•Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke (Middle), State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr Stephen Aina and Deputy Governor of the state, Prince Kola Adewusi during the courtesy visit of NAFDAC team to Government House, Osogbo on Wednesday.
Photo: Shola Aderinto
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026
Osun Court Remands Suspects Allegedly Link To Murder Of Ogun FRSC Officer
Michael Bamigbola
AN Osun State Magistrate’s Court si ng in Osogbo, the state capital has remanded three suspects arrested in connec on with the murder of an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command, Lasisi Oluwamayokun and her daughter, Adesewa, at the Ilesa Correc onal Centre l February 6.
The suspects, Gboyega Daramola (39), Sunday James (38) and Fajemirokun Victor (36) were arraigned before the presiding magistrate, O. A. Daramola, last Friday in suit number MoS/M53/2026.
In an affidavit in support of the mo on, deposed to by the Inves ga ng Police Officer, Babawale Taiwo
and obtained by our correspondent, the applicant urged the court to remand the defendants while awai ng advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecu on
Providing details of the alleged offences in the affidavit dated January 16, 2026, the IPO stated that on November 10, 2025, Oluwafemi Fajemirokun and Mariam Fajemirokun of Number. 34, Akande Street, Alekuwodo, Osogbo, reported at the Ikoyi Police Divisional Headquarters that their younger brother, Victor Fajemirokun Emmanuel, (40) had gone missing a er leaving Osogbo on November 2, 2025, for prayer acvi es at Ikoyi prayer mountain.
The affidavit further stated that during the inves ga on, it was discovered that Lasisi Fun-
milayo Oluwamayokun, (39) and her daughter, Lasisi Sewa, (10), both from Abeokuta, Ogun
State, also went missing on the same date. “Further inves gaon revealed that Vic-
tor Fajemirokun murdered the vic ms for ritual purposes. The respondents grue-
ADC Chieftain Assures Osun People Of Better, Efficient Governance
Michael Bamigbola
Aleading poli cal stalwart in Osun State, Hon (Mrs) Temitope Yemisi Agiri has assured the people of Osun State that the African Democra c Congress will restore the lost hope of the state if the party gets to power.
She promised that the ADC government under the leadership of Rt.Hon Najeem Folasayo Salaam will provide employment opportunity for the teeming youths of the state.
The ADC chie ain who hails from Ila-Orangun in Ila Local Government Area of the state assured that the ADC Les government of Rt Hon Salaam will priori ze educa on and place youth empowerment on high pedestal.
She noted that the failure of the current administra on of Senator Ademola Adeleke to appoint teachers shows that the current administra on lacks proper knowledge of corporate governance.
Also, Mrs Agiri observed that the inability of the Adeleke’s government to recruit people into the state public service is an affront in the current administra on and the People’s Democra c Party/Accord Party that produced the Governor.
The ace grassroot poli cian wondered how a government will fail to recruit civil servants and teachers for over three years, saying the development was unusual in the history of the state.
●Says ADC Will Correct The Anomalies Of Adeleke ADC Will Correct The Anomalies Adeleke
Going down memory lane, Mrs Agiri recalled that all the predecessors of Governor Ademola Adeleke recruited people into the civil service during the tenure of office and thereby wondered why the current administra on failed to recruit workers.
She however encouraged the people of the
state to be pa ent as the government of the people with purposeful leadership will soon be enthroned in the state.
Mrs Agiri therefore admonished the people of the state to support the ADC and vote massively for Rt Hon Najeem Salaam in the forthcoming gubernatorial elecon.
Osun Guber: Federal Might, Power Of Incumbency Will Fail, ADC Guber Candidate Declares
Yusuf Oketola
THE governorship candidate of the African Democra c Congress in Osun State, Hon. Najeem Salaam, has declared that the power of incumbency and federal might will fail in the August 8 governorship elec on in Osun State.
The governorship hopeful expressed confidence in his party’s ability to emerge victorious in the gubernatorial elecon.
Salaam equally said he would not tarnish the image of his opponents, no ng that his campaign would be issue-based.
The former speaker of the state House of Assembly stated this while featuring on a radio programme in Osogbo, the state capital recently.
He noted that he was not bothered by the strength of his opponents, adding that the ADC is the party that the people have
been wai ng for in Osun.
Salaam said, “People accept us and pray for our success and we are very hopeful, come August 08, ADC is winning.
“Our opponents are not God. This is our me that God has ordained for us. It is God who is doing the job for us. They might be the incumbent and have the federal might, but we are going to win the elec on.”
somely murdered the vic m and her daughter and dismembered their bodies. Victor Fajemirokun was idenfied as the mastermind of the crime,” the affidavit stated.
The deponent cited the Administra on of Criminal Jus ce Law of Osun State, 2018, noting that a court order was required to remand the suspects in a correc onal centre pending the outcome of legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecu on.
In her ruling, Magistrate Daramola ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Ilesa Correc onal Centre un l February 6, 2026.
“I will campaign and tell the people of Osun what I want to do, not destroying anybody. Of course, we have been tested and they know they can trust us,” he added.
Salaam promised good governance, welfare of workers, agricultural improvement and security if elected.
