‘FROM TRAGEDY INTO FARCE’ TAKEOVER OF EMPTY OFFICES
•As APC LG Chairmen, Councillors Resume In 14 Councils Inspite Of NLC’s Strike
•Six Killed, Scores Injured In Monday’s Mayhem
•Police Begin Manhunt For Killers
LG Invasion: ‘From Tragedy Into Farce’ Takeover Of Empty Offices
MONDAY, February 17, 2025, will go down in history as a black day in Osun State, as the free-for-all fight between hoodlums who were supporters of the ruling Peoples Democra c Party and the opposi on, All Progressives Congress, le at least six people dead, with many injured and millions of property ruined.
The chaos came following the insistence of sacked APC local government chairmen and councillors to return to council offices, a move resisted by supporters of the PDP.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, had overturned the sacking of the APC chairmen and councillors elected a er the immediate past governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, lost his re-elec on to the incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke.
However, the PDP insisted that the court did not instruct the sacked chairmen and councillors to return back to the councils.
This generated a lot of controversies and namecalling over the weekend with leaders and supporters of both par es vowing to implement their own version of the judgement.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Sunday, had called on President Bola Tinubu to warn the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, against unleashing mayhem in the state.
But in a swi response, Oyetola, in a press statement on Sunday, refuted Adeleke’s claim that he was plo ng to destabilise Osun State, saying his antecedents, pedigree, and track records of public service in the last 15 years do not support Adeleke’s claim.
Free For All Monday True to their claims, supporters of both pares unleashed mayhem on Monday, killing one another and injuring many.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that as the reinstated chairmen and councillors
returned with their supporters to the councils on Monday morning, the PDP also mobilised to the council secretariats in large numbers to prevent the APC supporters from entering.
During the deadly clash on Monday, one of the reinstated chairmen, Remi Abass, was gruesomely murdered in Ikire.
In a short video obtained by OSUN DEFENDER, Abass was seen lying in his pool of blood with an open wound on his head.
Sources said Abass was killed while a emp ng to enter the local government premises in Ikire with his supporters. They were said to have been confronted by some PDP members with fights ensueing among them, leading to Abass’s death, with many people injured.
There was similar violence recorded in other local government areas. In Boripe Local Government, two persons were shot dead, while one person each was reported dead in Isokan and OlaOluwa local governments, with many injured
Speaking on the killing of the two members of the PDP in Iragbiji, headquarters of Boripe Local Government, a chie ain of the PDP in a Facebook video, alleged former Commissioner for Local Government, Prince Bayo Adeleke, popularly
known as Banik, and a former chie ain of the Naonal Union Of Road Transport Workers in the state, Kazeem Oyewale, popularly called Asiri Eniba, of leading the thugs who shot the vicms at the council.
But the allega on was swi ly debunked by Adeleke who stated that he was not around the local government when the incident happened.
In Osogbo Central Local Government Area, Oke Baale, Osogbo, gunshots were heard as PDP and APC members clashed in an attempt to enter the council secretariat.
While the shoo ng lasted, Osogbo/Ibokun road that passes the front of the local government secretariat was deserted.
Meanwhile, there were allega ons and counterallega ons between the Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, and the Na onal Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, on who caused chaos at the local government.
In Olorunda LGA, APC members’ a empts to take over the council secretariat were met with resistance, promp ng heavy police presence to restore order.
Hoodlums armed with charms and weapons were seen in mida ng bystanders, smashing phones of those recording the chaos.
The medium also gathered that there was a clash between supporters of the Osun APC who went to the secretariat in Isokan to resume and some PDP members, during which two people were injured.
In Bode Osi, the headquarters of Olaoluwa Local Government Area, there was reportedly a shoo ng which claimed the life of a man.
In Egbedore Local Government secretariat, Awo, PDP members wielding cane were seen in a video singing at the entrance to the secretariat, daring APC members to come near them.
Meanwhile, the Execuve Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Abuja, Mr. Remi Omowaiye, alleged an a ack on his convoy near Ilesa West secretariat by PDP thugs.
But his claim was refuted by the Ilesa West PDP who accused Omowaiye and the APC chairmanship candidate for Ilesa West, Mr. Tobi Famurawa, of orchestra ng an a ack on its members during a peaceful poli cal gathering at the Ilesa West Secretariat, Omialadiye, along Osogbo Road, Ilesa.
Blame Game Over Killings
Meanwhile, both the Peoples Democra c Party and the opposi on All Progressives Congress are poin ng accusing fingers at one another over the fracas.
Speaking a er the deadly clash, the state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, directed residents of the state, including poli cians across poli cal divides, to stay away from the local government secretariats.
Adeleke said the need to stay away from the local governments was to protect public proper es and avoid further bloodshed.
A statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, said Adeleke affirmed that since the local government
workers are on strike, only security agencies should be allowed to man the secretariats.
However, the APC insisted that the reinstated Chairmen would con nue going to the councils even if they were a acked.
A former Special Adviser on Educa on to the immediate past administra on, Jamiu Olawumi, warned Adeleke not to start a fight he can’t win.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Tinubu/ She ma campaign office, Osogbo, Olawumi accused the Peoples Democra c Party of sponsoring thugs to a ack the APC Chairmen who resumed their offices.
Police Begin Manhunt For Killers
The Osun State Police Command, on Tuesday, said it has begun a manhunt for those responsible for the violence that erupted across the state.
In a statement on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, expressed sympathy with those who lost loved ones and property.
Opalola said the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, promised a thorough inves ga on would be conducted to arrest the perpetrators and make them face the full wrath of the law.
“The event le six people dead and many people hospitalised.
“We are not happy with what happened yesterday, and various groups have been called for a meeting. We have held a series of mee ngs with the Commissioner of Police to ensure that this does not happen.
“We express our deepest sympathy to those affected, including those who lost their lives and property. The CP assured of a thorough inves gaon and promised that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law,” Opalola said.
APC LG Chairmen, Councillors Resume In 14 Councils Inspite Of NLC’s Strike
But OSUN DEFENDER learnt that as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, chairmen and councillors elected in the October 15, 2022, local government elec on in Osun State had resumed in about 14 LGA secretariats in the state.
