Osun Defender Online Newspaper of September 19, 2025
IN a very illumina ng ar cle in the Nigerian Tribune of September 15, 2025, the noted columnist, poli cal analyst and pundit, Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, was sufficiently unse led to make a counter a ack on the proposion that the ba le cry of the opportunis c, self-serving and self idolatry posi on that cultural Hegemony (Ọmọ wà ní ẹjẹ kò sé) should be a
A Psychopath And Cultural Hegemony
counter weight for under-performance or even lack of performance in governance. “A Tinubu minister from the South-West sent this message to a respected, elderly journalist now
in his mid-70s. It was meant for me and the Oga did as instructed; he forwarded the message to me. I read what the big man wanted me to read. It was someone’s reacon to my column on the AlaafinOoni problem and what I had described as Yoruba’s “curse of enlightenment.”
‘The minister said he got it from
Osun Lawmakers Desert Assembly Quarters
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
Osun Lawmakers Desert Assembly Quarters
TYusuf Oketola According to him, the contractor handling the project is anonymous to some of them.
HE Osun State House of Assembly Quarters have been deserted by lawmakers as the ongoing renova on work remained uncompleted two years a er its commencement.
According to informa on gathered by OSUN DEFEDNDER, the renova on work started in 2023 shortly a er the resump on of the 8th Assembly and stopped in 2024.
The medium visited the project site on Wednesday and observed that the place has been deserted with no ac vi es on sight and security workers manning the entrance of the quarters. Also, there was no signpost indica ng details of the contractor handling the work.
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that majority of the assembly members have relocated to a nearby Estate while some come to office from their cons tuencies. It was also gathered that burglars have been finding their ways into the premise of the quatres in a empt to steal government proper es.
A staff of the house of assembly who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER under the condi on of anonymity expressed disappointment over the delay in the renovaon work.
He said: “It is worrisome that the renova on work remained uncompleted ll date. It started around 2023 with the hope that work will be completed in earnest. It would have been be er if they had been no a empt for renovaon. There have been a empt by some individuals to trespass and steal from the premises since it has been le unoccupied. I don’t think this work will eventually see the light of the day under the current assembly.”
The chairman, House Commi ee on Public Works for the 8th Assembly, Hon. Abiola Inaolaji is yet to respond to enquiry made by OSUN DEFENDER as at the me of filing this report.
However, findings by the medium revealed that the project is under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
Reac ng to the delay, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Bashir Bello a ributed it to paucity of fund in a terse message sent to OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday. He said: “We are the consultant. I think the major problem is funding. We are working on it”
Osun Monarch Seeks FG Intervention On Completion Of 40-year-old Road
THE tradi onal ruler of Eko-Ede in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Osun State, Oba Adekunle AbdulWaheed Babatunde has appealed to the Federal Government for the comple on of 40-years-old road in the community.
According to the monarch, the road which connects Osun and Ogbo-
Osun Govt Elevates Prof. Obuaku As DG Climate Change, Renewable Energy
Kazeem Badmus
THE Osun State Government has approved the eleva on of Prof. Chinwe Obuaku Igwe to the posi on of Director-General and Special Envoy to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Climate Change and Renewable Energy.
In a statement by the spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the appointment reflects the state’s commitment to consolida ng its leadership in climate governance and renewable energy innova on.
Prof. Obuaku-Igwe has, over the past years, gone beyond advisory func ons to establish a comprehensive climate governance framework in Osun State.
The statement reads: “Under her leadership, the State has made sig-
•Prof. Obuaku
nificant strides, including, training more than 2,000 youths and women in circular economy and waste-to-wealth ini a ves, leading to the crea on of over 350 green SMEs.
“Establishing a recycling hub with FBRA and Waste Swap, processing mega tonnes of recyclables monthly and formalising more than 400 jobs.
“Implemen ng the IMOLE Solar Lantern
Campaign, which has distributed over 10,000 solar lanterns to rural pupils, improving educa on outcomes and reducing household energy costs.
“Introducing an EBike Pilot Project that would reduce urban transport emissions while cu ng operator fuel costs by 30%.
moso, Oyo State would improve economics acvi es of many towns when completed.
Oba Adekunle made the appeal in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER at the weekend.
“Coming from Ikirun, you will see what this road is like. The road is a federal government road. This road links to Ogbomosho in Oyo State. In 1960, when Chief Ladoke Akinbola was the Premier of Western Nigeria, Ikirun is the route he drives through from Ogbomosho down to other communi es. one of the link bridges the “Elele bridge” collapsed, as a result of this, the Igbajo community’s development trajectory has been compromised.
“We appeal to the federal government to assist in the reconstrucon of this road. In fact, the state of this road has rendered this commu-
“Developing the Osun Climate Ac on •Continued on page 7 •Oba Adekunle
nity inaccessible. I think it started during the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan, and during the regime of the late President Muhammad Buhari, 13 per cent of the job was done.
