen engagement, and drive economic development.

He said, “As we are all aware that the world is changing every day and moving to the next level, this is why the present administraon, under the leadership of Senator Ademola Adeleke, has taken it upon itself to move from old ways and embrace new technology and modern trends.

“As the theme for this program implies, “ INNOVATING FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND DIGITALLY INCLUSIVE OSUN STATE”, dis nguished guests, esteemed judges, innovators, and fellow ci zens, this ini a ve embodies our administra on’s commitment to harnessing innovaon and technology to drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and create opportuni es for all.

“We recognize the po-

ten al of our youth and aim to provide them with the pla orm and resources needed to develop innovave solu ons. This challenge is a testament to our dedicaon to bridging the digital divide and ensuring inclusivity, and thereby empowering the next genera on.

“Our vision is to posion Osun State as a hub for innova on and technology, by leveraging on digital solu ons, we can enhance governance, improve ci zen engagement, and drive economic development.”

In his address, the Special Adviser on Innova on, Science and Technology, Azeez Badmus, said Adeleke’s investments in broadband infrastructure, digital iden ty, e-governance, tech educa on, and open government systems are deliberate eﬀorts to make Osun a techdriven state.

“Through his unwaver-

ing commitment to building a sustainable digital economy, the Governor has laid the founda on for a more inclusive and forwardthinking Osun State. His investments in broadband infrastructure, digital iden ty, e-governance, tech educa on, and open government systems are deliberate eﬀorts to make Osun a techdriven state.

“Beyond infrastructure, His Excellency has created a business-friendly environment that is enabling startups to thrive, SMEs to scale, and talents to stay and build within the state.

“From suppor ng the passage of innova onfriendly bills to the establishment of the Osun Digital Economy framework, we now see the fruits of a government that truly understands the importance of technology in today’s economy,” he added.

“IBEDC proudly acknowledges the outstanding contribu ons of its employees. Your professionalism and commitment are at the heart of our ability to deliver essen al electricity services to millions of customers across our franchise area.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to policies that promote employee welfare, workplace safety, and con nuous professional development — all within an environment that is safe, inclusive, and geared toward growth.

“As a customer-centric organiza on, IBEDC also reaﬃrms its dedicaon to enhancing service delivery, inves ng in cri cal infrastructure, and strengthening support systems to meet the evolving expecta ons of our customers.

“On this Workers’ Day, we celebrate your strength, honor your efforts, and thank you for your invaluable contribuons to our shared future.”

ened legal ac on against the ins tu ons, warning that withholding cri cal ﬁnancial informa on from students is unethical and a direct viola on of the principles upon which NELFUND was established.

If le unchecked, Sawyer warned that the pracce could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s genuine inten ons for the student loan programme. He noted that not holding these instu ons accountable would sabotage the president’s educa on vision, emphasising equity, inclusiveness, and fairness.

Similarly, in a statement, NOA said it had uncovered several unethical prac ces by some ins tu ons. Already, the agency has directed its state directorates to provide further feedback from students across the country to ensure that the federal government takes appropriate ac on against erring schools.

Speaking through its community orienta on and mobilisa on officers (COMO), the agency added: “The NOA feedback showed how specific ins tu ons have deliberately delayed payments to successful applicants for personal financial benefit, in connivance with some banks. Some universi es even fail to acknowledge NELFUND’s disbursements to students.”

Reac ng, OAU Public Rela ons Oﬃcer, Abiodun Olanrewaju in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday debunked the claim, asking that they should back their allega on with proof.

Olanrewaju however admi ed that there was computa on errors reﬂecting on the portal of some beneﬁciaries which has already being addressed.

He said: “This is not correct!. Whoever is alleging should produce proof. The administra on does not approve of any extra deduc on from the NELFund loan. It is a loan and not a grant!!

“Nevertheless, I’m aware there are some computa on errors reﬂec ng on the portal of some beneﬁciaries and this is already being addressed.

“The error occurred during the process of data transforma on for the purpose of documenta on on the candidate’s University portal. All issues are expected to be resolved before the week ends.”

Yusuf Oketola

Kazeem Badmus

UCL: How Arsenal Can Beat PSG In Second Leg – Rooney

MANCHESTER United legend, Wayne Rooney has advised Arsenal on how they can beat Paris Saint-Germain when both teams clash in the Champions League semi-ﬁnal second leg e in Paris.