Checks by the medium revealed that the chairmen and councillors, accompanied by many APC members, have resumed at Ila, Ede South, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Boripe, Oriade and Obokun local government secretariat.
Others where they resumed include Ejigbo, Iwo, Ayedire and Boripe local government secretariat.
Commen ng, ex-Special Adviser to the governor on educa on, Jamiu Olawumi, said at about 10am, the chairmen and councillors resumed at 14 local government secretariat.
Olawumi also said no incidence of violence has been recorded so far.
“We have 14 as of 10 am. They are Ila, Ede South, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Boripe, Oriade and Obokun.
“Ejigbo, Iwo, Ayedire and Boripe. Security was topnotch. Members of the police tac cal team, an armed squad of civil defence, and DSS are all present around the secretariat. We commend Governor Adeleke, but that is not enough.
“They should take away thugs they brought here. They have them in town. If you move around, you will see different faces that you have not seen here. They should not encourage those militants and cul sts to kill the Osun people.
“It is dawn on them that the judgment is enforceable. The governor should make an a empt to see the President, Chief of Staff to the President or the IGP. He should do that much for us so that the vision of developing Osun within his current tenure will be achieved.
“Our chairmen and councillors are ready to work with him, though they are different ers of government,” Olawumi said.
Meanwhile, there resump on is coming days after the The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) declared an indefinite strike in protest against the resump on of the APC council execu ves.
Amid the growing polical tension, the NLC issued a memo on Sunday, signed by its Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo,tled “Safety of Our Members is Non-Nego able.” The direc ve urged workers to stay away from council offices, ci ng concerns over their security.
Kazeem Badmus Yusuf Oketola
•Some of the hoodlums arrested at Boripe Local Government
PA Ayo Adebanjo has gone to the ages as it was said by former United States President, Abraham Lincoln. Adebanjo with stoic realism humorously depicted his impending transi on in a video with his daughter which has now gone viral. This says a lot about his sage like disposi on.
The progressive naonalist represents the spirit of an era in which the struggle against colonialism had a clear ideological basis. Adebanjo never departed from the progressive ethos in his long journey, always pu ng the people first as well as striving for equity and social jus ce. He certainly paid a price for this including incarcera on during the 1962 Treasonable felony trial involving members of the Ac on Group (AG) during his poli cal incursion spanning dec-
Passing Of An Era
“
Today we are living in an era in which the ventral thrust of the ancolonial struggle has been betrayed. There is no ideological direc on anymore its about benefits of the stomach which makes the current praise singing about the faithfully departed rather offensive in its hypocrisy”
ades, he never for once “decamped” and never sought it was given “juicy appointment” or economic benefits.
Nigeria is today under-achieving and even sliding into irrelevance because the policy
thrust which mo vated men like Pa Ayo Adebanjo is no longer the guiding principle of our poli cal economy. Without policy direcon, the country’s poli cal economy will lack a clear direc on and an
impetus to achieve sustainable development.
It’s countries such as for example, Singapore, Malaysia and Brazil which con nues to produce men like Pa Ayo Adebanjo as well as the poli cal prac ce they need to translate their objec ves into prac ce which have con nued to steam ahead in the process of development.
Today we are living in an era in which the ventral thrust of the an - colonial struggle has been betrayed. There is no ideological direcon anymore its about benefits of the stomach which makes the current praise singing about the faithfully departed rather offensive in its hypocrisy.
Nevertheless we must learn from his life of tenacity to a recourse and his courage. May his worthy soul rest in peace.
TheTributesDiscourse Ayo Adebanjo: The Last Of The Titans Ascends
By Rauf Aregbesola
ON November 19, 2024, I paid a visit to Pa Ayo Adebanjo, accompanied by a few of my aides. It wasn’t my first visit, and as we le , I hoped it wouldn’t be the last. Sadly, his family announced his passing on February 14, 2025.
Papa Adebanjo’s demise marks the end of an era characterised by his erudite, fierce, and unwavering socio-political interven ons, chivalry, and commitment to humanism, democracy, and progressive poli cs.
During our visit, Papa Adebanjo was in high spirits, engaging with us physically and spiritually, despite his frail health. We drank from his fountain of knowledge and wisdom on building a just, humane, and progressive society in Nigeria. He commended our stance on economic, social,
“He believed that governments should prioritise cit-
izens’
welfare and security, and that their policies on education, healthcare, environment, and treatment of women, children, and youth are indicative of their disposition to this cause”
and poli cal issues, par cularly federalism, parliamentary democracy, and egalitarianism. Papa Adebanjo emphasised that humans must be at the centre of all economic, social, poli cal, and cultural policies. He believed that governments should priori ze citizens’ welfare and security, and that their policies on
educa on, healthcare, environment, and treatment of women, children, and youth are indica ve of their disposi on to this cause.
With his passage, it is unfortunate we won’t be able to repeat the illumina ng and edifying visit.
We pray that Almighty God grants Papa Adebanjo a joyful reawakening, consoles his family, and sus- •Adebanjo
OSUN DEFENDER
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tains his legacy as a great Awoist. We commiserate with his associates, the progressive poli cal family, and Nigerians on the loss of a consistent voice for economic, poli cal, and social progress.
Adieu Pa Ayo Adebanjo: An Indomitable Fighter for a Just, Free, and Fair Society.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025
Osun Muslim Community Cancels Lekan Badmus, Muniru Raji Appointments
Kazeem Badmus
THE Osun Muslim Community reversed the appointment of the Execu ve Director of Marine and Opera ons at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Olalekan Badmus, as Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogboland.
The Muslim Community also reversed the appointment of the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Polical Ma ers, Alhaji Muniru Raji, as the new Otun Jagunmolun Adinni of Osogbo.
The Muslim Community said the decision became necessary following failed efforts of the commi ee to put in place a way forward to cool down the tension which arose from the appointments.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that controversies have trailed the appointment of the two Osogboborn personali es.
