Osun Defender Online Version of August 09, 2024

•I’ll Leave Your Party - Ero Arike •APC Members Finger Governor’s Sister •Row May Affect 2026 Guber - Adeleke

Illegal Courier Operators Move Ammunition, Illicit Drugs In Osun - Findings

THE management of the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) has vowed to clamp down on unregistered courier service providers in Osun State, assuring its readiness to sani se the business in the state.

This is as it revealed that the state has over 500 illegal courier and logis cs operators.

Speaking at a day clampdown opera on against illegal courier and logis cs operators in Osun State, the General Manager of the Courier and Logis cs Department (NIPOST), Mr. Dotun Sonde, declared that the ac vi es of the illegal operators have been endangering the lives of people.

According to him, findings revealed that some illegal operators were being used for illicit drugs and arms movement, pu ng the lives and proper es of residents at risk.

According to Sonde, “Many people just need to know that most of the unlicensed, unregistered, illegal operators engage in unethical prac ces.

“For instance, some of these illegal operators carry small arms and ammuni on, some carry illicit drugs, some carry despicable things that I don’t want to start men oning here, sex toys and others. This is because they are not traceable, they are not registered and they are not licensed.

“For security risk that people are exposed to, of course, people will use them, people of like minds who want to perpetrate criminality would make use of them. They won’t find policemen stopping them, opening their boxes, but what they conceal inside is actually alarming.”

Asked about the stas cs of illegal courier operators in the state, Sonde further said, “Based on postal sta scs and surveillance, the market intelligence we have done, in Osun State alone, we have over 500 illegal courier operators. You can see that we are just scratching the surface and this is the first me we are conduc ng this enforcement ac vity in Osun State, which means that we are just ge ng started.”

Adeleke Sets To Unveil Youth Empowerment Programme 17 Months After O’YES

Kazeem Badmus

MORE than 17 months a er the cancellaon of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O’YES), Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday, revealed that the Imole Youth Corps will be un-

Teenager, Mother, Quack Doctor Land In Prison Over Unlawful Abortion On Housemaid

ARasheed Muhammed cerning sexual assault and procurement of unlawful abor on of the young girl’s pregnancy.

N Osun State Magistrate’s Court, si ng in Osogbo has remanded a 19-year-old boy, Femi Ayepola, his mother, Esther Ayepola, and a suspected quack doctor, Lawrence Olalekan in Ilesa Correc on Centre, for alleged sexual assault on a 13-year-old girl (name withheld).

The trio were brought before the court on a four-count charge con-

SAccording to the charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, Femi, on or about July 2023, at the Powerline area, Osogbo sexually and indecently assaulted the girl who is serving as a housemaid to his mother.

Meanwhile, both Femi’s mother and Lawrence were accused of

’ Q

conspiring and unlawfully procuring abor on for the vic m.

The alleged offence according to the police contravened sec ons 358, 360, 516, and 328 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

But the defendants pleaded not guilty to the allega ons levelled against them.

The ma er was adjourned ll September 10, 2024 for men on.

“Protection of PUBLIC ASSETS is a collective responsibility that must be embraced by ALL for a saner and progressive society. These assets are a monument and a testament of the people’s creativity and sense of value.”

veiled soon.

OSUN DEFENDER recalls that Adeleke had on February 16, 2023, announced the dissolu on of the O’YES scheme laying off its 20,000 cadets.

The government also announced that it will replace OYES with the Imole Youth Corps.

The development resulted in wide condemna on from some members of the public but Adeleke’s spokesman, Mallam Olawale

Rasheed, noted that the dissolu on was to ensure the proper engagement of the youth in the state.

Speaking on Tuesday, Governor Adeleke said, “I assure you, your government is working to deliver on our electoral promises. More good things are coming. Your government is doing a lot to bring relief to our people.

“We just paid bursary to students; We have disbursed almost 4 billion nairas to coopera ve bodies in Osun;

We are building several roads and bridges; We Just paid almost 2 billion for half salary and coopera ve deduc ons; We are renova ng health centres and educa onal facili es; We will soon announce the take-off of Imole Youth Corps; New teachers will soon be announced”, the Governor noted. Speaking earlier on the affairs of the ruling party, Governor Adeleke appealed to party members to remain united and never allow its issues to degenerate.

Osun To Host Industrial Investment Summit

IN a bid to posi on Osun State as a major industrial and commercial hub in Nigeria and West Africa, Governor Ademola Adeleke will host the Osun State Industrial Investment Summit (OSIIS) 2024.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Revd. Bunmi Jenyo said the summit will be hosted by the state government in collaboraon with Ravicom Integrated Concept Nigeria.

According to him, the summit themed “Connec ng Progress with Purpose,” is aimed at a rac ng investors, industry experts, government officials, and entrepreneurs to explore industrial investment opportuni es across Osun State’s key sectors.

Jenyo noted that the event which will take place from September 10-14, 2024, at

the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Mul purpose Hall, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Oke Baale, Osogbo, will enhance produc vity, create employment, generate revenue, and a ract investment in the state’s industrial, agricultural, mining, tourism, and ICT sectors.

Stressing the objecves, Jenyo revealed that the summit will accelerate industrial investment, iden fy key challenges and opportuni es, drive economic growth, and provide necessary infrastructure.

He said, “The Osun State Government through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the leadership of Revd. Samuel Atanda Bunmi Jenyo, in conjunc on with our Principal Consultant, Ravicom Integrated Concept Nigeria led by Prince Ro mi Awelewa, will be hos ng the Osun State Industrial Invest-

ment Summit (OSIIS) 2024 scheduled for September 10-14, 2024 at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Mul purpose Hall, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Oke Baale, Osogbo, Osun State to be hosted by His Excellency Senator Dr. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, in our bid to posi on Osun State as a Major Industrial and Commercial Hub in Nigeria and the West Africa Sub region with the Theme: Connec ng Progress with Purpose.

“The state offers numerous business incenves, such as affordable land for agriculture, quick processing of Cerficates of Occupancy, stable electricity supply, improved security, and extensive infrastructure. Addi onally, the Living Spring Free Trade Zone, Special Economic Zone, and Special AgroProcessing Centre with modern facili es further enhance Osun’s appeal to investors.”

