OsunDefender Online Newspaper April 5th, 2019

NEWS

MAGAZINE

APC Challenges Osun And Its Oke, Salam, Others’ Greenhorn Elections At Tribunal Legislators •Page 3

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VOL. 014. NO.7

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Adeleke’s Cert Scandal:

Court’s Verdict And Legal Implications •’PDP Has No Candidate’ •’Higher Court Will Determine’ •Page 2 •We Willl Appeal Judgement - PDP •Page 14

•Ademola Adeleke

Uncertainty Over Death Of FEDPOFFA Students •Page 12

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Adeleke’s Cert Scandal: Court Verdict And Legal Implications

By Solomon Odeniyi Following the judgement of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, where it held that the nomination of Senator Ademola Adeleke as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 2018 Governorship Election in Osun State was null and void, legal practitioners have spoken on the implications of the verdict.

The judgment as purportedly graduated.

In another delivered by Justice Othman Musa was development, witnesses premised on the fact that brought before the Adeleke does not possess Federal High Court in the minimum Abuja on Wednesday educational qualification told the court that the (Secondary School senator did not sit for the Certificate) prescribed in National Examination Section 177 of the 1999 Council Examinations in Constitution, as 2017 as he claimed.

The witnesses include, amended and that the result attached to the Emmanuel Odesola and form CF001 he used to Adigun Akintayo who secure clearance from the acted as supervisors and Independent National invigilators during the Electoral Commission said exams in Ojo-Aro Community Grammar (INEC) was fake.

The case was filed by School.

Odesola who was the the duo of Wahab Raheem and Adam third prosecution witness said, though it was his Habeeb who are chieftains of the All first time of being in the Progressives Congress in school he didn’t see the senator in the Osun.

Justice Musa stressed examination hall.

The witnesses said that whereas the court found that Adeleke they only saw one Sikiru entered secondary school Adeleke (the Senator’s in 1976, there was no brother) who is listed as record to show that the 2nd respondent in the PDP’s flag-bearer examination hall.

Apart from the case of actually graduated, as his name was not found in which the judgement had the school’s register from been delivered, Ademola Adeleke and Sikiru 1980.

It stressed that the Adeleke were accused of result he produced was fraudulently, through found to be different impersonation registered from the one presented to as students of Ojo-Aro the court by the principal Community Grammar of Ede Muslim High School, Ojo-Aro, Osun School, Ede, Osun State, State to enable them sit where Adeleke for the NECO exam in

2017.

Reacting to the court verdict, a human right advocate, Barrister Kayode Adebisi said, by the judgement of the court, in the eyes of the

He said: “It’s a preelection matter and it boils down on the fact that the PDP presented an unqualified candidate for the election. What the PDP candidate did was

against the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. Section 139 to be precise states that before you contest an election, you need to sign an oath that the •Continued on page 14

•Governor, State of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola (right) in an handshake with Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Osun, Oyo and Ondo, Mr Leye Oyebade (middle) while Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operation in Osun, Mr Muftau Abu (left) watches during the courtesy visit to Governor Oyetola in his office at the State Secretariat, Abere on Wednesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

FG Empowers 80 Youths In Skills Acquisition

By Aminat Ahmed The Federal Government of Nigeria has trained 80 youths in tailoring and fashion designing under its National Skills Acquisition training program.

Minister of Youth and Solomon Dalung during Sports Development, the graduation ceremony for the youths last Friday presented certificate to beneficiaries at the Youth Magbagbeola, the National aggrieved princes Development Center in proceeded to court to seek Ode-Omu, Osun state. redress but failed because In the three weeks long they did not have genuine training programme held case against the at the same venue from emergence of the Tuesday 12th - 30th monarch.

March, 2019, the minister The Baba Kekere of disclosed that 27 young Ifon-Orolu said ever since men and 53 young the final judgement was women unemployed given by the appellate youth from the six geocourt, which affirmed the polical zones have been emergence of Oba successfully trained and Magbagbeola as the had acquired knowledge Olufon, these set of people in Financial Literacy, have been threatening to P h y s i c a l unseat the monarch, Exercise, Citizenship describing their action as Education, Pattern efforts in futility.

Design.

Echoing a similar view, Other knowledge the Eesa of Ifon-Orolu, acquired include Alhaji Gasali Durodola Servicing of Industrial who frown at the action of Sewing Machine, the protesting princes said Production of suit, Shirt he would not hesitate to and Trouser, Shirt and take disciplinary measure Blouse, Gown, Baba against them.

He further explained Riga(Agbada), Window that, none of the Blind etc.

In his address, the kingmakers knows them, saying they were not real Minister who was sons of Ifon-Orolu, as represented by the majority of them could not Permanent Secretary of prove their originality and the ministry, Adesola they could not be traced to Olusade noted that the the royal family that they medium economic goals of the 2017-2020 are claiming.

Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of •Continued on page 3

Discord In Ruling House Over Monarch's Status In Osun

By Joshua Afolabi There seems to be division among the Olumoyero ruling house in Ifon-osun, Orolu Local Government Area of Osun, as two sections of the family disagreed on the status of the incumbent traditional ruler, Oba Moruf Adekunle Magbagbeola in the family.

Some members of the head of the family, Olumoyero ruling house Prince Akintola Kolawole last week took to the charged the monarch to streets of the town to vacate the seat for he is not express their from their ruling house.

However, another dissatisfaction on what they described as illegal section of the ruling house has faulted the claims by occupation of the throne the protesters, describing by the monarch.

They also frowned at them as “disgruntled the monarch who claimed elements”.

A Prince, who doubles to have come from their ruling house before he as Baba Kekere of Ifonoccupied the throne Orolu, Chief Oladepo saying, the claim was not Akintola described the true and called for said claim as primitive thorough investigation on and laughable, warning the issue by the concerned those behind it to desist or face the wrath of law. authorities.

Chief Akintola, who Armed with placards bearing different went down the memory inscriptions such as: lane said none of the “self “Moruf Adekunle acclaimed princes” was a member of Magbagbeola, you are not true from Olumoyero ruling Olumoyero family as they family”, “You are not have not in anyway to the qualify to occupy the contributed seat”, the protesters development of the family disown the monarch let alone the entire saying he is not from the community.

He further explained ruling house.

Their spokesperson that immediately after the who identified himself as announcement of Oba

law, the PDP did not field a candidate for the election, noting that it was not possible for the PDP to be declared victorious in an election it did not participate in.

the Federal Government is to a great extent dependent on the active engagement of Youth.

He said that youth empowerment is not only determined based on means of livelihood that will only create jobs, but also contribute to peace and security of the the nation.

Dalung divulged that the programme foregoing set is “further justified by the realisation that eligible goods for export to the United States of America under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which enhances duty-free access to the U.S market for qualification of SubSaharan Africa includes apparel and clothing.

“This programme which is the first of its kind to be implemented by the Ministry was carefully designed to ensure that skilled youth that can compete in the Fashion and Design Industry locally and at the international level are produced from the programme.

However, the Minister promised that officials of the Ministry will monitor the progress of the participants periodically to provide guidance and ensure compliance in line with the objective of the programme.

He further said that the

Ministry may from time to time call on identified graduands that distinguish themselves to come and produce wears for TEAM Nigeria contingents on international and continental engagement.

In his report, the programme Coordinator, who is also the DirectorEnterprise Development & Promotion, Mr Simon Oduyebo reiterated that the programme was conceived to strengthen the efforts of Government on Job Creation, diversification of the economy and also to empower already skilled unemployed youth through upgrading of their skills and provision of business support services in specific area of their profession.

He urged the participants to approach the opportunity given “with responsibility and good conduct, bearing in mind always the goal of the programme, which is to empower youth not only for their individual benefit but also for the socio-economic development of the nation.”

Mr Simon noted that the hub is open to all Nigerian youth who are into Tailoring and Fashion Designing for use in their business with the token payment for usage.

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APC Challenges Oke, Salam, Others’ Elections At Tribunal

By Solomon Odeniyi All Progressives Congress in Osun State has filed petitions challenging results of two House of Representatives and two House of Assembly seats before the state Election Petitions Tribunal.

They are Oriade/ Ede/Egbedore/Ejigbo, Obokun and Ede/ Honourable Adejare Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Bello is challenging the Constituencies, as well as election of Bamidele Obokun and Ede North Salaam; in Obokun State C o n s t i t u e n c y , state constituencies.

The election in the Olatunbosun Oyintiloye constituencies, according is challenging the election to result declared by the of the PDP’s Adeyemi Independent National Adewumi while in Ede Electoral Commission North, Daud Akinloye is (INEC) were won by the challenging the election Peoples Democratic of Mr Niran Atidade of the PDP. Party (PDP) candidates.

While Oke polled In Oriade/Obokun, Dr Siji Olamiju of the APC is 25,329 to defeat the challenging the election candidate of APC, of Wole Oke of PDP; in Olamiju, who polled

19,725, Salam scored 46,944 against 44,866 scored by Bello. Atidade of the PDP polled 12, 993 votes in Ede North to defeat Akinloye of the APC who polled 12, 643, while in Obokun, Adewumi polled was declared winner ahead of Oyintiloye.

Meanwhile, the PDP has also filed a petition

challenging the result of the House of Assembly election in Ifelodun state constituency where the APC was declared winner of the election.

One of the counsels of the APC said, the reason for challenging those results was as a result of irregularities and noncompliance with the statutory provisions of

the law with which the elections were characterised.

The lawyer added that one of the prayers of the petitioners before the tribunal was that the results in some polling units, especially where there was violence and over voting be cancelled and the petitioner be declared winners.

Oyintiloye, while

speaking on his petition said, he has confidence that his stolen mandate would be retrieved through the court, saying he won the election but was rigged out by the PDP. Appealing to his supporters to be calm and hopeful, he assured that there is enough evidence to prove the case and win.

Osun Schools Begin Holiday On April 5

By Sikiru Obarayese Government of Osun has announced that both public and private Primary and Secondary schools, would proceed on their second term holiday from Friday 5th April, 2019 and reopen on Monday 29th April, 2019 for third term.

The state Permanent and guardians, Secretary, Ministry of principals, head teachers Education, Festus Olajide and learners that all disclosed this in a press public and private statement on Wednesday schools are to go on 2nd in Osogbo. term holidays on Friday, The PS enjoined 5th April, 2019. parents and guardians to “The Ministry of monitor their children/ Education enjoins wards properly and be parents and guardians to security conscious during monitor their children/ the holidays. wards properly and be The statement read in security conscious during part: “In line with the the holidays.

2018/2019 school “All public and private calendar, the State schools are to reopen for Government of Osun the 3rd term Academic Ministry of Education session which will begins hereby informs the on Monday 29th April, general public, parents 2019.”

