Osun Defender Online Version Of March 9, 2018

NEWS

CRIME

Family Of Missing Police Officer Cries For Help

Delegates’ List Manipulation Stalls Osun PDP Congress - Page 3

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VOL. 013. NO.9

How Police Operatives’ Pave Way For Crime Suspects’ Escape

ISSN: 0794-8050

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MAGAZINE

10 Years On: Celebrating Developmental Strides Of Timi Edeland PAGES 6 & 7 NEWS

Osun Assembly Adopts Amended 2018 Budget Estimates •We Don’t Compromise Investigations - Osun Police Report PAGE 2 HEALTH OSUNWA Conference: 20-Year Old Bean Cake Hawker, Others Honoured Measles Campaign:

Parents Urged To Cooperate With Vaccinators PAGE 14

Man In Court For Defrauding Secret Lover, Husband Of N.5 Million - Page 15

D

URING a Gala Night as part of the National Women’s conference 2018 of the Osun Government Officials’ Wives Association (OSUNOWA), themed “Virtuous Woman, Pushing for Greater Development” in Osogbo, a 20-year old bean cake hawker and year two student of Criminology and Security Studies of the Federal University, OyeEkiti was honoured with an award of Excellence and Educational Support.

Also at the conference of OSUNWA under the chairmanship of the Wife of the Governor Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola held at Aurora Event Conference Centre awards were presented to •Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right); his wife, Sherifat various other participants.

and the awardee, Miss Oluwatoyin Bamidele at the Award night of OSUNOWA.

•See page 8 for details

2

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How Police Paves Way For Crime Suspects’ Escape •We Don’t Compromise Investigations - Osun Police

issue, the Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, Mrs. Folasade Odoro disclosed that it is impossible for any police officer to release a crime suspect under any circumstance whatsoever.

She disclosed that it is possible for anybody to be arrested during the course of any operation, but when investigation is

conducted into the issue and the person is found to be innocent, such person could be released, because the police cannot hold innocent person without any genuine reason.

According to her, if anyone is telling the press that police releases crime suspects, that is just fallacy and absolutely impossible.

By Shina Abubakar but only two were investigation.

Some criminals, who arraigned on charges of Some pockets of crime in the state of Osun in recent stealing and malicious have escaped trials as times may not be unconnected with the way and damage and the findings revealed, have manner police operatives handle some reported crime whereabouts of the other been boasting around that cases, thereby creating escape route for some of the two unknown. when arrested for any most notorious criminals that ordinarily ought to have Upon complaints, the crime, they know their been in prison. clergy revealed that the way around police Investigations revealed offence while others, police insulted him for investigation and can get that some notorious particularly those with attempting to teach them away with any crime.

While reacting to the to conduct criminals, who were political influence are how caught during operations often freed irrespective of or even arrested on tip off, the gravity of their often buy their ways out of offence.

However, a police DPO prosecution, as some of the officers investigating at a public function their cases do have their claimed that victims’ lack sight on how much the of interest in prosecuting culprits could offer rather cases create lacuna and than allowing justice avenue for suspect to escape prosecution in prevail on them.

Sometimes, political most cases.

He urged the public, interference prevented notorious criminals from particularly those with being brought to justice as information about cases cases involving criminals in police station to always having ties in one way or show resolve to prosecute the other with political cases and follow it till the gladiators are often settled end as a means of at police stations, while ensuring that criminals few that managed to get to are punished for their •Prince Felix Awofisayo, the Executive Chairman, Osun SUBEB, (middle) and other SUBEB officials during a the court drags on crimes.

But in a sharp contrast, Five-Day Capacity Building For Quality Assurance Officers organised by UBEC, ESSPIN and SUBEB under the perpetually until it is Photo: OLUSOLA ADERINTO a clergyman, Prophet UBEC 2016 TPD, held at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo. dismissed.

Checks show that some Michael Adebisi who of the suspects arrested showed chivalry and during the various cult assisted the police to clashes around Osogbo arrest four robbery However, presenting over N176billion from

By Isral Afolabi last year have been suspects claimed that the report, the chairman of N173.9billion. released on various police did conspire with The State of Osun House of Assembly has adopted the committee, Hon Kamil The committee through excuses, even as the public suspects to create an easy the amended 2018 budget estimates report presented knew of the involvement escape route for some of by the House committee on Finance and Oyedele said the revenue the report suggested that estimate has been the budget should be of some of these criminals the suspects out of the Appropriation. increased as well as the revenue-driven by in the disruption of public tight situation.

The Speaker of the Osogbo. capital expenditure identifying new sources of He narrated how he peace which at times This follows the motion following the amendment revenue as well as leading to waste of lives. assisted the police to parliament, Dr Najeem For instance, one Rugged arrest four suspects only Salaam made this known for adoption by the leader made during the budget blocking all leakages.

The committee also Mutiu, and other members for the police to arraign on Monday during a of the House, Hon. defence by Ministries and called for speedy process of a gang were freed two in court and on lesser report presentation of the Timothy Owoeye and Agencies of government. on the seconded by a member Oyedele explained that of acquiring certificate of against the expectation of charges different from committee what they committed. He consideration of the year representing Egbedore the 2018 budget estimate occupancy (C of O) to the public.

The medium gathered claimed the suspects were 2018 appropriation bill of State constituency, Hon. has been increased by encourage land owners Awolola N2.4 billion making the apply for C of O thereby that some members of the trying to rob their victims the state of Osun at the Abiodun total estimate to be a little increasing judiciary even frowned at with dangerous weapons State House of Assembly, respectively. revenue the manner the suspects generation for the were released, saying it government. could set a bad precedence The report attracted in the state. comments from have to determine who all over the world.

By Shina Abubakar However, an inside In his own, one of the lawmakers who in their leads them. source told OSUN separate remarks pointed Stakeholders in the Muslim Community have The Islamic scholar discussants, Professor out some areas for scrutiny DEFENDER that with the been tasked to make voters education a point of way suspects relate with duty among Muslims, with a view to ensuring their identified lack of central Muib Opeloye of the and some errors that need leadership as the major Department of Religious to be corrected. police, especially effective participation in politics and governance.

Obafemi challenge causing Studies, investigating officers in According to him, “the They spoke at a their voters’ card, which disunity among Muslims Awolowo University, Ilecharge of their cases, state need a law that Ife said, there are leaders would nothing could stop issues colloquium, organised is the only power they fast-track of Muslims, but with not acquisition of C of O”. of suspects being set free by a socio-religious well defined leadership, at the police station or group, Muslim Political In their separate Front saying, there is still a long contributions, arraigned for smaller Awareness the way to go to put things in lawmakers stressed the charges in the court of law. (MUPAF) with the theme: “Muslim It was gathered that order.

OKUNADE OLUWATOSIN OLORUNNISOLA need for aggressive police hold all the ace in Ummah, Partisan Politics OLUWATOYOSI OLATOYOSI OLUSOLA The Coordinator of revenue generation drive crime investigation, as and Voters’ Education” MUPAF, Mallam to help finance the budget.

That OLORUNNISOLA That I was formerly known whatever the operatives in Osogbo.

OLATOYOSI OLUSOLA, and addressed as OKUNADE Lukman Obenbe told the They urged the House and OLORUNNISOLA accused a suspect of is O L U W A T O S I N The guest lecturer, gathering that the to intervene in a way to TOYOSI VICTORIA are the subjected to miraculous Professor Abdul-Afeez CHRISTIANAH, but now mission of the group was ease the process of same person, but now wish to changes provided the Oladosu of the wish to be known and to create political certificate of occupancy (C be known and addressed as suspects are ready to Department of Islamic addressed as OKUNADE O L O R U N N I S O L A awareness among of O) which they described dance to their tune, during Studies, University of O L U W A T O S I N OLATOYOSI OLUSOLA. Muslims, sensitise them as a viable means of All the course of investigation. Ibadan said Muslim OLUWATOYOSI. All former documents remain on leadership matters revenue generation. valid. Access Bank, First Bank In most cases, freeing a must not just be former documents remain and engage political In his remark, the valid. G.T. Bank and General and General public should suspect is not as a result of followers, but they must public should take note. office holders when speaker emphasised the take note. lackadaisical attitude of proactive in importance of collective necessary.

