•Candle light procession for the late Fidelista Abiodun Aremu in Osogbo, Osun State on Tuesday
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
Adeleke Reportedly Renews Bid To Join APC
GOVERNOR Ademola Adeleke has reportedly renewed the bid to move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite several rebu als by the Peoples Democra c Par-
•Lobbies Osoba, Ribadu To Convince Tinubu
ty (PDP) in Osun State.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that Adeleke’s a empts to join the APC is being frustrated by some leaders of the party who are loyalists of the
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.
However, in an arcle wri en by a former commissioner for Local Government and Chief-
taincy Affairs in the state, Hon. Adebayo Adeleke and sighted by OSUN DEFENDER, “the Governor and his elder brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke, have been traversing the country,
•Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers NIESV President and Chairman of Council, ESV Victor Alonge PNIVS, FROCS, FCIoD, flanked by his wife, Deaconess Alonge, the institution excos and members at his installation as the Awokose Omoluabi Oodua by Oonirisa, HIM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR Ojaja II, during Ooni’s 51st Birthday Celebration at the palace in Ile-Ife last Friday
begging and lobbying influen al leaders to speak to President Bola Tinubu on their behalf.”
According to the former commissioner, “former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Na onal Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are two of the intercessors they allegedly approached for the assignment.”
Adeleke however challenged the Governor to publicly deny the rumour if he truly has no plan to defect and if he is lobbying to join, he should have the courage to say so openly.
This is coming few days a er the Governor dismissed specula on that he might defect from the PDP) to the APC, insis ng he has no plans to leave the party either now or in the future.
Adeleke, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the PDP’s Na onal Conven on Organising Commi ee, made the
Why Hospital Donated By Buhari’s Aide Yet To Commence Operation – Osun Govt
Yusuf Oketola
THE Osun State Government has explained why the 80-bed hospital donated by the former spokesperson to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina in Ipetumodu is yet to commence operaon.
Reac ng to a publicaon by OSUN DEFENDER in its October 17, 2025, the state Ministry of Health in a statement by the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Public Health, Dr Akindele Adekunle disclosed that the medical facility was not abandoned but work is s ll in progress to bring the project to life.
Adekunle noted that the hospital was handed to the state government with some inadequacies which efforts have been put in place to address.
“The Osun State Ministry of Health has responded to a publica on by the Osun Defender on the state of a medical facility donated to the state by an aide of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Femi Adesina.
“This oversight, we presumed, was explored by vandals who ransacked the hospital, car ng away genera ng sets and other equipment installed in it. The State Government has corrected this lapse as it had built a security post in the hospital with plans
to have policemen staoned to guard the facility and avoid criminals from accessing the facility to vandalize it, harass pa ents and medical personnel posted there when the hospital becomes fully opera onal. Also, the vandalized genera ng set has been fixed and a new generating house built to house it.
“We wish to also point out that the contractor of the facility did a very bad job as was evident with the roof that was swept off by wind and it took the interven on of the State Government to redo the roofing. The compound of the hospital was also not floored, giving room for bushes and other dangerous animals within the vicinity of the hospital. The defect has been corrected as the compound of the hospital has been floored.
“In addi on to this, there was no provision for a laboratory when the hospital was handed to the State Government, however, this has been corrected by this administra on with the crea on of a laboratory to serve the hospital, which has also been fully equipped to complement its opera on.
“It is also important to note that at the point of commissioning, the hospital was not connected to the na onal grid, leaving it with no power sup-
ply. However, this administra on is in the process of installing transformers and facilita ng the connec on of the hospital to the na onal grid for opmal supply of electricity.
“It is at this point that we are and upon the complete electrifica on of the hospital, the State Government will deploy personnel to the hospital and put it into opera on. Furniture and other essen als that were lacking at the point of commissioning of the hospital have been procured and supplied to the facility by the State Government.
“Therefore, we want to enjoin the people of Ipetumodu and Osun people as a whole to bear with the State Government as efforts are in mo on to address iden fied issues for better delivery of services. We remain commi ed to pu ng every facility in use for the healthy needs of Osun people and urge journalists to partner with us by ensuring that every informaon put out to the public
are accurate and not s r unnecessary apprehensions”, the statement concluded.
Earlier, the Secretary, Ipetumodu Development Forum, Mr. Kehinde Oyetunmbi while reac ng to the delay appealed to the state government to fast track the project and bring it to life.
Oyetunmbi in a statement made available to OSUN DEFENDER said: “Fast-forward, 3 years down the lane when this healthcare centre, constructed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, facilitated by Chief Femi Adesina, the Oluomo of Ipetumodu, was commissioned in 2023. The facility was handed over to the state government for: Staffing, Opera on & Management.
“It’s quite unfortunate that the facility’s monthly security salary was le into the hand of HRM Oba Prof Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, being assisted by the Ipetumodu Development Forum all these
years, a government facility for that ma er.
“The facility was once burgled with Air condioners, genera ng set cable etc carted away, The burgled News attracted the state government a en on through the office of the state deputy speaker, who facilitated the replacement of some equipment carted away, although, the contractor is yet to complete all that is necessary to put the facility into opera on when he claimed money received exhausted and since then, nothing seems happening.
“We are appealing again to the Osun State Government through Ipetumodu Sons and Daughters in the helm of affairs, to complete and bring this facility into func on.
This will improve the health status of Ife North Electorates, reduce the kabiyesi monthly spending from his personal purse on the security of the health centre without any commensurate result and also bring the health centre equipment into the maximum opera on level.
“Please, bring this facility into opera on for Ipetumodu and we shall forever be grateful. The comple on and opera on of this project shouldn’t be for another elec oneering campaign. Thanks for your understanding and proac veness to this call.”
remarks on Monday in Abuja, shortly a er the inaugural mee ng of the Accommoda on SubCommi ee of the party’s conven on.
He expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge stronger from its current internal challenges. “The party will come out of this crisis a be er and stronger party,” Adeleke said, emphasizing the importance of unity and collec ve effort.
The governor further assured that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure the success of the na onal conven on, highligh ng his commitment to the party’s progress and stability.