Osun North East Diocesan Bishop Pledges Scholarship For Youths

By Sikiru Obarayese Reverend Akorede Okuyelu, a newly installed Diocesan Bishop for Osun North East has promised youths in his diocese in higher institutions free education.

“We will also engage in He made this promise during his enrolment pragmatic evangelism service held on Tuesday and missions, discipline at the Cathedral Church making, social and care of St Philip in Otan for the flocks through upreach and out -reach Ayegbaju.

Okuyelu was ordained ministry in the power of a Deacon in 1996, became the Holy Spirit.

“We hope to train and a Priest in 1997, preferred Cannon in 2005 an equip members on soul winning.

To develop Archdeacon in 2009 and the Dean, Cathedral of every member to be God fearing, reliance St. Matthew, Ijebu -Ijesa encourage the spiritand of in 2018.

Christian’s generosity.

He was enthroned the Free scholarships would second diocesan of the be given to the youths in region after Bishop higher institutions”.

Olumokaye.

In his sermon, Okuyelu In his visions and copiously quoting from missions for the diocese, the scriptures disclosed the newly installed that truly help comes bishop said, “We hope to from above. preach the good news He added that with the with transforming power help of God, he hope to in season and out of surpass the feat of his season. predecessor.

•Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun, Dr Charles Akinola (right); Ambassador of Venezuela, David Velestuez (left) while Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Mr Wole Oyebamiji (middle) watches when the Ambassador paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Osun recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Why We Deployed Policemen To Osun PDP Secretariat - Police tribunal .

By Sikiru Obarayese “We are law - abiding Osun State Police Command has explained that party and we will the policemen were deployed to the Peoples continue to jubilate till Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat on Monday to the time of judgment of prevent attack on the place following intelligence the Appeal Court.

“The grand jubilation report of plans by some thugs.

Osun Defender victory of Senator will come when Supreme observed on Monday that Ademola Adeleke at the Court gives final a number of Police patrol vans and personnel were stationed at the entrance of the party secretariat located along Ota - Efun Road in Osogbo, but there was no harassment The Deputy Governor of the State of Osun, Mr. of anyone there.

The Police Public Benedict Olugboyega Alabi has given kudos to the Relations Officer in the management team of the State of Osun Universal Basic State, DSP Folashade Education Board (SUBEB) over the board’s effort to give Odoro, explained that the students an all-inclusive education and exposure.

He spoke on policemen were deployed to the party’s Wednesday on his way to Water Engineer, Pilot, secretariat for preventive Abuja at Ibadan Airport Medical Doctor, Lawyer where he ran into the measures only. and so on in order to She said that the students of the State of become useful Osun deployment was to Osun who were on citizens and Nigeria in forestall breakdown of excursion to the Airport.

The deputy governor future. law and order.

Earlier, the Director However, in his enjoined the pupils to Middle School Affairs, reaction, the PDP make good use of the who lead the team on the gathered chairman in the state, Mr. knowledge excursion, Mrs Arinola Soji Adagunodo, said a during the excursion to Oladimeji thanked the build their future.

Police officer had called He said, they should Deputy Governor for to inform him of the identifying with pupils forward to having deployment, even look interest in various career and gave kudos to the state though the leadership of opportunities they saw government, particularly the party did not request during the excursion to SUBEB under the of the for such. become one of them, like leadership Adagunodo noted that the policemen did not harass any of the staff at the secretariat, but said •Continued from page 2 April, 2019, the the state PDP leadership Meanwhile, in a letter Olumoyero family said was surprised over the by the Olufon of Ifon, Oba the information at its Police action.

Al-Maroof Adekunle disposal shows that the “We received a call Magbagbeola, Mogaji people had perfected the from the Deputy Karimu Ojolowo plan to cause confusion Commissioner of Police Magbagbeola, Prince and make the community that we are protesting, to ungovernable for the Mufutau Mqgbagbeola, the contrary, we are not monarch. protesting but only Prince Tajudeen Akintola The letter identified jubilating because of the and Prince Musibau Alhaji Moroof Oladimeji Akintola dated 2nd of

judgment; we are not disturbed or afraid of the presence of the Police here.

“We are a peace loving party and we will continue to be law abiding, “ Adagunodo added.

Osun Deputy Governor Lauds SUBEB, Encourages Students On Excursion Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole for the golden opportunity to embark on such a wonderful excursion with about 1,300 Osun School Pupils to visit Asa Dam, Ilorin International Airport, Asejire Dam and Ibadan Airport respectively.

She advised the pupils to make judicious use of the knowledge and experience gathered during the excursion to their life while asking parents to give support to their children to go on excursion whenever the need to do so arises because of the life exposure and academic benefits embedded in it.

Discord In Ruling House

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Akintola, Prince Mufutau Adebayo, Prince Saheed Adebayo, Prince Kareem Adebayo, Prince Saheed Abass and Princess Kudirat Adebayo as brains behind plot to orchestrate crisis in the “peaceful” community.

PAGE

4 A Clarion Call For Devolution Of Policing ALL the armies of the world acting in unison cannot defeat an idea whose time has come”.

- Victor Hugo It is inevitable that in view of the gory events, mayhem and loss of lives across the country, that the issue of the devolution of policing powers to the federating units and the communities has become inevitable. The bill now before before the National Assembly which has gathered support across divides is to be welcomed. It must however be diligently prepared and devoid of partisan bickering.

The matter is far too serious for partisan, ethnic and other diversions.

The key issue is that of safeguards. In view of the performance (or in some instances, the lack of it) of critical institutions at the state level, there must be cast-iron safeguards to protect the citizenry. We are aware, of course, that in many federal states such as the United

We are aware, of course, that in many federal states such as the United States, India, Australia and so forth, there are constitutional provisions to prevent or checkmate the abuse of the state police from misuse by an autocratic state governor.

States, India, Australia and so forth, there are constitutional provisions to prevent or checkmate the abuse of the state police from misuse by an autocratic state governor. One often cited example comes from the United States of America where in 1958 President Dwight Eisenhower was compelled to use Executive Orders to take control of the Arkansas state police from the

OSUN DEFENDER

Youths And Social Vices The reports of some pockets of violence in various polling units across the states of the federation during the just-concluded elections called for a serious concern. To see that most of the perpetrators are youths leave a bad taste in the mouth of all and sundry whose thinking are upright.

This restates the social vices, bad traits, unhealthy and negative behaviours that are against the morality of the society and frowned at by the public amongst our youths.

The United Nations defines a youth as a person between the age of 15 and 24.

In many part of SubSaharan Africa, violence is associated with young men between the ages of 15 and 30 or precisely 35

years of age.

It is however sad today to find many young people turned to agents of ruin and destruction instead of being agents of peace and transformation.

They freely engage in social vices ranging from drug abuse, alcoholism, smoking, indecent

dressing, prostitution, cultism, examination m a l p r a c t i c e , hooliganism, gambling, rape and many other unhealthy lifestyles.

Over time, peer pressure has become the

hands of Governor Orville Faubus who was(mis) using the state police to obstruct the directives of the courts over school desegregation. There are a host of similar examples from federal states across the world. In view of the state of our politics the safeguards must be thoroughly spelt out.

A national democratic agreement which is the bedrock of a democracy is required so that we can have the sort of framework required. We believe that the mood of the times support this.

This must be achieved expeditiously in the spirit of national unity.

Devolving the internal security mechanism is inevitable, as we begin the fight back against the antifederalist tenor wrought by military intervention, and as a pathway as we move towards a more perfect union. It’s the way to go.

major cause of youth involvement in social vices.

Poverty, mental illness, inherited traits, broken homes and complex interactions of psychological and biological forces that encourage individuals to rebel against social norms are also some of the reasons why youths

engage in untoward act.

These vices have contributed to increase in the number of rudderless youths, hence making them to be stagnant in the areas of unproductiveness for

too long. As a result, governments at all levels should see the need to accord extreme premium to youths.

Parents are not left out in the fight against social vices and electoral violence. They must as a matter of responsibility inculcate cultural and religious values in their children.

According to Robert Kennedy, the 84th United States Attorney General, “the world demands, not a time of life but a state of mind; a temper of will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite for adventure over the life of ease.” This must always ring bell in the head of youths to guarantee better future for themselves.

•AMINAT AHMED, Osogbo

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Osun And Its Greenhorn Legislators With the outcome of the just-concluded National Assembly elections, Oriolowo Adelere, Francis Fadahunsi and Ajibola Basiru, all first timers are the senatorselect to represent Osun West, East and Central senatorial districts respectively in the National Assembly. Also, of the elected 9 House of Representative memberselect, seven are greenhorns. Will this affect their performances as being peddled?

Asks SOLOMON ODENIYI in this report.

Legislative arm of government world over gives direction to governments with policies and legislations they come up with. It also acts as checks and balances to other arms of government. Besides, the primary functions are to make law and perform oversight functions which make legislative business a serious one that require versed hands.

In Nigeria, the presidential form of government allows for Bi-camera legislature the House of Representatives and Senate. The senate , being the upper chamber of the National Assembly has 109 seats. It is made up of three senators from each of the 36 states. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has one slot. Also, the House of Representatives has 360 members.

With the outcome of the February 23 elections, the coast is now clear. The senators and house of representative’s members representing their various constituencies across the states of the federation including Osun at the 9th National Assembly have been unraveled. Unlike other South west states with a mixture of both the newly elected and returning senators, those from Osun are neophytes. In Ogun, Ibikunle Amosun was a senator before serving as a governor. He is returning to the senate. Same could be said of Prof.

Ajayi Borrofice, a third term senator who will be leading others from the sunshine state. Those in Lagos can look up to Sen. Oluremi Tinubu who is a third term senator, Adeola Solomon is returning for the second term and Hon Bayo Osinowo who is a first timer. In Oyo state, Sen. Abdul Fatai Buhari, Oyo North Senatorial District is returning; Sen. Teslim Kolawole Folarin, was a former house leader, he is a ranking senator, Oyo Central Senatorial District; with Dr. Kola Balogun, in Oyo South Senatorial District.

However, in Osun, Basiru Ajibola is representing the Osun central senatorial districts in the 9th senate. He was a two term commissioner as a Commissioner for Special Duties and as an AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice of the state respectively under the immediate past Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola administration. He will be putting on the big shoe of Senator Sola Adeyeye who represented the district for 8 years and currently the Senate Chief Whip.

