Osun Muslim Community Bows To Pressure, Overturns Appointment Of Adeleke’s Aide
•Selects Tinubu’s Appointee As Asiwaju Musulumi Of Osogbo
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025
Aregbesola’s O-YES: Most Elaborate Youth Scheme In Osun – Rights Activist
AHuman Rights Ac v-
ist and Public Affairs Analyst, Comrade
Waheed Saka has hinted that the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES) introduced by the administra on of former governor Rauf Aregbesola is the most elaborate scheme in the history of the state.
According to Saka, OYES was introduced by the Aregbesola’s administra on with different programmes which made it unique than others ini ated by his predecessor and successors.
He stated this while commen ng on the recent inaugura on of ‘Imole Youth Corps’ by the current administra on of Governor Ademola Adeleke during a private radio in Osogbo, recently.
The Rights ac vist pointed out that the ‘Imole Youth Scheme ‘ is filled
up of supposing party men (Peoples Democra c Party Members) and those outside the youth age bracket.
“Congratula ons to the ‘groups’ inaugurated into the scheme (‘Imole Youth Corps’) but historically, we
need to understand something about these youth engagement policies, Oyin Corps by the administra-
on of former Osun governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola came, people benefited.
“But the ques on of
•O’YES Cadets
Osun Residents, Motorists Urge Adeleke To Caution O’TRAM Excesses
RKazeem Badmus Wednesday, Mr. Abiodun Abayomi, said the traffic personnel needs to be reoriented, adding that they some mes behave like mini gods on the road.
ESIDENTS and motorcycle riders have urged the Osun State government and the Ministry of Transport to curb the excesses of the state Traffic Marshal (OTRAM).
The residents who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER said the traffic marshal some mes overdo the job given to them by the state government.
They added that the marshals mostly harassed motorcycle riders and behaved unruly to them daily, calling on authori es to keep them in check.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, one of the shop owners at the front of Secretariat, Abere, on
He said, “We are seeing a lot on this road. Those traffic marshals behave like gods some mes. They treat Okada riders like trash. You will see them some mes dragging or figh ng with Okada riders.
“The worst part is the way they jumped in front of minibusses and Okadas just to catch the drivers. They don’t care about the consequences of their acons. Some mes, they cause accidents through their overzealousness.
“I think the state government needs to re-ori-
entate them on their job descrip ons. They are doing more than the job they are asked to do on our roads.”
A minibus (Korope) driver, who gave his name as Ola Mummy while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER at Ataoja School of Science, alleged that one of the marshals staoned in front of the school treated motorists and motorcyclists badly.
He said, “There is one of them here who is so proud and arrogant. The person I’m talking about treats us drivers and Okada riders rudely. In fact, I’ve reported him to our execu ve.
“He speaks rudely, and he’s not ready to listen
to anything once he flags you down. Even when the other marshals tried to intervene and make him see reasons, he would not listen and do whatever he wished to do”.
At the popular Olaiya junc on, an Okada rider, Jeleel Ariyo, whose motorcycle was impounded, alleged that the traffic marshals in midated him despite his plea.
Ariyo, who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER, said he was stopped for viola ng the traffic law, an offense he claimed he didn’t commit, adding that all his plea and explana on fell on deaf ears.
He alleged the traffic marshals asked for a bribe before his motorcycle
would be released.
He said, “I was coming from Ilesa Garage and on ge ng to Olaiya juncon trying to turn to OdiOlowo side, one of the traffic marshals stopped me and accused me of viola ng the traffic law.
“He said I didn’t wait for the green light to come up before trying to move, but I told him that I didn’t need for the green light to come up since I was turning back to Odi-Olowo’s side, but he didn’t listen.
“The next thing was that he asked me to stand up from my motorcycle, and he pushed it to where his colleagues were standing under the bridge.
sustainability hang over that scheme and Rauf Aregbesola came with O-YES, arguably one of the most elaborate of them all in term of youth scheme. The argument over it was that the money was too small. It was not good enough. They are some youths that are not supposed to be cleaning our street and all that stuff and that spilled to Oyetola’s administra on.
“Now we have ‘Imole Corps. One thing that I have seen all over is that this current one is not just live up to the O-YES scheme, but it is also fill up by supposed party men and people above the youth grade age. Those are the arguments. I passed through freedom park while the inaugura on was ongoing, I saw a lot of older people wearing the scheme uniform.
“The issue is, we have not In Osun have a Youthdriven policy that can sustainably address the yearning and aspira ons of our youths, either the ones we have in the past or this current one. The approach to youth in the state is very cosme c and too poli cal at every level and does not limit to the current one.
“What we need to do beyond these is a collabora on between the federal and state to sustainably address the youth unemployment in Nigeria and not the cosme c approach. Originally, I congratulate them because some people somewhere will benefit from the tokenism associated with this policy.
Property Destroyed As Rain Wrecked Havoc In Erinmo-Ijesa
AKazeem Badmus ing a Church, the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Erinmo District Headquarters, Erinmo, shops, and other business premises.
devasta ng rainstorm which occured in ErinmoIjesa town in Oriade Local Government area of Osun State has destroyed proper es worth mul -million of Naira in the community. It was gathered that the heavy rain, which lasted for about one hour, destroyed the residences of the tradi onal ruler of the ancient town, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Dr Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, including the fence of his ultra-modern palace guest house which is currently under construc on.
The rain, which was accompanied by a heavy storm, also affected more than 20 buildings, includ-
The Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa while speaking on the development, appealed to Governor Ad-
emola Adeleke, Na onal Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the Na onal Environmental Standards and Regulaons Enforcement Agency, NESREA, to urgently provide assistance for those affected by the rainstorm.
Oba Arowotawaya appealed to those affected by the incident to remain calm and await response
from the state government and other relevant agencies.
While reac ng on behalf of other affected residents of the town, Evangelist Segun Otubanjo said many people have been rendered homeless as a result of the storm, urging the Osun State government to come to the aid of the vic ms of the rainstorm.
“I went to meet them there and explained what happened to the other people, hoping that they would reason with me, but they didn’t. The funniest part is that the guy who came to meet me even lied that I insulted him.