He said: “Some people say I might be planning to join the APC because I have friends there or have been seen a ending their events. I’m a very civilised person. If I have friends in the APC and they invite me to a wedding or social funcon, I will a end. That doesn’t mean I’m joining them.
“As we speak, I am the Deputy Chairman of our conven on, which is held on the 15th and 16th of October, and I remain a loyal member of the PDP. I also chair the Accommoda on Commi ee.
“The PDP does not believe in propaganda or endless talk. Many people from other par es are also defec ng, that’s poli cs. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, but everyone has the right to do as they wish.
“Our focus is on unity, organisa on and success. By God’s grace, our convenon will be a great success, and the PDP will con nue to grow from strength to strength. Thank you, and God bless you all.
“As we all know, PDP believes in proper organisa on and in doing things the right way, and in accordance with the rule of law. This is exactly what we are doing. We have successfully organised many conven ons in the past, and this one will be even more successful.
“By the special grace of God, PDP will con nue to grow from strength to strength. I can assure you that we are mee ng and resolving our issues internally. It is a family affair. We do not want anyone outside to add sugar, pepper or salt to the ma er. We are handling it ourselves. PDP is a family, and we know how to manage our affairs.’’
Yusuf Oketola
Fear And Loathing In Ekiti State And Elsewhere
THE a ack on the premises of the African Democra c Congress ( ADC) has been correctly condemned by all right thinking people and the Na onal Organizing Secretary of the party Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, a survivor of guerrilla tac cs has added his counsel about the dangers ahead.
It is clear that the political season ahead will be combus ble, the internal security mechanisms had be er be proac ve as they have been forewarned. This is not unexpected because what we refer to as poli cs is all about booty sharing and not about ideological disagreements.
We are paying a heavy price for this with over half of the popula on trapped in poverty. The forthcoming elec ons must be used to present a clear departure from this with the offering of a convincing alterna ve.
“It is clear that the political season ahead will be combustible, the internal security mechanisms had better be proactive as they have been forewarned. This is not unexpected because what we refer to as politics is all about booty sharing and not about ideological disagreements”
The events in Eki shows very clearly that the security agencies working in conjunc on with civil society must draw up a containment and strategy now!. We have been forewarned and in the glaring absence of a na onal democra c agreement on poli cal conduct we do not have any other alterna ve.
Olanipekun...
WE are in total support of a call by Wole olanipekun a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) that the country should draw a brand new cons tu on on apart such a cons tu on packed a plebiscite as was done with the 1963 the publican cons tu on.
The constant me and money consuming thinking with cons tuonal amendment is on acceptable. It is clear that the “suspension” of 1963 cons tu on as arted as a brack on a
countries of economic prospects. A brand new cons tu on will reinstate the ethos of a federal list posi on base on produc on and in court it what you think as a formal prime minister of Canada defined federalist.
With an es mated 139 million people in porvaty there is a compelling reason to go back to a proper federalist awaitment . Wole olanipekun (SAN) is current and the suner will draw a new cons tu on will be er for accompany.
Aremson, The Hit-And-Run-Driver, And A Nation In Dire Straits
By Johnson Amusan
THE sudden death of Comrade Abiodun Aremu on Sunday, October 12, 2025 no doubt came with a rude shock. And its effect jabbed through the heart and veins of the na on, par cularly the masses who he genuinely represented throughout his life me. As an interna onalist, the world mourns him and wails for a great man whose agita on for a be er society went far beyond the shore of Nigeria. But the nature of his death adds insult to our injury and remains a ques on begging for many answers.
Since his death, well-deserved eulogies have been showering upon him from all nooks and crannies of the country and people in diaspora. He earned his epaule e at the barricades. For all his life, he was at the forefront of figh ng for or advoca ng the cause of the masses, par cularly, the working class to his last breath. He threaded where many were afraid to go near. He was one to be called the Shaka Zulu as he was a Pan-Africanist who embraced Amical Cabral and Thomas Sankara as his role-models and was commi ed to their convic ons, which made him to establish Amical Cabral School of Ideology. And amongst his heroes were Fidel Castro and Che Geuvera. The reason he loved to be called Comandante Fedelista Aremson and Cuba became a second home to him. Hence, he was a comandante in words and deeds as he believed in revoluon and worked towards it materialising in his life me.
Despite the frustra ons that usually characterised the life of a genuine ac vist, Aremson never gave up or relented in his effort to bring a revolu on into frui on.
Among those of us who regarded Aremson as an icon was my friend and comrade, Engr. Olugbenga Abdulsalam. When recently he arrived from Malaysia where he went to pursue his PhD, his first visit, two or three days a er, was to his leader and close confidante, Comandante Fidelista Aremson, whom he had missed so much. To show his happiness at seeing him, Abdulsalam was all over the Facebook to celebrate it and he extended this to me by calling me on phone where we both appraised together the attributes and values of Aremson. Individually in our discussions that very day, we relieved ourselves of our personal experiences with him.
But who was really Aremson? In order to understand who Aremson was, I would like
to talk briefly about the experiences Abdulsalam and I had with him as follows.
In 2017, Abdulsalam led the Libera on struggle of his colleagues and other coworkers from the stronghold and strangulaon of Samuel Shogunro who was then the rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic (now Lagos State University of Science and Technonology). The rector, intoxicated by power, unilaterally cut the salaries of the workers under the guise of migra ng the system of payment from one process to another. Abdulsalam championed the cause. And in that struggle, on trump up charges, he was railroaded into Ikoyi prison where machinery had been set in mo on to end his life. The plan was to put him in the same cell with hardened criminals already briefed to beat him to death there. As yoruba would say that an Oro deity does not make sound without a human effort or backing. Apart from his wife, one other key figure who moved from pillar to post and made it impossible for the would-be-power to detain him for long was Aremson. And throughout the me the struggle lasted, Aremson never wavered for one day as he con nued to guide it un l total victory was achieved.