The Alternative Perspective

“The positions associated with people like Lula Da Silva and Aregbesola clearly understood the dislocations which occur with the emergence of strata referred to as “ a dangerous (under) class”. Refusal to heed the early warning signal has unleashed monsters across the globe and recent events have shown here that Nigeria is not spared”

THE “Alterna ve Perspective” should be revisited.

Across the globe, the interna onal season of discontent rages on. There are protest marches everywhere. In the otherwise, the United Kingdom is witnessing daily skirmishes and rio ng on the streets. Scores of Police men have been sadly injured. Only the spectacle of the Olympics has kept the otherwise combusble France stable. Whatever the causes of the protest be it in Nigeria or the UK, a review of the disconcer ng faulty lines is imminent. For over three decades, much of the world has riding on the illusion of “tricked-down” economic policies. It has turned out to be the god that failed. Now that the chickens have come home to roost, we must reexamine convincing alternaves as we answer the ques on, what is to be done?

The people who ques oned the trend at the me using conven onal wisdom such as Brazil’s Ignacio Lula DaSilva and Nigeria’s Rauf Aregbesola must be commended for their foresight, they bravely swore against the de.

People therefore exposed the fallacy of trickle-down econom-

ics as they provided an alterna ve anchored on a state direc on of capital to the vital and especially the weaker sectors. They argued for the state to provide buffers and shock absorbers for the least protected. They clearly saw that infla on is a puni ve task for the poor and sought to provide ameliora ng buffers. They also very importantly saw medium and long-term strength of building social capital as opposed to temporary “growth without development”.

The posi ons associated with people like Lula Da Silva and Aregbesola clearly understood the disloca ons which occur with the emergence of strata referred to as “ a dangerous (under) class”. Refusal to heed the early warning signal has unleashed monsters across the globe and recent events have shown here that Nigeria is not spared.

On the contrary, we face the social consequences brought about by years of underinvestment and the crea on of a society anchored on glaring inequali es. Nigeria has to develop a social charter through which the State lessens inequali es and a empts to make life more palatable to all of its cizens. This is urgent for we are fast running out of me.

The Discourse

The Political Traditions Of Our Fathers

RIGHT now, the Yorubas must have to build a leadership that honours their legacy. Again, remember the treaty that ended the Kiriji War, which sparked a rebirth in learning and progressive thinking! This led to a thirst for educa on, resul ng in an explosion of investments in community scholarships, sponsoring individuals to pursue higher educa on and the establishment of numerous primary and secondary schools.

These efforts contributed significantly to the economic development of the Lagos Colony, driven by Yoruba entrepreneurship both within the colony and from the hinterland, as captured in the 1920 publica on, ‘The Red Book of West Africa’. This important work, now out of print, should be reprinted by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), as the copyright has expired. ‘The Red Book of West Africa’ is a founda on of contemporary Yoruba history and a vital piece of economic history.

Coming home from there, the West African Students Union (WASU) was ini ated on August 7, 1925, marking a significant milestone in the development of Yoruba leadership. This led to the forma on of the ‘Egbe Omo Oduduwa,’ the Ac on Group (AG), and the AG’s mo o, ‘Freedom for all, life more abundant’, which embodied the cri cal thinking and ideological thrust that drove the region’s developmental strides. However, it needs to be noted that the current Yoruba leadership has departed from this tradi on of cri cal thinking and ideological drive, resul ng in a decline from the economic and educa onal dominance achieved in the 1850s.

O o von Bismarck, the German economic anthropologist, drew inspira on from the ‘Osomalo’ financial intermedia on methods used in Ijesaland to establish the German Landesbank system, widely regarded as one of the best banking systems globally. Highligh ng this decline and its impact is essen al.

Since 1945, Bri sh Finance Ministers have consistently praised the Landesbank system for its robust regula on, supervision and focus on lending to the real economy. In fact, the refinement of the Osomalo can be considered the founda on of development finance. However, it is ironic that Ijesaland, once a pioneer in innova on, has lost its way!

Given its past achievements, Ijesaland should be at the forefront of new technologies like Ar ficial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Quantum Compu ng, Internet of Things (IoT), Electric and Autonomous Vehicles and Extended Reality (XR). Remember Christopher Alexander Sapara Williams, that Yorubaman from Ijesaland, who was the first Nigerian called to the Bar on November 17, 1879, and Oguntolu, his brother, who became a medical doctor through his sponsorship! It is also on record that Yorubaland made significant strides in educa on and professional development during the colonial and post-colonial periods, making the current decline even more striking.

Truth be told, the poli cal tradi ons of our ancestors are not solely defined by struggles and sacrifices; they are also characterized by excep onal leadership and vision. Many of our forebears were inspiring leaders who movated others to work together towards a common goal. With a clear vision for a brighter future, they relessly strove to make it a reality.

The poli cal legacies of our ancestors are exemplified by the courageous leadership and unwavering commitment to jus ce displayed by icons like Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela. For instance, Gandhi’s guiding principles in India’s fight for independence and Mandela’s steadfast resolve against apartheid inspired movements and mobilized masses to take ac on. Their leadership not only shaped the course of history but also con nues to inspire generaons to stand up for jus ce and equality

The poli cal landscape of the Yoruba na on has been profoundly shaped by the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of our fathers. They relessly fought for the emancipa on, development and prosperity of their people. From Obafemi

“Our greatest challenge is clinging to the past, desiring its comforts without the willingness to pay the price. Regrettably, Yorubaland is now vulnerable to Nigeria’s shifting political landscape. We’ve forgotten that our relevance is measured by our achievements at home. The motto of the Yoruba Tennis Club, ‘Awa Lo Yo Saaju,’ (We are the ones destined to make things happen) echoes loudly today. It is a crying shame that demands immediate action, a planned reboot to restore our heritage”

Awolowo’s championing of federalism and economic empowerment to Moshood Abiola’s courageous advocacy for democracy and human rights, our fathers’ poli cs has been defined by an unrelen ng dedica on to the welfare and advancement of the Yoruba na on.