Bricklayer Lands In Prison For Allegedly Raping PWD
Yusuf Oketola
AMagistrate Court, si ng in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, has ordered the remand of a 38 year old man, Olusola Busayo at the Ilesa Correc onal Centre for allegedly raping a person with disability.
Busayo, a bricklayer, was dragged to court by the state Police Command on a one count charge of rape, in viola on of relevant laws.
The police prosecutor, Adejola Adesuyi alleged that the defendant unlawfully engaged in sexual intercourse with a lady who has special needs.
The Prosecutor told the court that offense was contrary to secon 358 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The defense counsel, Kehinde Adepoju, prayed the court to grant his client bail.
However, the police prosecutor opposed the oral bail applicaon request.
He argued that allowing the vic m to con nue seeing the defendant could reignite her trauma and exacerbate the harm she has already suffered.
In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Oyindamola Daramola, ordered that the defendant be remanded in Ilesa correc onal facility.
The case was adjourned to February 27, 2026, for men on.
The burial service of Oluwamayokun and her daughter, Adesewa, was held on Friday at St. John’s Anglican Church Cemetery, ItaOlookan, Osogbo.
Oluwamayokun and her daughter went missing on Sunday, November 2, 2025, a er leaving their residence at Obasanjo Hilltop Estate, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
They were later confirmed dead a er being allegedly lured by a man-friend of the deceased, Victor Fajemirokun, who was subsequently arrested.
Fajemirokun reportedly admi ed to luring the vic ms to their deaths at the hands of ritualists in Osun State when he was paraded by the police alongside two herbalists, Gboyega Daramola and Sunday James, at the state police command headquarters in Osogbo
•(L): Professor John Okeniyi, Chief Medical Director of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile Ife with Vice-Chancellor, Redeemer’s University, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, during Okeniyi’s visit to Redeemer’s University, Ede, on Tuesday
IN this season of a theatre full of twists and turns , we have to paraphrase Marx. We have moved from tragedy into farce. Just as a bemused populace was recovering from the melodrama of “decamping “ there came out of the blues a hitherto hidden caveat sta ng that there will be no automa c cket for the new entrants and the Johnny-cone lately!
The caveat added confirms the injunc on of lawyers that anyone involved in a transac on should always read the small print. Had they known! There are specula ons that the caveat is directed at checkmating the ambi ons of the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara who is locked in a conflict with his estranged godfather. However, with his lungs for advantage and supremacy in the states the new injunc on is bound to have general applicability , “O what a tangled web will weave the first
A Lacuna In The Defection!
•From Tragedy Into Farce
me will prac ce as to how to deceive.”
What we are being entertained to is a reminder of any ideological po-
si on propelling what we describe as poli cs in Nigeria. As of now it’s all about self-aggrandizement. In this theatre the
The Discourse
“There are speculations that the caveat is directed at checkmating the ambitions of the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara who is locked in a conflict with his estranged godfather’
people are mere onlooker extras in another person’s movie , they have their moments as suppor ng cast in the crowd scene a er which they slip into irrelevance. Hardly surprising that we have become the poverty capital of the world while countries in our peer group such as Brazil and Malaysia are steaming ahead!
We can only hope that one day soon an alternave will be provided to the present pantomime and that governance based on pu ng the interests of the people first will become the propelling force direc ng involvement in poli cs.
Nigeria: One Party System And Signs Of Our Time
By Obiotika Wilfred Tochukwu
NIGERIA , a na on blessed with abundant resources and a vibrant people, stands at a crossroad. As the world watches, the country’s trajectory seems increasingly uncertain. The recent flirtaon with a one-party system under the guise of APC’s dominance raises ques ons about the state of democracy and the future of Nigeria. But is this a new phenomenon, or a symptom of a deeper malaise?
History teaches us that Nigeria has long struggled with self-inflicted wounds. The trans-Saharan slave trade, a painful chapter in our past, was as much a product of our own complicity as it was of external forces. The era of regional poli cs, marked by the likes of Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo’s Ac on Group and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s NCNC showed promise, but was ul mately marred by ethnic and regional rivalries. The Yoruba and Hausa/Fulani blocs undermined the Igbo-led NCNC, illustra ng the destruc ve power of tribalism.
Fast forward to today, and the signs are ominous. A one-party system, an anathema to democracy, is being peddled as the solu on to Nigeria’s problems.
But as the saying goes, “those who forget history are bound to re-
peat it.” One-party systems are relics of the past, incompa ble with modern democracy. Yet, in Nigeria, dissen ng voices are silenced, and cri cism is seen as
treason.The concentra on of power in the hands of a few, coupled with the suppression of opposi on, is a recipe for disaster.
Today, the push toward a one-party structure under the APC reflects a desire to ex nguish dissent. In a healthy democracy, opposi on is the crucible in which policy is refined. However, when cri cism is treated as treason and influen al voices are reduced to “insignificant tweets,” the democra c fabric begins to tear.
The current administra on operates in a landscape where the opposion feels less like a counter-force and more like a shadow. This move toward singularity is not a sign of strength, but a sign of vanity. We look at global powers like the United States or the na ons of Europe; they understand that a monopoly on power leads to stagna on. Yet, in Nigeria, the “conspiracy of the elite” remains strong, fueled by a collec ve betrayal--a “kiss” of greed that priori zes personal riches over the common wealth. The problem is not the miniskirt on a curvy hip, nor is it security from riches and love.
