Issuu

Osun APC In Disarray Following Aregbesola’s Exit

THE poli cal land-

scape in Osun State has taken a signiﬁcant turn as the All Progressives Congress (APC) ﬁnds itself in a state of confusion and turmoil following the exit of former governor Rauf Aregbesola from the party.

The recent developments have raised quesons about the party’s coherence and leadership following the announcement by Aregbesola and his team of supporters, declaring they ceased being members of the APC just few days ago.

Aregbesola’s departure from the party has undoubtedly thrown the APC in Osun State into disarray. His longstanding inﬂuence and leadership within the party has le a

considerable void that will not be easy to ﬁll. Observers note that this unexpected exit could have serious repercussions for the party’s unity and electoral prospects in the state.

More so, the party’s decision to expel Aregbesola a er his announcement raises further quesons about the internal dynamics and decisionmaking processes within the APC.

According to Apesin Abiodun Adegoke, a member of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) in the state, it is illogical and unreasonable for APC to suspend someone who has ceased to be their member.

Adegoke said: “ How can you expel someone who is no longer a member of your party?” Many

are le wondering how the party intends to navigate this situa on and re-

store conﬁdence among its members and supporters.

•Aregbesola

“As it stands, the APC’s current predicament may signify a deeper existenal crisis, one from which recovery will take me and eﬀort. The leadership of the party may need to engage expatriates from outside Nigeria to ﬁx the disjointed party in Osun State and prevent further fragmenta on in ensuring a united front moving forward. “Agbonrin to so’pa, idunu olode wa ni.

“The future of the APC in Osun State hangs in the balance, and only me will tell how it will respond to these challenges. For now, it seems the party may remain in a poli cal coma, struggling to regain its foo ng in the wake of these tumultuous changes.”

Meanwhile, following the exit from the APC, many poli cal par es in

Tension In Osun Community Over Appointment Of Monarch

PEOPLE Of Ido Aye-

gunle, a se lement within the Esa-Oke community in Osun State, were s ll coun ng their losses a er the a ack by some hoodlums allegedly in police uniforms on Monday.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the crisis erupted in the town over disagreement on the appointment of Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi, as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle.

Speaking with newsmen in Osogbo, Esa-Oke Central Union, a group of indigenes of Esa-Oke alleged that some assailants in police uniform had on Monday invaded the town and shot dead four residents, leaving many others injured.

Mr Oladi Awodiran, who spoke on behalf of the union, said three vehicles were also razed in the premises of Owamiran of Esa Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran’s palace during the crises.

Awodiran, who said the pandemonium broke out a er the announcement of a new monarch for Ido Ayegunle by the Osun State Government, insisted that a stranger was appointed as a tradi-

•As Many Reportedly Killed, Several Injured

onal ruler over the community located within EsaOke town.

“The Esa Oke community had in the past vehemently resisted the a empt to install an oba or baale in the community as the said se lement is right inside Esa Oke Town, a few metres to the campus of Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke.

“My heart bleeds and my headaches as I stand before you today to inform you that men in police uniform invaded the Esa Oke community and started shoo ng sporadically, leading to the death of no fewer than four youths, while several others were wounded in the mayhem.

Three vehicles were also razed in the premises of the palace of Owamiran.

“To us, the appointment of a Baale or Oba on another town’s territory negates all logic, tradi on, and history. Esa Oke is in the Ijesa North Federal Cons tuency. The se lement (Ido Ajegunle) on which a monarch was appointed is Unit 11, a polling sta on under Esa Oke. As I stand here to address you, youths in Esa Oke are being arrested arbitrarily and are being moved

to unknown places,” Awodiran said.

He called on the heads of security agencies in the state, and the Oﬃce of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security to inves gate the killing in the community to bring to book the perpetrators.

But the state police command, having denied shoo ng residents of Esa Oke, said seven police opera ves were shot and injured by some yet-to-beiden ﬁed assailants while traveling to the community to quel the crises.

The state Police Public Rela ons Oﬃcer, Yemisi Opalola, said the police opera ves were on their way to Esa Oke, in response to a distress call when they were a acked by some assailants.

“Immediately the police were informed of the crisis in Obokun Area Command of Osun State precisely at Esa-Oke, the Commissioner of Police dra ed policemen from diﬀerent places to go there and ensure that calmness was brought to the area.

“When they got to a point on their way, very close to Esa Oke, they met logs of wood on the road crossing the road which did not give them passage. Some of the policemen came down to roll away the logs of wood so that they could pass to where they were going.

“As they came down, there were

gunshots from the bush around that place which injured seven policemen. They also quickly repelled from the area where they saw the gunshot coming from and which made them to arrest two of those hoodlums that were there.

“We have been working assiduously to ensure we arrest all the perpetrators of the criminal act. But for the policemen who were injured, we thank God that they didn’t die. They are recupera ng at the hospital now.

“This is the situa on, and we will con nue to update you on what is going on as and when due. When they were repelled, two of them sustained injury, and they were arrested by the police. After that, the inves ga on went ahead, and we were able to arrest another ﬁve.

“Yesterday (Sunday), two persons were arrested overnight. One of them is the mastermind of the crisis. They used to call him Obanla of Esa-Oke. His real name is Olayinka Olatunji Lawrence together with his son Daniel Olayinka. Apart from that, other seven people have been arrested, including the two persons who were arrested at the scene where they shot seven policemen. The total number of people that have been arrested in connec on with the crises in Esa-Oke is nine.”

She further said normalcy was returning to the community as police had already deployed more men into the scenes of the unrest to prevent further escala on.

Meanwhile, the state Governor, Ademola Adeleke has promised to set up a panel of inquiry to inves gate the issue with a vow to ﬁsh out the perpetrators.

The governor stated this when he visited the troubled community on Tuesday.