Arsenal lost 1-0 against PSG in the semiﬁnal ﬁrst leg at the Emir-

ates Stadium on Tuesday night.

Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the encounter to give Luis Enrique’s side a ﬁrst leg advantage.

Both teams will clash in the second leg next Wednesday in Paris.

However, Rooney wants Arsenal to ap-

proach the return leg against PSG with belief.

The Englishman advised Mikel Arteta’s side to be pa ent, slow the game down and be clinical against the French Ligue 1 champions when both sides meet next week.

“I hope Arsenal go on and win the compe on, but they have to go in to the second leg with belief,” Rooney told Amazon Prime Video Sport.

“They have to be pa ent, slow the game down, take the ball at the right mes and be clinical.”

Arsenal will now shi their a en on to the Premier League this weekend, where they will host Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium.

‘I’m Ready To Finance Osimhen’s Move To Fenerbahce’

FENERBAHCE board member Hakan Saﬁ has expressed his readiness to bankroll the signing of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to the club.

The Nigerian interna onal whose loan deal with

Hoodlums Kill Amotekun Corps Member In Osun

•Continued from Page 1

hoodlums.

Abiodun was gruesomely killed in an ambush by suspected armed hoodlums following a distressed call by farmers at the Papa boundary area of Iwo, Osun State, on Wednesday.

The medium gathered that the farmers alerted the Iwo Area Command of Osun Amotekun Corps about an ongoing a ack on their farmland, and in a swi response, a team of Amotekun opera ves, in company with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), mobilised to the scene to confront the threat and safeguard lives and property.

Upon arriving at the loca on, the team was ambushed by a group of armed men allegedly led by a notorious criminal known as Akeem Olofa, who was said to have been a menace in the area.

However, during the

Galatasaray is expected to expire this summer, is yet to announce his next desna on.

Since joining the Turkish giant last summer, Osimhen has ne ed 31 goals in 36 appearances for the club in all compeons.

He’s also on the verge of helping the club to a poten al domes c double.

However, his exploit has a racted the a en on of Saﬁ, who in a chat with DeparSports, said that he’s ready to splash the cash on Osimhen this summer.

While most of the opera ves managed to escape the ambush, one

Fmember of the VGN idenﬁed as Nurudeen Alowonle remains unaccounted for as of the me of this report and one Alex Sola was equally shot on the leg.

The tragic loss of Mr. Abiodun has sent waves

of grief throughout the Amotekun Corps and the en re security community in Osun State.

The Public Rela ons Oﬃcer, Osun Amotekun Corps, Mr Yusuf Abass who conﬁrmed the incident, he

said it has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police in Iwo as the remains of the vic m have been deposited at a mortuary for further procedures. Abass stressed that inves ga ons are ongoing, and eﬀorts being intensiﬁed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to jus ce. He further assured that the Corps remains resolute in its mission to protect the people and communies of Osun State from all forms of insecurity, charging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious ac vi es to the appropriate authori es.

24,000 Farmers Beg Adeleke To Stop Proposed Mining Activities On Farmland

ARM se lers’ in AgoOwu, Ayedaade local government area of Osun State have appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop the proposed mining ac vi es on their farmlands.

The se lers, who numbered about 24,000, said they were in possession of a le er by the Special Adviser to the state government on Mining and Minerals, Prof. Lukman Jimoda, which granted permission to a company to carry out test and explora on within the farm se lement with a view to mining on the land.

The President of the se lers, Prince Adebanji Obembe, while addressing newsmen at Ago-Owu on Wednesday, begged Governor Adeleke and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, to prevail on Prof. Jimoda, to desist from any mining ac vi es within the farm se lement.

Obembe said mining on the farmland, which was developed by the farm se lers, will be a forceful ejec on of se lers, who are mostly youths and the confronta on, the deceased, Abiodun was brutally assaulted with a machete on the head and died instantly at the scene.

aged, adding that farming is their source of livelihood.

According to him, the agreement between the state government and the farmers for the use of the land is 99 years, adding that they are not ready to accept any compensa on as proposed by Jimoda when they went to enquire about the authen city of the le er.

He said, “The a en on of the farm se lers have been drawn to a le er dated 10/12/2024 and signed by Prof. Lukman Adekilekun Jimoda (Special Adviser to OSSG on Mining and Minerals) gran ng permission to the Chairman/Managing Director Feyi Bukola Global Limited of Biladu Street, Ilesa, Osun State to carry out Test and Explora on within the Orile Owu site 4, Orita Wata with a view to interac ng with us on the prospect of land for mining purpose.