ISSN : 0794-8050 Telephone : 0809-301-9152 Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com All correspondence to the above email addresses.
It is a crisis of character, a malaise of the soul. Over 50 percent of Nigerians are educated, with many holding advanced degrees. Yet, we are addicted to evil, blinded by greed, envy, and deceit. Contracts are awarded based on patronage, not merit. We maim and kill our own for power, wealth, and influence. The pursuit of sex, drugs, and pleasure has become an opiate, numbing our collec ve conscience.
•Wike
•Fubara
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026
Exposed: Why Adeleke Hurriedly Announced Issuance Of Appointment Letters To Awaiting Teachers 23 Months After
FACTS have emerged on why the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke hurriedly directed the issuance of le ers of appointment to the first batch of newly recruited teachers in the state.
The governor who gave the direc ve to the state Commissioner for Educa on, Mr Dipo Eluwole, said the direc ve formed part of the decisions of the State Execu ve Council mee ng held in December 2025.
Governor Adeleke made this known while speaking at the Commenda on and Solidarity Parade organized by the Stay-in-School Ini ave at St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo.
However, OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the Governor hurriedly made the direc ve to avoid embarrassment and pacify the applicants, a er a planned protest by some of the applicants over the prolonged delay in the release of appointment le ers to them 23 months a er the recruitment exercise.
Findings revealed that some of the applicants had concluded plans to stage a protest on Friday, January 16, 2026 before the plan was leaked to the government.
One of the applicants who confided in OSUN DEFENDER said:
“I strongly believe that we have moles in our midst. It came as a surprise when we learnt about the news from the governor that he has ordered for the release of our appointment letters. Ini ally, we have concluded plans to stage a protest on Friday, before the announcement. We hope this won’t be a fake promise as earlier done.”
OSUN DEFENDER reports that this is the second me the Governor would issue direc ve for the release of appointment le ers to the awai ng teachers without fulfilling his promise.
On March 10, 2025, Adeleke had during a mee ng of the State Execu ve Council made same pronouncement. But the status quo remains nine months after.
The state government has con nued to
seizure
state’s local government alloca ons by the Federal Government.
The immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola had recruited some teachers a er losing his re-elec on to the incumbent Governor.
However, the teachers were sacked by the present administra on with Governor Adeleke announcing a new recruitment exercise.
More than two years a er sacking the teachers employed by Oyetola, the present administra on did not employ new teachers despite the shortage of teachers in the state public schools.
Recall that the Commissioner for Educa on in the state, Hon Dipo Eluwole during a radio programme in February 2023 disclosed that public schools in Osun need a lot of teachers, which he put at minimum of 10,000.
Governor Adeleke had on February 16, 2024, approved the recruitment of 5,000 teachers and 250 educaon officers to serve in both primary and secondary schools, following the approval of the State Execu ve Council.
The applicants were required to pay a nonrefundable applica on fee of N2,000. It was gathered that out of 32,000 applicants, only about 29,000 candidates were able to access the examina on portal for the recruitment process.
The results of the examina ons were pub-
lished on April 17, 2024, and shortlisted candidates were interviewed between September 9 and 13 of the same year.
But since the interview, none of the successful candidates has been issued an appointment le er.
Meanwhile, some of the successful candidates have decried the delay in their employment a er comple ng all the processes.
According to them, the government has remained silent on the process since they were interviewed between
September 9 and 13, 2024.
Reac ng to the recent order by the Governor, some of the applicants who took to various social media pla orms expressed opmism while urging the government not to joke with their future.
Art/Culture
It was gathered that some of the applicants have resigned from their previous employments with the hope of ge ng the teaching job.
“The delay in issuing the appointment le ers is very painful. Many candidates believed that once they passed the interview, the appointment le ers would be issued immediately. It is not that the process is a scam, but unfortunately, some people have already resigned from their previous hardearned jobs because of this expecta on.brother English no suppose hard as a teacher
“Why would anyone resign from their current job when they haven’t even received an appointment le er from the new posi on they’re hoping for. Only a fool will resign an old job for an uncertain new job?
The Role Of The Ethnographer In The Osun-Osogbo Sacred
Grove
THE ethnographer plays a vital role in the preserva on, interpretaon, and con nuity of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant living sacred landscapes in Yorubaland. As a cultural researcher, the ethnographer is responsible for systema cally studying, documen ng, and interpreting the beliefs, rituals, social prac ces, and symbolic meanings associated with the grove and the annual Osun fes val. This role is essen al because the grove is not merely a physical environment but a living cultural space shaped by spirituality, oral tradi ons, and community iden ty.
Who is an Ethnographer?
An ethnographer is a researcher who studies cultures, socie es, and communi es, often immersing themselves in the daily lives of the people they are researching. They are like cultural detec ves, gathering stories, observing rituals, and documen ng tradi ons to understand the intricacies of human experience.
They are all about uncovering the rich tapestry of human cultures and sharing those insights with the world. Any specific interest in ethnography.
One of the primary roles of the ethnographer in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is documenta on. Much of the grove’s cultural knowledge— such as myths of origin, ritual chants, fes val procedures, taboos, and the roles of priestesses, priests, and devotees—is transmi ed orally.