AKINGBADE ABIODUN the police, but a deliberate be ASIKOLAYE RASHEED According to him, the efforts and responsibilities ABAYOMI RANTI attempt to ensure that determining who comes to power in any election. basis for this was to to ensure the success of the That I was formerly such a suspect is released That ASIKOLAYE According to him, the known and addressed as encourage Muslims to go budget. on bail or even set free by RASHEED RANTI, and He also observed the ABIODUN into politics and be active YUNUS OLUWARANTI the court for lack of only way this could be JAMES achieved is by ensuring ABAYOMI, but now wish FERANMI are the same players in determining need to fast track the diligent prosecution. process of issuance of C of person, but now wish to be that Muslims are well to be known and addressed those to be elected into Some suspects, known and addressed as AKINGBADE according to findings, enlightened politically, as power, as well as O by the executive.

ASIKOLAYE RASHEED He said, “The only way parted with amount hence there is the need ABIODUN ABAYOMI. orientating Muslims on RANTI. All former ranging from N100,000 to for political education.

All former documents how to manage the public out of the bottleneck is to documents remain valid. G.T. have an operational N300,000 depending on remain valid.

General He said Muslims must resources and property Bank and General public guideline that would set the nature of the alleged ensure that they obtain public should take note. with fear of God. should take note. time limit for the process”.

Osun Assembly Adopts Amended 2018 Budget Estimates Report

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Delegates’ List Manipulation Stalls Osun PDP Congress •Sharafa Ishola Connection Meets Brickwall

released the list to the party.

It would be recalled that following the reconcilliatory moves made by the national leadership of the party, led by Secondus, the Adagunodo faction last Wednesday withdrew a suit seeking enforcement of judgement against the party.

The litigation before the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo was instituted against the Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee last year with intent to validate the congress of the elected executives of the party under Hon. Adagunodo.

Holding brief for the plaintiffs, Chief

are still insisting that the

By Kehinde Ayantunji The crisis rocking Osun chapter of the Peoples list submitted to the party Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new dimension, by the former caretaker as the party could not proceed with the local chairman should be for the government and state congresses in the state to elect adopted the new executives due to the allegations of congresses.

As at the time of filing delegates, list manipulation, OSUN DEFENDER this report, it could not be authoritatively gathered. confirmed if the INEC PDP echelons in Adagunodo faction is headquarters has that the Senator Iyiola Omisore insisting must be and Hon. Soji congress Adagunodo camps have concluded but Omisore / shifted the battle to the Faforijin faction is national Secretariat of the insisting that the list party in the struggle for submitted by Sharafa the leadership of the Ishola, the ex-caretaker road.

By Ismaeel Uthman party ahead of the committee head should Aregbesola who September Gubernatorial be adopted.”

All sectors of the society on Tuesday poured disclosed that the fund Meanwhile, a party encomiums on Governor Rauf Aregbesola for the for the road was sourced election in the state.

OSUN DEFENDER leader from the state who spate of infrastructure development in the state, from the Omoluabi during the week learnt was also part of the describing the governor as a great achiever and a I n f r a s t r u c t u r e that the Adagunodo-led meeting confirmed to trail blazer.

Conservative Fund, faction rejected the list OSUN DEFENDER that Labour unions, Tuesday commissioned explained that he named from the national the party national traditional rulers, the dual carriage the former Olaiya-Odisecretariat over alleged leadership has written religious leaders, ‘Workers Drive’, a 2.8km Olowo-Ita-Olookan road Independent manipulation of the after the workers to Electoral commercial transporters, road, just as he named a appreciate delegates’ list that National their artisans and other groups triangular junction at the emerged from the last Commission (INEC) to of people lauded starting point of the road steadfastness, sacrifice inconclusive ward produce the Certify True Aregbesola for the after the Apostolic and loyalty during the congress of the party in Copy (CTC) of the massive financial crisis in the road delegates’ list obtained construction and opening Church. the state.

The Apostolic Church state.

The faction alleged the during the last congress up of rural areas with had been demolished to The governor stated former Caretaker as a neutral agency.

Rural Access and pave way for the that Osun workers bore However, it is not Mobility Chairman of the party in Project construction of the the brunt of the financial the state, Mr Sharafadeen certain whether Omisore (ORAMP). triangular junction and crisis which was as a Ishola, a former Minister camp will accept the list of the Aregbesola on reconstruction of the result for Mines and Steel, who from INEC or not, as they misappropriation of the recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, of manipulating the list in favour of Dr Bayo Faforijin faction, where Omisore belongs.

A source from the national secretariat of the party told our correspondent that the status of the delegates’ list has stalled further action on the congress and make the reconcilliation efforts to be a deadlock.

The source who pleaded anonymity said, “I can confirm that the national Party Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus met with the leadership of the two factions last week, •Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (3rd right); his wife, Sherifat (2nd right); Deputy Governor, Mrs but there are three main Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (4th right); former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu contending issues, first (3rd left); Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun (4th left); the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul Rasheed Olabomi was the withdrawal of (right); Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Bayo Adejumo and others during the Official Commissionthe court case instituted ing of the 2.8 km ‘Workers Drive’ in Osogbo on Tuesday. by Adagunodo-led Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. faction to validate their leadership which has been done with a demand that the Zonal authentic delegates’ list the administration of former

By Shola Aderinto produced through the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Coordinator, Quality In a bid to enhance qualitative teaching-learning is strongly reforming the Assurance, Universal last congress must be Education accepted for the local environment in the state of Osun High schools, the education sector in the Basic government and state state government has commenced a five-day state, particularly in Commission said the congresses. capacity building for quality assurance officers elementary and middle training is coming up at “This demand was across the state. schools, which form the the appropriate time so as accepted by the party The programme was the delivery of quality foundation phase of to improve on service leadership, but it was organised by the State Basic Education both in educational growth and delivery, adding that discovered later that the Universal Basic urban and rural areas. development across the service in education list has been doctored by Education, in conjunction should have quality in He added that the UBE Sharafa Ishola caretaker with UBE, Federal Act of 2004 mandates globe.

He charged all terms of classroom committee in favour of Ministry of Education UBEC to prescribe and participants to pay practice and school Senator Omisore/ and ESSPIN. monitor minimum attention to the management.

Faforijin camp and this The Permanent This, according to standards in Basic has in turn triggered executive chairman of Education in Nigeria and workshop so that they Secretary, SUBEB, Alhaji could implement the another crisis.

Fatai Kolawole urged to a large extent, rest on Osun State Universal “Another contending Basic Education Board the department of quality knowledge attained for participants to be up and the benefit of the various issue is the conduct of (SUBEB), Prince Felix assurance and its sectors which they doing during the five-day ward congress in the Awofisayo workshop and they is in counterparts at the state represent. remaining 98 wards that recognition of the fact and LGEA levels.

In the same vein, Dr. should see it as a good were disrupted during from the He further explain that Olaniran Olakulehin, gesture the last ward congress. that highly skilled government. manpower is needed for

Nathaniel Oke (SAN), who confirmed the withdrawal of the case while addressing the court said, “the case was filed during the tenure of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee with intent to validate the congress of the elected executives of the party under Adagunodo.

Workers, Traditional Rulers, Transport Unions Commend Aregbesola •As Gov. Commissions Road Named After Workers, Church

SUBEB Holds Capacity Building Workshop For Quality Assurance Officers

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national resources by the ousted Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led government.

He described the workers as treasure and agent of change, saying that their support to his administration could not be overemphasized, just as he described them as the cutting edge instrumental to the realisation of the government’s goals and aspirations for the people of the state.

Aregbesola disclosed that 579 structures consisting of houses, shops, uncompleted building, mosques, churches and others were standing on the road before the reconstruction, adding that 170 people were compensated with N392m for the separation of their structures from the road.

The governor maintained that there should not be any need for separation of structures from the road had the properties owners followed the rules and regulations of town planning.

Aregbesola who recalled the deplorable state of the road before the intervention, explained that the road was a death trap for many years with its narrow nature and pot holes at strategic points which led to accidents.

Delivering his speech titled: “A Promise Kept”, Aregbesola explained that the various success of the present administration was made possible through the cooperation of the state House of Assembly.

He described the road as one of the oldest settlements in Osogbo which leads to the Osun groove, a UNESCO world heritage site, hence there is the need to put it in good shape.

Aregbesola said the road was approved for construction at the time it was done despite the financial challenges the state was facing because the road is significant to the growth and development of the state capital.

•Continued on page 14

PAGE

4 APC-NEC And Tenure Elongation

For a party that rode onto office on the promise of change, we find the decision by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress to extend the tenure of the John Odigie-Oyegunled national executive body beyond the terminal date of June as both disconcerting and unfortunate.