“We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to come and look at the road. The road is a federal road. The state government is also trying to come in but they have not been able to do anything un l this moment. We are appealing to the federal government to come and assist us. The federal government should not as well abandon this community because the road links from Ikirun down to Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Many communi es will also benefit from the road. Ikirun, Eko-Alaja, Ore, Oba even Inisa, Ilie and other towns in Osun will benefit,” the monarch said.
Oba Adekunle who has been working to transform the community through various projects also sought the partnership of state government and individuals in the area of tourism for revenue genera on.
He said: “Also, the state government, as I do say, the water here is enough for the Osun State Government to generate revenue. The Isoko people from the Delta have been here for the past 30-40 years, doing what? Fishing. They don’t have any other business except fishing.
The state government can tap into this opportunity of the river and turn it into a revenue-genera ng opportunity. The river is good for tourism and other ac vi es. We need the state government’s assistance also in that direc on.
“I have subjects in great and big places. Some of these people have seen Eko-Ende as a town they will not have anything to do with. I don’t know what their fears are, but i want to show them that there is nothing to be afraid of. That is why I am doing whatever I can do to make sure that I upli the standard of my community and also show good leadership.
“The community is not only an agrarian society, the environment also supports tourism. Immediately you leave this environment, you will see where they are clearing. God blessed us with a very big river. People have been coming to invest in the area.
“The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola can assist the community by si ng a college of the new Federal University in Iragbiji here in Eko-Ende.
The prac cal aspect of their courses can be done here because of the water we have here while the administrave ac vi es can be in Iragbiji.”
Yusuf Oketola
•National Secretary, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his entourage paid homage to the 44th Olubadan-designate and former governor of Oyo State, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan, on Tuesday
•Continued from front page
a Yoruba WhatsApp group, author unknown but he believed so much in what the writer wrote that he thought he should get Olagunju to read it “if he is redeemable.”
‘And what is in that message of redemp on? I read it slowly and carefully because it came from a big man, a minister who had been where I am today: “Undoubtedly a researched ar cle…but this writer is the archetypal Yoruba! He’s the most guilty of all the Yoruba nega ve a ributes he so comprehensively enumerated. A content analysis of his wri ngs shows a consistent, persistent and relentless a ack on fellow Yoruba Tinubu under the same ‘curse of enlightenment’! If truly he’s disconcerted about the Yoruba ‘curse’, then he should engage himself in deep introspec on - as all the Yoruba abhorrent a tudes he lampoons, he manifests with glee in his vitupera ons against Tinubu!
‘The above is the core content of what the minister said I should read for my redemp on. The man described Tinubu as “the first real Yoruba man to attain Nigeria’s presidency.” I read that part and understood the man’s problem.”
Dr. Olagunju has every reason to be disconcerted. The issue of cultural hegemony, loosely translated into Yoruba as ‘Omo wa ni, Eje o se,’ has been a problem for a very long me in the pre-banalised poli cs of Nigeria, where governance is intermingled with a demented misinterpreta on of poli cs in inverted commons. The result has been notable under achievement, which has translated into tens of millions of people being pushed into mul -dimensional poverty, secularly and unfairly trapped there.
Cultural hegemony has always been a problem everywhere in the world, used to mask fault lines and jusfy underperformance. It is essen ally a con game. For Nigeria, in par cular, given its diversity and lack
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
The Columnist, A Psychopath And Cultural Hegemony
of cultural hegemony as a shield
of ideologically propelled poli cs, it will con nue to pose a persistent danger to real, sustainable development.
Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, a wise old bird, has obviously long seen through this con game. He is very right to unmask it and show its u lity. The whole use of cultural hegemony is to jus fy a narrow elite class drinking from the trough and squeezing out everybody else. It’s clear that nothing has been gained from this, except for a miniscule set of people, rather than thinking of what the overwhelming majority of the people and their hardpressed families need.
This is precisely the reason that has led to Nigeria con nously scoring own goals. A good example is how what should have been the benefit of oil-boom was squandered. The country had an oil boom, but it didn’t translate into a war against poverty, ignorance, and disease. The oil boom didn’t produce the basic industries like iron and steel, petrochemicals, machine tools, etc., which would have been the trajectory
and propelling base for sustainable development. We had an indigenisa on decree that benefi ed a select social strater and locked out the ponderant majority of the dispossessed. Even the Land Use Decree didn’t lead to widespread land ownership as it ought to have. The discrepancy between the real development seen in countries like Brazil and Malaysia over the last few decades has been denied to the people of this country because the elite have cleverly used the mask of cultural hegemony to disguise their swindle of the overwhelming major-
EXPLAINER
•The conventional description of Cultural Hegemony is captured very well by Wikipedia.
•Normalization of Dominant Ideas: Hegemony convinces people that the values and structures of the ruling class are natural and unchangeable.
•Influence of Institutions: Cultural hegemony is spread through institutions like educational systems, the media, political discourse, and even fashion trends.
•”Common Sense”: The dominant ideology becomes so pervasive that it’s seen as normal, making it difficult to notice, question, or resist.