The ethnographer records these elements through interviews, par cipant observa on, audio-visual materials, and field notes. This documenta on helps safeguard indigenous knowledge that may be threatened by moderniza on, urbaniza on, and genera onal change.
The ethnographer also
serves as an interpreter and mediator between the local community and external audiences. Researchers, tourists, policy makers, and heritage professionals o en rely on ethnographic work to understand the cultural and spiritual significance of the grove beyond its aesthe c value. By accurately presenting indigenous perspec ves, the ethnographer helps prevent misrepresenta on, cultural distor on, and the commodifica on of sacred prac ces. This is par cularly important in a site like OsunOsogbo, where tourism and global a en on can somemes conflict with tradi onal values.
Another crucial role is suppor ng heritage management and conserva on. Ethnographic findings inform culturally sensi ve conser-
“All these APC games, pe y poli cs, and pity tac cs won’t work on smart, intelligent peova on strategies by highligh ng community norms, sacred restric ons, and tradi onal environmental prac ces that protect the grove. For example, understanding ritual prohibi ons against tree cu ng or river pollu on helps conserva on authori es align modern management plans with indigenous belief systems. In this way, the ethnographer contributes to sustainable heritage safeguarding that respects both tangible and intangible values.
Finally, the ethnographer strengthens cultural con nuity and iden ty. By working closely with custodians, priests, ar sts, and local residents, the ethnographer helps validate indigenous knowledge systems and encourages intergenera onal transmission of culture. In the OsunOsogbo Sacred Grove, the ethnographer is therefore not just an observer, but an ac ve partner in preserving a living sacred heritage for present and future generaons.
•Wri en by; Adeyemi Fisayo Ayobami Department of Ethnography and Archeology Na onal Commission for Museums and Monuments Osogbo
Yusuf Oketola
•Members of the alumni association of Kiriji Memorial College, Igbajo (KIMECO) 1985 set at Edu Guest House, Onireke, Ibadan, Oyo State during the alumni new year thanksgiving.
•Continued on Page 5
blame the situa on on the
of the
Osun Community Faces Environmental Crisis Over Alleged Sale Of Refuse Dumping Site
RESIDENTS of Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State are reportedly facing environmental challenges following allega ons that a cri cal refuse dumping site in Agboro Community was sold off during the tenure of a former Council chairman, Alhaji Hassan Kamorudeen.
In a le er by the the Northern States Council of the Na onal Ikirun Progressive Union (NIPU), the absence of a designated dumping site has exposed the town to blocked drainage systems, air pollu on from indiscriminate burning of waste, and rising health risks.
The le er signed by NIPU Northern states Council Secretary, Abdelhafeez Ishaq and dated January 20, 2025, it was alleged that the land was sold by Alhaji Kamorudeen under the jus fica on that the area had been developed and that waste disposal ac vi es were nega vely affec ng
•The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II with the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State
serious ques ons as to whether due process was followed in the disposal of this community property.”
According to the group, inves ga ons revealed that approximately 10 acres of land earmarked for refuse disposal were sold without any replacement site being provided.
“More troubling is that the area said to be developed remains largely undeveloped, despite the land being fully allocated and sold,” the group stated.
I“The con nuous burning of refuse at Alamisi Junc on has become a serious environmental and public health concern. The prac ce releases thick smoke and toxic fumes into the air, posing risks to residents, road users, traders, and commuters in the area. It also causes poor visibility for motorists, which may lead to accidents,” the group added.
According to NIPU, the town has been subjected to serious environmental hazards since the sale of the land, adding that
there is no evidence that an alterna ve dumping site was provided to re-
Ikirun Prince Mourns Death Of Chief Imam, Others
Michael Bamigbola
Aprince of Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government of Osun State, Gabriel Oyetunji, has mourned the death of the Chief Imam of Ikirunland, Ibrahim Balogun, and the passing of the Asiwaju of the town, Gasali Lawal, a re red Deputy Inspector General of Police.
He also mourned the death of a prominent son of the town, Prince Ismaila Adeyemi, who died on January 5. The Chief Imam died on January 12, while Lawal passed away on January 9.
Oyetunji described their deaths as a major blow to the community.
In a condolence message shared with OSUN DEFENDER on Thursday, Oyetunji described the de-
ceased as noble sons whose names were etched in the history of Ikirunland, no ng that their deaths occurred within days of each other.
Oyetunji referenced Islamic and Chris an scriptures to note the inevitability of death, describing it as a return to God Almighty.
He prayed that God would forgive the deceased, grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus and eternal rest, and comfort their families
Osun NDLEA Arrests 440 Drug Offenders, Secures 43 Convictions In 2025
Yusuf Oketola
OSUN State command of the Naonal Drugs Law Enforcement Agenresidents.
cy (NDLEA) says it arrested 440 persons for drugs related offences and secured 43 convicons in 2025. The command in its annual report, obtained by OSUN DEFENDER, disclosed that 156 drug users were counselled while four were rehabilitated in the year under review.
In the report breakdown, it said that 368 males were
arrested while 72 females were also arrested for drug offences.
The report indicated that 71 out of the 368 arrested male, were charged to court, out of which 43 of them were convicted
The report also stated that 13,143.295kg of Cannabis Sa va, 0.029kg of Cocaine, 145.524kg of psychotropic substances, and 0.349kg of Methaphetamine, were also seized.