Aside undermining the principles that the party claims to stand for, it lays the party to a fair charge by critics of hypocrisy, impunity and complete disdain for rules as one would expect of a disciplined organisation.

Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, had at the end of the party’s NEC meeting announced that the body, in accordance with its constitutional powers, decided to extend the tenure of its Chief Oyegun-led National Working Committee (NWC) as well as the party’s state executives by one year, purportedly on the strength of Article 13.3 (ii) of the party’s constitution, which empowers the NEC to “Discharge all functions of the National Convention as constituted in between elections”.

Said Bello: “Considering the time left for the party to conduct all the congresses and conventions and considering that our leader, Senator Tinubu has been charged with the responsibility of reconciling all aggrieved members of our party, we cannot afford to approach the general elections with more dispute and crises. Let me tell you that this will not stop the convention of the party, but to go into elective congresses is what we are trying to avoid, relying on the constitution of our party.”

That a political party would seem to act in flagrant disdain for process must be seen as something beyond the pale. Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, certainly did well to put things in correct perspective: “What was done today is only an expression of a desire to extend the tenure of Chief Oyegun-led national executives. The power of the convention to extend tenure is exercised only by way of a

‘

The suggestion that the power delegated to NEC vitiates these fundamental provisions can only be borne out of mischief and this can create a dangerous precedent that can only spell doom for the party.

constitutional amendment. The power of the National Executive Committee of our party cannot go beyond doing so by way of constitution amendment”.

We couldn’t agree more with him.

The decision, to be legal and constitutional, can only be done by the National Convention of the party by way of a constitutional amendment. To be sure, only the

’

tardiness of the current leadership and their failure to provide disciplined leadership can resort to arbitrariness. Article 17 (i) of the APC constitution would seem clear enough: “Except as otherwise provided in this constitution, all officers of the party elected or appointed into the party’s organs shall serve in such organs for a period of four (4) years and shall be eligible

Progressive Drive If we may paraphrase the Roman Emperor Pliny, out of the State of Osun, there is always something new. The latest manifestation of this thrust is the commissioning of this week by the Ogbeni Governor of the Workers’ Drive.

A magnificent investment in the infrastructure uplift of the state, it is quite a wonder to behold. ‘Workers Drive’ is a 2.8km dual carriageway, which will greatly facilitate ease of movement and commerce in the state.

It also has a significant undertone.

Ordinarily, edifices such as this are named after a worthy son or daughter of the soil, or an acclaimed international figure, an avatar, for example, Nelson Mandela or Kwame Nkrumah. This time, the mould has been broken. Naming the edifice “Workers Drive” is an acknowledgement of the excellent input of the Labour movement as well as the impact of all workers in general to the development of the State of Osun. This represents a break in the normal tokenism, whereby workers are celebrated once a year during Workers Day. Ogbeni Aregbesola succinctly paid tribute to

of Osun, particularly for workers who are preparing for retirement.

When the people were still living in this euphoria, another good

news came that the government has begun the payment of pensions by giving cheque to 2,006 pensioners,

particularly those that have perfected their retirement documents.

Also, on Tuesday the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf A r e g b e s o l a commissioned a

2.8kilometer Ola Iya/ Odi Olowo/Ita Olokan road and named it Workers’ Drive.

No doubt these

A lot of this is reflected in the social intervention programmes of his administration such as O’YES, the free school feeding programme, as well as the uplift in the social infrastructure, such as greater investments in Education and wider access to health services.

A key point here is that in a very difficult fiscal climate and hamstring by a debilitating quasi-federalism, Aregbesola has shown the durability of the non-monetary benefits of social intervention to the workers.

With determination, he has shown that social capital is the most resilient of all manner of capital formation and the enduring mechanism to deploy as an anti-poverty tool. We therefore salute the courage and foresight of this most pro-worker of administrators.

the input of the workers in stating the raison d’etre for naming the road in honour of their excellent cooperation, - “The governor said: “We have decided to name the road after our workers in the state because of their loyalty, commitment and perseverance in the quest to achieve this. I salute the workers for all their commitment; our workers have been the cutting edge instrumental to the realisation of our goals to our people.”

Aregbesola’s celebration of the input of the Labour movement is to be expected. He has been, from the days of student activism a dye-in-thewool progressive social democrat.

Administering Osun has given him the opportunity to turn theory into practice. Publisher This, he has done with imagination as well as u n w a v e r i n g Acting Editor commitment and determination, even in Lagos Editor the face of fiscal adversity.

The administration he News Editor has headed has been proactively worker-friendly. Production Editor

OSUN DEFENDER

Good News For Retirees Of recent, it has become crystal clear that the government of Osun is highly committed to the welfare of both retired and serving officers of government in the state.

That indication emerged recently when the National Pension Commission (NPC) categorically stated that Osun and only 11 other states in Nigeria have been remitting the proceeds from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

This is a good news for workers in the state

for re-election or re-appointment for another period of four years only…”

This is further reinforced by Section 223(2a) of the 1999 constitution (as amended): “the election of the officers or members of the executive committee of a political party shall be deemed to be periodical only if it is made at regular intervals not exceeding four years…”

The suggestion that the power delegated to NEC vitiates these fundamental provisions can only be borne out of mischief and this can create a dangerous precedent that can only spell doom for the party.

We expect that the four-year tenure of the current team will be allowed to run out in June. In the circumstance, any contrary decision can only be taken legally by the National Convention. As to the fear of another cycle of democratic contestation imperiling the party, such fears are not only ludicrous but utterly self-serving.

demonstrations by the government were clearly against the accusation that the government is not committed to the welfare of workers in the state.

While I congratulate the workers and the retirees for these developments, I believe that the government still needs to show more commitment to strengthen the confidence of the people in the government.

•ZAINAB OYEWOLE, Osogbo

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10 Years On:

Celebrating Developmental Strides Of Timi Edeland

Ten years ago, the current Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa I, was installed as a king. Since then, there have been tremendous developments in the land. KAZEEM MOHAMMED reviews the developmental strides of the monarch as he marks tenth year on the throne.

Ede is one of the major ancient towns in Yorubaland, established by an historic warrior. There are two Ede lands: Ede-Ile and the present Ede. Ede Ile was a land belonging to Alaafin of the old Oyo Empire.

In the ancient times, merchants travelling to and fro the old Oyo Empire were always troubled by miscreants, waylaying them to rob them of their belongings and money.

Disturbed by this threats and insecurities, the then Alaafin, Sango of Oyo Empire sent one of his powerful lieutenants, Timi Agbale Olofa Ina to protect the merchants from the miscreants by escorting them across the routes to old Oyo Empire. History has it that Olofa Ina stayed under a particular tree known as Igi Ede very close to Awo, where the merchants are usually robbed and when the merchants are coming from Apomu, he would escort them, passing through Igi Ede and would return to the tree, his chosen haven. The protection from the Olofa Ina gave the merchants sigh of relief.

When some of those merchants were travelling and it was late, they would stay under the Igi Ede with the protection of the Olofa Ina and continue their journey when the day breaks. That was how people started building huts around this tree and from that the name ‘Ede’ was coined.

After the reign of Olofa Ina, another brave lieutenant of the Alaafin Sango, Alapo Tiemi Tiemi was also sent to continue with the job and history has it that from the name “Alapo Tiemi Tiemi under Igi Ede” the title of Timi Ede was coined. He was known to be the first Timi and was very popular with his flaming arrow.

As a warrior, Timi is always known for its flaming arrow and it has used the arrow, coupled with other charms to fight many wars and defeat several opponents. According to the Timi of Edeland in an interview with a National Newspaper (Not Osun Defender), Ede still has those powerful identities of the ancient time, saying, “We still have the samples of the flaming arrows. We also have Opa

•

‘

,

As a warrior, Timi is always known for its flaming arrow and it has used the arrow, coupled with other charms to fight many wars and defeat several opponents.

Oranmiyan, which is the staff of war.

Immediately you allow that Opa

Oranmiyan to touch the ground, that place would be deserted by people.

We still have all these historic

mementoes intact here till today”.

However, the current Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal was installed on January 16, 2008, with his official coronation held on the 5th March, 2008. He had formerly served in different public quotas, most especially, he had headed various departments as a lecturer, HOD and Dean at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree where he had served since December 1992.

