FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2026
VOL 21 NO 02
How Gov. Adeleke’s New Year Package Tear Osun Youth Groups Apart P2
●SSG Accused Of bypassing Youth Affairs Commissioner ●Nycn Chairman Debunks Allegations
•L-R: Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Senator representing Osun West, Akogun Lere Oyewumi, Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, SSG, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye and Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina at the interdenominational prayer held at Bola Ige House, Abere on Monday
ALGON, PDP, APC, Address Concerns NULGE At Loggerheads As Over New Tax Osun Local Government Laws, NLC Tells FG P2 Crisis Persists P5
Forum Of ADC Chairmen In Osun Passes Vote Of Confidence In Omidiji, Promises To Work For Salaam’s Victory P6
FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2026
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News
Address Concerns Over New Tax Laws, NLC Tells FG
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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to immediately address concerns raised by Nigerians over the new tax laws, warning that persis ng with them amounts to a dangerous pa ern that undermines the country’s tax administra on and democracy. The NLC president, Joe Ajaero, said this yesterday in Abuja at the book launch and 85th birthday celebra on of one of the congress’s founding presidents, Hassan Summonu. Ajaero said the government’s insistence on pushing ahead with the laws was akin to muddling along in confusion and darkness, no ng that “we do not know which one is truly the law”. He claimed the tax laws went through a process that excluded Nigerian workers and the masses, whom he described as the country’s major taxpayers. Recalling that the Congress had warned the na on about the dangers of excluding workers from the Presiden al Commi ee on Tax, he said: “We knew that the workers and masses were going to be on the menu (‘eaten’).” He alleged that the proposed laws were packed with serious altera ons aimed at making workers and the poor poorer. “Tax law that imposes a heavy burden on workers and the poor is not progressive. Tax that taxes the na onal minimum wage is not fair. A tax that taxes the masses who are living in excrucia ng poverty is regressive. That was why we were excluded from the commi ee and that was why our warnings went unheeded. We do not see anything wrong in pausing along this nega ve path, rethinking, and redirecting,” he said. To this end, Ajaero urged the Federal Government to address immediately Nigerians’ concerns about the tax laws, rather than what he described as grandstanding by the Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidenal Commi ee on Tax Reforms and the execuve chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji. He faulted the laws, again alleging that their outcome was intended to worsen the condi-
•Dr. Najeem Salam, ADC gubernatorial candidate, addressing Ex-Osun OYES Cadets during their endorsement visit
on of workers and the poor, insis ng that such a tax framework could not be described as progressive.
Advising the government further, he added: “Your legacy must be in cra ing founda onal and credible laws that
strengthen ins tu ons, not undermining them. When you bypass key stakeholders, distort acts of parliament, and
rule by strong arm, you make a mockery of our democracy. You negate public trust and threaten na onal stability.
Nigerians In Ghana Hail Ooni For Honouring Ghanaian The Aare Atayeto of President With Chieftaincy Title the World which can
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IGERIANS in Ghana have hailed the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi for honouring the Ghanaian President, John Mahama with a Yoruba chie aincy tle. The Yorubas under the aegis of Yoruba Community in Ghana lauded the Ooni for considering Mahama worthy of the honour. The President of All Nigeria Community in Ghana, Chief Bayo Ashaolu who said he has resided in Ghana for over three decade said the Ooni of Ife has through the honour done President Mahama ghten the bind between Nigeria and Ghana. He stated that President Mahama has always demonstrated good leadership.since he assumed office as president of Ghana. Ashaolu said he will use his office to facilitate more investment for Nigeria. Ashaolu in a statement by his media aide, Moses Owopade, said he is presently working on investment opportunity with Nigerians in Ghana. “I was present
•Ooni of Ife
in Ile Ife during the event and I was amazed when the
leading monarch of Yoruba declared the President of Ghana
be interpreted as the one who rearranges the world. “Honestly, that has been the vision and pronouncement of President Mahama. Even during his campaign before the elecon, he promised to reset Ghana. At the moment people can feel the commitment of the President. So the chie aincy tle is more of confirmaon to the passion of President Mahama,” he added. Ashaolu called on Nigerians in Ghana to always be law abiding.
True democracy is not just about elec ons; it is about the rule of law, ins tu onal integrity, and governance that serves the many, not the few.” Fight tax laws, not lament them, Oshiomhole tells NLC Meanwhile, at the event, the senator represen ng Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, charged the NLC to engage the Federal Government over the new tax laws. Oshiomhole told the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, to ac vely fight for workers if he believes there are provisions in the laws that are against their interests, insisting that lamen ng the policy would not stop its implementa on. Oshiomhole said, “I listened to Ajaero, and he was agonising that minimum wage workers are asked to pay tax. Do you think that if you cry from here ll tomorrow, it will stop? The lesson of Sunmonu is: if it is wrong, fight it. If you know it is wrong, fight it. Do not lament it. “On the floor of the Senate I always say I didn’t come to Abuja to lament imperfecon. What the people need is not our tears, it is not our emo onal statements. Those who do bad things don’t do it out of ignorance and those who enjoy a parcular order will not give up. You have to fight them to give up.” He added, “The minimum wage is exempted from tax. So when you say minimum wage is being taxed, they will see that as a loophole and say he doesn’t know what he is talking about.”
Nigerian Correctional Service Promotes 267 Officers In Osun Yusuf Oketola O fewer than 267 officers of the Nigerian Correc onal Service were on Tuesday promoted to various ranks in Osun State, during a formal ceremony at the Command Headquarters in Osogbo. In his address, The Controller of Correcons, Osun State Command, Ro mi Oluwadele expressed apprecia on to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correconal Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche for their leadership acumen, re-
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form ini a ves and commitment to staff welfare and career progression. In a press release by the Command’s Public Rela ons Officer, Joel
Oyedokun, Oluwadele charged the newly promoted officers to see their eleva on as a call to greater responsibility, professionalism and
renewed dedica on to duty. He urged the newly promoted staff to jus fy the confidence reposed in them.