“I begged them to allow me to go, but they refused. They asked me to pay money, or they would take my motorcycle to the Ministry, where I would have to pay money before it would be released to me, and I told them I didn’t have any money with me. That is why you see me here. Please help me beg them”, the motorcyclist, who was in his 50s, said.
When asked by OSUN DEFENDER reporter to comment on the allegaon that they demanded a bribe from Ariyo, the marshals declined comment, with one of them asking the reporter if he wanted to fight for the motorcyclist.
“But people ques oned that almost two years they cancelled O-YES, they are just coming up with this. Well, government have their way of doing things and poli cian will over flog that, they will stress themselves. But for me, we need a sustainable efforts and collabora on between the federal government and state government to address youth employment because the way we are going, when youths are not gainfully employed, and you tend to find a way around it, you cause day in day out because the way God created us, you connue to spend money and that is why some recalls to some other illegality to sustain their livelihood.
“For me the government need to do more and need to look in the mirror. This is my argument, if the people say the past government is not doing enough and they remove them through elec on and you know that you’re a beneficiary of the magnanimity of the people, you need to do be er than the past. In my own opinion this current policy is too cosme c, tokenism and not good enough.”
Yusuf Oketola
Wake Up Call For Africa!
THE second coming of President Trump has been frene c. It is difficult to catch up with the constant barrage of Execu ve Orders, plots as well as sub-plots. Africa has not been le out of the drama.
Trump’s white South African right hand man, Elon Musk is clearly out to extract a revenge for the dismantling of the apartheid system and the whole of the con nent should be prepared for the fall out and the collateral damage. The penal es meted out to the Republic of South Africa for proposing socially necessary Land Reform is instruc ve. Henceforth, perhaps African countries
will now have to clear their yearly budgets with Elon Musk or else...
The offer of resettlement to the USA for white south Africans is instrucve as no such offer will ever be made to the Palestinians for example, the underlying racism is clear. There is also the need to repopulate the sparsely populated spaces of the USA with a white’ s only policy. Africa must respond with well thought cohesive posi ons. For a start, the African free trade agreement must now be implemented with diligence and the foundaons for monetary union constructed. Africa is facing ruthless adversaries and must be prepared.
“Africa must respond with well thought cohesive positions. For a start, the African free trade agreement must now be implemented with diligence and the foundations for monetary union constructed”
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025
Issues & Policy
Impact Of The Proliferation Of Radio
Funmi Adekoya-Ojo
RADIO is the process of sending and receiving messages through the air, using electromagne c waves. Radio is one of the most important means of communica on. Radio remains one of the most influen al and accessible forms of mass communica on in Nigeria. The history of Radio dates back to the 19th Century when Samuel Morse invented the electric telegraph. According to Bi ner (1989), Gugielmo Marconi built on this Inven on to produce electromagne c impulses which would be sent through the air without the use of wires. Thus, in 1866, signals were transmi ed from England to America without wires. In 1988, Heinrick Hertz, working on the electromagne c theory propounded earlier by a Bri sh scien st James Clark Maxwell, produced the first radio waves.
According to report, the advent of radio broadcast in Nigeria began with introduc on of the wired system called Radio Distribu on or Radio re-diffusion by the Bri sh Broadcas ng Corpora on (BBC). In this process, wires were connected to loudspeakers installed in houses of subscribers. The wireless system was introduced by the BBC in 1930. The wired broadcas ng services were commissioned in Lagos on December 1, 1935, and two relay sta ons were located at Ikoyi and the Glover Memorial Hall, both in Lagos. The main duty of the relay was to carry BBC programmes, with just one hour le for local programmes featuring news, entertainment as well as local announcements. Other sta ons were later opened at Ibadan in 1939, Kano 1944, and Kaduna, Enugu, Jos, Zaria, Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Port Harcourt and Calabar in the subsequent years.
The Radio Diffusion Services (RDS) later became the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS) and was basically concerned with sa sfying the programme needs of its audience, with the tradi onal role of informing, educa ng and entertaining the audience members. The NBS upheld the role of impar ality; the colonial government, on the other hand, did not give all the Nigerian na onalists the opportunity to react to accusa ons levelled against them. Against this backdrop, the Nigerian Broadcas ng Corpora on was es-tablished on April 1, 1957, to replace the NBS. The establishment of NBC marked the first public broadcas ng corpora on established in any Bri sh colonial territory. But not sa sfied with the new arrangements, the Western Regional Government established its radio and television sta on in 1959. Eastern Nigeria followed in 1960 on the day Nigeria had its poli cal independence from Britain. Northern Nigeria followed suit in 1962. Today, virtually all the states own and operate both radio and television sta ons.
Stations On Professionalism In Nigeria
“Though the establishment of more radio stations has its benefits on professionalism as well as for the public. The establishment of many radio stations has created jobs for journalists, presenters, producers, and technicians. Many graduates of Mass Communications and other related courses now have an assurance of getting employed after graduation”
Nigeria with highest number of radio sta ons.
Oyo State followed suit as it has 57 licensed Radio staons transmi ng on Frequency Modula on (FM), while other states in the South West region, Osun state thirty two (32) radio sta ons, Ogun state has twenty seven (27), Eki has fi een (15) and Ondo states with thirteen (13 ) radio sta ons has the least in the region. It should however, be noted that each states are recording the births of new radio sta ons, just as the Nigeria Broadcas ng Commission, NBC, is s ll releasing licenses for the establishment of radio sta ons.
This growth has been driven by factors such as; increased demand for local and diverse content , advancements in broadcas ng technology, poli cal and economic interests in the media sector as well as the rise of digital and community radio . While this expansion has democra zed access to informa on, it has also brought about concerns regarding ethical standards, professionalism, and content quality.
Though the establishment of more radio sta ons has its benefits on professionalism as well as for the public. The establishment of many radio sta ons has created jobs for journalists, presenters, producers, and technicians. Many graduates of Mass Communica ons and other related courses now have an assurance of ge ng employed a er gradua on. This has expanded the media industry, allowing more professionals to gain experience and contribute to the field.
