Adeleke Dashes Hope Of 5,000 Awaiting Teachers
●Deploys 1,750 Imole Youth Corps As Ad-hoc
●You’re Ruining Future Of Osun Youths - APC Knocks Governor
●We Find It Deceptive, Fraudulent, Detrimental – CDHR Condemns Govt
•ADC National Chairman, Sen. David Mark flanked by the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, among others, during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, in Abuja, on Tuesday
Osun LG Crisis: Five Months After, Activities Remain Paralysed As Workers Stay Off Work
Kazeem Badmus
FIVE months a er the free-for-all local government crisis in Osun State which culminated in the killing of a former chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Mr. Aderemi Abbas, and six others, ac vi es at the council secretariats remain par-
•CSO Calls For End To Crisis
alysed.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that supporters of the APC and PDP on February 17, 2025, unleashed mayhem on local government secretariats across the state following a conten ous Court of Appeal ruling,
which allegedly reinstated APC-elected local government chairmen and councillors. During the deadly clash, supporters of both par es were killed, with many injured, in a bid to gain access to the local government secretariats.
On February 16, the President of the Naonal Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Osun State, Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, directed workers in council areas in Osun to stay off work,
Congress (ADC) Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and former commissioner for works in the state, Engeer Kazeem during their visit to Òkùkù recently
In Osun, Property Worth N3.9bn Destroyed In 6 Months
PROPERTIES valued at N3.9 billion was destroyed by fire in Osun within the first half of the year, an official record of the state Fire Service said.
The record, which was sighted by OSUN DEFENDER on Monday, revealed that the service recorded 55 fire outbreaks during the first six months under review. It was further recorded that 15 cases, being the highest on the data, were recorded in January and February, respec vely.
The record also showed that property worth N130.3 billion was salvaged by the service.
According to the record, one life was lost, while one false fire call was received during the period.
The Public Relaons Officer of the organisa on, Mr Ibrahim Adekunle, in an interview said most fire outbreaks were as a result of “human errors and negligence”.
Adekunle advised residents to be more careful about how
they handle flammable items and materials that could cause or lead to fire.
He said that the service, however, carries out periodic public engagements and enlightenment programmes on ways to prevent or manage fire.
“We go to markets, worship centres, corporate organisa ons and public establishments to enlighten the people on the need to be cau ous with fire and
what to do in case of outbreaks,” he said.
Adekunle also said that the opera ons of the organisa on had been sufficiently enhanced by the State Government.
He said that the government procured more fire trucks for the organisa on to aid its service delivery.
“We appreciate Gov. Ademola Adeleke for buying seven new fire trucks and one water tanker for us.
“Five of the trucks
were bought this year, and they have all been very helpful in combating fire,” he said.
He, however, urged residents to be proacve always and not to delay in calling the service any me there was an outbreak of fire.
He also admonished them to be extra careful when handling fire, especially in the kitchen, adding that they should always switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
Adeleke Warns IBEDC Ahead Of
Osun Power Regulator
Latifat Bello
GOVERNOR Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has warned the Ibadan Electricity Distribu on Company against riding roughshod in its operaons in the state.
Adeleke sounded the warning ahead of the establishment of the State Electricity Regulatory Agency, which would be mandated to address the maltreatment of electricity consumers in the state.
The agency is to be established in accordance with the Osun State
Electricity Market Regulatory Bill 2025, which was passed into law by the state Assembly on Monday.
Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the agency that will be created will end the maltreatment of electricity users in the state.
Adeleke said that all misgivings of the people of Osun State against the Ibadan Electricity Distribu on Company would end when the bill becomes opera onal.
The statement read, “The State Electricity
Takeoff
Regulatory Agency that would be established when the bill becomes law will be empowered to address complaints of electricity users and act on the ac vi es of the distribu on company. The DISCO should sit ght, ahead of the eventual takeoff of the commission.
“The regulatory commission will be addressing cri cal issues rela ng to customer–service providers’ complaints. It will grant licenses to power generators, among others. The commission will
•Continued on Page 7
ci ng tension generated through the ‘controversial’ judgement.
Since the direc ve was given, local government workers have stayed away from work, leaving the councils’ opera on paralysed.
Leadership of the two main par es has at different fora traded blame on who is responsible for the con nued absence of workers in the local governments, with residents bearing the cost of the ongoing tussle.
The APC elected chairmen said the court had reinstated them and returned them to the council secretariats across the state.
But the state government and the PDP, however, held that the court did not rule in APC’s favour, as the Osun State Independent State Electoral Commission conducted another elec on on February 21, 2025, where a new set of LG officials emerged.
Even though the chairmen and councillors elected under the APC are currently occupying the secretariats, the workers have failed to resume work.
The local government workers disclosed that only direc ves from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) can determine their resumpon.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the absence of meaningful acvi es across the local governments is a cause of concern for residents of the state, par cularly in the rural communies. Residents in rural communi es noted that they have been cut off from vital government services, including birth registra on, immunisaon, social support, and documenta on.
Amidst the standoff, the Federal Government has withheld the alloca ons meant for local governments in Osun State with the state government lamen ng that it has been using funds ini ally meant for its various developmental projects to pay different categories of workers who draw salaries from the local government alloca on.
There was hope that the rumoured defec on of Governor Ademola Adeleke to the APC would end the issue and return normalcy to lo-
cal governments across the state; however, the move failed to materialize following the insistence of the leadership of the APC in Osun that they don’t want the governor in their party.
Reac ng to the connued absence of workers at the local governments, the Coordinator, Centre for Social Jus ce and Public Protec on (CSJPP), Akin Akanji said the state government must find a las ng soluon to the issue.
Akanji, while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER on Thursday, said the prolonged absence of workers at the council secretariats has and is s ll affec ng the people.
He also urged the Federal Government to release the ‘withheld’ alloca ons, no ng that Osun must not be an isolated case.
