Osun Defender Online Version Of February 9, 2018

Industrial Thrust In Osun

‘

It must be stated that meeting the goals of sustainable development requires a job creation led economic platform that can provide the revenue streams to ensure a better future for all.

See Editorial Comment on Page 4

’

THE SIXTH MOST VISITED WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

www.osundefender.com/index.php

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

CRIME

4-1-9!!

Ponzi Operator Dupes Police Officers, Others N1.8m - Page 15

e-mail: osundefender.yahoo.com

VOL. 013. NO.5

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

- Page 2

Osun Loses N10bn On Withholding Tax

•A cross section of newly elected councillors in Osun taking oath of office at the State Secretariat, Abere on Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

2

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

NEWS

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

Osun Loses N10bn On Withholding Tax

By Ismaeel Uthman Inspite the vigorous campaign by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the state of Osun for tax payment by all eligible tax payers and groups, there is an area where the state government is losing billions of naira without much attention paid to it, recent investigation has revealed.

Findings by OSUN Revenue (IGR).

Withholding Tax is an DEFENDER showed that while the government has Income Tax withheld no stress in the remittance from employees’ wages of taxes from workers in and paid directly to the the state civil service, it government by their has not explore the employers. It is a tax potentials of withholding levied on income in form tax for the increment of of dividends, rents, the Internally Generated interests, director’s fees,

gambling winnings, commissions etc. from securities owned by a non-residents.

Investigations revealed that the withholding tax of Osun indigenes who are working in other states are not being remitted to the Osun government by their various employers.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the state might be losing about N10bn due to the nonremittance of the withholding tax on

taxable Osun indigenes working in other states.

The medium gathered that many of the Osun indigenous workers working in other states have not been filing their state of origin address in their employees’ withholding tax form, thereby denying the state the opportunity of getting the withholding tax.

According to Information released recently from the state Internal Revenue Service,

•A cross section of Permanent Secretaries and Directors in Osun Public Service during a meeting with the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola at the Local Government Service Commission hall, Abere, Osogbo on Wednesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

“Osun government is losing revenue to the tune of N10bn yearly as a result of non-remittance of withholding taxes of Osun indigenes transacting businesses in other states.

“This is because the various Osun indigenes in diaspora (taxpayers on withholding tax) did not use Osun address in their ‘Employee’s database.”

“Withholding tax is the amount withheld as a credit against the income taxes the employee must pay during the year. And how this tax (withholding tax) is paid to the state depends on the address that the tax payer used in his or her ‘ E m p l o y e e ’ s Withholding Allowance Certificate’.

“This is the area of concern. Based on the recently conducted research on Withholding Tax, tax on withholding that is due to the coffers of the state of Osun is being presently used to develop some other states of the federation.”

The medium gathered that some of the affected indigenes include those working with Federal Government parastatal and other agencies, as well as those working within private establishment across the

Budget Defence: Osun Assembly Will Not Entertain Unnecessary Increament

By Israel Afolabi The State of Osun House of Assembly would ensure thorough consideration of the 2018 budget estimates with a view to preventing unnecessary increase in its size.

The Speaker of the State prevent unnecessary Assembly, Dr. Najeem increase in the size of the Salaam made the remarks budget.

“Any expenditure that in his opening remark on Monday at the is not in tandem with the commencement of budget economic realities on defence by agencies and ground will not be institutions of entertained”, he added.

He advised Ministries, Government at the State Assembly Complex Departments and all Agencies of Government Osogbo.

He stressed the need for and tertiary institutions particularly to improve on consolidation of the numerous gains of the their Internally Generated present administration Revenue (IGR) drive.

Salaam also implored through effective collaboration by all and the MDAs to look inwards sundry as well as optimal by blocking all revenue implementation of the leakages within their jurisdictions to save the budget as approved.

According to him, “I government from losing wish to state that this resources unnecessarily.

He said, “All tertiary Honourable House would be very thorough in the institutions in the state are hereby enjoined to ensure consideration of this year’s budget like before and full automation of their revenue collections before efforts will be made to the end of the first quarter of this year”.

CHANGE OF NAME He urged all That I formerly known stakeholders in the as MISS revenue generation OLAOSEBIKAN exercise to accord it the ESTHER DADA, now much needed attention so wish to be known and as to achieve the desired addressed as MRS. FELIX goals in the end.

ESTHER ADERIIKE. All The speaker noted that former documents remain audit query had been valid. General public issued on some agencies by the auditing office should take note.

saying the House of Assembly would prepare a timetable for appearance of those concerned, so as to be able to defend themselves in line with the present nature of the House of Assembly.

He therefore, charged the Joint House Committee on Budget consideration to be critical of the estimate because the House needs to be sincere in their dealings throughout the Budget defence exercise.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, the chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Kamil Oyedele charged all the Ministries, Agencies and Government parastatals to be committed to the exercise for the success of Budget implementation.

According to him, “Any ministries or agencies that fails to submit its work plan before coming for appearance in the House, its budget would not be approved”.

However, some of the agencies of government that have appeared before the house includes the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB), which defended the sum of N2,626,808,750 allotted to it; Osun State College of Education Ilesa

N1,741,580,940 and Osun State College of Education I l a - O r a n g u n N1,455,284,760, while the Osun State Polytechnic

Iree also defended its budget estimate of N2,468,237.275 before the parliament.

country.

Checks showed that many of the state indigenes working outside the state had registered with their employees with addresses different from their original state of origins, either as a result of wanting to gain employment or non affiliation with their place of birth, a situation that is now depriving the state of its financial right.

It would be recalled that Lagos and Ogun States have had issues as to which state should enjoy the rights of withholding tax on indigenes who reside in either state and works in another.

In the face of the state’s drive for revenue generation, the OIRS had disclosed that it can no longer afford to lose such monies to other states when it has a lot of responsibilities begging for attention.

The state government might have to intensify its efforts through public enlightenment, sensitisation and more publicity on tax payment, particularly on withholding tax among its indigenes, who lived and work outside the state.

Also, the state would have to begin an enlightenment campaign to sensitise its indigenes on the need to use their state of origin when seeking employment outside the state so that it would not lose it rights in the future.

Osun Imports N200m Medical Equipment In its effort to enhance quality healthcare delivery service to the teeming populace of the State, Government of Osun has imported Medical facilities worth N200 million for delivery across hospitals in the state.

A statement issued by tables, among many the office of the state others.

Commissioner for The commissioner Health, Dr. Rafiu noted that the Isamotu, disclosed that administration of the medical equipment Governor Rauf which will be distributed Aregbesola will work till across the state’s 56 its last day in office and healthcare facilities, are that it would leave no aimed at addressing stone unturned to make some of the identified healthy living the culture challenges within the of the people of the state. state’s health sector.

He said: “These According to Isamotu, facilities are those you the medical equipment can hardly come across in includes complete major public hospitals in e l e c t r o c a r d i o g r a p h y this part of the world. But machines, complete you Governor vascular Doppler, Aregbesola always injection pump emphasise as someone machines, high frequency who grew among the analysis machines, people, that “the existing t r e m t r a f o - i s o l a t i n g gaps between the rich transformers, hospital and the poor must beds, x-ray film viewer always be closed”. monitors, complete C “That is why he has arm x-ray intensive mandated the Ministry to viewers, rollators, wheel ensure that it provides chairs, automatic the best within the operational theatre available resources to the

If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08062207954, 08061197897

people living within Osun state territory. I must thank him for the support my ministry has continued to receive from his leadership and I’m very sure the people are appreciative of his efforts”, the Commissioner added.

Meanwhile, Isamotu has also assured the people that the state is free from any form of epidemic including the biting Lassa fever, saying the directorate of public health has commenced its public campaign programmes to sensitise the people against poor public health habits.

“Our directorate of public health is fully prepared, our state epidemiologist has also mobilised our field officers to get ready. All what we do is to reactivate our system put in place for this kind of emergency of public health importance, so there is no cause for alarm,” Isamotu added.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

NEWS

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

3

Aregbesola Tasks Council Officials On Grassroots Development

By Kehinde Ayantunji

its dividends to the electorates.

He urged them to see themselves as change agents while putting loyalty to their party and the interest of the people on the front burner. He also charged them to join the drive of the state government in sustainable revenue generation for the local government and state governments.

On environmental sanitation, the governor urged the councillors to see themselves as the chief sanitation officers of their

various local government, stressing that they should work closely with waste management agencies to clean up the environment.

“I urge you to see yourselves as change agents in your local governments, you must listen to the people who elected you. Your first task is to ensure that the environment is clean throughout your local government, I give you three weeks to clean the waste in your area.

Addressing the gathering, the state APC

Chairman, Prince Adegboyega Famodun also noted that the parliamentary system of government will bring government closer to the people and urged the parliamentarians to obey their party at all times.

He said they should always have it at the back of their mind that it is the party that drives the system, noting that the party is now in a crucial time as elections is around the corner.

Also speaking, the

Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has charged the newly elected councillors across the state to make the development of their constituents the watchword during their tenure of office.

Delivering an address leader because the titled: “A New Dawn In executives are formed by D e m o c r a t i c the entire parliament, Representation, the thereby making members Governor said his of the parliament to be administration only members of the executive. acceded to the demand of “In the parliamentary Osun people through the system, visions are seen memoranda of 2012, and arrived at together noting that there can not while the actions are also be an issue as to the jointly taken, it is also acceptability of the more stable and less prone parliamentary system of to corruption because government at the local everybody wants the level by the people of the progress of democracy in state. the system”, he said. decorated with their new

By Jimmy Adams He explained that the Ogbeni Aregbesola also ranks ranging from parliamentary system of used the occasion to The Nigeria Immigration Service, Osun State Inspector of Immigrations government is far better admonish the elected Command has on Wednesday decorated 76 newly (II) to Assistant than the executive because parliamentarians to be promoted Senior Immigration Officers.

Comptroller of the latter has absolute steadfast, honest and have Held at the NIS officers of the NIS in the Immigrations (ACI) in powers vested in the the love of the people who hands of one individual elected them into office at headquarters in Osogbo, South-West outside of front of families, friend and colleagues. which could make the heart, saying, the beauty the event was the largest Lagos.

The officers were Present at the occasion leader in such of democracy is to deliver of decoration of senior were the State circumstance to be an Commissioner of Police, authoritarian leader.