•Cross section of the newly promoted Officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service
PEOPLE FIRST
FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2026
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OR the upteenth me, we are sounding a warning that the security situa on in the south Western part of Nigeria mirroring the rest of the country is assuming a disconcer ng posi on. To be forewarned, we were told a long me ago is to be forearmed. With the recent attack in Oloka which has unfortunately led to the tragic death of five members of the forest ranger the me has come to sit up and face a daun ng situa on clearly in the face as there is no alterna ve. We are not been pessimis c just been in sync with conven onal wisdom in calling for an overall strategic focus on how to immediately launch countervailing measures in the immediate, short me, medium me and the long me. Of course, as the economist John Maynard kings observe in the long me “we are all dead”, which means that we better focus on the immediate
A Warning From Oloka! “The government will place would have an overall preven ve strategic fofind it beneficial from cus from here local goods the perspective of their would be developed and ng ones restrained in own security interest exis the impera ve of figh ng to engage in such a terrorist groups. Local intelframeworks must collaborative venture ligence developed and for fied. and even be willing to Ungoverned spaces must provide finance for it” be monitored with the use right now with “the fears urgency” required for selfpreserva on. We call once upon again for the establishment of a central coordina ng situa on room to be located in the South West. Such a
of modern technologies including the use of satellite and drones and se lement develop by terrorists must be dismantle. We have to be proacve and realize that total war must be waged against those threatening not Just
as security but indeed the cultural sovereignty of the South West as a whole. The territorist are not deterred unless they are made to understand the language of total war. The Amotekun must be beefed up and in agreement with the central government rearm and retrain into a special force model on the Bri sh Special Air Services (SAS) and the United States Navy Seals. There is a compelling need for the federal government to go into bilateral arrangements with the Bri sh and American government to send re red and serving officers in their special forces aforemen oned to train the Amotekun. The government will find it beneficial from the perspec ve of their own security interest to engage in such a collabora ve venture and even be willing to provide finance for it. We have to take the situa on with a utmost seriousness. We have been forwarned!
The Discourse Rewriting Justice: How False Reporting Fails The Public By Abidemi Adebamiwa
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N today’s world, informa on spreads like wildfire. We rely on journalism to give us facts and help us understand what’s happening around us. But what happens when the news gets it wrong? When fake or distorted stories take the stage, they don’t just confuse us—they break our trust and damage the credibility of journalism. A recent ar cle by The Na on Newspaper tled “Untold Story of Condemned Fowl The Convict” is a glaring example of how misinforma on can mislead the public and twist the truth. The Case of Segun Olowookere: Mistakes and Distor ons On December 21, 2024, The Na on Newspaper claimed to have reviewed the judgment delivered by Hon. Jus ce S.O. Falola in the Segun Olowookere case (Suit No: HKK 2C/2012). This judgment, issued on December 17, 2014, is an official, cer fied 17-page document. However, the ar cle relied on a fake 33-page version riddled with errors and distor ons that misrepresented the facts. Key Problems in the Fake Judgment Messed-Up Pagina on: The real judgment is 17 pages, clearly numbered in order. The fake version has 33 pages with bizarre numbering like 1, 13, 12, and 2. This chao c order screams manipula on. The last page of the fake version is also marked as page 17, trying to pass off as authen c. Invented Witness Statements: The real judgment lists six witnesses, including their actual tes monies. The fake version adds statements from a fic onal police officer named Ogunniyi
“Journalists have a duty to get it right. Trust is the foundation of journalism, and fake or sloppy reporting breaks that foundation. Reporters must fact-check their sources, verify documents, and avoid sensationalism” Emmanuel. This made-up evidence paints a false picture of what happened in court. Fake Confessions: Olowookere’s real tes mony, as recorded on page 6, did not include any confession. The fake document, however, added a made-up confession that was quoted in the ar cle to portray guilt. False Ages: The real judgment does not men on the ages of the accused. Yet, the ar cle falsely reported their ages as 22 and 21. Where did this informa on even come from? Extra Content: Official court judgments never have annexures. The fake version included unrelated, unsigned statements that only added to the confusion and misled readers. Court Ruling Misrepresented: While the distorted ar cle claimed inaccuracies, it also omi ed key findings. For instance, on page 17 of the authen c judgment, Jus ce Falola acqui ed the accused persons—Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo Daramola—on four of eight counts. These counts included Count 2 (failure to prove conspiracy to rob Balogun
Taye), Count 4 (failure to prove conspiracy to rob Elizabeth Dare), Count 5 (failure to prove armed robbery of Balogun Taye), and Count 7 (failure to prove the of ground nut oil). Each of these acqui als was based on a lack of evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. The Governor’s Role and Legal Implica ons Adebayo Mutalabi Ojo, SAN, commented on this case, sugges ng that the governor lacked the power to inves gate judicial rulings. However, it’s important to clarify that the governor’s ac ons, as stated by his spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed, referred to reviewing claims made by Olowookere’s parents while appealing for clemency—not revisi ng the judgment it-
self. This dis nc on ma ers as the Nigerian Correc onal Service had already a ested to Olowookere’s good behavior during his me in custody. The claims of judicial overreach are unfounded. The governor’s role here focuses on addressing clemency appeals, which is en rely within his cons tu onal authority. This process respects the integrity of the judiciary while ensuring fairness for those seeking relief from overly harsh sentences. Why This Ma ers These distor ons aren’t just mistakes— they’re dangerous. They mislead the public, harm the credibility of journalism, and disrupt trust in the jus ce system. How did The Na on Newspaper end up using such a flawed document? And why was this story approved for publica on without thorough factchecking? Publisher – Moremi Publishing Fake News Isn’t Just a House Ltd. Local Problem Deputy Editor – Michael Bamigbola Fake news isn’t unique Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola to Nigeria. Around the world, false stories have Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto created chaos and influDeputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere enced major events. ReProduc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa member the 2016 U.S. elecons? Fake stories about OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing candidates flooded social House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, media, forcing newsrooms to work over me verifyOff Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. ing facts. In the UK, during ISSN : 0794-8050 Telephone : 0809-301-9152 •Read full article on www.osundefender.com Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php •Adebamiwa, a Policy e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com and Political Analyst, osundefenderbank@gmail.com writes from Pleasanton, All correspondence to the above email addresses. California.
