Destitutes Return To Osun Streets
THE Ministry of Environment and Sanitaon, charged with supervision of the telecommunica ons infrastructure under the Osun State Environmental Protec on Law 2022, has commenced the shutdown of MTN opera ons in Osun State with two of the main offices in Osogbo sealed.
Yusuf Oketola Speaking on the development over the weekend, Ro mi George-Taylor, on behalf of Global Transac ons Nigeria Limited, the sole consultant on telecommunica ons infrastructure in Osun State, “expressed concerns over MTN’s lack of accountability”.
The ministry said the decision follows the company’s failure to pay N945million taxes and “ongoing efforts to mislead government representa ves”.
It said over the coming weeks, MTN users may be experiencing significant service disrup ons within Osun State.
George-Taylor said: “I reached out for a peaceful resolu on, and the Chief Technical Officer of MTN proposed a mee ng within seven days.
However, this commitment was never honoured.
“When asked to produce receipts for the payment of right of way, MTN was unable to do so.
“Furthermore, several staff members of MTN
are currently evading arrest following accusa ons against them at the Osun State Police Command”.
The Ministry urges MTN to ensure that it makes all necessary payments for the telecommunica ons infrastructure it operates within Osun State.
The Ministry of Environment and Sanita on reiterates that MTN must comply with all regula ons and pay the necessary taxes to operate in Osun State in line with sec on 135 of the NCC Act.
“Un l they are held accountable, they don’t want to fulfill their financial obliga ons,” George-Taylor added.
“The shutdown will serve as a reminder of the
importance of regulatory compliance and accountability in the telecommunica ons sector.
“The Ministry remains commi ed to ensuring that all operators adhere
to the laws governing their opera ons, thereby fostering a fair and equitable business environment in Osun State”, George -Taylor said.
The ministry a ached
Yusuf Oketola We Are Not Thieves, Reverse Your Statement – Ogun Adire Traders Tell Adeleke
ADIRE/KAMPALA traders in Itoku market, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday, asked Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to withdraw his statement on the origin of the indigenous fabrics. Adeleke had during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said contrary to widely held percep on, the Adire tex le originated
a court order to carry out the shutdown of the MTN ac vi es and that it has no fied the State Command of the Nigeria Police and other sister security agencies in Osun State.
•Former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola with leaders of Omoluabi Progressives during his 68th birthday celebration recently
Destitutes Return To Osun Streets
DESTITUTES have con nued to litter and occupy some parts of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, despite efforts by successive administra ons in the state to tacke the menace.
Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the popula on of des tutes, mentally unstable people and street urchins have con nued to increase in some major streets and strategic places in Osogbo despite the government’s efforts.
Some of the areas which have been either completely or par ally taken over by these categories of people are the Olaiya under bridge and November 27 bridge along GbonganOsogbo road.
Others are Oke-fia, Aiyetoro, Old-garage and Igbonna.
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that during the des tutes returned to the street shortly after the expira on of former governor Rauf Aregbesola who built a rehabilita on centre at Ilobu, the Headquarters of Irepodun Local Government where these category of people were being treated and reunited with their family.
But the program stopped immediately
•As Oyetola, Adeleke Halt Aregbesola’s Rehabilitation Programme
•(Middle) Alara of Ara, Oba Dr Olubayo Omidapo flanked by panelists at Media Hangout on Preven on of Violence Against Women and Girls in Osun state, organised by Center for Women’s Health and Informa on (CEHWIN), held at NUJ Press Center Auditorium, Osogbo
his successor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola assumed office in November 2018 while the rehabilita on was abandoned ll date.
Recently, the present government of Governor Ademola Adeleke announced
its plan to revive the place, adding that the centre has been looted during the administraon of Oyetola.
Speaking recently at the 2025 District Conference of the Rotary Interna onal District 9126, Aregbesola
stated that no destute was found on the street during his administra on.
He posited that his administra on established agencies for taking care of aged and the mentally challenged.
Aregbesola said:
“Interes ngly, all the mentally challenged were rehabilitated and reunited with their families because they all got well, without exemp on, all of them.”
Since Aregbesola le office, both Oyetola and Adeleke are yet
to con nue the rehabilita on programme which contribu ng to the increase in numbers of the des tutes on the streets.
The Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Special Needs, Kamil Aransi while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER in July 2024 said the Governor is interested in pu ng the rehabilita on centre back to shape and renovated for its purpose.
He said: “My team and I had visited the abandoned and looted Rehabilita on Center in Ilobu on the instruc on of Mr. Governor as he’s interested in pu ng it back in shape. I can assure you that the facility will soon be renovated for the purpose intended.”
But ten months after, the place is yet to be revived as promised by the Special Adviser. All efforts to get his reac on on Tuesday to no avail as he did not respond to terse message sent to his phone.
APC Slams Adeleke Over UNILESA Road Contract
THE All Progressives
Congress (APC) in Osun State has dragged Governor Ademola Adeleke over the poor state of execuon of developmental projects in the state
The party also stat-
ed that the achievements of the Ademola Adeleke administra on are a mere ruse which are condemnable in the court of the public.
The party in a statement by Kola Olabisi, the Director of Media and Informa on on
Osun Court Sentences Cleric To Death By Hanging For Murder
AN Osun State High Court, si ng in Iwo, has sentenced an Islamic cleric, Kabiru Ibrahim, to death by hanging for the murder of one Adeleke Lukman.
The cleric was said to have killed the vic m for money ritual.
The convict was charged with three counts: conspiracy, murder, and stealing, contrary to Secons 324, 319(1), and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 34, Laws of Osun State.
The prosecu on, led by Abiodun Badiora Esq. from the Ministry of Jusce, alongside Ajibola Alade and Omotayo Babalola, told the court that Ibrahim was a spiritualist whom the deceased regularly consulted for spiritual advice.
The prosecu on told the court that the deceased had approached the cleric to inform him of his plan to purchase land.
The prosecu on added that Kabiru asked him to bring the money for an
overnight prayer before making the payment to the land vendor, adding that the vic m went missing a er the mee ng.
“During the search for him, his family was informed by a community member (name withheld) that Lukman was last seen being taken to Kabiru Ibrahim’s residence.
“When the family confronted the cleric, he inially denied having seen the deceased for over two weeks.
“However, the community member refuted this claim, sta ng he had personally taken Lukman to the cleric’s house just a
day before his disappearance.
“The ma er was reported to the police, and during interroga on, Kabiru confessed to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) that he had murdered the deceased. He led the authori es to the Ilesa/Akure expressway, where the remains of Lukman were found inside a sack. One of his palms had been severed. Photographic evidence of the scene was tendered in court,” the prosecu on told the court.