Speaking a er inspec ng the damages at the Owamiran of Esa-Oke palace where a car and the palace were torched, Governor Adeleke stressed the importance of peace to development, saying one should always vent grievances through peaceful means without resor ng to violence.

“Having listened to your grievances, I will set up a panel of inquiry to inves gate the matter and ensure that every culprit is brought to book. I will look at your complaints with the fear of God and ensure that everyone gets jus ce.

“You must all je son violence and embrace peace. It is unfortunate that we have a crisis in Ifon/Ilobu and now EsaOke; nothing is worth killing our people for,” he added.

Earlier in his remark, the Owamiran of EsaOke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, said his people are peace-loving and decided not to retaliate against the damage done to his palace and the wanton loo ng and destruc on of property belonging to his subject.

He demanded that the Baale of Ido-Ajegunle, kidnapped by some persons claiming to be police and youths arrested during the chaos unleashed on the town, be released.

the state has wooed him to join their party. Among the par es are the ruling Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples party (NNPP).

The Osun PDP Director of Media and Publicity, Oladele Bamiji, said Aregbesola is a big player in the poli cal ﬁeld of Osun State, saying it is unreasonable for anyone to wish him away.

Also, the state chapter of NNPP in a statement by the chairman, Dr Tosin Odeyemi, described Aregbesola as an asset which any poli cal party would love to have.

Osun Govt Reiterates Commitment To Improve Health Care

THE Osun State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving the health care system in the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Akintola, made the pledge on Thursday, while declaring open a two-day capacity building and retreat programme for staﬀ of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital.

The training themed, “Human Capacity and Resource Management in Ter ary Healthcare: Thinking and problem solving in the UTH transforma on agenda”, held at the skill acquisi on centre, Iragbiji, Osun State, was to improve the capaci es of the staﬀ at the hospital.

According to the Commissioner, the present administra on under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke has done a lot in the health sector and is willing to do more.

Lis ng some of the achievements of Adeleke’s administra on in the health sector, Barrister Akintola said 200 Primary Health Care Centres have been comprehensively renovated and upgraded in the last two years.

The Commissioner urged par cipants at the training to impact others posi vely with whatever they learn from the retreat.

“This capacity-building retreat was a ﬁrst of its kind. We have to build the capacity of our staﬀ and that is what we are experiencing here today. I want to advise the par cipants to learn from this retreat and impact whatever they

•Continued on Page 6

Yusuf Oketola

Kazeem Badmus

The OptOut Clause

SOCIAL arrangements at all levels are based on wri en down rules and a plethora of informal and unwri en agreements. Britain famously does not have a wri en constu on.

Nigeria’s ren er state an en ty based on consump on as opposed to producon had now in the ﬁerce heat of economic turbulence is now evolving its own survival skills for ci zens who can no longer just grin and best economic uncertain es.

It has been a long me coming-goingback decades. With the state focussed on grandiose and whiteelephant projects rather than the well being of the ci zens.

The ci zens opted for self-help. It started with the mundane such as the now ubiquitous” lesson teacher “ as a response to collapsing school standards and subsequently moved on up.

Today it is rou ne to have personal water systems, electricity generators, security systems paid for by communi es as well as street lights installed through community contribuons.

We have now revved up a gear; individuals and communi es are now into

a scramble for the acquisi on of Solar Panels and Satellite links for increasingly disrupted telecommunica ons link. It goes on and on.

What then is the purpose of any deﬁni on of society now that the ci zens have opted out ?, The role of the State is now focussed on it will appear the levy of a myriad of taxes the collec on of which I’d ruthlessly enforced even involving the use of non state actors.

The most puni ve tax of course is Inﬂaon the eﬀect of which I’d most pronounced and destruc ve on the least protected sectors.

Accompanied by under - performance the Nigerian state must now reinvent itself or be stymied under the weight of its internal contradic ons.

It is vital now to draw up a new social contract and restate the rights as well as the obliga ons of the ci zens. Interwoven is the need to move away from the ren er state and into a state based on produc ons and subsequently the principle of progressive taxa on.

The evidence is clear that the ren er state is unjust and unsustainable. We must start the reinven on of Nigeria straight in order to avoid a social combus on.

“The most punitive tax of course is Inﬂation the eﬀect of which I’d most pronounced and destructive on the least protected sectors”

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2025 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Issues & Policy

Routine Rush To Join Ruling Party

Eric Teniola

ON Friday December 19, 2008, Prince Vincent Eze Ogbulafor (24 May 1949- 6 October 2022) from Olokoro, Umuahia South local government of Abia State declared that his party the People’s Democra c Party (PDP) would rule Nigeria for the next sixty years. At the me he made the declara on, he was the ﬁ h Na onal Chairman of the party. Before him, the past Chairmen of the party were Chief Solomon Lar (1998-1999), Chief Barnabas Gemade (1999-2001), Chief Audu Ogbeh (20012005) and Colonel Ahmadu Ali (2005-2008).

Before his appointment as the Chairman of PDP, Chief Ogbulafor was the Minister of State on Economic Ma ers in the PRESIDENCY. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was then under him. His responsibili es as Minister of State were to formulate and issue economic intelligence guidelines for government projects, ensure monitoring of projects and progress rela ng to plan implementa on and supervise the Na onal Economic Intelligence Commi ee (NEIC).

In 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR appointed other Ministers of State and placed them under THE PRESIDENCY. They include Mr. Abayomi Edu (79) and Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, a consultant Physician and Cardiologist, from Ibowon, Epe in Lagos state, who is also a member of the Amala group, a group of eminent journalists who meets monthly at Bunmi Sofola’s place in Surulere, Lagos.

The schedules of these Ministers of State at that me were prepared by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federa on, Chief Ufot Ekae e (1939- 25 September 2019), assisted by the then Director of Special Du es in the oﬃce of the Secretary of the Government of the Federa on, Dr. Goke Adegoroye (74) and approved by the President, Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR.