Akanji said, “This is ge ng out of hand. It has been more than 160 days now that the local government secretariats have been shut and workers are at home, even though they are collec ng their salaries.
“These workers are not on strike but stay off work because of the direc ve issued by the leadership of their union. The way our poli cal leaders do things in this country is embarrassing, to say the least. Imagine paying workers every month and allowing them to stay at home. Do the poli cians really care about the people or themselves?
“It is high me the state government finds a solu on to this abnormal situa on. We cannot con nue like that. Workers have to go back to work and perform their du es. Governor Adeleke should find a way to bring things back to normal. He is the state governor and everything falls at his table.
“I believe there is a solu on to all these problems and I’m urging all stakeholders to consider people at the grassroots and end this con nued show of lack of respect to the people.
“I also want to appeal to the federal government not to make Osun an isolated case. We shouldn’t play polics when the livelihood of Nigerians is involved. The federal government should release the withheld alloca ons and solve this issue once and for all”.
Yusuf Oketola
•Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola with National Secretary Africa Democratic
RECENT
happenings in Osun State give cause to ponder upon the direc on of human capital development. Nigeria today is too fixated on ephemeral things such as pallia ves and projects, without realizing that without the development of human capital, no amount of pallia ves or projects can put the country on the path to sustainable development.
The problem with the trajectory of projects and so forth is that nobody gives thought to their maintenance and replacement. Without first-class human capital development, all of these things will eventually become obsolete. The confusion in Osun State about the educa on system and how to develop it is a direct result of the relega on of human capital behind ephemeral things such as projects and pallia ves.
As of today, the state has no clear direc on on how to prepare human capital for the future. Countries that know what they’re doing have started teaching coding to students from the age of four or five. This is because the four or five-year-old of today will come out of na onal youth service straight into the age of ar ficial intelligence. The sooner a child is immersed into the world of tomorrow, the be er for the child and society as a whole.
In Osun State today, there is no clear path about refurbishing the educa onal system, and most fundamentally, the recruitment of teachers. It is absolutely bizarre and unacceptable that we’re now talking about conver ng people involved in the Imole structure, earning the old minimum wage of about thirty thousand naira a month, into teaching corps. This is not the way to develop the teaching sector, so vital for the future of Osun State.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 01, 2025 - THURSDAY, AUGUST 07, 2025
The Future Of Education In Osun State
You cannot just go in and recruit and convert people without proper training. A teacher is a trained professional who is trained on how to teach, just as a lawyer or a doctor has gone through a process of becoming a professional in their field. The development of human capital in Osun State requires a well-thoughtout plan, and not a hasty conversion of untrained individuals into teachers. The future of educa on in Osun State depends on it.
The a empt to convert Imole personnel into teachers is a clear example of a lack of though ul planning. These individuals are not trained as teachers, and there is no clear career path for them. This move appears to be an opportunis c, short-term pallia ve that should not be encouraged. The State House of Assembly, if it s ll exists, should do everything possible to stop it.
One crucial ques on that needs to be answered is: what will be the pay structure for these new “teachers”? You cannot pay teachers a wage that does not reflect the importance of their work. Considering the current minimum wage, teach-
ers should start off on at least 25% more than the current minimum wage of 70,000 Naira, which would be around 87,500 Naira. However, a more realis c star ng salary would be around 105,000 Naira, with consequen al adjustments all the way through the profession.
Teachers should also have solid, infla on-adjusted pensions and home acquisi on schemes. This is the only way to have a teaching core that can prepare genera ons for a constantly changing future where human capital is vital. The Osun State government needs to rethink this ill-advised plan, which only highlights their inadequacy in developing a thorough manpower program for the teaching and educa on sector.
Instead of this quick fix, the government should focus on employing thousands of Osun State indigenes with excellent teaching qualifica ons into the teaching service with suitable pay. A scheme towards professionalizing the teaching profession as a life me endeavor is necessary. This approach would ensure that the state’s educa on sector is built on a founda on of qualified, mo vated,
The Discourse
“The attempt to convert Imole personnel into teachers is a clear example of a lack of thoughtful planning. These individuals are not trained as teachers, and there is no clear career path for them”
and well-compensated professionals.
We call upon the government of Osun State and the State House of Assembly to develop a five-year manpower planning and development program for the educa on sector as a ma er of urgency. The focus of this program should be on preparing a teaching cadre that can effec vely teach pupils from the earliest level and equip them with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing future driven by new technologies, ar ficial intelligence, and crea ve thinking.
It is impera ve that this program brings together individuals from various disciplines, including those with technical skills and professional exper se, to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the needs of the educa on sector. Failure to priori ze the development of such a program would betray an en re genera on, depriving them of the opportuni es and skills required to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
We urge the Osun State government to ini ate this program without delay, ensuring that it is well-structured, inclusive, and tailored to the specific needs of the state’s educa on sector. Only through such a concerted effort can we guarantee a brighter future for the state’s pupils and equip them with the skills necessary to compete in a global economy.
What Wrong Have Osun People Committed To Deserve Such Hatred From Oyetola?
By Apesin Abiodun Adegoke
OVER the weekend, it was truly disheartening to read in the Sunday Vanguard the disturbing revela ons from a secret mee ng allegedly held at Ileri Oluwa House by a group of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reportedly at the instance of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.
According to the report, the central focus of the mee ng was to devise strategies to reclaim power in the 2026 in Osun State and 2027 general Elec on.Shockingly, one of the so-called “winning strategies” was said to be the con nued withholding of Osun State’s local government alloca ons by the Federal Government. The cruel inten on behind this was to deepen hardship at the grassroots level, disrupt basic services, and incite public frustra on against the administra on of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
More troubling were the comments attributed to Alhaji Oyetola during the meeting. He was reported to have blamed the APC’s defeat in 2022 on former President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to pressure INEC and security agencies to favor the APC. He allegedly expressed confidence that things would be different this me, boasting of misleading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into believing that the APC could win Osun without Adeleke. He was quoted saying that victory must be achieved “by force.”