Alhaji Raji was ini ally appointed as the new Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogbo by the Chief Imam of Osogbo, Sheikh Musa Animashaun. However, his appointment met strong resistance from some people, among which includes the Advisory Body of the Central Mosque known as Alasaro of Osogbo
The Alasaro said the appointment of Alhaji Muniru Raji contravenes Islamic ideology, norms,, and principles.
But Alhaji Raji dismissed the Alasaros,, noting that they were only against him because of the interest of the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Tunde Badmus, who wanted his son, Lekan Badmus, to be appointed.
Meanwhile, Islamic stakeholders in Osogbo, in a mee ng on February 4, 2025, reversed Raji’s appointment as Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogboland and bestowed the tle on Lekan Badmus.
During the mee ng, the stakeholders announced that Alhaji Raji was now appointed as the Jagunmolu Adeen of Osogbo, but the development escalated the already tensed situa on.
In a statement announcing the reversal of all the appointments, signed by Imam Musa Rabiu Animashaun, the volved to let peace reign and see the decisions as the best way to curb the unrest.
The statement further reads, “In our quest for unity, peace and love to reign within the Osogbo Muslim community and
the city at large and as a listening leader, we deemed it fit to invite stakeholders to contribute, discuss and deliberate on and resolve every issue surrounding the pronouncements and nomina on of Islamictle within osogbo Muslim community.
“A er failed efforts of the commi ee structure for a way forward to cool down the tension, we hereby give the following order: “All recommendaons, nomina ons, and appointment le ers issued have been rendered invalid.
“That any issue of Islamic chie aincy has been put on hold and closed indefinitely within the Osogbo Muslim community from 10th of Feb. 2025.
“We hereby appeal to the par es involved to let
peace reign and see our decisions as a best way to curb unrest in the land “Since we came on
throne, we have never and will never involve, engage and support any oppressive ac ons and fa-
vori sm.
“We have not and should not hold grudges against anyone; we re-
Osun APC Full Of Confused, Empty, Arrogant Politicians - Adesiji
Yusuf Oketola
THE Chairman of Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, has said the forma on of the Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is made up of confused, empty and arrogant policians.
Adesiji stated this while speaking on the treatment melted out on former governor Rauf Aregbesola and his loyalists before the 2022 governorship elec on by the APC in the state, in an interview recently.
According to him, APC’s plan is not only to expel Aregbesola but to kill him poli cally and weaken his poli cal structure in the state.
He stressed that those who accused the former minister of interior and his followers of working against the party in 2022 could not even win their wards and local government for the party.
“The allega ons are unfounded; they were the ones who shut us out of their ac vi es during the elec ons. When the elecons came, they formed over 300 campaign commi ees and excluded Aregbesola and everything that had to do with him. They equally issued a statement that those they didn’t include in the commi ee must not near the campaign ground.
“As a result of this, we folded our arms and stayed in our houses during the campaign periods. Yet, Aregbesola never instructed anybody to support or
vote for PDP. As a ma er of fact, it is on record that the Osun Progressive issued a statement directing all APC members loyal to Aregbesola to vote for APC. APC won at Aregbesola’s polling unit, ward and local government.
“But the leadership of APC in their various local government areas failed woefully. Even as the sitng governor then, Oyetola won only two out of the 10 local government areas in his district. The then party chairman, Gboyega Famodun, lost his ward and Boluwaduro Local Government.
“The Oyetola reelecon campaign Director General, Ajibola Basiru, a serving senator that me also lost his Osogbo local government. Are all that our fault? They are such confused, empty, and arrogant poli cians, and that is why they con nue to blame us for their failure.
“We thank God that Aregbesola is s ll alive, agile, and produc ve in all ramifica ons. The wish and plan of some people were to see him dead before now. We know some of his associates who are no longer with us today. But Ogbeni con nues to enjoy the grace of God.
“Having said that, his purported expulsion from the party by a set of polical marauders in the state mirrors the disregard for due process, arbitrariness, and confusion within the APC leadership in Osun. It is a known fact, according to the APC cons tu on, that a state chapter does not have the jurisdic on
to punish a former governor or minister. However, the crop of people in Osun APC, since 2019, have consistently shown disdain for decency and the ethos of progressivism.
“In any case, their real plan was not just to expel him from the APC but to outrightly kill him polically. They believed that ostracising him and his followers from the party would weaken him, but they soon realised that Aregbesola con nued to grow stronger, enjoying immense love and support from the people. The announcement of his expulsion, therefore, holds no value or significance. The bird had already flown before they threw the stone.”
Speaking on why the group le the APC, Adesiji said: “We le because we
were marginalised and ostracised. Those who hijacked the APC leadership did not want to see our faces, and we were excluded from party acvi es for years. For instance, they did not allow us to par cipate in the party congresses in 2021.
“They also prevented our people from par cipa ng in the primary elecon in February 2022. Despite all these, we remained unperturbed. We sought reconcilia on and peace, but they scu led all our efforts to unify the party.
“We held a series of peace mee ngs, but they ensured that no meaningful resolu on was reached. We were also excluded from the governorship and na onal elec on campaigns. Imagine that Aregbesola, a former gov-
ernor and minister within the same party, was omitted from the campaign list. Not only that, but none of his loyalists were considered for inclusion.
“They spread falsehoods against us, alienated, in midated, and even molested us. But we endured it all. We went as far as the party’s na onal secretariat to seek peace, but they dismissed us, telling us we were insignificant. When the 2022 elec on approached, they advised the na onal secretariat to ignore us, and we stayed away.
“However, a er they lost the elec on, they blamed us for their failure. How could people they described as insignificant be responsible for their downfall? One of them, a boy whom Aregbesola made a commissioner, had boldly declared that APC would win the 2022 governorship elec on without Aregbesola’s input. They were arrogant and vindic ve. But a er their defeat, they turned around and blamed us for their electoral woes. Isn’t that baffling?
“A er the 2022 elecon, we intensified our reconcilia on efforts because we foresaw a larger defeat coming. Aregbesola personally met several party stakeholders, persuading them to address the crisis in Osun. However, those afraid of reconcilia on—those lilylivered poli cians who had imposed themselves as party leaders—frustrated his efforts simply because they wanted to retain control over the party.”
main father for all. You all belong to us, and we belong to Allah the Almighty”.
