10 Years After, Rep Moves To Restore Banking To Osun Communities
Amotekun Grills Oyetola’s Ex-Media Aide Over Facebook Post
THE Osun State Command of Amotekun Corps has confirmed that it ques oned Mr. Taiwo Olaore, a former media aide to ex-Governor Gboyega Oyetola, over an alleged malicious post against officers of the corps on social media.
Badmus for Works in the state, Remi Omowaiye, had posted on Facebook that Olaore was arrested at 10:05 p.m. on Wednesday night.
Omowaiye also said Olaore was reportedly attacked with charms before he was whisked away to an unknown des na on.
The Corps said Olaore was not arrested but only invited for ques oning over the post against the Osun Amotekun Corps, including claims of extor on.
The Corps, in a statement by its Public Rela ons Officer Yusuf Abbas, a copy obtained by OSUN DEFENDER, also denied that its personnel charmed and physically assaulted Olaore, who is from Iragbiji, headquarters of Boripe Local Government.
A former Commissioner
But the Amotekun corps while responding, said the claims are en rely false, baseless, and misleading.
“We categorically state that no officer of the Osun Amotekun Corps charmed or assaulted Mr. Olaore Taiwo at any me.
“Contrary to the claims being circulated, Mr. Taiwo was not arrested. He was invited for ques oning following a formal complaint lodged against him regarding cyberbullying ac vi es directed at the Corps,” the statement noted.
•Continued on Page 6
•Death Trap in Need of Urgent Attention: A deplorable road condition around Prime Ofatedo Area, Egbedore Local Government, Osun State Photo: Shola Aderinto
•Osun NDLEA in partnership with Osun State Government, during a campaign against drug abuse in Osogbo, on Wednesday
Kazeem
JUNE 27, 2025 - THURSDAY, JULY 03, 2025
NANS Members Caught With Pistol In Osun
THE Osun State police command has arrested four students, Adewale Kehinde (25), Adebayo Ayuba (22), Olasupo Habeeb (22), and Adeniyi Mustapha (21) for allegedly having firearms in their possession.
According to the police, the suspects were arrested with a Toyota Camry bearing a NANS-customised plate number.
Found in their possession were an Englishmade Barreta pistol, two empty magazines, a cutlass, and various charms.
Also, two suspected cul sts linked to the murder of one Awoniyi Kazeem during a masquerade fes val in Osogbo.
Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Osogbo on recent security breakthroughs in the state.
He revealed that Adeparusin Kehinde (23) and Ariyibi Dada, members of the Eiye confraternity, were arrested following an
inves ga on into the June 1, 2025 cult clash in the Oke-Ola area of Osogbo, during which Kazeem was shot and killed. The suspects were apprehended with three English Barreta pistols and two unregistered Qlink motorcycles.
Addi onally, two others were arrested for vandalising hightension power cables
in Osu, along the Ife–Ibadan Expressway.
In a separate operaon, the police arrested Usman Abubakar (25) and Bashiru Haruna (26) for the alleged vandalism of IBEDC high-tension cables along the Ife–Ibadan Expressway. The suspects, who claimed to be scrap dealers based in Modakeke, had reportedly been terroris-
ing the area. Recovered from them were two large sacks of cables, seven motorcycles, and two saw blades Commissioner Gotan affirmed that all suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of invesga ons, stressing the command’s resolve to rid Osun State of criminal elements.
“Osun State will not
be a haven for criminals. We are fully commi ed to maintaining law and
order and ensuring the safety of residents,” Gotan said.
Osun CJ Frees 12
Inmates
TCorrec onal Centres.
•Ambassador Dr. Aremu Stephen, Chairman, Accountability of Civil Society Organisa ons on Malaria Control, Immunisa on and Nutri on (ACOMIN), addressing journalists during a press conference in Osogbo on Tuesday
Osun Community Seeks Help After Deadly
RESIDENTS of IdoAyegunle in Osun State are calling on the government and security agencies for urgent protec on a er a brutal a ack by suspected hoodlums in the community.
According to reports, the a ack le at least four people dead and many others injured.
The tradi onal ruler of the community, the Olojudo of Ido-Ayegunle, Oba Timileyin Ajayi, and some community chiefs in an interview recently said the assailants allegedly mu lated their vicms, cu ng off wrists, heads, and legs before dumping the bodies in an abandoned well.
The monarch alleged that the latest incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 19, 2025, was part of a series of violent a acks on the community.
He accused the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, of inci ng the a acks to inmidate and subjugate the people of Ido-Ayegunle—an allega on Oba Adediran has denied.
“He openly threatened our people. He declared that he would send
his community members to destroy Ido-Ayegunle.
“Shockingly, his words did not remain mere threats. On June 19, just weeks a er that video surfaced, the town was a acked in a brutal and coordinated assault. Four people were killed.
“This is not just an attack on a town—it is an a ack on humanity, on jus ce, and on the very fabric of peace that tradi onal ins tu ons are meant to uphold,” Oba Ajayi said.
He called on both federal and state authories to act swi ly, “We are calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Osun State Government, and all relevant security agencies to reo-
pen the inves ga on immediately, hold the monarch accountable for his inflammatory threats and the massacre that followed, and ensure the safety of our people.”
Corroborated the monarch’s claims, the community spokesperson, Chief Ibironke Adebusoye said the a acks were premeditated.
He said, “These hoodlums from Esa-Oke have been terrorising us. Just two weeks ago, I submi ed a pe on to the Inspector General of Police, but nothing has been done.
“I received several calls from the DPO and Area Commander before the last a ack, warning of poten al violence.
Hoodlums’ Attack
And the next day, it happened.”
A pe on submi ed by the law firm O.J. Erhabor & Co. on behalf of the community to Governor Ademola Adeleke, dated June 10, 2025, detailed previous invasions and accused the Owamiran of pushing an “expansionist agenda” through armed violence.
The pe on also noted that even police officers had to retreat during an earlier a ack due to heavy resistance by armed invaders.
But the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adediran, denied involvement in the violence, saying he was unaware of any a ack.