The prosecu on called six witnesses and presented several exhibits, including Kabiru’s confession.
In his judgment, Jus ce Lateef Adegoke found Ibrahim guilty of both murder and stealing.
He sentenced him to seven years imprisonment for stealing and sentenced him to death by hanging for murder.
Tuesday, the Osun APC lambasted the state government for its lackadaisical approach to governance, especially as regards the developmental projects.
The party revealed that the orbit of maladministra on is the road construc on being carried out on the campus of the University of Ilesa, UNILESA.
Referencing the bad road in Aduragbemi community of Ido-Osun in the Egbedore local government council Area of Osun State which was which was washed away by rainfall a day a er its comple on and delivery, the party said the poor standard of the construc on of the inner campus road is pungently manifes ng.
The statement reads, “Surprisingly, the orbit of the act of mis-governance which is the hallmark of the PDP-run administra on in the state has moved to the University of Ilesa(UNILESA) founded by the immediate-past Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, now maiden Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
“Verifiable and confirmed informa on depicted that there is no any other name for the quality of the road construc on being effected on the campus of the new university
but extremely poor as the poor standard of the construc on of the inner campus road is pungently manifes ng even to the recogni on of laymen to the consterna on of the rightthinking members of the society.
“The pathe c road projects at Aduragbemi in Ido-Osun and the UNILESA are mere examples of what the socalled Governor Adeleke poor projects are across the state which is the sheer waste of the scarce resources by an incompetent government which has been running the affairs of the state by ins nct rather than planning.”
The party also alleged that the contractors handling the road projects who are chieftains of the PDP are
cashing in on the lack of the administra ve know-how of the governor to defraud the state government while execu ng substandard jobs.
“This is the poor resultant effect of a government whose ineffec ve chief execu ve combines the sensive ministry of works with his cabinet which is crying for a en on because of a deficit of required a ributes to func on effec vely in both public and private offices,” the party stated.
The party called on the contractor handling the UNILESA road contract job to hurriedly go back to site and do the work that is commensurate with his charges in line with the globally acceptable standard.
Yusuf Oketola
•Adeleke
Jamiu Tajudeen
Kazeem Badmus
YESTERDAY, the na on marked the second year of the swearing in of the new federal administra on headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Simultaneously, the state government those not off-cycle also marked in office. It been quite a mixed but across the country there is a discernable mode of resignaon to fate. Even during the civil war, the country did not experience the present economic turmoil and hyperinfla on.
A lot has been said about the reforms. The key issue is that the spirit of the policies should have started from the top. The poli cal establishment in Nigeria has shown no inclina on to bear a significant burden and set examples which the rest of the Republic will then follow. There has been no a empt to rein in the cost of the machinery of the government. It’s unfortunate that this was not done for it would have send a signal of sobriety and in addi on, the cost savings would have been
Two Years On!
redirected at ameliora ng the effect of the surden change. Whatever the propaganda, the cost on human existence has been very high and disloca ng. The public is really up and against it even with the new minimum wage, most salaries do not last up to half of the month. This is the sad, painful reality. In this second phase of the new administra on, a human face must now be the driven force of government economic policy. We cannot expect the labour force to be produc ve
in this sort of climate. New social burfferce must be urgently constructed in transparent and accountable manner to act as a cushion against the current hyperinfla on. Programmes such as the school feeding should be culvated and intensified such a move will actually have a mul plier effect because farm produc vity will now have guaranteed prices as well as market. This would be a desicive breakthrough but the government must do its own impacts by ini a ng a rural
The Discourse
“Programmes such as the school feeding should be cultivated and intensified such a move will actually have a multiplier effect because farm productivity will now have guaranteed prices as well as market”
roads construc on project as well as building storage facili es to limit post-harvest loses. A chunk of the new foreign loans been sort should be directed at such project. It will be very worthwhile.
We hope that post midterm impending elec on will not detract from governance. Statesmen look beyond the next elec on with beneficial effects on the people. Finally, Civil Society itself must now be reinvigorated in order to play their cons tu onal rights and enforce the social contract.
Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria and may God bless all those in it.
Reinventing Public Service In Osun: How Transparency In Botswana Can Serve As A Guide
OBy Matt Olu Olowokere
SUN State, located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, has been making strides in various sectors, including educa on, healthcare, and infrastructure development. However, like many other states in the country, Osun faces challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability in its public service.
This is where the southern African country of Botswana comes in – a na on that has made significant progress in promo ng transparency and good governance. In this ar cle, we will explore how Osun State can draw inspira on from Botswana’s experiences and reinvent its public service to priori ze transparency and accountability.
One of the key factors that have contributed to Botswana’s success in promoting transparency is its strong ins tu ons. The country has a robust legal framework that ensures accountability and transparency in governance. For instance, the Botswana Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board has been instrumental in ensuring that public procurement processes are transparent and compe ve. Similarly, Osun State can strengthen its ins tu ons by establishing clear laws and regula ons that promote transparency and accountability in public service. This can include enac ng laws that ensure public officials declare their assets, establishing an independent an -corrup on agency, and implemen ng robust procurement processes.
Another area where Botswana excels is in its use of technology to promote transparency. The country has implemented various e-government ini a ves that enable ci zens to access public informa on and services online. For example, the Botswana Government’s online portal provides ci zens with access to various government services, including license re-
“By adopting these measures, Osun State can become a model for other states in Nigeria and demonstrate its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in governance”
newals and tax payments.
Osun State can leverage similar technologies to promote transparency and accountability in its public service. This can include developing an online portal for public informa on, implemen ng an e-procurement system, and using social media to engage with ci zens and provide updates on government projects and inia ves.
Botswana’s commitment to transparency is also reflected in its par cipa on in interna onal ini a ves such as the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The OGP is a global ini a ve that aims to promote transparency, accountability, and ci zen engagement in governance. By par cipa ng in the OGP, Botswana has demonstrated its commitment to promo ng transparency and accountability in its public service.
Osun State can explore similar ini aves and partnerships to promote transparency and accountability in its public service. This can include partnering with civil society organiza ons, interna onal organiza ons, and other states to share best prac ces and learn from their experiences.
In addi on to these measures, Osun State can also priori ze ci zen engagement and par cipa on in governance.
Botswana has a strong tradi on of cizen engagement, with ci zens ac vely par cipa ng in public consulta ons and other decision-making processes.
Osun State can establish similar mechanisms for ci zen engagement, including public consulta ons, town hall mee ngs, and online feedback mechanisms. This can help ensure that ci zens have a voice in governance and that their concerns are heard and addressed.
Furthermore, Osun State can learn from Botswana’s experiences in promoting transparency in the extrac ve sector. Botswana has implemented various measures to ensure transparency in the management of its natural resources, including the Extrac ve Industries Transparency Ini a ve (EITI).