Despite the challenges and setbacks that have marked our poli cal journey, their unwavering dedica on, courage in adversity, and unshakeable belief in our people’s potenal remain a beacon of hope and inspira on, reminding us that poli cs can be a powerful force for good and that leadership can transform lives.

Awolowo’s poli cal philosophy, which guided our fathers, was rooted in the pursuit of regional autonomy, economic development and social jus ce. His vision for the Western Region, later adopted as the blueprint for the Yoruba na on, was founded on federalism, democra c governance, and economic empowerment. This leadership inspired a genera on of Yoruba leaders, including Samuel Akintola, Adekunle Ajasin, Abraham Adesanya and Bolanle Gbonigi, who con nued to champion Yoruba unity and progress.

Now, to the ques ons: why have successive leaders not been building upon the legacy of our fathers, learning from their experiences and/or char ng a new course that honours their memory and fulfils their vision for a brighter future for our people? Why have the sacrifices, achievements and the transforma ve power of courage and leadership of our heroes’ past not been inspiring and guiding us towards a more prosperous and united Yoruba na on? Why has the state of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathema cs) among the Yoruba people today become a sobering disgrace to the extent that it now demands our urgent a en on and collec ve ac on?

Let it be noted that the poli cal tradi ons of our fathers are not just a legacy of the past but also a clarion call to a more just and equitable world. They represent an informed and educated society that mobilizes others to work towards a common goal. Currently, the Yoruba people are lagging behind, and our leaders’ limited vision has hindered our progress. When a supposed Yoruba leader engages in behaviours that are unYoruba, ran ng and raving without restraint, it’s a clear sign that a grand rethink is overdue.

When a Dis nguished Senator of the Federal Republic openly confesses to, and vaingloriously gloats in buying votes in an elec on that was supposed to be free, fair and credible, and society looks on as if nothing is amiss, then something has happened to us as a race. Take it or leave it, this is not the Yoruba way!

OSUN DEFENDER

Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Ac ng Deputy Editor – Sodiq Yusuf

Produc on Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa Reporter – Yusuf Oketola Reporter – Kazeem Badmus

Photo Journalist – Shola Aderinto

Computer Graphics – Zainab Olalere

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

Our greatest challenge is clinging to the past, desiring its comforts without the willingness to pay the price. Regre ably, Yorubaland is now vulnerable to Nigeria’s shiing poli cal landscape. We’ve forgo en that our relevance is measured by our achievements at home. The mo o of the Yoruba Tennis Club, ‘Awa Lo Yo Saaju,’ (We are the ones des ned to make things happen) echoes loudly today. It is a crying shame that demands immediate ac on, a planned reboot to restore our heritage. As we navigate the complexi es of modern poli cs, there’s an urgent need for a radical re-evalua on in Yorubaland, a return to our origi-

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•Read full article on www.osundefender.com

•KOMOLAFE wrote in from IjebuJesa, Osun State. He can be reached via (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk)

•Culled from The Nation of July 13, 2024

Echoes Of History: Why Pounding Yam At Night, Hawking Palm Oil Is Forbidden In Osun Community

Sodiq Yusuf Hafsat Isaiq

THE African con nent is notable for gobsmacking reali es and discoveries. It is more beau ful because the world is dynamic with the realisa on of various myths, customs, conven ons, and tradi ons.

Preda ng the existence of man are many of these things best described as mysteries which a mes develop into taboos, owing such much relevance to the tradi ons and conven ons of the loca ons where they exist.

Apart from mysteries, convenons, and tradi ons are innate in every society. It is further believed that the history of a people is replete without its unique belief systems and way of life - Culture.

As the world changes, many tradions fade, but some remain strong. In Isokun, a community in Ilesa, Osun State, old customs, and taboos s ll thrive. One such tradi on is the prohibi on of hawking palm oil and pounding yam at night.

Though the exact origin of the belief is shrouded in mystery, it is deeply respected by the people of Isokun regardless of any religious affinity.

Historical Background

According to the Leemi of Isokun, Chief Adebayo Ilesanmi, the act of pounding yam and hawking palm oil at night is a taboo in respect for the Bepoluju Omo Abida Sorosoro, the community’s deity.

Ilesanmi noted that the taboo came to be due to the death of a royal blood who sacrificed himself for the peace of Isokun, stressing that whoever is caught in the act would lose either the pounded yam or palm oil to a sacrifice.

He said, “The tradi on truly exists. In the olden days, our people majorly worshipped idols and they don’t just worship them alone, they have reasons for doing so. A major incident happened in Isokun which made a powerful individual lay his life for the cause.

“He was from a royal family. The sacrifice made a er the incident led to the prohibi on of pounding yam at night and hawking palm oil a taboo.

“The powerful one sacrificed his life to prevent

calami es in Isokun and it became a tradi on that no one must hawk palmoil and pound yam at night in Isokun because of Bepoluju Omo Abida Sorosoro (a diety).

“Whoever hawks palm oil in the olden days, and is caught by the Youth group (Loriomo) would be disciplined. They will also seize the palm oil from the person and take it to the Oke-Ado junc on to offer it as a sacrifice to the diety.

“As for pounding yam at night, the Loriomo group will throw ashes into the mortal containing the pounded yam and order the person to pound it with the ashes. If they really want to enforce the discipline, they would force the contaminated pounded yam down his throat or throw it away.

“Taboos are not just enforced but to be adhered to. It is a mark of respect to the powerful ones who sac-

rificed their lives for the love of the community,” the Leemi of Isokun noted.

The Repercussion For Contravening The Isokun Taboo Corrobora ng him, a son of one of the former Leemi’s of Isokun, Pa. Adebiyi Olatunde said anyone who wants to live in Isokun must adhere strictly to the tradi on.

Pa Olatunde posited that anyone who is caught hawking palm oil three mes would lose his/her product as an offering to the deity.

He added that whoever wants to eat pounded yam at night in Isokun must have concluded its prepara on before 5 pm.

The elder stated that, “It is taboo to hawk palm oil in Isokun. No one can tell when the tradi on started. It is as old as the town itself, we were

born into the tradi on because we can’t say the period the taboo started. It is a tradi on peculiar to Isokun and whoever wants to live here must adhere to it.