Comptroller of the Nigeria Ogbeni Aregbesola Prison Service (NPS) in the who expressed delight at state; State Commandante, seeing a democratically Nigeria Security and Civil elected government Defence Corps (NSCDC) return to the local areas and Osun Corp Marshal, stated that the system of Federal Road Safety Corps government by (FRSC). democratically elected Addressing the newly people is well-established decorated officers, the in the constitution of the state Comptroller of NIS, country, leaving no room Mr Adewale Idowu, for ambiguity. congratulated the officers, He said, “I don’t know reminding them that more why some people are is being committed to their malicious about what we hands, hence, they should have done because I know rise up to the occasion. it is unfounded, the •Heads of Security Apparatus in Osun in a group photograph with senior officers of Mr Idowu who noted system of local the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) during their decoration in Osogbo on Wednes- that the promotion of the g o v e r n m e n t day. senior officers was an administration by democratically elected people is well-established in the constitution of Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Hon. parliamentary system of disciplined, descent and Nigeria and so it is not Najeem Salam has said that Governor Rauf government is democracy loyal people to practice it” ambiguous at all. in its true form and it the speaker emphasised.

“And let me tell you Aregbesola has violated no section of the Nigerian takes intelligent, that nowhere in the Constitution through the conduct of the local constitution of the country government parliamentary elections in the state.

This is just as Governor of the system at the local was it stated that we should use the executive Rauf Aregbesola also government level is that it empower the or parliamentary system stated that there is will in the councillors to choose their of government at the local nowhere constitution of the Federal chairman and other Civil servants in the State of Osun have been level, our constitution remains neutral Republic of Nigeria where principal officers among charged to be advocate of the state government it was stated that the local revenue drive through conscious efforts to concerning it. The most g o v e r n m e n t themselves.

The speaker however important thing is that it administration must be explained that the system enlightening the masses who visit their various must be democratic. run through the executive calls for a lot intelligence Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.

The Acting Chairman/ of Osun to be self-reliant “We should all be or parliamentary system and loyalty on the part of happy about the of government. the players because of the CEO, Osun Internal financially, Mr. Alli said, Revenue Service, Mr. Bicci “if the approximately parliamentary system of The speaker stated this fact that powers are not government because it is on Tuesday during the absolutely vested in the Alli gave this charge in 1.96million people that Osogbo at the public dominate the best form of swearing-in ceremony of hands of an individual. various democratic government, it the 389 councillors According to the service awards by the economic activities of the State government to avoids a situation where recently elected through speaker, State like artisans, traders, “whoever an individual sees himself an election conducted by understands the true appreciate outstanding business men and women performance of some civil as the most powerful the Osun Independent meaning of democracy in are alive to their Electoral Commission Osun and Nigeria will servants in the various responsibility in terms of person. know that this is indeed beats of their chosen payment of their taxes as “The parliamentary (OSIEC).

Salaam stated that the another milestone under profession. system does not allow for and when due, the State According to him, every would have been out of being an authoritarian parliamentary system of the leadership of Ogbeni civil servant in the State the current financial government is best for a Rauf Aregbesola. democratic setting like “I want to tell you needs to see himself or predicament”.

Nigeria, explaining that emphatically that this is herself as automatic tax He therefore enjoined CHANGE OF NAME there is no way the system the best form of advocate wherever they civil servants to use their That I formerly known negates the law of the government that can be find themselves, adding professional acumen in as MISS AMBALI Federal Republic of practised anywhere in the that they must cultivate supporting the Revenue RUKAYAT FOLASADE, Nigeria. world as it will bring the passion to educate drive in the State and now wish to be known and He said every step the government closer to the people, especially those always call government’s addressed as MRS. state government took people. within the tax bracket and attention to some areas in AKINLOYE RUKAYAT leading to the elections of “This goes a long way have not paid tax before their various beats which the councillors are all to tell you that our with a view to convincing FOLASADE. All former could be lucrative and under the dictates of the governor is a true lover of them of its importance. documents remain valid. that can serve as impetus Nigerian Constitution, democracy and he is not General public should take While making analysis to tincrease revenue in the stressing that the beauty self centered, the on the need and potentials note.

State.

Chairman of the APC elders’ council in the state, Engr. Sola Akinwunmi commended the selfless manner Ogbeni Aregbesola has been running the affairs of the state in the past seven years.

He explained that he is particularly thrilled about the parliamentary system of government at the local level because it will create a lot of discipline among politicians and the electorates.

•Continued on page 8/9

NIS Decorates 76 Senior Officers

Parliamentary System Violates No Section Of Constitution - Osun Speaker

Osun Civil Servants Charged On Tax Advocacy In Their Various Beats

If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08062207954, 08061197897

appreciation of their services in the state command and the Nigeria Immigration Service as a whole, he was optimistic that their elevation would spur them to do more considering that their schedule of duty will change due to their new portfolios.

The NIS boss who acknowledged the tremendous support from the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said the support has fostered free service delivery in the state command.

Noting that the service is at the forefront of tackling the Fulani Herdsmen threat in the country, he said it is one of the statutory responsibilities of the service to control and regulate inflow and outflow of persons within the country.

He also noted that there has been appreciable improvement in the NIS, ranging from passport issuance and such other functions, saying these improvements could be attributed to the dynamism of the incumbent Comptroller General of the NIS, Mr Mohammad Babandede.

Also, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fimihan Adeoye charged the newlypromoted senior officers not to be negligence in their services, rather they should give more, saying, more burden of service has now been placed on them.

Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, the most senior of them, Mr Kehinde Jimoh who was promoted to the rank ACI, noted that the promotion would boost his morale and that of his colleagues thereby encouraging them to do more.

He appreciated the efforts of the Comptroller General and the Osun Comptroller of the service who deemed it fit to have officers of the NIS promoted at this point in time, just as he pledged his absolute commitment and that of his colleagues in the service.

PAGE

Real Change In Osun

4 celebrations.

This should not be taking as just another advance; there is a deeper structural thrust. The future is being constructed here. Ogbeni Aregbesola correctly stressed that the country cannot continue to be just a primary producer. The future cannot be based on the export of raw materials and the importation of finished items.

Ogbeni Aregbesola has correctly stated that this is self defeating. It has also clearly stunted the expansion and competitiveness of the economy as well as limiting the creation of jobs.

A clear shift in strategy is therefore needed with the country facing a demographic time-bomb with massive youth unemployment. In Osun state, Aregbesola is demonstrably walking the talk, we commend both Chief Obeisun and Ogbeni Aregbesola whose reengineering of the State’s template has created the enabling environment for selfsustaining initiatives such as these. For this reason with the governorship election slated for September, we will continue to argue for continuity in the governance and template in the State of Osun.

On the last lap of an innovative seven years marathon, the fiscal rebalancing of the State of Osun is manifesting itself on a daily basis. Major testimonies to the work of the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola include the signing of the agreement on the MKO Abiola airport as well as the agreement with a Chinese consortium to build a It is yet another advance creation led economic platform N200 billion industrial park in that can provide the revenue thrust. On stream, the projects the state. streams to ensure a better have the capacity to provide The transformation of the over 10,000 direct and indirect future for all. state from rural, rustic outpost This week, the jobs for the indigenes of the is a remarkable feat of fiscal administration of Rauf state. and social re-engineering.

The Governor also joined Aregbesola added another Much of it done under a feather to its well adorned cap Chief Rotimi Obeisun to difficult fiscal climate as a with the laying of the commission other projects result of a mono-crop foundation of the “Sanrot under the TimSed group of economy dependent on the Agro-Allied rice mill and companies which include: vagaries of the international fertilizer blending plant” in hotel and holiday centre, civic market for crude oil and Ijebu-Jesa owned by the centre and cinema, food and Nigeria’s Skewed, defective entrepreneur Chief Rotimi confectionery section, water quasi- federalism which and beverage bottling plant Obeisun. makes the a n d federating units TimSed perennially up and radio and against it in terms of television meeting the broadcasting obligations of service to r e c u r r e n t mark his expenditure and at 6 0 t h the same time birthday laying the foundations for l o n g - t e r m OSUN sustainable development. It Publisher must be stated that meeting the goals of Acting Editor s u s t a i n a b l e •The synergy propelling the investments in infrastructure is bearing fruits. Ogbeni d e v e l o p m e n t Rauf Aregbesola, flanked by entrepreneur, Chief Rotimi Obeisun laying the foundation Lagos Editor requires a job for the Rice Mill and Fertilizer Blending Plants in Ijebu-jesa this week.

‘

It must be stated that meeting the goals of sustainable development requires a job creation led economic platform that can provide the revenue streams to ensure a better future for all.

’

Lassa Fever Outbreak: An Awareness Campaign Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness of 2-21 days duration that occurs in Nigeria.

Since the beginning of 2018, a total number of 107 suspected Lassa fever cases have been recorded in ten states: Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Imo and Lagos State.

The illness is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents.

Person-to-person transmission can also occur, particularly in hospital environment in

the absence of adequate infection control measures. Health care workers in health facilities are particularly at risk of contracting the

disease, especially where infection prevention and control procedures are not strictly adhered to.

Lassa fever can be prevented through food and personal hygiene

and proper environmental sanitation.

Effective measures include storing grain and other food stuff in

rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintain clean households, and other means of preventing rodents (rats, mice, squirrels, marmots) from entering

homes. Hand washing should also be practiced always.

Family members who are providing care for patients with Lassa Fever should take extra care for patients with Lassa Fever. States are also encouraged to ensure safe and dignified burial practises for patients who die from Lassa Fever.

I want to urge the people not to panic, but in case of any noticeable or relative symptoms of the disease, the health officials are the ones to be called upon.

•DAVID ADEJUWON, Owode, Ede.

DEFENDER – –

Moremi Publishing House Ltd. Kazeem Mohammed (0806-220-7954)

–

Kola Odepeju (08023191891)

News Editor

-

Shina Abubakar

Production Editor

–

Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa

Senior Reporter

–

Sola Jacobs

Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter

– – –

Kehinde Ayantunji Ismaeel Uthman Israel Afolabi Francis Ezediuno

Photographer Photographer

– –

Oluwagbemiga Adeniyi Olushola Aderinto

Proof Reader

-

Tosin Oyediran

Admin. Manager

–

Murtala Agboola

Graphics Designer – Computer Operator – Computer Operator -

Lukman Ussein Mary Akintola Zainab Oyewole

Advert Executive

–

Nike Adeyemi

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

All correspondence to the above mail address.

ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0806-220-7954, 08061197897 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com, osundefenderbank@gmail.com

MAGAZINE FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

Top 10 Contenders For Osun 2018 Governorship Election As the September 22, 2018 Gubernatorial Election approaches in the state of Osun, many contenders both known and unknown from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP), have shown interest in taking over from Governor Rauf Aregbesola when he hands over on November 27. Yusuf Sodiq of Osun Defender Online, presents a little resume of the top contenders, analyse their chances of emerging as candidates of their various political parties and then going ahead to winning the main election.

In politics, it is a general belief that there are no permanent friends or permanent foes, but permanent interest. As the D-day approaches, alliances and dispositions will change, forces will merge to collaborate, many will cross carpet, but as at January, there are some top contenders whose interests in the governorship seat had become known and they have started consultations and mobilisation in pursuance of their ambition.

Hon. Lasun Yussuff Party: APC Current Position: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Previous Position: Member, House of Representatives Local Government: Irepodun Local Government Senatorial District: Osun Central Senatorial District Date of Birth: October 4, 1960, 57 years Since the beginning of 2017, the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives has made known his desire to rule the state of the virtuous. Having emerged as Deputy Speaker in the Federal House of Representatives in defiance to his party’s preferred candidate, a move which pitched him against the party structure in his home state and the southwest where he hails from, Yusuff has proved that he is a force to be reckoned with. With a somewhat heavy federal financial war-chest to fight the battle for who emerges as the APC flag • bearer, he has some credibility issues to battle with.

Also of note is his hardline stance against the ruling administration of his home state.

At the last Eid-El-Fitri celebrations, the Deputy speaker had openly criticized the education policy of the state government, a move many see as unnecessary all in a bid to prove he is anti-establishment.

However, the move seems to have backfired as many political watchers in the state feel he should not have burnt the bridge that ultimately led him to his present position.

Despite all the baggage that trails the lawmaker, he may end up pulling a surprise within the party. The only thing stopping him is the desire of the people from the West Senatorial District who haven’t had the chance to hold the highest office in the state since the current political dispensation started.

Moshood Adeoti Party: APC Current Position: Secretary to the State Governor, State of Osun Previous Position: Pioneer Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria, State of Osun

•MOSHOOD ADEOTI

the state on November 26, 2010.

His political nest traverses the length and breadth of the state as he played pivotal roles in the acceptability of the then AC by the Osun people. During the race for 2007, he was among the few who escaped assassination attempts, maiming from the then ruling party in the state.

His role was instrumental to the emergence of the new government in November, 2010 and this led to his eventual selection as the Secretary to the State Government in December, 2010. Adeoti is a grassroots politician whose political history earned him several positions in the past.

Despite the widely acclaimed impression that he does not have the financial wherewithal to contest the seat, the current SSG is a man to beat in the political circle.

He also comes from Iwo in the West Senatorial District of the state, a town aiming to produce the next Governor of the State of Osun.

•IYIOLA OMISORE

•GBOYEGA OYETOLA

•FATAI AKINBADE

Local Government: Iwo Local Government Senatorial District: Osun West Senatorial District Date of Birth: 27th February 1953, 64 years Alhaji Moshood Adeoti who is an influential politician in his Iwo Local Government had his image boosted when

he served as the state Party Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria. His party then, led the current government to victory at the polls during the 2007 election which had a protracted legal battle that eventually led to the declaration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the duly elected governor of

At the last Eid-El-Fitri celebrations, the Deputy speaker had openly criticized the education policy of the state government, a move many see as unnecessary all in a bid to prove he is anti-establishment.

‘

,

Gboyega Oyetola Party: APC Current Position: Chief of Staff to the Governor Previous Position: Private Sector Local Government: Boripe Local Government Senatorial District: Osun Central Senatorial District Date of Birth: October 1, 1954, 63 years.

Before his appointment as the Chief of Staff to Governor Aregbesola in 2010, the name Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola might not have rang a bell in the realm of Osun politics. Oyetola had been in the private sector all his life. His experience as a financial expert gave him a successful career in the private sector managing so many businesses.

Perhaps, the time and moment he had felt to resign and enjoy the dividends of his long service to humanity, the call beckoned on him to serve his people in Osun.

His track record as a financial expert dates back to about three decades where he showed responsibility, diligence and unrivalled service to humanity. His tenure in the last seven and a half years as the Chief of Staff to Governor Rauf Aregbesola has presented him as a man that has the technical know-how to govern a state like Osun.

His ingenuity in resolving several labour disputes on the side of government and contributions to improving government finances have made the people to point fingers at him as the next person to succeed Governor Aregbesola come November 27.

Recent events have also shown that a

•Continued on page 6

6

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

MAGAZINE

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

Top 10 Contenders For Osun 2018 Governorship Election •Continued from page 5 section of the party’s leadership in the Southwest is giving him the nod to steer the ship of the State.

Bola Oyebamiji Party: APC Current Position: Commissioner for Finance, State of Osun Previous Position: Managing Director, Osun State Investment Company Limited, OSICOL Local Government: Irewole Local Government Senatorial District: Osun West Senatorial District Date of Birth: 17th November, 1965, 51 years old With little or no background in Politics, another name that comes to the minds of many to take up the tough job is Bola Oyebamiji. The current Commissioner for Finance in the State of Osun. He is an administrator and financial/commercial guru per excellence. Oyebamiji boasts of a rich experience in the banking industry going to about 2 decades.

Though in Lagos, his contributions to the growth of businesses in the private sector endeared him to Governor Rauf Aregbesola when he appointed him to head the Osun State Investment Company Limited OSICOL in 2012. His efforts at revamping the hitherto moribund company yielded positive results when the company’s major product, the Essence Table Water gained recognition in the six Southwestern states of the federation.

Oyebamiji’s prudence in financial management also secured several investments for OSICOL. His sterling record of performance gave him the new task of managing the finances of the State of Osun.

From the West Senatorial District of the state, Oyebamiji also stands a rich chance to get the job if he campaigns vigorously and gets the people to support his candidature.

Kayode Oduoye Party: PDP Current Position: Legal Practitioner, Previous Position: Unknown Local Government: Ifelodun Local Government Senatorial District: Osun Central Senatorial District Date of Birth: October 6, 1970, 47 years.

Barrister Kayode Oduoye comes from a rich political family. His late father, Senator Olasunkanmi Oduoye was a former Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District from 2007-2011. He hails from Ikirun in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

He contested the 2015 Ifelodun/Boripe/ Odo-Otin Federal Constituency seat with Hon Yinka Ajayi of the APC and he lost.

Since the build-up to the 2015 elections, he has been in the forefront of rescuing from total collapse, the Osun chapter of the PDP. Super Kay as he is fondly called is a minnow in the game of racing for the Governorship election in the state.

Senator Iyiola Omisore Party: PDP Current Position: Nil Previous Position: Two-term Senator (PDP, Osun East) Local Government: Ife Central Local Government Senatorial District: Osun East Senatorial District Date of Birth: September 15, 1957, 60 Years Christopher Iyiola Omisore is a known face in Osun politics dating back to the 3rd Republic. An electrical engineer by profession, Omisore has been in the murky water of politics for long.

His sojourn into political limelight dates back to 1999 when he emerged as the Deputy Governor to the then Governor Adebisi Akande. After he was impeached and imprisoned as the number two citizen of the state in 2002 due to controversies that surrounded the death of the Former Governor of the Old Oyo State, Chief Bola Ige, Omisore returned to politics and he became the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District in 2003 and was returned in 2007.

He contested against the incumbent

•KAYODE ODUOYE

•KUNLE ADEGOKE

•BOLA OYEBAMIJI

•LASUN YUSSUF

•LERE OYEWUMI

•NAJEEM SALAAM

‘

One thing that has continued to dent Omisore’s political career is the widely believed hooliganism, election rigging, manipulation and politics of bitterness which has in many years damaged his reputation in the minds of the Osun electorate.

Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in 2014 and lost. Omisore has had the opportunity of winning his Ife stronghold in most of the elections he has won.

One thing that has continued to dent Omisore’s political career is the widely believed hooliganism, election rigging, manipulation and politics of bitterness which has in many years damaged his reputation in the minds of the Osun electorate.

His influence in the crisis currently rocking the Osun PDP is not far-fetched with many accusing him of being the brain behind the crisis, because his point man, Bayo Faforiji who can secure for him the 2018 Governorship Ticket did not win the disputed state congress that produced Soji Adagunodo in 2015. He was also seen recently in a widely circulated video on social media distributing N500 each to would-be voters at a privately organised empowerment programme.

Despite all, one major impediment to the acceptability of Omisore’s aspiration to govern the state of Osun is the Osun East senatorial district where he hails from which produced the incumbent governor of the state.

Lere Oyewumi Party: PDP Current Position: Nil Previous Position: Former National Commissioner, National Population Commission Local Government: Irewole Local Government Senatorial District: Osun West Senatorial District Date of Birth: January 5, 1960, 57 Years.

Akogun Lere Oyewumi as he is fondly called is a former Chairman of Irewole Local Government of the State of Osun.

his background from the West Senatorial District.

After his sojourn as Chairman, he was appointed as a national commissioner of the National Population Commission.

Known to be a key member of the Iyiola Omisore faction of the PDP, fillers in the camp of Lere Oyewumi see a last minute stepping down from the Ikire born Politician for his boss, Omisore.

Kunle Adegoke (K-RAD) Party: APC Current Position: Legal Practitioner Previous Position: NIL Local Government: Osogbo Local Government Senatorial District: Osun Central Senatorial District Date of Birth: September 5, 1969, 48 Years Popularly called K-RAD, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, the Osogbo born lawyer cum politician was a key figure in the protracted legal battle that saw Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola returned as Governor of Osun in 2010. His ideologies as seen in his campaign billboards looks like a replica of what is contained in Aregbesola’s Green Book. With no political history, his chances might be too slim to get the ticket of his party, the APC.

Fatai Akinbade Party: PDP Current Position: Nil Previous Position: Former Secretary to the State Government Local Government: Olaoluwa Local Government Senatorial District: Osun West Senatorial District Date of Birth: April 1955, 62 Years.

Fatai Akinade Akinbade is one of the few politicians that have a rich history for being a part of the government structure in the state since the days of the military administrations. Akinbade served as Commissioner to four successive military administrators before becoming the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP that brought in Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola in 2003.

Akinbade was later appointed the Secretary to the State Government and left office when the Appeal Court declared the then government invalid in 2010. When the disintegration that tore the Osun PDP apart came in, Akinbade and his supporters moved to the Labour Party where he contested the Guber seat in 2014.