He reportedly went further to jus fy the con nued withholding of local government funds as a tac c to cripple the Adeleke administra on. Despite the Appeal Court’s ruling in favor of the state government, Alhaji Oyetola allegedly vowed to block access to funds intended for essen al services, teachers’ salaries, healthcare, pensions, and even tradi onal ins tu ons un l they could be diverted to the sacked “Yes/No” chairmen, whom he hurriedly installed after his electoral loss in 2022.
It is worth recalling that Alhaji Oyetola conducted a hasty and widely cri cized local government elec on barely 60 days after losing the governorship an exercise that clearly violated the 360-day no ce required by the 2022 Electoral Act (as amended).
“It is worth recalling that Alhaji Oyetola conducted a hasty and widely criticized local government election barely 60 days after losing the governorship an exercise that clearly violated the 360-day notice required by the 2022 Electoral Act (as amended)”
Many saw it as a desperate bid to cling to influence at the grassroots, even a er the people had rejected him at the polls.
Now, as the good people of Osun grapple with the consequences of this orchestrated hardship, one ques on rings loudly from every corner of the state, from classrooms and markets to hospitals and palaces:
What offense have we commi ed to deserve this level of vindic ve punishment from Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola because of his influence on President Nola Ahmed?
OSUN DEFENDER
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
Let it be known: the people of Osun have already made their choice. Twice, they rejected the APC and its brand of governance, one that offered li le development and le behind the burden of 30 months of half salaries. The era of manipula on and forceful rule is over. Osun deserves better. Her people deserve peace, prosperity, and leadership rooted in compassion, not one that weaponizes poverty and uses power to se le poli cal scores.
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com
All correspondence to the above email addresses.
•Apesin Abiodun Adegoke is the Coordinator, Concerned Citizens of Osun State.Crusader.
Supporters In Dilemma Over Switch Of Osun PDP Lawmakers To APC
LYusuf Oketola
OYALISTS and supporters of Na onal
Assembly members who decamped from the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are in confusion on whether they should follow the Senators and the House of Representa ves members to their new party.
The federal lawmakers, Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Senator Ajagunla Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), Hon. Sanya Omirin (Ijesa South Federal Cons tuency) and Hon. Taofeeq Ajilesoro (Ife Federal Cons tuency) last week resigned from the PDP to the APC while citing the internal wrangling within the party’s leadership as the reason for their departure.
However, following their resigna ons, findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that many of the supporters and loyalists of the lawmakers are miffed by their move. The development has also induced
the resigna on of some of the aides appointed by the lawmakers.
Adeniran Shakirulli, Media Assistant to Senator Ajagunla in a le er dated July 24, 2025 announced his resigna on, adding that the office of the senator has come to represent “betrayal, selfinterest, vindic veness, and a blatant disregard for loyalty”.
Adeniran pointed out that Ajagunla rose to poli cal prominence through the pla orm and support of the PDP but later “turned back on both the party and the people’s will.
Earlier, Otunba Tunde Badmus who is the Chief of Staff to senator Ajagunla in his resigna on le er dated July 21, 2025 thanked the lawmaker for appoin ng him and also wish him well in his legisla ve assignments.
Also, Hon Kazeem Animasahun, the Personal Assistant to Hon. Ajilesoro cited his loyalty to the PDP as reason for his resigna-
Ibadan Traditional Leaders Caution Oluwo Over Comments On Oloolu Masquerade, Report Monarch To Adeleke
Kazeem Badmus
TRADITIONAL
leaders in Ibadanland have cauoned Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, over a statement credited to him about ‘Oloolu’ masquerade.
Oba Akanbi was said to have allegedly described the Oloolu masquerade as “criminal” and “uncons tuonal.”
The leaders, including the Associa on of Ibadan Mogajis, Baales, and the Ibadan Com-
pound Peace Ini a ve (ICPI), demanded an immediate retrac on of Oba Akanbi’s statements and warned him to stop meddling in Ibadan’s customs.
They described the monarch’s outburst as “unprovoked, irresponsible, and unbecoming of a tradi onal ruler,” warning that con nued a acks on Ibadan’s heritage would not be tolerated.
The leaders urged the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to urgently call Oba Akanbi to order, accusing him of trying to “create an everlasting crisis in Yorubaland.”
They gave Oba Akanbi a few days to issue a formal retracon and apology, warning that failure to do so would provoke further acons from the people of Ibadan.
on. This was contained in his resigna on le er dated July 26, 2025.
More so, a cross secon of the supporters of the defected lawmakers who spoke with the OSUN DEFENDER under the condi on of anonymity condemned the senators and the Reps for abandoning
the party that brought them to power.
The supporters who expressed displeasure on the development vow to remain in the PDP or seek a be er alterna ve to the APC.
According to one of the supporters, “It is a tough decision for us to
make whether to go to APC or not. This is the party we have suffered for. We worked relessly for the senators and Reps to emerge. Currently we are in a dilemma. We will be like a new comer in the APC. Also, uncertainty beclouds our future in the new party. Meanwhile,
most of the lawmakers who switched to the new party rode to power through the popularity and acceptability of the party in 2023 and there is no assurance if APC will give them automa c ckets. It is not that they are that popular among the people.”
When Culture Becomes A Cage: Revisiting Harmful Traditions In Nigeria Art/Culture
IN the heart of Nigeria, where tradions run deep and cultural heritage is a source of pride, certain age-old prac ces con nue to clash with contemporary human rights standards. While culture serves as the bedrock of iden ty and community cohesion, it’s impera ve to scru nize customs that perpetuate harm under the guise of tradi on.
One such prac ce is female genital mu laon (FGM), prevalent in various Nigerian communi es. Despite global condemna on and legal prohibions, FGM persists, o en jus fied by misconcep ons about purity, modesty, and marriageability. This procedure not only infringes on women’s rights but also poses severe health risks, including infec ons, complica ons in child-
birth, and psychological trauma.