“Anyone nabbed thrice for hawking palm oil would have to pay the price of offering his palm oil to the diety. The Loriomo group would con nue to do so as long as he is caught.

“The prohibi on of yam pounding at night is an age-long prac ce, too. When my father was s ll alive, every pounding must be done by 4 to 5 p.m. As an Ijesa man, we can eat pounded yam thrice daily. If you’re not ready to eat, you may keep it.

“I vividly remember an incident where a couple who used to live in Isokun disobeyed a er being warned sever mes, they spat into their pounded yam, and that was the end. The tradi on is known to Isokun and anyone who can’t adhere would have to leave because all residents are aware of the taboo.”

In his submission, the Loriomo of Isokun who leads the Youth group that enforces the punishment for the taboo, Agboola Oluwasola said anyone flou ng the tradi on will experience hardship in his/her life me.

His words, “In our community, we dont hawk palm oil, whosoever flouts the tradi on would have his/her palm oil thrown away.

“Any Individual caught after being warned severally will experience hardship in his adventures, he will keep toiling with no results. That is why we sound the note of warning.”

Cyberbullying: Police Grill APC Chair Over Comments On Adeleke

THE Osun State Government has dragged the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal to the State Police Command for allegedly cyberbullying the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Ma ers, Nurudeen Kareem, submi ed a pe on to the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Abba, accusing Lawal of cyberbullying Adeleke.

The medium also gathered that the police boss, a er receiving the pe on invited the APC Chairman to the command headquarters, Osogbo, for quesoning on the ma er.

OSUN DEFENDER authorita vely gathered that Lawal, accompanied by his counsels, Waliu Salimon and Muhydeen Galadima, met CP Abba for about 2 hours.

A senior police officer who spoke to OSUN DEFENDER on the condi on of anonymity confirmed that the APC chairman was at the command headquarters.

The Police officer, however, hinted that Lawal denied the allega ons in the pe on.

Since the incep on of the Adeleke administra on in Osun, members of the main opposi on party in the state under the leadership of Lawal have been engaging the state government and the ruling

Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) on social media. The debates, which usually lead to the exchange of words between loyalists of the two poli cal pares, o en degenerate into name-calling, and threats, among others.

Further findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the APC chairman is the second opposi on member that the state government has dragged to the police for cyberstalking since a Cyber Crime Ac on Committee was inaugurated in March 2024.

A member of the APC in the state, Mr. Akin Adeyi was recently invited by the police after a pe on was submi ed against him by

the state government.

Adeyi, a former member of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) in the state was alleged to have referred to the state governor as “Obente”.

He was also alleged to have raised a false alarm over an accident involving one of the refurbished “Imole De” buses. His case is currently before a court of law.

OSUN DEFENDER recalls that the state Commissioner for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, in a statement a er the inaugura on of the cybercrime commi ee, said the move was meant to tackle the prevalence of fake news in the state.

Osun LG Poll: APC Holds Primaries August 20

IN prepara on for the February 2025 local government elec on in Osun State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will hold its primaries on August 20. OSUN DEFENDER reports that the primaries is a sequel to the submission of the party’s le er of inten on to par cipate in the elecon to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) on July 29.

A statement signed by Comrade Wole Adunola, the state Publicity

Secretary of the party assured its members of a fair democra c process.

Adunola noted that the guidelines for the shadow elec on were agreed at an expanded state working committee mee ng of the party which had in a endance major party stakeholders and chie ains of the party across the state.

He said, “Sales and submission of no fica on of forms hold between 7th to 13th August 2024; Screening of candidates and publica on of screening results between 13th -

16th August; Screening of appeals from 17th18th August 2024.”

Other items in the metable include the final determina on of appeals and publicaon of screened candidates by the SWC on August 19, the elec on of 5 delegates per ward on the same day; the primary elec on on August 20, with the elecons appeals taking place on August 21 and the SWC ra fica on and submission of the names of candidates to OSIEC finalised on August 22.

Alimi explained that, “the step became necessary to sani se the governance space and ensure that poli cking and governance take place under an atmosphere of responsibility, decency and honesty.”

The commissioner noted that the increasing wave of fake news

nega vely affected both the government and the opposi on.

He said, “The commi ee domiciled at the Ministry of Jus ce has as members, journalists and legal praconers. The mandate is to ensure that fake news are nipped in the bid, no ma er who the

perpetrators are.

“The commi ee is to apply relevant secons of the Cybercrime Act of 2015 as operaonal clauses to ensure all stakeholders operate within the law in the exercise and enjoyment of their fundamental human rights.

“Sec on 24 (1) of the Cybercrime Act, 2015 reads: ‘A person who knowingly or inten onally sends a message or other ma er by means of computer systems or network that is grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character or causes any such message or ma er to be sent, or he knows to be false, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience danger, obstruc on, insult, injury, criminal in mida on, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to another or causes such a message to be sent commits an offence under this Act and is liable on convic on to a fine of not more than N7,000, 000.00 or imprisonment for a term, not more than three years or both.”

Govt Trains Midwives On Newborn Care

THE Osun State Government has trained midwives in the state primary health care centres on Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (BEMONC).

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the 8-day workshop flagged off by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Health Care, Dr. Michael Oyerinde in Osogbo, was part of measures by the state government to promote quality and accessible health care among its residents.

Oyerinde appreciated Governor Ademola Adeleke for the approval of the training and advised par cipants to u lise the knowledge acquired judiciously.

His words, “As you return to your respecve healthcare centres, I admonish you to apply the insights and techniques you have learned to enhance the quality of care you provide. Remember, your efforts play a crucial role in shaping the health and future of our communi es.

“Your ac ve par cipa on and dedica on have been truly inspiring. The knowledge and skills you gained here are invaluable, and they will undoubtedly translate into be er care and outcomes for our mothers and newborns across the state,” Oyerinde said.

Presen ng the cerficate to the par ci-

pants during the closing session, the state Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola appreciated Governor Adeleke for his commitment to the support of the Health Sector since incep on of his administra on.

Akintola urged health workers across the thirty local governments of the state to work assiduously to complement the government’s efforts in the health sector.