There were Ministers of State Economic Ma ers, Minister of State Special Project, Minister of State for InterGovernmental Aﬀairs, Minister of State, Coopera on and Integra on in Africa, Minister of State, Civil Service ma ers and also Minister of State, Special Du es. Mr. Abayomi Edu was Minister of State, Special Du es. He is the son of the Billionaire Poli cian from Epe, Alhaji Shaﬁ Lawal Edu (7 January 1911 – 8 January 2002) who was elected into the Western State House of Assembly in 1951. Mr. Abayomi Edu who now lives in America is expected home to celebrate his 80th birthday.

Mr. Abayomi Edu’s schedule and responsibili es at that me were to coordinate for the President: award of Titles; Na onal Honours and Decora ons (ii) Liaise on behalf of the President, with commi ee on the Preroga ve of Mercy (iii) carry out any special du es assigned by the President.

Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Kida was the Minister of State, Inter-Governmental Aﬀairs in THE PRESIDENCY. His schedule and responsibili es were to (i) formulate and implement policies and programmes geared towards enhancement of inter-governmental rela ons (ii) Liaison between the Federal, State and Local Governments (iii) Conduct desirable studies and collect intelligence informa on on Federal/State/Local Government rela ons and process to the Vice President (iv) ini ate follow-up ac ons to ensure that State and Local Government fulﬁl their respec ve statutory obliga ons (v) Advise the Vice President on Boundary Commission Ma ers.

Chief Abimbola Ogunkelu was Minister of State in THE PRESIDENCY for Coopera on and Integra on in Africa. His schedule and responsibili es were to (i) formulate policies and programmes on regional coopera on and integra on in Africa (ii) Strengthening of Intra-African economic coopera on (iii) Foster rela ons with and coordinate ECOWAS ma ers (iv) Coordina on of ma ers rela ng to the Economic and Social Commission of the OAU (v) Coordina on and strengthening of ma ers rela ng to Joint Economic Commissions in Africa e.g. the African Common Market, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

“The possibility of a single party structure or a dominant single party structure has threatened the democratic structure of this great country from time to time. And somehow it never becomes possible. The country survived that threat in 1965, it did in 1983 and also in 2008. ”

The emergence of Prince Vincent Ogbulafor as the Naonal Chairman of PDP was drama c. He was brought to the PDP headquarters in 2001 a er serving as Minister of State.

President Umaru Musa Yar’adua GCFR (16 August 1951- 5 May 2010) was eventually declared the winner of the 2007 general elec ons, held on April 21, and was sworn in on May 29, 2007, amid widespread allega ons of electoral fraud. In the Nigerian Na onal Assembly elecon, the party won 260 out of 360 seats in the House of Representa ves and 85 out of 109 seats in the Senate.

At the PDP’s 2008 Na onal Conven on, the party chose Prince Vincent Ogbulafor as its Na onal Chairman on March 8, 2008 held in Abuja. Chief Ogbulafor, who was the PDP’s Na onal Secretary from 2001 to 2005, was the party’s consensus choice for the posi on of Na onal Chairman, selected as an alterna ve to the rival candidate’s former Governor Sam Egwu and Senator Anyim Pius Anyim. All 26 candidates, including Dr Sam Egwu (70) from Ezzamgbo and Senator Pius Anyim GCON (63) from Ishiagu, both in Ebonyi state, withdrew in favour of Ogbulafor. Meanwhile, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje was elected as Na onal Secretary.

When Prince Ogbulafor made that declara on in 2008 people believed that his boast could come true. He was on a solid ground at that me.

Let’s look at the situa on now. In the Senate, All Progressive Congress (APC) has 58 seats, Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) has 37 seats, Labour Party has 7 seats, New Nigeria People’s Party has 2 seats, Social Democra c Party—2 seats, All Progressive Grand Alliance---1 seat and Ac on Democra c Party---1 seat. In the House of Representa ve, All Progressive Congress has 175 seats, People’s Democra c Party has 118 seats, Labour Party has 35 seats, New Nigeria People’s Party----19 seats, All Progressive Grand Alliance----5 seats, African Democra c Congress---2 seats, Social Democar c Party--- 2 seats and Young Progressive Party---1 seat.

The PDP governors in 2008 when Prince Ogbulafor made that predic on were Thoedore Orji (Abia State), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Timipre Sylvia (Bayelsa), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Ali Modu Sheriﬀ (Borno), Liyel Moke (Cross River), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Mar n Elechi (Ebonyi), Olusegun Oni (Eki ), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Mohammed Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Ikedi Ohakim (Imo), Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Namadi Sambo (Kaduna),

OSUN DEFENDER

Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola

Asst. Features Editor – Kazeem Badmus

Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto

Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere

Produc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa

Others were Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Usman Saidu Nasamu Dakingari (Kebbi), Ibrahim Idris (Kogi), Bukola Saraki (Kwara), Aliyu Doma (Nasarawa), Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), Olusegun Agagu (Ondo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Christopher AlaoAkala (Oyo), Jonah David Jang (Plateau), Ro mi Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako (Sokoto), Danbaba Suntai (Taraba) and Mahmud Shinkaﬁ (Zamfara).

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

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At that me the AD governors were Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos), Kayode Fayemi (Eki ), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole (Edo). Peter Obi was governor of

•Read full article on www.osundefender.com

•Eric Teniola, a former director at the Presidency, wrote from Lagos.

How DSS Whisked Away 3-month-old Pregnanat Lady, Boyfriend In Osun

Yusuf Oketola

MRS Misturah Adesiyan, a trader and mother of Nurudeen Adesiyan, a young man, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly having a link with Moroccan terrorists has shared her experience about the sudden arrest of her son and his ﬁancée, Ayomide Akintunde.

Recall that the DSS had in January, 2025, secured an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja to detain both Adesiyan and Akintunde for 60 days on the allega on that they have links with Moroccan terrorists.