Similarly, child marriage remains a pressing issue. Young girls, some barely in their teens, are married off, trunca ng their educaon and exposing them to early pregnancies and domes c abuse. This prac ce, deeply rooted in certain cultural and economic contexts, undermines the poten al of countless young women and hampers na onal development.
In Osun State, tradional beliefs some mes lead to the s gma zaon of individuals with mental health condions. For instance, elderly women exhibiting signs of demen a have been accused of witchcra , leading to social ostraciza on or even violence. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for public educa on to dispel myths and promote
understanding of mental health issues.
Moreover, the existence of “baby factories”—facilities where women are coerced into bearing children for sale—reflects a disturbing intersecon of cultural s gmas and economic exploitaon. These opera ons o en prey on vulnerable women, exploi ng societal pressures and the s gma za on of infer lity.
Addressing these harmful prac ces requires a mul faceted approach:
1. Educa on: Community-based programs can challenge harmful norms and promote human rights awareness.
2. Legisla on and Enforcement: While laws exist against pracces like FGM and child
marriage, consistent enforcement is crucial.
3. Engaging Tradional Leaders: Collabora ng with cultural custodians can facilitate the abandonment of detrimental customs.
4. Support Services: Providing resources for vic ms, including counseling and healthcare, is essen al for rehabilitaon. In conclusion, while honoring cultural heritage is vital, it’s equally important to evolve and discard prac ces that hinder progress and violate fundamental human rights. By confron ng these issues head-on, Nigeria can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
•Dr Sharon Olufunmilayo Ojo PhD flanked by Excos and members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ Osun chapter, at her Convocation reception held on Sunday
Photo Shola Aderinto
•Oluwo
Adeleke Dashes Hope Of 5,000 Awaiting Teachers
Yusuf Oketola
THERE seems to be no hope in sight for the 5000 successful applicants shortlisted in the 2024 Osun Teachers’ Recruitment exercise as the state government announced the deployment of 1,750 cadets under the Imole Youth Corps scheme to teach in public schools across the state.
The announcement was contained in a press release signed by the spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Wednesday.
Recall that the Osun Government had in February 2024 embarked on the Teachers’ Recruitment exercise but the process remains inconclusive ll date. The successful applicants a er their interviews in September 2024 have also yet to receive appointment le ers from the government despite different assurances.
Meanwhile, Olawale in the release blamed financial constraints for the con nued delay in the recruitment process. He pointed out that the deployment of the Imole Youth Corps is part of measures to address personnel shortage in some schools and to prepare ground expansion of teaching personnel in a cri cal subject area.
“As financial constraints delay planned mass teachers’ recruitment, Governor Ademola Adeleke has deployed a total of One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fi y Imole Youth Corps teachers to primary and secondary schools across Osun state.
“The Governor is also seeking more deployment of members of the Naonal Youth Service Corps to Osun state for pos ng to schools in the state.
“These measures are stop gap ac ons to address personnel shortage in some schools and to prepare ground for the expansion of teaching personnel in cri cal subject areas.
“The Imole Youth Corps members posted to the schools hold Nigeria Cer ficate of Educa on and University degree qualifica ons and are already func oning in various schools in the state.
“The breakdown of the pos ng are as follows: Ayedaade - 65; Atakumosa East 35; Atakumosa west 43; Ayedire 47; Boluwaduro 44; Boripe 33; Ede North 74; Ede South 66; Egbedore 56; Ejigbo 87; Ife central 61; Ife East 28; Ife North 39; Ife South 50.
●Deploys 1,750 Imole Youth Corps As Ad-hoc
“Others are Ifedayo58; Ifelodun -58; Ila Orangun- 83; Ilesa East -61; Ilesa West- 68; Irepodun -43; Irewole- 74; Isokan -19; Iwo -87; Obokun- 50; Odo O n -77; Ola Oluwa -43; Olorunda- 44; Oriade -106; Orolu -41; Osogbo -80; and Modakeke Area Office -33,” the statement stated.
However, the government promised to recruit more teachers once the financial climate of the state improves.
Reac ng to the development, the Osun Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), berated Governor Adeleke, saying he is ruining the future of
youths in the state.
The APC accused Adeleke of bastardising the future of the pupils and students of the primary and secondary schools in the state with its announcement of the deployment of 1,750 Imole Corps teachers to the schools in the state.
This was contained in a statement by the party’s Director of Media and Informa on, Mogaji Kola Olabisi in Osogbo, on Wednesday.
The statement reads partly: “The news of the deployment of the Imole Corps teachers to the state government-owned primary and secondary
schools in the state by Governor Adeleke is an indica on that he is utterly confused and absolutely derailed in the act of quality governance which he swore to uphold during his inaugura on as the state governor.
“The excuse of the Adeleke-led government for deploying untrained ad hoc teachers to the public schools is an indica on that it is engaging in misplaced priori es three years running into his four-year administraon.
“For God’s sake, it defies logic how a government that is constructing five needless flyovers
‘ADC Ready To Return Osun Back
To True Progressive Leadership’
Yusuf Oketola
AHEAD of the forthcoming 2026 Osun governorship elecon, the Interim Na onal Secretary, African Democra c Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has reiterated the readiness of his party to return back true progressive leadership in the state.
This is as the former governor called on residents of the state to parcipate in the forthcoming Con nuous Voter Registraon (CVR) ahead of the governorship elec on in the state.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the Osun Governorship Elec on was fixed for Aug.8, 2026. Aregbesola, in a statement by the Publicity Secretary of Omoluabi Progressives, Mr Abosede Oluwaseun, on Monday in Osogbo, made the call during the group’s stakehold-
ers’ mee ng in Ilesa. He said that ge ng young ci zens to register ahead of the governorship elec on was key to se ng the state on the path of a people-friendly government.
Aregbesola, a former governor in the state, urged his supporters to rededicate themselves to the core mandate of returning the state to true progressive leadership in the 2026 governorship elec on.