Also, with many sta ons compe ng for audiences, broadcasters are driven to improve content quality, adopt new technologies, and develop innova ve programming to a ract and retain listeners. The development has led to the improvement of radio broadcas ng standards in some cases. Besides, the increase in the number of radio sta ons has led to more diverse programming, giving opportunity to different languages, cultures, and interest groups, which has helped to promote inclusivity and representa on in Nigerian media.
With the liberaliza on of the media industry, there has been a significant increase in the number of radio sta ons across the country. While this expansion has improved informa on dissemina on, entertainment, and civic engagement, it has also raised concerns about professionalism in the industry.
The deregula on of Nigeria’s broadcast industry in 1992 allowed private individuals and organiza ons to own and operate radio sta ons. Since then, the number of radio sta ons has skyrocketed, with over 400 licensed sta ons operating across the country today.
The Federal Radio Corpora on of Nigeria, FRCN, Africa’s Largest Radio Network established by the FRCN Decree No. 8 of 1978, has six Zonal Sta ons opera ng on Short and Medium Wave Bands and two Opera ons Centres, as well as over 32 FM Sta ons across the country.
In the south western region of Nigeria, Lagos State, according to a report by Radio Reporter NG, as of December 2023, has sixty two (62) radio sta ons licensed by Nigeria Broadcas ng Commission transmi ng on Frequency Modula on (FM). Lagos state is the only state in
Similarly, the establishment of more radio sta ons has provided more pla orms to discuss societal issues, for advocacy and educa ng the public on important matters such as health, security, and democracy.
OSUN DEFENDER
Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.
Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola
Asst. Features Editor – Kazeem Badmus
Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto
However, the prolifera on of radio sta ons has rubbed off on professionalism as it brought about decline in ethical standards. Many new radio sta ons priori ze profit over ethics, leading to sensa onalism, biased repor ng, and misinforma on and the spread of fake news. It is observed that many radio sta ons could not train their staff, leading to shortage of trained and qualified broadcasters and journalists. Some sta ons employ untrained individuals who lack the necessary skills in journalism, presenta on, and media ethics, thereby reducing overall professionalism in the industry.
Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere
Produc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State.
ISSN : 0794-8050
Telephone : 0809-301-9152
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php
Ownership of most radio sta ons, especially radio sta ons owned by policians or business elites use them as propaganda tools. This compromises journalis c integrity, as presenters and journalists are forced to align with the interests of their employers rather than uphold truth and objec vity.
•Read full article on www.osundefender.com
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025
Osun Muslim Community Bows To Pressure, Overturns Appointment Of Adeleke’s Aide
Yusuf Oketola
THE Osogbo Muslim Community has announced a leadership transi on, appoin ng Hon. Engr. Olalekan Badmus as the new Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogboland.
Olalekan Badmus is the son of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Olatunde Badmus and the Execu ve Director, Marine and Opera ons at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
He was appointed as Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogboland a er the Muslim Community overturned the selec on of Alhaji Munirudeen Raji, a Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke for the same religious posion. But in a le er signed by the Grand Imam of Osogboland, Shaykh Musa Animasahun and Fakharul Ulamaah of Osogboland Commi ee Secretary, Imam AbdulSalam Akinwumi, Raji has been reassigned as the Jagunmolu Adeen of Osogboland. The decision was arrived at on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, dur-
•Selects Tinubu’s Appointee As Asiwaju Musulumi Of Osogbo Land
ing the General Mee ng of all Islamic Stakeholders in the state capital on the misunderstanding caused by the pronouncement of the religious tles.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the posion was given to Lekan
FGM Not Antidote To Promiscuity - Stakeholders
SKazeem Badmus The Theme of this year’s programme was; ‘Stepping up the pace: strengthening alliances movement to end FGM.
TAKEHOLDERS have described the belief by some parents that Female Genital Mu la on (FGM) will prevent their children from being promiscuous as a fallacy.
According to the stakeholders, many people believe that their children will be wayward without circumcision, adding that the prac ce is a viola on of human rights which every individual must endeavour to end.
The stakeholders spoke on Wednesday during an awareness campaign on Female Genital Mu la on at the College of Nursing Sciences, Asubiaro, Osogbo.
The programme was organised by Ac on Health Incorporated and College of Nursing Sciences with support from the United Na ons Popula on Fund (UNFPA) and collabora on by the state government to commemorate the 2025 Interna onal Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mu la on (FGM).
The stakeholders, which included tradional rulers, also emphasised the need for a con nuous educa on on FGM and importance of using local language to explain to people on the danger of the menace.
They also admonished nurses to always guide and advise parents at the point of childbirth on the danger of female circumcision.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady of the state, Mrs Ti lola Adeleke, noted that FGM is a harmful prac ce that damages the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons.
Mrs Adeleke emphasised the need for laws, community-driven advocacy and involvement of tradi onal and religious leaders in the elimina on of the harmful prac ce.
In her remarks, Mrs Uzoma Ayodeji, FGM Analyst, United Naons Popula on Fund (UNPFA), appreciated the First Lady for the alliance, increased educa on and
Badmus due to pressure from his father. Recall that the appointment of Alhaji Raji as the Asiwaju Musulumi Of Osogboland was greeted with mixed reac ons in November 2024, parcularly from stakeholders in Osogbo.
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that while some sec on of the Muslim Community are in support of the appointment, others who do not back the move are reportedly in support of Olalekan Badmus.
In a endance during
the Tuesday’s mee ng were; the Alasaro of Osogboland, the Ra bi of Osogboland, the Mogaji of Osogboland, the United Imams of Osogboland and the Council of Imam (Majmau) of Osogboland.
A copy of the le er
obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday reads: “A er sa sfied delibera on and much submissions from all concerned stakeholders, the house concluded and unanimously agreed upon these resolu ons which thought will bring peace, harmony and co-existence among all concerned par es involved, for the sake of the religion and the love of our noble town (Osogbo).
“Both par es will be fully briefed on the outcome of the crucial mee ng.
“Both par es will be admonished on the importance of living in peaceful atmosphere and adequately warned on the consequences of having grudges against each other.
“The post of Jagunmolu Adeen of Osogbo Land will be given to Alhaji Munirudeen Adebayo Raji.