Adelere Oriolowo who won the election for Osun West slot was a retired civil servant who was later appointed as

•Ajibola Basiru, Senator-elect, Osun Central

•Adelere Oriolowo, Senator-elect, Osun West

“Experience also has to be merged with integrity. If for any reason at all, you have lost your goodwill, basically you have not been there for the masses and I think sometimes we may just have to risk losing those with experience by ensuring that integrity is put in its proper place”. the state coordinator of the Osun state Rural Access Mobility Projects. He is taking the baton from Ademola Adeleke who was elected as provided by the constitution of the country to see through the remaining years left of his late elder brother, Isiaka Adeleke’s four years tenure after his demise in 2017.

On the other hand, the senator-elect in the Osun East senatorial district, Adenigba Fadahunsi is a retired custom officer, though, he gave this a doughty shot which eventually paid off after three unsuccessful attempts. He will be taking over from Babajide Omoworare who held sway for 8 years.

However, there have been fears raised in some quarters that the inexperience of the senators-elect will be to the detriment of their constituents they are representing and could also spell doom for the nation.

Professor Goke Lalude, Dean of Social Sciences, Fountain University Osogbo on a radio programme making a case for experience in the legislative arm stressed that it was needed to further strengthen the nation’s fledgling democracy.

Lalude said, “There can never be a doubt that experience is needed there.

By experience, its about how long you have been there. One of the areas where developed democracy have become particularly attractive is the fact that many of the returning senators are the one guiding the ones coming in and when we start losing the ones with experience to those without experience, it will definitely have a very serious negative effect on our democracy. Be that as it may, I think to an appreciable extent that experience also has to be merged with integrity. If for any reason at all, you have lost your goodwill,

•Francis Fadahunsi, Senator-elect, Osun East basically you have not been there for the masses and I think sometimes we may just have to risk losing those with experience by ensuring that integrity is put in its proper place.

The senator-elect in the west senatorial district, Adelere Oriolowo disagreed that being a first timer could affect the quality of legislation.

He said, “That is an understood fear, but there should not be any fear about it. Each of the people going has his own innate potentials and capacity. We must understand that the senate started from a point, those who started it were not returning senators then. If you look at the senators-elect, you will see that there are invariably more first timers than those returning. This lay credence to the fact that we have to make do with the first timers, some of who have the prerequisite knowledge of legislative processes. Also, their technical expertise in their relevant fields would be found useful moving the nation forward.

Yomi Obaditan, a public Affair analyst allayed any fear in allowing greenhorns to represent the people at the senate, adding that the senate provides an avenue for members to learn how to •Continued on page 6

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Osun And Its Greenhorn Legislators •Continued from page 5 effectively carry out the duties expected of them.

He said, “There is no cause for alarm, those you referred to as old were once new. Besides, there are trainings for them. There is going to be refresher courses for them before the legislative business begins. Some of them who have visions, when they come, they consult lawyers who teach them how to prepare bills.

“They will be given opportunity to employ people as assistant and in other areas which make the job easier for them. To me, what is important is to know why they are there and what they intend to do for their people. They will be given the house rules when they get there which they are meant to read. This is not a fear but sentiment. We can’t compare our democracy here with that of the advanced countries where one can be a senator until one dies.

“We know of the reasons why some that were supposed to be returned to the house were not allowed to. Some of them did not propose a bill and never brought home anything to their various constituencies. The constituency projects they agitated for and were given the money to do were not delivered to their people. What’s important is not how long in the Senate, it is your contributions and your vision, mission, the ability to lobby your colleagues.

Ekweremadu is still being wanted by his people, that was why he has been reelected. Senator Remi Tinubu has always returned to her constituency either holding meetings with stakeholders or she does an empowerment programme at one time or the other. That was why she was reelected and not based on her husband influence.

“The meaning of Senate is elders, if they are truly, we should be hearing or read about what they have done, that is how we know an active participant and not how long you have been sent there.

In politics, you don’t just come to occupy space, you go there because you know what your people wants. And that’s how you can continue to be relevant.

He added that, “It is not true that the greenhorns will not be able to influence certain decisions on the level of the house. They are from a political party and if their party has the majority, whatever their party decides will first be discussed at caucus level. We also have committee level where they should be able to have a say, except they belong to the minority. Minority have a radical mind which is always contrary to that of the majority, and with that they will have challenges.

“Even then, those who know how to lobby, which is a vital political strategy used in the legislative chamber would influence things. It may include inviting them to dinners, seminar or workshop trying to make them understand what

•Lawrence Ayeni, House of Reps memberelect, Ijesa South

•Taiwo Oluga, House of Reps memberelect, Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan

•Bamidele Salaam, House of Reps member-elect, Ede/Egbedore/Ejigbo

“The electorate across various constituencies would have seen a quality or two in the choice of leader before voting them in. I advise them not to be bitter about the so called greenhorn senators, they will deliver and if they don’t, four years is here.” your bills entail. For example, if you are proposing a bill that seeks to provide health for Nigerians, the senator will hold a workshop to make others see why it should be adopted with those ones its going to scale through.

On the area he thinks they would be disadvantaged, he said, “where they are a bit disadvantaged is the area of being a principal officer or head of a committee which senators like to have. This may elude the new comers. Meanwhile, there have been cases where the first timer senators are more than the returning senators. The new senators had to be given heads of committees to make up for the returning senators. There is no one of them born a senator. Everyone is in the world to learn something”.

He enjoined members of their constituencies not to be swayed by the sentiments raised by mischief makers as regards their newly elected senators.

He said: “The electorate across various constituencies would have seen a quality or two in the choice of leader before voting them in. I advise them not to be bitter about the so called greenhorn senators, they will deliver and if they don’t, four years is here. Those elected should also not exercise fear. They will be put through before sittings commence in the house. At the end of the day they will become experienced senators too”.

A political analyst, Ayodele Agboola

said he was not perturbed because the three senators are accomplished people in their chosen fields.

According to him, the only worry is that they will not be heads of sensitive and juicy committees where there finesse would be easily brought to the limelight.

He advised them to see this as a challenge to them and proof not only to their fellow senators, but to Nigerians that while they may not be familiar with the terrain, they could also make their own marks.

•Rasheed Afolabi, House of Reps memberelect, Ifelodun/Odo-Otin/Boripe

•Taofeek Ajilesoro, House of Reps member-elect, Ife Central/East/South/North

•Yinusa Amobi, House of Reps memberelect, Iwo/Ayedire/Olaoluwa

•Bukola Oyewo, House of Reps memberelect, Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu.

“They have their individual names to protect and they owe their constituents and parties that brought them forth to distinguish themselves to excel. They should prove that as an underdog, they can make impact. For instance, Eng. Oriolowo did well as the Coordinator of ORAMP. Fadahunsi was a retired customs who served diligently, while Bashiru has distinguished himself in his chosen law profession. He played a pivotal role in the litigation involving the immediate past governor against Oyinlola. He was also a commissioner for special duties before becoming the Attorney General where he also did well. What is expected is for them to bring their experience in their various fields to bear in the legislative business so that they can be effective representatives of their people.

Advising the senators, he said, “They must be conversant with the constitution and the rules and regulations guiding the activities in the Senate. If they are armed with these two, they will be able to play a very vital role in the parliament. They also have lessons to learn from their colleagues who have been there before. They need to carry out research in the area they want to influence. For instance, if they are coming up with good bills that will affect the generality of the people, I am very sure they will get assistance from their colleagues and be able to influence them.

Above all, what they determine to do matters. If they are determined to make impact they will.

Agboola is also of the belief that the outgoing senators from the districts which the new ones are from could play one or two roles to make them settle on time, adding that this is subject to the choice of the newly elected senators who may find it not necessary to meet with them.

However, the same fear would have been entertained on the House of Representatives members but for the likes of Wole Oke (PDP) from Oriade/ Obokun federal constituency elected for the fourth term and Femi Fakeye (APC) from Ila/Boluwaduro/Ifedayo constituency who has been reelected for third term, the remaining seven are greenhorns in the National Assembly, a development some analysts have expressed their fear for. Nevertheless, there are some of the House of Representative members-elect who have one time or the other been members of House of Assembly. They include Honourable Lawrence Ayeni, Ijesa South who had been a legislator in the Lagos House of Assembly for more than once and Honourable Rasheed Afolabi, Ifelodun/Odo-Otin/Boripe Federal Constituency who had represented Ifelodun State Constituency in the Osun House of Assembly for two consecutive terms.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 - THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS

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Irepodun South LCDA Distributes Empowerment Materials, Grants Management of Irepodun South Local Council Development Area, Erin-Osun under the chairmanship of Ogbeni Adekunle Oloyede has distributed empowerment materials and grants to artisans in the council area.

The Deputy Speaker, council’s management, Osun House of just as he laid the Assembly, Hon. foundation for the Akintunde Adegboye construction of Phase II flagged off the of the council secretariat distribution of the complex.

Speaking at the materials on behalf of the

ceremony, the council chairman said, success and credibility are not bestowed but are earned through vision, hard work and resourcefulness, in all of which he said his administration stands tall.

Oloyede said this does not come automatically

but through untiring effort, strong determination and sacrifice of his team and the management of the council.

He further added that within the few years of the APC-led administration in the Council Area, Erin Osun community and other

localities have witnessed tremendous growth in terms of capital development and social service delivery, which according to him include physical infrastructure and empowerment of people.

Among items distributed during the programme are: a Toyota Camry Car, 13 Bajaj Motorcycles, Bed Sheets for community health centres and five Thermocool Deep Freezers. Grants were also given to 50 indigent women across the five wards of the LCDA. Oloyede reiterated the commitment of his administration to banish hunger and poverty among his people.

The beneficiaries of the e m p o w e r m e n t programme expressed

their gratitude to the council’s management, while appreciating the Governor of the state for extending the dividends of democracy to the people living at the grassroots.

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Hon. Adeyi Akeem appreciated Irepodun South parliamentarians, confirming that the motorcycles bought for the people will help boost economic activities in the council area.

Among the dignitaries at the event were the immediate past commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr.

Kolapo Alimi; the lawmaker representing Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency, Hon. Kamil Oyedele and other APC party leaders.

Self Help: Boripe LG Communities Construct Bridge •Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba AbdulRauf Olawale Adedeji (front); Chairman, Ifelodun Local Government, Alhaji Lamidi Omoloye and others during their inspection of Dagbolu Residential Scheme roads.

Monarch, Council Chair Charge Allottees On Development Of Dagbolu Housing Scheme the stipulated time.

The Head of Town Planning department, Mr Lanre Baruwa, while commending the chairman on his financial commitment to develop the site promised to do everything possible

Akirun of Ikirun, Oba AbdulRauf Olawale Adedeji has charged all the allotees at Dagbolu Residential Scheme to immediately commence development of the portions allocated to them by the management of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun.