The command also carried out 120 sensi sa on and drug awareness programmes in the state.
place such a cri cal community asset.
A copy of the le er obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday reads partly: “Our community is facing serious environmental hazards because there is currently no approved dumping land for waste collectors.
“As of today, the Agboro Community area claimed to be under development remains largely undeveloped, with no significant occupancy. Only a few buildings are under construcon, while the en re land has been fully sold out and allocated with survey numbers on each plot. This situa on raises
NIPU stressed that the ma er goes beyond poli cs, describing it as a threat to sustainable development and public safety, and called for transparency in the management of public assets.
The group urged the former chairman to respond to the le er by providing necessary informa on on the sale of the land, adding that failure to do so would lead to further ac ons through appropriate government agencies and ins tu ons across the Federa on un l a las ng and just solu on is achieved.
Efforts to get the reac on of Alhaji Kamorudeen were unsuccessful as at press me.
Exposed: Why Adeleke Hurriedly Announced Issuance Of...
•Continued from page 4
ple. Drop the propaganda and face reality — this is 2026.
“The government is mishandling the situaon and playing poli cs with the appointment le ers, for reasons best known to them. However, those spreading false narra ves about this appointment issue are clearly APC supporters who are pushing for a change in government.
Allaying the fear of the applicants, the state government through a statement by the spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, stated that the implementa on of the Governor’s direc ve is
ongoing, adding that neither the Head of Service nor the Chief of Staff is stalling the exercise.
This was in response to conflic ng media reports that top officials are pushing against issuance of the le ers due to financial considera ons.
A copy of the statement obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday reads: “Media reports that the Head of Service and the Chief of Staff are blocking the release of le ers of appointments are false. The said top officials are actually working hard to ensure the first phase of the exercise is
successfully completed
“The Osun State Government urges media organisa ons to seek official clarifica on before publishing reports capable of distor ng facts or cas ng aspersions on public officers who are diligently performing their cons tu onal dues.
“The recruitment process is ongoing, and the public will be duly informed through official channels as milestones are reached.
“The Adeleke-led administra on remains focused on delivering good governance, strengthening educa on, and fulfilling its promises to the people of Osun State”, the spokesperson noted.
Yusuf Oketola
•Fadile
•Sheikh Yunus Balogun
and all sons and daughters of Ikirunland.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026
FUADSI Fresh Students Resume Academic Activities
Shola Aderinto
THE newly admitted students of the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI), have commenced ac vi es, signalling their resump on.
The ac vi es began on Monday with the maiden orienta on programme for the newly admi ed students, where insigh ul lectures were delivered by academics from different ins tu ons.
Campus Review Campus Review
Management at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State said the welfare of the students is important.
The Vce-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mufutau Olaoye Atayese, who was represented by the Bursar, Mr. Akeem Adiagbo, and the University Librarian, Prof. Wasiu Lawal welcomed the students to the campus and charged them to be serious with their studies.
of their programmes.
The Vice Chancellor who spoke through Prof. Wasiu Lawal, encouraged the new students to make the most
In his lecture, Prof. Abiona Oluseye Oladapo of the Osun State University who spoke on “Academic Affairs (Timetable system, ge ng it right from the beginning: preparing for tests, assign-
ments, examina ons, etc and calcula ons of GPA, CGPA)” educated the students with valuable insights on how to excel academically.
Also, Prof. Moruff Sanjo Oladimeji who is a Professor of Interna onal Business and
News
Prof. Oladimeji who spoke on “Students’ Welfare Services in the University System”, highlighted the importance of students welfare and the support services available to them.
Delivering his lecture en tled “Stu-
dents’ Registra on and Learning, Using the University Portal and NELFUND Awareness”, Engr. Akin Akinfenwa of the ICT unit of the university “educated the students on the skills to navigate the university’s portal and access available resources.
He charged the students to make use of the ICT facili es for their academic ac vies.
How Retired Customs Controller Kidnapped In Osun Was Rescued
FACTS have emerged on how a re red controller of customs, Mr Emmanuel Owolabi who was kidnapped at his
home in Ora Igbomina, Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State was rescued. A local security ou it known as Kiriji Heritage Defender claimed respon-
sibility for the rescue of the re red customs controller. Owolabi had been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in his house in December last year and
Man Remanded For Allegedly Threatening To Kill Pastor In Osun
A49 year old man, Agunbiade Tomilayo has been remanded in Ilesa Correc onal Centre, by an Osun State Magistrate’s Court, si ng in Osogbo for alleged threat to life and land encroachment.
The defendant was arraigned by the police on five-count charges bordering on threats to life, encroachment and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
The prosecutor, Dopamu Olukayode told the court that Tomilayo forcibly entered the farm owned by Pas-
tor Idowu Amos and threatened him with a cutlass.
He said the conduct of the defendant, contravened the provisions of Sec on 86 of the Criminal Code (Cap 34, Vol. II), law of Osun State, 2002.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges pressed against him by the police.
His counsel, Kayode Adepoju, urged the court to grant him bail in the most liberal term, pending the trial of the case.