“The post of Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogbo Land will be given to Chief Alhaji Khamis Olatunde Badmus to give to his son, Hon. Olalekan Badmus, as been requested for.”
students of the State College of Nursing, Asubiaro and other stakeholders during the awareness campaign on the danger of Female Genital
awareness, especially in schools and communies, to stop the age-long cultural prac ces.
Mrs Ayodeji emphasised the urgency of preven ng female children from undergoing genital mu la on, as evidenced by numerous cases of women’s death during childbirth due to FGM.
She said, “I want
to appreciate our first lady for her unwavering dedica on and support to fight FGM prac ce in Osun State. As we all know, FGM is a harmful prac ce and we are working collec vely to make sure it goes into ex nc on not only in Osun State but Nigeria as a whole”.
On her part, the Pro-
on Wednesday
gramme Officer, Ac on Health Incorporated, Famah Idris, said the programme was to sensi se healthcare students on harms associated with Female Genital Mu laon. Idris urged par cipants at the event to use what they learnt to educate others in their environment and community
at large. “We’ve been able to speak to the par cipants on the danger of FGM, and I believe that they’ve learnt new things. I want to urge the par cipants to spread the gospel of what they learnt here today wherever they find themselves. Together, we must end FGM prac ce”, she said.
•Members of Ìyàniwúrà Group After their Prayer for Omoluabi Progressives in Osogbo recently
•Osun State First Lady, Mrs Titilola Adeleke with
Mutilation (FGM),
How Adeleke Recruited PDP Ward Executives Into ‘Imole Youth Corps’
FKazeem
Badmus
ACTS have emerged on how Governor Ademola Adeleke directed the Peoples Democra c Party, PDP, in Osun to submit 10 names of ward execu ves of the party for the recently inaugurated ‘Imole Youth Corps’.
It was reliably gathered that the recruitment was done in favor of party members, with sources saying most of the recruited candidates were cardcarrying members.
A source within the party said the scheme was to empower party members ahead of next year’s gubernatorial elec on.
OSUN DEFENDER had reported that Adeleke, three months a er assuming office, dissolved the ‘ Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme,’ O’YES, replacing it with ‘Imole Youth Corps,’ a development that led to cri cism from various quarters.
A er the dissolu on, the state government failed to recruit people into the newly introduced social welfare scheme for two years.
The state governor, Ademola Adeleke, however, inaugurated the newly recruited 10,000 youths last week Thursday.
Speaking at the inaugura on, Adeleke said the event reiterated his administra on’s push to address youth joblessness.
Speaking on the development, a member of the PDP in Boripe Local Government, who craved anonymity for fear of in-
mida on, confirmed that they were asked to submit 10 names for the ‘Imole Youth Corps’ scheme.
The PDP member who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday said the names submi ed were among the youths inaugurated last week.
“It is true. Our leaders were asked to submit 10 ward execu ve names which they did. All the names they submi ed were announced as new intakes. That is the fact”.
Another member of the party said the ‘Imole Youth Corps’ scheme was a means for party members at ward levels to benefit from the present administra on.
The PDP member, who did not disclose his name, said most of the recruited people won’t be doing anything other than collec ng their salary every month.
Reac ng to the development, a public affairs analyst, Akin Akanji, said some of the people recruited were above the youthful age.
He also said the recruitment was done in secrecy, calling on the state government to always carry the stakeholders along in ma ers of the state.
He said, “This present administra on is not open enough to Osun people and we’ve been saying this for months now. It seems the governor will just wake up and decide what he wants without proper consulta on.
“It is bad enough that
•10 Excos Per Ward Submitted Names - Sources •Scheme Should Be Renamed ‘Imole Old Corps’ - Resident
he changed the scheme’s name; hearing that most of the beneficiaries are
PDP members and he recruited because of the 2026 elec on. It is an in-
sult to the generality of Osun People. “Look at the pictures
which flooded the internet a er the inaugura on last week; some of the acclaimed youths were over the age of 50 years. It should be called ‘Imole Old Corps’”.
THE leadership of Great Ife Movement, a group of indigenes of Ile-Ife, in Osun State, has called on the state government and security agencies to intervene and stop the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola, from installing village heads in some communi es that belong to Ile-Ife.
Addressing journalists in Ile-Ife on the ma er recently, the President of the Movement, Femi Oyeyinka, stated that those villages where Ogunsua was planning to in-
stall heads belong to the Ife community.
Oyeyinka, who further alleged that the villages where Ogunsua was planning the installa on of heads include; Toro, Alapata, Oyere, Onibambu, and Oduranyin, among others, no ng them to be villages that belong to families in Ife.
“From me immemorial, we know that Toro, Alapata, Oyere, Onibambu, Oduranyin and other groups of villages within the aforemen oned axis rightly belong to Ife families.
Osun Govt To Construct Abandoned Iwo – Ejigbo Road – Adeleke
Yusuf Oketola
GOVERNOR Ademola
Adeleke of Osun state at the weekend hinted that the state government is commi ed into the construc on of abandoned Iwo – Ejigbo road in the state. The governor dropped this hint in Osogbo while receiving Osun Indigenes in Cote D’Ivoire led by Chief Timothy Adegboyega, together with the state Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Hon George Alabi, during a courtesy visit.
He pointed out that his administra on is determined to ensure even development of the state, adding that Osun state is now faring be er under his administra on.
Gov Adeleke maintained that the visi ng Osun Indigenes in Cote D’Ivoire could see that the state is ge ng more be er in all sectors as his administra on is commi ed to the welfare and well being of the people of the state in terms of provisions of infrastructures in and across the state.
Stressing that the construc on of Iwo to Ejigbo
road as requested by the visi ng Osun Indigenes in Cote D’Ivoire is cri cal to his administra on, the governor said it is already accommodated in the state budget for 2025 .
The governor stated that he will soon be visiting the Osun Indigenes in Cote D’Ivoire at Abidjan with some of his execu ve members to meet the Osun indigenes there to see their welfare.
Osun state Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Hon. George Alabi, while speaking, hailed Gov Ademola Adeleke, for his excep onal leadership and warm recep on of Osun indigenes residing in Côte d’Ivoire at the Excos Lounge.