The monarch made if not developed within this remark while inspecting the reopening of all the existing roads in the Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola site. recently commissioned a new secretariat complex Oba Adedeji was for Ila Central Local Council Development Area accompanied by the (LCDA) where he restated his unwavering Local Government commitment to the service of the people at the Chairman, Hon Alhaji grassroot Lamidi Omoloye.

Congratulating the (APC), Chief Adebisi The Monarch who expressed his management, staffers Akande for being a good and the people of Ila role model and rallying satisfaction on the job Orangun for the of good done by the town milestone achieved, he point planning department of charged the LCDA not to governance.

Mr. Oyetola who the council frowned at rest on its oars at the people of the allottees’ attitude ensuring that the lofty assured Osun that his towards the ideals of his administration will not development of over 75 administration percolates rest on its oars at acres of land acquired. the grassroot. ensuring that every He commended the promise made to them is He therefore solicited Chairman for the the cooperation of both religiously kept, solicited the political and career construction of the 22 the support of all in his room edifice despite the quest at transforming officers in ensuring rapid development of present economic reality, state. urging residents of the In his remarks at the the scheme. community to make the programme, Chief The Executive best use of the facility.

Akande congratulated Chairman, Ifelodun The Governor also Governor Oyetola whom Local Government, commended the Asiwaju he described as a silent Alhaji Lamidi Omoloye of Ila Orangun who at individual who is promised to embark on different points in time pregnant of monumental massive publicity to served as the Governor of strides which he sensitize the public and the State of Osun and maintained has been National largely manifested across to warn erring allottees Interim on danger of revocation Chairman of the All the nooks and crannies of Progressives Congress

within the ambit of the law to protect the land and give it speedy development.

The expanse of land which lies between Ikirun/Osogbo road has been left undeveloped since 1991.

Heavens help those who help themselves was the maxim that was applicable to residents of Ajibode and Anaye Communities, Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government area of the state, as they constructed a bridge that links Anaye through collective community efforts.

The efforts, according government of the Local to a statement by the Government under the Senior Information chairmanship of Hon Officer, Boripe Local Oye Adebayo to Government, Mr. reimburse the AbdulLateef Adeniyi community with the were made with a view money spent on the to ensuring easy bridge, with a view to movement of vehicles in using it for other projects the communities. that are in pipeline.

Secretary of Ajibode Having seen the community said a sum commitment of the both of N1.5 million was communities in the area, spent on the project. the council chairman He charged the commended members of the community for the effort made to complement the government efforts. success of his The council chairman, administration to during his tour of the Almighty God and the project, in company of unprecedented support his cabinet members, the received from Governor council manager, heads Oyetola’s administration. of department, Prince Kolawole who instructed the HoD listed what his works to start the administration has done grading of the road to within the short time in complement the effort of office which includes; the communities.

Baale of Ajibode, Chief grading of over 30km road networks across the Fasansi Ayantoye and LCDA, dredging of his counterpart Baale streams and carnal to Anaye, Chief Kola also prevent flood, provision thanked the council boss of educational materials for the kind gesture to pupils and schools in extended to the two the LCDA among others communities and they promised his solicited the people’s support for the APC-led administration their unalloyed support. administration

Oyetola Commissions Council's Secretariat Complex the state within the first quarter of his administration.

Chief Akande who congratulated Prince Ademola Kolawole led administration for the giant stride, enjoined indigenes and residents of the state to give the present progressive administration in the state and Nigeria at large every needed support.

Delivering his welcome address at the programme, the Chairman, Ila Central Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), Prince Ademola Kolawole attributed the

CHANGE OF NAME/PUBLIC NOTICE OLADOSU SULIYAT YETUNDE

MRS. FATOKE OLUBUKOLA KIKE

HAMZAT OLUFUNKE MONSURAT

That I was formerly known and addressed as OLADOSU SULIYAT ASAKE, but now wish to be known and addressed as OLADOSU SULIYAT YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid.

Polaris Bank and General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS ODEYEMI O L U WA B U K O L A KIKE, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. FATOKE OLUBUKOLA KIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

That HAMZAT MONSURAT OLUFUNKE, HAMZAT OLUFUNKE MONSURAT and ABUBAKAR MONSURAT OLUFUNKE are the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as HAMZAT OLUFUNKE MONSURAT. All former documents remain valid. G.T. Bank and General public should take note.

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A Cocktail Of Political Happenings Glamour, As Saka Layoonu's Son Marries Better Half Osun Gov’s Wife Marks Birthday With Medical Outreach Agboola Marks Diamond Jubilee

•(L-R) The groom’s father, Dr Saka Layoonu (SAN) and his wife; the couple; Osun Governor, Gboyega Oyetola; the bride’s father and other guests at the event.

It was a gathering of who-is-who at Royal OAK Centre, Lekki Express Ikate Elegushi, Lagos state on Saturday, 30th March, 2019, as a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Osun, Dr Abiodun Saka Layonu’s (SAN) son, Barrister Damola Layonu got married to his better half.

Barrister Damola Layonu tied the nuptial knot with Princess

Chiagogiem Obi. In attendance was the Governor of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola among several other important personality across all walks of life.

Among those present at the wedding ceremony were, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN), Osun former Commissioner for Federal Matter, Mrs Idiat Babalola and a host of others.

•President, Ilerioluwa Development Initiative and wife of Osun governor, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola (middle); wife of Osun Speaker, Mrs Salaam (right) and Chairman, Osun Assembly Committee on Health, Honourable Leke Ogunsola at the medical outreach.

By Solomon Odeniyi

No fewer than 100 persons benefited from the medical outreach organised by the Wife of Osun Governor, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola on Tuesday as part of the celebration of her 59th birthday.

The medical outreach took place at Iragbiji, the home town of the Governor through Ilerioluwa Development Initiative

(IOD-Initiative).

IOD-Initiative is a Non Governmental Organization founded to cater for the social, economic and medical needs of the citizenry in Osun state, Nigeria and the world at large. Mrs Oyetola is the President of the Initiative.

Mrs Oyetola celebrated a new age by offering sponsorship to the surgical needs of the people who are suffering from one

•Some of the beneficiaries of the IOD-Initiatives medical outreach.

•Governor Oyetola (right) in an handshake with Chief Wale Babalakin (SAN) at the event.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among others for your take. To take advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, 08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on 07032594744 Let the public know what you are doing.

•Medical personnel on duty during the outreach.

surgical condition or the other, including Hernias, Hydroceles , Lipmas, Lumps and Abnormal skin growth among others.

Speaking, Mrs Oyetola said she was celebrating her birthday by giving back to the society through a medical outreach.

Saying she has been engaging in humanitarian works ever since the emergence of her husband as the Governor of the state, she noted that her resolve to use medical outreach to mark her birthday was because of its significance to human existence.

She thanked the President and members of the Hope Float Initiative and all other medical personnel who have volunteered to be part of the programme.

Mrs Oyetola who said that the programme was in line with the social protection mission of IOD-Initiative further explained that the NGO is committed to the provision of health, promising that no citizen would be left out .

According to her, “We are determined to follow this doggedly especially for the benefit of our women and children.

“We consider health as a major social protection factor that would enhance better living standard for everyone in this state. It is when we are in good health that we can generate great economy for our state”.

The Osun governor’s wife said, “before now, IOD-Initiative has undertaken quite a number of medical interventions for individuals. These interventions are in the area of intrusive surgical needs and mental health. With great gratitude to God, all the interventions have been very successful and beneficiaries living well” Speaking, Dr Femi Ajetunmobi, the Coordinator of the Health Mission appreciated the governor’s wife for her great vision and passion and for her humanitarian service to the well being of the people of the state.

He said the gesture would no doubt alleviate problems of the beneficiaries.

Echoing a similar view, the immediate past Commissioner of Health, Dr Rafiu Usamot, praised Mrs Oyetola for celebrating her birthday in a way to positively impact the lives of people.

•The Celebrant, Mr Murtala Agboola (2nd left); his wife, Mrs Adijat (3rd right) and other members of his family cutting the birthday cake.

It was a celebration galore at the residence of the Administrative Manager of Osun Defender newspaper, Murtala Agboola in Osogbo last weekend, as friends, family members, colleagues and well-wishers gathered to celebrate with him, when he joined those in the club of Diamond age.

Agboola, who was visibly surprised with the programme organised by his children, over the weekend, could not conceal his joy as he thanked God for sparing his life to witness the attainment of the landmark age of 60.

In a prayer session, led by Sheik Imam Wasiu Azeez, the cleric used the opportunity to thank Almighty Allah for His

sustenance of the celebrant considering the fact that the accident he had recently could have consumed him.

He spoke gloriously about Agboola who he said has been a blessing to the community in terms of providing purposeful leadership.

As a community leader, according to Imam Azeez, he championed the installation of a new transformer through the effort of the Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) as well as the rehabilitation of roads in the area.

The celebrant was thankful to Almighty Allah for seeing him through the vicissitudes of life and thanked all people who made it to the occasion despite the short invitation notice.

•Agboola (middle) in a group photograph with Islamic Clerics.

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SCORECARD

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 - THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2019

In Remembrance Of

The Aregbesola Years Agriculture And Food Security •Continue from last edition

Achievements A total of two hundred and sixty-one (261) farmers’ cooperative groups with a combined membership of four thousand, nine-hundred and fifteen (4,915) had been granted credit facilities to the tune of five hundred and thirty million, nine hundred and fifty-four thousand, one hundred and seventy six naira and thirty kobo (530, 954,176.30). The table below summarizes the intervention of government through the QIIP. Over 5,000 new farmer cooperative groups registered in the state and about 11,500 farmers have been financially supported through which 16,000 new jobs were created. · 2,000 farmers supported to plant 1.3 million plantain suckers for refined plantain flour production · Over 220 farmer groups financed to run the Osun Broiler Out-grower Scheme, OBOPS · N500m loan to 4,000 small holder farmers · Cooperative farmers in Kuta-Ikoyi supported to cultivate a 250 hectares vegetable farm cluster · Cooperative groups are cultivating a-80 hectare yam farm cluster, for Elubo (Yam flour) production · N153.6m agriculture finance loan for 66 farmer cooperative groups. · Rice production at Onilapa (Ogbagba) on 410Ha of land aimed at increasing production yield from 1.5tonnes/hectare to 5tonnes/ hectare. · Supported FOB venture in Ede to increase its production capacity from 25,000 to 100,000 broilers per annum · At least 50% of contact QIIP farmers linked to O’MEAL School Feeding Programme. · Ongoing work on the establishment of soil and food laboratory to enhance the capacity of the State to monitor soil conditions at a relatively low cost and also to stimulate agricultural production and processing value chain on consistent and sustainable basis.