Now that he’s back in the PDP, the Ogbaagbaa born politician is in the race to get the PDP ticket. Political watchers in the state have however wondered how a candidate that got just 8,000 votes in the last election will get the nod of Osun people to lead them for the next four years despite

Najeem Salaam Current Position: Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly Post Held: Member representing Ejigbo Constituency, OSHA Local Government: Ejigbo Local Government Senatorial District: Osun West Senatorial District Date of Birth: August 8, 1965, 52 Years Najeem Folasayo Salaam, is the current Speaker of the State of Osun House of Assembly, a position he has held since 2011.

He was robbed off his mandate as a member of the Osun Assembly in 2007 through the court.

Since he became speaker, “Iwaloye” as he is fondly called has been a force to reckon with in his hometown of Ejigbo and his Osun West Senatorial District. He is seen by many as another politician who has the requisite political, academic and financial wherewithal to govern the State of Osun with his leadership style in the House of Assembly.

His senatorial district is also a key factor for him going into the APC primaries. A source said Salaam has the support of the majority of members of the state House of Assembly.

The entire indigenes, residents, political watchers and the international community is keeping tabs on the state of politicking in Osun in the coming weeks with political activities gradually building up for the September 22 election.

’

7

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

COMMUNITY

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

Police Chief Seeks Council’s Support On Community Policing The newly posted Area Commander, Ikirun Command, ASP Yusuf Asape has charged residents of the community to be law abiding and engage in lawful businesses.

According to a release workers of the council signed by the Head of would guarantee their Department, Social safety and translate to Development and economic development.

Information, Bukola The Council Manager, Elufadejin, Mr Asape Alhaja Salam Mojisola made this remark while pleaded with the area paying a familiarisation commander to be up and visit to the council doing towards checking secretariat. the activities of herdsmen Describing the lives and in the council, lamenting property of the people as the alarming rate of paramount, he said he had national insecurity toured almost 21 countries triggered by the herdsmen across the continent in the in the nation. world and he believed in Present at the occasion security and a safe society. were other members of the He frowned at the outgone caretaker unholy attitudes of some committee, Head of transporters and Okada departments and other •ASP Yusuf Asape, the newly posted Area Commander (3rd right) with Alhaji Hammed Omoloye (3rd left) and other outgone caretaker committee members during the police chief’s courtesy visit to the council’s secretariat. riders in the community, dignitaries. just as he promised to nip the situation in the bud.

The police boss appealed to residents to be fair and The Ilesa West Chapter of the Christian His sight by virtue of this about what is going on in country which is a global just in enforcing law and order in the entire Association of Nigeria (CAN), has conferred a award today”. the state in terms of phenomenon”. senatorial district. leadership merit award on Barrister Femi Onigbogi also used the development that can be In his response, the While reacting, the Onigbogi, the Executive Secretary of the local opportunity to call on all seen everywhere.

Ilesa West CAN council boss, Alhaji government in honour of his good works.

“Tell them the Chairman commended CAN members in the Hammed Omoloye, Receiving the award closer to God and council to continue to government of Ogbeni the Executive Secretary solicited the support of the last week from Reverend strengthen his service to enlighten their members Rauf Aregbesola is doing for his contributions police force towards the improvement of the Awoyemi, the Ilesa West humanity, the council on the work of the state a good job in governance towards their welfare Chairman, boss revealed that, “it government make them and sought his assistance in and council’s Internally CAN understand that the in moving the body Generated Revenue Onigbogi dedicated it to was God that aided me developing the state.

God. especially at Alamisi in my service to my “I want you to challenges we are facing forward in future Market.

While stressing that people and it is Him that enlighten people is as a result of the endeavours.

He said the provision of the award will draw him has made it marvelous in especially Christians economic situation in the security for the revenue

Council Boss Honoured

INFOGRAPH

Osun Local Government Parliamentary System - The Facts Misunderstood in different forms, the Osun Local Government Parliamentary System is not in contrast with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The system which provides for only parliamentarians at the local government setting operates with Councillors; a new method of governance away from the customary presidential system where the Chairman exercises full Executive Powers as practiced over the years.

In the new arrangement, there will still be the acclaimed “Local Government Chairman” but not elected. The chairman is a product of the Councillors who are lawmakers at the council level. He/She is elected by his/her colleagues who have been duly elected by citizens of respective wards across the state.

The arrangement is not in any way an aberration of the 1999 constitution as it fully defines the relevance of

Section 7(1) of Nigeria’s Constitution and Section 22 of the LG (Administration) Law of Osun State 2002 as amended.

The elected Chairman among other councillors will exercise full executive powers over the local government just as the Prime Minister does in other parliamentary democracies.

The new system reduces cost of governing at the thirdtier of government, eliminates local government wide campaigns by prospective LG Chairmen and their deputies as well as curbing wastage in providing for too many offices since the Chairman and Vice Chairman are councillors and maintain their status as Councillors.

A good attribute of this is that the chairmen and vicechairmen can be removed and replaced if they underperform or lose the confidence reposed in them by their colleagues.

8

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

9

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Swearing-In Ceremony Of Newly Elected Councillors In The State Of Osun On Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

60th Birthday Ceremony Of Chief Rotimi Obeisun At Ijebu Ijesa, State Of Osun On Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Osun Govt Honours 170 Workers No fewer than 170 workers in the state civil service have been honoured by the state government for being productive, efficient and diligent to their duties.

The workers were presented gifts and warm handshake by Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the Head of Service, Dr Olowogboyega Oyebade at the Public Servants Award Presentation Ceremony organised to honour outstanding civil and public servants in the state.

The programme was initiated by the office of the Head of Service, and was held at Waterfront Park Restaurant, Government Secretariat, Abere.

Speaking at the event, Aregbesola challenged the civil service in Nigeria to be more productive and efficient as a means of boosting the economy.

Aregbesola attributed some of the challenges facing the country to lack of productivity, noting that a country’s ability to develop its economy depends on how efficient and productive its workforce could be.

He lamented the low productivity in the country, particularly in the civil and public services.

The governor, however, called on Nigerians especially the bureaucrats to rise to the challenges by prioritising efficiency, productivity and competence in all they do, saying the success of a nation lies in its productive capacity.

Aregbesola said: “It is unfortunate that

•(From Right) Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Head of Service, Comrade Olowogboyega Oyebade at the event.

as big as we are, and as famous as we are as a nation, we still lack the required productivity and efficiency to succeed as a country.

“Our level of productivity as a people in Nigeria is abysmally low just as the menace has had negative impact on our economy as a nation. We have the resources but we are not productive.

“A country’s ability to develop its economy is dependent on how efficient and productive its workforce can be, so our productivity as a people in Nigeria is very low and this is affecting us.

“And very unfortunately our environment typifies the low level of our productivity and we have a lot to do to improve it.”

Tasking the civil servants and the general public at large to support his advocacy for improvement in the state Internally Generated Revenue, Aregbesola said his drive to quickly improve the economy of the state is not about nor for himself, but for the development of the state and the wellbeing of the people.

Aregbesola said the public servants are in the best position to support his administration so as to make life better for the people.

He said: “You are the game changers and the significance is that you (civil servants) are capable of creating the reference for others by providing the template for efficiency and productivity.

•(L-R) Deputy Governor, Mrs Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Chief Rotimi Obeisun.

•Continued from page 14

•(L-R) Speaker State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam; Commissioner for Cabinet, Senator Mudashiru Hussain and Osun APC Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun.

•Continued from page 3

“This action by our governor will no doubt give democracy a more stronger ground in Osun as it will make more people to be more disciplined towards democracy and party politics, Famodun said.

In a goodwill message, the Ataoja of Osogbo who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers in Osun enjoined the councillors not to disappoint

•A cross section of Councillors.

the electorates who voted them into office. He commended the state governor for overseeing a successful local government election in the state.

Highpoint of the event was the official swearing-in ceremony of the 389 councillors which was handled by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo.

•Elegburu of Egburu land, Oba Oluwafemi Abisoye and his wife.

•A cross section of dignitaries at the event.

Ogbeni Aregbesola also used the occasion to charge Nigerian farmers to endeavour to always work together and come up with new innovation and ideas to improve on their farm produce for better market value.

“What we are doing today is significant because it marks the emergence of the largest rice mill in Nigeria and this is to our pride as a state.

“This rice mill can produce one thousand tons of rice per day, half a millions tons per week and about ten million tons per annum.

“This mill is big to the extent that Osun farmers alone can not produce the amount of rice that the mill can process, this will not only be useful for farmers in Osun but to farmers around Osun as well”, Aregbesola stated.

In his address, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Timsed group of companies, Chief Rotimi Obeisun stated that the drive by the Nigerian government to improve the economy of the country through agriculture motivated him to go into rice processing and fertilizer plant business.

He said he decided to site the over multi-million naira project in Ijebu-Jesa because of his desire to contribute to the economy of the state of Osun, explaining that when fully operational, the two plants are expected to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs for the youths.

He thanked the President of the country, President Mohammadu Buhari for the agricultural policy of the present administration towards making the Agric sector the main stay of the nation’s economy in place of crude oil which is no longer viable.

He said,”we are gathered here today to witness the historic ground breaking ceremony of two projects, both investments having a combined value of one billion dollars is a testimony of the imminent revival of Ijebu-Jesa and Osun in general.

The projects could have been sighted in Ibadan, Oyo state where I started my business exploit but I chose to add value to ancestral home by refusing to forget or ignore my roots as instructed by my late father.

Upon completion of the fertilizer blending plant and rice mill, we shall be creating at least 10,000 direct and indirect jobs for our teeming population which shall be a means of employment opportunities.

•A cross section of Civil Servants at the event.

•A Cross section of State of Osun Commissioners at the programme.

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 other 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.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

TAX MATTERS

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

10

Revenue Losses From Withholding Tax It is no longer news that virtually all the states of the Federation have been on redirection towards revamping their revenue generation bases from solely relying on proceeds from the oil sector to taxes as the only reliable means of revenue generation. What is tax all about? We need to have an indepth knowledge of what tax entails before dwelling on the core focus of this write up.

Tax by definition, is a financial charge or other levy imposed upon a taxpayer (an individual or legal entity) by a state or the functional equivalent of a state to fund various public expenditures like: Infrastructure Projects, Public Security, Health Services among others.

Infrastructure: There is no gainsaying the fact that Government needs money to build roads, bridges and rebuild classes in public schools and a number of other projects which are available to the society as a whole.