OSUN DEFENDER
FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2026
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News
How Gov. Adeleke’s New Year Package Tear Osun Youth Groups Apart Yusuf Oketola
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OUTHS in Osun State have expressed their grievances over the 2025 new year package from the state government. The youths who felt cheated and shortchanged by the chairman, Na onal Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Oluwasegun Akinbode took to various social media pla orms to protest. They accused Akinbode of diver ng rice meant for the en re youth groups in the state and which he clandes nely received from the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye without the consent of the Commissioner for Youths, Hon. Moshood Olagunju. In their separate reac ons, the aggrieved youths bemoaned the act while seeking accountability from the NYCN chairman. A cross sec on of the youths who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER under condi on of anonymity condemned the SSG for bypassing the Ministry of Youth Affairs on ma ers that affect them while describing Olukolapo’s acon as insubordina on. In a statement by one of the youth groups, Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) signed by its chairman, Hon. Hammed Fatomi, the organiza on maintains that all ma ers rela ng to youths in Osun State should be properly channeled through the Ministry of Youth Affairs. A copy of the statement obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday reads: “Sequel to our earlier release concerning the ridiculous New Year package allegedly given to our organiza on, the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Osun State Chapter, has gathered verified informa on that must be addressed urgently. “Following a series of inves ga ons and official calls, it was confirmed that the said rice did not pass through the Ministry of Youth. Rather, it was released by the SSG to the Chairman of the Naonal Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) without the knowledge, consent or approval of the Ministry of Youth and the Honourable Commissioner. “The Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, strongly condemn this ac on. It is impera ve to state that all ma ers rela ng to youths in Osun State must be properly channeled
conversa on •SSG accused of bypassing Youth Affairs Commissioner telephone with OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday. The NYCN chairman •NYCN Chairman Debunks Allegations denied shortchanging the
•Osun State First Lady, Mrs Titilola Adeleke with other staff members of State hospital, Asubiaro during her visit to welcome the babies of the year at the hospital
through the Ministry of Youth, which serves as the statutory intermediary between the Government and youth organiza ons across the state. No organiza on, including the NYCN, has special privileges above others. “In view of this development, we call on the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, to make immediate correc on and ensure due process is followed accordingly. “Furthermore, we demand that the SSG provides a public explanaon as to why a package meant for youths was given to a single organizaon without the consent of the Ministry of Youth. This explana on should be provided within seven working days, commencing from Friday, January 2, 2026. “Failure to address this ma er appropriately will leave us with no other op on than to mobilize for a peaceful physical engagement at the office of the SSG, through the Ministry of Youth as the recognized intermediary between the Government and the youths of Osun State,” the statement concluded. Making clarifica on on the ma er, the state Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Moshood Olagunju, dissociated his office from the 2025 New Year package. The Commissioner posited that the said package was disbursed from the office of the SSG without the involvement of the Ministry. According to Olagunju, the Ministry of Youth Affairs remains the statutory body responsible
for the coordina on and supervision of all youth bodies and youth-related organiza ons in Osun State. “The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Osun State, under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Olagunju Moshood Olalekan, hereby formally dissociates itself from the 2025 New Year package reportedly meant for Osun youths, which was disbursed to the Chairman of the Na onal Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Olakolupo Segun. “It is important to state for the record that the said package was disbursed from the Office of the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye. “For clarity and proper documenta on, the Ministry of Youth Affairs remains the statutory body responsible for the coordina on and supervision of all youth bodies and youth-related organiza ons in Osun State. These include, but are not limited to, the Na onal Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) and other recognized youth organizaons. The Ministry does not recognize any single youth organiza on as the sole representa ve of all youths in the state. “Furthermore, no New Year package was presented to or channeled through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, nor was the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Affairs involved at any stage of the distribu on process. “In the interest of transparency and ac-
countability, the Chairman of the Na onal Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) is hereby urged to publicly disclose, in clear and verifiable terms, the distribu on process and beneficiaries of the 2025 New Year package (rice) allegedly meant for Osun youths. “The Ministry remains commi ed to fair-
ness, inclusiveness, and the collec ve welfare of all youths across Osun State,” a copy of the statement obtained by OSUN DEFENDER reads. However, Akinbode described all allega ons leveled against him as false, saying he is ready to press charges against those behind the rumors. He stated this in a
youth bodies, adding that the package was received through his goodwill. He said: “I have chosen to be silent on the ma er, but for clarity sake those accusing me will be charged for cyber bullying, defama on of character, and false accusa ons because they do not know the genesis of the ma er. “This is the first me the government will extend a hand of fellowship to the youths in the state during fes ve period and it was as a result of our rela onship with the government that we have go en this. “The ministry that claimed that we bypass them, this is different from pallia ve that any Ministry would handle. “As I am speaking to you, over 40 youth groups have received rice and it was measured by my execu ves. Meanwhile, the remaining rice is s ll at the secretariat of the council. Anyone who wants to verify can go there.”