•Members of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ Osun Chapter with HRM Oba Peter Ipadeola Ilufemiloye
Akinyooye Aremo Obatala, the Olufon of Ifon during their Advocacy visit to end FGM against female children and women in Ifon Orolu recently.
Photo Shola Aderinto
•Adesiji
How Unknown Whereabouts Of Osun Monarch May Stall Alaafin’s Coronation
Yusuf Oketola
RESIDENTS and Indigenes of Ipetumodu, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State are worried by the prolonged absence of their monarch from the country. They fear that his absence since 2024 could mar the corona on of the new Alaafin of Oyo.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that tradi on demands that a new Alaafin must receive a sword of authority from the reigning Ipetumodu monarch before he can ascend the throne. But the monarch of the ancient town, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, is said to have been away from the community since January last year with no one certain about his whereabouts.
The situa on has given rise to anxiety in both Oyo and Ipetumodu with calls on the authori es to inves gate Oba Oloyede’s whereabouts.
Where is our king? Why has he not returned from his overseas trip? These are the ques ons on the lips of the indigenes of Ipetumodu.
Oba Oloyede, the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area, Osun State and Associate Professor in a US university was said to have le the shores of Nigeria for the United States of America (USA) in January 2024 but has not returned home since then; a situa on the people perceive as strange and worrisome, par cularly because of his important role in the installa on of the new Alaafin of Oyo and a tradi onal fes val that requires his presence to perform some special rites.
Ipetumodu residents who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER said they were disenchanted with the prolonged absence of their Oba and the unpalatable stories surrounding his whereabouts because of their socio-cultural implica ons for the town.
The residents urged the state government to inves gate the whereabouts of Oba Oloyede with a view to compelling him to return home and carry out his tradi onal du es.
An indigene, Kehinde Oyetunbi, said the people of the town find it difficult to believe the stories making the rounds about an individual who bears the same name as the monarch and is said to be facing charges for complicity in a mul million dollar fraud in the US. He said the con nued
absence of Oba Oloyede has le the people of the community in a quandary as to what to believe as reasons for his absence.
He added that the installa on rites of the new Alaafin of Oyo cannot be complete without the par cipa on of Apetumodu, who, as tradi on demands, is mandated to hand over a sword of authority to the new Alaafin.
Recalling the history behind the sword a new Alaafin must receive from the Oba of Ipetumodu, Akanni said: “History has it that Ipetumodu is the place of purifica on rites for a new Alaafin.
“It is mandatory that at the end of the purificaon rites, the new Alaafin will wait at Ipetumodu to receive a sword of authority normally sent from Ile Ife, marking the end of his corona on rites.
‘’It was said that this tradi on had been in prac ce since the days of Oranmiyan, the founder of Oyo and younger sibling of Ipetumodu’s progenitor.
“’We believe that he is not the one facing the law in US for complicity in a mul -million fraud as reported in some news media.
“It might just be a coincidence that one of the accused persons in the case shares the same name as our monarch.
“However, the con-
nuous absence of our monarch is quite disturbing, because since Oba Oloyede le Nigeria on January 14, 2024, he has not returned, and we know that unlike this me around, he doesn’t stay long outside the country.
“Mind you, no new Alaafin can be enthroned without receiving an ancient sword of authority from our monarch, the Apetumodu, who is the only Yoruba monarch tradi onally mandated to pray for the new Alaafin of Oyo. Hence, Oba Oloyede’s absence could mar the comple on of the succession rites for the new Alaafin of Oyo.
“We want the Osun State Government to find out his whereabouts and compel him to return
home immediately in view of the consequences of his prolonged absence from the throne.
“We do not want his stay outside the country to rob Ipetumodu of its age-long relevance in the socio-cultural events in Yorubaland.’’
A community leader who pleaded anonymity explained that Oba Oloyede could not par cipate in the local fes vals held recently in the town.
“Oba Oloyede plays pivotal role in the tradional fes vals like Edi. The fes val is usually held in October, and as tradi on requires, our monarch must wear an ancient crown and supplicate to the gods on behalf of the people.
“No ma er how im-
portant his overseas trip is, he must return home to par cipate in the fesval. Same with the Egungun fes val held in July and Ipetu Day held in November 2024 where the monarch’s absence marred the fes vals, albeit some persons claimed they had conversa ons with the monarch on the telephone.”
He added: “Now, our greatest fear is that his absence could affect the final rites of installa on of the new Alaafin of Oyo since tradi on requires that any new Alaafin must collect a sword of authority and prayers from the Apetumodu before his rites of installa on can be complete.
“This tradi onal exercise is an obliga on
9-Month After Adeleke’s Pronouncement, OSBC Freelance Staff Yet To Get Appointment Letters
Tcaptured in our panegyrics as “omo a gbeda fun Alaafin” (the one who is required to give Alaafin of Oyo a tradi onal sword of authority).
“The ancient palace in the town was recently pulled down at the instance of the monarch. Tradi onal chiefs in the cabinet of the monarch now hold mee ngs in a small mee ng space.
“I want to urge the state government to as a ma er of urgency set up a panel to inves gate the whereabouts of our monarch and demand his immediate return to Nigeria to face his responsibili es as a tradi onal ruler.
“His return will not only douse tension, but also ensure that he parcipates in the corona on of the new Alaafin of Oyo when he completes his seclusion rites any me from now.
“There are two ruling houses in Ipetumodu: Fagbemokun and Aribile where Oba Oloyede belongs.”
In his remarks, a community leader, Prince Ayoola, said indigenes of the town are praying for the return of Oba Oloyede.
He said: “It is true that Oba Oloyede has not returned from his trip to the US. But he speaks regularly with some people.
“I have also heard about the viral story in social media which suggested that someone with similar name is being held by the US authori es over allega ons bordering on a case of fraud.