Praising Gov Adeleke’s outstanding performance in the past two years, as his administra on’s developmental strides have reached every corner of the state, the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, lauded the governor’s assurance to recon-
struct the long-neglected Iwo-Ejigbo road, a crucial route that connects four local government areas— Ayedire, Ejigbo, Olaoluwa, and Iwo.
Hon Alabi said Gov Adeleke’s achievements have not only transformed Osun State, but have also resonated beyond borders, reaching the Yoruba community in Côte d’Ivoire, which boasts a popula on of nearly two million people.
The courtesy visit was graced by the state Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Head of Service, Mr. Aina Ayanleye, and several commissioners, among whom were Hon. Rasheed Aderibigbe (Home Affairs), Rev. Bunmi Jenyo (Commerce and Industry), Prince Bayo Ogungbagbe (Coopera ve and Empowerment), and Dr. Biyi Odunlade (Intergovernmental Rela ons and Poli cal Affairs) and other eminent personali es.
Besides, these towns and villages are located in Ife North Local Government Area and not Ife East Local Government Area.
“These areas are under the exclusive jurisdic on of His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa, the Ooni of Ife. We consider this a empt to install these illegal Baales as a criminal act of trespass and a clear affront to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja Il, the Ooni of Ife, who has been doing all within his royal power to promote peace through his wellacclaimed peace agenda.
“Without mincing words, this illegal a empt to install Baales in areas which exclusively and ancestrally belong to Ife families is capable of causing disaffec on among the residents in these areas, which could result to breach of public peace. In view of the above-men oned reasons, we now want Ogunsua of Modakeke Ile-Ife, Oba J.O. Toriola, to refrain from further ac on (s) connected with the proposed installa on of Baale on Ife-owned Lands.
“Informa on reaching us this morning is that Modakeke had gone to some parts of Ayingun, Oke-Eso, lle-Ife to offload some lorry loads of sand to erect another gigan c
structure there, that Ayingun, Oke-Eso, lle-Ife belongs to them again. We hereby appeal to the state government, law enforcement agencies, poli cal leaders at the helm of the affair, respected monarchs and other concerned stakeholders to quickly rise to this occasion urgently by ordering the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Ile-Ife, Oba J.O. Toriola, and, or any of his agents not to carry out the exercise of installing Bales in all the aforemen oned areas and not to do other things contrary to the Rule of Law which could lead to crisis/war in this part of the state,” Oyeyinka said.
But a former Public Relaons Officer for Modakeke Progressive Union Na onal Body, Venerable Debo Babalola, who is currently the Chairman, the Chris an Associa on of Nigeria, Ife East Local Government Chapter, called for peace, adding that both Ooni and Ogunsua have been advoca ng for peaceful coexistence between the two communi es.
“Thieves raiding farms from both communi es are the problem that must be tackled. Baba Ooni and our monarch, Oba Toriola are for peace and they have been advoca ng for it”, Babalola said.
Yusuf Oketola
•Governor Adeleke, during the inauguration of the Imole Youth Corps
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025
OAU Teaching Hospital Performs 55 Cancer Surgeries In January
THE Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, performed 55 cancer surgeries in January, according to Prof. Segun Ala se, a professor of surgery in the hospital’s surgical oncology department.
Ala se disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
He explained that the department performed 55 cancer surgeries in January.
Professor of Surgery, Ala se, disclosed that the pa ents included those diagnosed with breast cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, pancrea c cancer, and colorectal cancer.
He stated that about 100 pa ents were s ll attending the clinic while undergoing chemotherapy and awai ng surgery at the facility.
“The truth is that we see a lot of cancers, and the number is increasing daily. We have more pa ents than some other centers because we are a referral hub for certain cancer treatments, such as pancrea c and liver cancer,” he stressed.
Lifestyle and cancer
Osun
Rrisks Ala se iden fied the transi on from an agrarian lifestyle to a sedentary lifestyle as a major cause of cancer.
“Our fathers used to walk to their farms and engage in physical ac vies, but nowadays, people spend most of their me si ng under air condi oners at home, in their cars, and in their offices,” he explained.
He noted that reduced physical ac vity, increased alcohol consump on, obesity, fa y food intake, and cigare e smoking have significantly contributed to the rising cases of cancer.
“Even those at high risk can reduce their chances of developing cancer by engaging in regular exercise, ea ng a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, replacing excessive meat consump on with fish and milk for vitamin D,
and avoiding smoking and alcohol,” he emphasized.
Importance of early diagnosis
According to him, cancer treatment is more affordable when diagnosed early.
“Unfortunately, 90% of cancer cases are detected late, making treatment less rewarding,” he added.
The surgeon urged everyone to undergo regular cancer screenings for early detec on.
He also appealed to the government to raise awareness about early diagnosis and provide financial support to pa ents by subsidizing treatment and drugs, no ng that “only 10 to 20% can afford the treatment.”
“We also need extensive training for all health workers—doctors, nurses, and community extension workers—on early cancer detec on,” he emphasized.
LEADERSHIP of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun West Senatorial District has tasked Federal Government and Osun state Government to, as a matter of urgency, see to rehabilita on of both state and federal roads in the district as they are all in deplorable condi ons.
This was part of their resolve at the stakeholders mee ng held at the district office, in Iwo recently.
According to the communique issued and signed by its chairman, Hon. Omolaoye Akintola, the district is calling on the government concerned to see to the plight of the district.
“We are using this me to call on Osun
Osun APC Tackles Tinubu, Adeleke Over Deplorable State Of Roads
State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria to consider all roads in our District for rehabilita on prior to the expira on of this tenure”
The stakeholder’s mee ng also resolved to uphold the communiqué issued by the apex leaders of the district of zoning the 2026 gubernatorial cket of APC to West.
The communiqué reads this; “We further resolved as a united District today that our Former Governor, H/E, Alh Gboyega Oyetola has
the Right of First Refusal to APC, 2026 Governorship cket but if he declines the cket, this District is passionately calling our Party leaders to Zone 2026 APC Guber cket to OSUN WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT as reiterated in our first COMMUNIQUE”
“We remain focused and indivisible District as a sure stronghold of APC in Osun State”
“The Youth elements of this District are enjoined to a end their mee ng slated for the 9th day of Feb, 2025, in the District’s Office, Iwo”
Govt Kicks As Community Decries State Of General Hospital
ESIDENTS of Iwo Community, the Headquarters of Iwo Local Government of Osun State have decried shortage of medical personnel at the State Hospital in the area.