He said, “I am not aware of the incident
happening at Esa-Oke. I only heard rumours about it, and whoever has evidence should speak up.
“I never told anyone to a ack or harm anyone over the land. They misquoted me. In fact, it was they who a acked our people and shot some of them. They even a acked them at the farm. I never asked for retalia on.”
Oba Adediran also cited his health condi on, adding, “I have been on my sickbed for days with high blood pressure. I’ve been unable to sleep. I didn’t even ask my people to take any revenge a er they a acked.”
The spokesperson for the command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the deadly a ack and noted that the police were working to arrest all the perpetrators.
“When we received this informa on, our men quickly moved into acon. On ge ng there, the suspects fled the scene as soon as they saw the police. Four persons were truly confirmed dead as a result of the incident.
“The police are s ll on the ground as I speak to you. We even had to invite the king and others to ensure there was peace.”
The inmates were released during the Chief Judge and Commi ee on Administraon of Criminal Jus ce visit to the two facilies.
Ojo said that the inmates were freed as part of measures to decongest the prisons.
The Chief Judge announced the release of eight inmates from the Ilesa Correc onal Centre and four from the Ile-Ife Correc onal Centre on compassionate grounds.
According to her, the release of the inmates is to decongest the prisons and address the issue of inmates being held for extended periods without trial.
Ojo explained that one of the inmates was released on health grounds, while others were pardoned because they had overstayed the s pulated number of years for their offences, if they were sentenced.
She promised that accelerated hearings would be given to those who were not released.
The Chief Judge emphasised that judicial officers had a duty to ensure the release of those worthy of release and punish those deserving of punishment.
She warned the freed inmates to turn a new leaf, cau oning that if any of them appeared before any court for any offence, they would not be favoured again.
HE Chief Judge of Osun, Jus ce Adepele Ojo, on Wednesday released 12 inmates from Ilesa and Ile-Ife
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf Oketola
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025 - THURSDAY, JULY 03, 2025
FELA Anikulapo Ku was not just a brilliant musician, but he was also a very astute social observer and analyst. He made a point about ‘confusion break bone [CBC] . At the moment, there is a lot of confusion about how to maneuver our way in Nigeria towards having a viable opposi on and, at the same me, presen ng an alterna ve, if one is needed, to the present administra on in 2027.
This confusion extends to the realm of poli cal par es. About which of the alterna ves on offer should we present? Should there be a merger of exis ng poli cal par es, or should a new party be registered instead? At the moment, there is an ongoing a empt to register a brand new forma on that will present like the APC of 2014—a clear alterna ve. However, the registra on of a polical party is going to be an uphill task for the Independent Na onal Electoral Commission, as it already has about a hundred or so par es to applica ons.
*The Need for an Alterna ve Program*
What’s disconcer ng about what’s going on is the absence of an alterna ve program to what we have now. At the moment, a lot of people are clearly disoriented because it’s beyond argument that there has been a catastrophic cut in purchasing power and living standards across the country. This manifests itself in many ways. Very disturbing is the number of schoolchildren who have been withdrawn from schools because their parents can no longer cope with fees, feeding, and transporta on costs.
In A State Of Flux
•Should We Try A ‘Popular Front’?
There’s a need right now in Nigeria for an alterna ve social and economic program to examine whether a realis c alterna ve posion can be presented to the present program, which is clearly wobbling and needs fine-tuning. There’s also a need to look at the security situa on in the country. We’re clearly faced with low-intensity warfare, and the government doesn’t appear to understand that we’re not dealing with conven onal warfare but with terrorism and guerrilla warfare that need to be contained and destroyed.
It’s very worrisome that in all the maneuvers and electoral calculaons and permuta ons, we’re not seeing a coherent program of ac on to present to the electorate, not just in 2027 but star ng from now, so that a coali on of opinion can be ignited.
“This, of course, reflects poli cs as
booty in a ren al state, the void of any philosophical thrust or ideological perspec ve. The country cannot make a transi on into full development status under this framework.”
“We now have to look back at earlier models with which countries navigated themselves out of the kind of logjam we have in Nigeria today. In an earlier period, about a century ago, when there were worldwide crises, the model used mainly in Europe and Latin America was the concept of a ‘popular front’. A popular front united or a empted to coalize different shades of opinion around a well-worked-out program to create a cri cal mass to present a convincing alterna ve to the public. The popular front helped a lot; they ignited the kind of debate which translated into programs that solved a lot of social and economic crises.
“We believe that we should now look very deeply and discerningly at how to adopt the posi on of a popu-
The Discourse
“It’s very worrisome that in all the maneuvers and electoral calculations and permutations, we’re not seeing a coherent program of action to present to the electorate, not just in 2027 but starting from now, so that a coalition of opinion can be ignited”
lar front to present a clear, convincing alterna ve to the elec ons in Nigeria in 2027 and beyond. The APC, as it emerged in 2014 and before, was clearly a lower model of the popular front, although, as we are seeing now, it lacked a clear-cut, convincing, wellthought-out program.
“Nevertheless, we must now have a look at how to use a model of a popular front that is not about individuals trying to achieve their presiden al ambi on but about how to coalize around a program and then present a candidate to the people as the person to implement that program. Time is fast running out for Nigeria because, without a different kind of perspec ve on social and economic rejuvena on, the country will con nue to perpetuate in underdevelopment and underachievement.
“We believe that this might be the right me for people to start working on a convincing program to present to the electorate and then choose the person best suited to implement the program, rather than pu ng the cart before the horse in a perennial search for a candidate. We repeat that me is fast running out.”
Facts And Fiction: Is AC Water The New Financial Butter?
By Babatunde Adesokan
THIS is the ques on on everyone’s lips as misconcep ons o en start as crude jokes but become trending topics, with no one remembering the source. Recently, it was strangely believed that another quick way to get rich in Nigeria is by gathering AC water. Some online individuals claim to have sold a bucket of air condi oner water for ₦170,000.