FADAMA Projects · Through the FADAMA 3 project, over 1,200 subprojects including boreholes, access roads, mini dams, abattoir, poultry pens, pig farms, agro-processing, agro-forestry were executed in 72 communities with 15,000 persons as direct beneficiaries.

Tree Crop Project · 500,000 cocoa seedlings, 6000 kola & 6000 bitter kola seedlings to be distributed free to cocoa and kola/bitter kola farmers respectively across the state. · 64,000 oil palm seedlings and 25,000 cashew seedlings raised free distribution to farmers. · Under Ogbeni, Osun forestry reserve has grown to 90,000ha Fisheries Partnership with Feg-Agro Nig. Ltd (Osun Fisheries Out Growers Scheme [OFOPS] Scheme Manager) and the Association of Aquatic Farmers & Agro-processors of Nigeria (AAFAN), State of Osun branch to promote catfish production; processing for value addition, and support to 400 fish farmers (Outgrowers) with the sum of N212m.

· N126m provided to promote commercial cage culture practice for production of male tilapia on Okinni River, train youths and create over 100 jobs. · Okuku Fish Farm under Osun Fisheries Outgrowers Scheme supported with N36, 800,000 to promote fish production and train youths.

Livestock · Partnership with TUNS Farm Nig Ltd (Osun Broilers Outgrowers Production Scheme [OBOPS] Scheme Manager), to promote broiler production, empower poultry farmers and create jobs with the sum of ¦ 539, 435,200 · Some 578 farms have been stocked with over 3,654,612 day-old-chicks from inception in 2011 and over N200m profit has been accrued to outgrowers in the scheme. · FOB Ventures Abere-Ede road supported with N20m to expand its target production of broilers from 25,000 to 100,000 broiler units per annum. · 78Ha cattle hub established at Oloba in the State of Osun with a capacity of 10,000 cattle · Additional 400 Ha and 1,600 Ha of land secured by the state government for development of two additional cattle hubs · Successful fattening of 1,200 rams involving youths at three locations across the state in 2012 and fattening of 1,000 rams in one location in 2013 · Infrastructural development including construction of farm manager’s quarters and multi-purpose centre completed, at the cattle hub · Construction of two commercial and six

small holder feedlots · Construction of pig breeding and fattening centres (modern training and demonstration centres that will serve local farmers in the state with piglets) at Leventis Foundation, Ilesa NB the above–named schemes supply chicken and fish to O-MEALS food vendors to feed Grades 1 - 4 pupils in public schools in the state.

Animal Health Care (Veterinary Services) · A new veterinary clinic built in Ejigbo and an 8-room kennel built in Osogbo Veterinary Centre.

Investment and Partnerships · 204.39 Ha allocated to International Institute of Tropical Agriculture for the establishment of a research and training farm at Ago Owu Farm Settlement · Annual farmers’ open day, Odun Alagbinla instituted by IITA to distribute improved seed and seedlings to farmers across the state · Commercial horticultural projects to produce tomatoes, pepper and sweet melon under greenhouse conditions. · Construction of centralised modern abattoirs at Iwo, Osogbo, Ilesa and Ile-Ife as first phase in partnership with Hanfirqul Nig. Ltd commenced.

Agric Marketing · Establishment of Commodity Purchase Scheme in conjunction with Unicapital Limited for maize and soyabean.

An Agric farm produce market development project on an initial six hectares of land is ongoing.

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7th Assembly Will Work For Further Development In Osun - House Leader

By Israel Afolabi The majority leader of the Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Timothy Owoeye has assured the people of the state that the incoming legislative arm of government would ensure that the development stride in the state is sustained by the present administration.

Hon. Owoeye, who Defender in his office at was recently re-elected the State Assembly by his constituents, made complex in Osogbo. this known while He added that the speaking with Osun Assembly is pivotal to

development of the state and assured the teeming populace of the state of the intention to cooperate with the executive arm to ensure that development programmes are further pursued for the benefit of the masses.

The lawmaker, who is vying for the speakership of the seventh Assembly,

assured the people of his readiness to ensure a peaceful legislative house in the state and further make the assembly one of the best in Nigeria.

Owoeye appreciated his constituency and the entire state for another opportunity giving to him to serve more, adding that his wide

experience over twelve years has strengthen him to want to serve the people through adequate representation.

According to him, “The Legislature is the soul and heart of any democratic government across the world because it is a watchdog on the executive and the real representative of the

Observer Group Advocates For Electoral Offence Commission

By Solomon Odeniyi An observer group in the recently-concluded elections, Kimpact Development Initiative has urged the Federal government to consider the establishment of an Electoral Offence Commission so as to curtail the alarming rate of electoral crimes in the country.

The group which punish offenders which monitored the elections the electoral body in the six South west presently lacks would states of Nigeria help avert issues of described the cases of violence in elections. violence in the nation’s Reeling out the reports electoral process as from its situation room in disturbing and one in the South west, Idowu need of prompt noted that violence, interventions. intimidation of The Southwest v o t e r s , p o t e n t i a l coordinator of the group, violence, inadequate Bukola Idowu who spoke election logistics, vote while addressing the buying and poor security media in Osogbo conduct and deployment reiterated that setting up to polling units such commission with characterised the power to prosecute and elections.

He expressed his dissatisfaction at how INEC strategically addressed the stated issues despite the postponement of the elections.

Despite the challenges encountered, he said the INEC must rise above board in subsequent elections.

He advised the electoral body to embrace collation of results electronically since the smart Card Reader could transmit results directly from Polling Units to the INEC situation room, adding that this would help confer more credibility on the process as the manual collation process was vulnerable to

manipulation and human error.

On the various concerns around logistics which was responsible for the postponement of the elections, Idowu advised that the Independent National electoral Commission to engage logistics company in the distribution of sensitive voting materials and equipment to every part of the country promptly and professionally rather than the NURTW which has over time become tools in the hands of political class.

Idowu enjoined security agencies to ensure that credible security assessment is done so as to ensure that

in subsequent elections considerations are given to places prone to violence.

He called for the recruitment of more policemen in the country, saying reports gotten from its situation room from the six south west states had it that places where polls were disrupted had just a security man present.

“Reports gotten shows that most places where polls were disrupted have just one security man in attendance, which means areas that are volatile were not taken into consideration during the deployment of security officers and this had gross consequences on the election”, he said.

people”.

“There is nothing executive can do without the knowledge of legislature at both the federal and state government level to ensure delivery of dividends of democracy to the people, hence, my commitment to ensuring a goal-oriented legislature in the state” he added.

He added that the business of lawmaking is beyond fighting each other, but a robust argument among members to ensure the development of the state, which, he said is the focus of his leadership for the coming Assembly.

In his words, “The House of Assembly is beyond fighting each other, but an arm that ensure development of the state and its people in general”.

Meanwhile he commended the speaker of the present Assembly; Hon. Najeem Salaam for his dexterity and humility as a leader, saying he is worthy of emulation and ready to learn the positives of his leadership over the eight years he presided over the Assembly.

CULTURE

Ipedi Festival And Development Of Edeland

By Okunlola Rafiu Olayemi Ipedi festival is an annual festival and second most important festival in Ede apart from Sango festival. It takes place in July each year and it is associated with the arrival of the new yam.

Originally, the present Ede is not the one founded by the famous Timi Agbale Olofa-Ina, Ede cultural hero. Like Ibadan, the present Ede was established in the opening decades of the 19th century by the Oyo authorities, and had to be shifted to the other side of Osun river around 1817/ 1818. This change of settlement was largely in response to the breakdown of Oyo central authorities in 1796, due to the activities of Fulani Jihadist of Sheik Uthman Dan Fodio.

Sequel to the breakdown of normal government authorities, Yoruba land generally was thrown into confusion and anarchy, as powerful individuals started molesting and harassing innocent citizens, and it was during this same period that Kakanfo Afonja also successfully declared Ilorin independent of Oyo, from where he organised raids into Ede-Ile, Osogbo, Ilobu, Ejigbo and other towns in the area. It was this development that led to the evacuation of Ede Ile and the establishment of new Ede. There was no doubt that if Ede was to be safe from Fulani attack and some powerful individuals in Oyo empire, it needed a natural barrier to shield her, hence, the relocation to the present site at the other side of Osun river led by Timi Kubolaje Agbonran.

The circumstances that led to the establishment of new Ede in the present site in 1818 by Timi Agbonran made them to take some security measures apart from natural shield of Osun River.

It must be noted that means of ancient towns, cities to protect themselves is erection of city walls, moats, rivers, hills and so on. So, Ede was walled and it had four gates to protect the people from invaders and marauders. It was the duty of Chief Jagun to guard the gates and protect the city when

•Oba Adesola Lawal, Timi of Edeland

“Since the beginning of the Ipedi festival, Ede had been witnessing peace and tranquility and the town is experiencing a very rapid expansion, as people from other areas migrated to the town”.

Timi and Balogun went to war. The traditional gates are Bode Papa, Bode Apa, Bode ojoro and Bode sagba.

The erection of walls round Ede city was accompanied by Ipedi festival by Timi, the paramount ruler of Ede to serve dual purposes.

Firstly, to mark the beginning of eating the new yam and secondly to make Timi sure that the gates are secured, as during Ipedi festival, Timi, accompanied by his chief led by Chief Jagun who double as chief priest of Ipedi the chief guard of the gates, priests, princes and princess, drummers and prominent sons and daughters of the town both home and abroad visit the city gates.

The festival which has a day programme commences with ‘Ilasu’ or ‘Ilaja’, that is, eating of the new yam by the king when rites are performed

by Chief Jagun at Timi’s market to commence buying and selling of the new yam for the year.

Thereafter, the people of the town led by Timi will make procession to the three of the four city gates with the exception of ‘Bode Sagba’. However, ‘Bode Sagba’ is usually not visited, because it was the gates taken into the city when Timi Agbonran founded the present Ede. Today, it is the tradition in Ede that any reigning Timi usually go round the city on horse and in addition visit his paternal and maternal family Compound where he will be hosted by heads of the compound and various gifts will be showered on the king at the occasion amidst drumming, singing and dancing while prayer will be offered for the king and for peace, prosperity and tranquility during his reign. In addition, sacrifices are made to other deities like Ogun, the god of iron and god of war which they believe is the chief protector of the city from foreign attack.

Conclusively, since the beginning of the Ipedi festival, Ede had been witnessing peace and tranquility and the town is experiencing a very rapid expansion, as people from other areas migrated to the town for the fact that they see Ede as a more sacred place to live and since then, the people of Ede have never failed to observe this festival each year, being one of the occasions that unite all the people of the town.