He also called on ADC members to engage in policy and issue-based discourse to a ract public support for the coali on party.
“The me has come to swing into ac on. The forthcoming CVR scheduled to commence on Aug. 18 is crucial to the task ahead.
“It is important for everyone to ac vely par cipate, mobilise, and galva-
nise our people, especially young people of vo ng age to par cipate.
“We also need to maintain decorum in our polical engagements.
“We must also focus on policy and issue-based debates that enrich polical discourse and set the tone for our mission to return Osun to true progressive leadership,” he said.
In his remarks, the group’s Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, applauded the efforts of members, especially since the adopon of ADC as its pla orm for the next elec on.
with billions of naira, purchased mul -million naira vehicles for the unproducve members of his cabinet with billions of naira to feed in the Government House could have the lever to announce to the public that it is pos ng 1,750 untrained teachers to the public schools in the state.
“There is no doub ng the fact that Governor Adeleke has lost focus and he has confirmed beyond reasonable doubt with his ac ons and inac ons in the public office that he does not have what it takes to govern a complex state like Osun.
“The genuine stakeholders in the Osun State project should see this strange policy of Governor Adeleke as a collec ve calamity in the educa onal sector which should be condemned in its en rety.
“What will happen to the thousands of the teacher-applicants who had been interviewed and were expec ng to resume at their different schools in the state without luck?”
The Commi ee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in the state has also expressed its deep disappointment over the ac on of the state government to replace qualified teachers with Ad Hoc.
The CDHR chairman in the state, Comrade Emmanuel Olowu in a statement made available to OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, berated the Governor, saying the ac on is decep ve, fraudulent, and detrimental to the long-term development of educa on in Osun.
“We find this decision decep ve, fraudulent, and detrimental to the long-
term development of educa on in Osun State. It is a reckless abandonment of qualified teaching professionals who were duly recruited through a process ini ated by the state government in 2024 when the government was financially buoyant.
“In February 2024, the Osun State Government approved the recruitment of 5,000 teachers and 250 educa on officers. Over 32,000 applicants paid Two Thousand Naira (₦2,000.00k) each to apply, making the Osun state government to have generated approximately Sixty Four million Naira (₦64,000,000.00k) in revenue for the state.
“It should be noted that Candidates wrote exams, a ended interviews, and met every requirement. Sixteen months later, no appointment le ers have been issued.
“Instead of fulfilling its obliga on, the government has now turned to deploying unqualified individuals under the guise of Imole Youth Corps, a move that not only undermines professional standards in teaching but also sacrifices the future of Osun children to poli cal showmanship and administra ve negligence.
“We find the Governor’s a empt to link the delay in appointments to “financial constraints at the local government level” is an insult to the collec ve intelligence of Osun ci zens. When the recruitment process was ini ated, funds were sufficient; hence, this excuse is nothing but the rhetoric of a lazy and dishonest leadership.
“The collec on of nonrefundable Two Thousand Naira (₦2,000.00k) from over Thirty Two Thousand (32,000) applicants, followed by a refusal to issue appointment le ers reflect an act of economic exploita on and fraud. While other states conduct similar recruitment at no cost, Osun State has commodified public service to defraud its youth.
Unqualified Personnel in Classrooms:
“The deployment of corps members and poli cally-appointed youth with no professional teaching qualifica ons poses grave danger to the intellectual, moral, and academic development of students. Educa on is not an experiment. You cannot replace professionally-trained teachers with makeshi alternaves and expect quality outcomes,” the statement reads partly.
•Aregbesola
•The executive officers of National Coalitions of Apostles Bishops Archbishops and Cardinals of Nigeria, Osun State chapter during their inauguration service at St. James Anglican Church, Gbodofon, Osogbo
News
Protest Hits Osun Community Over Alleged Excessive Behaviour Of Monarch
YOUTHS of Asi town, Odo-O n Local Government Area of Osun State, yesterday embarked on a peaceful protest against the alleged excessive behavior of their monarch, Oba Oyewale Isaac.
The protesters, who marched through the town on Thursday morning, expressed their frustra on and disappointment with the king’s ac ons, which they claim have been embarrassing and unjust.
According to the youth leader of the town, Samuel Olawoyin, the king’s behavior has become unbearable. “We can’t condone our king’s behavior any more,” he said in an interview with journalists.
“He is used to embarrassing us, he uses force to grab people’s land and give unjus fiable judgment on us. It’s high me he stops doing such.”
The youth leader cited several instances where the king allegedly used his authority to take people’s land and make unfair decisions. “He claims ownership of lands that don’t belong to him,” Olawoyin said. “And when people protest, he uses his posi-
on to in midate them.”
Prince Ademola, a prominent member of the community, has also spoken out against the king’s behavior. “The king should stop all his bad behavior,” he said. “He should respect the rights of his subjects and not use his posion to oppress them.”
The protesters are demanding that the king change his ways and start working for the benefit of the community. They claim that the king’s acons have been detrimental to the town’s development and have created a sense of fear and insecurity among the residents.
One of the major issues raised by the protesters is the alleged mismanagement of funds generated during the Asi Day celebra on in 2025. The protesters claim that 19.5 million was generated, and it was agreed that the funds would be used to build a modern shopping complex. However, nothing has been done so far, and the protesters are demanding accountability.
When approached for comment, Oba Oyewale Isaac refused to speak with the media. His re-
fusal to address the allega ons has further fueled the protesters’ anger and frustra on.
However, Mr. Yinusa Ademola, Asiwaju of Asi Land, has assured the youth that everything will
be resolved. “The people in authority have waged in,” he said. “We should remain calm and let the
authori es handle the situa on.”
The protesters have vowed to con nue their agita on un l the king changes his behavior. They claim that they will not back down un l their demands are met. The situa on in Asi town remains tense, with the youth s ll on the streets demanding jus ce and accountability from their monarch.
As the situa on unfolds, the community is holding its breath, hoping that the authori es will intervene and bring peace to the town. The youth are determined to see jusce served, and it remains to be seen how the king will respond to their demands.