Relying on government alone to fund these projects is no longer feasible, as a result of the dwindling revenue from the government purse.

Public Security: Money collected from taxes goes a long way in securing lives and property of individuals and the citizenry. Security consumes a lot of money; hence a Trust Fund such as being practiced by the Lagos State Government would go a long way in securing lives and property. Private organisations as well as public spirited individuals could team up with the government through donations both in cash and equipment to actualize this dream. If lives and property are secured, people would be confident to

‘

Withholding Tax is an Income Tax withheld from employees’ wages and paid directly to the government by the employer. It is a tax levied on income in the form of dividend, rents, interests, director’s fees, gambling winnings, commissions etc from securities owned by a non-resident.

By Babalola Wasiu

embark on their daily livelihoods without any hindrance.

Health Services: Government sees it as her primary assignment to provide free or subsidised health services to its citizens. This may include preventive immunisation shots, disaster relief and many others.

All these and many more are funded by the tax money you and I pay. That is why it is incumbent on every individual who earns income as well as corporate entities to see tax payment as inevitable.

Tax is of various types depending on the scope of income operation. People have been accustomed to various types of taxes like: Income tax, company tax and value added tax just to mention a

few, but unlike withholding tax, hardly do people know about it. Even majority of the people that do pay withholding tax do not do it right, especially with regards to the address of the recipient of such tax.

To expatiate on this, Withholding Tax is an Income Tax withheld from employees’ wages and paid directly to the government by the employer. It is a tax levied on income in the form of dividend, rents, interests, director’s fees, gambling winnings, commissions etc from securities owned by a nonresident. The amount withheld is a credit against the income taxes the employee must pay during the year.

And how this tax (withholding Tax) is paid to the state depends on the address that the tax payer used in his or her ‘Employee’s Withholding

’

Allowance Certificate’. Now, this is the area of concern. Based on the recently conducted research on Withholding Tax, tax on withholding that is due to the coffers of the state is being presently used to develop some states of the federation.

The state of Osun is losing revenue to the tune of N10 billion yearly as a result of non-remittance of withholding taxes of Osun indigenes transacting businesses in other states.

This comes about, just because the various Osun indigenes in diaspora (I mean, taxpayers on withholding tax) did not use Osun address in their ‘Employee’s Withholding.

•Babalola Wasiu is the Press Secretary, Osun Internal Revenue Service.

OBITUARY CHIEF FESTUS AKINOLA Chief Festus Akanbi Akinola, born Mudashiru Akinola, died in the early hours of Friday, February 2, 2018 aged 88. He served in the public service as a renowned teacher in the old Osun District of present Osun State, retired as a senior educational supervisor in the 80s.

He was born in the Fagbure’s Compound of Ikire, headquarters of Irewole Local government to late Pa Salaawu and Madam Suwebatu Akinola, both of blessed memory. He had his early Primary School in Holy Cross Catholic School, Ikire where he became popular with the Catholic priests of those days that he was offered scholarship for further studies.

Chief Festus Akinola was the third of the siblings, Uztaz Salimonu, Uztaz Alhaji Tijjani, Madam Abibatu and Madam Amudatu all of blessed memory.

Other siblings are Chief Mufutau Ishola Akinola, (father of Ayo Moshood Akinola, an SSA to Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun), as well as Chief Simeon Shuiab Ashamu Akinola, a retired Airforce Officer.

Born on June 2, 1930, he started primary education in January

1947 and passed out with primary leaving certificate in 1955. He attended St. John Teacher Training College between 1958 and 1959 and graduated with Grade 3 teacher certificate.

HE also attended St. Leo’s Teachers College, Abeokuta, Ogun State between 1962 and 1963; and attended Project Time, Yaba, Lagos from 1978 to 1979 where he graduated with Grade 1 Certificate in Education.

His working experience either as a teacher and Head master are as follows: St Joseph’s RCM School Apomu, 1956-1958; St Richard’s RCM School, Oloba, January 1960December 1960; St. Attractas RCM School, Iwata, January 1961December 1961; St. Anthony Secondary Modern School, Iwo, now St. Anthony Grammar School, Iwo, 1964-1965; St. Augustine RCM School, Iwo 1966-1970; St. Nicholas RCM School, Otan Ayegbaju 19701974; and St. Barnabas Anglican School, Apomu, 1974-1975. Others are St Julius RCM School, Temidire, Owu 1975-1976; ADC Primary School, Mokore 2,1976-1978; St David Anglican School, Ikoyi 19791980; Fatima College Ikire, 19801985; CAC School, Sanngo, Ikire, 1985-1988, Holy Cross Catholic

School, Ikire 1980-1990 He retired from teaching service in 1990 He got married to Mrs Theresa Abiodun Akinola in 1965.

His social activities include, President of Ilupeju Cooperative Thrift and Credit Society, Ikire; President Ikire Club 80; President Fagbure, Ibiduni Cooperative Thrift Society; former Chairman, Headmaster’s Association of Irewole Local Government; Patron, Oredegbe C. T.C.S. Ikire; former Chairman of Fatima College PTA Forum; Member, Orisunbare CTCs Society, Ikire; Member Board of Governing Council of Fatima College, Ikire and St Augustine Commercial Grammar School, Ikire He was installed Baraleye of Ikire in 1994 and was member of Akire in Council He travelled to Jerusalem in 2010 on Holy Pilgrimage.

He was blessed with children: Mrs Oluyemisi Christiana

Ogunmekan, Engr. Olusegun Sunday Akinola, Mr. Nicholas Olusola Akinola, Mr. Olukayode Sylvester Akinola, Mrs. Oludayo Cecelia Olaoye, Mrs. Olubunmi Comfort Owolabi, Mrs. Oluwaseyi Cecelia Olaniyan and Mr. Felix Ademola Akinola.

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

11

Excerpts from “CAPTAIN: IN THE STORM OF LIFE”, a biography of Israel Ademola Gbadebo Haastrup, authored by Olakunle Abimbola. In chapter 23, ‘Post-Oschoffa Crises’ the author elucidates on the crises that greeted the succession of the late Reverend SBJ Oschoffa, FounderProphet, Pastor, Celestial Church of Christ (CCC).

Captain: In The Storm Of Life - ‘Post-Oschoffa Crises’ W d

H i

O d

P a s t o r Oschoffa want to succeed him?

He probably did not know, if some accounts are to be believed.

S e n i o r Evangelist Haastrup posited that the pastor always maintained that he had no authority from God to appoint a successor, and that God Himself would perform that task. So did Mrs Edith Oschoffa-Adewusi, daughter of the pastor who was by her father’s hospital bed in the last 10days of his life.

But suppose Evangelist Haastrup and Mrs Oschoffa-Adewusi were wrong, and Pastor Oschoffa indeed had someone in mind that, for the sake of church cohesion, he was reluctant to name?

Could it then be Supreme Evangelist Alexander Abiodun Bada who, logically as the second in command, ought to proceed to fill the pastoral vacancy? That was unlikely. For one, it would be stressing the logical when the Founder-Pastor himself had declared that faith, not logic, would be key to choosing his successor. For another, Pastor Oschoffa said his successor might not necessarily be the next in rank to him. Among the CCC flock, that was an open secret. But even among outsider, it was not such a secret, given the interview Pastor Oschoffa granted the Ogun State Television (OGTV), which Justice Victor Famakinwa, among other grounds, used to void the appointment of Supreme Evangelist Badaa’s pastor.

“I have concluded arrangement on the chosen leaders, but my successor is not the person who is immediate to me in rank. The person to be chosen may be a person who has just been a member of the congregation for six, five or 20 years. The spirit of God, which constituted the Church, will remain in his position and the chosen one will be honoured and respected.

But why the open-ended nature of the pastor’s prophecy, which threw the position of pastor wide open to just about anyone in the church, young or aged; new or old? Could the pastor have had Superior Senior Evangelist Samuel Olatunji Ajanlekoko in mind?

Superior Evangelist Ajanlekoko did not on record challenge for pastor after Pastor Oschoffa’s death. Still, he appeared eminently qualified, given that, by an account of the history of the church in Nigeria, Supreme Ajanlekoko was Pastor Oschoffa’s first Nigerian disciple. But since he then was on a full time job, he nominated Supreme Bada, who was a relation, to assist the CCC Founder.

But by the time Ajanlekoko retired from his job and was ready for full-time work in the church, Bada had become second-incommand. Till when he died, Pastor Oschoffa respected and honouored Ajanlekoko, fondly calling him “Eni Keji mi” (“My Partner”).

Though this version was not in the history of church in the CCC (Nigeria Diocese) Constitution, 1980, it is instructive that the three trustees on the church’s November 1958 Certificate of Incorporation, were listed in the

•Senior Evangelist Haastrup and his wife, Ngosi.

The fact of the matter was that when Pastor Oschoffa passed away on September 10, 1985, there was jostling in the church strong – and desperate – enough to grab for power.

‘

following order: “Samuel Olatunji Ajanlekoko, Alexander Abiodun Bada, (and) Alfred Folabi Babatunde Owoaje.” Was the pastor then hoping his first Nigerian disciple would succeed him, without creating any rupture in the church’s hierarchy?

Then, the Josiah Kayode Owodunni challenge.

Evangelist Owodunni has testified in court that the pastor, in his life time, has given hints to the CCC top hierarchy, that suggested that he, Owodunni, was indeed the anointed. To start with, Pastor Oschoffa, since 1984, had always called him ”Alaga-ga” (Top Chairman).

Then, the pastor also called him “Joseph” at table, where the CCC top hierarchy had dinner.

Thereafter, the pastor asked for water to be brought into the meeting. He offered the water in the basin to Ajanlekoko to drink, but he refused, saying that he (Pastor) was the father of all and (that) Pa Oschoffa should first drink the water. But Papa Oschoffa replied: ‘Let it be as Papa wished it.

So, Ajanlekoko drank the water, and after him, Papa Pastor/Founder drank the water and moved to Bada, and Bada drank the water. Similarly, he gave the water to Ogunlesi. He too drank the water.

Finally, Pa Oschoffa crossed to the Plaintiff on the left side, offered the water to him and ordered him to drink all the water in the basin and Plaintiff drank it all; and Pastor/ Founder stated: ‘It’s all and well with you and you are Joseph.’

The allusion to the story of Joseph in the Bible was clear.