Since the assumption of office by the monarch 10 years ago, Ede has become an ancient town to reckon with in terms of socio-economic and human development. According to Timi of Edeland, when he ascended the throne, “We had what I cannot call an hotel, because there wasn’t any standard hotel. Few years of my ascension to the throne, Blue Petals Hotel was built in Ede. Similarly, the Western Sun Hotel was also established. There are several other hotels now that have been built in Ede. “In education, that is the area where I think God has actually answered our prayers. This is due to the fact that when I ascended the throne, there was no single university in Ede, though we had the Federal Polytechnic in Ede, which was sited here during the reign of my predecessor. By that time when my predecessor was on the throne, we were yearning for at least, a university in Edeland but it didn’t come.

“During the reign of my predecessor, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Church, Baba Adeboye came to Ede for a crusade and after the crusade, he approached my predecessor and he told him that he had nothing to give except land that can be used to build church. Later, Pastor Adeboye came back with Redeemed Church delegation, seeking land to establish a university and the king willingly released land to him. But, unfortunately, there were crises because some people felt that the university, being a Christian university should not be sited in Ede, a predominantly Muslim community.

•Continued on page 6

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OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

10 Years On:

MAGAZINE

Celebrating Developmental Strides Of Timi Edeland

•Continued from page 6 “There was a lot of conflict and that actually led to the establishment of the temporary campus of Redeemer’s University in Mowe, Ogun State.

When I came on board, the university had started producing graduates from Mowe. So, I took so many steps and God answered my prayers and by January, 2012, all the management of Redeemer’s University came from Mowe to Ede as its permanent site.

By 2014, they moved all the students from all the faculties to Ede. That was how we had Redeemer’s University in our town.

“Also, I was barely three months on the throne when I was approached by Dupe Adeleke Sanni that my son, Dr. Deji Adeleke wanted to establish a university in Ede. We started looking for land and that was how I was able to allocate land to him. That was how we have Adeleke University.

“Another son of Ede, Late Pa Ilori came to me that he wanted to establish a College of Education in Ede. Before that time, he had already established a primary and secondary school in Ede. Similarly, I allocated land to him to establish the college.

There are so many private secondary schools that have been established in our community, including Winner’s Secondary School, along Aisu road.

“In terms of financial institutions, we have First Bank, Skye Bank, Wema Bank and Unity Bank. When I came on board, we had only four fuel stations, but, now I cannot count the number of fuel stations that we have in Ede. In a nutshell, there has been impressive social and economic growth in Ede since I ascended the throne”, Oba Adesola Lawal counted.

In celebrating 10 years developmental achievements of the monarch, who the Chairman Central Planning Committee of the celebration, Professor Siyan Oyeweso described as an upright monarch, Ede town is expected to be in celebration mood on Saturday, March 10, when a one-week celebration would be rounded off.

Oyeweso said the 10th Anniversary is worthy of celebration, as “in the 500 years of Ede history, this will be the first time that Laminisa will be ruling in Ede and within 10 years, there have been tremendous development He said: “It is significant that we celebrate our monarch because he is an upright monarch and when you look at the phenomena development in the last 10 years under him, you will agree with me that we must give kudos to his foresight and his efforts

•Statue of The first Timi of Edeland (right).

‘

•Professor Oyeweso.

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It is significant that we celebrate our monarch because he is an upright monarch and when you look at the phenomena development in the last 10 years under him, you will agree with me that we must give kudos to his foresight and his efforts in sustaining peace between Ede and its neighbouring communities

’

in sustaining peace between Ede and its neighbouring communities”.

Oyeweso who mentioned Redeemer’s University, Adeleke University and Ilori College of Education which have found their feet in Edeland within 10 years of Oba Adesola’s rule, said the impact of these are phenomena and are worthy of celebration.

He also noted that Ede has produced prominent individuals under Oba Adesola Lawal in the legal profession, entertainment industry, education, business, politics and many more, adding that Ede has always been a peacefully town where Muslims and Christians co-exist peacefully unlike many other communities.

According to him, these are pride that must be celebrated, saying at a press conference that the significance of the celebration was to celebrate the development that have come to Edeland since the monarch ascended the throne 10 years ago.

Among the programmes laid down for the celebration, he said, were the Cultural carnival with the monarch on Monday, visit to the neighbouring towns on Tuesday, Special Prayer session for the monarch and the town on Wednesday, installation of chiefs on Thursday and Jumat Service to be followed by the Anniversary lecture with the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi Lamido as the keynote speaker and Professor Olutayo Adesina, a Professor of History from the University of Ibadan and Secretary Nigeria Academy of Letter as guest lecturer on Friday. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi is expected to grace the event. Saturday would be the grand finale where prominent individuals would be honoured with chieftaincy titles and fundraising to the tune of N1 billion for an ultra-modern Timi Palace.

Profile Of Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal Born by a prince known as Kareem Abefe Lawal, who married a woman, named Abibat Akanke Lawal from Ile Imole compound in Ede, who by birth, was the granddaughter of Abeeb Olagunju. His paternal side happened to be from Laminisa ruling house, which means from both sides, he belong to royalty.

Precisely in February 1956, a baby boy was born and named Munirudeen Adesola Lawal. He attended an Islamic school where he learned the concept of Arabic, after which he was enrolled at L.A Primary School, Obada Ede and completed his primary school education in 1966. His father was a tailor, which was a popular profession in Ede and so, naturally, he was trained as a tailor, due to his father’s background. After leaving primary school, he got admitted into Seventh Day Adventist Grammar School, Ede. Later in 1968, Munirudeen was admitted to Baptist High School, Ede, where he completed his secondary school education.

Unfortunately his father died

on August 5, 1972 before the conclusion of his secondary school education, a situation that caused a setback for his pursuit, as his father who attached great importance to education had died.

In 1973 he got an appointment into Universal Insurance Company, where he was trained as a policy seller and posted to a branch in Enugu and was later transferred to the company’s branch at Marina, Lagos State.

After ups and downs, he completed his HSC and was taken to Osun Central Schools’ Board where he got a job, after which he was posted to Timi Agbale Grammar School as a Mathematics and Further Mathematics teacher in October 1975.

In 1978, he enrolled into the Adeyemi College of Education to study Mathematics and Chemistry Education. After the completion of his programme, he went for the one year mandatory service and was posted to Bornu, now Yobe State, in Buni Yadi, few kilometres from Damaturu. After

the NYSC programme, he was posted to Baptist High School, Ede, but, before the conclusion of the NYSC service, the vibrant Munirudeen obtained Bayero University form and he was admitted to study Library Studies and Mathematics. In 1984, he had his degree there. In 1982, he emerged the best student in Library Studies and was given federal government merit award, which he used to complete his remaining two years. In 1988, he enrolled for his Masters Programme in Business Administration at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe. The then Prince Munirudeen later worked in Obalaoye Grammar School, Ede between 1991 and 1992; and later secured a job at the Polytechnic Iree in December, 1992, as Lecturer 2, teaching mathematics and other courses. He later headed various departments as Dean, HOD and he was there until the opportunity came in January 16th, 2008 when he was named the Timi of Ede.

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A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings OSUNWA Conference: 20-Year Governor of the State of Osun Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has charged the youth of Osun and Nigeria at large to always display the virtues of Omoluabi which signifies courage, hardwork , humility, respect and integrity wherever they found themselves in life.

Governor Aregbesola stated this in Osogbo during the gala night of the National Women’s conference 2018 of Osun Government Officials’ Wives Association (OSUNOWA), themed “Virtuous Woman, Pushing for Greater Development” held at Aurora Event Conference Centre Osogbo, where a year two student of criminology and Security Studies of the Federal University, Oye- Ekiti was honoured with an award of Excellence and Educational Support.

Also at the conference of OSUNWA under the chairmanship of the wife of the Governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola was the award presentation to various participants and raffle draw where participants won various gifts such as 4 Mini-Buses, known as Korope, Fridge, Freezer, Plasma Television, Grinding machine, Kitchen utensil, Bed side fridge, Cooking gas, Electric cooker, Fans and lots more.

Oluwatoyin was honoured for her courage and commitment, as she sells bean cake (Akara) around Capital area of Osogbo with her widowed mother in other to feed the family and pay her tuition fees.

The 20-year old student was born in Ara, Egbedore Local Government of the State of Osun and she has consistently demonstrated good virtues of Omoluabi since age 10 by hawking raw food and later sold Ankara as a source of support for her mother.