US To Boost Cultural, Educational Ties With Osun
THE United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cultural and educa onal es with Osun State through a series of high-level engagements led by the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria.
Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay, who heads the Consulate’s Public Diplomacy team, visited Osogbo and met with tradi onal, aca-
demic, and cultural leaders to advance coopera on in heritage preserva on and learning exchange.
During a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Laaroye II, McKay commended the monarch’s role in promoting cultural iden ty and religious tolerance. She later toured the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, where she inspected conserva on
works supported by the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preserva on.
“The Osun Sacred Grove is not only a spiritual treasure but a cultural bridge that connects us,” McKay said, praising the grove’s global significance.
She also engaged with prominent U.S. government exchange alumni, including visual ar sts Chief Jimoh Buraimoh and Chief
Nike Davies-Okundaye, who con nue to mentor young talents through art-based community ini a ves.
At the Osogbo Window on America centre, McKay promoted U.S. educa onal and cultural exchange programmes. She featured on local radio sta on Rave FM 91.7, where she highlighted ongoing American efforts to partner with Nigerian youth in arts and educa on.
Over 360,000 PVCs Unclaimed In Osun - REC
THE Independent Na-
onal Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has disclosed that 360,794 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are yet to be collected by their owners ahead of the 2026 governorship elec on.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Mu u Agboke, made the disclosure during an interac ve session with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Osogbo on Wednesday.
Agboke also announced that the Con nuous Voter Registra on (CVR) exercise will commence online on August 18, while physical registra on across the 30 local government areas and the Modakeke area office will begin on August 25, 2025.
He stated that the exercise would run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and emphasized that no staff of the commission is permi ed to demand any money from registrants.
The REC explained that the CVR will cover fresh registrants, individuals who have relocated, and those whose cards are defaced or lost—clarifying that not all categories require fresh registra on.
•Warns Against Fake News, Vote Buying
•Agboke
Agboke, who urged eligible ci zens, par cularly those who have just turned 18, to par cipate in the registra on, revealed that Osun State currently has a total of 1,954,800 registered voters.
Emphasizing the media’s cri cal role in safeguarding electoral integrity, he called on journalists to speak out strongly against vote buying, electoral violence, and other malprac ces.
“The media is strategically posi oned to help the commission speak loudly against the tendency to want to purchase votes on elec on day like a commodity, against or-
chestrated violence, and against various electoral malfeasances. We must speak against them and be the loudest,” Agboke stated.
Responding to quesons on the technical glitches experienced during the 2023 presiden al elec on, Agboke clarified that the setbacks were unforeseen and not deliberate.
“These glitches were not inten onal. The Commission has explained them on its website. Whether accepted or not, they were unforeseen issues that should not be blamed on any individual, including INEC. We’ve re-
viewed and learned from them,” he said.
He assured the public that INEC is commi ed to improving its systems ahead of the 2027 general elec ons, based on lessons learned from past shortcomings.
He also addressed the issue of overvo ng, clarifying how it affects the outcome of elec ons.
“Overvo ng occurs when the number of counted ballot papers exceeds the number of accredited voters. In such cases, INEC officials are mandated to cancel the result from that polling unit immediately. Such results do not even make
it to the colla on center,” he explained.
The REC renewed call for accuracy and responsibility in repor ng, urging journalists to verify any INEC-related informa on directly from the state office before publica on.
“You are not just reporters; you are cri cal electoral stakeholders. Together, we can ensure a peaceful and credible elec on in Osun,” he added.
FORMER governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has slammed the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu over the worsening economic situa on in the country.
Oyinlola who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democra c Party, said Nigerians are currently experiencing a period of renewed agony under the Tinubu-led administra on.
According to the former governor, instead of the “Renewed Hope” promised during the 2023 campaign, things have go en worse under the present administra on.
Oyinlola made this known on Tuesday while featuring on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu.
He expressed deep concern over the state of the
na on, accusing the government of failing to deliver on its promises.
Oyinlola said, “When he was campaigning, he promised a Renewed Hope. What we are seeing now is nothing short of bad governance.
“The economy is in terrible shape, and it’s affec ng every Nigerian,” he said.
He pointed to widespread poverty, insecurity, and the deteriora ng quality of life as evidence that the administra on has not only fallen short but has worsened condi ons for ordinary ci zens.
“We have a very bad economy, bad security, and hard-bi ng poverty. The common man cannot afford basic medica on. We are also plagued by religious tension, war, banditry, terrorism, and insurgency. What we have is renewed agony not renewed hope,” he declared.
Yusuf Oketola
Kazeem Badmus
Kazeem Badmus
Yusuf Oketola
•The protesters
Ilesa Agog For Summer Holiday Soccer Training
THE historic town of Ilesa would be burs ng at the seams next month when maiden Summer Holiday Football Training holds between August 4th and 29th under the auspices of El-Roi Interna onal Football Academy.
According to one of the organisers of the program, coach Siji Lagunju, a former Nigeria Interna onal, the program would be segmented into three categories for boys and girls between the ages of 8 to 2; 12 to 15 as well as U-17 youngsters.
The vastly experienced Lagunju who was for many years Deputy naonal Director at the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), said the program has been designed to cater for the
needs of youngsters desirous to take football as a career, adding they
would be availed the knowledge and training of carefully chosen coaching
experts. “We are pu ng together this Summer Football Train-
ing in order to encourage the development of raw talents from the
‘Ile- Ife 5KM Cultural Road Race Will Empower Youth’
THE ancient city of Ile-
Ife is set to host the maiden edi on of the Ife Road Race on 25 September in what promises to be a vibrant celebra on of athlecism, culture, and community development.
Scheduled to hold during the iconic Olojo Fesval, the 5-kilometre race aims to discover and nurture raw athle c talent while promo ng healthy living and preserving Yoruba heritage.