•Subtlety of Power: Unlike overt political or military control, cultural hegemony works through the gentle persuasion of ideas and perceptions.
ity. This mass swindle must be disconcer ng for someone of Dr. Olagunju’s age and enlightenment. The celebrated columnist is wellversed in the poli cal and economic history and evoluon of the Yoruba-speaking na on, and he must be very pained to note that Yoruba land has regressed from making life more abundant for the overwhelming majority and their families to serving the interests of a narrow strata.
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.
Dr. Olagunju is aware of how the Free Educa on Act of 1957 and the minimum wage construct in Western Nigeria helped propel the region way above others. It would be deligh ul if the scholar could take me off and write a full exposi on poin ng out the fu lity and strategic flaws of a poli cal posi on based on cultural hegemony. It’s a swindle, and we must thank him for exposing it as such.
•The irony is not lost on Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, the media is victim of the contrive Battering Ram of the use
Schools For Special Needs Halt Enrolment Due To Poor Facilities In Osun
Yusuf Oketola
SOME schools for persons with special needs in Osun State have reportedly stopped enrolment of students as a result of poor facili es, OSUN DEFENDER reports.
Findings by the medium revealed that facili es across the nine special needs schools across the state are in deplorable condi ons with the government not forthcoming with promises to fix the problem.
The problem in some of the schools ranges from lack of interpreters for the deaf students, brain machine, talking calculator, digital radio for students to record and guide cane for mobility and orientaon.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that facili es in the special needs school in Osogbo are in poor state. The premises is unkept with a bushy environment and uncompleted perimeter fence. Poor toilet and hostel facili es and leaking roofs among other things.
At Bap st Grammar School, Iwo, it was learnt that they are in need of about six interpreters but have two available. The two were reportedly employed individuals.
Meanwhile, there are complains that parents are now abandoning their children in the schools especially during holiday, a situa on that has led to the conges on in the school hostels.
Reac ng to the development, a non governmental organisa on, One House Ini a ve has called for the upgrade of facili es, recruitment of teachers and provision of equipment for special needs schools in the state.
According to the Team Lead of the organisa on, One House Development Ini a ve, Tunbosun Olabomi, most of the schools do not have enough facili es, hostel rooms.
Olabomi noted that some of the classrooms in schools have been converted into hostels.
“At the last me we checked, one of the classrooms in the spe-
•As Authority Accuses Parents Of Abandoning Children During Holidays
cial needs school in Osogbo has been converted into hostel for the students and that also is jampacked. It was also learnt that most of special needs students who are supposed to be in school
IN a world that o en priori zes youth and innova on, it’s easy to overlook the value of experience and age. We live in an era where the phrase “out with the old, in with the new” seems to dominate our cultural narra ve. However, this perspec ve neglects a fundamental truth: elders may slow down physically, but their minds carry genera ons of knowledge.
The no on that old men are fools is a misconcep on that has been perpetuated by societal pressures and a lack of understanding of the value that comes with age. Experience is a priceless commodity that cannot be replicated or replaced by technology or youthful energy alone. Elders have lived through various seasons, faced numerous challenges, and accumulated wisdom that can only be gained through years of trial and error.
One of the most
are not able to because the schools are not allowing new intakes.
“Another issue we have is about the upcoming external examina ons. The state should start preparing
and working towards next year’s WAEC/ NECO CBT by making available necessary equipment so our students will not be stranded and mess our results up as a state,” Olabomi said.
OSUN DEFENDER
learnt that nothing has been done to fix the poor facili es a month a er the chairman, State Universal Basic Educa on Board (SUBEB), Hon. Ibukun Fadipe promised that the facili es have been approved for renova on by the state government. Fadipe made the promise during a visit to the special needs school in Osogbo for assessment.
The Wisdom Of Age: Reclaiming The Authority Of Experience Art/Culture
significant advantages of age is the ability to provide perspec ve. Elders have witnessed historical events, cultural shi s, and societal changes that have shaped the world we live in today. Their experiences can serve as a bridge between the past and the present, offering valuable insights that can inform our decisions and guide us towards a be er future.
Moreover, elders possess a unique understanding of human nature. Having lived through various relaonships, challenges, and triumphs, they have developed a deep empathy and understanding of the human condi on. This enables them to offer sage advice, mediate conflicts, and provide guidance that is tempered by
years of experience.
In many African cultures, elders are revered for their wisdom and authority. They are seen as custodians of tradi on, culture, and history. Their knowledge and experiences are passed down from genera on to generaon, providing a sense of con nuity and connec on to the past. Unfortunately, this reverence for age is slowly eroding, as modernizaon and urbaniza on lead to a shi in values and priori es. However, it’s essenal to recognize that the authority of experience is not limited to tradional se ngs. Elders con nue to make significant contribu ons in various fields, from poli cs and business to arts and sciences. Their experience and wisdom can provide a sta-
bilizing influence, helping to navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions. To reclaim the authority of experience, we need to create spaces that value and respect the contribuons of elders. This can be achieved by:
- Encouraging intergenera onal dialogue and knowledge sharing
- Providing opportuni es for elders to share their experiences and wisdom
- Recognizing and rewarding their contribu ons to society
- Fostering a culture that values age and experience By doing so, we can tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience that elders pos-
sess. We can learn from their successes and failures, and gain a deeper understanding of the world and its complexi es. Ulmately, we can build a more inclusive and respec ul society that values the contribuons of all individuals, regardless of age. In conclusion, old men are not fools. They are repositories of knowledge, wisdom, and experience that can enrich our lives and inform our decisions. By reclaiming the authority of experience, we can create a more compassionate, informed, and respec ul society that values the contribuons of all individuals, regardless of age.