The Governor while presenting the award commended the awardees for what he called a demonstration of Omoluabi virtues of hardwork despite her family situation.

Old Bean Cake Hawker Honoured

•Chief Mrs. Nike Ekundayo, CEO Nike Gallery receiving an award from Governor Aregbesola.

•Wife of the Governor, State of Osun, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola; Winner of one of the Mini buses, Iyaloja of Ipetumodu, Mrs Olaronke Odutade; Iyaloja General of Osun, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade and Osun Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

•A cross section of attendees at the conference.

•(L-R) Osun Commissioner for Empowerment and Youth Engagement, Mrs Folake Adegboyega; one of the raffle draw winners, Mrs Tiamiyu Abosede and wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Mujidat Adeoti

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Osun State's Next Gov. Must Come From Osun West - Oyinlola •Says, He’s Not Contesting

West has 10 Local Governments just as the others. Yet, it has produced a governor for less than two out of Osun State’s 27 years of existence.

“That cannot be the

vision of those who fought for the creation of this state.

God cannot be happy with those of us who should be seen doing the right thing if we refuse to do so.

“I won’t be party to

injustice and inequity no matter the cost. Justice and fairness therefore demands that in addition to being of relatively young age and of requisite education, experience and exposure as

A former governor of Osun, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has declared that the next governor of the state should come from Osun West Senatorial district in the spirit of justice and fairness because that district has been marginalised in the choice of governor and deputy governor over the years.

Prince Oyinlola stated the age of governors here this at his country home in has been between 37 and Okuku, Osun State on 53.

A member of the Osun State House of Assembly reconstruction of Tuesday at a meeting with “Going forward, we representing Obokun State constituency, Gbongan-Iwo-Oyo Road. former legislators, should be seen as Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has said that Similarly, it gave an Commissioners, local improving and doing government chairmen, better. The next Governor the All Progressives Congress led government at the assurance that it would special advisers, executive of this state should be an centre has been responsive given the demonstration complete the ongoing assistants and other improvement on those of of commitment to Federal Government projects in project worth N537 political appointees who us who have been the state. million Ojutu bridge in In a statement in him. served when he was Ilobu, Osun.” privileged to be here.

He lauded President governor from 2003 to Indeed, my advice to our Osogbo, capital of the Oyintiloye said this 2010.

State of Osun, Oyintiloye Muhammadu Buhari expression of people is that the next He also declared that the Governor should not be who is the Chairman, administration for commitment and next governor should be a older than 50 years or House Committee on getting to work on the practical demonstration youth with requisite thereabouts. He should Information and Strategy rehabilitation and by release of funds was education and exposure to also be seen to have the said, this was in response reconstruction of good news to the people manage a 21st century requisite 21st century to the move of the G b o n g a n - I w o - O y o of the state. state. education and exposure to parliament calling the Road.

The former governor reinvent our state and place It would be recalled attention of the Federal According to him, who confirmed that he had it on a firm, steady path to that Oyintiloye, in 2016 Federal received representations greatness. That should be Government to the “The raised a motion, under abandoned federal Government says it has from critical stakeholders our focus. projects last year sequel spent N2.8 billion on the the matter of urgent in the state asking him to “On zoning of the to a motion moved by rehabilitation and public importance on contest the September 22 governorship, the governorship election, founding fathers of this said, he would not do so state made it clear from because it would negate all the beginning that no part principles of fairness and of this state must be equity and would also run subservient to others in the counter to his message of distribution of amenities, generational change in siting of projects and in the leadership at all levels. choice of those who would “I will not contest, not be running our affairs. We because I am not qualified must be seen sustaining to do so, but because it will that legacy of equity and be against all tenets of fairness. fairness. There is a ”And in sharing Senatorial district that has political offices, Senatorial ruled this state for only 22 Districts, not zones, have months out of its 27 years been the unit of focus. That of existence. This coming is why when in 1992 Alhaji election must be used to Isiaka Adeleke from Osun correct that anomaly and West became Governor, his •Deputy Governor, Mrs Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (right); Honourable Olatunbosun give the people of that deputy came from Ife/Ijesa Oyintiloye (middle) and a dignitary during a courtesy visit by Obokun Women Wing of district, Osun West, a sense Senatorial District. In 1999, APC and other party chieftains to the Deputy Governor, recently. of belonging.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI Chief Bisi Akande from “Also, as National Osun Central became coordinator of the Governor and picked his Coalition for Nigeria deputy from Ife/Ijesa. In Movement (CNM), I have 2003, I from Osun Central, been at the vanguard of the became Governor and the students some basic

By Israel Afolabi campaign for the election picked my deputy from needs in their studies and and choice of our youths Ife/Ijesa.

The Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Dr the House procedures, also into positions of urged them to be a good Najeem Salaam has advised students of Higher In 2010, Rauf Aregbesola leadership. I am 67 years from Ife/Ijesa became Institutions to shun violence, cultism and other vices. ambassadors of their old and that cannot be the Governor and picked his schools and the society as a Dr Salaam gave this lies. age of a youth. I am deputy from Osun Central. advice during an excursion According to him, “the whole. therefore committed to Meanwhile, in his “You will observe that visit of Political Science and House of Assembly is ensuring that the next apart from Adeleke who International Relation happy to have you leaders remark, the leader of the governor of Osun state is a was in power for a little students of Osun State of tomorrow in our midst” team and a lecturer in the youth with fresh ideas and over 20 months, no one has University (UNIOSUN) and urged the students to department, Mr Olumide the right education. been opportune to be either Okuku campus to the State watch their steps in their Omodunni, appreciated the “On the age of the next Governor or Deputy House parliamentarians for their of Assembly various dealings in life.

Governor, starting from the Governor from Osun Complex, Osogbo.

He said, “I urged you all good gesture towards the first republic, the average West. In fact, it has been a students. to shun violence and Dr Salaam described the age of governors (or monopoly between Osun students as leaders of cultism in your school for a He said, “It is an honour Premiers) here has ranged Central and Ife/Ijesa. It tomorrow upon whose better tomorrow”. to allow us into this House from between 37 and 50. must be noted that Osun shoulder the nation’s future The speaker who taught of Assembly to witness the Chief Awolowo became proceeding of the House”.

Leader of Government “This sow of seed in the business in 1952 at the age students’ minds will help of 42. He left office as them in one way or the It was also gathered other in future”, he added.

Premier in 1959 at the age

By Sola Jacobs that Sokoto, Zamfara and of 50. Chief Akintola Similarly, the President The dividend of qualitative education has starts federal capital territory of National Association of became premier in 1959 at the age of 49. He was born paying up in the state of Osun as Joint Admission had the least applicants Political Science and in 1910. Chief Bola Ige and Matriculation Board (JAMB) declared that with 13,456, 10,077 and International Relation candidates Student, Mr. Kuti Samuel became Governor in 1979 applicants from the state came third in the 36 states 6,148 at the age of 49. Alhaji of the federation, applying for 2018 United Tertiary respectively. appreciated the House of It will be recalled that Assembly for the love Isiaka Adeleke became Matriculation Board (UTME). the government of extended to them.

Governor in 1992 at the age According to the JAMB million with 376 virtually Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of 37. Chief Bisi Akande According to him, “We became Governor in 1999 Registrar, Prof Ishaq impaired who would as led administration has thank the House of sit for the prioritised education Assembly at the age of 60, he left at Oloyede, applicants from well for the through provision of opportunity given to us to 64. I became Governor here Osun are 86,044, while examination.

Prof Oloyede added unique educational be here and this will surely in 2003 at the age of 52. I Imo top the list and Oyo left at 59. Mr. Rauf being the second on the that there is decline in the infrastructure and better enhance our study”. purchase of the UTME welfare package for Aregbesola became UTME candidates’ lists.

He assured the form this year to the tune teachers and students Governor of Osun State in He stated further that of 55,642 (3.2 per cent across the state which has parliamentarians to make 2010 at the age of 53. good use of the knowledge “From the above, we will the total number of when compared to the 1.7 in turn revolutionise the students acquired in life see that apart from one candidates that applied million applications it education sector in the and for the improvement of state. occasion (Chief Akande), for the UTME is above 1.6 received in 2017. the society.

I stated earlier, the next Governor of Osun State should come from Osun West. That is what will give every part a sense of equality, equity and fairness,” Oyinlola said.

