Osun Defender Online Version of July 26, 2024

Royal Rumble:

The Deadly Clash In Araromi Owu

THE dust is yet to settle on the deadly chie aincy clash that engulfed Araromi Owu, a community in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the clash which sources noted started some months ago snowballed into a full-blown crisis on Tuesday a ernoon. The incident claimed two lives with many injured, and proper es worth millions of naira destroyed.

The Palace of the Olu of Araromi Owu was also torched during the fracas.

An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, Shi u Kehinde, and a civilian whose identy was yet to be ascertained at the me of filing this report were killed during the clash which lasted hours.

OSUN DEFENDER also gathered that the first batch of security operaves deployed to the community were waylaid by hoodlums who opened fire on them and le some personnel with injuries.

The issue, the medium gathered was as a result of the tussle on the kingship of Araromi Owu a er the demise of the late monarch of the community, Nathaniel Oyetunji.

Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that one Sikirulahi Oyeyemi was picked as Oyetunji’s successor and was in seclusion when the hoodlums went on a rampage.

Sources who spoke to

•NSCDC Officer, One Other Killed, Properties Destroyed Over Chieftaincy Tussle •Palace, Houses Torched, Cars Damaged •Why Crisis Degenerated - Olowu Of Orile Owu

Terrorism: Cuba Not A Terrorist State, Will Be Delisted From US List - Aregbesola Osun Govt Keeps Mum On LG Administration After Caretaker Chairmen’s Resignation

PDP Defectors Accuse Adeleke’s Govt Of Favouring Cronies Youths Disagree Over Construction Of Flyover In Ile-Ife

Osun Govt Keeps Mum On LG Administration After Caretaker Chairmen’s Resignation

THE Osun State Government is yet to release informa on on the running and administra on of local governments, local council development authori es (LCDAs), administra ve offices, and area councils in the state, a week after the resigna on of the council chairmen.

OSUN DEFENDER had in its last edi on, reported the concerns of stakeholders in the state over the silence of the state government on the structure of administra on at the third er of government.

The medium reported that 401 chairmen and members of the caretaker management commi ees of the council areas last week Wednesday tendered their resigna on.

The mass resigna on OSUN DEFENDER gathered followed the Supreme Court judgment of July 11, 2024, which declared them illegal and prohibited them from managing the finances of the local governments.

The decision of the chairmen to quit their posi ons, according to the Commissioner for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, was to allow them to contest the forthcoming

local government elecons in the state. He said: “We have received resigna on le ers.

Those who resigned did so to be eligible for the party primaries, in prepara on for the local gov-

ernment elec ons that will take place next year.

“The Electoral Act has made it mandatory for

anyone who takes part in the party’s primaries to be the first to resign from their poli cal office.”

The Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), requires poli cal appointees interested in an elec on to step down before vying for an elec ve office.

Osun State has operated its local government system with caretaker management commi ees since Governor Ademola Adeleke took office on November 27, 2022, with their first appointment on August 26, 2023, and reappointment on February 26, 2024.

As at the me of filling this report, OSUN DEFENDER observed that the State Government had not yet come forward with the required informa on on who would take charge of the local governments in the state.

The next local government elec ons will hold in the state on February 25, 2025, according to the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC).

Youths Disagree Over Construction Of Flyover In Ile-Ife

THE Ife Youths Organisa on (IYO) has disagreed with the Ife Consulta ve Forum (ICF) on the construc on of a flyover in Ile-Ife by the Osun State Government. ICF had earlier in a release discouraged the State Government from embarking on the project.

But IYO in a statement signed by its President, Abimbola Oladimeji and General Secretary, Arogundade Agboade described the ICF as a faceless group, saying their publica on is misleading and aimed at undermining the developmental strides ongoing in the community.

The group said the

construc on of a flyover in Ile-Ife is not only a crucial infrastructure enhancement, but also a significant step towards improving traffic flow, ensuring public safety and fostering economic growth in the city.

The statement reads:

“The Ife Youths Organisa on vehemently con-

demns the recent publica on by a purportedly faceless group known as the Ife Consulta ve Forum discouraging the Osun State Government from embarking on the planned construc on of flyover bridge in Ile-Ife.

“It has come to our a en on that this publica on, issued by an uni-

Cuba Not A Terrorist State, Will Be Delisted From US List - Aregbesola

TSodiq Yusuf

HE immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has expressed opmism that Cuba will be delisted from the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism soon.

The two-term governor of Osun State noted that Cuba is well known for its humanitarian gestures, adding that lots of countries including Nigeria have benefited from Cuba’s philanthropic gestures.