The Chairman of Osun Primary Health Care Development Board, Hon Tajudeen Adisa in his remarks commended the participants for their dedica on to work.

The workshop drew participants from different communities in the state including adhoc and staff midwives.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2024 - THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024

PDP Primary: Members Allege Imposition, Injustice

SOME members of the ruling Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) and the opposi on All Progressives Congress (APC) have alleged Governor Ademola Adeleke and his sister, Yeye Dupe Adeleke-Sanni of imposing the candidates of the PDP that will contest next year’s local government elec on in the state.

The allega ons were made in video clips and WhatsApp voice notes circulated online which was sighted by OSUN DEFENDER.

They also advised the governor to cau on his sister and party leaders from

such an arrangement.

Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the alleged imposi on is to favour some former caretaker chairmen who resigned in July, following the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy.

It was also gathered that some PDP members are disenchanted with the ex-council bosses whom they accused of not taking care of their party during their over one-year tenure.

A member of the party in Osogbo, Idowu Ibrahim, in an open letter to the state governor, said imposing the former

caretaker chairmen would backfire.

He said the move was undemocra c and could undermine the legi macy of the elec on, disenfranchise the people, and perpetuate a culture of impunity.

The le er read in part,

“Following the recent leaked informa on that the leadership of People’s Democra c Party (PDP) in Osun State is nursing sympathy for the former Caretaker Management Commi ee members across the State; I am wri ng to express my deep concern on behalf of party members across the length and breadth of Osun State

•Members of an inter-state armed robbery gang paraded at the Osun State Police Command, Osogbo on Wednesday

about the implica ons of imposing candidates on the people in the scheduled local government elec ons.

“This undemocra c prac ce threatens to undermine the legi macy of the elec on, disenfranchise the people, and perpetuate a culture of impunity.

“It is very funny and unfortunate that PDP leadership in Osun State has quickly forgo en that most Caretaker Management Commi ee Members across all local government in Osun State were selected based on reward for loyalty and specific se lements without considering their respec ve competence, capacity, and acceptability to the majority of people in their respec ve communi es.

“The current indicaons through the body language of poli cal stakeholders in our ruling party has revealed that our party leadership has predetermined strategies in collabora on with Your Excellency that almost all Caretaker Management Commi ee members (especially all immediate former Caretakers Chairmen in Osun State) should all be returned as standard bearer during the scheduled local government elec on in Osun State.

“This has been re-

Mass Action Imminent Over Osun Poly’s Failure To Reinstate Expelled Students

THE management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede may witness mass protests next week over its inability to reinstate the 18 expelled students of the ins tu on.

This is as the Na onal Associa on of Nigerian Students (NANS) South West demanded the immediate removal of the ins tu on’s Rector, Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, whom they claimed orchestrated the expulsion.

OSUN DEFENDER in its July 26, 2024 edi on reported that 27 students of the Polytechnic who are in the Higher Na onal Diploma (HND) level were expelled by the management over the May 9, 2024 riot in the school premises.

It was learnt that the protest occurred due to the arrest of some of their colleagues by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement signed by the Coordinator, Comrade Alao John, Secretary

General, Comrade Sulaimon Sanni, and Public Rela ons Officer, Comrade Oluwadamilola Bamigboye on Monday, NANS gave the ins tu on a five-day ul matum to reinstate the affected students which expires today.

The statement reads:

“The leadership of the Na onal Associa on of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest is issuing a stern ul matum to the Federal Government regarding the unlawful expulsion of students from Federal Polytechnic, Ede.

“We demand the immediate removal of the current Rector, Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, who has orchestrated these unjust ac ons against our members.

“This five-day ul matum, star ng from today 5th August - 9th August, 2024 Monday-Friday, aims to correct this gross injusce, failing which we will mobilise to shut down the ins tu on on Monday, August 12, 2024.

“The recent expulsions, following the peace-

ful protest of May 9, 2024, represent a flagrant violaon of the fundamental rights of the students involved.

“These students were exercising their right to protest against legi mate concerns, and their expulsion without due process or fair hearing is a severe breach of jus ce and equity.

“It is unacceptable that students are being punished for their involvement in peaceful demonstra ons, a cornerstone of democra c expression and civic engagement.

“Educa onal ins tuons are meant to foster cri cal thinking and ac ve ci zenship, not to suppress voices of dissent through draconian measures.

“Failure to meet these demands within the s pulated five days will compel NANS Southwest to take decisive ac on, including the shutdown of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, star ng August 12, 2024.

“We urge all stake-

holders, including parents, alumni, and civil society organiza ons, to support this just cause. The integrity of our educa onal system and the future of our students are at stake. NANS Southwest remains commi ed to protec ng the rights and welfare of Nigerian students and will not relent un l jus ce is served,” the statement noted.

That I was formerly known and addressed as UDUAK EYAKUWEM INYANG, with former Date of Birth 27/06/1999, but now wish to be known and addressed as UDUAKOBONG EYAKUWEM INYANG, with new Date of Birth 27/06/2001. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as ALUKO ADEDEJI ISRAEL, but now wish to be known and addressed as ALUKO AYODEJI ISRAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

vealed through the perceived situa on in Ife East, Ejigbo, Orolu, Irepodun, Osogbo, Ifelodun, and Ayedaade among others. These can be summarily described as poli cal self suicidal at a me when the 2026 Governorship elec on is fast approaching.

“The worst is that the me is not there for your good self to access the real situa on on ground! It is factual that tac cal imposi on of candidates denies the people their fundamental right to choose their representa ves, undermines accountability, and perpetuates poor governance. It also reinforces the percep on that the ruling party is more interested in maintaining its grip on power than in serving the people.

“Furthermore, this prac ce can lead to voter apathy and low turnout during the scheduled local government elec on, legi macy crisis for the elected officials arising from the current highhandedness of party leadership, poor representaon, and unresponsive governance, perpetua on of corrup on and impunity, and undermining of democra c ins tu ons and processes.”

I’ll Leave The PartyEro Arike

A chie ain of the PDP in Boripe local government area of the state, Alhaja Falilat Oyetunji popularly known as Ero Arike yesterday threatened to leave the party.