Conceived by Sooko Adeleke Odewade, a pas-
sionate advocate of youth empowerment, the race is part of a broader mission to use sports as a tool for transforma on.
“Our society lacks opportunies for discovering and grooming talent,” he said. “This race is a pla orm to idenfy raw potenal, but it won’t stop there. We’re building a system of coaching, mentorship, and support long a er the race ends.”
With the blessings of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the race is organised in partnership with the Alade’fa Athle c Family Ini-
a ve.
The Ife Road Race is open to youth, amateur runners, and professional athletes.
Par cipants will receive cer ficates of par cipa on, with special cash prizes for category winners.
The race route has been carefully designed to pass through notable cultural landmarks in Ile-Ife, offering a scenic tour of the city’s rich heritage.
Beyond compe on, the race will connect promising young athletes with seasoned professionals, coaches, and ins tu ons.
Discussions
News
Family Demands Justice, Two Arrested Over
Killing
TKazeem Badmus
HE Osun Amotekun Corps has disclosed that two people have been arrested in rela on to the killing of one of its opera ves, iden fied as Samuel Tope, at Ijeda Ijesa community, Osun State. This was as the family of the late Amotekun officer demanded jus ce, calling on security operaves to fish out the killer of their son.
Tope was allegedly killed during a bloody clash with a soldier, iden fied as Fiyinfoluwa Opejobi.
Opejobi, an indigene of the community, had returned home to conclude his marriage ceremony scheduled for Saturday, according to sources in the town.
One of the sources, who preferred not to be named, said trouble started a er Opejobi was invited by the Amotekun Corps in the town last Friday for ques oning over an armed robbery in the area.
The source said an opera ve of the corps, who is also currently receiving treatment in the hospital, raised allega ons against Opejobi which led to his invita on.
“But on Saturday, a er he had concluded his mini
are ongoing with universi es, the state sports council, and veteran athletes—many of whom now thrive abroad— to provide postrace coaching and scholarship opportuni es.
“We want to help these young ones become world-class athletes. If we can create role models from this effort, the ripple effect will inspire many others,” Mr Odewade added.
The event also aims to boost local economic ac vity by a rac ng visitors, vendors, and sponsors during the Olojo Fes val period.
grassroots in Ilesha and its environs ,” said Lagunju, a dribbling wizard in his heyday with notable Nigerian clubs including ICC Shoo ng Stars, the defunct Leven s United, Internaonal Breweries ( Ilesa) Bendel Insurance, Iwuanyanwu Na onale and Staonery Stores.
The holder of a CAF Pro License added: “For as little at Ten Thousand Naira, the children who will be part of this program in Ilesa would be put through the rudiments of the game and so much more.
“ Part of my calling is discovering of raw talents and I want to use this opportunity to tell parents in Ilesa to bring their wards for this program, they won’t regret it.”
Of Amotekun Operative In Ijeda Ijesa
marriage ceremony which brought him back home, he told two of his friends (soldiers) that joined him for the event that someone had made a false al-
lega on against him and they went into town to look for the person. They
eventually found the man (Amotekun personnel) who reported him around the Ijesa Ijesa Roundabout.
“They beat him to a state of coma and le the scene,” the source said.
The source added that colleagues of the Amotekun man who was beaten, reportedly formed a search party and combed the town in search of them and found them in a hotel in the town where they engaged in bloody clashes.
“It was during their clash that Tope Samuel was killed. During the clash, Opejobi was also injured. He had an open wound at the upper part of his head,” the source added.
Adeleke Warns IBEDC Ahead Of Osun Power...
•Continued from Page 2
not allow the current maltreatment of electricity users in the state.
“I will invite all stakeholders to the signing into law ceremony. The business community in Osun state should heave a sigh of relief. The much-needed policy framework for the state power sector has arrived.”
He added that the state was on track to grant licenses to power companies to generate electricity and diversify its sources of power genera on.
He added that the law will open windows of opportunity for investors in the power sector with a lot of off-grid genera on opportuni es.
Adeleke added,
“Sources of power genera on will be diversified, opened up and regulated to address the chronic power supply crisis rocking the state.
“The new law will ensure the right energy mix. Renewable energy will complement the tradi onal energy sources. Osun State is open to new energy sector investors.”
The new law also provides for the establishment of the State Electricity Regulatory Agency to regulate and monitor the electricity market, as well as attend to service delivery issues by the distribuon company. Adeleke described the law as a major tool to deepen and boost the economy of Osun State.
Opejobi was said to have fled the town following the incident, with the source no ng that no one knew his whereabouts.
Giving an update on the development, the spokesperson for Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu, in a chat with OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, said that Opejobi was s ll at large.
He, however, confirmed that Opejobi’s brother and fiance have been arrested.
Idowu also said the condi on of the Amotekun officer who is currently hospitalised is improving.
“No, he is s ll at large; however, his brother, who oversaw the a ack has been apprehended by police. He was arrested on Sunday. Also, the wife of the culprit was arrested,” Idowu said while providing an update.
The Amotekun spokesperson also said the late Tope was yet to be buried, adding that his “family is deeply dissa sfied with the circumstances and demanding jus ce.”
He vowed that “Osun Amotekun will not relent un l jus ce is served, we are working with other security agencies to make sure the culprit is apprehended.”
•Dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the Second Edition of the Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation Empowerment Programme for Osun Women in Business and SMEs in Osogbo, on Tuesday
WHEN the word “infrastructure” is menoned, the image that comes to mind for most Nigerians — and Osun indigenes — is a tarred road, a newly commissioned bridge, or perhaps a renovated motor park. While these are certainly visible and necessary forms of infrastructure, they only scratch the surface of what true, sustainable development should look like. In Osun State, we must now begin to expand that understanding. Infrastructure should mean more than concrete and asphalt — it should mean connec on, access, and opportunity.