According to this errant belief, the commercial value of AC water lies in its use for:
- Ba ery sellers or inverter repairers
- Laboratories and hospitals
- Cosme c or pharmaceucal producers
- People who use steam irons and humidifiers
We are talking about the same annoying water people collect in a bucket and pour away with spite. So, is this really the new gold? Remember, it was the pendulum of a clock at some point, the old alloy
“Recently, it was strangely
believed that another quick way to get rich in Nigeria is by gathering AC water. Some online individuals claim to have sold a bucket of air conditioner water for
“170,000”
pot, and now AC water. This is not surprising in a country where MMM, CBEX thrived, and all kinds of Ponzi affiliate businesses exist.
The desire to become a quick millionaire is exigently foremost in everyone’s mind. To allay misconcep ons and channel youths’ efforts towards the right endeavors, clarifica on needs to be made, and beliefs set right.
First, how is AC water formed? The water from the air condi oning system is formed from the hot air removed from the house during the cooling
process. As heat is removed, it condenses. The condensed water collects on the evaporator coil before dripping out of the AC.
Is AC water that useful that it would cost that much? The answer is a capital “no.” Although AC water is supposed to be dislled water, it is contaminated by the coil and tube it passes
through. So, the final output is not thoroughly dis lled water, as purported.
What are the actual uses of AC water? You can use it for:
- Gardening and plant care, as condensate water is free from chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water
- Household cleaning
- Flushing toilets
OSUN DEFENDER
Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.
Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola
Asst. Features Editor – Kazeem Badmus
Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto
Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere
Produc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State.
ISSN : 0794-8050
Telephone : 0809-301-9152
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com
All correspondence to the above email addresses.
- Washing cars
- Ironing clothes
If you s ll believe AC water is your financial bu er, it means you must be ready to collect a large amount and ensure your packaging is not contaminated before conver ng it into spendable currency.
As for advice, I say that me is better spent on something more producve. Shelah!
•Adesokan is a Poet, Writer and Public Affairs Analyst.
LG Crisi: FG Promoting Anarchy In Osun – Rights Group
Yusuf Oketola
HUMAN Rights Writers Associa on of Nigeria (HURIWA), has warned against the con nued failure of the Federal Government to enforce the appellate Court’s decision on Osun Local Government Administra on.
It urged President Bola Tinubu and the A orneyGeneral of the Federa on
and Minister of Jus ce, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to uphold the sanc ty of the rule of law by direc ng the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) to order officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their loyalists to vacate local government secretariats in Osun State.
HURIWA condemned the act, describing it as unlawful occupa on and
direct viola on of a binding judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the electoral victory of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) Chairmen and Councillors.
HURIWA’s Na onal Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Tuesday, warned against lawlessness and that the act signals tacit endorsement of impunity.
“The rule of law is the cornerstone of any democra c government and must be protected at all costs.
“The refusal of federal security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to act in accordance with the appellate court’s judgment valida ng the PDP-led local governments in Osun is unacceptable.
“President Tinubu must
Art/Culture
now choose between honouring his oath to defend the Cons tu on and bowing to par san poli cal interests.”
HURIWA expressed dismay that APC-aligned officials, under the protec on of heavily armed police officers, con nue to occupy council secretariats in Osun, effec vely preventing the duly elected PDP chairmen and councillors
from assuming office.
“The A orney-General, as the custodian of cons tu onal integrity, must not turn a blind eye while anarchy is normalized.
“It is both morally and legally indefensible that public servants elected through a lawful process, and whose mandate has been judicially affirmed, are treated as outsiders while impostors hold sway under the protec on of state-sponsored security personnel.”
Fmr. SDP Guber Candidate Emerges Afenifere Chair In Osun
Jubril Islamiat
Aformer Ac ng Chairman of the Social Democra c Party, SDP, in Osun State and Governorship candidate of the party in the 2022 Gubernatorial elec ons, Arc. Goke Omigbodun, has emerged as the new Chairman of Afenifere in Osun State.
Arc. Goke Omigbodun was affirmed as Osun State Chairman of the Welfarist Poli cal organisa on established by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his poli cal associates in 1951, a er a successful tenure of the immediate past Chairman, Comrade Segun Famojuele that ended in June 2025.
Arc. Goke Omigbodun started his poli cal career in Afenifere and has been consistently part of regis-
tered poli cal par es and suppor ng candidates endorsed by Afenifere over the many years of his parcipa on in poli cs as an Awoist.
Arc. Omigbodun, also a Reverend Canon of The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, once served as Ac ng Chairman of Afenifere and the Alliance for Democracy in his Olorunda Local Government about the year 2002/2003, and organised free and fair elec ons for his successor in office to emerge against many odds then.
Rev. Canon Omigbodun subsequently emerged Deputy Chairman and later Ac ng Chairman of the SDP in Osun State, being a party ini ated and registered by the efforts of Afenifere, when the then Chief, now Oba, Olu Falae emerged the pioneer Na onal Chairman of the new SDP.
From Slave Castles To Freedom Fighters: The
TContradictions Of African History
HERE is a haun ng irony that echoes across the West African coast: the same shores that once housed brutal slave castles later birthed some of Africa’s most revered freedom fighters. This contradic on—between oppression and resistance, exploita on and independence—is at the heart of Africa’s complex historical iden ty. Walking through Elmina or Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, you’re struck by two conflic ng realies. Above ground, European merchants and governors once dined in comfort. Below, in dark, damp dungeons, Africans were shackled, starved, and sold—robbed of dignity, freedom, and family. These were sites of commerce and cruelty, profit and pain. But only a few genera ons later, from those same coastal regions emerged voices
that would challenge colonial rule, demand independence, and fight for self-governance. In Nigeria, the paradox is just as strong. Many of our current ins tu ons— parliaments, schools, civil services—are modeled after colonial systems once designed to control us. Yet these same systems became pla orms through which leaders like Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Funmilayo RansomeKu fought for na onal iden ty and African liberaon.
How do we reconcile these contradic ons?