Two Men Remanded For Stealing At Osun Prayer Camp
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N Osun State Magistrate Court, si ng in Ile-Ife, on Monday ordered the remand of two suspected burglars, Akinola Amodun (28), and Nwoko Samuel (30), over alleged the of iron worth #18 million. According to the prosecutor, Inspector Irewole Jimoh, the defendants commi ed the offence on September 28, 2025, around 2:00am at Eleyi Area along Ife-Ibadan expressway in Ipetumodu, headquarters of Ife North Local Government Area of the state. Mr Jimoh stated that the defendants conspired to commit felony, stealing and malicious damage. He added that the two suspects forcibly entered a prayer camp with the intent to steal. The prosecutor added that the defendants vandalized 24 H-beam irons and 22 angle irons, valued at N8 million, belonging to Prophet Adeyemo Olutope. He also told the court that the suspects stole 24 H-beam irons, 22 angle irons, 24 iron plates
and two storex , totalling N#10 million. Jimoh explained that the defendants fraudulently received stolen property valued at #10million from Nwoko Samuel. “The offence contravenes sec ons 81, 383, 390(9), 427, 451 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002,” he added. The defendants’ counsel applied for bail in liberal terms, pledg-
ing his clients would not abscond. Magistrate Abosede Sarumi refused the bail applica on and ordered the two suspects to be remanded at the Nigerian Correc onal Service, Ile-Ife, pending considera on of the bail applica on. Mr Sarumi adjourned the case llJanuary 12 and ordered it to be men oned at Ipetumodu magisterial district.
News
FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2026
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ALGON, PDP, APC, NULGE At Loggerheads As Osun Local Government Crisis Persists Michael Bamigbola Yusuf Oketola
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HE last may not have been heard on the crisis rocking the local government er of government in Osun State as there seems to be no end in sight to the crisis. The crisis has paralyzed ac vi es at the grassroots level for over 11 months, as members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the state embarked on sit at home due to the ba le between the People’s Democra c Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over who control the local governments. The recent direcve by the NULGE President, Dr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe that local government workers should resume work also introduced a new dimension to the crisis rocking the local government as the workers were restricted by the APC elected local government chairmen in some Local Government Areas. The development has also led to exchange of words among the PDP, APC and the Associa on of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). While the PDP was in support of the resump on to work of the NULGE members, the APC was not comfortable with NULGE’s posi on that the Head of Local Government Administra on in all the Local Government Areas should take charge of the councils. The PDP described the act as “strenuous efforts put up by the APC to jus fy the par san display of the Nigerian Police as a vindica on of its posion about a collusion against the people of Osun state. The PDP in a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, accused the APC of employing brazen falsehood to sustain its illegal occupa on of councils by those already sacked by the courts, warning that the APC desperaon and power grab mentality possesses
grave threats to the sustenance of democracy. Hon. Bisi maintained that “the idea of reinstatement of APC YES or NO officials was an inven on by the party to illegally assume control over the councils and misuse public funds as it is its culture, wondering why the APC has found it difficult to point out the exact area where the order for reinstatement was made by the court in the February 10, 2025 Appeal Court judgement that it has connued to use as the basis for its illegal occupa on of councils. “If anyone is s ll in doubt, the Osun APC statement should resolve the fact that there is a collusion against the people with the Police as an ac ve accomplice. Otherwise, what would turn a poli cal party into the mouthpiece of an ins tu on as important as the Nigerian Police Force, except that the Osun APC see the need to stand up for its partner in illegality,” Hon. Bisi noted in a statement. “Contrary to the recycled lies by the APC, no court ordered the reinstatement of the YES or NO officials. Even the February 10, 2025 judgement of the Court of Appeal it usually pushed as the basis for the illegal occupa on of the councils, did not in any part make the pronouncement the APC keep
•Police operation van stationed at the main entrance of Egbedore Local Government Administrative Office, Okinni on Monday
flaun ng. If the APC believes otherwise, we challenge them to point out the sec on of the judgement that categorically ordered the reinstatement of the court-sacked YES or NO officials for the en re world to see.” But, the APC accused the state government of deliberately inducing legal crises to undermine elected local council officials. The APC Chairman in the state, Tajudeen Lawal, said the controversy stemmed from a February 10, 2025, Court of Appeal judgment, which nullified an earlier decision that had removed APC elected chairmen and councillors across the
state. Lawal, who stated that the court judgment was never appealed by the state government, yet it was allegedly ignored, added that the reinstated chairmen and councillors resumed du es on February 17, 2025, in line with the ruling. He alleged that “the refusal to accept the judgment led to coordinated a acks on reinstated council officials on the same day, during which the then Chairman of Irewole Local Council, Remi Abbas, was killed.” In another development, the state chapter of the Associa on of Local Governments
of Nigeria (ALGON) comprising of chairmen elected on the pla orm of the PDP raised the alarm over the alleged bias of the police in the imbroglio affec ng the local governments in the state. The associa on also chas sed the police for being diversionary on its ini al stand as regards the resumpon to work of local government workers in the state under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE). Hon Sarafadeen Abiodun Awotunde who leads the group alleged that the police were seriously bias in the way and manner
Kidnapping: Kiriji Heritage Defender Comb Osun, Kwara, Kogi Forest Michael Bamigbola
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local security ou it based in Osun State, the Kiriji Heritage Defender has combed the forest in Kwara and Kogi States to rescue kidnapped vic ms in the forest. Besides, men of the security ou it have also embarked on 24 hours surveillance of all the major forest in Osun State as a way of waging serious war against kidnapping and other criminal acts being perpetrated by hoodlums in the forest. The security out-
fit made up of local hunters and trained security experts are on the trail of kidnapped vic ms in the forests of Kwara and Kogi States with a view to rescue the vic ms and also chase the kidnappers away from the forest. The coordinator of the security ou it, Dr Ademola Ekundayo in an interview with our correspondent spoke on the ac vi es of the security ou it since its incep on a few years ago, disclosing that the security ou it had cham-
pioned the rescue of many kidnapped vic ms in the recent me. Specifically, Dr Ekundayo hinted that the Kiriji Heritage Defender was responsible for the rescue of one of those abducted alongside the late head of ogboni fraternity, Oluaye Abdul who was killed by his adductors. He recalled that opera ves of the Kiriji Heritage Defender traced the kidnappers of Oba Abdul and others to the forest and ensured that they rescued some of the vic-
ms. Also, Ekundayo who is a tradi onal Chief in Ikefin, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State stated that the Federal Government and the security agencies in par cular can make use of the Kiriji Heritage Defender to protect the people and prevent the alarming rate of abduc on and other criminal acts in the country. He said the results of the ac vi es of the security ou it in the past and the antecedence of its men are credible.