In a live video on her Facebook page sighted by OSUN DEFENDER, Alhaja Falilat alleged the leadership of the party of rigging her husband, Alhaji Akeem Oyetunji, out of the primary elec on process for the forthcoming local government elec on.

She affirmed that she had le the party, accusing the PDP leaders of disallowing her husband the opportunity to become the chairmanship candidate of the party, a er she worked so hard for Governor Adeleke to emerge in 2022.

“I call on the good people of Osun State to please help me out. I have le your party. You are the ones that chased me out of the party. Thank you, that is how you should repay me for my efforts.

“God, they must not cheat my husband out. This is a robbery. The people should help me. They asked me to work for them and I delivered.

All the people in Iragbiji are behind me. Everyone

should help me. I have le their party. You must find a solu on to it.

“Everyone knows me as an ointment seller but I cannot close to my eyes to my husband’s ambion. I am here to support my husband. I take care of people and contribute massively to my party with everything I have. The people promised to stand by me and support my husband with votes.

“The people of Osun State should come to my aid. They want to cheat my husband,” she noted.

Row May Affect 2026 Guber - Adeleke

The development among other issues OSUN DEFENDER learnt informed the convoking of a stakeholders’ meeting by the leadership of the PDP in the state at the Government House, Osogbo, on Tuesday.

Governor Ademola Adeleke in his remarks at the mee ng appealed to members of the party to remain united.

Adeleke noted that the forthcoming council elec ons is key to the fortunes of the party in the 2026 gubernatorial elec on, stressing that further division will give the opposi on a chance to defeat the PDP.

His words, “My only appeal to us is that we must remain united. We should never allow our issues to degenerate. We must remain one united family.

“We all know that this local government elecon is key for our 2026 governorship elec on. We must not allow personal interest to supersede the general interest of the party.

“I task us to remember that we have a wounded opposi on that is desperately seeking to destroy the state. We should not give them ammuni on to use against us.

“We must ensure party discipline. We must abide by the decisions of the party leadership. That is the way to strengthen the party and enhance our chance to win elecons”, the Governor added.

The state chairman of the party, Hon. Sunday Bisi also assured that it will provide a level playing ground for all aspirants in the forthcoming council primaries of the party.

He added that the party will allow all aspirants to go to the field without interference in the emergence of candidates for the elec on.

Ife/Modakeke: Indigenes Call For More Surveillance In Troubled Areas

Yusuf Oketola

FOLLOWING the killing of some farmers in villages under Ile-Ife and Modakeke in Osun State, indigenes of the two communi es have appealed to the state government to beef up security in the troubled areas.

They also asked the government to work on the jurisdic on of the two towns and beef up security at the villages, known for notorious criminal acts.

Representa ves of the two communi es including Baales, religious leaders, and farmers made the appeal during a peace meeting with the state government on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke at the mee ng warned hoodlums tormen ng the peace of the people of Ile Ife and Modakeke to stop henceforth or be ready to face the unpalatable consequences.

Adeleke who spoke through his deputy, Prince

•As Osun Govt Warns Against Violence

He called on the community leaders and farmers in the two communies not to shield crimes

as the present administra on will not allow any form of sabotage that will hinder its efforts at ensur-

#EndBadGovernance: Protest Suspended In Honour Of

Osun-Osogbo Festival

•Protest Continues After Festival - Take-It-Back Movement

TYusuf Oketola no breakdown of law and order before, during and a er the fes val. We have also got assurance from the #EndHunger protest organisers that they will suspend their protest on the day of the grand finale of the Osun-Osogbo Fes val.’’

HE Osun State Police Command said organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest in the state have assured that they would suspend their protest to honour the grand finale of the 2024 Osun-Osogbo fes val holding today.

The Command also said it has put measures in place to ensure a hitch-free celebraon.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the protesters held demonstra ons for six days before calling it off on Tuesday, August 6, ci ng the security of lives and property of tourists coming for the Osun-Osogbo fesval as a reason.

The police spokesperson in the state, SP Yemisi Opalola, told journalists that the command would deploy officers and men to ensure a peaceful fes val.

She said, “We have made arrangements and will deploy officers to ensure that there is

Opalola added that anyone or group planning to disrupt the fes val under any guise would be seen as criminal, arrested, and dealt with appropriately while assuring par cipants of the safety of their lives and property.

The Osun-Osogbo fes val, an annual event hosted by the Ataoja of Osogbo, is expected to climax today, August 9, at the Osun-Osogbo grove (a UNESCO-recognised world heritage site).

However, the Take-It-Back Movement in the state has announced its inten on to connue the protest immediately a er the Osun Osogbo fes val.

This was contrary to the claim that the #EndBadGovernance protest had been called off in the state.

The group in a statement released on Tuesday by the Coordinator, Samson Tola, urged security personnel to be present to safeguard the lives and property of the protesters, as s pulated by law, as they had been doing since the beginning of the protest.

The statement read, “We saw a viral statement said to have been issued by a group called the Coali on of Concerned Nigerian Ci zens sta ng an end to the na onwide End Hunger Protest that has commenced since the 1st of August ll the present me across the state of the federa on including Osun State and we want to set the record straight and make our own posi on known to the public on this stance.

“It’s worthy to note that the end bad governance protest is formed out of the connuous hunger and starva on in the country as a result of the reckless policies of the President Tinubu administra on and as such the protest has no singular leadership and it re-

mains organic.

He said, “Also we want to remind the public that the protest was ini ally stated for 10 days and possibly beyond (August 1st -10th) and the protest is s ll ongoing across the country in line with the na onally designed rooster and the fact that President Tinubu has refused to address the immediate cause of the protest in his last na onal address is a good reason for the protest to con nue at least un l the s pulated date or beyond.”

Tola added that no individual or group was capable of ending the protest for personal or collec ve reasons because no Nigerian owns Nigeria more than any other sta ng that the reason cited in the statement is not substan al enough to jus fy ending the protest in the state.