History, it seems, is not just a story of vic ms or villains—it is a mosaic of resilience, adapta on, and rebellion. Africa did not only suffer under colonizaon; it rose in defiance of it. For every slave ship that docked, there was a community that hid its youth. For every colonial school
built, there was a student who dreamed not of assimila on but of sovereignty.
The contradic on lies not in the fact that Africa endured colonialism, but in how it turned pain into power. And that’s what today’s youth must never forget.
We o en view African history in extremes—either as a golden age before coloniza on or as a period of complete vic mhood during it. But somewhere in between is the real story: a con nent that bent but never broke. A people who, even in chains, sang songs of return. Who turned the colonial classroom into a ba lefield for ideas. Who built na ons out of ashes.
In Osun, as in many parts of Africa, the echoes of this contradic on are s ll with us. Tradi onal rulers sit side by side with cons tu onally elected
leaders. Sacred groves exist near radio towers. Our history is neither linear nor dy—and that’s its power. Why should this ma er now?
Because Africa’s struggle today—against economic neocolonialism, brain drain, poli cal manipula on—requires the same courage and clarity shown by our ancestors. Their story reminds us that even in systems designed to dehumanize, Africans have always found ways to rise. That spirit must live on in our policies, our educa on systems, and our collec ve memory. Let us walk through the dungeons of our past, not with bowed heads, but with open eyes. Let us visit the statues of our heroes,
not just in admira on, but in ac on. Let us teach our children that our history is not just about loss—it is about strength reclaimed.
Africa’s contradic ons are not weaknesses— they are evidence of survival. From slave castles to freedom fighters, our journey has always been one of fierce reclamaon. As we look ahead, we must root ourselves in this truth: that even in darkness, Africa has always found its light.
AKANMU FAKOMI is a writer, cultural educator, and founder of Ma Harkley Digital Academy, dedicated to reshaping African narra ves through educa on, technology, and storytelling.
In his acceptance speech, Omigbodun, the new Afenifere Chairman in Osun State pledged to lead members in the State in seeking for and facilita ng life more abundant for all through good governance in Osun State, Nigeria.
The Leader of Afenifere who also doubles as new Leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum, SMBLF, of Nigeria, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, admonished the new Osun State Afenifere Chairman to remain true to the Obafemi Awolowo school of poli cs, whilst encouraging members present to support the new Chairman, Arc. Goke Omigbodun.
Other members present during the handing over ceremony of the Chairmanship of Afenifere Osun State from Comerade Segun Famojuele to Arc. Goke Omigbodun, included the State Secretary, Hon. Sogo Fagbamigbe, Oba Oluwaloni Aluko - the Olusogo of Olorunsogo-Ijesa, Former TESCOM Chairman in Osun State - Elder Adegoke, Prof. Kayode Akinwande, Hon. Adewale Fasure and other eminent members of Afenifere, Osun State Chapter.
10 Years After, Rep Moves To Restore Banking To Osun Communities
Yusuf Oketola
Amember of the House of Representa ves, Rep. Olusoji Adetunji, has moved a mo on to restore crucial banking services to Ikirun and other communi es in Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/ Boripe Federal Cons tuency of Osun State.
This is coming about a decade a er a series of armed robbery a acks forced the banks to shut down their opera ons in the towns.
During Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, Hon Adetunji raised a serious alarm over the prolonged absence of banking facilies, emphasizing that access to banking ac vi es is a fundamental right and necessity that no Nigerian community should be denied.
He warned that the current situa on poses a grave threat to economic ac vity, ci zen safety, and financial inclusion within the region.
The mo on,tled “Urgent Need for Strengthened Security to Restore Banking Opera ons in Odo-O n/ Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Cons tuency of Osun State,” was seconded by Rep. Mudashiru Lukman Alani.
Adetunji, a member of the House Appropriaons Commi ee, recounted the chilling history of violence that led to the banking paralysis.
He specifically cited a devasta ng coordinated robbery on February 12, 2016, which targeted three commercial banks in Ikirun and resulted in ten fatali es. Subse-
quent a acks, including a deadly assault on another commercial bank in Iragbiji on September 28, 2021, claiming four lives, as well as similar tragedies in Okuku and Iree communi es, have compounded the problem.
“These violent a acks have paralyzed all banking opera ons in the cons tuency and exposed residents to serious hardship,” the lawmaker stated. “Many now travel 30 to 50 kilometers to Osogbo for basic financial services, risking their lives and further straining their livelihoods.”
Further stressing the precarious security situaon, the Chairman of the Nigeria-Brazil parliamentary friendship group expressed deep concern over the cons tuency’s fragile security framework.
Accodingto him, despite a popula on exceeding 800,000 and covering 540 square kilometers, the area is currently policed by only six divisions, approximately 420 personnel, and a single func onal patrol vehicle – a force far from adequate to protect residents and infrastructure.
Quo ng Sec on 33(1) of the 1999 Cons tu on, which guarantees cizens’ right to life and security, Adetunji emphasised the government’s cons tu onal obliga on to protect its people and facilitate socio-economic development.
In his appeal, the Osun federal lawmaker urged the Federal Government to establish and implement a robust, long-term security architecture designed to curb
persistent armed robbery a acks and facilitate the safe reopening of banks in the cons tuency.
He also called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately deploy sufficient and
well-equipped security personnel, supported by modern weaponry, communica on tools, and
opera onal vehicles, to restore peace and confidence across the three local government areas.
Osun Govt Promises Renovation As Owena Ijesa Residents Decry State Of Primary Healthcare Centre
Kazeem Badmus
THE Osun State Government has promised the renova on of the only Primary Healthcare Centre in Owena Ijesa, a rural community in Oriade Local Government Area of the state.
The assurance came a er residents of the community decried the poor state of the facility, urging the state government to assist with the renova on.
The residents who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER urged the state government to come to
Stay Away From Osun, Amotekun Warns Criminals
Jamiu Tajudeen
BOARD Chairman, Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, Assistant Inspector- General of Police, AIG, Wale Abbas (rtd), has warned hoodlums to steer clear of Osun State, as it is not a sanctuary of bandits, kidnappers or any group wishing to disrupt the exis ng peace and security.