The Residents who made the call through Ta’awunu Human Rights Ini a ve (THURIST) said reports indicated that pa ents are being le una ended due to a severe shortage of medical personnel at the hospital, especially those require emergency care.
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that virtually all the department of the hospital are chronically short of staff while some are completely closed down.
According to findings, the hospital’s coverage area spans Iwo, Ayedire, Ola-oluwa Local Government Areas, exacerba ng the issue.
THURIST in a le er signed by it Director General, Sulaimon Tadese Esq,it urged the Osun State Ministry of Health to take immediate ac on to address the cri cal situa on by providing more qualified medical personnel, including doctors and nurses.
A copy of the le er made available to OSUN
DEFENDER reads: “As a human rights organizaon advoca ng for accessible healthcare, we are compelled to address the alarming situa on at the State Hospital in Iwo, Osun State. Reliable reports indicate that pa ents are being le una ended to due to a severe shortage of medical personnel.
“Specifically, we have been informed that here are insufficient medical doctors to a end to pa ents, par cularly those requiring emergency care.
“The hospital is operating with inadequate Nurses out of which have been recently transferred out without replacement. Virtually all the department of the hospital are chronically short of staff while some are completely closed down.
“This inadequacy poses a significant risk to the lives of innocent ci zens, parcularly those requiring emergency care. The hospital’s coverage area spans Iwo, Ayedire, Ola-oluwa Local Government Areas, exacerba ng the issue.
“We urge the Osun State Ministry of Health to take immediate ac on to address this cri cal situa on by Providing more qualified medical personnel, in-
cluding doctors and nurses, to a end to pa ents at the hospital is essen al to improving healthcare and wellbeing in the state.
“By doing so, the government can fulfill its primary responsibility to its ci zens and demonstrate its commitment to their health and livelihood.”
But the state government in a swi response, said the Iwo General Hospital is not in shortage of medical personnel.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Health, Dr Adekunle Akindele, stated this in a statement on Friday.
He said: “Our a en on has been drawn to an advocacy by a group, THURISTNigeria, on the state of medical personnel at Iwo General Hospital. While we do not necessarily seek to ques on the validity or otherwise of the group’s posion, we intend to state for the public knowledge that the hospital has the requisite medical personnel to deliver on its mandate.
“As a ma er of rou ne, a doctor who has been providing medical service in the hospital for years was recently transferred out, and as a replacement, two doctors were deployed to
Iwo General Hospital. One of the two hospital doctors moved to Iwo General Hospital is a Level-17 officer with deep experience in medical service delivery, which underscores the importance that this administra on a ached to the hospital.
“Similarly, two nurses were transferred out of Iwo General Hospital, and were as well immediately replaced. We have to emphasize that transfer of personnel is a usual occurrence in every government set up as it is a mean to ensure that the people get the services for which are paid for from the state’s purse.
“It is important to note the significant challenge posed by the increasing mi-
gra on of medical personnel from Nigeria to overseas, which explains why President Bola Tinubu recently signed a law extending the re rement age of medical personnel by five more years to enable the country, Osun inclusive, to u lise the available human resources in the health sector to deliver the health needs of the people.
“Notwithstanding this reality, Osun state is exploring the op on of replacing some personnel on a need basis. This is an ongoing effort and we want to assure the public that it will draw more human capitals for the delivery of healthcare services.
“In con nua on of ongoing efforts to improve
the infrastructures of our healthcare facili es, I am pleased to inform the public, par cularly Osun people, that Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the total overhauling of the physical infrastructures of secondary health facility, of which Iwo General Hospital, is among.
“Just as was done with the PHCs, Iwo General Hospital and others will be rehabilitated, upscaling not just the infrastructure to modern standards but also equipping them with some state-of-the-art tools to aid effec ve healthcare delivery. Bill of quan es (BOQ) and other professional assessments had been undertaken and in a ma er of a few weeks, work will commence at the various secondary facili es scheduled for rehabilita on.
“This goes to show the efforts that this administra on is pu ng in place to deliver qualita ve healthcare and we urge the public to bear with us. The rot inherited by this administra on in the health sector is enormous and gradually, we’re taking pragma c steps to resolve them and ensure that the healthcare needs of the people are met.”
•Tinubu
•Adeleke
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf Oketola
Liverpool Manager, Arne Slot Banned For Two Matches
THE Premier League has handed Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, a two-match touchline ban following his red card against Everton on Wednesday night. A brawl broke out
between the two teams a er the final whistle at Goodison Park.
James Tarkowski had rescued a point for the hosts with a late header.
The melee saw Abdoulaye Dou-
coure and Cur s Jones sent off as well as Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff
Slot’s post-match press conference was cancelled as a result of the incident.
The Dutchman has now been punished by the Premier League for his ac ons.
A statement read: “Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was dismissed at the end of the Merseyside derby for using offensive, insul ng, or abusive language.
“He is handed a two-match touchline ban as a result.”
The result means that Slot’s men now lead the Premier League table by seven points from nearest challengers Arsenal.
Guardiola Want Bayer Leverkusen Midfielder As De Bruyne’s Replacement
MANCHESTER City manager, Pep Guardiola is pushing for the Cityzens to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, Florian Wirtz ahead of Arsenal and Real Madrid.
According to Bild, Guardiola views Wirtz as his ‘dream player’ and is lining up the 21year-old as Man City’s long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract will expire this summer.
The report added that Spaniard wanted Man City to sign Wirtz in the January transfer window, although Bayer Leverkusen had no inten on of selling him before the end of the season.
Wirtz has already a racted interest from Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Earlier this season, it was reported that the Gunners are ‘fully commi ed’ to signing the Germany internaonal at the end of the season.
Wirtz played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s league and cup double last season.
He has con nued his impressive form for Xabi Alonso’s side this season.
Wirtz has recorded 15 goals and provided 12 assists in all compeons so far this season. His current contract with Bayer Leverkusen will expire in 2027.