The EITI requires companies to disclose their payments to governments, and governments to disclose their revenues from extrac ve ac vi es. Osun
State can explore similar ini a ves to promote transparency in its extrac ve sector, including oil and gas, solid minerals, and other natural resources. Osun State can draw valuable lessons from Botswana’s experiences in promo ng transparency and accountability in public service. By strengthening its ins tu ons, leveraging technology, par cipa ng in interna onal ini a ves, priori zing ci zen engagement, and promo ng transparency in the extrac ve sector, Osun State can reinvent its public service to priori ze transparency and accountability.
This can help build trust between ci zens and government, promote economic development, and ensure that the state’s resources are managed in a transparent and accountable manner. As Osun State con nues to develop and grow, it is essen al that it priori zes transparency and accountability in its public service to ensure a brighter future for its ci zens.
OSUN DEFENDER
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State.
ISSN : 0794-8050
Telephone : 0809-301-9152
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com All correspondence to the above email addresses.
By adop ng these measures, Osun State can become a model for other states in Nigeria and demonstrate its commitment to promo ng transparency and accountability in governance. The journey to reinven ng public service in Osun will require strong leadership, a commitment to transparency and accountability, and a willingness to learn from best prac ces.
With the right approach, Osun State can promote transparency, accountability, and good governance, and ensure a be er future for its cizens.
LAUTECH: Oyo To Balance Osun N3bn In Two
Yusuf Oketola
THE Seyi Makinde
led Oyo State government has paid N5 billion to the government of neighbouring Osun State in compliance with the agreement of sole ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (Lautech), Ogbomosho.
This development was revealed by the Commissioner for Informa on, Prince Dotun Oyelade, in a statement, made available to newsmen on Monday.
According to him, although the total takeover amount stood at ₦8 billion, the Oyo state government has been paying ₦1 billion per year and is expected to make the full payment before the end of the Seyi Makinde administra on in 2027.
Prince Oyelade said the joint ownership of LAUTECH was acrimonious between the governments of the two states from 2007 to 2019, when Governor Seyi Makinde took over but surprisingly reached an agreement with his Osun counterpart to make Oyo the sole owner of the Instu on.
He added that, ever since, the ins tu on
has grown in leaps and bounds, reclaiming its posi on as the best
state University in Nigeria. “The academic ex-
cellence in the wake of this development notwithstanding, LAUTECH has also expanded physically and in scope with the establishment
•Commision for Commerce and Industry, (L-R) Hon. Bunmi Jenyo, Retired acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Tajudeen Adigun with is wife, Mr. Bamiduro Shina and Mrs. Labake Adebambi at the retirement of outstanding staff members of the ministry of commerce and industry, held on Thursday. Photo
Years
of the LAUTECH Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iseyin campus,” he wrote.
The Commissioner revealed that last Thursday, just as Governor Makinde approved the release of ₦1 billion to the Osun state government, he also released ₦650 million as a takeoff grant for the Teaching and Research Farm at the Iseyin Campus.
He noted that the government has also commenced simultaneously, the construc on of health centres and road networks at LAUTECH Iseyin campus, the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan and the Emmanuel Alayande University of Educa on, Oyo.
Vandal Attempting To Steal Transformer Parts Electrocuted In Osun
Asuspected vandal has been electrocuted while attemp ng to steal components from a 500KVA transformer substa on located on Baba Abiye Street in Ede, Osun State. This was disclosed in a statement issued by Kikelomo Owoeye, the Regional Communica on and Branding Officer of Ibadan Electricity Distribu-
Raised By A Village: What Growing Up In Africa Taught Me About Belonging
GROWING up in Africa, I was blessed with a unique upbringing that taught me the value of community and belonging. In my village, it truly took a village to raise a child. I was surrounded by extended family members, neighbors, and community elders who played a significant role in shaping my childhood.
As I reflect on those forma ve years, I realize that being raised by a village taught me invaluable lessons about belonging, iden ty, and the importance of human connecon.
In my village of Isaobi in Atakumosa West LGA of Osun State, communal living was a way of life. Everyone knew each other’s names, stories, and struggles. We shared meals, laughter, and tears together. Our community was built on a founda on of mutual support and re-
spect, where every individual had a role to play.
As a child, I was encouraged to par cipate in communal ac vi es, such as farming, storytelling, and tradi onal ceremonies. These experiences not only helped me develop praccal skills but also ins lled in me a sense of belonging to something greater than myself.
One of the most significant lessons I learned from my communal upbringing was the importance of interdependence. In Africa, it’s common for families to live in close-knit communi es where everyone looks out for one another. This collec ve approach to life taught me that I’m not alone in my struggles or successes.
When I faced challenges, I knew I could count on my community for support, guidance, and encouragement. This sense of interdependence fostered a deep sense of belonging, as I felt
on Company Plc, IBEDC, Osun Region in Osogbo recently.
According to the statement, the incident occurred last Wednesday and the suspect was found severely injured beside the transformer the following morning.
“The suspected vandal was electrocuted during the act and was later discovered by a concerned resident the following
morning,” the statement said.
He was promptly taken to Alpha Hospital by the police, while another individual suspected to be an accomplice was apprehended and is currently in custody.
IBEDC condemned the incident, warning that such ac ons endanger lives, disrupt power supply, and compromise public safety.
Art/Culture
connected to the people and the land around me.
Growing up in Africa also taught me the value of respect for elders and tradi on. In my village, community elders played a vital role in passing down cultural values, tradi ons, and historical stories. They shared their wisdom, experience, and knowledge with us, and we were encouraged to listen, learn, and respect their guidance.
This respect for elders and tradi on helped me develop a strong sense of iden ty and cultural heritage. I learned to appreciate the rich history and customs of my community, which in turn, gave me a sense of pride and belonging.
Another crucial lesson I learned from my communal upbringing was the importance of community involvement. In Africa, community members come together to celebrate milestones, support one another during difficult mes, and work collec vely to achieve common goals. This sense of community involvement taught me that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger, more com-
The company also commended the residents for their vigilance and swi response in no fying IBEDC about the incident.
“Vandalism poses grave risks to lives, undermines public safety, and disrupts power supply to communi es.
“We commend the vigilance and prompt acon of the local residents and urge the public to remain alert,” the statement con nued.
IBEDC further encouraged the public to report
passionate society.
As I grew older, I realized that this sense of community involvement was not limited to my village but could be applied to broader contexts, such as na onal development and global ci zenship.
As I reflect on my childhood, I realize that being raised by a village taught me that belonging is not just about individual achievement but about being part of a larger community. It’s about feeling connected to the people, the land, and the culture around you. This sense of belonging has stayed with me throughout my life, influencing my rela onships, career choices, and personal growth.