“We want to state categorically that the Osun-Osogbo fes val has been coming and going and the TIB as an ideology organiza on has always par cipated in the fesval with our members in large numbers to demonstrate and register our displeasure to the situa on of things in the country without causing any fear or obstruc on to millions of worshipers every year ll the last and this year edi on won’t be excep on.

“This is how we have been par cipa ng for some years now and we feel there is interac on between the physical and the spiritual world thus we do present the NIGERIAN problems to the OSUN goddess annually and unno ceably.”

ing peace and cohabitaon between Ile Ife and Modakeke.

OSUN DEFENDER re-

calls that some farmers were in April killed in Toro, Aba Panu, and Wanisani villages under Ile-Ife.

However, the Public Rela ons Officer of the Osun Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER in its April 5, 2024 edi on disclosed that some criminals might be using the fading feud between the two communies to perpetrate crime.

“The police are working round the clock to arrest the perpetrators. However, those people may be outsiders who want to use the opportunity of the feud between Ife and Modakeke to commit crime.

“The CP has said those behind the crime would be declared as criminals. They are trying to turn the back of the two towns against each other. They know when the killings con nue; the two towns will start accusing one another.”

Lagos-Based Armed Robbery Gang Terrorising Osun Community Nabbed

THE Osun State Police Command has paraded members of an inter-state armed robbery gang based in Lagos State, but carrying out robbery opera ons in the state.

One of the suspects, Solomon Michael, who serves as the driver of the gang admi ed par cipating in three different robbery opera ons. He made the confession while responding to ques ons from journalists.

Michael admi ed to having had an accident while returning from a robbery opera on in Ede.

The suspect further said he used to work as a truck driver before an issue involving him and his employer landed him in the Kirikiri Custodial Centre, Lagos, where he met Sunday Felix, who iniated him fully into armed robbery.

While parading the suspects before journalists at the command headquarters in Osogbo, on Wednesday, the state Police Public Rela ons Officer, Yemisi Opalola, said the gang had carried out robbery opera ons in Ede before they were arrested.

According to her, “on April 7, 2024, a complainant had reported at the ‘B’ Division Ede, that four armed robbery gang members stormed his house located at Akankan Area, Ede, and dispos-

sessed him and other occupants of items such as iPhone 13 Promax, Iphone 7plus, Iphone 6S, clothes, and other property valued N4.9m.”

Opalola also disclosed that the same gang had on April 14, 2024, while travelling in a Toyota Corolla car, stormed a house located in Fiwasaye Agbale Area, Ede, and kidnapped a resident a er stealing three HP laptop computers belonging to the occupants of the building.

“The vic m was not released un l 4:30 am after collec ng the sum of N123,000 ransom which was transferred to Account No. 2022108661 belonging to one of the armed robbers, Solomon Michael,” she said.

During the opera on, one of the armed robbers named Sunday Felix fired on the complainant’s brother; Ali Monday Segun, on his right leg.

The vic m was rushed to the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife where the ammuni on was removed a er operaon.

Also paraded was Tajudeen Abiola, who specialises in duping Point of Sale operators, using fake credit alerts.

Opalola said all the suspects would be arraigned before the court on comple on of an invesga on into their cases, adding that efforts would also be geared towards arres ng fleeing suspects men oned in connec on to crimes in the state.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2024 - THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 VOL. 19 NO 31 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

ACCORDING to Wikipedia, “A religion is a set of beliefs that is passionately held by a group of people that is reflected in a world view and in expected beliefs and ac ons (which are o en ritualised). The beliefs are o en linked to supernatural beings such as God, gods or spirit.” Everything religion is spirituality – the spirit of each person towards goodness, duty, truth, etc. It teaches “moral code” on how humans should act. Examples of religion are Islam, Chris anity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Rastafarianism, Ifa, etc. God is only a term to describe the absolute power which created and sustains the world and each religion worships God as revealed by the forebears. For example, Islam worships God as revealed by Mohammed; Chris anity worships God as prescribed by Jesus Christ; Hindus does it as revealed by Krishna.

Like other social ins tu ons, religion is dependent on material and economic reali es of a given society as it has no produc ve history. Instead, it is the crea on of produc ve forces. Religion, however, provides social cohesion in maintaining social order in conformity and control in society. It provides spiritual, social, psychological and some mes material support for individuals and families. It gives succour to the poor to have illusion that through the name of whatever they worship, things will be be er someday. It serves as a stabiliser of society. This explains the ruling elite’s cordial rela onship with religion. Despite establishing the fact that government authori es should not have connec on with any religion, they sponsor pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Saudi Arabia every year with State resources.

For instance, Nigeria is said to be a secular State. Wikipedia defines a Secular State as “an idea pertaining to secularity whereby a state is or purports to be officially neutral in ma ers of religion, suppor ng neither religion nor irreligion.” In a secular state, ci zens are treated equally regardless of their religion or affilia on or lack of belief. However, everything is lopsided in Nigeria. For instance, since its return to civil rule in 1999, 12 states in the north have introduced Islamic law despite the facts that they have huge popula on of Chris ans. The Sharia Law is only applicable to the poor – be they Chris ans, Muslims or Tradi onalists. While the northern ruling elite have con nued to commit crimes including stealing of money meant for development of their areas, like their counterparts in the South do, they have never been tried by Islamic law also known

“Interestingly, the tap root of religion today is the damning suffering condition of the mass majority of the poor combined with hopelessness. Religion business is, however, one sided. The poor are so tied to the yoke of religion that they squeeze blood out of stone to raise tithes and offerings for the proprietors who exchange these with prayers of prosperity. While the poor patronise the centres with the belief that God will answer their prayers vis-avis their poor economic condition and alienation, the big pastors/Imams enjoy themselves”

The Poor And Religion Panorama

as Sharia law. As the ruling elite steal for their insa able lifestyle and crude accumula on of wealth for themselves, children and grand children, the poor whose situa on get worse due to elite greed are made to pay. In 2000, Buba Jangebe limb was amputated a er being found guilty of stealing a cow by a Sharia Court in Kaduna. Another man named Lawal Isa right hand was cut off having found him guilty of stealing three bicycles. In 2011, an Islamic Court in Zamfara State sentenced two youth to amputa on of their right hands openly for stealing a bull. These amputees will end up to joining the huge crowd of des tute in the state. There are thousands in deten on awai ng trials in same sharia court. In all these 12 states, consump on of alcohol is prohibited but it is sold and could be taken in Police and Army barracks. Apart from members of the security forces who are exempted, only the elite could patronise barracks for liquor either to nurse it at the barracks or take away to their well fenced homes. Only the poor can be caught at the bar

AHEAD of the ongoing protest, now in its Day 9 and winding down hopefully, Striker admonished that the best soluons to any and all challenges emana ng from democra c governance (or mis-governance) remains the deepening of the democra c culture – simply put, more democracy.