Personally, in 2012, Aremson made my travelling to Cuba possible. The then Osun State Government sponsored the project. As a result of a series of failed surgeries I had had in Nigeria, I became so weak that I thought I had lost immunity completely and was going to die. Thus, I thought I needed some medical examina on, but I had lost confidence in Nigerian medical system. And on the wing of informa on I had, I approached Aremson. Without dillydallying, he called the person in charge of the slots for Cuba and asked him to put me on the list.
That was not the end of the story. In Cuba, those in charge of funds were not ready to release the fund for my medical examina on. It was Aremson who mounted pressure on those involved before they released a li le sum that could allow me to do some parts of the examina on. I can never forget the experience.
One other Osun government’s project he coordinated was OYES (Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme). I remembered he personally invited me to be part of its trainers’ training. And a er the programme, he never owed me or any other person a kobo. Also years later, Aremson a ended my wedding that some of those I regarded as my core comrades refrained from a ending despite extending invita on to them.
OSUN DEFENDER
Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.
Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola
Asst. Features Editor – Kazeem Badmus
Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto
Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere
Produc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, Off Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State.
ISSN : 0794-8050
Telephone : 0809-301-9152
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com
All correspondence to the above email addresses.
However, I chose to share these few stories to properly deconstruct who Aremson was. Aremson was one cadre who never related with other comrades based on tendency. Abdulsalam and I originally did not belong to his ideological divide. What got us a racted to him was his character before imbibing his convicons. And for me personally, he did all without any expecta on from me. Even, when I showed interest in ge ng him some gi s, he declined and reminded me of my own medical condi on that needed a en on. We all are aware that the
•Read full article on www.osundefender.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
Osun APC, PDP Supporters Clash Over Quality Of Oke-Fia Flyover
MEMBERS and supporters of the Peoples Democra c Party and opposi on All Progressives Congress in Osun State have traded words over the quality Oke-Fia flyover in Osogbo, the state capital.
The party loyalists had taken to social media to a ack themselves over the size and standard of the bridge, with the APC members claiming the ongoing project is substandard and not a dual carriageway.
The APC supporters claimed the bridge was too narrow and should not have housed a median, with the PDP loyalists hi ng back.
One of the APC supporters, Misbahudeen Ibrahim in a Facebook post, said the Oke-fia bridge cannot be considered a dual carriageway because the remaining space le a er two cars occupy the lane is a mere 0.1 meter and too short.
He said referring to the bridge as a dualized carriageway is unprofessional on the part of the engineer and contractor.
According to him, “The minimum width for a single traffic lane should be at least 7.6 to 8 meters. Architecturally, we use a principle called ‘Anthropometric Data’. This involves measuring the objects that will occupy a designated space to ensure efficient circula on and free movement.
“Now, analyzing the picture circulated on social media to defend the project only reinforces the claim that it is defecve.
“The anthropometric data for a car shows it requires between 2.7 and 3 meters of space, depending on the vehicle’s width. However, the sec onal lane of the Oke-fia bridge is less than 5.5 meters; it is 18 feet (5.4m). Let’s assume it is equivalent to 5.5m.
“Calcula on: 5.5 ÷ 2 = 2.75 meters. This means the remaining space after two cars occupy the lane is a mere 0.1 meter.
“In construc on, engineers must account for extra space for steering control, avoiding road defects, and spontaneous human movements. The ques on remains: will a 0.1-meter space suffice for these ac vies?
“Therefore, bisec ng the road to jus fy the narra ve of a dualized carriageway is unprofes-
sional on the part of the engineer/contractor. It is also a dubious move by the project sponsors to approve such a design if human safety is truly a priority.”
But the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke on the Bureau of Social Services, Akintunde Sheriff, slammed the APC supporters, no ng that the bridge meets the minimum standard specificaon.
Sheriff in a statement, claimed that the Oke-Fia flyover was an improvement to the standard of all the flyovers constructed under previous administra ons in the state.
The statement read in part, “I have seen the feeble a empt by some members of the Ileri school of thought of Osun APC to downplay the flyover, a significant infrastructure the Government provided at Okefia, which we are now about delivering as we round up the comple on.
“The road is a duallane flyover with a corresponding length never witnessed before in the history of our State, as far as flyover antecedents are concerned. Each side of this new flyover has a carriage way of nothing less than 5 metres. What this means
●As Residents Slam Ex-Works Commissioner, Omowaiye
is that the width of the Okefia flyover constructed by this Government is 10 metres and it meets the minimum standard specifica on.
“Also, the road divider is movable or removable in case there is a need to ease traffic tension that may result from an accident or damaged vehicles. This flyover is an improvement to the standard of all the flyovers we have witnessed under previous administra ons in our history as a State.
“We therefore seek
the APC cult members loyal to Oyetola to stop being blind to the progress recorded by this present administraon of His Excellency Asiwaju Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke. You may hate the Leader of the State but stop ha ng on the land. Osun State is our Jerusalem. Whoever wishes well for her will do good.”
Meanwhile, residents have slammed the immediate past Commissioner for Works in the state, Remi Omowaiye, for contribu ng to the
debate. Omowaiye had reposted the claim by an APC supporter that the bridge is of low standard and not a dual carriageway. But commen ng on his post, residents berated Omowaiye for condemning the bridge, ques oning if he did be er while he was in office.
A Facebook user, Ajala Joshua, while reacting to Omowaiye’s post, wrote, “Omowaye, why are you not ashamed of yourself by sharing
If You Forget The Drumbeat, You’ll Miss The Dance Art/Culture
IN every African village, especially here in Osun State, the drumbeat has never been just sound. It is language. It is memory. It is movement. It is spirit. Whether at a naming ceremony, a funeral, a fes val, or an ordinary evening by the moonlight, the drum tells stories words cannot carry.
But today, as I walk the paved streets of Osogbo, I wonder—what happens when we no longer hear the drum? What happens when the children no longer learn its rhythm, and the elders stop teaching its meaning?