the local government crisis in the state was handled. To this end, , Awotunde challenged the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun to inves gate the ac vi es of men of the Osun State Police command regarding the local government crisis in the state. He queried the raonale behind the presence of the APC Chairmen and councillors at the local government secretariats in viola on to the direc ve of the Police authori es. “Some people are ac ng as if they are bigger than the laws of the land, just because they’re in power at the federal level and unfortunately they are enjoying the backing of the police. This is a democra c society and all kinds of lawlessness should be discouraged by the police,”Hon Awotunde said. But the chairman of ALGON comprising the chairmen of the APC, Hon Idowu Abiodun said the APC chairmen will not for any reason vacate the local government secretariats, saying that the chairmen had approached the court for tenure extension. He said the tenure of the APC chairmen commenced the day judgment was delivered in their favour by the Akure division of the Court of Appeal.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2026
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Oscotech Bars Contract Staff From Campus Yusuf Oketola
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uthori es of the Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), Esa-Oke has barred all contract staff of the ins tuon from resuming to work a er the new year break. In a memo signed by the Registrar of the ins tu on, S.O Popoola and sighted by OSUN DEFENDER, the contract staff
were urged to steer clear of the campus pending the outcome of the interview held
for them. They were also told to expect any payment of salary
this month of January 2026 as that may extend beyond un l the issues at hand were resolved. The memo en tled, RENEWAL OF APPOINTMENT OF CONTRACT [IGR] STAFF IN THE COLLEGE, dated January 2, 2026 reads: “this is to inform all contract staff (IGR) to wait for the outcome of the interview and le er of appointment of re-
Campus Review newal of appointment before resuming back to the College. “This is very important for all contract staff not to expect any payment
of salary this month of January 2026 and this may extend beyond, un l all the issues of interview and renewal le er are finalized.”
News Forum Of ADC Chairmen In Osun Passes Vote Of Confidence In Omidiji, Promises To Work For Salaam’s Victory
Michael Bamigbola HE Forum of local government chairmen of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the state chairman of the party, Dr Charles Omidiji. This is even as the forum expressed its readiness to work for the victory of the gorvernorship candidate of the party in the August 8 gubernatorial elec on, Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam. Also, the forum canvased for the nomina on of a strong stalwart of the party, Hon (Mrs) Temitope Yemisi Agiri as the running mate to Salam, saying that the choice of Mrs Agiri would boost the chances of the party. Rising from the end of the year meeting of the forum attended by all the local governments chairmen of the party in all the 30 Local Government Areas of the state, the forum declared its belief in the leadership of Dr Omidiji. In a communique issued at the end of the mee ng signed by the forum’s chairman, Hon Olufemi Famoyin, secretary, Comrade Awoniyi Bidemi and the Public Rela ons Officer, Hon Onigbogi Timilehin, the forum expressed confidence in the ability of Omidiji to lead the party to victory come August 8, 2026.
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Describing Omidiji as a leader with poli cal sagacity, na ve intelligence and leadership acumen needed to monster the
party and strengthen it, the forum declared that Omidiji is embedded with the needed knowledge which will be useful
for the party ahead of the next year’s gubernatorial elec on. Besides, the forum said its members spread across the lo-
cal governments in the state are ready to work accidously for the victory of Rt Hon Najeem Salaam and ensure that ADC wins the governorahip polls. According to the
communique, the forum members who are majorly grassroot poli cians with strong grassroot base will stop at nothing to ensure the victory of Salaam in the elecon.
Traditional Rulers, Clerics Call For Unity As Iba People Celebrate 2025 Iba Day Michael Bamigbola
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HE ancient town of Iba in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State on Saturday, 27th December, 2025 came alive as sons and daughters of the town from all parts of the world converged on the town for the annual Iba Day celebra on. Iba Day is celebrated annually as a way of bringing together all the indigenes of the town and their loved ones together and to celebrate the oneness of the people of the town. From across the nooks and crannies of the country and outside the country, wellwishers thronged to Iba to celebrate the day which is set aside to celebrate the town and its people. It’s also an occasion for the celebra on of the culture, tradi on and values of Iba people. The tradi onal ruler of the town who was also the royal host at the well attended event, the Eburu of Iba, Oba (Prof) Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye Oyedeji 11 in his remarks at the ceremony called for unity and peace among the people of the town, even as he called on the govern-
•Eburu of Iba, Oba (Prof) Adekunle Okunoye Oyedeji II (m), with members of executives of Iba Decendants Union (IDU), at 2025 Iba Day celebration
ment to extend dividends of democracy to the town. While praying for all the indigenes of the town at home and those in the diaspora, the renowned monarch who is the Vice Chairman, Osun State Council of Tradi onal Rulers and Chiefs, stressed the need for indigenes of the town to remember their home town and give back to it. He called on the state government to extend infrastructural development to the town, just as he called on investors to invest in Iba, saying that the town has good vegeta on that is suitable for farming and other
agricultural purposes. Oba Okunoye also called on the poli cal class to extend their programmes and projects to the town for the overall development of the state, saying that the town is yearning for good roads, pope borne water and other infrastructural development which will make it stand tall like other communi es in the state. The royal guest of honour who is also the Akinla of Erin-Ijesha, Oba Dr Isaac Adeyeba Ayeni called for unity, love and peace among the people of Iba, saying that no meaningful development can take place
in a society devoid of love and unity. He enjoined the people of the town, especially the well meaning ones to give back to the town by working together for the overall development and progress of the community. In her remarks, a Finland na onale who is also the Yeye Ariwajoye of Iba land, Prof. Helena Karsta assured that she will be part of the development of the town as she’s ready to contribute her quota to the growth and development of the town. She embraced the culture, tradion and way of life of the people of the
town, declaring that she’s ready to spend months in Iba due to the love she has for the town, adding that the serenity and vegeta on of the town is second to not The Finland based academic who donated huge amount of money during the occasion, said she is ready to work with other like minds for the community to develop. In his welcome address, the Na onal Chairman of Iba Descendants Union (IDU), Prince Clement ‘Bunmi Oyesowo said the town is blessed with abundant natural resources, which if duly u lized can yield to economic development of the state. He enjoined the indigenes of the town to always remember their homestead and work accidously towards its overall growth and development. Both Muslim and Chris an clerics including the Chief Imam if Iba and the Archdeacon of the Anglican Church, Iba who is also the Vicar, St Peter’s Anglican Church Iba prayed for the peace, development and growth of Iba.