All the usual cons tuencies came to the protest party: the real protesters commi ed to peaceful demonstra on against an unprecedented cost of living crises; directly facing the genuine protesters is the government that occasioned the crises (and its praisesingers, apologists, an -protest protesters, media men and propagandists and the security forces); between the two are the usual suspects – hoodlums wai ng in the wing to loot, anarchists and frustrated haters of the government who look forward to no posi ve reforms but just to discredit the government, then enemies of the state wai ng to catalyse the peaceful protest into a violent insurrecon for regime change. They all answered “Present, Sir!”

The Protest is in its 9th day of proposed 10, and losing steam. However, it has disappointed most of the predic ons and thrown up various unexpected scenarios. While we con nue to implore all to embrace democratic op ons opened for sustainable solu ons, there is clear and present danger in the way certain officious and unofficial cons tuencies are twis ng the protest narra ves. They latched onto the protest demography to churn out falsehood that the unsuspec ng may shallow for truth. Along the line, the Defence Big Boss has promised that should the protest con nue to degenerate as is being witnessed

with grave consequences.

In the southern part where everybody worships whatever pleases him/her and Court of law under Nigerian Cons tu on reigns, the poor remain at the receiving end. Most factories and business districts have been bought and converted to religion centres as religion has metamorphosed into businesses especially the churches with some of their proprietors having private jets with the price range from $3million to $90million, private universi es that an average member of the church cannot afford and choice property among others. Dunlop Tyres, just an example, a mul na onal company located in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos, was bought by a church and people come to the church to pray for job. Interes ngly, the tap root of religion today is the damning suffering condi on of the mass majority of the poor combined with hopelessness. Religion business is, however, one sided. The poor are so ed to the yoke of religion that they squeeze blood out of stone to raise thes and offerings for the propri-

etors who exchange these with prayers of prosperity. While the poor patronise the centres with the belief that God will answer their prayers vis-a-vis their poor economic condi on and aliena on, the big pastors/Imams enjoy themselves. It is instruc ve to state that God has handed over everything and all affairs on earth to human being. To get organised so as to be er their lot, human being selected or elected some of them to the leadership posi on to guide and direct their affairs. For instance, Baba God cannot provide electricity as He has provided sun and moon for day and night, and brain power to improve upon it if needed; it is human leadership which is known as government that will provide ways and means with which electricity will be generated within the system. God cannot provide portable water as He has provided rain, rivers and oceans; it is human being under the coordina on of their government that will invent how to make potable water available for human consumpon. The prayers and illusion by the poor that someday, God will make life easier and be er other than by human produc ve engagements well-ordered by government is a huge joke. As long as the government that is in charge of everything refuses to do the needful, it will be permanent sorrow, tear and blood for the poor people. Baba God has provided everything for us to live well on earth. We can convert our society to paradise where everyone will have enough to live a decent life, if we so wish. What is needed is a commi ed government that can think outside the box and crea vely engage its populace to actualising this objec ve. This is what is lacking in our society. Our problem is not from God and the soluon will not come from Him. He has done His own; the rest lies in us. If we struggle to change the system, we may be be er off; if we don’t, we are doomed already!

The Protest: Facts Vs Fiction

in Northern Nigeria, he would have no op on but to crush it. That is the danger.

The false narra ves are: one, that the East ins gated a poten ally violent protest that was then bought-into by the North and West while the East eventually refused to stage any protest in the 5 Eastern States but con nue to encourage protest and violence everywhere else; and two, that the Northerners that never protested against the woeful performance of Muhammadu Buhari in 8 years as President are now up in destruc ve protests against a Yoruba President from Southwest, waving Russian flag, solici ng either foreign intervenon or military overthrow of the government. In the first instance, the Easterners never insgated any protest. The protest is a Pan-Nigeria consensus and has a na onwide root causean unprecedented prohibi ve cost of living. The Easterners’ response was well adver sed long before the commencement of the protest and it has objec ve reason solidly rooted in the fact that the East has been in a state of undeclared war worse than peaceful protests for years now. They never wanted Tinubu and never voted him and can only sneer at the rest of Nigeria as in “didn’t we tell you; face your baby.” Their unified abs nence is their own resounding protest in itself. Secondly, the North did not join the #EndSars protest for two reasons. Firstly, they face an existen al insecurity threat for years that made any call for reducing police, army presence a huge joke at that me. They needed more armed forces presence every square inch

of their land in a situa on where terrorists and bandits enter mosques to slaughter imams leading prayers, like goats. Moreover, how many northern youth are into internet fraud much else being harassed by Special An -Robbery Squad? The root cause and objec ves of the protest (before the goal post started shiing towards the end of the protest) was alien to Northern masses and poli cal elites, they COULD and DID NOT join because it made no sense, not because their son was President, and the root cause of their violent outpouring in this protest has li le to do with Tinubu, as acknowledged by many sensible analysts. The clear and present danger is that, South-West vocal narrators must end their false accusa ons of both East and the North and face the government to do needful in making life easier for the commoners soonest as possible because should the Military make good their threat to violently repress the Northern protest, the historically confirmed response of the Northern commoners and their enemies-of-state elites is clear- ATTACK on all non-Northerners and their interests! Surely, counter responses from East and West will lead nowhere but to civil war and na onal disintegra on!

Narra ons and propaganda must be sensibly pursued even when defending the indefensible. We must be mindful of the holisc view and assume the big responsibility of preserving democracy and the na on through democra c responses to all governance challenges.

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. All correspondence to the Acting Deputy Editor, SODIQ YUSUF, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com