In today’s fast-paced, increasingly globalized
world, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of community and belonging. We’re o en encouraged to priori ze individual success and achievement over collec ve well-being.
However, my experience growing up in Africa has taught me that there’s value in slowing down, apprecia ng the people around us, and recognizing the interconnectedness of our lives.
As I look back on my childhood, I’m filled with nostalgia and gra tude for the lessons I learned from my village. Being raised by a village taught me that belonging is not just a feeling but a choice. It’s a choice to priori ze community, respect tradi on, and culvate meaningful rela on-
any suspicious ac vity including energy the and equipment tampering via official repor ng channels.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious ac vity or infracons, including energy the , meter tampering, and vandalism,” Owoeye added.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to protec ng electrical infrastructure and ensuring consistent service delivery across its coverage areas. ships.
In a world that o en emphasizes individualism, I’m grateful for the African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This wisdom reminds us that we’re not alone and that our lives are intertwined with those around us.
In conclusion, my experience growing up in Africa has had a profound impact on my understanding of belonging. Being raised by a village taught me the importance of community, interdependence, respect for elders, and community involvement. These values have stayed with me throughout my life, influencing my rela onships and personal growth.
As I reflect on my childhood, I’m reminded of the importance of priori zing community and belonging in our increasingly complex world.
By embracing these values, we can build stronger, more compassionate socie es that recognize the interconnectedness of our lives.
Shola Aderinto
Yusuf Abidemi
Betrayal Claim: Aregbesola’s Growth Not Tied To Tinubu Alone - UN Official
TKazeem Badmus to the goodwill of Tinubu, whom he accused the former minister of undermining through silence and indirect support for Tinubu’s cri cs. But responding in a
HE recent claims that the former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, betrayed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been faulted by a United Naons official and rights advocate, Mr Olufemi Aduwo.
Aduwo noted that the former governor of Osun State’s poli cal rise was not solely dependent on the president’s support.
Aduwo, who serves as the Permanent Representa ve of the Centre for Conven on on Democra c Integrity (CCDI) to the United Na ons and doubles as President of the Rights Monitoring Group, made this known in an open le er addressed to one Comrade Olushola Ma hew, a copy obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Monday. Ma hew had earlier accused Aregbesola of betraying Tinubu in a letter tled A Tale of Betrayer and Broken Loyalty.
He claimed that Aregbesola’s poli cal relevance was en rely ed
le er tled In Defence of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola – A Legacy Beyond Servitude, dated 27 May 2025, Aduwo described the accusa ons as emo onally charged and historically
misleading. He stated, “While you write with palpable emoon, what you portray as ‘betrayal’ is, in fact, the dignified asser on of poli cal independence—a
liberty to which every statesman is en tled, par cularly one of Ogbeni’s stature.”
According to Aduwo, Aregbesola’s contribuons to governance and
Tailor Allegedly Burns Teenage Customer With Hot Iron In Osun
Yusuf Oketola
Afemale tailor in the Obelawo Area of Osogbo, capital of Osun State, iden fied as Iya Abdullahi, allegedly a acked a teenage girl with a hot pressing iron for reportedly complaining about a dress the vic m had given her to sew.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the assault occurred on Wednesday at the tailor’s shop a er the teenager (name withheld) reportedly visited the shop to return her wrongly made clothing.
Recoun ng her ordeal, the vic m, who has been rushed to a private hospital for treatment, displayed the injuries she sustained from the hot iron on her body and sought jus ce. According to her, she had taken a cloth to Iya Abdullahi to sew for her, and a er discovering that the dress was too short for her to wear, she returned it.
“Instead of adjus ng the dress, Iya Abdullahi started raining curses on me. I rebuked her, and she started flogging me with a s ck. I struggled to dispossess her of the cane. Immediately, she went into her shop and took a hot
pressing iron and used it to press my body in different places,” she lamented in pain.
Meanwhile, a nongovernmental organizaon in the state, Value Female Network, has demanded jus ce for the 17-year-old survivor, wondering how “something that began as a minor dispute over a clothing issue escalated into a violent a ack on the minor.”
In a detailed report of the incident made available to newsmen in Osogbo and also forwarded to the Ministry of Jus ce for ac on, the Execu ve Director of VFN, Dr. Costly Ade-
ribigbe-Saba, said, “The case further involves allega ons of abuse of authority by the tailor’s husband, a police officer, who is reportedly trying to suppress the ma er.
“The 17-year-old girl had given her cloth to a local tailor for sewing.
Upon receiving the finished ou it, she found it too small and returned it for necessary adjustments. A minor disagreement followed this request. The tailor, rather than addressing the complaint, began laying curses on the girl.
“In an a empt to defend herself verbal-
ly, the girl responded, which further enraged the tailor. The tailor then physically assaulted the girl and went as far as using a hot pressing iron to burn mulple areas on her body, causing severe injuries.
“Following the brutal a ack, the girl was rushed to Olorungbebe Medical Center, Zone B, Palace Road Community, Ido-Osun, Osun State, for urgent medical a en on. The tailor’s husband, a police officer, has reportedly intervened to suppress the case and prevent it from being reported or inves gated properly. There are strong allegaons that he is using his posi on and influence in the police force to shield his wife from jusce,” Aderibigbe-Saba explained the background of the alleged assault, saying that Aduke Obelawo, a prominent gender rights advocate, reported the ma er to the organiza on.
“This case highlights a severe breach of human rights and a troubling example of domes c abuse and misuse of police authority. Prompt legal ac on and independent inves ga on are cri cal to securing jusce for the vic m and
restoring public trust in law enforcement ins tu ons.”
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that the ma er has been reported at the command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
But Iya Abdullahi explained that the teenager abused her first, stepped on the clothes she is selling, and that both of them got injured while dragging the hot pressing iron.
“She (survivor) brought a pair of trousers to me through a boy. She told the boy to tell me that the cloth belonged to the boy’s mother, a claim that was later found to be lies. Having realized that her lies were busted, she started abusing me.
“She came to my shop to sca er my clothes and even stepped on them. We started figh ng, and she took the pressing iron, and I started struggling it with her; that was how she got the bruises, and I also got injured on my finger. Her mother brought Civil Defence officers, and my husband, who is a police officer, also intervened,” the adult tailor explained.
development both in Lagos and Osun states cannot be dismissed or reduced to the product of poli cal patronage.
“Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is no poli cal footnote. He is a dis nguished public administrator whose pedigree in governance and grassroots mobilisa on transcends the shadow of any poli cal benefactor.