Sport
FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2026
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Osun Babes Players Recieve Cash Gift After Win Over Confluence Queens
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SUN Babes FC Patron, Alhaji Olayiwola Olafiranye, has commended the resilience and figh ng spirit of the Osun Babes players by rewarding them with a cash gi of ₦100,000 following their hard-earned away victory against Confluence Queens. The Nigeria Women Football League encounter was played on Wednesday at the Edo State University Football Pitch, Iyamho, where the Imole Queens delivered a disciplined and determined performance to secure all three points on the road. The decisive mo-
ment of the contest arrived in the 62nd minute when Defender Naimot Kazeem unleashed a superb long-range strike that beat the Confluence Queens goalkeeper, sending the Osun Babes bench and travelling supporters into wild celebra ons. The goal proved to be the difference in a ghtly contested match, as the visitors held on resolutely un l the final whistle. In recogni on of the players’ outstanding display, Alhaji Olafiranye praised the team for their commitment, unity, and growing confidence, no ng that such performances
reflect the steady progress being made by the club this season. Adding to the rewards, Chairman
of the Osun Babes Supporters Club, Muideen Elebuibon, also showed apprecia on for the team’s super-
It’s Tough For Me – Anthony Joshua Opens Up On Friends’ Death
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ORMER world heav y weight champion, Anthony Joshua, has said the death of his two friends posed a tough me for him. OSUN DEFENDER recalls that a car conveying the boxer earlier this month, rammed into a staonary truck along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The accident claimed that lives of his personal trainer, Kevin Laf Ayodele, and his strength and condioning coach, Sina Ghami. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, the former heavyweight champion said it was tough for him. Joshua acknowledged that the incident was “even tougher” for the parents of the deceased. He wrote, “Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are. “I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept
me in the presence of great men. “100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”
la ve performance by gi ing the players an addi onal ₦50,000. The gesture further underlined the strong bond between the team and its supporters, especially during challenging away fixtures. With this victory, the Imole Queens have now amassed seven points from five matches, a return that places them in a promising posi on as the season progresses. The team’s im-
proved organizaon, tac cal discipline, and figh ng mentality con nue to draw posi ve reac ons from fans and stakeholders alike. Osun Babes will look to build on this momentum in their subsequent fixtures as they aim for consistency and a strong finish in the league, buoyed by the encouragement and backing from club management and supporters.
Art/Culture A Goat Does Not Wander Far From Its Mother
•Ancestral Guidance Is The Moral Compass Today’s The Yoruba world- as bridges reconnectYouth Need view holds that the ing young people with
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OUTH in our communities are increasingly disconnected from this tradi onal compass. Many now look outward — to foreign influences, celebrity culture, or digital trends — for iden ty, o en at the expense of grounded, local wisdom. While change is inevitable and not all modern influences are bad, the complete detachment from our roots is dangerous. Without ancestral moorings, how do we judge right from wrong? Who do we emulate when the village square is empty, and grandma’s stool is abandoned?
spirit of one’s ancestors con nues to watch over the living. These ancestral spirits are not just religious en es; they are moral shadows, quietly reminding us to honour our name, respect our lineage, and act with dignity. When a child strays too far — morally or culturally — it’s not only seen as personal failure, but also a form of “loss of alignment” with one’s origin. Yet, not all hope is lost. Across Osun — from Ilesa to Ikire — there are cultural ini a ves reviving fes vals, tradi onal games, nave songs, and community mentorship programs. These serve
heritage. Some schools have started encouraging students to speak Yoruba proudly, dress in na ve a res on Fridays, and learn proverbs and idioms that carry deep meaning. It is these small acts of reconnec on that will ensure the goat does not forget its path home. However, elders too must step into this moment with inten on. Silence, judgment, or withdrawal will not help the young find their way. Rather, intergenera onal dialogue, open storytelling, and ac ve mentoring are needed. Let the fathers walk with their sons through the fam-
ily farmlands again. Let mothers teach their daughters how our ancestors managed homes not just with chores, but with deep spiritual and communal wisdom. Let the village square echo again with ìtàn, òwe, and iróyìn à jọ́ — stories of old. In an age where technology threatens to erase oral culture, we must use it as a tool of preserva on. Podcasts in Yoruba, digital storytelling of African values, social media pages dedicated to tradi onal ethics — all of these can become the
new firewood that keeps the ancestral flame alive. As we approach another genera on of Osun youth — faced with both opportunity and confusion — may we remind ourselves that a goat that follows its mother never gets lost. And may we all, young and old, return to the wellspring of wisdom that has carried us this far. Because the path forward, as it has always been in Africa, lies not in forge ng where we came from — but in carrying it with us.