•Olayemi is Assistant Chief Museum, National Museum, Osogbo.

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Uncertainty Over Death Of FEDPOFFA Students

By Sikiru Obarayese The death of the students of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa in Kwara State, Ridwan Ajiboye is still shrouded in misery, as it was gathered that the deceased drank some quantity of insecticide.

Management and Owolabi, confirmed the students of the incident but said nobody polytechnic were in knew why the deceased shock recently over the decided to kill himself. reported case of suicide He said: “Some of his

by Ajiboye, a National neighbours heard his cry Diploma 1 student of the and rushed to his room Civil Engineering where they met him Department. gasping for air. He was Ajiboye, who was the taken to hospital but he son of a traditional title eventually died. holder in Iragbiji in “They said he took Boripe Local poisonous substance but Government Area of we do not know what he Osun State, reportedly took and nobody can say decided to end his life why he took the after he was allegedly substance.” embarrassed by one of He said the remains of his lecturers, who gave the student had since him some handouts to been buried at his sell to his course mates. hometown, stating that The Public Relations his parents said they Officer, Students Union were not interested in Government of the investigating the polytechnic, Olayinka

circumstances that surrounded his death.

Some days after Ajiboye’s death, another ND student of the Estate M a n a g e m e n t

Department, Maryam Fasasi, reportedly attempted suicide, by allegedly drinking insecticide.

OSPOLY Aspirants For SUG Positions, Supporters, Begin Online Awareness

By Joshua Afolabi Aspirants for various Student Union Government (SUG), Faculties and Departmental executive positions of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree have started online awareness and mobilisation ahead of the next political dispensation.

On different facebook pages, some of the aspirants and their supporters said those who have sold them out and their allies should not be allowed at the helm of affairs again.

According to Ishola

Olatunji,

for

total

UI, LAUTECH, Covenant Lead In Published Researches The University of Ibadan is leading all other federal universities in Nigeria in researches published in different academic journals.

This is revealed in a report published by Researchgate.com.

In the State university categories, despite the

incessant strike, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso emerged the best among other state institutions in

the country.

In the Private University Category, Covenant university is leading other private universities with over 550 researches in 2017.

The report covers a period of 10 years (2008 2017).

What You Have Now Is Enough, If Only You Can Think It was a busy week for me because I had to finish up with a research task I’ve engaged in for the past two weeks. It was a self-imposed task on the role of rural women in Osun in creating wealth for their families. Our womenfolk in Nigeria are some of the most active groups in the world, if only they could get the kind of support which the Osun government is providing to the grassroot. They may not be highly literate but are nonetheless savvy in creating wealth to support their spouses in running of the family.

“Rural Sociology and Agricultural Extension”, as we were taught in those days in sociology and anthropology classes, has humongous impact on the society at large. This study will form a major part of an oncoming publication due to be released.

As I was rounding up on the data which my assistants tenuously analysed, my phone rang and it was my mentor. He apologized that he will not be available at his country home this weekend because of series of meetings he is billed to attend outside the state. He nonetheless asked if I could urgently meet with him in one of the guest houses in the capital city so that we can rub minds. I felt honoured to be considered one of his guests here in Osogbo, and I told him so.

“I’m really sorry to have altered your schedule for the week because you must have planned your week for other commitments. You see, as an elder statesman and stakeholder, one of the things we have to endure, even at our advanced age, is the need to provide advice on issues. This task takes me out of town and even out of the country some times.

“Your research project on rural women is a laudable one. And I give kudos to our rural dwellers because despite the challenges they face on daily basis, they are not laidback. They do not allow circumstances to weigh in on them. This brings me to the issue of our teeming youths who I can safely say have what I call Poverty or Lack Mentality. God has deposited something in every one of us, something unique with which we can live a meaningful life to the fullest. Do you know that God does not create carbon copy of anything? Everyone of us is unique in one way of the other and He has deposited in everyone, something which any other does not possess? All we need do is identify this unique quality or qualities and use of it to make a difference in our lives and to effect and affect our environment.

rejuvenation and sovereignty in the OSPOLY political dispensation, there is need for all students to repose confidence in candidates that have the capacity to rebuild the

union “Our stride to refurbish and redeem OSPOLY is not negotiable. Allow the capable hands to take control and witness unprecedented development from Solace, Ola Aluta, Toyestic, Ilo, Ednuf, Senator and Emancipation”, Ishola said.

Olamide Adebayo stated on Ospoly Aproko that Kenraj is a democratic and humane leader who can be depended on, objective, cooperative, innovative, intelligent and honest.

The post explained that Kenraj, Liberty and Lolly posh are the best team to revive the institution from the internal and external oppression.

Truth Of The Matter with

AYEKOOTO ayoakinola444@gmail.com

God has deposited something in every one of us, something unique with which we can live a meaningful life to the fullest.

Do you know that God does not create carbon copy of anything? “my son, you and I and every other person living possesses everything we need to start in life. When youths of nowadays come crying that they need support, I give the little support that I’m able to but I do not fail to tell them that they can start something with what they have now. But unfortunately, because most of them have poverty or lack mentality, they believe they have absolutely nothing.

“Once you are ravaged by this mentality, hardly can you get out of poverty circle. Do you know that in life, the hardest of task is to start something it or to begin execution. Technology has even proven this to be true: look at automobiles, the hardest thing for a vehicle to operate is starting the engine. After it has revved to life, every other thing becomes easy. Same

goes for aircrafts. The most tasking is getting off the ground, after which it balances and cruises into the sky. I even understand that after taking off the ground and assume required altitude, the pilots relax and what is called “auto-pilot” i.e, self piloting mechanism takes over until when about to land.

“So, because of the obvious difficulty in getting started, most of us assume that it can’t be easy executing certain tasks. That is the major reason why many people are afraid to be on their own to start something worthwhile in life.

“But nature is wonderful. My observation is that whenever you’re truly ready for anything, such thing puts up a formidable appearance to allow you to go carry it out. Many people may not understand what I’ve just said now. But let’s assume that you badly need to build a house of your own. The invisible energy created because of the serious desire to own a house within you will make you to seriously multiply your efforts in whatever vocation you are into such that in no time you will be able to generate such funds, or amount not too far to the required to build the house, or at least, to commence . Now, because some people have noticed your high level of seriousness in what you do, it is most likely that you’ll get assistance from even unexpected quarters to be able to fully executive your building agenda.

“So, what is that business you have always thought of going into? No funds to commence? But you have some disposable items in your home which you can exchange for cash. Why not just do that and approach those with knowledge of that business terrain and explain your intent. It will surprise you that your fear is nothing but fear. The supplier of the goods won’t mind giving you on credit so far he is sure you are serious and trustworthy. Many car marts and supermarkets you see in cities well-stocked get their goods this way.

“The gospel I want to preach to our young countrymen and women today is that nothing is absolutely impossible for a willing mind”.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 - THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2019

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

Dress Lightly To Counter The Effects Of Warm Weather - Expert With the recent unpredictable weather condition in most parts of the country particularly in the State of Osun, residents have been advised to wear light clothing, drink lots of water, sleep in cross ventilated rooms, eats lots of fruits and ensure they take their bath at least twice a day.

This should be done to counter the effects of the heat in order to prevent heatrelated sicknesses particularly amongst children.

This advice was handed down by Mrs. Esther Oke, a retired matron in a chat recently where she cautioned on the effects of the abnormal weather condition on the healthy and well being of individuals.

She revealed that the human body being that of mammal has temperature regulatory abilities.

According to her, “when the weather is cold, the body sends signals to the brain; the Central Nervous System and immediately it regulates and when the weather is hot, same thing happens again.

13

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

“This occurs so as to keep the body temperature at a balance for effective functioning of the body system.

“Just like a car, when the temperature is too hot or too cold, it may affect the smooth functioning of the body organs.

“In order to aid this, we also need to protect ourselves. When the weather is too cold, we put on warm

clothing and when it is too warm, we put on loose or light clothing.

“In the light of this, we are advising parents to especially not be deceived by the coolness of the morning and nights to dress their children up in warm and choking clothing but rather to wear on them light clothes that will allow them to feel the fresh air”.

She added that since the

Measles Is Reaching An Epidemic Of Global Proportion - UNICEF The United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is warning that measles is making a comeback in many countries of the world and there is dangerous increase in the rate of children getting infected from the killer childhood disease even in the developed countries.

It warned that globally, is a growing threat to measles cases had increased children”. by 48.4% between 2017 and UNICEF regretted that 2018 according to its measles cases have reached calculations. an alarmingly rate but added According to information that all too often, the real on the website of the global infection is misinformation, organization, “alarmingly mistrust and complacency. global surge of measles cases

While providing the way out of the development, UNICEF encouraged the administration of vaccines to children and urged all parents, guardians and caregivers to avail their children and wards the opportunity to be vaccinated.

“We must do more to accurately inform every parent to help us safely vaccinate every child.

“Vaccines are encouraged because it works”.

To fight measles, UNICEF is issuing an urgent appeal to governments, health care providers and parents to do more to contain the disease.

Part of the effort, it said include, “Understanding that vaccines are safe and effective and can save a child’s life.

“Vaccinating all children between the ages of six months to five years during outbreaks. Training and equipping health workers so they can provide quality services and strengthening immunisation programmes to deliver all life saving vaccines”.

air was light, the warmness of it is both choking and uncomfortable which may adversely affect the comfortability of children.

“It is this times that children need to drinks lots of water and eats lots of fruits. The water they take in large quantities will replace the one they excrete through sweats and urine and thus their body remain hydrated all through.

“When they sweat and urinate and fail to replace by drinking lots of water, they may dehydrate and this is how other problem brewing.

Parents must try at all costs to avoid this.

“At nights too, they should sleep in properly ventilated rooms. If there is fan, it should be turned on at full speed and in the case of power outages, the curtains should be drawn back to allow for continual flow of

fresh and cool breeze”.

She cautioned parents who still use warm water to bath their children as wanting to cause more harm to them, adding that they should allow their children to shower with cool water some minutes after coming back from school in the afternoon.

“Children who are just back from school in the afternoon should be allowed to cool off a bit before being ushered into the bathroom to bath.

“The reason for this is so that their body temperature would have been regulated before dowsing them with cool water. If they hurriedly immediately after coming back from school, it could send the wrong signal to the Central Nervous System and cause some damage to the child”.

Osun Govt Alerts Residents On Lassa Fever Outbreak

In line with the proactive and public spirited nature of the present administration in the State of Osun, members of the public and residents in the state have been put on alert as to the reported cases of a fresh outbreak of the Lassa Fever epidemic in some neighbouring states recently.