Abass gave the warning during a media chat in his office, saying the security ou it will not tolerate the presence of lawless criminal elements in Osun and its environ.
He added that his men have been fully equipped, deployed, vig-
ilant and ba le ready to combat any threat with the highest force.
The board chairman, who urged residents to ac vely demonstrate their unalloyed support to Amotekun Corps, said they cannot do it alone without their complete support and urged them to always give useful informa on to security personnel.
According to him, Amotekun Corps is seeking coopera on with security agencies to maintain law and order, as well as protect lives and property. It was established to ensure the safety and well-being of the people in response to various threats like kidnapping, armed rob-
bery, banditry, etc.
AIG Abass commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for inves ng in the security of lives and proper es, saying his support and contribuons to the protec on of the en re state and its environ cannot be overemphasised.
Abass, who wants the Amotekun Corps to meet interna onal standards, charged his men to always uphold the highest standard of professionalism, integrity and due respect for human rights.
He added that the people of Osun State would definitely be looking up to them for adequate security and protec on.
their aid as the Primary Healthcare Center is the only one in the community.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, a staff at the facility who does not want her name in print said the hospital building is dilapida ng
She also complained about inadequate staffing, no ng that only three people were staff at the hospital.
She said, “We want the government to help us renovate this Primary Healthcare Center. The facility is in a very bad shape. If you go round the hospital, you will see that we are lacking a lot of things.
“The building is dilapida ng while some of the rooms we used here have been abandoned in this rainy season because they were leaking. Also, we don’t have water and electricity here.
“For us to do immuniza on, we have to travel to Ipetu-Ijesa or Ikeji-Arakeji to take vaccine due to our lack of electricity and this is cos ng us money.
“We also don’t have sufficient staff. We have three staff here, and we employ two people who are assis ng us, but that number is not enough for the number of clients we have here per month.
“So, we are appealing to the state government to assist us in renova ng our facility and recruit more health workers for us.”
Responding, Dr Adekunle Akindele, the Special Adviser on Health to Governor Ademola Adeleke assured the residents that the facility will be renovated.
Akindele said 200 Primary Healthcare Centres have been compre-
hensively renovated and upgraded in the last two years of the present administra on.
He promised that the facility at Owena Ijesa will be among those to be renovated next by the state government, urging the residents to stay calm.
He said, “I want to assure them that we will reach their side. The state government is commi ed to improving the health care system in the state.
“We have comprehensively renovated 200 Primary Healthcare Center across the state and we are going to embark on the renova on of the others very soon.
“I am appealing to the residents to stay calm; we will definitely reach their side as our working governor is commi ed to seeing his people living healthy.”
•Chairman, Ajegunle Traders, Men and Artisans, Alhaji Azeez Kamorudeen, his members with their football team after winning the Omolore Football Competition
Photo: Shola Aderinto
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025 - THURSDAY, JULY 03, 2025
Scholarship, Better Alternative To Student Loans - UNIOSUN VC
THE Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Clement Adebooye, has appealed to scholarship donors to consider non-indigenes who are brilliant, as thousands of students are exceponally diligent but indigent.
He described scholarships as a be er alterna ve to student loans because they do not require repayment.
Speaking at the presenta on of cheques to 29 beneficiaries of four categories of the 2025 scholarship awards at the Osogbo main campus, Adebooye explained that the provision of scholarships helps students address financial barriers to university educa on in a country where the cost
•Makes Case For Non-Indigenes
of higher educa on is a significant burden for many families. He disclosed that the Osun Development Forum, Texas, donated ₦100,000 each to 18 students; Hon. Sun-
day Olowu donated ₦100,000 to 10 students; and the Egbado College Old Students Associa on, 1993 Focus Group, donated ₦945,000 to one student.
My Life Is In Danger
Kazeem Badmus
THE Execu ve Director of Eco Centre for Transformaon and Empowerment
Ini a ve, Osogbo, Osun State, Ci zen Lola Wey has pe oned the state Director, Department of State Services for alleged threat to her life.
Eco Center for Transforma on and Empowerment Ini a ve is a Non-Governmental Organisa on (NGO) that fights against sexual and gender-based violence within the state.
Wey, in the peon, alleged one Pastor, whose name was given as Olalelere, of threatening her to withdraw an alleged rape case involving a girl she adopted.
According to the pe on, the vic m was working as a domes c servant when her master’s son, whose name was given as Ayepola, allegedly raped her for months which later resulted in pregnancy.
A er the teenager got pregnant, the mother of the suspect allegedly took her to a quack doctor to terminate the pregnancy and threatened the girl not to tell anyone.
However, the vicm’s classmates no ced her strange behaviour in class and called the a en on of their class teacher.
While sta ng that scholarships promote access and equity by giving academically talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to access higher educa on, Adebooye added that scholarships enhance students’ academic performance and success, as they enable students to focus on their studies, having been freed from the pressure of financial worries.
“Scholarships help to reduce drop-out rates as they help students stay in school and complete their programmes on me. Scholarships help in fostering human capital development and na onal progress as they enable more individuals to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to various sectors of the
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Campus Review Campus Review
Nigerian economy,” he said.
While commending the donors, the vicechancellor called on more associa ons, organisa ons, and wellspirited individuals to contribute more to the students.
“To the beneficiaries of today, to whom much is given, so much is expected. You must ensure that your studies do not suffer and that you con nue to put in your best to jus fy the support you got today. You must set academic and career targets for yourselves, and you
must start cul va ng the spirit of giving back to society through such philanthropic gestures as this when you eventually become gainfully employed and economically independent,” Adebooye said.
The Chairman of Osun Development Forum, Texas, Mr. Kazeem Adetunji, said, “Our investment in educa on is an investment in the future of Osun State. We have been doing this since 2021, and we have vowed to contribute meaningfully to Osun’s development in many ways.”
- Human Rights Advocate Petitions DSS
•Alleges Threat To Life Over Rape Case
Ci zen Wey, a er the incident, adopted the girl, and the case was charged before an Osogbo Magistrate court.