Take a drive through the rural communi es of Ife North, OlaOluwa, or Boripe, and you’ll quickly see that the absence of a good road is just one layer of the problem. In many of these towns and villages, there’s little or no mobile network coverage. For the youth trying to run small businesses or study online, this is a direct barrier to economic inclusion. The digital divide is real, and un l every corner of Osun is digitally connected, we are s ll opera ng below our poten al.
Let’s talk about water. Clean and accessible water should be a basic right, but in many places across Osun, residents s ll rely on shallow wells or rivers, exposing themselves to waterborne diseases. Infrastructure isn’t just about building things — it’s about protec ng lives.
And what about our public schools? Walk into too many government primary and secondary schools, and you’ll find dilapidated buildings, no electricity, and unusable toilets. How do we expect students to concentrate or teachers to give their best when the learning
“In
rethinking infrastructure, Osun must embrace a holistic approach:
one that values connectivity, education, health, and technology as much as it does concrete. Only then can we build a future where progress is shared, sustainable, and truly meaningful.”
By MATT OLU
OLOWOKERE
Rethinking
Infrastructure in
Osun: It’s More Than Roads
environment is so broken? A func oning educa onal system is part of the core infrastructure of any forward-thinking society.
Healthcare tells the same story. A primary health center without regular power supply, clean water, or trained staff is a shell. No amount of road access can compensate for the absence of reliable care during emergencies. We must begin to see healthcare as essen al
STRIKER
infrastructure, not as a luxury for urban centers. Beyond physical structures, infrastructure includes the efficiency and responsiveness of government services. Ci zens s ll queue for hours to obtain birth cer ficates or business permits. These delays waste me and resources — and erode trust in the system. Building a digital, responsive civil service should be on par with laying a highway.
To create las ng impact, Osun’s next genera on of leaders — at the local government, state assembly, and execu ve level — must redefine infrastructure to focus not only on what is seen, but also on what is felt. Development must be people-centered. That means priori zing access to clean water, digital tools, reliable power in public schools, and efficient service delivery.
When we widen the lens, we stop building just for headlines and start building for lives. A tarred road is useless if it leads to a health center without light, or a school without toilets. True development happens when ci zens — whether in Gbongan or Iwo — feel the presence of government not just in poli cal rhetoric, but in everyday services.
In rethinking infrastructure, Osun must embrace a holis c approach: one that values connec vity, educa on, health, and technology as much as it does concrete. Only then can we build a future where progress is shared, sustainable, and truly meaningful.
Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
Reign Of Truth And Justice
WHEREAS there is no absolute truth, all truths being rela ve, there are agreed facts of the ma er that only so-called idiots will deny as not being facts or truth: for instance, and at the risk of being simplisc, the President of Nigeria as at today is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the sun rises from the East and sets in the West just as there are only 24 hours in one day. You may give the person or the reali es another nomenclature; it does not change the essen al reali es except in name.
Jus ce, on the other hand, is straigh orwardly defined, even as it is much more difficult to get a consensus on. Both from the moral, philosophical or legal angles, it is universally agreed that the goal of jus ce is impar ality. It is the objec ves of jus ce that people are treated fairly, properly and reasonably; equally, without par ality; that way, jus ce is done.
There is no doubt that where truth and jus ce reign, you will have nothing but a free and prosperous society; the two are indisputable component of democra c socie es.
However, almost all ci zens are quiet on the most fundamental and very first lie that we are living: a country that is not a Republic and not a Federa on but answers Federal Republic of Nigeria! That lie happen to be the very foundaon of all injus ces they are wallowing in today, yet hardly do anybody care, as majority groan in poverty and misery while desperately searching for personal ways out of man-made tribula ons.
Thankfully, those not quite recently spoke up again at the July 2025 Na onal Summit on Future of Nigeria’s Constu onal Democracy; albeit to a hearing-impaired elite. The dis nguished Emeka Anyaoku (GCON), Convenor of the Na onal Cons tu onal Summit, in collabora on with the Nigeria Poli cal Summit Group (NPSG) led a gathering of prominent ci zens across all social strata - yet again - to drum up the core issue of Cons tu onal Reform for a True Federal Republic.
An Opera ng System is the core and root of performing any systema c and sensi ve, complex task; designed for that task that is desired. You cannot seek to fly a rocket to the moon with Adobe Acrobat, unless the fellow is an idiot; he is likely to labour in vain all life me without ge ng off the ground. Ci zens cannot live in a patently unitary state, with people having all kinds of “blue-blood” privileges as they gallivant around and above the law with sickening impunity, and expect “God of Crea on” to grant their one request to “help us to build a na on where no man is oppressed,” having violated the very founda on and je soned the “opera ng system” bequeathed to them by their “Founding Fathers” as conceded to even by their then depar ng “colonial master.”
With the founda onal FEDERAL and REPUBLIC “opera ng system” thrown to the dogs, and replaced with a Unitary regime of presiden al system and bicameral legislature that is overloaded with corrup on rooted in a “tutn-by-
turn” race to control oil money receipt for wilful spending as the sole na onal preoccupa on of the power elite for which poli cs has become a do-or-die affair rather than responsibility and service to the people – it is a road block to anything lo y, just, democra c; to anything but truth, peace and jus ce. The harvest can be nothing less than endless mo on without movement in seasons of anomy: everything good will be dying gradual death as monstrosi es grow wings and flourish.
There is no other solu on and nothing an anointed Saint of God sent down to become President can achieve in term of goodness and prosperity other than the waste of maximum of 8 precious years in the life me of the ci zens un l we return to the original opera ng system: genuine Federa on.
As point blank truth, if you gather 100 poli cians today, 90 are against that return because they are either benefiting or hoping desperately to benefit: so forget that route! How are we then going to get back to being a Federal Republic of Nigeria, without which we are simply living a life me of “sorrow, tears and blood” expec ng miracles from where none will come while looking for what we think is lost that is right in our pocket as a super blessed na on of truly good people being turned to monsters? Against hopeless hope, “We, The People” should start talking seriously and vehemently about it and be ready to get it done “by any means necessary!” It is the masses that can get it done, simple.