The reported outbreak, according to a public service announcement from the State of Osun Ministry of Health has become a cause for concern for the State Government.

According to the ministry, which is tasked with the implementation of the health programmes of the state government, “Lassa fever is an acute infection caused by Lassa virus which incubates between 3 to 21 days”.

The announcement revealed that a person can be suspected of having Lassa fever if they have severe illness associated with fever and at least one of the following signs: bloody stools, vomiting blood, unexplained bleeding from gums, nose, vagina, skin and eyes or any death associated with the above signs.

It also stated that its mode of transmission includes: a. Person to person. That is contact with confirmed case

of Lassa fever either through urine, blood, and stool b. Infection from rodents; multimalmate rat, through contamination of food stuffs with rodent faeces and urine.

Residents have been advised to note the following health tips in order to avert the outbreak of this epidemic in Osun: “Environmental sanitation is to be promoted to discourage rodents from entering homes, refuse should be disposed far from homes, grains and other food stuffs must be kept away from rodents in rodent proof containers, infection, prevention and control guidelines should be strictly adhered to at the Health facilities.

“Any individual noticed to present with signs of the fever should urgently seek help at the nearest health facility”.

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OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

NEWS

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 - THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2019

Women ‘ll Be Adequately Represented In Oyetola’s Administration - Osun Ex-Dep. Gov. state has achieved

By Israel Afolabi tremendously in the area Former Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Grace Titi of infrastructure and Laoye-Tomori has disclosed that women would not express confidence in the be relegated to the background in the present ability of the present administration under Governor Gboyega Oyetola, government to sustain rather they would enjoy adequate representation. the legacy.

According to her, the She added that the She disclosed this while answering questions from journalists at her family residence located at The All Progressives Congress in the state of Osun Owode Area of the state.

According to the has reacted to the verdict of an Abuja High Court which disqualified Ademola Adeleke from contesting former deputy governor, though, the present the state governorship election of 2018. administration has a male The party, in a statement attended and is currently deputy governor, the by his Director of Publicity, under investigation for APC-led administration Research and Strategy, another NECO certificate presented women for Barrister Kunle Oyatomi forgery allegation.

“The court judgment elective positions, described the verdict as a especially into the victory for the state, therefore corroborated legislative arm of because Osun deserves what we have known all government unlike the better than an ill-educated along that this young man is best suited for the dance last administration which juvenile as its governor.

According to the APC, floor of a discothèque is an all male assembly. than the According to her, the long before independence, rather present administration in the state has produced intellectually high demand the state would further intellectual giants and of running Government give women proper voice exceptionally brilliant Secretariat at Abere. and In a statement issued by and allow their views to businessmen technocrats including the party’s Director of be heard.

“Women have been jurists of international Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi elected into the legislative standard.

“We’re too civilised to and made available to the chambers in the state based on their merit and have a Ademola Adeleke media in Osogbo, the APC competence to serve the as governor who presented regretted that, ‘of all the teeming populace across a fake statement of result highly qualified and of the secondary school he intellectually solid the state.

incumbent governor was an integral member of the last administration and is aware of activities of governance, hence, the trust in him to perform beyond expectations.

Laoye-Tomori added

that the people of the state voted for the APC because of the trust they have in the party to deliver dividends of democracy across the state.

She urged the teeming

populace in the state to extend similar support given to the previous administration to the Oyetola-led government in the state as a way to further enhance development in the state.

Osun Deserves Better Than Adeleke - APC individuals available even in the PDP, the party went for the lowest possible cadre, whose integrity is questionable but whose wealth is limitless.

“Fortunately for Osun,

we can depend on Nigerian’s jurisprudence to uphold justice at the most critical point.

“We hope that the Appeal Court handling Osun governorship

dispute will take judicial notice of this judgment that has practically disqualified Ademola Adeleke from the governorship position.

Court’s Verdict And Legal Implications •Continued from page 2 information you are giving is true to the best of the person’s knowledge. If it is now found out that you have lied, like that of Adeleke the court can disqualify such candidate.

“However, in the eyes of the law, the PDP had no candidate for the gubernatorial election. In an election the victory belongs to the party and not the individual. The laws of the land do not recognize independent candidacy. Therefore, the

party has not followed due process in producing a candidate for that election and it cannot claim any victory.

He said the legal team of Governor Gboyega Oyetola at the tribunal could capitalize on this by presenting this with valid evidence as part of the case before the Court of Appeal.

A lawyer, Yomi Obaditan believes that the judge must have looked at the evidence from both sides before giving his judgement, adding that the last may not have been heard of the case.

He said, the implications of the judgement is that it might put a paid to his gubernatorial ambition if it ends this way at the Supreme Court, even if the election tribunal’s

judgement is upheld at the apex court .

He said: “This is what is called a pre-election matter. According to the judgement, Adeleke was unfit to have contested the election as stated in Section 177 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999. It spelt out qualification of c a n d i d a t e s contesting elective positions.

“When you look at the nitty-gritty of the law on the allegation, the implication is that Adeleke forged his certificate and it is a criminal issue and doesn’t have to do with his disqualification.

The question before us is did Adeleke acquired secondary education? If yes, the Court of Appeal will annul the High Court judgement”, he stressed.

Osun Assembly Pledges Support For Contractors On Projects’ Execution

By Israel Afolabi

•(From Right) Chairman, Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, LAUTECH Osogbo branch, Dr Razak Akindele; Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Fasanu and Treasurer, Dr Olufemi Ala during their visit to the Governor of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola in his Office at the State Secretariat, Abere on Wednesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

The State of Osun House of Assembly has promised to extend its support to contractors working on various projects in the state towards timely completion.

Chairman, House of House of Assembly Assembly committee on Complex Osogbo.

Works and Infrastructure Awolola made it known Hon. Abiodun Awolola that the purpose of stated while speaking to inviting the ministry Osun Defender after officials is to intervene and meeting with officials of know the state of road the Ministry of Works and constructions all over the Transport at the State state.

According to him, “We also want to know the quality of materials used for the road construction “Fourthly, the plaintiff with the total estimate shocked by WAEC involve” he added.

However, the House testimony, again filed on works request that the court committee embarked on oversight compelled the school function to some capital principal to appear in projects in the state such as court to produce MKO Abiola International evidence of facts as well Airport Ido-Osun, Osogbo as to confirm the –Iwo road and some authenticity of the township roads that statement of results. The needed repairs.

He confirmed that some principal appeared and these roads are almost confirmed that the of done while stating that the statement was a product monies spent on them are of the school and that any minimal. error on the statement According to him, “The was that of the school, not money spent on these that of Senator Adeleke. roads are minimal and the The school did not at any one at Ede has reached point disowned the 70%, Ikire 60% while Iwo statement of results. The axis is almost completed”.

He said, “The Chinese school owned up to the contractor handling error which was not Osogbo – Iwo road will be about forgery but alleged available any time from false information”, the now to commence work PDP stressed. immediately”.

Adeleke's Cert Scandal: We Will Appeal Judgement On SSCE Result - PDP

By Sikiru Obarayese FOLLOWING the court judgement that nullified the nomination of Senator Ademola Adeleke, as the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the September 2018 Osun governorship election, the party has vowed to take the legal battle to the highest court of the land.

Reacting to the verdict, nomination of Senator the party in a statement Ademola Adeleke as the

by Ademola Adeleke candidate of the PDP in Campaign Organisation the Osun election.

Two Chieftains of the which was signed by Barr Progressives Niyi Owolade, said there All is lacuna in the judgment, Congress (APC), Wahab saying it subverted Raheem and Adam justice by ignoring four Habeeb, had in 2018 critical evidence to rule barely few weeks to the against validated facts governorship election, dragged Adeleke to and submissions.

It would be recalled court, accusing him of not that the Justice Oathman possessing the requisite Musa of an Abuja High educational qualification School Court sitting in Bwari (Secondary Area Council of Abuja on Certificate) to contest for Tuesday Nullified the the office of Governor.

The party said, the judgement was done in error, arguing that in the face of the constitution, Adeleke is qualified to run for the governorship.

According to the party, there were two rulings that affirmed the qualification of Adeleke, adding that the rulings stated it clearly that Adeleke satisfied requirement of the law to contest for office.

The statement reads in part: “It would be recalled first of all that the matter in question has been addressed by two High Courts ruling, affirming that in the face of the constitution, Senator Ademola Adeleke is qualified to run for the governorship.

“Secondly, we want to note that the judge erred in law by failing to take note of the expiration of 180 days for ruling on pre-election matters.

Even when a December 2018 judgement with respect to the issue was presented, the judge ignored it.

“Thirdly, the West African Examination Council was also summoned by the court at the instance of the plaintiff to present evidence of facts. The council produced the listing of all students who sat for the May/June examination in 1981 alongside the Senator.

The Council produced certified true copies of school results.

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OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

CRIME

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 - THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2019

I Was Raped Severally By My Mum's Pastor - Teenager Tells Court

By Suleiman Adebisi

enough to persuade the court not to admit the drug as exhibit.

The victim further revealed that the defendant had intercourse with her about four times in a

week, saying “he usually give me postinor after every sex.

“He slept with me one day. When I was going to school the following day, he said

he didn’t have money to give me. I fainted in school and my teachers took me to the office.

“I didn’t want to tell my teacher when they asked me because the Pastor has told me that

A 16-year-old girl (name withheld) has told the Federal High Court, Osogbo, how she was allegedly raped by one Pastor Adeyemo Samuel, for many times.

Led in evidence by exhibit A, noting that the National Agency the objection was not for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) prosecution Counsel, Mrs Zarowa Security and Civil Idiba in Calabar Local Caroline, the young girl

By Tolani Adeyemo Defence Corps (NSCDC) Government of Cross narrated how she was following which he A 35-year-old bricklayer, Friday Kanu, has said taken to the defendant, he took advantage of a 9-year-old girl (name River state was said to confessed to the crime. a pastor by her mother. withheld) and defiled her because his wife travelled have defiled the little girl The spokesperson of who is the younger sister the NSCDC in the state, According to the for several days. of his wife.

Adewale Afolabi, said victim, “my mother He was arrested for in Ilesa.

Friday was arrested by Friday, who hails from men of the Nigeria the suspect confessed took me to the Pastor allegedly defiling the girl that he took advantage of Adeyemo Samuel the girl because his wife when she was travelled for several traveling. After two days.

Suspected armed robbers in the early hours of weeks that I got to the Adewale added that operatives the suspect claimed that house of Pastor, she Tuesday shot and killed a commercial motorcyclist security identified as Ayomo in Erin Osun, a town would collaborate to he was not in his right called me and told me simply in Irepodun Local Government area of Osun state. apprehend those behind frame of mind at the that he had a dream. the act.