HE 66 freelance staff
of Osun State Broadcas ng Corpora on (OSBC) are yet to receive their appointment le ers nine months a er Governor Ademola Adeleke announced their permanent employment, OSUN DEFENDER gathered.
Adeleke had in May 22, 2024, announced the conversion of all freelance staff of OSBC into fullYusuf Oketola
•Osun
NUJ Urges Govt To Address Delay
fledged staff. He made the pronouncement while speaking at the commissioning of the newly reinvigorated radio arm of the broadcas ng coopera on at Oke-baale, Osogbo.
Speaking on the delay, the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, appealed the Governor to look into the delayed issuance of ap-
proved appointment of the 66 affected freelance staff
In a communique released a er the monthly Congress of the union held for the month of February at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, the Congress urged Adeleke to probe refusal to implement his direc ve on full employment of the concerned freelance staff of the establishment.
The Congress presided over by the Chairman, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, also applauded Governor Ademola Adeleke on his people oriented policies, which alleviates suffering among the masses, especially free health insurance for pensioners, poor elderly and the Persons Living with Disability, PWDs.
The Union also expressed its concerns on
the expected delivery of the Union Bus, promised by the state government to the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Osun Council.
The Congress, while delibera ng on state of the na on, urged the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to sort out epilep c power supply affec ng masses, and businesses, by making it efficient to allow customers have value for their money.
The Congress did not forget to appeal to residents of ilobu and ifonOsun to cooperate with the reconcilia on commi ee set up by the state government and allow peace and tranquillity to reign supreme in their various communi es for peaceful co-existence in the area.
“Members of Aribile ruling house have been praying for the safe return of our monarch.
“Both Muslim and Chris an members are fervently praying that his return before too long would shame our detractors, especially those who contested against him for the throne.
“I believe this is the right me for Oba Oloyede’s return to his throne as Apetumodu, since he is the one required by the Yoruba tradi on to hand over the sword of authority to the new Alaafin of Oyo during his installa on.
“In fact, according to panegyrics, Apetumodu is described as ‘Ọmọ a ji gbeda fun Alaafin (one who hands over the sword to the Alaafin)’.
“Hence, we are praying fervently for his safe return before the comple on of Alaafin’s corona on rites.
•Adeleke
•Oba Oloyede•Oba Oloyede
Two UNIOSUN Students Receive N273,000 Scholarship Funds
TWO students of Osun State University have been awarded a sum of N273000 in scholarship funds by Temvert Empowerment Founda on.
The beneficiaries, Blessing Olushola, a 200level student of Linguis cs and Communica on Studies and Oluwapelumi Romi, a 300-level student of English and Interna onal Studies, received the funds at an award ceremony held on February 6th, 2025 at the ins tu on’s College of Humani es and Culture, Ikire Campus.
Speaking during the event, Temvert founder, Temitayo Olatunde stated that the scholarship which was designed as an avenue
to give back to his alma mater will enable students focus on their educa on without financial constraints.
Temitayo, the UKbased graduate of English and Interna onal Studies who was represented by his team members, Margaret Adetoye and Adepitan Abdulrasheed added that the scholarship scheme is named a er Professor Muyiwa Awodiya, in recogni on of his posi ve impact on students’ lives.
He further emphasized his founda on’s commitment to suppor ng and empowering students to achieve their full potenal.
“It is with great delight that I announce to
you that we have awarded a N170,000 scholarship to Blessing Olushola and N103,000 to Oluwapelumi Ro mi. Having a scholarship scheme named a er Prof. Muyiwa Awodiya under our founda on is also a means to recognise his impact on students’ life both academically and fi-
nancially.
“Prof was my supervisor and I remember how he financially sponsored the prin ng and binding of the final year projects of all the students he supervised. This is just one of the thousands of humanitarian acts of Prof over the years.
Campus Review Campus Review
Give Community-Based Institutions Necessary
Attention, Osun Poly Rector Tell Govt
THE Rector of The Polytechnic Iresi in Boluwaduro Local Government of Osun State, Dr Azeez Adewoyin, has appealed state government to give community-based ins tu ons the required a en on, no ng that the ins tu ons were complemen ng the government efforts.
Dr Adewoyin also urged the Na onal Board for Technical Educa on (NBTE) to find a way of giving concession to community-based ins tu ons on the cost of accredita ng courses.
The Rector called for community-based ins tuons to benefit from the Ter ary Educa on Trust Fund, adding that parents of students in communitybased ins tu ons were also taxpayers.
Dr Adewoyin made the appeals on Tuesday at a press conference of the ins tu on’s 1st combined
Court Frees Ex-Osun Poly Registrar Of Gun Running, Attempted Assassination
AN Osun State Magistrates’ Court, sitng in Osogbo, has convicted a 31-year-old man, Ro mi Orowole of 3 out of 4 count charges of conspiracy, possession of firearms, false accusa on and criminal defama on.
Orowole was accused of commi ng the offences on July 2, 2019, when he conspired with others at large to raise false allega ons and criminally defamed a former registrar of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, Dr Ogunleye Oladele Alhassan.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the prosecutor, Mr Abiodun Badiora, in his charge sheet, claims that Orowole Adekunle Ro mi, a na ve of Ile Ife, conspired with other people to raise false allega ons against the complainant, leading to his
being charged with illegal possession of firearm, knowing that Dr Ogunleye is innocent of the alleged offences, a conduct contrary to sec on 125 of the Criminal Code Law Cap. 34 Laws of Osun State 2022.
Magistrate O.A Dara-
mola, in her judgement, had exonerated Dr Ogunleye of the allega ons of the offences and ruled that Orowole be remanded in custody. The case was adjourned ll March 18, 2025 for sentencing.
convoca on held at the school auditorium.
The convoca on is slated for Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Addressing the media, the Rector said unlike before, the cost of accredita ng and re-accredi ng courses was now on the high side, no ng that the development was causing an impediment to the instu on.
Dr Adewoyin said a total of 1,914 graduands will be convoca ng on Thursday, urging the students to shun bad vices and be good ambassadors of the ins tuon.