Evangelist Owodunni was among the least to lead them all – just as Joseph, 11th of the 12 sons of Jacob (later

’

renamed Isreal), would survive being sold into slavery to become lord and master, in the land of Egypt, over his treacherous siblings. That is a plausible interpretation. But why did Pastor Oschoffa first offer the basin to Ajanlekoko, drank after him, before offering it to Bada, his second-incommand? Was it an indirect way of saying Ajanlekoko would be Pastor after the Founder had passed on? That could also be a plausible interpretation!

The fact of the matter was that when Pastor Oschoffa passed away on September 10, 1985, there was jostling in the church strong – and desperate – enough to grab for power. That tendency, the penchant to fissure the church, worried the pastor enough that he openly decried it. The pastor, an account insisted, condemned the creeping factions in the church, saying such would be akin to ripping both his body and his soul. Still, when Supreme Evangelist Bada was proclaimed successor to Founder Oschoffa as Pastor for CCC declaration in good faith. But a counter-prophesy would change all that and send the church into a maelstrom of discontent from which it is yet to recover.

The Benin Deal, Bada’s Coronation and Counter-Prophesy Pastor Oschoffa died on September 10, 1985, after a fatal auto-crash had, on September 1, 1985, claimed the lives of some of trusted aides, including Superior Evangelist Abiassi, the CCC pastor’s representative, with whom he was travelling to Ibadan. He was buried on October 19, 1985, in Imeko, Ogun State, Nigeria, in circumstances that closely resembled

what happened in the Porto-Novo jungle when he started the CCC mission on May 23, 1947.

Supreme Evangelist Bada was installed as pastor and successor to the Founder-Prophet-Pastor on December 24, 1985. Though the flock in Benin Republic reportedly kicked against the coronation while they were still grieving for their pastor and founder, it appeared to have generally gone well.

The coldness from the Republic of Benin was, according to some accounts, borne out of a deal gone sour between the Nigeria Diocese, under the Board of Trustees and Benin Diocese, under the Supreme Council. When Pastor Oschoffa died, there was Supreme Evangelist, A.A. Bada; and four s u p e r i o r evangelists, Benois Agbaossi (head of Benin Diocese), Samuel o. Ajanlekoko (head of Nigeria Diocese), Phillip Ajose (head of CCC overseas – Europe and America) and Abiassi, Oschoffa’s secretary and the CCC pastor’s representative – in that order of seniority. Supreme Bada was, therefore, above the four superiors, being the sole supreme evangelist worldwide.

Mrs Oschoffa-Adewusi alleged that Supreme Bada, in his group’s scheming for the pastorate, climbed down from his high pedestal to join forces with the bulk of the Nigeria Board of Trustees (and the Nigeria Diocese was under one of the four superior evangelists), to negotiate some trade-offs with the Benin Supreme Council, under SuperiorAgbaossi. Nigeria had the numbers.

Benin had the cradle. And both sides must have thought they could, quid pro quo, wrap up the pastorate between them. The negotiations first went well: Nigeria (that is Supreme Bada and his group) would have the pastorate. In exchange, Benin (that is, Superior Agbaossi and his Supreme Council) would host the yearly pilgrimage to the Celestial “Jerusalem” which, under the agreement, would be the Seme Beach. But that arrangement would have breached the Oschoffa dictate that wherever entombed his body would be the New Jerusalem. That should have been Imeko, soon to host Oschoffa’s sepulcher …”

12

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

ENCOUNTER

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

I Married Two Wives For My Husband - Alhaja Rafatu Awofisayo Born to a christian family in Ile-Ife and named Janet about 96years ago, Alhaja Rafatu Ademinure Awofisayo, nee Ademiluyi, the mother of the Chairman, Osun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prince Felix Awofisayo is a known name in the Islamic group and associations in Ile-Ife and has made immense contributions to the development of the religion and humanity generally in the ancient town.

Married to the late Jimoh Elutide Awofisayo, the aged mother of eight, said in an interview that, “I was born to a Christian family and my original name was Janet when I was in school. When it was the time to get married, it was my mother that gave me out in marriage to my husband, the late Jimoh Elutide Awofisayo. It was when I got married that I became a Muslim.

“When I was still a Christian, I was so proactive in school and in church to the extent that I was the one leading choir and some other activities until I got married.

Initially, members of my family were angry that I got married to a Muslim, but when I had my first child, my family members came for the naming ceremony and they saw that my husband was so famous and nice.

Subsequently, they were happy that I got married to my husband. My first child was named Abdul-Lateef Adeyemi Awofisayo, the son of Ologundudu Bada”.

The proactiveness of the nonagenarian in church activities when she was still a Christian recurred and she became more proactive in the Islamic cycle despite her Christian background.

It was her efforts in the religion that propelled the mosque congregation to honour her with respected titles and subsequently she was turbaned “Ajinawo Adinni”. She said, “Few years after, I was honoured with another title of “Agbesinga Adinni”. After this honour, I became more committed and few years after again, I was turbaned as the second-in-command to “Iyalaje Adinni”, that is Igbakeji Iyalaje. After the death of the then substantive Iyalaje, I was

In any marital relationship, there will be period of ups and downs but God saw us through. I even married two wives for my husband; and I went to my first Hajj with my husband.

subsequently turbaned “Iyalaje Adinni”. Also at the mosque in my husband compound at Ita-Agbon, I am the “Iya Sunna” while I am still the head of all the wives. I now became a rallying point for everyone, both in the Islamic and family cycle”.

She said that subsequently, the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) offered to make her the Matron having seen her contributions to the development of Islam which she gladly accepted and now, she is the Grand Patron of the association in Ile-Ife axis.

To justify her desire to do more towards the upliftment of the religion, she donated an acre of land to FOMWAN and sold her house to start the construction of a Mosque for the association, which was recently completed with the help of her children and handed over to the

association for their Asalatu (prayers).

On her educational background, she said, “I was also going to school but it was when I was about to be promoted to Form 2 that I was withdrawn from school and started working with my mother in her business of pap preparation and sales after the death of my father to ensure that my two elder brothers are able to further their education.

“I was into this business with my mother. Later, I left the business and started selling provisions which I did until my marriage. Later, I ventured into palm oil business, which I did until I stopped giving birth to children and using the proceeds of the business to give my children education. All my children are well educated and now doing well in their different endeavours. I struggled so well on my children

•(L-R) Prince Felix Awofisayo, Alhaja Rafatu, Prince Albert Awofisayo and others during the public presentation of the mosque.

•Alhaja Rafatu and her late husband, Alhaji Jimoh Awofisayo.

•The newly constructed mosque donated to FOMWAN by Alhaja Rafatu Awofisayo.

•Alhaja Rafatu Awofisayo

and I thank God that today, they are doing very well. Later I ventured into the business of sales of beers and it was from that business that I began to build my house”.

On the relationship between her and her late husband, Alhaja Rafatu said, “the relationship was very smooth because I was submissive to my husband and that is working well for my children today. In any marital relationship, there will be period of ups and downs but God saw us through. I even married two wives for my husband; and I went to my first Hajj with my husband. It was on our return from hajj that our houses were built side by side”.

According to her, the secret of her success and mercies of God is that “I stand with nothing but almighty God and I have come to realise that once you stand with God and you have a just mind to others, everything will be working well for you as it is working well for me and my family today.

She urged parents to be patient and pay adequate attention to the care of their children, as well as to be submissive to their husband, saying, this is one secret for any woman to succeed as a mother and a wife.

Alhaja Rafatu Awofisayo is blessed with successful children: Prince Felix Awofisayo, Ganiyu Albert Awofisayo, Mukaila Martins Awofisayo, Silifat, Amudat Idowu and Sherifat.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

13

Govt Insists No Lassa Fever In Osun •Only Case Imported From Ondo Even as Lassa fever is repeatedly ravaging in fever is transferred from some states in Nigeria, the State of Osun them to humans”, government has assured its citizens that there was adding that the no outbreak of the dreaded disease in the state. incubation period for This was made known transmitted, Dr. Musa Lassa fever is between 2

by Dr. Adeola Musa, revealed that it is mostly to 21 days.

State Epidemiologist, contracted from rodents “A way of preventing Osun State Ministry of which are the primary this disease is by Health recently in vector and then to engaging in hand Osogbo. human beings. washing especially after Dr. Musa revealed “The rodent especially touching droplets or that due to the rat is the vector and since urine of these rodents proactiveness of the state most of them are found and maintaining a high government, no Lassa within human level of hygiene amongst fever case has been environment, Lassa our people. recorded in the state.

While reassuring residents of their safety, she also revealed that the earlier reported incident Nigerians from different walks of life have of a Lassa fever case at condemned the continued practice of Female Genital the Obafemi Awolowo Mutilation (FGM) by a section of the populace.

University Teaching This condemnation is run, she may have Hospital Complex coming on the heels of the long problems associated with (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, was day set aside for the child birth and the female imported from Ondo campaign against ending may end up being state as the patient did of FGM. promiscuous since the not contract the disease According to Mrs. outer labia which would from Osun.

Esther Oke, a retired Chief have made her to enjoy The Epidemiologist Nursing Officer, she sexual intercourse has that been cut off”. also revealed that maintained Religiously, she also c o m m u n i c a t i o n healthwise, the cutting of channels have been the female genitals can revealed that there was no opened up between the cause some health chapter in the Holy Bible State of Osun and Ondo problems which may be or verse in the Quran which support female state so as to commence long or short term.

In the short term, she circumcision. contact tracing of people disclosed that, “the female Mrs. Oke noted that who had come in contact may bleed to death or female circumcision with the patient. contract some disease due which internationally is On how the disease is to infections while in the referred to as female

FGM:

She warned that in case of any feverish condition witnessed amongst individuals in a locality, it should be reported to the nearest health facility where proper investigation would be carried out to ascertain whether it was Lassa fever or not, adding that people should desist from using their hands as thermometers as this has a very high risk on transferring any

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO infectious disease from one person to the other.

While recalling how the state government in time past had worked tirelessly to ensure that diseases such as Ebola fever and monkey pox which affected some states in the country did

not occur in Osun, the state epidemiologist commended the government and charged the citizens to always work with the authorities in their efforts to provide affordable health care to its people.

Osun Ranked Highest In Nigeria genital mutilation has Osun as the state with the highest rate of practice in the country while Ede North local government has the highest in the state and Ife Central local government with the lowest.

According to her, research also revealed that the practice of FGM was predominantly among the educated class and especially amongst the men.