Our tradi ons are more than rituals or rou nes—they are the codes of iden ty. The
drumbeat is symbolic of the deeper rhythm of African life: our gree ngs, our songs, our storytelling, our community. In ancient Yorubaland, no major event began without the talking drum— dundun or gangan. It was the announcement. The heartbeat. The soul. Sadly, many of our young people today can name foreign music stars faster than they can name tradi onal drummers in their own villages. Some can dance to TikTok trends but cannot follow the steps of the bata or ayan. The digital world is fast, exci ng—and yes, it must be embraced. But it should not erase our founda on.
If we forget the drumbeat, we lose the dance. And if we lose the dance,
we dri —rhythm-less— through a world that never truly sees us.
As someone raised between village firesides and urban streetlights, I understand the tension. We want progress. We want modernity. But let it be a progress that remembers where it came from. Let our schools teach coding and also teach folklore. Let our fes vals invite tourists, but also ignite pride in our children.
Culture is not a museum piece. It’s a living
fire. And like every fire, it needs tending. Elders must speak. Youth must listen. Parents must model. Communi es must celebrate.
The Osun-Osogbo Fesval, for instance, is not just a tourist event. It is a drumbeat. A reminder of how deeply spiritual, ar s c, and united our people are when we remember who we are. We must protect such spaces. Expand them. Digi ze them without dilu ng them.
As builders, educa-
this kind of post on your personal wall. Because when you are serving as a commissioner for workers under the immediate Governor Adegbiyega Oyetola, you know, the kind of bridge that you build in Olaiya that you are calling the flying head bridge. Shame on you.” Another person who commented on the post, Ares Itunu, wrote, “Hon. Omowaye, was what you did at Olaiya good? You shameless APC urchins. You don’t even have the right to talk.”
tors, ar sans, content creators, and storytellers, we all have a role. Let’s document our languages. Let’s record our drummers. Let’s film our dances. Let’s pay our ar sts. Let’s create jobs around our culture— not just because of its past, but because of its power to shape a future that is ours. Osun’s youth deserve to know they come from greatness. That in the beat of the drum is the pulse of innova on, resilience, and beauty. That culture is not a backward thing—it is a backbone thing.
So the next me you hear the talking drum— pause. Listen. Move. Teach your children its name. Tell them what it says. Remind them that to forget the drumbeat is to miss the dance. And in Africa, when you miss the dance, you miss life itself.
Let us not miss life.
Kazeem Badmus
•Wife of the Governor, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, TIMI of Ede, HRM Oba Adesola Munirudeen Lawal, laminisa 1, and Olowu of Òwu Kuta Kingdom Ọba Adekunle Oyelude Makama at the wedding ceremony of Brenda Adeleke recently
Rip-off At Osun Polytechnic
Yusuf Oketola
SOME contract staff at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, were said to be engaging unprofessional acts over non-payment of four months salaries by the management of the ins tu on.
Since their formal engagement in July 2025 by the ins tu on, their accumulated salaries are yet to be paid. Though, the school has promised that the money will be paid by the end of October 2025.
The ins tu on’s Director of Media, Publicity, and Protocol, Mr. Bayo Fadeji confirmed this in a telephone interview with OSUN DEFENDER, on Tuesday.
Fadeji explained that the ins tu on is in the process of streamlining the ac vi es of the contract staff, adding that many of them have commitments elsewhere but s ll ge ng salaries from the school.
“We had a mee ng with the contract staff last Thursday where we addressed them. I can assure you that they will be paid this month. What the school is doing currently is to streamline their ac vi es because we found out that some of them have commitments elsewhere but are s ll ge ng salaries from us. Some of them have about two to three jobs they are doing,” he posited.
Recall that the Polytechnic management early this year disengaged all contract staff in its employment.
A copy of an internal memorandum dated January 15, 2025, signed by Foyinsade Apara on behalf of the Registrar, a copy of which was obtained by OSUN DEFENDER, subsequently invited fresh applicaons from interested persons for job opportuni es in the polytechnic.
The management said it no ced with dismay that a large percentage of Part-Time/ Contract staff have not been coming to the office and had been collec ng unmerited salaries.
“In view of this, the management has decided to disengage all Part- me/Contract Staff members with effect from Friday, 31st January 2025,” the memorandum read. Whoever among the disengaged staff
s ll interested in working with the ins tu on, was, however, directed to reapply through their Heads of Departments and Units.
It further read, “However, I have been directed to inform all disengaged Part-Time/ Contract staff members who are willing to connue with the Ins tuon to re-apply through their Head of Department (HOD)/ Head of Unit, (HOU), who in addi on would recommend such member of Staff if found deserving.
“Applica on for ReEngagement with a recommenda on letter from HOD/HOU are to be directed to the Registrar and submitted to the Personnel Affairs Office on or before the close of work on Wednesday, 29th January 2025.”
But OSUN DEFENDER learnt that some departments in the school kicked against the announcement, ci ng lack of enough regular staff in the ins tu on. The department was said to have taken responsibility for the contract staff while the school le them to their fate in January before they were formally engaged
in July.
Findings by the medium revealed that some of the contract staff have been engaging in all kinds of illicit ac vi es such selling of handouts which can be interpreted as unprofessional conduct to survive which the school is preaching against.
A cross sec on of
them who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER under the condi on of anonymity said the situa on is excrucia ng and becoming unbearable while calling on the appropriate authori es to see to their plights.
“We have been coming to work since January 2025 without pay. Though, we were dis-
engaged early this year. But our various departments did not allow us to go. The fact is that there are no substan ve lecturers in most of the departments. It is the contract staff that have been assis ng. There are some departments that have just one to two permanent staff. Also, the school that told us to go home in January has been coming to our various departments to take
a endance.
“We hope they will pay the money by October ending as promised. Majority of the contract staff have been doing a lot of illicit jobs to survive and feed their families. This calls for urgent interven on. The school has been preaching against all forms of extor on, the only way to have a sane campus is to pay remunera on of workers on me.” they said.
Aregbesola, Ex-dep Gov Condemn Burning Of Ekiti ADC Office
NATIONAL Secretary of the African Democra c Congress, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and former Eki State Deputy Governor, Prof Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, have condemned the a ack and burning of the party’s secretariat in Ado Eki , describing
Yusuf Oketola it as a threat to democracy and poli cal tolerance.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that residents and ADC members woke up on Tuesday to find the secretariat razed, with office equipment, plas c chairs, canopies, and sound systems destroyed.