He said, “In the past, what we used to do is to write the Na onal Board for Technical Educa on that you want to mount certain courses or certain courses you mount is due, and they should come to re-accredit them. They would tell you the me they are coming and what you will do is only
to provide for their accommoda on and feeding of the personnel.
“But now, they are going to bill you. You will have to pay a certain statutory amount, apart from the accommoda on and feeding. Now, to accredit courses now runs into about eight or nine digits figure. All these are impediments to an ins tu on of this nature because it is not set up primarily for profit making.
“An ins tu on like this is doing a lot for the community. The ins tu on is adding to the economy of Iresi community. Iresi is an integral part of Osun State, and the development of Iresi adds value to what is happening in Osun State. Also, the level of employment through the polytechnic increased and these workers will pay tax and in turn, increases the revenue genera on of the state.
“Also, community Polytechnics should benefit
from Te und, even if it is a certain percentage because the parents of these students equally pay tax, and it is out of this corporate tax that they collect together and use to fund ins tu ons.
A total number of 1,914 students will graduate, 1884 with Na onal Diploma (ND), and 30 with Higher Na onal Diploma (HND). The HND is our first set and they are from Accountancy and Computer Science. On this note, I want to congratulate our graduands for this worthy achievement. The celebraons of today should be a gateway to future progress. Please, imbibe self-Spartan discipline, pa ence, and “I can do it spirit”. Try to iden fy your environment and find what you can do to improve the lives of the people. You should know that any success achieved without hard work will not last”.
Osun LG Crisis: Don’t Destroy The Peace In Our Land, Oluwo Warns Politicians
THE Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi has appealed to the people of Osun State, especially poli cians, to desist from acts capable of destroying the exis ng peaceful coexistence in the state.
Oluwo, in a statement by his press secretary, Alli Ibrahim, described the violent a acks reported by the media in some local governments in the state as worrisome.
His appeal came in the wake of the ongoing crisis that erupted at local government secretariats across the state on Monday, following the a empts by the sacked council chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who claimed that last week’s judgment by the Court of Appeal reinstated them.
The a empts were re-
sisted by members of the People’s Democra c Party (PDP) in the state.
Oluwo said: “It doesn’t depict the true image of the state as land of virtues. Let’s priori ze our lives and protect the infrastructures built by our collec ve resources.
“I appeal to the poli cal par es and their respec ve actors involved to respect the honourable path of peace and orderliness. Violence draws an en ty back. That, we don’t pray for in Osun.
“To my immediate subjects, the good people of Iwoland, don’t forget we are one family. Any harm you do to anyone in Iwo is an injury to yourself because we are all connected, either directly or indirectly.
“I enjoin you to learn from those who have played an ac ve role in poli cal violence in Iwo in the past. None of them
ended well. The past should present an experience for the future. Anyone making an a empt to cause violence or destroy Iwo will be caught by tradi onal vengeance. You can’t harm Iwo and go away with it. Nemesis will unavoidably catch up with you.
“Once again, Osun State is ours. Let’s priori ze her interest before any poli cal consideraon. Most poli cal interest is temporary; Osun State is permanent. Let peace and orderliness be our mandate.”
Yusuf Oketola
Kazeem Badmus
Yusuf OketolaYusuf Oketola
Champions League: Teams That Arsenal, Real Madrid, Bayern Will Face In Round Of 16
THE 16 teams le in the Champions League have an idea who their Round of 16 opponents will be.
This year, the expanded version of the compeon saw 36 teams in a league phase format.
The format also included a play-off round for the Round of 16.
By Thursday morning, all the teams in the knockouts had been confirmed.
They are: Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge, Feyenoord, PSV, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Benfica.
Others are Arsenal, Aston Villa, Atle , Barcelona, Inter, Leverkusen, Lille and Liverpool.
HOW THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST-16 IS SHAPING UP: PSG vs Liverpool or Barcelona Club Brugge vs Lille or Aston Villa Real Madrid vs Atle -
co Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen
PSV vs Arsenal or Inter Milan
Feyenoord vs Arsenal or Inter Milan
Bayern Munich vs Atle co Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen
You’ve Nothing More To Offer – Ancelotti Told To Leave Real Madrid
FThe es for the round of 16 will be played on during the weeks of March 4 and March 5 with the return legs being held on March 11 and March 12.
Borussia Dortmund vs Lille or Aston Villa Benfica vs Liverpool or Barcelona
ORMER Real Madrid player and spor ng director, Predrag Mijatovic, has told the club’s boss, Carlo Ancelo , to leave the club.
He acknowledged the Italian’s successful strides at the club but feels the Champions League tle holders need fresh ideas.
For him, it is me for Carlo Ancelo to leave the San ago Bernabeu and allow a younger man to take charge.
The former spor ng director believes that Ancelo ’s cycle at the club is over and that the LaLiga giants need a fresh face in the dugout next season.
He stated this in an interview with Josep Pedrerol on El Cafelito, despite the fact that Ancelo has no plans to leave Los Blancos.
He praised Ancelo , claiming that no manager will ever surpass the Italian’s record at Real Madrid.
However, he feels the
former Chelsea and PSG boss has been at the San ago Bernabeu for too long. He said via MARCA, “Ancelo is the coach who has won the most tles, and I don’t think anyone will surpass him.”
However, Mijatovic is of the opinion that the former Chelsea boss does not have anything more to offer.
“I think that, regardless of how this season ends, Ancelo should leave Madrid. Why should this be
Ancelo ’s last season at Madrid?
“He’s been here for too long and has won so many tles. Now it’s hard for him to bring anything more, anything new, anything revolu onary.”
The Italian manager joined Real Madrid in 2013, le in 2015, but returned in 2021.
He has won the league tle twice and the UEFA Champions League three mes.
OAU NAAT Honours Veterinary Technologist Killed By Lion News
Kazeem Badmus
THE Na onal Associa on of Academic Technolo-
gists (NAAT), Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe, chapter on Wednesday, organised a one-day
workshop in honour of late veterinary technologist, Mr Olabode Olawuyi, who was killed
Iyaniwura Group Prays For Omoluabi Success
Yusuf Oketola
Agathering of supporters and loyalists of the Ọmọlúàbí Progressives in Oṣùn State, under the aegis of Iya Ní Wúrà Group, recently converged to offer prayers and solidarity for the success of their leaders.