After killing the Babawale Afolabi, said “Pastor took me the inside and asked me to deceased, were said to put off my clothes. perpetrators have taken away the When I complied, he newly bought motorcycle asked me to read Psalm he used for commercial 34. I wanted to go out purposes.

Sources said the corpse after reading the Bible verse, but Pastor did of the late Ayomo, was found behind Kabello not let me go. filling station in Erin“He later told me Osun around 6:00am by that he saw in his some residents of the dream that I’m a area.

The deceased said to be glorious child. He later at Elesin’s asked me to sleep on his living bed. I refused. I asked Compound, Erin Osun, sources said, may have him was that the been lured out by those agreement you had that eventually killed him with my mother? I was under the guise of hiring weeping and begging him to transport them to him.

He had another part of the town.

A commercial intercourse with me. motorcycle operator in He disvirgin me.

Erin Osun, said many “When I saw blood, I okada riders in the area started weeping. He have fell victims of gave me a sachet of armed robbery attacks in tablet with postinor the past.

The body of the written on it”. was later taken Attempt to tender the deceased to Ojutu police station in drug as exhibit was Ilobu by some of his objected to by Counsel colleagues. to the defendant, Chief Confirming the A b d u S a l a m incident, the Public Relations Officer of Osun AbduFatai, who stated that the drug was not state command of the Nigeria Security and connected to his client. Civil Defence Corps, •Hammed Sanjo, arrested at the High Court premises while attempting to give MariHe told the court that juana to inmates brought to court for trial. his client knew nothing about the drug.

But, the prosecutor said the drug is Van belonging to Great must be tax payers and relevant to the case. She

By Sakirat Adeyemo World venture, thereby their addresses must be hinted that the A suspect, Kunle Adedeji, 45, was arraigned defendant has admitted committed an offence verified by the police. before an Osogbo Magistrate Court for allegedly in his statement that he contrary to and She later adjourned stealing a ‘Congo’ of Garri and money. gave the victim drug. punishable under the case to April 30, The charge sheet, criminal code cap 34 section 451 of Osun 2019.

Counsel to the defendant insisted that read in the court vol. 11 laws of Osun State penal code.

The suspect while the drug should not be revealed that, the State Nigeria 2003.

He (suspect) pleaded speaking with Osun admitted as exhibit, culprit stole the cash It disclosed that the not guilty to the two Defender said, “I did maintaining that the sum of N500, 000 and suspect committed the count charges not damage any car purported drug was one Congo of Garri offence at Ido-Osun preferred against him door! Before I entered manufactured when valued at N100 town of Egbedore local The presiding the door was not even the defendant was in property of one government area of the Magistrate, Mrs. M.A locked, I went to my detention.

Tiamiyu Matthew, an state at 2:00 pm.

Awodele, granted the Boss car to take some Justice Emmanuel offence contrary to and The suspect was also accused person bail in Garri when I was Ayoola, admitted the punishable under alleged of damaging the sum of N200,000 hungry I did not take drug and marked it section 390 (9) of the the lock of an Utility with two sureties who any money”.

I will run mad if I tell anybody. I didn’t tell my mother when she came to check me as well. My teachers forced me and I told them. They thereafter took me to NAPTIP.

Why I Defiled 9-year-old Girl - Suspect

Okada Rider Killed, Dispossessed Of Motorcycle In Osun

Bricklayer In Court Over Garri Theft

moment of the incident.

In her statement, the wife of the suspect said her husband has been misbehaving after he was involved in an accident in which he sustained head injury.

The NSCDC personnel however took the minorvictim to Wesley Hospital, Ilesa for medical treatment.

The NSCDC spokesman said the suspect would be charged to court after necessary investigation.

Court Remands Murder Suspect

By Julius Ibikunle A 45-year-old Abubakar Bello, has been remanded in Ilesa Prison custody over alleged murder of one Oyebanji Zachariah The charge sheet disclosed that the accused person did commit felony to wit; murder and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under section 324 of the criminal code cap 34 vol.11 laws of osun state of Nigeria 2002.

According to the charge sheet, the suspect inflicted machete cuts on the head and body of his victim leading to his death on March 13, 2019 at about 12;15noon in Agbamu area, IlaOrangun, an offence contrary to and punishable under section 319 of the criminal code cap 34 vol.11 laws of Osun state.

The suspect plea was not taken due to the nature of the offence preferred against him.

Presiding Magistrate, Mrs M. Awodele ordered that the case be transferred and mentioned at the Ila Magistrate court on May 20, 2019.

She added that the suspect is to be remanded in Ilesa Prison Custody pending the adjourned date.

CRIME

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Okada Rider Killed, Dispossessed Of PAGE 15 Motorcycle In Osun

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FRIDAY, APRIL 5 - THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2019

ISAAC OLUSESI who writes that State of Osun, Nigeria, will not accommodate the Fulani herdsmen’s inveterate hostility, with Mr. Gboyega Oyetola as governor and security apparatchiks in the state, asks, where then is the basis for the growing public anxiety over safety and peace in Osun?

OBSERVATION ISAAC OLUSESI

Oyetola, Fulani Herdsmen And Security In Osun In State of Osun, Nigeria, “Governor Gboyega Oyetola assures investors of safety in Osun” was the news lately. No one was at a loss of clues to his assurances to Osun citizens of “adequate provision of security at all times and in all places.”

But what does Nigeria as one nation, one people do with the extra threatenergy and actual violence by the guerillas called Fulani herdsmen, drifting, above surveillance and tracking, from one part of the country to another, a bizarre dimension in social convulsion after having always quaffed some hard drugs and marked by their odour, mascara, feet shuffles and oddities that embolden them to intruding on the peaceful life and living of other people and committing dastardly act of senseless killings of fellow human beings, aimed at expanding the 18th Century Fulani hegemony elsewhere, outside the Northern Caliphate.

Few months ago, at Esa-Oke, a hilly town, tucked away from Osogbo, the state capital, the Fulani snipers, called herdsmen, clad in dark t-shirt, dark trousers, dark jungle boots, dark belt and dark fez caps; kitted in robust bulletproofs against gun projectiles, riffle fire and all kinds of knives; and clutched double action revolvers, commonly used for offensive operations, practically threw up varieties of panic that created overwhelming fear, charged climate of terrorism and hugely punctured peace in the state, that left in its trail a fresh Ph.D holder-lecturer, Tope Olaniyi dead, with five workers and three students of the state College of Technology in the town abducted and released, reportedly on a ransom of N4million.

Osun cannot accommodate the Fulani herdsmen centrifugal forces turned on to set the state on edge and hurt its good governance, developmental trends, friendly social order and safety of life and investments in the state. Governor Oyetola was in every detail, alarmingly disturbed at the herdsmen inveterate hostility, intransigence at Esa-Oke just as all indications point to the fact that the strength of the security network in Osun could contain any such violation of human life in the state. He was more confounded as he believes in the fundamental fact that life, all life is sacred and nothing remotely justifies any criminality against life, expressive of his triumphant concern for peace and security of all in the state.

“Osun will not dilly-dally on the question of safety of life and property in the state,” Oyetola stated in an exclusive phone chat, adding that, “government will deal firmly and decisively with any one or group in the path of criminality. Let me say that I was effectively part of the profoundly active and profoundly rewarding security system under my predecessor. The

•Governor Oyetola

“But with the sufficiently large scale effective counter security services under his watch, Oyetola is now determined more than ever before to preserve order, protect basic freedoms, resolve social conflicts and contradictions, lubricate social relationships, redress harm and secure justice... “ system prevented crimes, regulated social relations and protected individuals and corporate interests in the state. And today, I want to re-assure all that anyone who dares violating the law and public order will be punished to the full extent of the law. The pain of Esa-Oke is my pain and the pain of all in Osun”. Meaning that eternal vigilance by all is the price of liberty, conditioned to a level of mental alertness of all in the state to all danger signals to be picked up for appropriate response to forestall or terminate all threats decoded.

Aside the observed fair command of English, impeccable communication in Yoruba and intelligence so demonstrated by the Fulani herders, suggestive of their relative level of education and cross-cultural exposure, the late Dr. Olaniyi and others abducted at Esa-Oke near the institution never

shared same pedigree with the Fulani matadors’ proclivity to violence, notoriety and disdain for the sanctity of human life. But their adrenalin pumped utmost resistance, earlier than later, to the weirdly savagery of the Fulani goons, licensed to kill and whose shootings had the mastery of the lingo and norms of assassination. With the agility of a fox, the abducted eight matched zigzag or were flung into the bush, frisked of personal belongings, money, cell phones et cetera found on them and ravaged into incommunicado at the dare-devil abductors’ calculated glance, a grunt or the nod of head, with the trappings of medieval nativity the way the Roman Centurion barked out instructions to his boys or like Robbins Hood, the legendary English desperado who presided over his band of brigands in Sherwood Forest in medieval

England.

The spate of the Fulani rumpus in the college town was ostensibly to ignite a war of attrition, a show down with the law abiding people but the Fulani herdsmen were not obliged with any horrendous counter action. The Fulani herdsmen’s menace, with a cache of deadly guns and ammunitions being heard in target-gunshots, in several parts of Nigeria that exterminate life of innocent Nigerians now almost daily, is a matter of serious concern to all levels of government in the country. In Osun, Oyetola, based on his principle of freedom - equality - justice for all, has vowed to push full steam against the steam rollers, the Fulani henchmen who by the Esa-Oke ugly incident, shot at the heart of Osun, jarred its psyche and infused deadly fear into the state that gripped security agencies, atomized security enforcement, injured public security consciousness and brutally rocked the peace of Osun. The scenario ignited increased anxiety in the residents and prospective investors over safety and peace in the state, pronto!

But with the sufficiently large scale effective counter security services under his watch, Oyetola is now determined more than ever before to preserve order, protect basic freedoms, resolve social conflicts and contradictions, lubricate social relationships, redress harm and secure justice, and generally provide conducive atmosphere in Osun for the pursuits of lawful activities that also include ensuring the total safety of citizens and investments in the state and re-orientating Osun and redefining its values.

Where then is the basis for the growing anxiety over safety and peace in Osun? Visitors and investors are assured that with Oyetola, the state security system allays fear of crimes, eliminate opportunities for crime commission, or made crime more difficult to commit; while it assures citizens of security of life and property.

His promise of enhanced security system and ongoing effort in that direction will control any violence against the governed. And the existing platform for Osun government and the Fulanis in the state is a further assurance for prospective sanity and stability in the land.

CARTOON

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun.

All correspondence to the Editor, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, Telephone: 0806-220-7954, kazeemayofe26@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org., Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com,