Hours later, suspected hoodlums
were said to have regrouped and invaded the venue of the party’s planned affirma on ceremony, a acking members, vandalising vehicles and motorcycles, and sca ering arrangements for the event.
Reac ng to the incident, Aregbesola, who arrived at the venue shortly a er the a ackers fled, de-
scribed the incident as a shameful display of intolerance and a dangerous signal for democracy.
“It is regre able that individuals who emerged through democra c processes can resort to violence and in mida on to suppress opposi on voices. The a ack on ADC members in Eki signals a descent into fascism,” Aregbesola said.
The former Interior Minister also faulted security agencies for failing to protect the party’s members and property, saying such negligence violates the cons tu on.
In the same vein, Olusola-Eleka described the incident as poli cal terrorism, lamen ng that the police failed to act swi ly despite early reports of the midnight a ack.
“We are let down by the security agencies because more than two hours a er
we reported the incident, no officer came to secure the premises,” he said.
On his part, Eki ADC Chairman, Ilesanmi Omolayo, said several members were injured during the a ack and were receiving treatment in hospitals.
He alleged that the assault was an attempt to in midate the party over its growing popularity.
Also reac ng, ADC governorship aspirant and former High Commissioner to Canada, Dare Bejide, condemned the attack as barbaric, saying those behind it were enemies of democracy.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Rela ons Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, had ordered a full-scale inves gaon to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to jus ce.
•Students of Ebunoluwa International School, Osogbo on a courtesy visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Osogbo office on Wednesday
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
TKazeem Badmus
HE Students’ Representa ve Council, SRC, of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has raised alarm over what it described as a “climate of fear and blood” engulfing the university community following a disturbing rise in armed robberies targe ng students.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the student body called for urgent and decisive interven on from the Osun State Government and relevant security agencies to curb what it termed the “reign of terror” being unleashed on Great Ife students.
The council said the latest incident occurred late Monday, October 20, 2025 night at Oreoluwa Hostel in Moremi Estate, where armed robbers attacked students, car ng away phones, laptops, and other valuables. Some students reportedly sustained injuries during the a ack.
“This is not an isolated occurrence. It is a connua on of a frightening trend that has persisted for far too long, while those charged with pro-
tec ng lives and property look away in shameful silence,” the SRC stated.
The students accused the state government of negligence, ques oning how the security votes allocated to the governor were being u lized.
“We are not unaware that millions of naira are released monthly as security votes to the Governor of Osun State, who doubles as the Chief Security Officer. Yet, the streets of Ile-Ife remain unsafe, and our students con nue to bleed. If these funds are truly used for security, where is the evidence?”
the statement queried.
The council urged Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, and the Divisional Police Officer of the Moore Division to act swi ly to restore safety within and around the campus.
“Our safety must not be treated as a privilege, it is our right,” the statement emphasized.
The SRC also appealed to the university administra on to address the chronic accommoda on shortage forcing thousands of students to live off-campus, where they
are more vulnerable to criminal a acks.
“Safety cannot be guaranteed when students are le with no choice but to reside outside the university due to inadequate on-campus hostels,” it added.
While commisera ng with the latest vic ms, the student leaders vowed to con nue demanding accountability and protecon un l students can “live and learn in peace once again.”
“We demand ac on. We demand protec on. We demand jus ce,” the council added.
The management of the ins tu on has also condemned, in strong terms, the unnecessary a acks on her students by some hoodlums who not only rob them of their valuables but also inflict injuries on them.
The Public Rela ons Officer of the University, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, made this known in a statement he issued on Tuesday.
According to the University Spokesman: “ at the Health Centre, three (3) of the students who sustained deep machete cuts to the head and both
hands, were iden fied and promptly treated are: Ogedengbe Emmanuel Oluwafemi, a part four student of the Department of Management and Accoun ng (Matric. No:MAC/2021/235); Emmanuel Akinribiye, also a part four student of the Department of Management and Accoun ng (Matric. No: MAC/2021/110) and Olalekan David Okemiga, a final year student of the Department of Mathema cs (Matric. No: MTH/2019/027) who was also beaten with a machete but miraculously did not sustain any cuts.”
While condemning the a acks which occurred between the hours of 2235 hours and 2330 hours, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, who appreciated the prompt
TKazeem Badmus
HE Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the Independent Na onal Electoral Commission, INEC, Osun State, Dr Muu Agboke, has reiterated that elec ons in Nigeria are guided strictly by law, emphasising that no credible elec on can hold outside the legal framework.
Agboke also said every ac vity of the Commission must align with the law to ensure free, fair and credible elec ons.
The REC made the asser on when Ebunoluwa Interna onal School, led by its principal, Mr Ogedengbe, paid a courtesy visit to the INEC State Office on Wednesday in Osogbo.
Agboke stated, “Elecon is about law. If there is no law, elec on cannot be successful. Every INEC ac vity is about law.”
The REC while highligh ng the four legal documents that guide INEC’s opera ons in Nigeria, described them as essen al to the conduct of elec ons in the country. According to him, “The four frameworks
include the 1999 Constu on of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is the grand norm; the Electoral Act 2022; the Regula ons and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elec ons 2022; and the Manuals for elec on opera ons.”
Agboke, who noted that the four documents remained germane to the conduct of elec ons, stressed that any deviaon could lead to electoral challenges.
He revealed that the Commission planned to visit other schools in the state as part of its “Catch Them Young Voter” inia ve aimed at building early awareness about the electoral process among young ci zens.
The REC warned against a empts to compromise electoral integrity, adding that, “Anyone who wants to corrupt the electoral process will go to jail.”
Speaking on INEC’s structure, Agboke explained that the Commission has seven departments with specific roles, including the Elecon and Party Monitoring Department, which oversees the opera ons
of poli cal par es.
The Osun INEC boss disclosed that out of the 19 registered poli cal par es in the country, 18 were ac ve in Osun State.