The NGO boss, in the pe on, claimed that the pastor is desperate and determined to get those involved in the viola on of the vic m’s
human rights freed at all costs.
She accused the pastor of calling her to withdraw the case, adding that the vic m had also been receiving some forms of threats.
In the pe on filed by Moses A. Odetunde and Co., the pe oner
urged the DSS boss to inves gate the ma er in order to bring the offender to book and prevent him from perverting the course of jus ce.
The pe on reads in part, “That a rape case was charged to the court in the case of The State v. Ayepola & ors which
our client is currently in charge of the same and the prosecu on of the same is s ll ongoing before the court.
“On the 17th day of June, 2025 our client was called as a prosecu on witness in the said case. That before and a er the aforesaid date the suspect herein was calling and stalking on our client to go and
Osun Youths Protest Alleged Politicisation Of Confab List
YOUTHS in Osun State, under the banner of the Coali on of Concerned Nigerian Ci zens, CCNC, on Tuesday staged a protest against the Commissioner for Youth Development, Moshood Olagunju, over alleged poli cisa on of the Na onal Youth Conference delegate list. The protesters, who assembled at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Osogbo, alleged that despite
their ac ve involvement in the 2024 na onwide protest against insecurity and economic hardship, they were marginalised in the selec on process for the upcoming na onal youth event.
Speaking to journalists, the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Oluomo Success, said, “We were only given one out of nine slots and were told the delegate must be female. That decision is not inclusive and undermines our
contribu ons.”
The youths, who carried placards demanding fairness, accountability, and wider representa on, warned that they would not relent in their protest un l the process was reviewed to reflect transparency and jus ce for all youth groups in the state.
They also appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to step in and address their grievances, demanding that he should call the Commissioner to order
Amotekun Grills Oyetola’s Ex-Media Aide Over...
•Continued from Page 1
“It is important to clarify that this invita on was in response to defamatory content posted by Mr. Taiwo on social media, in which he made unverified and damaging accusa ons against the Osun Amotekun Corps, including claims of extor on.
“His ac ons are not
only false but cons tute a breach of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibi on, Preven on, etc.) Act, 2015. Specifically, Sec on 24 of the Act criminalizes cyberbullying, online harassment, defama on, and other related offenses.
“Following his invitaon, Mr. Taiwo voluntarily presented himself to our
office, was interviewed in a civil and professional manner, and was thereafter released to the Police at the Headquarters Osogbo for further ac on. At no point was he detained, assaulted, or subjected to any form of physical or mys cal harm as falsely alleged,” the statement added.
before things escalated.
In response, Olagunju stated that the nominaon criteria were based on direc ves from the Federal Government.
Olagunju clarified that all decisions were taken in line with direc ves from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Abuja.
The Commissioner said the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports later demanded a 50/50 gender representa on, which affected the ini al nomina ons submi ed by several states, including Osun.
“We are only implemen ng what was communicated to us from Abuja.”
“I was instructed to submit eight names, with the ninth slot being an automa c inclusion. This is not a list of beneficiaries but commi ee members to guide the Confab,” he said.
withdraw the case. That therea er he requests our client not to go the court again to call other witnesses in the case.
“That despite the fact that our client explained to the suspect herein that it is not within her power to withdraw the said case and that the dictate of the law should be followed, he kept calling and sending threatening messages to our client
“That Pastor Olalere claimed that he knows where the vic m is staying at the Juvenile home. That the vic m of the said case also no ced strange people around her and one day when she was coming from the school some unknown three men double-crossed her on 2nd of April, 2025, and slapped her severally.
“The incident was reported to Magistrate Funke Oyeniyi who directed the Matron of Child’s care homes Mrs. Esther Alade to formally report the ma er at the police sta on. And the same was done accordingly.
“That we hereby implore your honour to use your posi on as a law officer to inves gate this ma er in order to bring the offender to book and to prevent him from perver ng the course of jus ce and also to save the soul of our client’s soul.”
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf Oketola
Osun, 16 Others Confirm Plans To Host Olympic Day
AS the countdown to June 28, 2025 begins, 17 states across Nigeria have confirmed their par cipaon in the upcoming Olympic Day celebra ons.
This annual event aims to promote fitness and sports par cipa on na onwide.Green job opportuni es
The states set to organise this year’s Olympic Day ac vi es include: Osun, Edo, Plateau, Ondo, Taraba, Enugu, Delta, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Anambra, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Kogi, Gombe, Imo, and Lagos State, which currently houses the secretariat of the Nigeria Olympic Commi ee (NOC).
Public rela ons officer for the NOC, Tony Nezianya, announced the plans in a statement released on Wednesday. He indicated that the events will showcase a variety of demonstraon sports and ac vi es tailored to individual and group interests.
Among the ac vi es scheduled are jogging and walking sessions designed to promote calorie burning, muscle toning, overall health, and stress reduc on.
Previous Olympic Day celebra ons featured 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre races, which some par cipants found restric ve. In response to popular de-
Osun
Tmand from advocates of the Olympic Movement, this year’s celebra on has been expanded to
include a wider range of sports, aiming to a ract a broader audience.Buy vitamins and supple-
Former Chelsea Star Ready To Dump England
FORMER Chelsea midfielder, Faus no Anjorin is ready to switch na onality from England to Nigeria, OSUN DEFENDER reports. Anjorin was born in England to Nigerian father, and is s ll eligible to represent both countries.
The 23-year-old has represented England at three age-group levels in the past.
The versa le midfielder, who currently plays for Serie A club, Empoli has however been snubbed at full interna onal level by England. That has, however, opened the door for him to play for Nigeria. According to Soccer-
For Nigeria
ni y gri y, Anjorin recently met Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle. The player is now willing to switch allegiance a er a frui ul discussion with Chelle.
ments
The event has transformed into a mass movement focused on promo ng fitness for all, according to Aus n Odigie, the Coordina ng Officer for the Sport for All Commission.