The duo were arrested by the Service Tac cal Team of the DSS on December 19, 2024, at Ajape Lane 3, Modakeke, Ife East LGA in Osun State.

According to DSS, Adesiyan and Akintunde were in communica on with a Moroccan terrorist in Spanish custody based on ini al ﬁndings by the security agency.

“Preliminary inves gaon and intelligence report revealed that a Moroccan terrorist currently in custody of the Spanish Naonal Police Service communicated with Ayomide AKINTUNDE (F) and Nurudeen ADESIYAN on GSM numbers: 08168359934 and 08168542908, respec vely.

“That the Moroccan terrorist is being invesgated for making jihadist publica ons and for acquisi on of ﬁrearms with the intent of conduc ng terrorist a ack against idenﬁed targets in Nigeria,” the DSS said.

But the suspect’s mother, while reac ng on the incident recently, denied the claim that her son has link with terrorists, saying Akintunde is her son’s ﬁancé.

She said: “According to a report, he and his ﬁancee were arrested because they were linked to Moroccan terrorists. Have you heard them speaking to foreigners on the phone before?

“It is not possible. I have never heard them talking to such people. God help me! This is too much! My children should be sent back to me. They should not lie against my children. They didn’t do anything. They took them away and Kehinde was three months pregnant already. They should not let my children suﬀer for what they know nothing about.

“Some people said it is possible that it was a mistake of number, and that some mes, calls clash.

They should not punish my children for what they do not know. The government should come to our aid. We don’t know anybody; we don’t have anybody.

“There are instances where someone will call me or other people and they will be speaking Igbo or Hausa, because of network issues. So, it is possible the call came as a mistake.

“I became more afraid when I told the security personnel to allow me to call someone inside the vehicle; and the woman among them responded, saying, ‘Even if we call Tinubu, it will not change anything’. I asked them what my children’s offence was, but they didn’t answer me. They said I should not worry. I have never found myself in this situa on before.

“I woke up very early on Friday, November 29, 2024, when they came to our house. It was like an ambush. Before then, my landlord’s wife had woken up, and the people (DSS personnel) had surrounded the house. They held my landlord’s wife down and told her not to talk or call anyone.

“Immediately I opened our door, I saw the security men with big guns. Some were on the veranda, backyard, and everywhere. I was shocked and asked them what happened. I told them we were not lawless people and asked them what could have warranted

I

•As Mother Denies Son’s Link With Moroccan Terrorists

such an a ack on us.

“One of them called out, ‘Iya Olosan, be paent’. When I heard that, I became more frightened because it dawned on me that this might be someone who knew me.

“While I was trying to look at his face to know if he was someone I knew, he le , and another person came forward to replace him. They were up to 18 and were all carrying guns. They collected my phone and dragged me inside to where the children were.

“That was when Nurudeen stood up to ask why they were dragging me. One of them slapped him. They immediately checked my phone, and a er going through my call log, they asked who ‘Kehinde 2’

was.

“I couldn’t answer because the same Kehinde was standing beside me there. I was startled and wondered if they were looking for someone; should they not know the person facially? I just told them ‘Kehinde is also my child’.

“They asked if I knew where she slept and her house. I told them to follow me to Kehinde’s house so that I wouldn’t be the only one to see what would transpire after iden fying Kehinde.

“I asked myself how I was going to explain that they arrested someone’s daughter, who is my son’s ﬁancée, from my house. They surrounded me and didn’t allow me to change my clothes un l we all en-

and his ﬁancee, Ayomide tered their vehicles.

“They came with four vehicles, including a white Hilux and another that looked like a police van. When we entered one of their vehicles, I saw a female who was also one of them. I asked her, ‘Please, what did these children do?’ She responded by asking me the type of job Kehinde was doing. I said Kehinde just graduated from pharmaceu cal training, and her people were looking for funds for her freedom.

“I further said she was not doing any job. When we got to their house, I told them (security personnel) to allow me to come down to knock, but they refused. They all came down and le us inside the vehicle. They

Never Advised Aregbesola To Apologise To Tinubu – Omoluabi Spokesperson

Yusuf Oketola

THE Organising and Publicity Secretary of Omoluabi Progressives, Comrade Abosede Oluwaseun, has refuted media reports that he advised former Governor of Osun and patron of the group, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, to beg President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on Tuesday, Oluwaseun denied media reports claiming the Omoluabi Progressives has accepted and is willing to look into the advise of House of Representa ves member, Oluwole Oke, where he urged the former Minister of Interior to apologise to the President.

The group’s spokesperson said his reac on to the several pleas by some poli cal par es, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Demo-

cra c Party (PDP), as well as other poli cal leaders, that the camp should join forces with them ahead of the 2026 governorship elec on in Osun was misconstrued.

His words, “My atten on has been drawn to a report by a na onal newspaper with the headline: “Aregbesola’s camp

welcomes advice to beg Tinubu.”

“I categorically state that I never advised Aregbesola to apologise to Tinubu or made any statement to that eﬀect. I urge the media to accurately report comments made during interviews and public engagements without embellishment or misrep-

resenta on.”

Also, the Secretary of Omoluabi Progressives, Lani Baderinwa, dismissed the sugges on Oke that Aregbesola, should beg Tinubu to resolve their poli cal ri

Baderinwa disclosed that the rela onship between Tinubu and Aregbesola goes beyond mere poli cal patronage and that those who are not well-informed are the ones making such recommenda ons.

He stated this while featuring on Oro Oselu, a poli cal programme on Rave FM on Monday, According to him, “For anyone who does not understand the depth of their rela onship, they may think Wole Oke’s sugges on makes sense. But I know there’s more to the ma er. Tinubu and Aregbesola have come a long way, and their diﬀerences cannot be resolved by such simplis c gestures,” Baderinwa said.

went to the house and took all the children and their mother. They drove all of us to the community school, where they asked us to come down.