2026: Uneasy Calm In Osun APC As Omisore Accused Of Undermining Oyetola
THERE is an uneasy calm in the rank and file of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State following the entrance of former deputy governor of the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore into next year’s governorship race. According to sources in the APC, members of the party, especially those in the camp of the former Commissioner for Finance, Bola Oyebamiji, have been in panic mode since the former deputy governor announced his inten on to contest the August 08, 2026, elec on.
The sources said apart from coming into the race, another thing that is creating issues within the APC was the blunt approach of Omisore, a move the sources said was a direct a ack on former governor Gboyega Oyetola.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Omisore, during a mee ng with APC ward chairmen recently, said that President Bola Tinubu asked him to contest for the 2026 governorship poll.
The former lawmaker who represented Osun East said he ini ally declined to contest because he thought former governor Gboyega Oyetola would come back for a second term.
Omisore, however, said he decided to join the gubernatorial race since the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy had said he was not interested in recontes ng.
He said, “When President Bola Tinubu called me last year to contest for the governorship posi on, I told him former governor Oyetola would come back for a second term, but he said he wasn’t sure he would.
“So, I told Oyetola what I discussed with the president and he said he will think about it. I ini ally didn’t want to come out to contest since I thought Oyetola would recontest, but since he said he is not contes ng again, that is why I am contesting.”
In another meet-
ing with the Vice Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress Vice Chairman, Omisore threw shade at the gubernatorial aspirants under the All
Progressives Congress in Osun State.
The former deputy governor said those who begged him to contest next year’s gubernatorial elec on
are be er than the aspirants who have shown interest under the party.
Omisore said, “A er careful considera on, without
sounding immodest, I looked at those who have come out to declare their ambi on, and I realised that some of the people who even came to ask
plying through Ikire and Odeyinka towns in Irewole local government, Osun State are experiencing difficules as a result of the deplorable condi on of the road in the area.
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that the road linking the two towns is in a bad shape. This is despite the
alloca on of the sum of fi y million naira (N50m) for the rehabilita on of the road.
It was learnt that the federal government had earlier allocated the fund for the rehabilita on of the road in the 2024 budget but the work has not been done.
Tracka, a non-governmental organisaon monitoring the execu on of capital
projects in the country, in its latest release, explained that the fund had been allocated for the rehabilita on in the 2024 budget but evidence had shown that the work had not been executed.
In the statement obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, it said that road users were s ll experiencing difficul es on the road.
“N50m was allocated to the Rehabilita on of Ikire, Odeyinka Rural Road, Irewole LGA, Osun state in the 2024 FG Budget.
“We tracked and report that this project has not been done. Residents told us how difficult it is to ply this road especially when it rains. This provision is of high priority to them,” Tracka wrote.
me to contest are better materials than the other aspirants.”
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, a chie ain of the APC who does not want his name in print because of the sensi vity of the ma er, described Omisore as a ger who needs to be tamed quickly by the leadership of the party.
According to the APC chie ain, the recent remarks credited to Omisore were not good for the party, accusing the former deputy governor of undermining the leadership structure of the APC.
He said, “It is a serious issue and the leadership of the party needs to address this quickly before it degenerates into another thing. Omisore is like a ger that needs to be tamed before it causes mayhem.
“All what he is saying is not good for the party. He is trying to undermine the leadership structure of the party and former governor Gboyega Oyetola. I am not against aspirants going out to meet with people but we must be cau ous of what we will be saying outside.”
However, another member of the APC in the state, Oluwatosin Adeoye, told OSUN DEFENDER that the entrance of Omisore into the poli cal space was what the APC needed, adding that he is the only person who can confront the Marine Minister.
“They are ji ery. You know the Ambo camp has the backing of the former governor, Gboyega Oyetola, and they’ve been boas ng that they will get the cket, but now, they have someone who can give them a run for their money.
“People might not come out to say it, but a lot of party members, including chieftains, are not happy with how the party is being run by Oyetola, but they do not have a choice. But now, with the entrance of Senator Omisore, things have changed and some of us are happy with the development.”
•Governor Ademola Adeleke, CEO Bass FM, Mr. Ekudayo Salahu, Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi and Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun, at the official opening ceremony of Bass FM radio station, on Tuesday
Kazeem Badmus
SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
OAU Releases Resumption Date For 2024/2025 Academic Session
THE Senate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, at its si ng on Thursday approved the academic calendar for the 2024/2025 session.
A release by the Public Rela ons Officer of the University, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that in the approved calendar, the new session will officially commence on 11th October, 2025, with the arrival of fresh students who will come into residence in phases.