“To reduce his monumental contribu ons to the benevolence of a single individual is not only historically disingenuous but also poli cally reducve,” he added.
While acknowledging Tinubu’s role in Aregbesola’s emergence, Aduwo emphasised that poli cal mentorship should not translate into lifelong servitude.
“Yes, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu played a significant role in Aregbesola’s poli cal journey, as he has for many others. But let us not pretend that loyalty must equate to servility. The noble idea of poli cal mentorship is not meant to reduce a mentee into an appendage, devoid of his own conscience or cri cal reasoning,” he wrote.
He also argued that the no on of betrayal ignores the natural evolu on of poli cal figures who eventually carve independent paths guided by personal convic ons.
“What you interpret as ‘ingra tude’ is, in truth the inevitable evolu on of a poli cal actor who has chosen to pursue ideals beyond the narrow confines of fealty,” Aduwo added.
He maintained that Aregbesola’s silence in recent poli cal ma ers should not be misconstrued as complicity or disloyalty but as a demonstra on of maturity and principle.
“Is it truly betrayal when a man refuses to endorse the ac ons or direc on of a benefactor he no longer recognises in principle? Or is it a mark of integrity that he does not cloak his convicons for the sake of convenience?” he queried.
Aduwo further claimed that Aregbesola himself had suffered poli cal abandonment, yet chose the “higher path” by moving on without public bi erness.
He concluded that history would judge Aregbesola not as a man who betrayed his poli cal mentor but as one who rose with “sweat and substance” and governed with “reformist zeal”.
•The victim
•Amb. (Dr.) Oyedokun Oyewole, Chairman Governing Council, Institute of Information Management (IIM) - Africa presenting certificate of induction to Mrs. Funmilola Omojola FNCS as a Fellow of the Institute of Information Management (IIM), Africa, recently.
OAU SU Decries Incessant Robbery Attacks On Off-campus Residence
Yusuf Oketola
THE Great Ife Students’ Union of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, on Wednesday, called on the Federal Government and the Osun State government, to immediately restore peace and security around the ins tu on.
The union in a statement signed by the President and General Secretary, Omoboriowo Damilola and Baba mehin Kinfeosi respecvely, decried the mul ple cases of robbery incidents ravaging the ins tu on’s off-campus residence.
The union stated in the statement, “In just the last two weeks, we have recorded no fewer than 30 separate robbery incidents, all involving only students. Behind every case is a student who has been traumased, brutalised, extorted, and le helpless. Phones are being stolen. Monies are being wiped from students’ bank accounts. Hos-
tels are being broken into in the dead of night. And, even worse, students are being severely injured. Just this midnight, there were four robbery incidents in three different loca ons in Ife. One student lost her phone Another had his car stolen, and all the money in his account transferred, leaving him with nothing. When we reached out to the police, they men oned that they do not have funconal opera onal vehicles to respond. This is highly unacceptable.’’
The union stated that an unnamed student was allegedly brutalized on the head during a robbery attack in mid-May and had since been hsopitalised. Other repeated instances include four robbery incidents in three different loca ons within Ife which reportedly occurred the same night.
Sta ng its demands, the union called on the Osun State police command and
the Ife Central Local Government authority, to provide func onal patrol vehicles and also requested the presence of the Amotekun Corps.
“The Nigeria Police Force must urgently increase patrol presence and deploy special tac cal units to the student-populated areas of Ife,” the statement noted.
The union called on the federal and state ministries of educa on to address the inadequacy of hostel facilies within the university, which it said had long neglected.
“The federal and state ministries of educa on must accelerate efforts to fund and build more hostels on campus, as students are forced to live off-campus
due to inadequate accommoda on,” it added.
Meanwhile, the union leadership has promised to escalate its ac ons, by organizing protests, if the concerns persist.
“If these demands are not treated with the urgency and seriousness they deserve, we, the students of Great Ife, under the leadership of the Students’ Union, will have no choice but to escalate our ac ons, including but not limited to mass demonstra ons and peaceful protests to express our growing frustra ons and despera on.”
But the ins tu on’s Public Rela ons Officer, Biodun Olanrewaju, said that the security of the students who live outside
Campus Review Campus Review
the perimeters of the ins tu on is the primary responsibility of the Nigerian state and not the university management.
According to Mr. Olanrewaju, “Principally, they are our students, but once they are outside the campus, their security becomes the full responsibility of the Nigerian state. Reason being that we have gates on our campus and we are responsible for the security of students within the campus. The university does not have the facility to take our security to students outside.”
Mr. Olanrewaju however appealed to the state police authority to intensify its patrol ac vity in areas witnessing the robbery incidents.
“But we sympathize with them. We want to appeal to the Nigerian police to intensify their patrol in areas where our students are residents,” the spokesperson said.
Also, the Osun state police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi Zechariah, said that he would respond to the enquiry a er ge ng details of the incident from the area commander.
Osun Monarch Urges Students To Embrace Agriculture
•Warns Against Cultism, Cybercrime
THE Assistant Secretary General, Naonal Associa on of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Emmanuel Adejuwon Olatunji, on Tuesday, led his team on a courtesy visit to the Arapate of Ijesa Land, Osun State, in a bid to further propagate the Fortunate Agenda of the new leadership of the na onal student body. In a statement obtained
Yusuf Oketola by OSUN DEFENDER, Olatunji noted that the visit was marked by dialogue and mutual understanding aimed at strengthening the partnership between tradi onal ins tu ons and student leadership in fostering youth development across Nigeria.
Receiving the NANS delega on, the Arapate of Ijesa Land, a youth himself, lauded the current leadership of the associa on for its unwavering commit-
ment to student welfare and na onal development.
He commended NANS for recognising tradi onal rulers as stakeholders in the youth development agenda and pledged his con nuous support for the Fortunate Agenda championed by NANS.
He further urged Nigerian students and youths to embrace agriculture not just as a course of study but as a viable occupa on and lifestyle that can en-
We Are Not Thieves, Reverse Your Statement – Ogun Adire Traders Tell Adeleke
•Continued from Page 1
from Osun, not Ogun State. In a viral video, Adeleke presented a bag containing Adire fabric to Gbajabiamila, and said “This is Adire. Osun State is the source.”
Responding swi ly, Gbajabiamila said “I thought it was Ogun State.”
The Osun governor said “No, no, no. They stole it from us. They came to Ede, my town. You know Ede is just 15 minutes drive from Osogbo.”
But the Egba traders engaging in the produc on of Adire addressed newsmen on Thursday in Abeokuta to express their reserva on over Adeleke’s comment on the origin of Adire.
Alhaja Sadiat Akamo, the Iyaloja of Kemta Adire Market, Itoku, Abeokuta, rejected the historical narra ve pushed out by the Osun Governor as well as the word “stole.”