ISSN : 0794 - 8050
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2025 VOL. 21 NO 02 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
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persistent fear in Nigerian poli cs is the emergence of a single-party system or a sole presiden al candidate. Despite recurring anxie es, this outcome has never materialized. While recent party defec ons might suggest an invincible ruling party, Nigeria’s poli cal history is defined by unexpected twists. Sha ered dreams and surprise elements are inherent to our na onal life. The surprise element is unavoidable. Unexpected events are inescapable part of life and strategy. I will cite three examples in rela on to three formers leaders---Alhaji Shehu Shagari GCFR (25 February 1925 – 28 December 2018), General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida GCFR (84) and General Sani Abacha GCFR (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998). A er the July 7, 1979 elec ons during which, Alhaji Usman Aliyu Shehu Shagari was declared Presiden al winner in the polls, the NPN (Na onal Party of Nigeria) had 36 Senate seats, the UPN (Unity Party of Nigeria) had 28, the NPP (Nigerian People’s Party) had 16 seats, the GNPP (Great Nigerian People’s Party) had 8 while the PRP (People’s Redemp on Party) had 7. Those elected on the pla orm of NPN then were Alhaji A.D. Rufai, Alhaji Ibrahim Dimis, Alhaji Ibrahim Jalo Waziri, Alhaji Abdulkadir Yelwaji Saleh, Alhaji Uba Ahmed, Chief D.D. Dafinone, Chief Andrew Abogede, Chief J.S. Tarka, Mr. Suemo Chia, Mr. B. Ameh Ebute, Colonel Ahmadu Ali, Alhaji Girigiri Lawan, Mr. Victor Akan, Mr. Donald E ebet, Dr. Joseph Wayas, Mr. Iliya Audu, Alhaji Abba Ali, Mr. Jacob Madawaki, Alhaji Yusuf Ali, Alhaji Isa Abonyi Obaro, Mr. Aliyu Mohamadu Gani, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji, Alhaji Jibrin Salihu, Alhaji Ibrahim Kolo, Alhaji Abdullahi Mangu, Colonel Garba Dada Paiko, Dr. O. Eberewariye, Mr. C.N. Nunieh, Mr. Amatari Zuofa, Mr. A o Bugundu, Mr. Haruna Muza, Alhaji Garuba Gada, Alhaji Hassan Zuru and Alhaji Garba Kware. Under the United Party of Nigeria, those elected were Chief John Umolu, Chief Emmanuel O. Akpata, Jus ce Franklin O. Atake, Mr. Gayus Gilama, Mr. Justus Olu Olabode, Alhaji Sikiru Shi a-Bey, Dr. Femi Ayantuga, Alhaji Mudasiru A.O. Abiru, Mr. Abayomi Durosinmi, Mr. Adeyiga Ajayi, Mr. Ladega Daniel Adetola, Mr. Oyero Kunle, Mr. S.O. Sogbein, Chief Jonathan Akinremi Olawale Odebiyi, Chief Abraham Aderibigbe Adesanya, Chief Emmanuel Kayode Ogunleye, Mr. Michael Onukun, Professor David O. Oke, Mr. Ayo Fasanmi, Professor Banj Akintoye, Chief Ayoola Adeleke, Dr. Christopher Ilori, Mr. Ademola Adegoke, Dr. Christopher Adeoye and Mr. Olalere Adesina. On a personal note, one of them, Chief Ayoola Adeleke from Ede was the father of the present Osun state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke. He was the Vice Chairman of the then Senate Commi ee on Labour. I will not forget his regular supply of bi er kola to me
“The constitutional provision for a multi-party system reflects this reality. History shows that whenever a single party or candidate seems inevitable, a “surprise element”—be it military intervention, internal resistance, or unforeseen events—preserves pluralism. Despite current defections, the survival of only one party by 2027 remains doubtful”
Osun Babes Players Recieve Cash Gift After Win Over Confluence Queens P 7
PERSPECTIVE
By ERIC TENIOLA The Illusion Of A Single Party during his senate years. Those elected for the NPP were Prince Onyeabo Obi, Dr. Offia Nwali, Chief B. C. Okwu, Chief N. Nathaniel Anah, Mr. Isaiah N. Ani, Mr. Bardi Joe, Mr. Emeka P. Echeruo, Dr. Elijah E. Emezie, Dr. Jaja Nwachukwu, Chief Tony Anyanwu, Mr. Simeon Ojukwu, Mr. Garba Ma a, Mr. John Wash Pam, Mr. George Hookwap, Mr. Francis Ella and Dr. Obi Wali. The elected Senators for the GNPP were Alhaji Idrisa Kadi, Mr. Bukar Sanda, Mr. Jafaru Manga, Mr. Umaru Lawan Bama, Mr. George Daniel, Prince Joseph Ansa, Pastor Luka Zanyazing, Mr. Bitrus B. Kajal and Alhaji Mahmud Waziri while the PRP Senators were Alhaji Ibrahim Barau, Alhaji Adamu Gaya, Alhaji Ahmed Zakari, Alhaji Hamisu Musa, Alhaji Usman A. Dambata and Alhaji Sabo B. Zuwo. In the gubernatorial elec on, the fol-
STRIKER
lowing were elected on the pla orm of NPN. They were Alhaji Tatari Ali (Bauchi), Alhaji Shehu Kangiwa (Sokoto), Chief Melford Okilo (Rivers), Anwal Ibrahim (Niger), Alhaji Adamu A ah (Kwara), Dr. Clement Isong (Cross River) and Mr. Aper Aku (Benue). As for the UPN, the following were elected as governors. Chief Bisi Onabanjo (Ogun), Chief Bola Ige (Oyo), Chief Ambrose Alli (Bendel), Chief Adekunle Ajasin (Ondo) and Alhaji Lateef Jakande (Lagos). As for the NPP, there were three governors, namely, Chief Jim Nwobodo (Anambra), Chief Solomon Lar (Plateau) and Chief Sam Mbakwe (Imo). As for GNPP, they had two governors, Alhaji Abubakar Barde (Gongola) and Mohammed Goni (Borno) and the PRP had two, namely, Alhaji Balarabe Musa (Kaduna) and Abubakar Rimi (Kano). In the House of Representa ves, NPN had 168 seats, UPN had 111 seats, NPP had
Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
Democratic Values