He added that the Electoral Opera ons Department manages elecon logis cs, recruitment and training, while the Voter Educa on, Publicity, Gender and Inclusiv-
THE Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), has again berated the Chief Judge of Osun state, Jus ce Adepele Ojo for her ‘egregious display of indifference to the ongoing industrial ac on embarked upon by the state chapter. This is as the Na onal President JUSUN, Marwan Adamu, indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with the judiciary management in Osun to put an end to the ongoing strike.
The Osun JUSUN Chairman, Comrade Idris Adeniran, made this disclosure in a statement issued and obtained by OSUN DEFENDER a er the union’s monthly congress in Osogbo on Monday.
According to Adeniran, Adamu also expressed openness to mee ng and discussing the pressing issues affec ng Osun JUSUN members.
He disclosed that the JUSUN president stated that resolving the strike depended on whether the judiciary management in the state was genuinely commi ed to finding a resolu on to the impasse.
The statement reads, “The Na onal President of JUSUN has extended an olive branch, indica ng a willingness to engage in dialogue with the Judiciary management. He has expressed openness to mee ng and discussing the pressing issues affecting our members, provided that the management is genuinely commi ed to finding a resolu on.
“The Congress vehemently condemns the Honourable Chief Judge’s
ity Department handles the ongoing Con nuous Voter Registra on, CVR. Agboke men oned the use of technology in the process, no ng that the INEC Voter Enroll-
response of the officers and men of the Nigerian Police, A Division, Ile -Ife, and Oke - Otubu Division, Modakeke, also called on all security opera ves, par cularly the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Service (DSS) to further intensify their opera onal patrol around the students areas so that “ our students will not be living in fear while going for, and coming from lectures”.
Professor Bamire then called on all lovers of educa on to build more hostels within the University campus so that more students can be accommodated, protected and monitored by the University management.
The Vice Chancellor wished the students quick recovery and thanked God for sparing the lives of the vic ms.
Why Elections Must Follow Legal Framework - Osun REC OAU Slams Osun Govt Over Wave Of Robberies
ment Device, IVED, is used during registra on and the Bimodal Voter Accredita on System, BVAS, is deployed on elec on day.
Again, Judiciary Workers Condemn Osun CJ For Neglecting Staff Welfare
egregious display of indifference to the ongoing JUSUN strike. Her abrupt departure from the state on the strike’s commencement day, coupled with her persistent absence from the state, demonstrates a shocking lack of commitment to engaging with JUSUN leadership.
“Instead of addressing the pressing concerns of judiciary staff, lawyers, and the general public, Her Lordship has chosen to travel abroad. This blatant disregard for the welfare of those who serve the judiciary and the public they serve is unacceptable.
“We appreciate Comrade Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, Chairman, NLC Osun State, for standing with us during this tough me. Your support and commitment to jus ce and fairness inspire us. We are honoured to
have you as an ally.
“Thanks for championing workers’ rights and welfare. We are proud to have you as a partner. We also thank the leadership of NBA for their reless efforts to resolve the ongoing JUSUN strike,” the statement added.
The congress also condemned a empts by the judiciary management to use JUSUN members as security guards. While insis ng that such a prac ce is unacceptable, the congress affirmed that members were not employed as security personnel and that their concerns must be addressed accordingly.
OSUN DEFENDER had earlier reported that Osun JUSUN embarked on an indefinite strike on September 19, 2025, to demand mely 2024 and 2025 promo ons as well as improved welfare for its members.
Yusuf Oketola
Sport
Adeleke Declares Osun Military Paramilitary Games 2025 Open
THE Osun Mili-
tary Paramilitary Games 2025 (OMPG25) commenced on Wednesday at the Aderemi Sanni Stadium, Adeleke University, Ede, as Governor Ademola Adeleke officially declared the Games open in grand style.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Moshood Olagunju, lauded the ini a ve as a unifying pla orm for military and paramilitary personnel across the state, emphasizing the importance of sports as a tool for discipline, teamwork, and na onal cohesion.
Also present at the opening ceremony were the Deputy Governor of Osun State, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Mr.
Layi Adesiyan, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Football Ma ers, Mr. Kehinde Johnson. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to using sports as an avenue for synergy, fitness, and mutual respect among
uniformed agencies.
In his welcome address, the Chief Execu ve Officer of ACE Sports and main organiser of the Games, Mr. Olayiwola Olafiranye, commended the parcipa ng agencies for their enthusiasm and readiness. He noted
that OMPG25 represents more than compe on, it embodies unity and partnership among ins tu ons dedicated to the safety and security of Osun State.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Osun Sports Officers Associa on,
Mr. Olufemi Bankefa, described the Games as a milestone in the state’s spor ng calendar, reaffirming that the collabora on between ACE Sports and the par cipa ng commands will con nue to elevate sports development within the security sector.
The opening day witnessed thrilling football encounters, se ng the tone for what promises to be an exci ng championship.
In the first fixture, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) ba led the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to a 1-1 draw. Basit Aderemi struck first for NSCDC in the 29th minute, while Ganiyu Mujeeb restored parity for the Police in the 49th minute.
The Nigeria Immigra on Service (NIS)
Kazeem Badmus FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
began their campaign on a strong note, edging the Nigeria Correc onal Service 1-0 courtesy of a 26thminute goal by Samson Adetoro.
Elsewhere, the Federal Fire Service and NDLEA played out a goalless draw, while the Vehicle Inspec on Office (VIO) recorded an impressive 3-1 victory over the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Owolabi Olatunji ne ed the consola on for FRSC, while Lateef Niniola (37’) and Abiola Hafeez (59’, 65’) sealed the win for VIO.
Speaking a er the matches, sports enthusiasts praised the high level of discipline and compe veness displayed by all teams, no ng that the camaraderie and professionalism on display truly reflect the spirit of the Games.
Osun Govt Assures Safety Over ISWAP Attack Report
THE Osun State Government has assured residents that it is working to ensure that the insecurity in neighbouring states does not spill over to Osun.