Legislator Hails FG Over Fed. Projects In Osun

Osun Speaker Advises Students To Shun Cultism

Osun, Others Top JAMB Enrolment List

Federal Government abandoned projects in the state.

At the time, Oyintiloye told the assembly that abandoned federal projects ranging from road infrastructure, water scheme and housing stood at about N20.318 billion.

He highlighted that the affected road projects cost about N16.519 billion, while housing costs N2.955 billion and water scheme costs N844.342 million.

He also identified the dualisation of Mayfair junction-Lagere-IremoEnuwa- Ilesha bye pass road in Ile-Ife (22km), Gbongan-Iwo-Oyo S/B Road (46km), rehabilitation of Oshogbo-Ilesha road (27km), rehabilitation of Oyan Township pipeline and Iwo Township Water Supply Scheme among others.

He expressed worry that Osun had least impact among other states that benefited from federal government projects, lamenting that the little offered to the state were still being abandoned.

When the contractors were mobilised and returned to the site and inspection conducted by the Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fasola recently, Oyintiloye said the development once again affirmed that the APC led federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari is a responsive and responsible government.

“It’s exciting, the narrative is changing, the Federal government listened to the clarion call of the state Assembly and different stakeholders, and it’s heart-warming that Osun is also beginning to get her fair share.”

He said the projects would enhance free flow of goods and services, promote economy, job creation and complement the efforts of the state in ensuring good road network, among other benefits.

He noted that with the quantum of infrastructure done by the Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led administration and the intervention of the Federal Government; the state would be for it.

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Family Of Missing Police Officer Cries For Help

By Abdullahi Omotayo The family of a missing Police Sergeant, Sunday Ibrahim has called on the Nigeria Police Force to help on the whereabouts of the head of the family who had been missing since July 28, 2017.

The officer who was have gone to Zone 11 and attached to the Special State Command Protection Unit, with severally to make report force number 240620 is a but up till now nothing father of four and was concrete has been deployed to protect the achieved about his family of one Mr Salawu whereabouts. in Osogbo.

Corroborating her According to the wife story, the younger of the missing officer, brother, Ezekiel said Grace Sunday Ibrahim, since he arrived Osun “My husband called me from Kebbi state over the a day before the incident issue and reported the to inform me about his matter to the police assignment. I called his authority, they have only phone the next day but been told that the issue is someone else picked his under investigation. call and told me he was According to him, “I in the bathroom. I waited travelled from Kebbi for two hours for him to state down here because return my call but he of my sister. We have didn’t. been to Zone 11 and State “So, I called him again Command to make but the same person inquiry about the missing picked it and told me he of my sister’s husband just went out. Later in the but we still haven’t day I called severally but gotten any relevant his numbers was not information. The only going through. thing they talk about is “Two days after, I went the robbery attack and to Zone 11 to complain how he alighted from the that he is car. We have also incommunicado, but I reported the case to the was told that he is State CID, but they told probably in a village us that investigation is where there is no going on”. connection”, she cried.

Ezekiel added that at The troubled wife the time of the incident, added that she, in the Mr Salawu was not in company of her brother Nigeria and they had to

•Sergeant Sunday, the missing Police Officer officer.

“That same day, I ran down to the State CID to complain about the issue but I was told to step down for a while. Later on, I realized that most of the officers we have been meeting are being transferred one after the other. It is over seven months now and we have not heard from Sgt. Sunday or know his whereabouts”, he sobered.

Ezekiel revealed that the properties of the missing officer had been returned back to his family, including his ATM card which was

wait for three weeks before his return.

“We visited the state CID again and fortunately we met Mr Salawu.

We were introduced as the family of the missing officer and out of compassion, he volunteered to pay the children first term school fee, which he fulfilled”, he disclosed.

He further added that the last time he went to the SPU office’ the commandant frowned at him and insisted that he should not come back to his office in respect of case of the missing

A Unique Monument In Appreciation Perhaps, never in the history of this country has any government ever thought of recognising the essence of workers to the extent of naming a monument to honour them.

This is exactly what happened in the first week of March, 2018, in Osogbo, capital city of Osun, when one of the major roads in the state, newly reconstructed to modern taste, was commissioned and christened Workers’ Drive.

The dual-carriage way, a 2.80km stretch, Olaiya to Itaolokan, constructed by the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is a masterpiece by all standards in aesthetics, quality and durability. It is estimated by experts to have a lifespan of fifty years at the minimum.

Why a Workers Drive? The relationship between Osun governments and its workers has a chequered history behind it. And one may not be wrong to suggest that it was anything but cordial, at least in this forth republic. But all these have, thankfully, been consigned to the dustbin of history because of the atmosphere of understanding that now exists in the relationship.

Going down memory lane, the government of Chief Bisi Akande, had its nose bloodied as a result of its flexing of muscles with workers, due to widespread downsizing, an option which the then opposition feasted upon to ride to power, costing the man his second shot into the government house.

It was a battle-royale for the Progressives, represented by the Ogbeni, to return to power in 2010. All things looked so good from 2010 between workers and government until the unfortunate financial conundrum began to rear its head sometimes in

used to withdraw his salary and it was paid till December 2017.

She said she had been using her husband’s salary to sustain her welfare and that of their children.

When OSUN DEFENDER contacted the state Police Commissioner, Mr Fimihan Adeoye, he said “Sgt Ibrahim is an SPU officer attached to one Mr Salawu. During one of his escort duty along Ife express road, there was an armed robbery incident but instead of engaging the robbers, according to eye witnesses in the car, Sunday jumped out of the car and dashed into the bush. Since the incident, we don’t know of his whereabouts neither have we heard Fimihan added that investigation is ongoing the matter.

“We have written reports and have sent it to the Force headquarters, Sgt. Sunday disappeared with rifle which even makes him a threat to the society. We cannot declare him dead without seeing his corpse.

He also stated that the police has combed the scene of the crime severally but could not

find the traces of the missing officer.

“We even informed the villagers around the place of incident to give us information if they see him around; even if he had been shot by the robbers we could have seen his corpse.

Meanwhile, in a phone discussion, Mr Salawu, affirmed that Sgt. Sunday was deployed to him as a protection officer.

He added: “During the course of assignment, he escorted my family and on their way to Ile-Ife, they encountered armed robbers and according to the driver and others, the officer jumped out of the car and ran into the bush when he sighted the group of robbers. The driver tried turning the car but the robbers opened fire which killed my 6 year old niece”.

He added that the scene of the incidence was visited severally but there were no traces of the missing officer.

On getting to zone 11 to confirm the issue, the officer in charge informed journalists that the AIG is not ready to speak on the matter, even as the Commissioner of Police told reporters that the case of the missing officer is being handled by the zonal

Truth Of The Matter with

AYEKOOTO ayoakinola444@gmail.com

2013, which also threatened the 2014 reelection bid of Ogbeni with the conspicuous connivance of the powers in Abuja, logistically and monetarily.

2015 was a defining moment as government didn’t have the ability to pay even a dime to the workers.

Organised labour in Osun was adamant in demanding for workers’ right to be paid their wages. It was indeed a very trying period for the governor.

The opposition, known for waiting to latch on to such opportunity, quickly pitched its tent on the side of the workers, even without caring to appreciate the cause of such unfortunate financial situation. Expectedly, issue of salary payment became a political tool in the hands of opposition. But a section of workers and pensioners as well as the grassroots citizenry, women leaders, students and trade unions showed understanding and did everything in their capacity to campaign for and return the government back to power in 2014. The dire financial situation continued into 2015 but thanks to the

In all, this special kudos is reserved for the workers in their entirety and their leaders, led by Comrade Adekomi, who found themselves in dilemma of identifying with the workers whom they represent and protect as well as sympathy for a government which they know is truly handicapped.

financial ingenuity of the governor and his team as well as the active support of organised labour led by Comrade Jacob Adekomi and his team as well as veteran labour leader Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, (who agreed, despite all odds, to chair a committee on monthly revenue allocation). This committee acts the gobetween the workers and government during the long trying time, and even till present moment. The impeccable integrity of Comrade Sunmonu played and is playing no small role in reducing the tension.

In all, this special kudos is reserved for the workers in their entirety and their leaders, led by Comrade Adekomi, who found themselves in dilemma of identifying with the workers whom they represent and protect as well as sympathy for a government which they know is truly handicapped. Distant observers will think Comrade Adekomi is antagonistic to government cause, but this was denied by him. He exuded happiness with this unique gesture of

government such that he even rode in headquarters. same vehicle to and from the venue with Ogbeni.