Akamo who spoke through the Babalaje of Kemta/Itoku Adire Market,
Chief Michael Ogungidodo, described Adeleke’s comment as weighty.
She said, “We all know Yoruba people are Omoluabi and we are always cauous of whatever we say in the public.
“For a respected governor to come to the public and call a set of people thieves… Ole ni won, won ji ni (they’re thieves, they stole it), it’s very weighty.
“We believe that such governor should try as much as possible to make amends and reverse such statement,” he said.
Iyaloja noted that Gbajabiamila himself said he thought the local fabrics originated from Ogun, but the governor insisted that Osun is the source.
“That’s where the word stolen comes from and it goes a long way. We are not thieves. Egbas don’t steal, we work diligently. We inherited the trade. That’s the more reason why we are expec ng a lot of
responses from foremost Egba leaders to clarify that issue,” she said.
The Iyaloja maintained that millions of women and youths engage in Adire produc on with focus on different sec ons including waxing, dyeing, tying, printing, local ironing among others.
Going down memory lane, she said “Egba was actually exis ng back then in 13th century in Orile Egba and since 13th century, one of the major works of the Egbas then was Adire which later transcended to when Abeokuta was formed in 1830.
“Here in Kemta, we s ll continue
the same trade, the process and the trade of Adire. Everybody knows that Abeokuta is one of the foremost industrious and enlightened areas in the en re Nigeria. And this Adire of a thing is one of the prides of our people and we have been engaging in it.”
According to her, the second Iyalode of Egbaland, Madam Jojolola was one of those who improved on the Adire-making.
“So, it baffles us when we now hear it was stolen. Who stole what? Who are the original people that own it? Who are the people that are doing it? We will not engage anyone on this issue because we are not in the posi on to do that .
“But we want the whole World to know that when we talk of Adire, we talk of Abeokuta, the home of Adire,” Akamo said.
sure food security and economic stability.
The tradi onal ruler emphasised that agriculture remains a powerful tool for job crea on and na onal growth, while encouraging students to consider it a noble venture.
Addressed the cri cal issue of cul sm and cybercrime, popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo, among youths, he appealed to young Nigerians to shun all forms of criminal ac vi es and channel their energy toward produc ve and naon-building endeavours.
He stressed that the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth and therefore called on them to be conscious of their roles as future leaders.
Pledging his full support, the Arapate promised to work closely with NANS and other relevant bodies to promote ini aves that will empower Nigerian students and youths educa onally, morally, and economically.
He vowed to collaborate with the NANS leadership in organising sensi saon campaigns, leadership development workshops, and agricultural training programmes for students and young people within and beyond Ijesa Land.
In his remarks, the Assistant Secretary General of NANS, Comr. Emmanuel Olatunji Adejuwon, appreciated the Arapate for his hospitality and reaffirmed NANS’ commitment to partnering with tradi onal rulers and other ins tuons to ensure that the voice of the Nigerian student is not only heard but respected.
Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup: Marching Into A Glorious Reign With Majesty
The rich culture and tradition of the people of Ijesaland and by extension, Yorubaland, was in full display as the 41st Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III officially began his reign. In this report, SODIQ YUSUF chronicles the events of the coronation and its significance.
THERE is always a point in life when every human gets his/her date with des nity. Such dates are priceless and can come at any point in life. It is a reminder of one of the common sayings of the Yoruba ethnic extrac on where the journey of life is divided into three - the Morning, A ernoon and Night Stages. A prayer from that saying goes thus; “May the latter/night stage of our life be be er than what it was in the morning.” It is one that denotes that one’s night me is filled with boun ful and plenty blessings more than one ever experienced either in childhood or during one’s prime.
The Head that will wear the Crown is a divine providence on whoever has that opportunity. This is because Kings are from the millions of Princes birthed in an household in a life me. It
is a divine and rare grace bestowed by the creator. Perhaps, this is why Clement Adesuyi Haastrup’s old age is when des ny has decided to come to fruion with him becoming not just a King, but an Imperial Majesty presiding over 101 other domains in the en re Ijesaland, radia ng in God’s absolute majesty.
The crux of ac vi es marking the ascension to the throne of the 41st Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland climaxed on Friday, May 23, 2025 a er five months in seclusion to complete the tradi onal rites in accordance with tradi on. Ac vi es leading to his official corona on and events of the dday were full of indices that the people of Ijesaland are in for a glorious reign filled with unqaun fiable and resounding progress.
Selected from the Bilaro
Ruling House, Owa Clement Haastrup has had an illustrious career, rising from first being a pharmacist, poli cian, astute community leader and later a businessman leader to becoming the first democra cally elected Deputy Governor of Osun State at crea on in 1991, among many other life’s personal feats. His records of philantrophy, service to his state and country, as well as veritable interven ons is community development all culminated to him ge ng the highest number of votes to succeed Owa Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran III who joined his forebears in September 2024. From the array of dignitaries, government officials, top poli cians, reverred tradi onal rulers, captains of industry, sociali es, business moguls among other eminent personali es from
all walks of life that graced the corona on, one would easily conclude that Owa Haastrup Ajimoko III has the experience, requisite knowhow and the solid connecon that it takes to successfully lead his people.
Right from entry into major towns in Ijesaland to Ilesa, the seat of the Owa Obokun Adimula, the atmosphere was electric, with sons and daughters of Ijesaland trooping out en-masse to welcome their new King. It was a flurry of ac vi es and even the lame was begging to be li ed to share in the euphoria of the occasion.
Led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria represneted by his nephew and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice Presidents, A ku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, Governors Ademola Adeleke, Lucky Aiyeda wa, Seyi Makinde represented by his deputy, Barr. Adebayo Lawal, former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sher-
Osun ICPC Boss Calls For Youths Involvement In Fighting Corruption
Kazeem Badmus
THE Resident AnCorrup on Commissioner (RACC), Independent Corrupt Prac ces Commission (ICPC), Osun State, Yusuf Olatunji has called for youths to be acvely involved in the fight against corrup on in Nigeria.
Olatunji made the call on Wednesday in Osogbo during an an -corrup on compe on organised by the Commission in collabora on with the State Government for secondary school students in the state. According to him, the fight against currop on is not a one-man war, adding that corrup on infects every sector of our na onal life.
He likened corrup on to a virus which requires a deliberate, strategic, and
well-coordinated response involving both preven on and enforcement.
He said, “The fight against corrup on is not a one-man war, it requires collec ve responsibility, inter-agency synergy, and above all, the ac ve involvement of our youths.