Dr. Olagunju Olukayode, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with Crustal Hospital, a private hospital in Osogbo noted

that although the government had tried and is still trying, there is more to be done in the area of advocacy, education and applying the law to deal with offenders where necessary.

He maintained that despite government intervention, FGM was common amongst traditionalists and that it was a practice that was tied up with the culture of the people.

Both were of the opinion that contrary to the belief that any female not circumcised end up being promiscuous, they

hinted that it was the circumcised female who has the tendency of being promiscuous because she may find it difficult to get sexual pleasure.

As per the issue of itching of the genitalia amongst female children, they both agreed that it was due to poor hygiene, as vaginal itching can be experienced by both the circumcised and uncircumcised females depending on how clean they were.

The theme of the year 2018 celebration is: “Ending FGM/Cutting Is A Political Decision”.

14

NEWS

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

Aregbesola Calls On Nigerians To Intensify Efforts On Food Production •Lays Foundation For Rice, Fertilizer Plants Nigerians have been charged on attitudinal change towards ensuring that the country is self sufficient in food production with a view to banishing hunger across the nation.

This charge was made during the foundation

by Governor of the state laying ceremony of of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf “Sanrot Agro-Allied Rice Aregbesola on Tuesday mill and Fertilizer

Blending Plant” in IjebuJesa owned by a business mogul, Chief Rotimi Obeisun.

Ogbeni Aregbesola also joined Chief Rotimi Obeisun to commission other projects under the

Timsed group of companies which include: hotel and holiday centre, civic centre and cinema, food and confectionery section, water and beverage bottling plant

and Timsed radio and television broadcasting service to mark his 60th birthday celebrations.

He stressed the need for the country to stop exporting raw materials and importing finished items, a situation which the governor said is contributing to the dwindling economic fortunes of the nation.

He explained that the rice mill which has the capacity to produce ten

million tons of rice per annum will go a long way in providing a ready market for rice farmers in Osun and environs.

The Governor also commended the fertilizer blending plant saying it will be a major boost to the state’s economy as it will be able to produce about one hundred thousand metric tons of fertilizer when fully operational.

•Continued on paage 9

Osun Sets To Reform Public Service

By Damilola Olujide

•(L-R) Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi; Former Military Administrator in Osun, Col. Theophilus Bamigboye at the 60th birthday ceremony of Chief Rotimi Obeisun at Ijebu Ijesa, State of Osun on Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Osun Assembly Charges Building Professionals On Quality The State of Osun House of Assembly has assured of adequate legislations that would strengthen the Physical Planning, Urban Development and Building Control in the state.

Chairman, House Committee on land, physical planning and urban development, Hon. Nurein Adebisi gave the assurance on Thursday at an interactive meeting with the state branch of Bricklayers, Association of Nigeria at the House of Assembly Complex, Osogbo.

Hon. Adebisi stated that the meeting was called to put head together on building profession in other to lift the state to greater height.

He said the gathering was necessary to

deliberate on the success of the environment and future of the state.

He described the association as important stakeholder in the building profession.

According to him, “this meeting becomes necessary so that they can also have their input in the process of consideration of the bill”.

The chairman who reacted to submission by individual members assured that the bill when finally passed into law would put an end not only to the lapses in the

physical and urban development but would also sanitize the building profession.

However, in his remark, the president of Bricklayer Association in Osun, Chief Mathew Oladapo noted the unnecessary delay associated with approval of building plan, high rate of building permit as well as controversy that usually happen between officers of capital Territory and Town Planning Authorities.

He urged Government to reduce plan fees and to speed up work on plan process handling by the town planning departments.

In his contribution, Chairman Nigeria

YELLOW PAGE ADVERT SECTION CONTACT JIMMY ADAMS: 08038144394 • Hal-Shak Stores, (Textile Materials and Household Items), Flat 2 Upstairs, Opposite Fabunmi Filling Station Adjacent GT Bank, Gbongan/Ibadan Road, Osogbo. Tel: 08065377265, 08116758811 • Teemus Travels and Tours, 20A, Ayetoro road, Opposite Church Street, Ayetoro Osogbo. Tel: 08094411059, 08141338213 • FERO Mobile, All Telecoms outlets in Osun and Environs Tel: 08103579009 • Paush Beauty Lounge, 1st floor Thermocool Building, beside PDP Secretariat, Gbongan/Ibadan Road Osogbo. Tel: 08139524099 • Adolak Hotel, Gbongan-osogbo Express road, opp. Old Governor’s Office, Osogbo. Tel: 07012976901, 08036347180 • LG Main Showroom, Km3 Gbongan/Ibadan Road, Osogbo. Tel: 08033851991 • PEC, Gbongan Ibadan Road, Opposite 7up, Osogbo and 35, Mayfair, Ibadan Road, Ile-Ife. Tel: 08077535462 • DAMJAY Grand Royal Palace, Km 3 Ogo-Oluwa Area, Back of NIPCO Filling Station, Gbongan-Ibadan Road, Osogbo. Tel: 07065252121

Institute of Architect in the state, Mr Goke Omigbodun urged different professional bodies to come up with what can help move the state forward in building.

Also, in his contributions, the commissioner for Land, and Physical Planning, Hon. Akinajo Kolawale urged every agency concern with building to bear its cross in other to handle whoever is responsible for lapses that emanates from poor structures.

In their separate remark, all the representatives of the professional body urged that there should be control for every building agency in the state.

They want the Government to listen to their opinions to move the state forward.

Meanwhile other members of the committee stressed the need for a law that would ensure effectiveness of town planning administration in the state.

It will be recalled that a bill for a law to provide for the administration of physical planning, urban development, urban regeneration and building control in the state and for the connected purposes was before the House for consideration.

The meeting was attended by every stakeholder in the building sector such as Nigeria Institute of Architect (NIA), Nigeria Institute of Builders (NIOB), Nigeria Society of Engineer (NSE), Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyor and Values (NIESU), Bricklayer Association, Nigeria, Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and others.

The Government of the state of Osun has embarked on series of reforms aimed at placing its Public Service on a higher pedestal with the aim of making it the best in Africa in terms of productivity and efficiency.

This will not only place Manager of Osun it on the world map but P u b l i c P r o c u r e m e n t rather make it the envy of Agency, Mr. Fatoberu other Public Services Ayodele said the within and outside the Government of the State of country.

Osun recognises the The Special Adviser to importance of the Governor on p r o c u r e m e n t , Productivity, Efficiency which is why it signed the and Due Process, Mr. Act into law, having been Ademola Adeyinka gave passed earlier by the State this hint while playing House of Assembly. host to the Chairman of He said the the Institute of Purchasing Procurement Agency is and Supply Management the flagship of Due Process of Nigeria, Pastor Amos and by so doing, it is Adekunle in his office in anchored on the state capital. professionalism as it Also speaking in the relates to other divisions same vein, the General or departments.

Osun Govt Commiserates With FRCN Management Over Fire Disaster

By Ismaeel Uthman The government of the State of Osun has commiserated with the management of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Gold Fm, Ilesa on the fire outbreak that gutted the radio station, describing it as an unfortunate incident.

Commissioner for profession and economic Information and Strategy sector.” in the state, Mr. Adelani OSUN DEFENDER Baderinwa who paid a gathered that the fire condolence visit to the incident started at about 5 station on Monday, said pm on Saturday and the fire disaster has destroyed equipment brought a setback to the worth millions of naira. dissemination of Eye witnesses information in the state. recounted that workers on Baderinwa said the duty noticed a wild smoke government shared in the on the roof of the station’s pains of the FRCN building and raised alarm management, just as he to the community. thanked God that no life It took the intervention was lost in the fire of men of the Osun State incident.

Fire Service in Ilesa to put He promised that the out the fire after about an state government would hour. assist the radio station in Places affected at the making sure that all radio station are the live necessary help are and recording studios, garnered for its engineering, programmes, resuscitation. marketing, Accounts and The commissioner said: A d m i n i s t r a t i o n “We thank God that no life departments. was lost in the incident.

We call on everybody in the state to be conscious CHANGE OF NAME and very careful in That ADEBAYO WASIU handling electronic appliances, to prevent fire KAYODE, and ADEBAYO A B D U L W A S I U outbreak in the future. are the same “All well-meaning OLAYINKA person, but now wish to be Nigerians should rise up known and addressed as to assist Gold FM for the ADEBAYO WASIU resuscitation of the station. KAYODE. All former The role of Gold FM documents remain valid. cannot be over General public should take emphasised in the media note.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

CRIME

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

15

Police Nabs 23-Yr-Old Cultist Over Illegal Possession Of Gun, Robbery A 23-year-old suspected cultist, Akinleye Yusuf has been remanded in Ilesa prison by an Osogbo Magistrate Court for allegedly killing a woman in Osogbo.

The murder was said Old Garage, Osogbo. to have been committed Akinleye was alleged on the 5th day of August, to have unlawfully killed 2017, around 06:50am at one Bintu Anifowose by

shooting her with a gun which led to her death.

The accused, popularly known as “Baba Esu” was also said to be a member of an unlawful confraternity known as “Aiye Black Axe Secret

cult” The prosecutor, Inspector Oladoye Joshua told the court that the accused committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 312 and 316 and punishable under Sections 319(1) and 64 (a)(b) of the Criminal code CAP 34 volume II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

The accused was represented by Mr. Okobe Najite, but his plea was not taken owing to the magnitude of the case.

In a different case, the accused person was alleged of illegal

possession of gun and robbery.

Similarly, the suspect had been arraigned alleged robbery and illegal possesion of firearms.

The accused person was caught around OkeFia, Osogbo with an unlawful possession of one local made single barrel size gun at about 5:00pm The accused who armed himself with dangerous weapons robbed one Funke Ogunwoye of her Tecno Mobile phone valued (N5,500) and cash of 297,000 all totally valued 302,500.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Joshua Oladoye stated that the accused committed the offences contrary to section 6(b) and punishable under sections 1(2)(a)(b) 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap Rll Vol.14 laws of Federation Nigeria, 2004.

The accused person plea was not taken.

The magistrate, O.A Ayilara, remanded him in Ilesha prison custody.

He then adjourned the case till 30 of March for mention.

Ponzi Operator Dupes Police Officers, Others N1.8m •A scene of an accident involving a Stationary Truck and Previa Space Bus at IpetuIjesa, State of Osun, last Sunday.