Magistrate Oyindamola Daramola in her ruling ordered that Tom-
ilayo be remanded at the Ilesha Correc onal Centre and transferred the case to Ilesa. She subsequently adjourned the case to February 17, 2026, for men on.
was taken to an unknown loca on where he spent a month.
Findings revealed that the re red customs controller was rescued at his kidnappers den in Kwara State from where he was brought home by men of the Kiriji Heritage Defender.
Recall that men of the Kiriji Heritage Defender has combed the forest of Osun, Krwara and Kogi States penul mate week to rescue the vic m.
A personnel of the Kiriji Heritage Defender who simply iden fied himself as Musibau said he singlehandedly drove the vic m to his residence in Ora Igbomina from the kidnappers den a er securing his freedom.
He said the commitment to duty and determina on of his men to safe lives of innocent people led to the rescue of the re red customs controller.
The coordinator of
the security ou it, Dr Ademola Ekundayo warned against invasion of the state and other Yoruba speaking states by kidnappers, saying his men are ba le ready to make the South West unbearable for criminals.
Ekundayo said the Kiriji Heritage Defender is prepared to provide adequate security for the people of the South West geo poli cal zone in par cular and Nigeria at large.
Adeniji, Salaam, Agiri, Others Rally Support For ADC In Osun
AHEAD of the August 8 governorship elec on in Osun State, chie ains of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) in the state including former chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr Jide Adeniji and the governorship candidate of the party, Dr Najeem Salaam have solicited for the support of the people of the state to ensure landmark victory for the party.
Also, an aspirant for the post of the deputy governor in the party, Mrs Temitope Yemisi Agiri called on the people of the state to support the party, even as she urged members of the party to work together for the victory of the party.
The Governorship candidate of the party also declared that the party remains an indivis-
ible en ty which cannot be divided by any interest.
Salaam who expressed op mism that the party will take over the reins of government in the state from the People’s Democra c Party (PDP) this year, urged supporters and loyalists of the party to work in unity in the interest of the party.
The former Speaker of the state House of Assembly spoke at his residence in Osogbo when he received some chie ains of the party led by a na onal leader, Engr Jide Adeniji.
Adeniji had visited the governorship candidate of the party alongside Hon (Mrs) Temitope Yemisi Agiri who is aspiring for the deputy governorship posi on under the platform of the party.
Leaders of the party who joined Salaam to recieve the ADC chieftains include Alhaji Azees Adesiji, Hon Adelani Baderinwa, Engr Kazeem Salami, Hon Razaq Salensile and the state chairman
of the party, Dr Charles Omidiji among others.
Engr Adeniji in his remarks lauded the governorship candidate, describing him as a complete gentle man whose intelligence and leadership acumen are needed for the growth and development of the state.
Adeniji, a former Chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) stressed the need for all members of the ADC in the state to work together to ensure that the party wins the August 8 governorship elec on.
In her remarks, Mrs Agiri who hails from IlaOrangun in Ila Local Government Area of the state said her visit was to familiarize with the leaders of the party in the state and appreciate the good works the leaders are doing.
She expressed her readiness to support the party in all its ac vi es ll the party wins the governorship poll.
Michael Bamigbola
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf Oketola
•(From right) Mr. Israel Afolabi with other graduating students at The Truth Disciple College, Osogbo recently
FIFA President Asks CAF To Initiate Disciplinary Measures Against Senegal
IN the early hours of Monday, FIFA President Gianni Infan no took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the incident that saw Senegal temporarily refuse to play following the conten ous penalty decision.
“We witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands,” Infan no wrote on Instagram. “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members.
leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.”
Following Infan no’s post, African media outlets reported that CAF has taken disciplinary acons against Senegalese coach Thiaw, suspending him in the process.
Following the suspension, specula ons have run rife that Senegal may also be suspended from the 2026 World Cup. But it remains to be seen whether such an ac on will be taken by FIFA or not.
“It is unacceptable to feit and substandard products across the state.
NAFDAC Seeks Operational Vehicles, Staff Quaters In Osun
THE Na onal Agency for Food and Drug Administraon and Control (NAFDAC) in Osun State, has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke for the provision of logiscs such as opera onal vehicles, staff quarters, and other essen als needs to improve the ac vi es of the agency in the state.
The Coordinator of NAFDAC in the state, Mr. Stephen Aina made the appeal during a visit to the Governor at the Government House, Oke-fia, Osogbo on Wednesday.
Aina while speaking appreciated the Governor for its support and partnership with the Agency in Osun.
He explained that NAFDAC remains commi ed to ensuring that people consume only standard and safe products, including drugs and other regulated items, while also commending the state for the prevailing atmosphere of peace that has aided the agency’s acvi es.
Mr Aina further disclosed that the agency has been engaging in outreach programmes to educate and encourage young people to embrace entrepreneurship, advising them to always register their businesses as required by law.
Speaking earlier, Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with NAFDAC to protect public health and eliminate counter-
The Governor noted that the ac vi es of NAFDAC remain cri cal to public health, consumer protec on and economic stability, parcularly in addressing the growing menace of fake drugs, substandard food items and unregulated consumables that pose serious risks to lives and undermine confidence in the healthcare system.