Dr Abdul Ibrahim, Chairman of the NOC Sport for All Commis-
I didn’t
Fsion and President of the Weightli ing Federa on of Nigeria, has urged the governments of the 17 states to ac vely engage in this inclusive fitness programme. He encouraged those unable to par cipate this year to view this annual event as an opportunity to mobilise the community
Like What
Messi
and promote sports engagement for improved fitness.Green job opportuni es Engr Habu Gumel, President of the NOC, will officially launch the event at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, marking a significant occasion in the naonal spor ng calendar.
Said About PSG – Ex-Chelsea Defender, Frank
ORMER Chelsea defender, Frank Leboeuf has said he didn’t like what Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi said about Paris Saint-Germain in the past.
Messi was a former Paris Saint-Germain player in the past.
The Argen na forward had recently admi ed that his me at PSG was hard, adding that it was ‘difficult’ for him to ‘adapt’ at the French Ligue 1 champions.
Speaking on the development ahead of PSG’s FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 e with Inter Miami this weekend, Leboeuf told ESPN’s YouTube channel: “I didn’t like what he [Messi] said when he said he didn’t have a good me in Paris.
“The only guy who doesn’t like Paris, its a beau ful city, I didn’t understand him when he said that.
“I think people were happy to have Messi, wasn’t the Messi they were expec ng, I think if he was
as good as he was at Barcelona, he’d have stayed there.”
Messi had joined PSG from Barcelona in 2021 before he le the Parisians to join Inter Miami on a free transfer.
The 38-year-old scored 32 goals and provided 35 assists in 75 appearances across all compe ons for PSG.
Messi also won three trophies, including two Ligue 1 tles with PSG and played alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar at PSG.
PDP Urges Tinubu To Solve Local Government Issue
Kazeem Badmus
HE chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Sunday Bisi, has appeal to President Bola Tinubu to se le the ongoing local government crisis in the state, no ng that Chairmen and Councillors elected under the PDP are the authen c council execuves.
This was as the PDP chairman boasted that Governor Ademola Adeleke will win his reelec on bid convincingly.
Bisi, who spoke on Wednesday in Osogbo at the 46th edi on of The Frontliners, a current affairs program organized by the League of Veteran Journalists in Osun State, said the party has served the A orney General of the Federa on, the Accountant General of
•Alleges Threat To Life Over Rape Case News
the Federa on, and the Central Bank of Nigeria the Cer fied True Copy of the Court of Appeal judgment, urging them to uphold the rule of law.
“Mr President is a gentleman and a democrat. I am certain that he will call the APC people in Osun who want to set the state on fire to order. The president loves this country and he will do
“We have done what we should do. I want to tell you that we have served the A orney General of the Federa on, the Accountant General of the Federa on, and the Central Bank of Nigeria the judgment of the Appeal Court, and I know that as a lawyer, the AGF will not look another way.
For the sake of the oneness of this country and peace, all organs of the government that we’ve served should uphold the rule of law and check the Osun APC and their leaders and make sure that the righ ul owners return to council and evict members of the APC who have been occupying the council,” he added.
The chairman while appealing to the people of the state to remain calm, said the local government issue will be resolved very soon.
“I want to urge them to con nue to give peace a chance and allow Mr President to wade in on the ma er. We should not take laws into our own hands. We want peace in the state; we
don’t want to lose anyone again. Very soon, we will see the end of what is happening at the local government.”
On the 2026 gubernatorial elec on, said the opposi on All Progressives Congress has nothing to campaign with, boas ng that Adeleke will win his re-elec on convincingly.
The PDP chairman who noted that Governor Adeleke has done well in governance, added that the party can win the next governorship elec on without forming coali on with anyone.
He said, “We won before the inconclusive in 2018. In 2022, we won the elec on hands down. A er the elecon, Adeleke came into
power and has been performing wonders in Osun.
“The governor has touched virtually everywhere in Osun. The duo carriageway in Ilesa, the overhead bridges in IleIfe and Osogbo, and just last week, we went to Iwo to flag off road construc on. Very soon, we will be in Ila.
“If any poli cal party is ready to join us, we will welcome them but I want to tell you that we are super comfortable in the PDP. The APC has nothing to campaign with. The APC only brought hardship to the people of Osun and the people are not ready to accept them again.”
The chairman of the League of Veteran Journalists in Osun, Mr Adetoyese Shi u-Alamu, in his address, urged poli cal gladiators to con-
sider those bearing the brunt of the local government crisis.
“As an elder and the leader of League of Veteran Journalists in Osun, we don’t want any form of distrac on in the country and par cularly in Osun State.
“We are suffering in the state and it is not right for people to underrate the opinion of the court. I want to appeal to all the poli cians to take it easy. They must ensure that they don’t ignite any form of disturbance in this state.
“They should understand that people at the grassroots are many, and whatever that will affect our situa on should be avoided. It is not about being poli cally correct or not. It is about how an ordinary man can put food on his table,” he appealed.
Yusuf Oketola
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025 - THURSDAY, JULY 03 2025 VOL. 20 NO 25 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
IN Osun State today, the pulse of the youth is undeniable. From Ede to Ilesa, Iwo to Ife, young people are building brands, mastering tech skills, and leading community ini a ves—yet their presence in formal poli cs remains faint. This gap is not just unfortunate; it’s a lost opportunity.
For a democracy to thrive, every genera on must have a stake in shaping its future. But our current poli cal structures in Osun too o en treat young voices as background noise rather than essenal input. We invite them as foot soldiers during campaigns, only to sideline them when it’s me for real decision-making.
The truth is, Osun’s youth are not lacking in ideas or passion. What they lack is access—access to policy pla orms, party leadership structures, advisory boards, and planning commi ees. They want a say in how budgets are shaped, how schools are run, and how job opportuni es are created. And they deserve it.
The youth of Osun understand the challenges of their genera on far be er than any manifesto written without them. Whether it’s the frustra on of graduate unemployment, the high cost of digital connec vity, or the desire for prac cal voca onal training, their lived experience offers insights that older policians cannot replicate.