“They then gave us our phones. Immediately, they drove our children away. I have tried their numbers several mes, but it is not going through. We don’t know where they are holding them. They arrested my children; they took my son away with only a boxer on him. They didn’t allow him to wear trousers. I have not slept well; I could not even take my bath since they carried my children away.

“It was in the morning when we went to report at the police sta on that they told us that the security personnel might be from the DSS. That was a er we described their vehicles and their appearances. The police also asked how many vehicles Kehinde had, and how many houses she had. We were amazed and told them that she was a young girl who was s ll being fed.

They also asked what type of vehicle the fiancé was using. I told the police that the two of them only had one room at my place at Ajape. Then, they directed us to the DSS office in Ife. When we got there, they told us there was no report of the arrest. Then we went to the DSS office in Osogbo, and we were told the same thing.

“There was confusion. Someone was saying maybe the people who came to arrest them were hired killers; another person said they wouldn’t be that much in number if they were hired killers. They said such a movement might have come from the “top” (Abuja). Since that day, we have not been able to ﬁnd out where our children are.”

•Mrs Adesiyan

•Nurudeen

•Begging Unnecessary – Baderinwa

•Oluwaseun

•Baderinwa

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2025 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Again, JAMB Extends Suspension Of Law Programme In Another Osun Varsity

JAMB had earlier disclosed that it would not process admissions for

the Law programme in eight Nigerian universies owing to the suspen-

Aday a er the suspension of 8 universi es, the Joint Admissions and Matricula on Board (JAMB) has announced the suspension of admissions into the Law Faculty of Fountain University, Osogbo, for the 2025/26 academic session, also for the same reason of violaon of regulatory procedures.

A statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Board’s Public Communica ons Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said this followed an addi onal submission from the Council of Legal Educa on (CLE), making Fountain University the ninth instu on where JAMB will not be conduc ng admissions into the Law programme for the 2025/26 academic session.

Campus Review Campus Review

sion of their Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme by the CLE. The universies earlier aﬀected are:

Kwara State University, Malete, Ilorin, Kwara State,Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State, Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State.

UPDATE: OAU Bans 7am, Late-night, Saturday Classes

IN a major victory for students,

University (OAU) has banned lecturers from holding classes at 6am and 7pm, following a protest by

students.

The direc ve, contained in a statement signed by the ins tuon’s Registrar, K. A. Bakare, on Friday.

Bakare also warned academic staﬀ against conduc ng classes during Lecture Free Week.

The decision aligns with student concerns over irregular academic schedules that nega vely impact their welfare and wellbeing. The Students’

Union had earlier condemned prac ces such as early morning and late evening classes, viola ons of Lecture Free Week, and Saturday classes. According to the statement, oﬃcial lecture hours remain between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The university administraon has emphasized the importance of keeping Lecture Free Week free from lectures and con nuous assessments. The Students’ Union had argued that these disrup ons affect their academic balance and personal well-being, urging the administra on to take immediate ac on. With this direc ve, the university administra on has demonstrated its commitment to listening to student concerns and improving their overall learning experience.

News

Luwo Gbagida Not Ooni But 16th Alaafin

THE Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has tackled the Bri sh Broadcas ng Coopera on, BBC, Yoruba language, over the alleged distor on of Yoruba history.

Oluwo, reac ng to a documentary aired by the media ou it on Sunday, through a statement issued on Monday held that the history was distorted about the only female Ile-Ife monarch, Iya Luwo Gbagida.

He said “it is impera ve for us to react to the BBC story before it consumes and forms the basis for historical knowledge of innocent sons and daughters of Yoruba.

“We want to state that her correct name is Luwo Gbagida, not Luwo Gbagidi. According to the report published by BBC Yoruba, Iya Luwo Gbagida never bore the tle of Ooni but Alaafin translated to Olofin in Ile-Ife language. Oduduwa used the tle of Alaafin.

“Oduduwa conquered Ife and used the Alaaﬁn tle a er the conquest. The tle of Ooni was ﬁrst used by the 2nd ruler of Ife, Obamakin Osangangan because they were of the shrine priesthood lineage.

“Samuel Johnson, a

freed slave traced to Oyo origin, is the one that used the tle Ooni for all Ife kings so as not to rival the

king of his ancestral home. Luwo Gbagida was the 16th Alaaﬁn of Ife, not the 21st as erroneously reported by

BBC Yoruba.

“Equally, Adekola Telu was never the ﬁrst Oluwo. The ﬁrst Oluwo was

Osun Govt Reiterates Commitment To...

•Continued from page 2

learn in others.

“The present administra on has done a lot in the health sector, and we are s ll going to do more. Our primary health care centres have been comprehensively renovated and upgraded. We target 332 and we have completed 200. Also, this government has enrolled over 24,000 people in Osun free of charge. Also, our health workers have been promoted with payment of 100 percent health hazard allowance paid to them and I want to assure our people that more are s ll coming.”

The Board Chairman of the hospital, Barrister Niyi Owolade, said the aim of the management of the hospital was to posi on it as one of the best teaching hospitals in Nigeria.

Barrister Owolade appreciated the state government for its support towards the hospital, promising that the management would

always take the lives of pa ents as the topmost priority.

“I want to specially appreciate the state government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke for the con nual support for the hospital. With the administra on’s support, the hospital is moving forward and waxing stronger.

“Our aim is to posi on UNIOSUNTH as one of the best teaching hospitals in Nigeria, and I believe we will get there. I also want to urge par cipants to take this retreat seriously and make use of whatever they learn to impact posi vely in their work.”

In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director of UNIOSUNTH, Dr Babatunde Afolabi, said the training was to bring the best out of staﬀ of the hospital.

Dr Afolabi said at the end of the training, he expected a greater transforma on, urging the attendees to domes cate

whatever they learnt to their staﬀ members.