In a chat, Comrade Adekomi reiterated workers’ support for the government because, according to him, “no governor has named any monument in the name of workers; and despite all the challenges, the governor has not retrenched any worker. The governor will be remembered as he who came at the period of serious challenges and was able to face it and surmount it.”

This Workers Drive naming is very symbolic. It is a symbol of appreciation for the teeming workers who have endured despite overpowering challenges over-hyped by the Osun opposition. So, it is an epoch making bid to show appreciation for workers’ understanding, support and sacrifice during the yet-to-be-over financial crisis orchestrated by the general national economic woes.

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NEWS

Measles Campaign: Parents Urged •1.2 Million Under 5’s Targeted

By Francis Ezediuno The State of Osun government through the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Primary Health Care Development Board (SOPHCDB) in collaboration with the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is poised to aggressively fight the devastating effects of measles thereby eradicating it totally from the state and Nigeria at large by the year 2020.

This is according to state had been preparing information made this round of exercise in available by Dr. Kayode the past three months and Ogunniyi, the Executive the campaign proper was Secretary of SOPHCDB in kicked off on Wednesday, 1st of March, 2018 by the the state.

He revealed that the state’s Deputy Governor,

FRIDAY MARCH 9 - THURSDAY MARCH 15, 2018

To Cooperate With Vaccinators

Otunba Grace Titi Laoye Tomori.

Dr. Ogunniyi disclosed that much importance was attached to the campaign so as to eradicate measles and poliomyelitis in the state.

According to him, “measles is preventable and that is why the government is so concerned.

“Also, because of the devastating effects of measles which include permanent damage such

as sterility, blindness and deafness even after a person may have recovered fully from it.

“And since it does not discriminate against age, children develop lifelong immunity if they are vaccinated before the age of 5”.

He added that after six months of a child’s life, the natural immunity would have waned for measles, saying vaccination at nine months is very necessary.

Ogunniyi disclosed that the state of Osun was adequately prepared for the exercise as previous campaigns in 2013 and 2016 had shown.

While revealing that 1.2 million under 5 children have been earmarked to be captured during the 2018 measles vaccination campaign, he stated that in 2013, the state was able to record 113% and in 2016; 109% rate of successes respectively.

“UNICEF is providing technical support and all

the 876 primary health care centres, mosques, churches, markets, schools, motor parks, both formal and informal venues would be used and duly licensed health workers and promoters had been recruited for the exercise.

“Together with the counterpart fund of N21 million that was paid by the government in 2017, the campaign is billed for success”.

He called on all parents and guardians especially those in the educated class to avail themselves the opportunity and make their children available for the vaccination exercise.

In a related development, challenges have started to arise from the measles vaccination campaign as some organisations and parents reportedly disallowed vaccinators from administering the measles vaccines on their children and wards.

Indicators started to

emerge from the first day of the exercise when vaccinators were forced to go from house to house to vaccinate children.

Also, vaccinators complained that in some religious and secular schools, proprietors denied them from accessing children under the age of 5, maintaining that they did not obtain the approval of their parents.

However, it could be observed that majority of parents cooperated with the vaccinators in majority of centres visited and on the spot observation of vaccination in the field.

It should be noted that some days before the commencement of the campaign in Osun, pupils below the ages of 5 had been given measles vaccination consent forms to take home to their parents where they would sign and give approval for the children and wards to take part in the exercise.

Workers, Transport Union Commend Aregbesola •Continued from paage 3 According to Aregbesola, “We started this road at a time when the state was in serious financial challenges, but with the help of the House of Assembly this was made possible.

“It is our desire to make

•Health officials vaccinating a child.

Aregbesola Has Done Well For Osun Workers - Osun NLC Chairman

By Francis Ezediuno

their workers, adding that ‘where there is a will, there will be a way’.

On the intervention programmes of the Rauf Aregbesola administration, the NLC helmsman disclosed that it has helped to get the youth off the street and the society was better for it.

He observed that jobless youths were being empowered and armed financially and economically.

While responding to the

For recognising and appreciating the workforce in the State of Osun and christening a major road in the state capital, Osogbo, ‘Workers Drive’, the state chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has commended the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for a job well done.

This commendation was hinted that there is need to made by the state NLC review the nation’s revenue chairman, Comrade Jacob formula in a bid for states Adekomi during an to be able to pay their interview with OSUN workers promptly.

DEFENDER on He also maintained that Wednesday. the state governments too While revealing that it must have the will to pay was a job well done, Adekomi revealed that in the annals of the state, no government had deemed it fit to honour workers in the state in such way.

He maintained that The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has despite the paucity of funds, Aregbesola would be described the founder and Global General Overseer of remembered as a governor the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor who took the welfare of Enoch Adejare Adeboye, as ‘the voice of peace and workers into consideration. comfort in a troubled and edgy world’ and harbinger He called on the of hope to millions of souls across the world. governor to fulfill his Aregbesola dropped this saying such chosen few are promise of paying the accolade in a message rare breed and special backlog of workers’ salaries commemorating the 76th creation, who sparingly adding that no worker has graces this earthly terrain. been retrenched since the birthday of the foremost He noted that Pastor inception of the man of God. The Governor, in a Adeboye is an epitome and administration in embodiment of statement by his Media November 27th, 2010. knowledge, deep faith and According to him, Adviser, Mr. Sola Fasure, a messenger who spread Aregbesola has set a described Pastor Adeboye the word of God across the precedent that his as a beacon of hope for the globe untiringly despite his predecessor must aim to numerous hopeless souls, graceful old age. beat, observing that the reconciling them with God According to the state capital had worn a through his sermons and Governor, the arrival of the new look and can be evangelical engagements man of God at the compared to any other city all over the world.

Aregbesola said few threshold of 76 years is an in the country.

On the issue of the new people are chosen by God august occasion, which is minimum wage being for this kind of evangelical very special to his advocated by the federal assignment in a generation, congregation across the globe, Nigeria, the State of government, Adekomi

issue of a successor to this administration, he remarked that what the state’s workers wanted was a governor that would take workers welfare into consideration.

“We want a governor that will develop Osun and treat workers well. We have contributed to the development of the state, so we expect somebody that is ready to rule and satisfy workers’ welfare”, he added.

Osogbo look like a true state capital that will be attractive to investors and boost the economy of the state.”

Delivering an address, Speaker of the state house of assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam who attributed the success of the present administration to the cooperation that exists between the house and the governor said they are proud of A r e g b e s o l a ’ s achievements.

He said the governor has turned the Olaiya to Ita-Olokan road to a road truly befitting of a state capital, stressing that the Osogbo of today is now different from the Osogbo of the past as a result of Aregbesola’s intervention.

Tribute Poured On Pastor Adeboye At 76 •Ogbeni Says He Is A Voice Of Peace In Troubled World Osun, friends and wellwishers across other faiths.

The statement read: “Some individuals, very few of them, are specially chosen by the creator to be a blessing to their generation. One of such is Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the Global General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who clocked 76 years today.

“Pastor Adeboye is a well educated man who gave up his brilliant academic career to do the work of God. He is a man of deep faith with apostolic fervour who has taken Christian evangelism to the nooks and crannies of this nation and the uttermost parts of the world.

“There is virtually no community in Nigeria where his church is not firmly established or any part of the world where there is no parish of the RCCG. “He is also a man of prodigious energy. Even at 76, he doesn’t appear to be slowing down, but his light continues to shine brighter and brighter. He is personally a very humble and meek man. He radiates love and deep affection, always welcoming all and generous to a fault. He played fatherly role to all.

“His accommodation knows no bound, transcending, religious, ethnic and class lines. I have found his calming words very assuring even at my most challenging times, whenever I am privileged to meet him.

The speaker who titled his speech, “Infrastructural Development, A Plan For Economic Growth” said he is confident that other projects across the state at various stages of completion will be completed before the tenure ends.

Speaking on behalf of other royal fathers at the event, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, described A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration as impactful and very beneficial to the people of the state.

Oba Olanipekun who commended Aregbesola for the spate of infrastructure development in the state, particularly in Osogbo, said he was happy for the commissioning of the road because three previous administrations had attempted the project and couldn’t complete it.

Commenting, the labour unions in the state, led by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jacob Adekomi, commended Aregbesola for his sensitivity to the plight of the workers, acknowledging that his administration has been workers-friendly.

Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Messrs Lekan Salami and Olajire Aweda respectively lauded Aregbesola for the massive road project and empowerment of the commercial transporters.

FRIDAY MARCH 9 - THURSDAY MARCH 15, 2018

CRIME

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

15

Man In Court For Defrauding Secret Lover, Husband Of N.5 Million

By Abdullahi Omotayo The Osun state police command has arraigned a 45year-old man, Adekunle Adebayo before an Osogbo Magistrate Court for allegedly defrauding his secret lover, Roseline Olaoye and her husband, Samuel Olaoye to the tune of N515,000.

The accused, said to be a timber contractor, was charged to court by the

Police on Thursday on a four-count charge bothering on fraud.

It was gathered that Adebayo was having secret affair with Roseline who later introduced him to her husband, Samuel for business transaction.

The charge sheet read in the open court disclosed that the suspect committed the offence in January, 2016 in Osogbo.

It added that the accused person did fraudulently obtain the sum of N515,000 from the couple with the pretence of supplying them plank of woods and also help them in purchasing a plot of land.

According to the charge, the offence is contrary to and punishable under Sections 419,383(2)(f),323 and 133(9) of the criminal code cap 34 vol. 11 laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2003.

Adebayo pleaded not guilty to the four-count

charge slammed against him.

The defence counsel, Wole Olaleye sought Adebayo’s bail and asked that the conditions be made affordable.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Saheed Anifowose did not opposed the application, stating that the court holds the discretion to admit bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Fatimoh Sodamade, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000

with one surety in the like sum.

Sodamade said the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and submit evidence of tax payment of 3 years attached with an affidavit of means.

The surety would also provide the court with 3 passport sized photograph while the address should be verified by the Police.

The case was adjourned till March 22, 2018 for hearing .

Police Arraigns Man, For Stealing A Toyota Camry Car

•Members of armed robbery gang paraded by the Osun Police Command on Wednesday

The Police in Osun, on Tuesday, arraigned a 42year-old man, Adebowale Gbenga, before an Osogbo Magistrate Court, for stealing a Toyota Camry car.

Gbenga, who is facing Prosecutor, Insp. Joshua a one-count charge Oladoye, told the court bothering on stealing that the accused pleaded not guilty to the committed the offence preferred against o f f e n c e s o m e t i m e s him. between March and The Police December 2017.

Court Remands Four Men In Prison Over Allege Stealing

By Abdullahi Omotayo A magistrate court sitting in Osogbo last Friday remanded four men in Ilesa prison custody over alleged stealing of residents’ property in Osogbo capital of Osun States.

The suspects include; 2018, at about 3:45am at Fatai Mumini, 40; Rafiu Isale Osun area of the Akeem, 20; Omisakin state capital.

Sunday, 20; and The prosecutor said Ogunniran Opeyemi, 19. the accused person The suspects appeared conspired to steal the before the court on a following items: four four-count charge DVD players, one bothering on conspiracy stabiliser, one DSTV and stealing. decoder, one television, It was gathered that one guitar, two play the accused persons station, two laptops, one were caught with a life plasma television, one sheep and also fought old television, two vigilantes with keyboard, two standing incantation “ofo” before fan, one CPU, two they were apprehended. speakers, one sheep, one Addressing the court, unregistered jincheng the Police Prosecutor, motorcycle, one butterfly Inspector Rasaq sewing machine.

Olayiwola, said the Rasaq said the accused accused committed the also stole one Guitar offence on February 28, belonging to one Union

Baptist Church, OdiOlowo, Osogbo valued N150,000.

According to the Prosecutor, the offence is contrary to and punishable under S e c t i o n s 516,430,390(9)and 415 of the criminal code cap 34 vol. 11 laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2003.

The first and the fourth accused persons pleaded guilty while the second and third accused persons pleaded not guilty to the firstcount charge. Moreover, they all pleaded not guilty to the second, third and fourth-count charge slammed against them.

Counsel to all the

accused persons, Okobe Najite sought bail for the accused and asked that the conditions be made bearable.

The Magistrate, Mr Olusegun Ayilara remanded the accused in Ilesa prison custody.

The case was adjourned till April 4, 2018 for hearing.

Oladoye further said that the defendant was in possession of a Toyota Camry with registration number KJA 405ER when he was apprehended.

He said the offence committed contravened section 430(1) of the criminal code cap 34vol.

11 laws of Osun, 2003.

The Defence Counsel, Mrs. Patience Ofoyeju, urged the court to grant her client bail in the most liberal terms.

The Magistrate, however, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000 with three sureties in like sum.

She said one of the sureties must be a civil servant while the other a closed relation to the accused.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Adebukola Awodele, adjourned the case to April 9 for hearing.

Police Arraigns Ghanian, Security Man Over Allege Shop Breaking

By Abdullahi Omotayo The Osun state police on Monday, March 5, 2018 arraigned a Ghanaian and security man over shop breaking.

According to the The accused persons are Joseph Richard, 21; charge sheet, the accused persons, on February 3, at and Ola-Ojo Kole, 50.

Joseph, the Ghanian about 12:00 midnight at man is facing four-count Prime area, Osogbo, charge while the security conspired together to wit man Ola-Ojo Kole is shop breaking and facing two-count charge. stealing, an offence contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the criminal code cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun state Nigeria 2003.

The stolen items include, one itel A5 handset valued N25000, one Tecno spark k7 handset valued N38,500, one Tecno T660 valued N8500, three itel 2090 handset valued N12,600, itel 512 handset valued N28,500, itel 6910 handset valued N9,000, and a infinix hot 5 pro valued N42,000.

Other items include a Tecno W1 N19,500, Tecno 350 pro handset valued N5,000, one itel 2060 handset valued N4,500, one tecno 403 Imei handset valued N6,000, one tecno WX3 handset valued N27,500,

one tecno T112 handset valued N25,000, two zealot Bluetooth valued N16,000, itel 312 handset valued N5,000 and original memory cards, as well as other items all total valued N1M properties of one Adeniyi Adebowale.

The counsel to the accused persons, Okobe Najite urged the court to grant the accused bail in most liberal terms since evidence has not proven them guilty of the charges levelled against them.

The prosecutor, Inspector Fagboyinbo Abiodun objected the application of the counsel.

He said granting of bail should be at the discretion of the court, saying, the first accused person is a Ghanian and before he was arrested in Osogbo, the police had to track him down.

He added that cases of house or shop breaking are rampant within the community.

Reacting to the objection of the prosecutor, the counsel to

the accused persons, Najite said it was a speculation to say the accused persons will jump bail, saying, bail should not be based on country of origin which is the essence of sureties.

Najite added that the parent of Joseph lives in Osogbo and it is his constitutional right to get a bail.

The magistrate granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N1,000,000 and two sureties each in like sum.

The sureties must reside within the court jurisdiction, one of which must be a civil servants, not less than level 10 and must present evidence of promotion, three year tax payments attached with an affidavit of means and address must be verified by the police.

Failure to perfect the bail conditions, the accused persons should be remanded in prison custody.

The case was adjourned till April 9, 2018 for hearing.

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Commodities Movements In Osogbo, Osun State Analysis By Osun Defender’s Data Analyst, OJENIKE OLUWADAMILOLA.

Merging Of Previous Elections Results To Evaluate And Project

T

HE graphics below elections, the PDP with 1/3 Significantly, the APC has show the aggregate of the votes will need been involved in a of the merger of total massive effort to overturn structured drive of new votes cast by registered this aggregation of past voters in the ongoing registration voters which decided the voting trends and results. voters’ exercise, with outcome of a rather t h e Osun 2014 Governorship d i s m a l presidential Election Result response a n d governorship from PDP and elections in the ‘’third 2015 and 2014 parties’’. Our respectively. o w n The charts projection at show that this stage is approximately that a Generic 2/3 of the A P C v o t e r s candidate is participating Aggregation of the 2014 Governorship way ahead of supported the pack. As the APC in Election and 2015 Presidential Election British Prime both the in Osun State Minister presidential H a r o l d and state Wilson is governorship often quoted elections in as observing, Osun State “A week is a merged and long time in weighted politics’’. As together to we go along, get an we will look at aggregate. other factors It also that might shows that in deciding the change the n e x t s e t t l e d presidential equation and a n d affect the governorship projections.

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun.

All correspondence to the Acting Editor, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, Telephone: 0806-220-7954, kazeemayofe26@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org., E-mail: osundefenderbank@gmail.com,