•As Adeleke Encourages Whistleblowing Against Fake Drug
Commending NAF-
DAC’s ongoing efforts in enforcement, regula on and public sensisa on, the Governor emphasised that effecve regula on cannot be achieved in isolaon, but through strong coopera on, intelligence sharing and engagement with security agencies and local communi es.
Assuring NAFDAC of full support, Gover-
nor Adeleke said Osun State would con nue to partner with the agency to strengthen enforcement, improve public awareness and ensure compliance with regulatory standards in markets and healthcare facili es across the state.
On NAFDAC’s request for inclusion in the State Security Council, the Governor acknowledged the relevance of regulatory agencies to
THE Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent Na onal Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Dr. Mu u Agboke has assured that the August 8 governorship elec on in the state will be free, fair and credible.
Agboke therefore encouraged residents of the state to par cipate fully in the elecon, even as he reiterated the commission’s commitment to free and fair elec on.
Speaking at an event, organized by Kimpact Development Ini a ves (KDI), Dr. Agboke urged youths to par cipate ac vely in the coming elec on assuring that all votes will count.
He advised NonGovernmental Organiza ons to register with INEC, sta ng that failure to do so may result
in arrest if they a empt to monitor the coming elec on.
Agboke also encouraged youths to pay a en on to INEC’s metable just as he appealed to stakeholders to trust INEC’s commitment to a credible elecon, saying that the forthcoming elec on in the state will be a model for future elec ons in the country.
The Team Lead of KDI, Bukola Idowu in his remarks warned against misinforma-
on and disinforma on before and during the elec on.
The KDI boss said “the most powerful set of people during elec on is an informed voter. An uninformed and ignorant voter is as dangerous as an armed robber.”
Idowu informed that KDI has launched an elec on AI tool to spread verified electoral informa on and sensi ze ci zens on the importance of seeking official informa on.
broader security and public safety concerns, no ng that the request would be carefully examined within the exis ng framework to enhance coordina on and effec veness.
ADC Remains United In Osun - Salaam
GOVERNORSHIP candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam has declared that the party remains an indivisible en ty which cannot be divided by any interest.
Salaam who expressed op mism that the party will take over the reins of government in the state from the People’s Democra c Party (PDP) this year, urged supporters and loyalists of the party to work in unity in the interest of the party.
The former Speaker of the state House of Assembly spoke at his residence in Osogbo when he received some chieftains of the party led by a na onal leader, Engr Jide Adeniji.
Adeniji had visited the governorship candidate of the party alongside Hon (Mrs) Temitope Yemisi Agiri who is aspiring to depu ze the governorship candidate of the party.
Leaders of the party who joined Salaam to recieve the ADC chieftains include Alhaji Azees Adesiji, Hon Adelani Baderinwa, Engr Kazeem Salami, Hon Razaq Salensile and the state chairman of the party, Dr Charles Omidiji among others.
Engr Adeniji in his remarks lauded the governorship candidate, describing him as a complete gentle man whose intelligence and leadership acumen are needed for the growth and development of the state.
Adeniji, a former Chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) stressed the need for all members of the ADC in the state to work together to ensure that the party wins the August 8 governorship elec on.
In her remarks, Mrs Agiri who hails from Ila-Orangun in Ila Local Government Area of the state said her visit was to familiarize with the leaders of the party in the state and appreciate the good works the leaders are doing.
She expressed her readiness to support the party in all its ac vi es ll the party wins the governorship poll.
•Salaam
•Amupitan
Michael Bamigbola
Shola Aderinto
Yusuf Oketola
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026 VOL. 21 NO 06 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
THE return of the modulated salary narra ve in Osun poli cs is a classic case of historical revisionism.Stripped of context, a crisis policy is now being weaponised as poli cal propaganda. An eight-year administra on is being caricatured by a two-year emergency response to a na onal economic collapse.
The modulated salary policy was adopted during Nigeria’s worst fiscal crisis in decades. Between 2014 and 2016, global oil prices collapsed to historic lows, reaching as li le as $14 per barrel. Over 450,000 barrels of Nigerian crude were reported being stolen daily and sold on the black market. ISIS seized Iraqi oil fields and flooded interna onal markets with illegally sold crude.
This imploded Nigeria’s oildependent revenue base.At the same me, oil revenues were being spent directly by the Federal Government without remittance into the Federa on Account. FAAC alloca ons shrank dras cally. FAAC mee ngs were stalemated repeatedly as states were told to go to hell when they brought up the issue of unremi ed oil revenues.Across Nigeria, 28 states could not pay salaries.
Even the Federal Government admi ed it had to print money monthly to meet wage obligaons.Osun State was receiving as li le as ₦500 million monthly — and in some months, negave alloca ons a er deducons. Faced with this collapse, Osun had two op ons: sack workers or share the burden.
The Aregbesola’s administra on chose burden-sharing. The modulated salary policy was progressive and protec ve: Levels 1–7 (about 67 percent
“Before leaving office, full salaries were restored and arrears clearing commenced. The remaining arrears were inherited by the succeeding Oyetola administration, which refused to settle them, despite receiving more money”
Modulated Salary And The Politics Of Historical Revisionism In Osun BY SOLA FASURE
of workers) received full salary. Levels 8–12 (about 25 percent) received 75 percent. Levels 13–17 and poli cal appointees (about 8 percent) received 50 percent Only 28 percent of workers experienced any salary reduc on at all, and the deepest cut applied only to the highest earners. This was not exploita on. It was fiscal triage.