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79 seats, PRP had 47 while GNPP had 44 seats. Among those elected in 1979 was Alhaji Sule Lamido (77) PRP, who represented Barnin Kudu in the then Kano state. On July 30, 1993, as Na onal Secretary of SDP, he was one of those who signed the tripar te Commi ee document that created the Interim Na onal Government. Almost forty-six years later, he among others, is s ll around. Also s ll around is Chief Tajudeen Olusi (89) UPN, who represented Lagos South in the House of Representa ves. He is at present Chairman, Governance Advisory Council in Lagos state. Also s ll around is my friend, Peter Olayemi Obaoye, who represented Irepodun Cons tuency in Kwara state. However, the game changed a er the Presiden al and Senatorial elec ons of August 20, 1983. The NPN increased its Senatorial seats to 60, thereby gaining 24 more seats, while the UPN reduced its own to 16, thereby losing 12 seats and the NPP lost 4 seats thereby reducing its seats to 12. As for the PRP, it lost 2 seats thereby reducing its seats to only 5 and the GNPP lost 6 senatorial seats. In the House of Representa ves elec on, the NPN gained 138 more seats thereby increasing its strength to 306, the UPN lost 60 seats thereby losing to only 51 seats while the NPP lost 30 seats reducing its strength to 48. As for the PRP, it lost 8 seats and reduced its strength to 41 while the GNPP lost all its 43 seats and had no seat at all. In the gubernatorial elec on, the follow•Read full article on www.osundefender.com •Eric Teniola, a former director at the Presidency, wrote from Lagos.
ONG years of military rule have impacted heavily and nega vely on almost all aspects of our lives, especially our understanding of democracy and how we prac se it. That, combined with the fact that what we knew in most of Africa before the coming of the Europeans was basically the rule of almighty kings and queens, has discoloured our apprecia on of democracy. Democracy is popularly defined as government of the people by the people and for the people. However, since all the people can never always agree 100% on any one issue, it is be er redefined as “majority rule,” which is all fair. It is believed that the wishes of the majority should prevail in any given situa on. We need to imbibe the core values of pu ng together opinions on issues and conceding to the majority wishes right from the family up to poli cal par es, elec on and governance decisions. The burden for those who think their opinion and choices are the best is to try hard to convince the majority of the popula on. Of course, the father is the head of the family but in every cri cal decision about the fortune of the family and the des ny of the children, the best decisions are invariably taken when the opinions of everyone is sought, and the one that believes his or her opinion is be er tries hard, persuasively and convincingly, to get the majority to see the light and agree to that decision. No doubt, there will consequently be peace and progress in such family. As it should be for the smallest unit of the society – the family, so it should be
with all associa ons and organisa ons: the village, the city, the state and the naon at large, not only during elec ons but with all cri cal decisions that can affect the fortune of the community. Whatever group you belong and however enlightened and smart you think you are, the democra c order demands that issues are tabled among all stakeholders. The du es of the most enlightened and the smartest is to enlighten the majority to see the light and key in. At the extreme ends, the ill-inten oned usually avoid rigorous, all-inclusive debate for selfish and an -people interests while the wellinten oned who are in a hurry usually short-circuit it, for fear that the majority are usually well behind in their appreciaon of new (strange) ideas and policies. Whereas, the democra c values of consulta on, debate, consensus and the valida on of the will of the majority must be cul vated at all levels, from the family up to all associa ons (trades unions, students unions, cultural and religious associa ons, town and professional associa ons, poli cal par es, governments, etc), it is at the poli cal level that it is inescapably essen al. Unfortunately, it is at the poli cal level that it is mostly relegated, no thanks to the men oned hangovers from military dictatorship and a monarchy past. There are two tendencies that tend to retard our democra c advancement, which is why we forever keep saying our democracy is s ll young, even a er 22 years of unbroken civilian rule: firstly, sponsored and mischievous popular consensus from well-orchestrat-
ed assemblies arriving at what is usually parcelled as “wishes of the people,” and secondly, the wishes of a select clique presented as “consensus” and the “best” for the people. The mass media usually come handy in these opinion manipulaons. For the survival and progress of democracy, we all owe it a duty to deepen the democra c culture by learning and imbibing democra c values and promoting them within our various associa ons and poli cal par es. It is the absence of these values and prac ces that breed “cabal,” absence of internal party democracy, “imposi on,” and inevitably organisa onal and poli cal party crises and bad governance. As democracy an cipates, there will always be differing opinions and interests within any associa on but the wishes of the majority should always be made to prevail. That way, the minority will clearly see that they are in the minority and will have to put more effort into convincing many more people to tow their way. Debate, consulta ons, enlightenment, and majority carrying the day should be everyday reali es. We should promote democra c values in all associa ons to the extent they become a way of life. Only then will service be the essence of leadership at all levels, from fatherhood at family level all the way to the Presidency. The alterna ve is to con nue to languish in disorderly organisa ons amidst destrucve dissent, and at the highest level, poli cal par es con nuing to run “civilian” administra ons that have no semblance of democracy, while we forever deceive ourselves that our democracy is young and evolving.
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, Off Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. All correspondence to the Deputy Editor, MICHAEL BAMIGBOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com