“The Ago-Owu of today has increased from 4,676 hectares at incepon to 16,000 hectares, and the popula on has also increased to 24,000 as against 2,000 at incepon. 70% of the populaon in the farm se lement

are youths and majority of them are graduates who due to lack of employment take to farming as a means of surviving this economic hardship and the rest of the popula on are those in their na sament years with all their life savings invested in farming, purposely to cater for their old age.

“It must be emphasized that mining ac vi es on a farmland that is fully developed by the farm settlers will be tantamount to a forceful ejec on of the se lers from their means of living.

“We hereby, on behalf of the se lers, appeal to the Osun State Governor and the Speaker of the House of Assembly and all relevant and concerned stake-

holders to prevail on the Special Adviser for Mining and all relevant agencies to desist from any mining ac vi es within Ago-Owu farm se lement.

“The agreement we had with the state government is for 99 years and they should not renege on it. I appeal that mining ac vi es within Ago-Owu farm se lement should be avoided by all means possible so as not to send us to an early grave and increase criminality by sending the youths back to the ci es where there is no means of livelihood.”

However, the state government said it had no plan to evict the farmers from the farm.

The state Commission-

er for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi while reac ng to the news, said, “Some people came to the state government and said some part of the farm se lement is mineralised and Mineral is under the federal government but the state owns the land and they wished to carry out a test to ascertain the level of mineral resources there.

“However, they are yet to do anything there. Even if they want to mine there, all those farming on the land will be heavily compensated. He said he had already told the farmers to put their minds at rest.

“What they are doing there is just mere tes ng, and no mining is taking place and cannot take place there un l they discover that there is a mineral deposit there, which is yet to be conﬁrmed. So, they should not agitate and keep calm to see the result of the test.”

Kazeem Badmus

•Abiodun

OSUN State, o en hailed as the cultural heartbeat of the Yoruba people, is more than just a geographic loca on within Nigeria—it is a spiritual and ancestral homeland that echoes far beyond its borders. From the sacred groves of Osogbo to the bustling streets of London, New York, Bahia, and Port-au-Prince, the inﬂuence of Osun’s Yoruba heritage can be felt in music, religion, language, art, and iden ty.

As globaliza on con nues to bridge gaps between con nents, the diasporic connec ons of Osun State present an inspiring narra ve of resilience, cultural preserva on, and transatlan c exchange.

The Yoruba people, of whom Osun State holds a central place, have long been global travelers— voluntarily and otherwise. The Transatlan c Slave Trade, which forcefully displaced millions of Africans across the Americas and the Caribbean, planted deep Yoruba roots in foreign lands. Despite the trauma of displacement, Yoruba culture survived and adapted.

Today, its expressions thrive in countries such as Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, and Hai , where Yoruba-based religions like Candomblé, Santería, and Vodou retain elements of tradi onal beliefs linked directly to the Orisha pantheon—most notably the goddess Osun (Oshun), a er whom the state is named.

The annual Osun-Osogbo Fesval, a UNESCO-recognized heritage celebra on held in Osogbo, connues to a ract global pilgrims. Diasporic Africans travel across oceans to reconnect with ancestral prac ces, take part in rituals at the Osun Sacred Grove, and aﬃrm their cultural iden ty.

For many African Americans and Afro-Brazilians, this pilgrimage is more than tourism—it is a spiritual homecoming. The fes val not only boosts cultural tourism but also enhances global awareness of Osun State’s role in preserving Yoruba cosmology and heritage.

Moreover, Osun’s global branches are not limited to cultural connec ons—they extend to educaon, business, and advocacy.

A growing number of Osun in-

“In cities like Atlanta, Toronto, and London, Yoruba cultural centres and associations are thriving, keeping alive the traditions and values passed down from Osun’s soil”

By MATT. OLU OLOWOKERE PERSPECTIVE

Yoruba Roots, Global Branches: Exploring The Diasporic Connections Of Osun State

digenes in the diaspora contribute to their home state through remi ances, scholarship programs, developmental NGOs, and knowledge transfer. Yoruba descendants abroad have established cultural organiza ons that promote the teaching of the Yoruba language, literature, and history among second and third-genera on migrants.