This was as the state government equally urged residents to alert security agencies to any suspicious movement in their vicinity.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Security Ma ers, Mr. Samuel Ojo, stated this on Wednesday in response to the security alert issued by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The DSS had in a confiden al memo dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Ar llery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Ar llery, Owena Cantonment, Akure, raised an alarm over an imminent terrorist a ack on some communies in Ondo and Kogi States by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The memo warned that credible intelligence confirmed plans by the insurgents to launch coordinated assaults on several communi es.
The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, specifically listed Eri Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, as poten al targets.
The secret service cau oned that the terrorists had already commenced surveillance of so targets in the affected areas and called on the military to heighten security opera ons to forestall any a ack.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated a acks on communies in Ondo and Kogi States any me soon.
“The level of security alertness across the iden fied communi es should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property,” the memo stated.
But Ojo, while reac ng to the alert, said that he and other Security Advisers in neighbouring states have discussed extensively on how to ensure the bandits do not have their way.
He said, “As far as Osun State is concerned, and being the Special Adviser on Se-
curity Ma ers to the governor, we are always working proacvely to ensure that all the security issues from other neighbouring states will not affect us.
“As soon as I got the SOS alert message, I sent it to all the security advisers in Ondo,
Eki , Kogi, and Kwara States. We, the Special Advisers on Security, are having mee ngs periodically.
“Even without mee ng, we’ve discussed extensively on how to ensure that such a warning should be taken seriously and we act proac vely and
make sure those useless bandits do not have any way to come to our state.
“Osun people should con nue to cooperate with the government and inform any security agency close to their neighbourhood of any suspicious movement.
“About four weeks ago, there was baseless informa on regarding the Fulanis that came in from Kwara State to Osun State, and without was ng me, we sent them back to where they came from, and they le .”
Osun Deputy Speaker Empowers Constituents
THE Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Akinyode Oyewusi, on Wednesday empowered cons tuents across the ten wards of Ife North Local Government.
The lawmaker said the empowerment was part of his con nuous effort to promote grassroots development and economic self-reliance.
The Deputy Speaker appreciated the people of Ife North for the confidence they reposed in his leadership and for their unwavering support for effec ve and people-oriented representa on.
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Segun Amure, a total of 15 Bajaj motorcycles and 10 deep freezers were distributed to beneficiaries
drawn from all ten wards of the local government.
The statement noted that the exercise was organised in honour of cons tuents who lost their lives in the Akinlalu tragedy last month.
The Deputy Speaker described the event as both an act of compassion and a reaffirmaon of his resolve to con nue suppor ng livelihoods across his cons tuency.
In his words, “This empowerment reflects a renewed commitment to grassroots empowerment and economic independence.”
Speaking further, Hon. Oyewusi noted that “the programme represents the first phase of a broader empowerment scheme aimed at boos ng small-scale enterpris-
es, enhancing ar sans’ produc vity, and promo ng sustainable livelihoods.
“This empowerment marks the beginning of a series of ini a ves designed to improve the lives of our people.
“Other items, such as generators, televisions, washing machines, hand dryers, farming equipment, solar and inverter fans, grinding machines, tailoring machines, and vulcanizing machines, are already on ground; what remains is to fix a date for their distribu on. There are also more motorcycles and freezers to be shared in subsequent batches. Our focus remains on promo ng selfreliance and ensuring that every ward in Ife North benefits from people-oriented programmes.”
Beneficiaries across the ten wards ex-
pressed apprecia on for the Deputy Speaker’s impac ul representa on and commitment to community development.
“This empowerment means a lot to us. The Deputy Speaker has shown true commitment to upli ing grassroots entrepreneurs,” said Hon. Mike Akande, Chairman of Ife North Local Government.
“Hon. Oyewusi’s gesture proves he genuinely cares about his cons tuents. He’s setng a good example for other leaders,” noted Adesoye Oyewole, the Party Chairman.
Reaffirming his commitment to purposeful service, Oyewusi pledged to sustain inclusive, people-oriented ini a ves that promote self-reliance, dignity of labour, and sustainable livelihoods across his cons tuency.
•Osun State Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Moshood Olagunju in action at the opening ceremony of the game, on Wednesday
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025 VOL. 20 NO 53 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
THE 2023 presiden al elec on signaled a poli cal awakening in Nigeria, a loud rejec on of the old order that once believed power flowed from state governors and their entrenched structures. That illusion has finally collapsed.
Let’s look at the facts.
Peter Obi’s performance in the 2023 presiden al elec on was unprecedented. He won 11 states inclusive of the Federal Capital Territory, even though the Labour Party lacked what Nigeria’s poli cal class o en describes as “structure”, that is, si ng governors, deep-pocketed financiers, and entrenched poli cal networks. Also, A ku Abubakar of the PDP secured 12 states, eight of which were under APC governors. The ruling APC, despite controlling 22 state governments, found itself struggling to maintain coherence and voter confidence.
This outcome exposed the growing disconnect between poli cal “structures” and actual voter sen ment. The so-called structured APC failed to secure victory even in several of its tradi onal bas ons.
In Delta State, the si ng governor and PDP vice-presiden al candidate lost his home state to Obi. Similarly, in Lagos, widely regarded as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s poli cal stronghold, the ruling APC suffered a symbolic defeat as Tinubu lost the state to the Labour Party.
These numbers tell a story that can no longer be denied: the “governor factor” has lost its grip on Nigerian poli cs. The power once wielded from Government Houses has shi ed to the streets, the markets, and the polling units to ordinary ci zens who are no longer buying into poli cal puppetry.
In 2023, Nigerians were not yet pushed to the wall. The cost of living, infla on, reckless borrowing, mass unemployment, and hunger had not reached the level of crisis we face today. Yet even then, the people defied state machinery, patronage, and in mida on crossing old party lines to vote with conscience rather than coercion. 2023 was a warning shot. 2027 will be the reckoning.
Now imagine 2027, a er four years of economic decline, unchecked borrowing, public frustra on, and the silencing of dissen ng voices. Nigerians are watching, learning, and wai ng. The same ci zens who voted against the establishment when life was merely difficult will do far more when life becomes unbearable.