“The theme of this programme, “Corrup on: A Virus That We Must Eradicate,” is profoundly relevant and mely. Just like a deadly virus, corrup on infects every sector of our na onal life. It weakens our ever join ins tu ons, distorts our values, deprives ci zens of basic services, and s fles development.
“Like a virus, corrupon mutates, it adapts, finds new hosts, and spreads across generaons if le unchecked. And like a virus, it requires a deliberate, strategic, and
well-coordinated response involving both preven on and enforcement.”
The ICPC boss advised students to make a difference in the fight against corrup on, urging parents and teachers to be good role models to the children.
“You are not too young to make a difference. Your voices ma er. Your creavity ma ers. Your ideals, when rooted in integrity, are powerful tools that can challenge societal norms and inspire others to do what is right.
“Your par cipa on here is not just for trophies or accolades. You are making history. You are part of a na onal movement towards ethical reawakening. You are the torchbearers of a new Nigeria where honesty is honored and corrup on is shamed.
“Let me emphasize this: The ba le against corrup on begins in the mind. It begins with personal choices, choosing to do your assignments honestly, refusing to engage in examina on malprac ce, repor ng injus ce when you see it, and trea ng others with fairness and respect.
“We must, therefore, con nue to invest in character development and civic educa on. Our educa onal ins tu ons must become sanctuaries of integrity and innova on. Teachers must serve as mentors, not just instructors. Parents must become role models, not bystanders. The government must remain commi ed to transparency and accountability in every sphere. Only then can we truly build a corrup on-free na on,” he added.
ifat, among others graced the epoch making event.
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.
Beyond the array of dignitaries at the event was the beau ful display of culture and tradi on by various groups and associa ons in Ijesaland. More beau ful to see was the lineup of students from the Ereja roundabout to Ilesa Grammar School where the recep on held.
As early as 5am, residents of the town had trooped out massively to witness the crowning of their new king, with major streets adorned with musicians, drummers and other entertainers savouring the momentous occasion.
Messages of Hope
At the event, President Bola Tinubu represented by former governor Oyetola announced the approval of the Ilesa/Ife/Ibadan expressway, pledging to see to its total rehabilita on.
He also congratulated Owa Haastrup on his ascension to the throne, assuring the people of Ijesaland of the monarch’s commitment to a rac ng the much needed development to his domain.
Tinubu said, “As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Oyetola reaffirmed President Tinubu’s administra on’s commitment to grassroots development, announcing that the President has ordered the release of an interven on fund for the rehabilita on of the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan expressway-which is cri cal to the economic vitality of Osun and neighbouring states.
“As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Oyetola reaffirmed President Tinubu’s administra on’s commitment to grassroots development, announcing that the President has ordered the release of an interven on fund for the rehabilita on of the IlesaIfe-Ibadan expresswaywhich is cri cal to the economic vitality of Osun and
neighbouring states.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his address described the new Owa as a gentleman with loyalty and patrio sm as his trademarks.
He recalled, “As the Deputy Governor to my late brother, the first Execu ve Governor of Osun State, late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, our new Owa Adimula demonstrated absolute loyalty and suppor ve backing. As a businessman, he climbed to the top of the ladder in his sector, making him one of the most successful business execu ves in Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed his commitment towards the overall development of Ijesaland as he disclosed that the University of Ilesa is now offering over 50 courses which are accredited.
“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 focused on the upgrading of Ilesa to a modern city. Hence, we are almost comple ng the over 12 kilometers Ereja Square-Brewery Junc on dual carriageway. This landmark project for the first me is opening up Ilesa for business and pleasure.”
Other dignitatries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, extolled Owa Haastrup’s legacy of commitment and service to the people, assuring him of their maximum support for a successful reign.
A New Dawn For Ijesaland In his inaugural address, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, flanked by his Queens, Olori Omolara and Olori Vicky promised to elevate the legacy of his forebears.
While thanking dignitaries and other wellwishers, the Owa Obokun Adimula urged well meaning individuals to contribute to the growth of the N1bn Ijesaland Development Fund to create jobs and facilitate the development of the community.
Owa Ajimoko III also urged all stakeholders to join hands with him to move his domain forward.
It is indeed a new dawn for the people of Ijesaland with a new monarch guided and guarded by his forebears, the Owa-in-council, tradi onal ins tu on, his community, and the world at large, ready to raise the developmental aspira ons and trajectory of his people even higher.
Long May You Reign, Owa Ajimoko III.
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025 - THURSDAY, JUNE 05, 2025 VOL. 20 NO 21 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.
NIGERIA, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, marks its 26th anniversary ending brutal military rule, and embarking on the road to democracy. I am reminded, on this occasion, of three poli cal figures who contributed to this situa on.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged into na onal consciousness in 1992 when he was elected the Senator represen ng the Lagos West Cons tuency. The following year when the June 12 presiden al elec on, won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, was annulled by the Babangida junta, he became one of the major advocates of de-annulment. He was like Abiola, a good social mixer and seemed to have friends in high places. Also, when shortly a er the Abacha coup and the head of the junta needed to meet Abiola for secret discussions, they each had a witness: Abacha had General Oladipo Diya who was his Deputy, while Abiola had Tinubu. Abiola and Tinubu were populists and shared Abiola’s poli cal agenda: “Hope ’93, Farewell To Poverty: How to make Nigeria a be er place for all.”
When six years later, he ran for gubernatorial elec on in Lagos State, Tinubu seemed to have dusted up that manifesto. At his inaugura on as Governor, he promised Lagosians a be er life and assured them of “a good economic programme that will eradicate poverty and provide employment for the jobless…” Equally, Rauf Aregbesola, when, in 2007, he ran for the gubernatorial elec on in Osun State, unfolded a similar programme. His Six-Point Agenda promised to promote func onal educa on, banish poverty, banish unemployment, restore healthy living, banish hunger and, enhance communal peace and progress.
When the Abacha regime cracked down on pro-democracy ac vists, Tinubu went into exile in 1994 and returned in 1998 a er the dictator’s death. Abiola had died in deten on under controversial circumstances on July 7, 1998. On his return from exile, Tinubu ran for the gubernatorial elec on of Lagos State in January 1999 and won. The Director of his campaign team, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisa on, BATCO, was Aregbesola. The la er had ran for the House of Representa ves in 1992 while Tinubu ran for Senate in the same Lagos West area. Tinubu had won while Aregbesola lost, but that campaign had brought them together. When in 2003, Tinubu ran for re-elec on, Aregbesola was, again, the Director of his campaign team that ensured victory.