In ci es like Atlanta, Toronto, and London, Yoruba cultural centers and associa ons are thriving, keeping alive the tradi ons and values passed down from Osun’s soil.

Social media and digital technology have further strengthened these diasporic es. Through plat-

forms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, young people in the diaspora are learning Yoruba proverbs, dancing to Fuji and Afrobeats, and par cipa ng in virtual ceremonies that reﬂect their heritage.

Ini a ves like the Yoruba Studies Associa on and Yoruba Language Apps have emerged to meet the growing demand for cultural reconnec on. Osun State, with its historic towns such as Ife and Ilesa, plays a leading role in cura ng and expor ng this cultural renaissance to the world.

Interes ngly, this renewed interest in Yoruba heritage has begun to inﬂuence interna onal policy and academic discourse. Universies around the world are oﬀering

Yoruba language and cultural studies, and scholars from Osun are collabora ng on research that links African history to diaspora studies. Partnerships between Osunbased ins tu ons and foreign universi es can further enhance educa onal exchange and cultural diplomacy.

Yet, to fully harness these global connec ons, Osun State must invest more strategically in its cultural assets. Infrastructure around heritage sites should be improved, diaspora engagement policies formalized, and digital pla orms created for cultural export and collabora on.

The state government can work with the Nigerian diaspora commission and cultural a achés to establish formal programs for heritage tourism, educa onal exchange, and investment promo on tailored to diaspora communi es.

In a world hungry for authen city and roots, Osun State stands as a beacon of African cultural wealth. Its Yoruba roots are deep and ancient, but its branches stretch far across oceans, bearing the fruit of shared iden ty, history, and hope. By nurturing these connec ons, Osun can posi on itself as not only a cultural capital of Nigeria but also a global symbol of diasporic unity and African pride.

Popular Organisations And Government

PERMIT Striker to quote from one of the most famous statements on Government: extract from opening paragraphs of the American Declara on of Independence document, composed by some of the most brilliant minds and America’s Founding Fathers.

It states: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are ins tuted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destruc ve of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to ins tute new Government, laying its founda on on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

Rather than via force and war, democracy mercifully provides a civilised procedure for eﬀec ng changes to government. Even, a good government can always be changed for the be er not to men on governments that become “destruc ve of these ends” of human equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That democra c procedure is periodic elec ons, usually every 4

years. Poli cal Par es cons tute governments, and governments ﬁght tooth and nails to secure their legal two tenures of 8 years. 8 years is, however, a long me in the life of man, especially in countries where life expectancy has been reduced to less than 50 years. From adulthood at 18years even to a God-granted exit at 80 years, a man or woman is most likely to experience life under only 8 governments at most. Should the majority of those governments “become destruc ve of these ends...” a man or woman is sadly condemned to a life me of misery.

To prevent this reality and ensure that the people successfully “ins tute new Government, laying its founda on on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to eﬀect their Safety and Happiness” is not wishful thinking but the task of Popular Organisa ons of the people. “People” do not exist in vacuum but in various organisa ons in society. The most popular of those organisa ons have the responsibility to take on both the government and the people, focussing, organising and mobilising them for the resolu on of social, economic and poli cal challenges for a more prosperous na on, especially where almost all the safeguards and in-

s tu ons of democracy (execu ve, legisla ve, judicial, bureaucracy, et al) are uniformly adverse and corrupt.

It is a tragedy when the most structured, organised and inﬂuen al popular organisa ons (labour, students, professions, culture, religion, CDAs, e.t.c.) get undermined and sucked into the corrupt system, thereby losing focus and becoming discredited and without inﬂuence, as the sad case is in Nigeria, mostly with only few excep on. Between the 4 and 8 years, and as me goes by, their failures create unhealthy vacuum while the growing frustra ons from successions of failed governments make the allowance for entry of extrademocra c organisa ons and deadly non-democra c groups that are now everywhere seeking control: neither does it pay the ruling elite nor the people, as society slides con nually into anarchy.

It is me every patriot (elite or commoner) woke up and wake their slumbering and disoriented popular organisa ons, including the Fourth Estate of the Realm, to their responsibili es and du es, and catalyse them to ac ons in a much needed interven on for social, economic and poli cal sanity, and ulmately good governance. It is not just a democra c task but a patrio c task for our collec ve survival.

•Matt Olu OLOWOKERE (Engr) Past GM ORMA, Osun State