He said, “I have seen a lot that we have to do to make the system be er. This is the reason for this two-day programme so that our people can get to understand my strategies.

“I’ve put together about 720 pages document of my strategies so that we can have an acon plan domes ca on. That is why we bring all the leaders in the hospital and the management together so that this idea can be brought into limelight.

“I have a ﬁve-pillar agenda policy, with the ﬁrst one being human resource management. We have a lot of people who are so resourceful and we have to teach them and let them understand the passion, so as to bring the best out of them.

“Also, in terms of quality service delivery, we are looking at the situa on whereby the

Others are Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, NdufuAlike, Ebonyi State, Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State and now, Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, as the ninth one.

“It is important to reiterate that the suspension of the Law programme at the Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, will last for two academic sessions, speciﬁcally the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 sessions, based on the decision of the Council of Legal Educa on (CLE)”, said.

Olumade Paarin, who was instructed by Luwo not to wear the crown except when he sees where parrots are hatching.”

narra on will change where people will complain less and be be er for it in our system. We are also here to deliberate on how to improve our Internally Generated Revenue. Also, we have to bring innovaon and ideas together.

“At the end of this, we want to come out with a roadmap that will tailor us to our promised land. A er the retreat, I expect a greater transforma on. Those in a endance are expected to domescate this to all their staﬀ members

OLAJIDE GBENGA OLADAPO

That I was formerly known and addressed as OLAJIDE GBENGA DAPO, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAJIDE GBENGA OLADAPO All former documents remain valid General public should take note.

He stressed that Adekola Teludo founded Iwo and that Luwo was from the lineage of Alaaﬁn Oduduwa who went to Ife and conquered like many other ancient warriors and kings from other territories.

He charged BBC Yoruba to refrain from publishing ﬁc ous story of Yoruba race, as such act could injure the races’ pride.

“BBC Yoruba should not allow themselves to be used in distor ng a people’s pride. We charge BBC Yoruba news to visit Owodo Royal House in Ile- Ife and other places to further its inves ga on.

“In the report, Luwo was referred to as “Oruko buruku” meaning “Bad Name”. We challenge them to tell us why Luwo was the heroine and no woman has surpassed her history. She was our mother. “

Obafemi Awolowo

Yusuf Oketola

•Oluwo PUBLIC NOTICE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2025 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Estate Agents Fraudulent Practices Causing Housing Crisis In Osun – Youths Lament

Yusuf Oketola

THE Youth Assem-

bly of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, has raised alarm over what it described as unabated fraudulent prac ces by house agents across the state, warning that it will not hesitate to mobilise a massive protest if the government fails to take decisive ac on.

In a statement by the Speaker of the Assembly, Comrade Hammed Fatomi, he decried the rising cases of extor on by house agents, who impose exorbitant fees and exploit innocent ci zens seeking accommoda on.

Fatomi lamented that despite repeated appeals to both the Osun State Government and the Osun State House of Assembly, no meaningful ac on had been taken to regulate the ac vi es of these agents.

The statement reads:

“The Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Fatomi Dare Hammed as Speaker, has made several appeals and requests to the Osun State Government and the Osun State House of Assembly regarding the fraudulent and exploita ve ac vi es of house agents in the state. Despite these eﬀorts, no

concrete ac on has been taken.

“For too long, these house agents have been opera ng without checks, extor ng innocent ci zens with exorbitant fees, unjus ﬁable commissions, and fraudulent prac ces.

The housing crisis in Osun State worsens daily due to their unregulated inﬂuence, making decent housing unaﬀordable, especially for youths.

“We acknowledge the recent law passed concerning housing regula on; however, a law without implementa on is ineffecve. The people of Osun State cannot con nue to suffer while those in power remain silent. Today, we are giving the Osun State Government and the Osun State House of Assembly a 14-day ul matum, from February 3rd to February 17th, 2025, to provide an effec ve solu on to this crisis.

“This must include the immediate implementaon of the housing regulaon law and the establishment of a regulatory body to monitor and control the ac vi es of house agents. If, by February 17th, no meaningful ac on is taken, we, the Youth Assembly of

Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, will mobilize and lead a massive protest across all

cons tuencies in the state. “This protest may connue indeﬁnitely un l the

government takes decisive ac on. The suﬀering of the people has reached its

limit. We will not remain silent. The me for ac on is now.”

Osun Allays Fear Of HIV/AIDS Patients After US Withdrawal

OSUN State Government has assured that the state will not be adversely aﬀected by the withdrawal of support by the United States of America for people living with the dreaded HIV/AIDS.

The assurance was contained in a statement by the Execu ve Secretary of the Osun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OSACA), Mr. Olusegun Daramola recently. Daramola assured that necessary measures are being taken to safeguard their access to essen al health-

care services as a topmost priority.

He gave the assurance following the announcement by the U.S. President, Donald Trump, of American’s support withdrawal for Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS.

The statement reads:

“We understand that the

Communal Clash: Ilobu Community Pulls Out Of Reconciliation Committee

Kazeem Badmus

EFFORTS by the Osun State Government to broker peace between the Ilobu, Ifon-Orolu, and ErinOsun communi es over the boundary disputes between the communi es have suffered a setback.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the Ilobu and Ifon communi es have been embroiled in violent clashes which have claimed many lives, with proper es destroyed.

•Accuses Ataoja, Adeleke’s Aide Of Compromise

recent withdrawal of support by PEPFAR may have caused concern and uncertainty about your care and treatment. Please be assured that you are not alone. Your health and well-being remain our top priority.

“Under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Osun State Government, in collabora on with partners, agencies, and stakeholders, is working relessly to bridge any gaps le by PEPFAR’s withdrawal.

The reconcilia on committee comprised 25 members, each from the communi es and government representaves.