“On Saturday, October 11, 2025, Students in the Facul es of Administra on, Arts, Environmental Design and Management (EDM), Educa on, Law, and Social Sciences will come into residence while on Sunday, October 12, 2025, those in the Facul es of Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Compu ng Science and Engineering, Den stry, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology will be welcomed into residence.
“While Course Registra on (Online) for
fresh students is expected to commence on October 13, 2025, Orienta on Programme and ICT Training are scheduled to hold from October 13 to 17, 2025 and October 20 to 24,
2025 respec vely,” the statement reads partly.
Meanwhile, all Returning Undergraduate Students are expected back on campus on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Campus Review Campus Review
Over 350 Students Benefit From Osun Lawmaker’s Educational Support Programme
NO fewer than 350 students drawn across public junior and senior secondary schools in Kuta, Oluponna and Ile-Ogbo in Ayedire local government area of Osun State, on Thursday benefi ed from free wri ng materials and educa onal grants sponsored by the lawmaker representing the cons tuency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Elisha Oderinwale. The gesture worth over 10 million naira,
which climaxes a four-week intensive holiday coaching exercise, also saw the presenta on of prizes to the best students from the coaching exercise.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the facilitator of the programme, Hon. Oderinwale said the exercise is born out of his passion to give back to the society.
He also said the ini a ve is part of the broader vision to “Make Ayedire Great Again,” stressing that his journey as a past
News
student leader and a believer in educa on birthed the idea.
His words, “I have always believed in educa on. It has been my passion over the years and what has made me. We have been doing this in the last three years to empower, movate and encourage the younger generaon to excel.
“This year, we are giving out free 180 WAEC Forms, 100 JAMB Forms as well payment of school fees of those who have emerged as
overall best students from the project in the last three years, all in a bid to make them succeed in life.
“I also want everyone to support Governor Ademola Adeleke’s reelec on as he is the one providing the impetus for worthy feats such as this to thrive,” the lawmaker explained.
The Olu of IleOgbo, Oba Abeeb Adetoyese and the Olupo of Oluponna, Oba Rauf Mosobalaje while commending the parliamentarian’s gesture, sought the op misa on of the opportunity by the students.
Nine Months After, Alternative High School For Girls To Commence Academic Activities
Kazeem Badmus
GOVERNOR Ademola Adeleke has disclosed that academic ac vies will commence at the Alterna ve High School for Girls in Osogbo as schools across the state resume for the first term on September 22, 2025.
OSUN DEFENDER had reported the lack of ac vi es at the school which was constructed by the Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and officially handed over to the Osun State Government on December 13, 2024.
The Alterna ve High School for Girls is a facility for academic and voca onal educa on for young mothers in the state.
The First Lady said that the comple on of the project would ensure that all women and girls, regardless of their circumstances, have access to quality educa on.
She noted that through the facili es, girls and women were not only going to get a second chance at formal educa on but also equipped with life skills
to rebuild their confidence, independence, and poten al to contribute meaningfully to society.
But speaking during the distribu on of vehicles and instruc onal materials to schools in the state on Wednesday, Governor Adeleke assured that the school will be star ng operaon on Monday.
He said, “Let me also inform you that
the Alterna ve School for Girls in Osogbo will commence alongside other schools on 22nd September 2025. The UBEC Model Smart School in Osogbo is equally ready for resump on, with plans underway to replicate it across the state.”
Adeleke, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, at the event
held at the conference hall of the state Universal Basic Educa on Board, Abeere, said educa on remains a top priority of his administra on.
The vehicles and materials included one Sienna bus, eight minibuses, 31 motorcycles, textbooks, computer sets, solar equipment, and school diaries, among others.
The governor add-
his 15th anniversary on the throne.
ed that the materials would help in securing the future of Osun children through quality educa on.
According to Adeleke, “Today’s flag-off marks the distribu on of new instruc onal materials across our schools. These include exercise books, notebooks, chalks, markers, textbooks in core subjects, and over 12,000 sets of furniture. With
NPA Boss, Badmus, Felicitates Ataoja On 15th Coronation Anniversary
Yusuf Oketola
THE Execu ve Director, Marine and Opera ons at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Olalekan Badmus has described the one decade and half of the reign of Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II as Ataoja of Osogbo, filled with tremendous development of the capital city.
In his message, Badmus congratulated the monarch for a peaceful 15 years of steering the
ship of the ancient town.
The Aare Bobagunwa of Owu Ile and Otunba Fiwasaye of Ada land also lauded Oba Oyetunji for working relessly to champion the entrenchment of various projects that has transformed the face of the capital of Osun State.
He said, “I felicitate my father and a royal diadem of ines mable value, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, the Ataoja of Osogbo, as he celebrates
“I am more than happy to felicitate Kabiesi because in the last 15 years, Baba has been unrepentantly committed to the growth and development of his domain.
“The spring up of various projects, companies, industries and businesses in the state capital is also credited to the peace he has midwifed in the last one and a half decades.