Choose Your Candidates From West Or We Won’t Support You - Osun Monarchs To Political Parties
Kazeem Badmus
TRADITIONAL rulers from Osun West Senatorial District have urged all registered polical par es in the state to shop for their gubernatorial candidates from the district only.
The monarch threatened that they would not mobilise their subjects for any gubernatorial candidate picked outside the region for the 2026 elecon.
The tradi onal rulers during a mee ng in Iwo on Wednesday, said the way the region had been marginalised in the scheme of things was becoming absurd and no longer acceptable.
Reading the resoluons he co-signed with 10 other monarchs, the Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba Azeez Olatunbodun, said the royal fathers’ decision was not an empty one, adding that their subjects would be mobilised towards achieving this goal.
The monarchs said the situa on where a sec on in the state sees itself as more qualified for one poli cal office than the other has to stop.
They added that for the last 25 years of democra c prac ce in Osun State, the region will only have four years at the governorship posi on by the me the
incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke finishes his tenure in 2026.
Part of the resolu ons read, “As Royal Fathers in quest of peace, equity, and stability, we want to implore all poli cal pares in the state to shop for their governorship candidates from Osun West as another governorship elec on draws nearer. We implore every registered poli cal party in the state to shop for their gubernatorial candidates from Osun West ONLY.
“We have resolved that no Royal Father from Osun West will mobilize his subjects for any gubernatorial candidate picked outside Osun West. This is not an empty decision. We mean what we say. Our people will be mobilized and sensi zed towards achieving this noble goal.
“The ac vi es of our poli cian-subjects and stakeholders in Osun State since the incep on of our democra c governance in 1999 called for concerns from all and sundry. The quest for poli cal offices and alloca on of public offices is, to say the least, unsa sfactory, unbalanced, and inimical to social jusce and mutual trust. It baffles our imagina on to think that in a state that we all call our own and
the crea on of which we all laboured for, a sec on of the state will see itself as more qualified for one office or the other.
“For clarity’s sake and
without sounding immodest, the way Osun West Senatorial District is being marginalized in the scheme of things is becoming absurd and no
longer acceptable. “From the topmost posi on of governorship to the least in the ladder of appointment, Osun West has been and is be-
Rep Oladebo Urges JAMB To Complete Abandoned Office, Establish New Centre In Osun
Yusuf Oketola
THE House of Representa ves has urged the Joint Admissions and Matricula on Board (JAMB) to complete its long-abandoned office in Gbongan, Ayedaade Local Government, Osun State, and establish a new office in Apomu, Isokan Local Government.
The mo on, sponsored by Hon. Lanre Omoleye Oladebo, highlighted the nega ve impact of the incomplete JAMB office in Gbongan, which has rendered a 540-seat examina-
on hall and 270 supplied computers unusable since 2021.
The lawmaker also raised concerns over the lack of electricity, standby generators, and solar power systems at the site, making it impossible to conduct JAMB ComputerBased Tests (CBT).
Hon. Oladebo noted that Osun State had 110,000 registered JAMB candidates in 2024, yet the state suffers from an inadequate number of CBT centres.
The establishment
of a new JAMB office in Apomu, he argued, would cater to students in Ikire, Apomu, Orile Owu, and neighboring communi es, easing the burden on existing centers.
The House resolved to urge JAMB to priori ze the comple on and accreditaon of the Gbongan office to allow students in the area access to CBT examina ons.
It requested JAMB’s approval for a new office in Apomu, Isokan Local Government to accommodate the growing number of candidates in the Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Cons tuency.
The House mandated the Commi ee on Basic Examina on Bodies to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks.
Lawmakers emphasized that comple ng the Gbongan JAMB office and establishing a new center in Apomu would significantly enhance access to ter ary educa on for thousands of students in Osun State.
ing treated with disdain. Worrisome is the observa on that some Federal appointments have also been reserved for Osun West, just as if there are no capable hands in Osun West to handle other more important and strategic offices in the governance of Osun State.
“From the experiences of the last 25 years of our democra c exercise so far, Osun West only has four years at the governorship posi on by the me the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke finishes his tenure in 2026. Osun Central and Osun East Senatorial districts have shared the remaining years unequally”.
Other monarchs who signed the resolu on are: Oba Abdulrasaq Adegboye, Alawo of Awo; Oba Olayinka Jokotola, Oludo of Ido Osun; Oba Asimiyu Agboluaje, Ologburo of Ogburo; Oba Hafeez Badeji, Olukoyi of Ikoyi; Oba Jacob Alajide, Oloja of Agberire.
Others are: Oba Nureni Oyewale, Olubode of Bode Osi; Oba Moshood Oparonke, Onisara of Feesu; Oba Adio Amuda, Olukotun of lkotun; Oba Modojutola Ajiboye JP, Olowu of Telemu and Oba Azeez Babalola, Elekuro of Ekuro.
IN the ever-evolving poli cal landscape of Osun State, one truth remains evident: the future of our state lies in the hands of those who understand its roots, its challenges, and the diverse aspira ons of its people.
As a movement, the Omoluabi Group has emerged as a beacon of hope for the people of Osun, offering a vision that transcends tradional poli cal dynamics.
In contrast to other poli cal movements, the Omoluabi Group represents more than just a party or a fac on — it is a force driven by the ideals of unity, development, and sustainable progress for all cizens of Osun.
The founda on of the Omoluabi Group lies in the core values that have long been associated with the people of Osun.
“Omoluabi” is a term that embodies the virtues of integrity, hard work, and community service— values that have shaped the very iden ty of our people. These principles are not merely symbolic, but are reflected in the Group’s unwavering commitment to promo ng these ideals within the state’s governance framework.
This cultural grounding makes Omoluabi Group stand out because, unlike many poli cal movements that are driven by personal interests or external forces, it is deeply embedded in the local culture and aspira ons of Osun ci zens.
While other poli cal movements may focus on short-term gains or rely heavily on na onal party affilia ons to secure power, the Omoluabi Group offers a dis nc ve approach. It recognizes that real change comes from within, driven by people who are commi ed to the growth and be erment of their state.