Before leaving office, full salaries were restored and arrears clearing commenced. The remaining arrears were inherited by the succeeding Oyetola administra on, which refused to se le them, despite receiving more money. Therefore, to evaluate an eight-year administra on solely by a temporary
emergency policy is analy cally dishonest. Beyond that episode, the Aregbesola government implemented one of the most ambi ous development programmes in Osun’s history. The state was rebranded as Ìpínlẹ Ọmọluabi, launching a moral and civic rebirth rooted in Yoruba values. The OYES scheme engaged over 60,000 youths in public works, dras cally reducing crime and improving community safety. Under the administra on, Osun was rated the state with the lowest crime and poverty and second lowest in unemployment in Nigeria. Over 700,000 people were li ed out of poverty through ₦5 billion in interest-free revolving loans.
Eating Their Cakes And Having It
One of the characteris cs of poli cs in a democracy increasingly looking like “demonstra on of craze,” is the u er lack of principle from the onset, or its abandonment: on the part of the party and poli cians. Principle is the least expected from poli cs and poli cians in a clime where ideology and morality have been je soned along with detailed manifestoes. One, at least, expects a given set of rules according to which the game must be played and faithfulness to those rules by all.
Unfortunately, here we are again in Nigeria where the least expected policy of integrity is abandoned by power mongering poli cians. Their stock in trade is lack of scruple as they say “yeah” moments ago and “Nay” now, on the same issue, driven only by personal interest and ambi on. They go all the way – believing they can always eat their cakes and s ll have them! People who cannot be faithful to their own very words on record, how much else the collec ve rules agreed on, gentlemanly or explicitly wri en? All are to be manipulated as they dance forwards and backwards, talking from both sides of the mouth. Nothing is spared, not even the rules of the prophets as explicitly stated in the Holy books; everything is to be manipulated and translated in the light of self-interest at the risk of grave na onal consequences.
To understand the gravity of the situaon and its nega vity, simply go over the videos and u erances of all the major poli cal elites during their public campaignsjust only in the last 10 years! Compare the words spoken and promises made with the reali es they delivered over the years, with the power entrusted them.
Today, suddenly, ethnic balance (not ethnicity) no longer ma ers; religious sensibilies (not religious extremism and bigotry) no longer ma ers. All you need do is simply put the videos of their u erances in the public spaces they’ve occupied in rewind and you get to the sec on, not long ago, where they were aggressively championing same posion denied today, and even insis ng that Nigeria’s survival depends on it!
Poli cs and poli cal par es should be founded on ideals that are lo y, a racting like-minded, visionary poli cians, who come together to seek public service and governmental power on the basis of those clearly stated noble believes. Since the military turned Nigeria into a unitary state and killed true federalism; since the sweetness of an indolent life lived in opulence on account of monthly alloca on from basically crude oil sales became the eli st craze; we have become hostage to a poli cs completely gone haywire, from party forma on, internal party democracy, inter-party con-
Osun recorded one of the lowest poverty and unemployment rates in Nigeria at the me. Infrastructure witnessed unprecedented expansion: 1,200 kilometres of roads, five urban clove bridges and over 5,000 culverts opened up rural and urban economies.
Emergency response ambulances saved over 14,000 lives. Educa on was transformed with 3,685 classrooms and 127 brand new modern schools. More than 317 million plates of hot meals were daily served to 255,000 Primary 1-4 pupils in 1,382 public schools. WAEC performance rose from 15 percent to 46 percent. Through the Agba Osun programme, elderly ci zens received monthly allowances and free healthcare. Destute ci zens and those with mental health challenges were rehabilitated and reunited with their families.
The modulated salary was a symptom of a na onal collapse, not a failure of governance. History will be kind to the Aregbesola Administra on in the students that went to public schools, that partook in the school feeding programmes and the 700,000 people li ed out of poverty who receive him enthusias cally whenever he Aregbesola appears on the streets in the state.
tests, electoral crime punishments, et al; anything and everything goes as big money comes into decisive play, in the pursuit of power for even bigger money and personal se lements of age long agenda.
Yes, change is the constant in life and what is okay today, for equity and fairness, may not be necessary again with me and growth. The simple ques on and test to which their inconsistency and lack of integrity can be subjected, however, is to put yesterday’s reality when they shouted “yeah” vehemently, by the side of today’s ethno and religious reali es now that they are shou ng “nay” like possessed mediums.
Nigeria’s transport vessel to the Promised Land is crash-landed in the wild jungle and Nigerians are lost in the land of trial, hardship and tribula ons. It is a long way home, with a poli cal party and poli cal elites whose macabre stranglehold on the polity is suffoca ng. Nevertheless, every challenge presented by history to any people is presented along with the means and opportuni es to overcome it.
The people and the na on’s patriots simply need to rouse themselves from lethal slumber and do the needful for their salvaon. Thinking that messiahs will come from amongst those accountable for our miseries is inclining exactly as PLO Lumumba said: “We are the co-author of our own misfortunes... We elect hyenas to take care of our goats... and when the goats are consumed, we wonder why.”
•Fasure writes from Osogbo.
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