“Baba Ataoja means a lot to us as indigenes and residents of Osogbo.I congratulate him on
this historic moment and wish him many more produc ve and frui ul years in the saddle of his forbears. May Ataoja and Osogboland con nue to excel,” Badmus noted.
this, the burden of pupils carrying chairs from home is now history.
“Educa on remains a top priority of our administra on. Since assuming office, we have consistently invested in raising the quality of learning in our schools. With your support, we have made significant progress.”
“Between 2022 and 2024, our government; Paid counterpart funds to UBEC from 2019 to 2024, which previous administraons le una ended. We’ve refurbished over 400 classrooms in 139 schools. Supplied more than 12,500 sets of furniture for pupils, students, and teachers.
“Earlier this year, we also secured approval for the 2024 UBEC/SUBEB Ac on Plan, now under implementa on. It covers the construc on of 333 classrooms, boreholes in schools, toilets, perimeter fencing, ICT facili es, monitoring vehicles and motorbikes, as well as addi onal furniture for teachers and learners,” he added.
Yusuf Oketola
Kazeem Badmus
•Badmus
Ikpeba Backs Eric Chelle To Lead Super Eagles To AFCON Glory
FORMER Nigeria interna onal Victor Ikpeba has thrown his backing behind Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Na ons.
The Franco-Malian tac cian, according to the Nigerian legend, remains the right man to lead the team into the con nental showpiece in Morocco despite Nigeria’s precarious World Cup qualifying campaign.
Speaking on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football via Complete Sports, Ikpeba praised Chelle’s impact since effec vely taking charge in March.
Chelle has guided
the Super Eagles to an unbeaten record of four wins and three draws in seven matches.
“Chelle is doing a good job and I believe we wouldn’t be in this situa on if he had started the qualifiers with the Super Eagles,” Ikpeba said.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, trailing South Africa and Benin with only two matches le to play.
The poor start under former coaches José Peseiro and Finidi George, three draws and one defeat in the opening four games, has le the Super Ea-
gles’ hopes of reaching the tournament hanging by a thread.
Yet, while the World Cup dream looks distant, Chelle’s men are already assured of a place at December’s AFCON. That qualificaon was secured under interim boss Augus ne Eguavoen late last year, before Chelle’s appointment.
At the last edi on in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria reached the final under Peseiro but fell short against the hosts. Chelle was also present at the tournament, but with Mali, who exited in the quarterfinals despite playing expansive football.
There have been growing calls for Chelle’s dismissal should Nigeria fail to
reach the World Cup, but Ikpeba believes such a move would be premature.
“He will create compe on for places in the squad and make use of the talented players we have abroad,” Ikpeba argued.
“He hasn’t dismissed any player, but he is crea ng an environment for healthy compe on by giving opportuni es to different players to fight for a place.”
“The biggest problem of the Super Eagles is the distrac on in camp before and a er matches. I expect the NFF to tackle that problem. Chelle can s ll lead Nigeria to the AFCON, irrespec ve of the outcome of our World Cup bid,” he added.
News
When Lookman Will Return For Atalanta - Club CEO
ATALANTA BC CEO
Luca Percassi has said Nigerian superstar Ademola Lookman will be welcomed back with ‘open arms’ when he is ‘ready’ to play for the club again.
The reigning CAF African Player of the Year is yet to feature for the Serie A club this season following his a empts to move from the Italian club during the summer transfer window.
Percassi while speaking with Sky Sport Italia, said, “You cannot go back and change the past, so we will focus on the present and future.
“We all know how good Ademola is, but also that in order to play for Atalanta, you must be 100 per cent focused.
“When he feels ready
to do that, we are waiting for him with open arms.”
Lookman was one of Atalanta’s top performers last season, as he featured in 40 matches, scoring 20 goals and providing six assists.
The 27-year-old got some game me during the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as he started for Nigeria against Rwanda and South Africa.
NGO Sensitises Osun Community On Dangers Of Female Circumcision
Kazeem Badmus
ANon-Governmental Organisa on, Ac on Health Incorporated (AHI), on Thursday, sensi sed the people of Alajue community in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State on the need to eradicate Female Genital Mu laon in the state.
The sensi saon, which was done through the Associaon for Icon Breeders and Life Changing Empowerment (AILIFE) with the support of the United Na ons Popula on Fund (UNFPA), was to enlighten the community members on the dangers of FGM.
AILIFE is one of the community-based organisa ons in Osun state selected by AHI to support the anFGM implementa on in project communies.
Speaking at the programme, the Director of Gender Affairs, Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, Mrs Lola Adewale, noted that female Circumcision is not an an dote to promiscuity.
She warned residents against the circumcision of female children, no ng that anyone found guilty will face the law.
Mrs Adewale, who
told the gathering that Female Genital Mu la on cases were reducing in the state, urged tradi onal rulers and other stakeholders to ensure the total elimina on of the prac ce in Osun. She also lauded Acon Health Incorporated and the United Na ons Popula on
Fund for suppor ng the state government to end the prac ce.