The Group understands that economic growth, infrastructural development, and the well-being of the people can only be achieved when we invest in homegrown talent, ideas, and solu ons.
This approach makes Omoluabi different, as it is not reliant on external forces but instead on the collec ve strength and unity of the people of Osun.
Furthermore, the Omoluabi Group has consistently demonstrated its commitment to grassroots development.
Unlike other poli cal movements that may priori se urban or elite interests, the Omoluabi Group’s vision is inclusive, focus-
“Ultimately, the Omoluabi Group’s vision for Osun is not just about politics; it’s about the people. It is about creating an environment where everyone — regardless of their station in life — can thrive”
By Matt Olu
OLOWOKERE
A Vision For Osun: How Omoluabi Group Outshines
Other Political Movements
ing on all segments of the popula on—from rural communi es to urban centers.
By inves ng in educa on, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable infrastructure, the Group seeks to ensure that every ci zen, regardless of their background, can benefit from the state’s development.
One of the most significant disnc ons between the Omoluabi Group and other poli cal movements is its focus on long-term vision. While many groups may be content with simply winning elecons, Omoluabi looks beyond elec-
toral success to the legacy it leaves behind.
The Group’s poli cal strategy is centered on planning for the future, crea ng policies that are not just relevant for today but are sustainable in the years to come. This forward-thinking mindset is what makes the Omoluabi Group stand out in a state o en plagued by short-term poli cal agendas.
In addi on to its vision for the future, Omoluabi’s poli cal maturity and the wisdom that comes with experience also sets it apart from other movements.
The leadership of the Omoluabi Group comprises individuals who have proven themselves capable of naviga ng complex poli cal and social landscapes.
Their leadership is grounded in experience, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve the people. This stands in stark contrast to other movements that may be led by those with limited experience or with agendas that priori ze personal gains over the collec ve good.
Ul mately, the Omoluabi Group’s vision for Osun is not just about poli cs; it’s about the people. It is about crea ng an environment where everyone — regardless of their sta on in life — can thrive.
By focusing on unity, grassroots development, and long-term solu ons, the Omoluabi Group is poised to lead Osun into a new era of prosperity and progress.
This is why, in comparison to other poli cal movements, Omoluabi is not just another poli cal fac on, but a movement that truly understands the needs and dreams of the people it seeks to serve.
In the days ahead, as the poli cal climate of Osun con nues to evolve, one thing will remain clear: the Omoluabi Group is leading the way towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
Ma Olu OLOWOKERE (Engr.), Past GM, ORMA, Osun State.
A Nation Where Aberrations Reign
“ THE Nigerian Factor,” is a phrase that almost all of us are familiar with. As “Opposite Peoples,” apologies to Fela Anikulapo Ku , we have moved from small blemishes condoned to life in a galaxy of psychosis. We were well warned of the impending doom that tolerance of a wayward life can lead us to as a people but we were too carried away to listen. Quiet apart from auguries in popular music, especially by Fela Anikulapo, we have the Avatar himself, Chief Obafemi Awolowo on record saying in 1986, “As long as Nigerians remain what they are, nothing clean, principled or ethical and idealis c can work with them. And Nigerians will remain what they are, unless the evils which now dominate their hearts, at all levels and in all sectors of our poli cs, business and governmental ac vi es are exorcised. But I venture to say that they will not be exorcised, and indeed they will be firmly entrenched, unless God Himself imbues a vast majority of us with a revolu onary change of atude to life and poli cs or, unless the dialec c processes which have been at work for some twenty years now, perforce, make us perceive the abominable filth that abound in our society, to the end that an inexorable abhorrence of it will be quickened in our hearts and impel us to make dras c changes for the be er.”
Everywhere you look, within communi es, social groups, professional associa ons, etc, what you see are errors, errors, errors, in the way things are done, with calamitous consequences
that push society further into the black hole of doom. Talk of trade unionism, students’ unionism, the Ivory Towers, the civil service, the Holy (religious) places, the Palaces of tradi ons, e.t.c, it is same of the same rot; we should not ever go to administra on at motor parks!
However, since poli cs determines everything else, let us limit our short examina ons to the hygiene (or lack of it) in the poli cal space for reasons of space. Poli cs, which is supposed to be “ac vi es associated with governance of a country or area” for the guarantee of rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” of the people has in Nigeria become the quickest avenue to personal enrichment. Poli cal par es have become the vehicles for moneybags to conspire to grab power in a door-die exercise. Mere Councillorship aspira on to “represent” the best interests of the people of a Ward has become a mul million naira endeavour.
Dwight Eisenhower said, “If a polical party does not have its founda on in the determina on to advance a cause that is right and that is moral, then it is not a poli cal party; it is merely a conspiracy to seize power.” That concisely captures the state of poli cal par es in Nigeria - no ideology, no manifestoes, and no internal democracy.
Since poli cs determines all other aspects of life, it is no wonder then that the governance, the economy and social life consequent upon a poli cs not rooted in any determina on to advance a cause that is right or moral, has
propelled Nigeria to the edge of the precipice.
However, it is the people, the majority, that have a case to answer as to how their poli cs has wandered into the wilderness of self-service at the detriment of public good. Poverty and widespread ignorance are enemies of common sense. Nevertheless, enlightened self interest should sufficiently prevail amongst the majority to make them rethink a poli cal system heavily rigged against “life more abundant for the majority.” If since 1999 they have tasted the bi erness of tribulaon in the hands of the major polical par es and their henchmen, who crisscross the par es at will, then it must occur to the majority to interrogate the en re process beyond being made pawns in repeated elec ons that merely change government officials.
More fundamentally, the people, the majority must interrogate their moral standing; social commitment versus selfish interest; sense of duty and sacrifice; patrio sm; then if the score is low, the soul-searching must lead into individual redemp ve changes that can then be marshalled within their social organisa ons (Students, Labour, CSOs, Cultural, Social, Community, Trade associa ons, etc) for mighty opposi on to all exploita ve and oppressive systems pushing their country towards Armageddon. The earlier we all realise that self-help, indifference, capitula on, or Japa is no solu on, the be er.
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. All correspondence to the Asst. News Editor, YUSUF OKETOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above