Photo: LUKMAN USSEIN

A 44-year-old staff of a suspected ponzi scheme, Monrole Global Incorporated Company, Israel Otaru, has been accused of swindling 11 persons, including police officers and public servants seeking grants to engage in agriculture from the company.

Otaru had been standing trial before an Osogbo Magistrate court and had spent some days in Ilesa prison before he was eventually released II laws of Osun State, on bail.

Nigeria, 2003.

At the resumed hearing Oyebola Johnson who of the matter, some of the is the complainant told victims narrated how the court that Otaru allegedly Qomarudeen broke the defrauded them after they window burglary proof had paid the sum of of his house and stole the N1,826,000 to him for the sum of N150,000, one e m p o w e r m e n t galaxy Samsung S7 Edge opportunity. phone, valued N350,000, They alleged that Otaru one Bontel phone claimed the scheme was (N25,000), one back pack for agricultural (N10,000), complete male empowerment and not a dress (N20,000), one HP ponzi scheme, but they laptop (N250,000) all were shocked when they totalled N850,000. discovered that they did He also told the court not receive any grant and that it was the State their money was not Security Service (SSS) returned. that helped him to track One of the victims, Mr. the phone and he was Sanusi Kolawole traced to the exact Babatunde, a police location in Ibadan, Oyo officer, told the court that State, where he was the accused person was arrested. introduced to him as an IT ‘The accused pleaded officer with Monrole guilty to the two count Global Company by one charges preferred against Alhaja Mogaji before he him. allegedly gave him some Counsel of the money. He informed the accused, Okobe Najite, court he gave Otaru a total pleaded that the court sum of N331,500, which should temper justice did not reflect in the with mercy because the company’s account. accused has never According to the police committed such offence officer, “I was told to pay before and he has learnt the sum of N31,500 for his lessons. registration in order to get After a short break, the me an E-pin, which would Magistrate O.T. Badmus link me with the company, in his judgment and that there was sentenced Qomarudeen another programme to 16 months known as ‘fast track,’ imprisonment with which would cost option of N10,000 fine for N300,000. Since I also the first count charge and invest in farming, I sold 10 12 months imprisonment of my rams for N50,000 with no option of fine for each and paid the money the second court. into Mr. Israel’s account. I didn’t transfer the money CHANGE OF NAME in order to have an That I formerly known as evidence of the payment.”

MISS ALIMI TAWAKALIT Babatunde further told BUKOLA, With Date of the court that he invited Birth 10th October, 1994 now wish to be known and addressed two of his friends, based as MRS. MUYIDEEN in Lagos, and that they TAWAKALITU BUKOLA. also paid into the accused With Date of Birth 10th person’s account some October, 1992 All former amount of money. He said documents remain valid. First he also introduced the Bank and General public should take note. scheme to one retired

Man Sentenced To 28 Months Imprisonment

By David Adejuwon

An Osogbo Magistrate court in Osun on Tuesday, sentenced a 33-year-old man Abdul Fatai Qomarudeen (Oko-arewa) to prison over burglary and theft.

The Prosecutor, Rasaq defendant committed the told the court that the offence on May 11, 2017,

at Agojesu area, Iludun quarters Osogbo.

Sergeant Rasaq said the offence committed is contrary to and punishable under section 410, 390 (a) of the criminal code cap. 34 vol.

UPCOMING EVENTS

police officer.

“Otaru would always come to Osogbo from Ilorin secretly to defraud other victims. We later discovered that he did not remit the money to the company’s account and that he had already committed similar offence in the company that cost him his job,” the police officer alleged.

Another victim, Mrs. Ogunbanjo Opeyemi, who is a public servant, told the court that the Chief Executive Officer of the Monrole company, Mr. A. Jude, told the victims when they contacted the office that all money collected by Otaru, was not remitted to the company’s account and that he had been declared wanted after he was allegedly caught stealing E-pins.

But the defence counsel, Tunbosun Oladoyin, told the court that all the evidence brought before the court were not tenable because all the money paid into the accused person’s account would have definitely reflected in the company’s account if his client truly obtained them from the victims.

The accused person had pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge bothering on fraud and stealing.

The Police prosecutor, Sergeant Ajayi Sunday, argued that the accused person defrauded other victims, including Alhaja Sherifat and Daramola Samson, and converted the money to his personal use.

The count II of the charge reads in part: “That you (accused) and others at large on January 11, 2017 in Osogbo did fraudulently obtain the sum of one million eight hundred and twenty six thousand naira (N1,826,000,00) only from one woman, Magaji Zainab, with pretence of registering her into Monrole Global Incorporated company, knowing same to be false.”

HEALTH

.

.

THE SIXTH MOST VISITED WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

.

.

Govt Insists No Lassa Fever In Osun P. 13

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2018

A New Dawn In Democratic Representation This is the remarks made by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of Osun, at the swearing-in ceremony of 389 councillors that will form the parliaments of the local governments in the state on Tuesday February 6, 2018.

We are gathered here to inaugurate 389 councillors representing the same number of wards in the state. This will be followed by the inauguration of the parliaments from whence will emerge the governments in the Local Government Councils, Local Council Development Areas, Area Councils and Administrative Offices in the state.

The councillors emerged after a keenly contested election on January 27, 2018, following many years of delayed tactics employed by those who are afraid of their inevitable defeat and rejection at the polls in the grassroots.

It is most pleasing to see democratic government return to the local governments after many tryst with caretaker committees and executive secretaryship.

The process culminating in today’s ceremony is in fulfilment of Section 7 (1) of the Nigerian constitution that requires that ‘The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the Government of every State shall, subject to section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their existence under a Law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils.’

There have been genuine concern as well as malicious opposition to the adoption of parliamentary system of government at the local government, when in contrast, we have the executive system at the national and state levels.

Such fears and worries are unfounded.

First, our decision is not against the constitution, as quoted earlier. Nowhere did it mention executive or parliamentary – only that it must be democratic – and parliamentary system is as democratic as you can ever get.

You will recall that in 2012, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria asked for memoranda on the review of the 1999 Constitution. A 15-man committee was set up in Osun under the chairmanship of Barrister Gbadegesin Adedeji to aggregate the opinion and views from the state. The committee held public sittings for three weeks during which members of the public, institutions, nongovernmental organisations and others made their various submissions.

In the end, it was the overwhelming wish of the people, as stated in the committee’s report, that parliamentary system of government be adopted at all levels of government. What we have done therefore is to defer to the wish of the people in their clamour for parliamentary system of government.

Secondly, parliamentary system is more democratic, compared to the executive, in that the executive system tends towards dictatorship, arbitrariness and absolutism, since power is concentrated in one man’s hand, with little or no check. Whereas, in a parliamentary system, the executive emerges from and is formed in the parliament, making the members of parliament to be members of the executive as well and the leadership of the executive to be first among equals, primus inter pares.

In a parliamentary system, decisions are taken collectively and must be agreed upon by the majority in the house while

members of the executive who are also parliamentarians can and are daily called to answer questions on any executive action taken.

Thirdly, because the executive members are appointed from parliament, a lot of cost is saved, compared to when fresh persons have to be appointed as ministers, commissioners, chairmen of councils etc. This system also saves campaign cost and reduces the impetus for corruption considering that a candidate only need to campaign in his or her constituency, unlike in the executive system where a presidential candidate must tour the whole country and a governorship candidate must tour the whole state while a chairmanship candidate must tour the entire local council.

The final reason parliamentary system is preferred is that it affirmed the supremacy of the political party. The party is an institution that is greater than an individual. It is a body that personifies the views, ideologies, beliefs and tendency of a political association. When a citizen joins a party, it is because he or she agrees for what it stands for. Indeed, parties campaign for elections on the strength of their tendency and field candidates that embody and will represent the party in every way. This brings stability, reliability, predictability and order to the political system. This is why studies have consistently shown that parliamentary systems are more stable and less prone to corruption, compared to the executive system.

Those who are familiar with the British Parliament and our experience in the First Republic will attest to the fact that parliamentary system deepens democracy

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.com

By Invitation

BY RAUF AREGBESOLA

and offers far greater political representation and effective governance than any other system.

This is the system the councillors being inaugurated today are getting into. You must therefore listen to your people and give them access. Your status has placed you in a position of leadership, but not in a position of supremacy and tyranny over the people.

You must also see yourselves as change agents that will transform governance at your local communities and deepen democratic practice with quality representation of your people.

Your first task therefore is to maintain sanitation of the environment. You must bring an end to the filth that tends to overrun our communities if care is not taken. You must take ownership of waste management by working with the relevant government agencies and private operators to make our state to be spic and span, neat and beautiful to behold.

Secondly, you must also take charge of the various markets in your communities.

You will organise the people and get them to buy and sell only in the markets and eliminate any form of street trading. Street trading is primitive, dangerous, contributes to garbage accumulation and impedes road traffic. There must be no room for it again.

Thirdly, but not less important, is revenue generation. You will galvanise all resources at your disposal to generate revenue for the government. We all take the government for granted in the past, but as we all see now, without revenue there can be no government. You must therefore generate revenue from all taxable adults and businesses within your various constituencies.

‘

The final reason parliamentary system is preferred is that it affirmed the supremacy of the political party. The party is an institution that is greater than an individual. It is a body that personifies the views, ideologies, beliefs and tendency of a political association.

’

Lastly, you must take your election seriously as an opportunity to serve the people and not for frivolous engagement and primitive accumulation. You must not be self-serving, but be constantly public-spirited.

Do not see your position as an instrument for perpetrating musical chairs in which leaderships of your councils are removed and installed at will, through conspiracy and subterfuge. The party remains supreme and must guide all actions, policies and positions, in the true spirit of parliamentarism. The falcon, to paraphrase WB Yeats, must hear the falconer, in order that things might stay together (and not fall apart) so that anarchy is not loosed upon the world.

I must thank all those who worked to make this project a reality. Immense thanks go to the participating political parties and the political class in the state for agreeing to the rules of the game and for making the election a huge success. In particular, I must commend our political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for representing the people very well and for presiding over a progressive government which has brought an unprecedented development to our state.

I must also thank the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) for its impartiality, fairness, diligence and for being truly independent.

Lastly but more importantly, I commend and salute the good people of Osun who have wholeheartedly and unwaveringly given us the opportunity to serve. We will continue to serve and will not disappoint you.

Once again, I congratulate all our councillors and the chairpersons that will emerge later.

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 Acting Editor, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, Telephone: 0806-220-7954, kazeemayofe26@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org., E-mail: osundefenderbank@gmail.com,