She said, “The state government is urging the Alajue community to join hands in the elimina on of Female Genital Mu la on in Osun State. Female circumcision is not an an dote to promiscuity. In fact, it causes
more damage to a woman’s body in the short and long term.
“In 2003, Osun State recorded the highest prevalence of FGM in Ede local government. Since that me, we’ve been working with different organisa ons, including Ac on Health Incorporated to ensure
the elimina on of FGM in the local government and in Osun en rely.
“The case of FGM is reducing, but we are s ll urging our tradi onal rulers, community leaders, and key stakeholders that issues of FGM have to be stopped and become a thing of the
Osun Govt Elevates Prof. Obuaku As...
•Continued from page 2
Plan, Climate Smart Investment por olio, Renewable Energy Policy, and Circular Economy Framework, pioneering sub-na onal climate policies in South West Nigeria.
“Represen ng Osun State at global and naonal pla orms, including COP28 in Azerbaijan and the Ci zens Lobby Conference in Washington DC, securing cli-
mate-linked investments.
“These interven ons have posi oned Osun State as a pioneer in Nigeria’s green economy, contribu ng to an increase in sectoral GDP and crea ng over 2,500 jobs through clean energy, recycling, and sustainable mobility projects.”
As Director-General & Special Envoy, Prof. Obuaku-Igwe will operate directly under the Governor, with a man-
date to, “Drive high-level partnerships with mullateral agencies, investors, and global climate networks.
“Coordinate the cross-sectoral implementa on of Osun’s Climate Ac on Plan and renewable energy transi on.
“Ensure Osun maintains its role as a na onal and con nental leader in climate-smart governance.
“This appointment
complements, without conflict, the statutory func ons of the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Environment, while eleva ng Osun’s representa on in interna onal climate diplomacy.
“The Government congratulates Prof. Obuaku-Igwe on this appointment and reaffirms its commitment to deepening Osun’s transi on to a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous green economy.”
past in the state.”
In her remarks, the Programme Director, Associa on for Icon Breeders and Life Changing Empowerment (AILIFE), Mrs Amaechi Ezeakolam, appreciated the community members for their coopera on throughout the sensisa on programme.
She urged the parcipants to adhere to what they were told during the programme, no ng that FGM can only cause danger for the girl child.
“Today, we are having a dialogue with Alajue community on the abandonment of Female Genital Mula on. This is a sensisa on programme.
“The community members have been very suppor ve, and we’ve been able to let them know the danger of FGM, and we have a frui ul dialogue with them.
“We have seen their willingness to listen and end Female Genital Mu la on in the community, and we are glad for that. I want to urge the community members to adhere to what we’ve enlightened them on and pass the message to other members who were not privileged to be in the mee ng,” Mrs Ezeakolam stated.
WHEN Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun State and one- me Minister of the Interior, formally aligned himself with the African Democra c Congress (ADC) and declared bold ambi ons for the 2027 elec ons, many in Osun and beyond sat up to take no ce. His move — from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party that groomed much of his poli cal rise, into an opposi on party — marks more than a change of label. It carries serious consequences for Osun’s poli cal terrain as we approach another watershed elec on cycle.
Aregbesola’s departure from APC is both symbolic and strategic. On one hand, it reflects dissa sfac on with the current leadership and a belief that APC’s appeal may be eroding, especially among voters who feel le behind. He has been vocally cri cal of APC’s perceived failures in governance. ADC, under his stewardship as Na onal Secretary, now presents itself as an alterna ve — challenging entrenched loyal es not just in Osun, but in Lagos, Abuja, and other strongholds of APC. Cri cs in APC have dismissed his ambi ons as “empty boasts,” accusing him of poli cal suicide by a acking the pla orm that elevated him.
For Osun State in par cular, the shi opens several possible outcomes. First, it could deepen poli cal fragmenta on. Aregbesola commands considerable respect among certain cons tuencies — especially those who supported his governance style in his two terms. If he successfully mobilises these loyal es under ADC, Osun could see a more viable three-way contest, rather than the usual APC vs PDP duel. This may force all par es to sharpen their message, reevaluate campaign strategies, and more closely address grassroots concerns such as infrastructure decay, unemployment, and youth marginaliza on.
Second, there is the risk that the change splits the vote. ADC’s rise could siphon off a chunk of APC’s support base, par cularly among those who feel disillusioned with APC’s performance. But unless ADC strengthens its ground structures, secures credible local leadership, and assembles a convincing pla orm of governance, this fragmenta on may favour rival pares. In elec ons, fragmented opposion o en advantages incumbents or par es with entrenched systems.
Third, Aregbesola’s shi may push the APC to re-examine internal cohesion. Already, there are murmurs of discontent in Osun’s APC fac ons, es-
“Moreover, ADC’s new momentum under Aregbesola will test the electorate’s appetite for change”
By MATT OLU
OLOWOKERE
From APC To ADC: Aregbesola’s Strategic Shift And Its Implications For Osun
Politics
pecially among those aligned with Aregbesola’s earlier poli cal footprint. How APC reconciles internal divisions,
presents credible candidates for 2026 in Osun, and retains party loyalists will be vital.