Moreover, this genera on is digitally fluent. In an age where percep on shapes par cipa on, young people can amplify poli cal campaigns with crea vity and reach. They are content creators, online mobilizers, and narra ve shapers. When properly engaged, they can lead posi ve digital campaigns that elevate transparency, accountability, and voter educa on—especially in rural and semi-urban areas where disinforma on o en spreads.
But inclusion must go beyond slogans like “Youths are the leaders of tomorrow.” The youth of Osun must be leaders today—and that means:
“The youth of Osun understand the challenges of their generation far better than any manifesto written without them. Whether it’s the frustration of graduate unemployment, the high cost of digital connectivity, or the desire for practical vocational training, their lived experience offers insights that older politicians cannot replicate”
By
MATT OLU OLOWOKERE
Youth Voices And The Future Of Osun Politics: Time To Pass The Mic
- Featuring in party delegate lists
- Par cipa ng in candidate selecon commi ees
- Holding roles in development councils
- Contribu ng to budget hearings and community planning sessions Their inclusion isn’t charity— it’s strategy. Nigeria’s median age is about 18 years. The future is already youth-shaped. Osun can ei-
STRIKER
ther embrace that reality and lead, or fall behind.
There are encouraging signs: youth-led civic groups are rising, social enterprises are gaining ground, and digital campaigns during the last elec ons showed just how engaged young Osun voters can be. But the poli cal system must catch up with the momentum on the ground.
Tradi onal rulers, community leaders, and elected officials must inten onally create seats at the table. Not just as a poli cal gesture, but as an investment in governance con nuity and innova on.
And young people too must prepare themselves—not only to agitate but to contribute construcvely. They must study policy, join poli cal par es, build coali ons, and seek training in public leadership. The space must be earned, but the gate must first be open.
As Osun approaches future elecons and governance transi ons, let us ask:
Will we keep recycling the same leadership styles and structures, or will we boldly embrace new voices that reflect today’s reali es and tomorrow’s hopes?
For Osun to truly prosper, its leadership must mirror the energy, diversity, and innova on of its people—especially its youth. It’s me to stop trea ng young ci zens as mere voters and start trea ng them as vital contributors to Osun’s poli cal rebirth.
The future isn’t years away. It’s here now.
Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
For A Party That Is No Private Property
THERE is a consuming poverty ravaging the souls of Nigerians, especially the rank and file of those involved with poli cs; and it is simplisc to a ribute it to hunger and chronic material depriva on widespread in the land. A poli cal Party is supposed to be an assemblage of members who have similar vision and an ac on plan for a be er society than what currently is. It is among these members that leaders of the party emerge through dedicaon and sacrifices in pushing forwards the manifestoes of the party and placing them in good standing in their quest for power and government.
This is far from the case in Nigeria. Par es have become the private proper es of select “founders” and power mongers; in the big par es, basicallythe proper es of the men and women with the big money. As private proper es, they are now managed for private interests by the cult of stakeholders and associates of the imperial money lords of the par es: no room for debates, no room for ques ons or contrary views, and no room for internal democracy –it is obedience of the last given order. The rank and file are played as pawns in the power game, and for the crumbs from the masters’ tables they are happily compliant and ready to insult, curse and even harm anyone standing for propriety and democra c proceeding. In or out of power– at local, state or na onal level - there are only few excep ons to this ugly party trend.
Of course, concrete issues of prevalent poverty, hardship, misery and ignorance have to be fought with concrete means. Nevertheless, the job is clearly
cut out for Nigerian patriots, be they ac ve in poli cs or not, to imbue the people - democracy being all about the people - with fresh and upli ing ideals on nobility and supremacy of the party (through intensive informal educa on). Par es MUST be organised on the basis of manifestoes, cons tu on, code of conduct, INTERNAL DEMOCRACY, selfsacrifices for the pursuit of its manifestoes, and accountability from one and all – from the highest leadership to the lowest office manager.
Once the par es are in bad standing - in principles and prac se - nothing good can be expected from any government they form as is CLEARLY SEEN FROM PARTIES SINCE 1999 (with only flashes of excep on here and there); and, unfortunately, the only way to power and cons tu ng government today in Nigeria is ONLY throughPARTY poli cs.
Rather than obsession with selfcentred ideals (money poli cs, money CSOs and NGOism, religious and ethnic extremism, ritualism and violent crime), the ac ve leadership and patriots among the youths have their du es spelt out for them as things stand today – to propagate and mobilise around refreshing, upli ing ideals as concrete tools for redemp ve ac ons, while sustaining their interest in produc vity (engagement in deliverable goods and services) as the noble and sustainable path to wealth and wellbeing, and suppor ng par es that are not dictatorial private businesses of moneybags.
We don’t have to go as far away as Nkrumah, Cabral and Nyerere. People like Awolowo, Aminu Kano, Enahoro
and recently departed Ayo Adebanjo too (and many that space cannot permit men oning) are not angels or super humans; they are simply selfless beings with humanis c ideals and disposi on. They inspired and helped build poli cal par es in the best tradi on. Are there none in Nigeria anymore?
For ac vists, progressives and patriots across the land, and the people in general, the quote of the Avatar, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, while reflec ng on how lowly the a tude of Nigerians has become, is worth repea ng again and again:
“As long as Nigerians remain what they are, nothing clean, principled or ethical and idealis c can work with them. And Nigerians will remain what they are, unless the evils which now dominate their hearts, at all levels and in all sectors of our poli cs, business and governmental ac vi es are exorcised. But I venture to say that they will not be exorcised, and indeed they will be firmly entrenched, unless God Himself imbues a vast majority of us with a revolu onary change of a tude to life and poli cs or, unless the dialecc processes which have been at work for some twenty years now, perforce, make us perceive the abominable filth that abound in our society, to the end that an inexorable abhorrence of it will be quickened in our hearts and impel us to make dras c changes for the better.”
He said this in 1986! We all need to take a hard look in the mirror and make the desired change! A word is enough for the wise.
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, Off Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. All correspondence to the Asst. News Editor, YUSUF OKETOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com