A er Tinubu’s 1999 victory as governor, his team penned down Aregbesola as Senior Special Adviser to the Lagos State House of Assembly. But when the list of the new cabinet in the state was announced on radio, Aregbesola was amongst the commissioners named. Apparently, Tinubu had put his foot down, insis ng that the former should be in his new cabinet. Aregbesola was named Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure. He spent eight years during which the salutary work of the
“Tinubu was carrying on the populist vision of Abiola and Aregbesola was helping to realise that vision. But politically, the three politicians had some divergent positions. Abiola was a populist of the Right, Tinubu was Centre Right, while Aregbesola was Left. Abiola was very close to the military top brass. Tinubu did not wholly embrace military rule but worked closely with Abiola for the birth of the Abacha military regime. In contrast, Aregbesola distanced himself from the military”
By OWEI LAKEMFA PERSPECTIVE
The Abiola-Tinubu-Aregbesola Triumvirate In Politics
Ministry in execu ng huge road construcon and building massive public works, was one of the undeniable achievements of the Tinubu administra on. This partly led to the contested claims that: “Tinubu built Lagos”.
Aregbesola’s demonstrable competence, knowledge and commitment were so visible in his first four years as Commis-
sioner, that Governor Bisi Akande of Osun State approached Tinubu to allow Aregesola become his running mate in his 2003 bid for re- elec on. Aregbesola did not want to cut short his service in Lagos State and, clearly, Tinubu s ll needed the services of the la er, not just in his cabinet but also for his re-elec on for a second term. Besides, Tinubu’s re-elec on promised to be quite
Political Sycophancy Unlimited
INthe last two years, par san poli cal “ac vism” loaded with sen ment but outrightly lacking in intellect and social value seems to have taken over the country. This is, perhaps, a testament to the abysmal failure of our educa on system. No people, even without much educa on but with correct sense of value, will permit such toxic proceeding endlessly.
Yes, it has been the case that what dictates followership in poli cs is not always principle. Bi erness is one and the Late Bornu icon, Waziri Ibrahim, the Apostle of “Poli cs without bi erness,” has helped us iden fy hate as a basis for poli cal gang up. Ayodele Fayose helped us clarify that there is poli cal followership based purely on “stomach infrastructure,” popularly called “anywhere belle face” poli cs these days. There is sec onal poli cs driven by ethnic and religious “solidarity.”
However, when a government by a poli cal party, elevates poli cal sycophancy and misinforma on to statecra for which legion of supporters are programma cally recruited and rewarded; truth, morality, decency, and society are endangered.
Already, there is the danger to a society in which there is so much schooling but li le educa on, and that li le educa on not being problem conscious or solu ons oriented. Today, there can be no greater danger to such society than weaponised, nonsensical, erroneous, da sycophancy; far more dangerous than overpowering poverty, endemic ethnic-
ity, religious bigotry and extremism already in place!
Love and ac ve support for chosen polical party by followers and members are normal. However, President Manus Luis Molina of Philippine said, “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my country begins,” and that should be the creed of all humans and party faithful who are not plain stupid! In conceding defeat to Donald Trump, Kamala Harris re-echoed that sacred truism when she said, “In our na on, we owe loyalty not to a president or party, but to the cons tu on of the United States, and to our conscience and our God.” Of course, ungodly people whose conscience has been destroyed by material and mental poverty will find it difficult to understand those words. Neither can they understand or harken to the advice of Teddy Roosevelt that “Patrio sm means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the President.” Instead, an “all-knowing” and “always correct” President has been invented for Nigeria today and any ques on about that is deemed the height of disloyalty.
Bi ng reali es and real facts in the public domain are reworked into “fact-checked” ficons and presented as “the truths” that must be accepted at all cost. It is as alarming as it is depressing. The reali es and facts do not ma er with the sycophants, according to Neil Strauss, “The reason facts don’t change most people’s opinions is because most people don’t use facts to form their opinions. They use their opinions
tough because he had openly confronted the dictatorial tendencies of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
For instance, following clashes between the police and a militant ethnic group, the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Obasanjo on January 13, 2000, wrote Tinubu a le er threatening to impose emergency rule on Lagos State. Obasanjo told Tinubu: “When either by u erance, ac on or indeed inacon, a Chief Execu ve shows a loss of control in the maintenance of law and order in his state, it becomes incumbent on the Federal Government to take appropriate ac on to arrest the situa on, usually in the form of the imposi on of a State of Emergency. “Mr. Governor, I regret that I have not seen any ac on on your part in the recent past to suggest that you are in control of the security situa on in Lagos State. On the contrary there is evidence of increasing disorder, loss of lives and property and a general sense of fear among the ci zens of Lagos State. This is an intolerable situaon.”
Tinubu had responded, blaming the Obasanjo administra on for the insecurity. The la er, he wrote, ran a Police which was “undermanned, ill-equipped, poorly mo vated and demoralised”. He advised it to either live up to its responsibili es or “allow for the necessary cons tu onal amendment to allow the states to bear their own cross”. Also, Tinubu had rejected the overt direc ves of Yoruba leaders that the six states in Western Nigeria, including Lagos State, should back the 2003 re-elecon bid of President Obasanjo. The states had been run by the opposi on Alliance for Democracy, AD. Clearly, the Presidency was displeased by Tinubu’s opposi on and he knew he had an uphill task in his hands. So, Akande’s request that Aregbesola became his running mate in Osun State could not be met.
•Read full article on www.osundefender.com
to form their “facts.” It is said that sycophants are “uncontrolled and parasi c, lacking proper regards for truth or for jus ce in a ma er, using their educa on or skill to destroy opponents for profit in ma ers where they have no stake, lacking even the convic on of poli cians, and having no sense of serving the public good.” How true of majority of “loyal” party men and women today, especially of par es in government, and their social media goons whom Professor Wole Soyinka must inclusively have in mind when he said that the “social media has been taken over by barbarians.”
Democracy is not the property of any poli cal party or poli cian. It is a system owned by the people! It is not an end in itself but a means to a clearly defined end. That end, which is perhaps the sole reason why government exists, is spelt out in the Fundamental Objec ves and Direc ve Principles of State: GUARANTEEING THE WELFARE AND SECURITY OF CITIZENS. Celebra ng Democracy Days by governments that are in huge deficit concerning Welfare and Security of ci zens is hypocrisy. Twis ng around the facts by their sycophants is insult upon injury. The people, who are the true sovereign, are watching. Disempowered, divided, trauma sed, helpless and leaderless as they presently seem, they wield simple but implacable logic. History has shown that when the me is right, that logic will crystallise into ac on for their true libera on, and no quantum of false narra ves, name-callings and blackmails, no quantum of corrup on and monetary inducement by malevolent power; no army of sycophants can stop the people or save any regime contemptuous of the welfare and security of majority of the people.
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. All correspondence to the Asst. News Editor, YUSUF OKETOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com
•Abiola, Tinubu and Aregbesola
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above