The event, which took place in a convivial atmosphere, was characterized by fervent prayers, songs, and words of encouragement, as the group reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to the Ọmọlúàbí Progressives’ cause.
In her remarks, the leader of the group, Hon. Busayo Eselebor, emphasized the importance of unity, loyalty, and perseverance, urging members to remain stead-
fast in their support for the leaders.
Hon. Eselebor also seized the opportunity to acknowledge the exemplary leadership quali es of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State, who, according to her, earned their loyalty through his laudable achievements.
The group also expressed apprecia on for Alhaji Moshood Adeo , describing him as a loyal leader and excep onal grassroots mobilizer, whose contribuons to the growth and development of the party are invaluable.
Mrs. Sola Jacobs Adegbite, a leader from Odò ọ n local government, in her reac on, admonished the leaders to remain loyal to the Ọmọlúàbí Progressives’ cause, trus ng that God will
grant them victory.
The Iya Ní Wúrà Group, comprising women from various local government areas of the state, has been a formidable force in the Ọmọlúwàbí Progressives, providing unwavering support and solidarity to the party’s leaders.
The group’s prayers and solidarity for the success of their leaders are seen as a testament to their commitment to the Ọmọlúàbí Progressives’ cause, and a demonstra on of their faith in the party’s ability to deliver on its promises.
As the 2026 elec ons approach, the Iya Ní Wúrà Group’s prayers and solidarity for the success of their leaders are expected to galvanize support for the Ọmọlúàbí Progressives, and propel the party to victory.
by a lion on the campus. OSUN DEFENDER reports that the late Olawuyi, a former Public Rela ons Officer of the union, died on February 19, 2024, a er rescuing a junior worker who was feeding the lion from mauling.
Speaking during the workshop tagged, ‘Workplace Safety Awareness’, held at the Pit Theater of the Department of Drama c Arts, OAU, the Na onal President of NAAT, NAAT president, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, described the late Olawuyi as a martyr who died to save another’s life.
Nwokoma, who was represented by the immediate past Na onal Treasurer of the union, Dr. Mrs Rachel HassanOlajokun, urged the management of the University to immortalize the late Olawuyi by naming the zoo where the incident happened a er him.
He said, “I want to appreciate the OAU NAAT execu ves for coming up with this workshop, and I want to use this opportunity to advocate that that zoo should be named a er the late Mr Olawuyi. He was a man of virtue and our martyr.
“As Nigerians, we are an endangered species, and we need to be
conscious of our environment. We have to be safety conscious every me. Today’s workshop has opened our eyes to a lot of things, and I hope the par cipants and the school management will work on the recommenda ons made here”.
In his words, the OAU chairman of NAAT, Mathew Oluwaniyi, said the associa on was yet to receive the official invesga on report regarding the circumstances that led to Olawuyi’s death.
The OAU NAAT chairman said the workshop was a call to ac on, adding that the management and staff of the university must ensure that the lessons from late Olawuyi’s sacrifice lead to improved policies and be er protecve measures.
He said, “One year ago, we lost a dedicated professional, a colleague, and a comrade whose courage and sense of duty went beyond mere responsibility. Comrade Olawuyi gave his life while ensuring the safety of another.
“Regre ably, as we mark the first anniversary of his passing, we are yet to receive a formal response for the release of the official inves gave report regarding the circumstances of his death.
“This workshop is,
therefore, more than an event. It is a call to ac on. It is a reminder that safety is not just a conversa on but a responsibility that requires decisive leadership and systema c change. We must ensure that lessons from Comrade Olawuyi’s sacrifice lead to improved policies, be er protec ve measures, and a culture where no worker ever feels unsafe in the course of duty”.
In his address, the keynote speaker, Mr Reuben Temerigha, said lack of awareness and training, as well as noncompliance with safety regula ons, were some of the challenges to workplace safety.
Temerigha who was represented by Mr Harry Ipalibo, urged the management of the ins tu on to provide comprehensive training and ensure strict enforcement of safety regula ons in the university community.
“Workplace safety is not just a compliance requirement-it is a moral obliga on. By addressing these key challenges and implementing effec ve solu ons as highlighted, we can create environments where workers feel secure and valued thereby preventing the similitude of why we are here today”, he said.
IN the ever-evolving poli cal landscape of Osun State, poli cal maturity and accountability are key to ensuring a stable and prosperous future. However, the state has witnessed its share of poli cal turmoil, par cularly under the leadership transi ons of recent years.
The struggle for control over the local government system, the challenges arising from the perceived failures of governance, and the stark contrast between the rhetoric of some groups and their acons on the ground have le Osun grappling with issues of trust and governance efficiency.
In this context, the Omoluabi Group has emerged as a beacon of hope, focused on a vision of transparent, responsible, and inclusive governance, se ng the stage for a prosperous future.
The leadership of the Omoluabi Group offers a refreshing contrast to the chao c poli cal scene that has characterized Osun over the last several years.
Whereas some poli cal fac ons have exploited the division, focusing on immediate, short-term goals and personal power plays, the Omoluabi Group has emphasized poli cal maturity—an understanding that poli cs should be about service to the people, not just the pursuit of power.
The turmoil of the past, marked by fractured leadership and lack of accountability, has exposed the weaknesses of other poli cal fac ons, especially the immature approach taken by certain compe tors in Osun’s electoral processes.
These groups have demonstrated a lack of cohesion and strategic foresight, o en priori zing personal ambi on over the well-being of the people they seek to represent. The Omoluabi Group, on the other hand, has proven to be an epitome of poli cal maturity, where strategic collabora on, foresight, and a deep understanding of Osun’s poli cal reali es take precedence.
Poli cal maturity goes hand-in-hand with accountability—a trait that is sorely lacking in some of the groups currently vying for poli cal dominance in the state. Osun’s future, as we know, depends on governance that is transparent, inclusive, and focused on long-term sustainable growth.