Moreover, ADC’s new momentum under Aregbesola will test the electorate’s appe te for change. Will Osun voters respond to rhetoric of “new alterna ve” or will they demand concrete promises — road projects, educa on, healthcare, jobs — as barometers of sincerity? The track record of the ADC in by-elec ons and smaller contests is limited. Convincing voters that ADC can deliver, not just oppose, will be a steep task.
Finally, there is the ques on of na-
Waiting For The Messiah
WE are all living witnesses to the monumental challenges that Nigeria and Nigerians face today. Therefore, rather than list or lament about them, let us rethink our a tude to them. The one prevalent a tude that will yield no result is the belief that a messiah is coming to help us out.
No messiah is coming. Full stop. What next?
The understanding that no messiah is coming, either in the form of a President by elec on or coup d’état, should be a sobering call to duty for every enlightened ci zen to rethink our situaon in all ramifica ons, and to act.
For one, we have a compound problem with poverty and ignorance among majority of Nigerians, even among socalled ‘educated’ ci zens who merely went to school but had li le or no educa on. Secondly and accordingly, very few can resist material and financial inducement when approached with senseless op ons or evil errands despite their conscience.
Thirdly, we are stuck at best with 3 or 4 poli cal par es with capaci es (2 being the most capable) and whosoever they choose for us is what we are stranded with and called upon to vote for (President, Senators, Federal Representa ves, Governors, State Lawmakers, Council Chairpersons); and they rarely ever choose the best as all kinds of considera ons determine their choices other than capability to solve Nigeria’s problems.
Fully apprecia ng the above scenario as we approach a season of general elec ons, in an atmosphere of grave security challenges and deep-seated sec onal agita ons, is a call to ac vism by all enlightened and patrio c ci zens. They have a duty to assume leadership responsibili es within their various social, cultural, religious, community, trade, professional associa ons; to talk to, convince and mobilise large members therein, for the needful.
The need for the survival of our country and its stunted democracy should be our first priority with robust, dispassionate discussions on our current predicament, the root causes and the most sensible solu ons – bo om up, followership to leadership. Secondly, whereas the key solu ons will take years of efforts, what are the choices available presently based on our understanding of the candidates across all poli cal par es being showcased, irrespec ve of religion, ethnic background?
Then, we face the main task of engaging the candidates with sa sfactory backgrounds and recognized commitments to clearly stated agenda! A erwards, ini ate the process of organisaonally commi ng those candidates to certain short-term policies that will, at least, allow the state or na on to escape suffoca on and live again. For instances, why should we not be able to refine our crude oil and harvest all the ensuing benefits, including solu ons to power genera on? Why should cost
onal posi oning. Aregbesola’s vocal claims that ADC “will take over” Aso Rock and Lagos in 2027 suggest ambi ons beyond Osun. Whether these ambi ons are realis c or hyperbole, they will define how he and his party are seen — either as bold change-makers or overreaching rebels.
For Osun, this means local campaigns may become intertwined with na onal narra ves: iden ty poli cs, performance metrics, and regional interests will compete more sharply for voter a en on.
What does this mean for the ordinary Osun ci zen? It could mean more poli cal a en on, be er infrastructure promises, renewed campaigning. But it could also mean uncertainty — shi ing allegiances, campaign noise, possible divisions. For poli cs to serve the people, ADC must move beyond speeches, engage in grassroots delivery, and forge alliances that respect Osun’s history and expecta ons.
Aregbesola’s strategic shi from APC to ADC is a gamble — one rooted in the convic on that his poli cal capital remains strong and that voters crave alterna ves. For Osun, the outcome may reshape the state’s poli cal balance.
As the 2026, then 2027 elec ons draw near, every move, every local candidate, every campaign will be watched closely. The “switch” is complete; now, the proof will be in what ADC delivers — not just in what Aregbesola promises.
of running government be more than what governance delivers? Why have we failed consistently to explore mechanised agriculture to engage millions of youth for jobs, even if we cannot do anything about Ajaokuta iron and steel, and why not?
Why are we failing to publicly and promptly punish crimes and corrup on commi ed in full public glare, confessed and confirmed, and to deliver jus ce? Why should we not be able to devolve power, and if not write a new cons tuon but amend it profoundly to allow states and local governments take control of all they need to take control of?
Knowing the value of educa on, why should we not place premium on it, any strategy whatsoever, in this knowledgeage of Informa on and Communica on Technology and veer our youths’ proficiency therein from crime and fraud into a harvest of prosperity for all? There are endless possibili es in our capacity, even in a four-year term.
We know the background and disposi on of all the major contestants, and no sweet lies nor material, monetary inducement should dissuade us from mobilising sensibly: for commi al of the best individuals across par es, and mobilisa on for their emergence. Finally is engaging them daily for the next four years on those commitments, backed throughout with loud applauses and firm protests as need be.
We can thereby be our own messiahs, perhaps in no distant future, we can have a democracy that is no longer a demonstra on of craze, and a society in which there is hope for tomorrow, instead of unending “sorrow, tears and blood.”
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
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