However, the Ilobu community has withdrawn from the si ng of the panel, ci ng lack of integrity from some of the commi ee leaders.

Announcing its withdrawal on Wednesday, the community accused the panel chairman, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun,, and Co-chair-

The state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, following the last clash between the two communi es, cons tuted a 100-man commi ee headed by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun to ﬁnd a las ng solu on to the issue.

man, re red Jus ce Adekunle Adeigbe, of compromise.

In a pe on addressed to Adeleke and chairmen of the panel and others dated February 4th, 2025, which was signed by High Chiefs Jimoh Ashiru, Johnson Oladapo, and three others, Ilobu people said their decision on inclusion of memorandum of Okanla family as part of the document to be considered formed part of reasons for their pull-out from the panel.

“We raise a serious objecon to the inclusion and/or

par cipa on of the nominees of the representa ves of the Okanla family in the si ng of the Commi ee, whether now or later.

“The informa on at our disposal, which has been veriﬁed, is that the HRM, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogbo and Jus ce Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe (Rtd.), Chairman, and Co-Chairman respec vely of the commi ee and a member, namely Special Adviser (Security) to the Osun State Governor, Mr. Samuel A. Ojo, in the course of performing the assignment of the commi ee, have been seriously compromised.

“It is our strong conten on and conclusion that the presence of or con nued par cipa on of the three aforemenoned people will erode the credibility of the commi ee, but llobu Community will not accept the outcome or report of the commi ee,” their le er of complaint read.

However, Ifon and ErinOsun communi es, in a joint communique signed by Adejumo Jamiu and Yekeen Sodiq, rejected the suspension of the commi ee’s proceedings hinged on complaints of the Ilobu community.

The communique read, “We, the people of Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun, categorically state that we vehemently oppose the hal ng of the work of the Commi ee or the removal of any of the 25 members appointed by the Government.

“We enjoin the state government to be decisive and resolute in following its own rules and regula ons. Par es who had objec ons to any of the members appointed by the Governor had the window of opportuni es to do so before the 24th of January 2025.

“We insist that no member already accepted by the communi es should be removed. Should anyone be removed as demanded by Ilobu people, no replacement will be acceptable to Erin-Osun and Ifon-Osun people.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

LUKMAN-BELLO HAFSAH OLOLADE

That I was formerly known and addressed as LUKMAN-BELLO AFSOH AYOMIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as LUKMAN-BELLO HAFSAH OLOLADE All former documents remain valid General public should take note.

“We are ac vely exploring all available resources to strengthen healthcare services and mobilize community support to ensure uninterrupted access to essen al care.

“Your health, dignity, and rights are of utmost importance. We are commi ed to providing con nuous access to:

“We urge you to remain calm and commi ed to your treatment. Please, adhere to your prescribed regimen, attend scheduled clinic visits, and reach out to healthcare providers if you have any concerns.

“Rest assured; we stand with you every step of the way. Together, we will navigate this period and ensure that your health remains protected,”.

ADENIJI ABDULJELEEL ADESOLA

That I was formerly known and addressed as ADENIJI JELEEL ADESOLA, with former Date of Birth 03/07/1974, but now wish to be known and addressed as ADENIJI ABDULJELEEL ADESOLA, with new Date of Birth 07/03/1974. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Yusuf Oketola

•Mrs Treasure Uchegbu addressing oﬃcers of Nigerian Civil Defence Corps Osun State Command at one-day Capacity Development Workshop on Eliminating Gender-based Violence against PWDs for NSCDC PWDs oﬃcers across the state, held at cooperative hall, Okè ayepe, on Wednesday. Photo Shola Aderinto

IN the heart of Osun State, a dis nc ve cultural iden ty known as the “Omoluabi Spirit” resonates with the people.

Derived from the Yoruba concept of an individual who exempliﬁes integrity, hard work, and respect for society, the Omoluabi Spirit is not merely a moral compass; it is the founda on upon which the state’s progress can be built.

This spirit encapsulates the collec ve values and aspira ons of the people of Osun, and if harnessed eﬀec vely, can signiﬁcantly shape the trajectory of the state’s development.

As a proud advocate of the Omoluabi Spirit, I believe it is integral to posi on ourselves as ci zens who embrace both personal responsibility and communal development. Osun has faced many challenges, but it also has remarkable potenal.

The principles embedded in the Omoluabi Spirit can be the bridge that closes the gap between our challenges and future success.

They can drive sustainable economic development, foster social cohesion, and empower our youth—ul mately crea ng a state that serves as a model of progress for the en re na on.

Harnessing the Omoluabi Spirit for Development

Osun State, like many other parts of Nigeria, has experienced economic and infrastructural struggles. However, the Omoluabi ethos—rooted in perseverance, self-respect, and dedica on to collec ve good—has always been a key resource for solving these challenges.

The values associated with Omoluabi can guide how we approach the issues that have long hindered the development of Osun State.

One cri cal way the Omoluabi Spirit can be leveraged is through priori zing educa on and skill development. If we nurture the younger genera on by fostering a culture of discipline, hard work, and excellence, we will not only enhance their personal lives but also strengthen the future of the state.

From the grassroots to the highest level, the Omoluabi ideals emphasize the importance of ethical leadership and service to the people, which is central to building a state that thrives economically and socially.

A Vision for the Future: Economic Empowerment and Good Governance

As Osun con nues to face development challenges, it is impera ve that the Omoluabi Spirit becomes more than a symbolic ideal—it must be the driving force behind poli cal decisions, economic policies, and social reforms.

This spirit encourages self-suﬃciency, the value of hard work, respect for elders, and tradi on while embracing innova on

“Osun State has a unique opportunity to become a beacon of progress in Nigeria. By tapping into the Omoluabi Spirit and embracing the values of integrity, selﬂessness, and discipline, we can create a governance framework that promotes growth, unity, and lasting change”

By Olu

Olowokere

The Omoluabi Spirit and Its Impact On Osun State’s Development

for the future.