The recent challenges regarding the administra on of local governments in Osun highlight the importance of having accountable leaders who understand the responsibility they hold to the people. In contrast to other groups whose approach has some mes been reckless or driven by personal agendas, the Omoluabi Group emphasizes that true governance is rooted in the service of the people, not the self-interest of the few.
Omoluabi is focused on crea ng a leadership model that will usher in a new era for Osun—an era where governance
“The Omoluabi Group’s vision for Osun is clear. They are focused on the future — a future where governance is mature, responsible, and accountable to the people.
In a time of political chaos and misguided ambitions, the group stands out as a symbol of hope, stability, and progressive change”
Olowokere PERSPECTIVE
By Matt Olu
Political Maturity And Accountability As A New Vision For Governance In Osun
is not driven by poli cs as usual, but rather by a deep commitment to the people’s well-being. Accountability, a commitment to transparency, and inclusion are values that will define the Omoluabi-led future of Osun.
For the people of Osun, the promise is clear: a governance system that listens to their needs, addresses their challenges, and develops long-term solu ons for sustainable growth and progress. In today’s world, where people are increasingly demanding more from their leaders, this vision is not only mely but necessary.
The Omoluabi Group is not con-
Dcerned with simply acquiring power for its own sake, but with ensuring that power is used to bring about posi ve change. This is the crux of responsible governance—crea ng las ng systems that upli the people, addressing their most pressing needs, and se ng Osun on a path of progress.
The group’s focus is squarely on ensuring that Osun’s future is secure, prosperous, and built on the founda on of sound leadership principles. Their goal is not to chase flee ng poli cal gains, but to establish a stable governance framework that will serve the people of Osun for genera ons to come.
Moreover, the Omoluabi Group stands ready to tackle the problems plaguing Osun’s current leadership by offering clear, ac onable policy soluons.
This includes restructuring local governments to ensure be er service delivery, promo ng economic diversifica on to create jobs and improve livelihoods, inves ng in educa on to prepare the next genera on for success, and ensuring that Osun’s natural resources are managed sustainably to benefit all.
These are not just ideas, but praccal, implementable solu ons that the Omoluabi Group is commi ed to bringing to life.
In conclusion, the Omoluabi Group’s vision for Osun is clear. They are focused on the future—a future where governance is mature, responsible, and accountable to the people. In a me of poli cal chaos and misguided ambi ons, the group stands out as a symbol of hope, stability, and progressive change.
Their maturity, understanding of the poli cal reali es of Osun, and commitment to service make them the ideal leaders to guide the state through the challenges of today and into the promising future that lies ahead.
The people of Osun deserve a government that will serve them with integrity, transparency, and a genuine desire to create las ng change—this is the promise of the Omoluabi Group.
Ma Olu OLOWOKERE (Engr) Past GM, ORMA Osun State.
Where Are The People?
EMOCRACY has been more specifically defined as “majority rule.” However, its most popular defini on, availed by Abraham Lincoln, remains “government of the people by the people and for the people.” Empha cally men oned thrice in that defini on, “the people,” or “the majority,” remain centrally cri cal to democra c ideals and prac se. It is the goal of democracy that the wishes of the majority will prevail and that for such to be the case, the majority of the people will be instrumental.
All democra c governments are founded on the above principles and the Cons tu ons that guarantee the rule of law start out unequivocally in their opening statements with “We, the people...,” not only to demonstrate basic consensus but to further reiterate the place of “the people” in the opera ons of democracy.
However, democracy and good governance that it supposes to deliver do not become automa c reality simply upon proclama on. They are desires and goals that must be achieved by no other party in the deal than “the people,” “the majority.” Herein lays the duty and responsibility of ci zens of any naon, ahead of the guarantee of their rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
The tendency in most democracies in so called underdeveloped countries is to blame the visible operators of the democracies, the government and the poli cal elite without a deeper look at
the major stakeholder - the ul mate beneficiary or vic m, as the case may be - the people. The maxim – every people get the kind of government they deserve – simply highlight the ul mate responsibility of the people in a democracy. Their ac ons, inac ons and general disposi ons to governance are the key indicators of how the ruling elite relate with them, either by taking the people seriously or taking them for granted after the people have periodically surrendered their sovereignty in elec ons to public officers.
Periodic changes in personali es in government amongst those paraded by the poli cal par es, good for democracy as it is, guarantee li le or no changes to the system of governance and dividends delivery unless “the people” ensure that those promises of changes for the better are delivered. They must demand accountability and delivery on promises and oaths taking by execu ves, legislature and the judiciary, including heads of all agencies of government. When undelivered, they must ensure there are consequences, just as they need to applaud when delivered.
When serious issues that legi mise and compound criminality and corrupon (and consequent decay and underdevelopment of society) are trivialised into comic relieves and the culprits go away unpunished, the ruling elite are only emboldened to con nue in their reckless, destabilising and impoverishing policy choices and carefree responses to devasta ng results.
In preceding weeks, there was the report that The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund told no other body than the Senate that termites had ea ng away the vouchers of how they spent N17.1bn public fund! Many similar reports of such - snakes and monkeys swallowing millions of naira of public funds, and so on - have become commonplace in public governance in Nigeria: bizarre, exaspera ng stories that should normally trigger massive outrage and indigna ons, leading to peaceful protests and civil disobedience in the very least. What are Nigerian commonplace responses? Trivialisa on into comic relieves or passive agonising, wailings and cri cism at best.
Of course, individual ci zens have limited powers of impac ul protest. However, the people, the majority (women, children, and youths) exist in numerous socie es, organisa ons and associa ons (trade and professions, students, cultural, social, community, etc). Members of these organisa ons must hold leadership of the mass groups accountable to relating with social and na onal reali es crically and ac vely by all means necessary to right almost every wrong and achieve the promise of democra c dividends. Un l “the majority” swing into organised ac ons on this basis rather than agonising, the only prospect will be increasing misery and misfortune amongst the majority since there is much to profit from bad governance and people’s misery and tribula ons by the an -democra c and mean minority that have taken charge of the democra c process.
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above