The governors can all decamp to the ruling party and hold hands on the way down; the electorate will ensure it is a spectacular collec ve defeat. Nigerians
“The 2027 election will not be an election of governors; it will be an election of the governed. It will not be a contest between party structures but a referendum between citizens and the establishment”
By DINO
MELAYE, Esq
The Fall Of The Old, Corrupt Guard And
The Rise
Of The Underdogs Who Refuse To Bow
have moved beyond the poli cs of inmida on and state capture. The age of imposed loyalty is giving way to one of independent convic on.
Both dominant par es, the APC and the PDP are si ng on poli cal powder kegs. Their internal contradic ons, corrup on, fac onalism, and loss of moral authority have eroded public trust. The PDP con nues to bleed from within,
STRIKER
weakened by leadership crises and ideological fa gue. The APC, though in power, is wobbling under the weight of governance failures, rising poverty, and unmet expecta ons. For both, implosion appears not a ques on of “if” but “when”, which is sooner than we thought.
Yet, as these old structures collapse inward, a new poli cal force is emerging from the margins, the African Democrat-
ic Congress (ADC). The ADC carries no baggage of broken promises, no legacy of looted governance, and no cartel of entrenched poli cal elites. It represents a genera onal and moral reset, a peopledriven alterna ve capable of redefining Nigeria’s poli cal future.
The 2027 elec on will not be an elec on of governors; it will be an elecon of the governed. It will not be a contest between party structures but a referendum between ci zens and the establishment. It will be the masses against the machinery of corrup on; the people against the poli cs of entlement.
And in that defining moment, the ADC, the underdog with a clean slate and a clear vision stands poised to become the party to beat, not by the weight of its structure, but by the strength of its convic on and the trust of an awakened electorate.
The handwri ng is on the wall. The days when governors dictated presiden al outcomes are over. Nigerians have found their voice, and no power bloc can silence it again.
It is the me of the rising underdogs, and the ADC is their pla orm, a movement for those who refuse to be silenced by structure or power.
Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
Way Out Of The Woods
THE insecurity challenge Nigeria faces today as a result of failure of the government has not been witnessed since the end of the Civil War in 1970. We did not arrive here overnight, neither had there been scarcity of warnings about a collec ve flight to damnaon, with the ruling elites as the pilots. Our journey to the edge of the abyss began, along with other mis-steps, with the self-centred misadventure of the civilian poli cal class a er Independence leading to equally self-serving military intervenons and eventually into civil war.
Unfortunately, the military brass never meant well for anybody other than themselves, not even for the military as an ins tu on; their long stay (28 years of 65 years of independence) is the foundaon of the wreckage of Nigeria.
The longest ever sustained stay of elected government in charge is 1999 ll date (26 uninterrupted years). However, the damages done by the military big boys (rtd) and their grip over the system is such that they s ll call the shot ll date.
Examples are crystal clear: President and Senate President in the 1999-2007 periods and late President Muhammadu Buhari (May 29, 2015 - May 29, 2023). In their days in direct charge, they nurtured a civilian collabora on cons tuency that they had always bequeathed the reign to whenever forced to “step aside.”
That band of civilian collaborators with military government had imbibed authoritarian disposi ons to such an extent that democracy is just a facade for carrying on (and being the direct beneficiaries) of the Nigerian lie – an authoritarian rule masquerading as democracy (demonstra on of craze); a unitary sys-
tem and command chain masquerading as federa on; corrup on-riddled elite system of privileges masquerading as a republic.
Hung on a mono-economic oil rental system hos le to other forms of producvity, a lack of interest and even hos lity to educa on, modernity, science and technology, and the sustenance of the best of our tradi onal values, the collapse of industry and the economy was a ma er of me, along with mass poverty and illiteracy.
Just under former “military President” General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida alone (1985-1993), we witnessed the ins tu onalisa on of naked corrupon; the sowing of the seed of terrorism (bombing of ace inves ga ve journalist, Dele Giwa); the suffoca on of voices of conscience, the media and popular organisa ons; the destruc on of Ins tuons, especially the Police and Secret Service; bastardisa on of law and the judiciary; the destruc on of the economy (Structural Adjustment Programme SAP, and submission to IMF); and the venal trunca on of the will of the people in a poli cal rigmarole leading to the annulment of the freest, fairest elec on ever in Nigeria.
The infamously ruthless Sani Abacha years followed un l popular resistance and the Grace of God rescued Nigeria from the brinks. The last 26 years of unbroken civilian rule presented the opportunity for total overhaul of a system that held Nigeria down as a mere poten al Giant of Africa. Sadly however, the re red military brass and their civilian collaborators that cons tuted the main chunk of the poli cal elite have so much power (ways and means) that the
truly democra c elites among them are always smothered and relegated to the background.
As such, democracy, federalism in a republic, diversifica on of the economy, promo on of func onal educa on, development of infrastructure, even simplis c domes c refining of God-given crude oil – all remain anathema to the main elites across board; only the control of the sharing and loo ng of the oil rent proceeds ma ers!
The consequences of the ensuing poverty, joblessness, misery, illiteracy and the selfish exploita on of the religious and ethnic fault lines of the country,in the midst of plenty, are what we are witnessing today – a vast canvass of disorder. Historically then, how can we expect a way out of it provided by the very architects of the trials and tribula ons, except a mere temporary reprieve and a con nua on of the status quo?
In our history, the people and their popular organisa ons, are the ones that always rise up to the occasion, along with the relegated but well-meaning, patrio c elites; buoyed by the progressive media. That was how it was in the Babangida and Abacha years un l return to democracy.
Indeed, democracy has brought the illusion of “government of the people, by the people and for the people” and took away the people’s vigilance, dulled the alertness and workings of the popular organisa ons, and le wide la tude for unabated bad governance.
If there will be a way out for Nigeria to reinvent itself, forge unity and achieve greatness for its people and all Africa, there is nowhere else to look, not the least at the authors of the problems, but to the people and their popular and grassroots organisa ons that need to wake up, come together, and hasten to the rescue.
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, Off 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
•Sen. Dino Melaye, Esq. The Democratic Evangelist, Legal practitioner and Public analyst.