To truly move Osun State forward, we must focus on key areas such as infrastructure, youth employment, and sustainable agriculture. These sectors are vital to the economic prosperity of Osun.

By u lizing the Omoluabi spirit, we can ensure that our policies are not only impac ul but also reﬂec ve of the values we hold dear: integrity, responsibility, and respect for all ci zens.

Addi onally, the Omoluabi approach to leadership is vital in shaping a governance system that is responsive, transparent, and accountable. By adhering to these values, we can

Ocreate a state that not only promises progress but also delivers it, making Osun a model of good governance in the country.

The Role of the Omoluabi Group in Shaping Osun’s Future

As Omoluabi group, our vision for Osun is clear. It is one that seeks to uphold the Omoluabi Spirit and its core values in every facet of governance. This is the founda on upon which we will build Osun’s future.

We must work towards improving the state’s economy, infrastructure, and educa onal system while ensuring that the voices of all ci zens, par cu-

larly those in rural communi es, are heard and valued.

Our work will not be easy, but as members of the Omoluabi group, we are not afraid of challenges. We understand that true growth comes from perseverance, and by working together with the people, we can achieve greatness.

It is important to remember that Osun State’s development does not belong to one individual, one party, or one group—it belongs to the people.

As ci zens commi ed to the Omoluabi Spirit, we must be prepared to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organiza ons to ensure that we meet the aspira ons of our people.

Osun State has a unique opportunity to become a beacon of progress in Nigeria. By tapping into the Omoluabi Spirit and embracing the values of integrity, selﬂessness, and discipline, we can create a governance framework that promotes growth, unity, and lasting change.

It is me for the leadership of Osun to rise to the challenge of building a state that reﬂects the true poten al of its people.The Omoluabi Spirit is not just a tradi on; it is the key to unlocking Osun’s brighter future.

As we move forward, let’s commit to making Osun a place where development thrives, and every ci zen can prosper with pride.

•Matt Olu OLOWOKERE (Engr.) Past GM, ORMA February 4th, 2025.

Sense of Responsibility

NE of the best known Bible parables told by Jesus Christ is that of the Good Samaritan. Indeed, it best demonstrates what is meant by sense of responsibility. When the Christ stated to his audience that the height of obedience to all laws is to love one’s neighbour like oneself (and to love God with all our hearts – but that you can’t love God if you do not love your neighbour), some mischievously wicked fellows from the audience asked the trap ques on, “who then is our neighbour”?

Jesus, in His glorious response, then told the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In summary: a fellow, deﬁnitely not from Samaria, was fatally wounded and laid dying by the wayside where he was seen and una ended to by several passersby, including men of means from Galilee, where Jesus had preached the Good News. Only the Samaritan, from Samaria where Jesus had apparently not spread the Gospel, got the heart and the courage to stop by, carried the wounded fella to where he could be treated and saved, and guaranteed to foot the bill. Jesus then asked the naughty inquirer: who was actually the injured fellow’s neighbour? Clearly, the Samaritan; and Jesus admonished them - “whomsoever you are in a posi on to assist, do so, he is your neighbour.”

Let me quickly assert that the love of neighbour as oneself – the Golden Rule –is not unique to Chris anity but is shared in common by all major world religions to which majority of humanity belong. It was the inten on of the authors that if only every man and woman in the world

could wish for his/her neighbour what he/she wishes for himself/herself and would not do unto his/her neighbours what he/her does not wish done to self, the world would be a paradise - a correct proposi on.

Perhaps, the best educa on on the Good Samaritan’s parable was given by the unforge able Dr. Mar n Luther King, Jnr. of the Southern Chris an Leadership Forum, Nobel Peace Prize Winner and leader of the Civil Rights Movement, USA. It was he who said “compassion is more than merely flinging a coin at a beggar.” He opined that, in the context of America (and we dare add Nigeria), a lot of people will find dozens of reasons (excuses) why they should not stop to help the fatally injured fellow: “What will happen if I stop to help? Imagine if it is a trap or a setup to rob! What if the fellow died, either on the way to finding help or at arrival?” King Jnr’s answer was that what such people don’t think about is “what will happen if they don’t stop to help?” In the final analysis, what happens if they stop to help should not bother them; they would have sa sfied themselves by doing “God’s will.” Let us add that they would have demonstrated the highest sense of responsibility!

Organisa ons of all types, including poli cal associa ons and par es, exist to promote a set of objec ves, which invariably promote the welfare of not only their members but development of society. Why should anyone belong to any of those organisa ons if he or she is not genuinely interested in the advancement and fulﬁlment of those noble objec ves?

How can one contribute to the realisaon of those objec ves except through ac ve par cipa on in the programmes and ac vi es that will lead to it?

Here now is our main point. What should guide our a tude during acve par cipa ons? The world is unfortunately the way it is today thousands of years a er se ng down the Golden Rule simply because our a tudes and ac vi es within those associa ons (the majority) is hardly ever guided by sense of responsibility to others, only sense of responsibility to self, indeed at the expense of others.

Leaders of poli cal par es and various organisa ons must not only culvate the correct sense of responsibility and be willing to ACCEPT responsibili es for the welfare and goodness of their members, they should always SEEK responsibility and be ac ve in promo ng the common good, always looking out for the wellbeing of the majority in society, to guarantee that the vast majority equally prosper as the “leaders” and their families do. Whenever you see any organisa on in disarray, check the sense of responsibility of its “leaders,” and relate it to how it has nega vely impacted on majority of the du ful, faithful followers that are not sycophants and bootlickers. As our understanding of democracy and democra c prac ce con nues to deepen, every ci zen must come to the realisa on that he/she has a part to play in order to have the kind of beau ful and prosperous society that we dream of. It will not arrive by magic or be decreed into existence by a messiah.

STRIKER