Aregbesola was com-

men ng on the removal of Cuba from the countries ‘not coopera ng fully’ with the United States of America’s an -terrorist efforts.

According to the Miami Herald, a cer fica on sent to Congress by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, noted that the State Department determined that “the circumstances for Cuba’s cer fica on as a ‘not fully coopera ng country’ have changed from 2022 to 2023,” and that the department is no longer keeping Cuba on that list.

However, Cuba remains on a separate list of state sponsors of terrorism — also kept by the State Department.

According to reports, Cuba was first designated a so-called sponsor of terrorism in 1982 for backing libera on movements like the ANC and SWAPO

and suppor ng revolu onary governments like the Sandinista in Nicaragua.

But the USA under President Barack Obama, on April 14, 2015, a er reviewing the classifica on of Cuba as a terrorist state, admi ed it was poli cal and unhelpful, thereby, removing Cuba from the list.

However, in the twilight of his administra on, Cuba was re-listed on January 12, 2021, by former President Donald Trump as he was reportedly livid with the country’s refusal to recognise Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s Interim President.

Aregbesola in a statement on Friday, said Cuba has helped a lot of countries including Nigeria.

Aregbesola noted that Cuba is not a terrorist country and does not involve itself in acts that are dangerous to others.

He said, “USA removing Cuba from the countries ‘not coopera ng fully’ with its an -terrorist efforts is a first step to many and I’m op mis c that Cuba will be delisted from the list of state sponsors of terrorism soon.

“Having visited the country many mes, I cannot but acknowledge her humanitarian gestures to other countries, including Nigeria.

“Cuba was there in helping to contain Ebola in Africa and her giant contribu on during the COVID19 pandemic cannot be overemphasised.”

den fied en ty under the guise of the Ife Consultave Forum, contains misleading informa on aimed at undermining the developmental strides of our community. The construcon of a flyover bridge in Ile-Ife is not only a crucial infrastructural enhancement but also a significant step towards improving traffic flow, ensuring public safety, and fostering economic growth in our beloved city.

“As concerned youths and stakeholders in Ile-Ife, we stand firmly in support of the Osun State Govern-

- Good grade in first degree or HND in Mass Communica on, Liberal Arts, or Social Sciences

Minimum 10 years of experience in print media

(Or related field with relevant experience)

the Business team of a high-quality weekly newspaper in Osogbo.

The Discourse

If Tinubu Were Today’s Opposition Leader An Intriguing Week Ahead

WE are up for an intriguing week ahead. This is not unconnected to the planned naonwide protests amidst the raging economic hardship and hunger. There is of course no doubting the fact that the current economic quagmire deserves an emergency solu on. Perhaps, the reason why the planned protests may not be wished away. However, there is a clause…

A disloca on to an already dishevelled economy must be avoided. It will further complicate ma ers and this cannot be the me for childish exuberance and saber-rattling by misguided spokespeople trying to jus fy their appointments.

In a heated atmosphere, the interven on of the Federal Informa on Minister is worthy of commenda on.

“So, there is no need for strike. The young people out there should listen to the President and allow the President more me to see to the realisa on of all the goodies he has for them.” We

are at a loss about how “ goodies “ came in here but the statement of the minister is more reassuring and sensible than the use of threats.

There must be a pause and reconcilia on. There must also be the intellectual honesty to consider a change of direc on and fine-tuning. At the moment the cost of living crisis is punive and must be ameliorated by redirec ng funds to the produc ve sectors and by going for bust on exports in order to revive the Naira as a dependable store of value.

To achieve an advance those in authority must be more expansive and listen to the voices of those outside the corridors of power. The government must use these intersec ons to put a war against poverty and reversing the decline in living standards as the trajectory for sustainable development. In this way, the crisis will be turned into an opportunity.

We must avoid a disloca on.

“A dislocation to an already dishevelled economy must be avoided. It will further complicate matters and this cannot be the time for childish exuberance and saber-rattling by misguided spokespeople trying to justify their appointments. In a heated atmosphere, the intervention of the Federal Information Minister is worthy of commendation”

Iwould have agreed that protests would happen on August 1, 2024, if the graph had been plo ed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But he is the si ng president, not the opposi on leader he used to be. You can’t ride a goat to in midate a master horseman. The media can cry themselves hoarse, the street can cry and weep. Nothing is happening. The powerful dey kampe.

“This is not the age of pamphleteers. It is the age of the engineers. The spark-gap is migh er than the pen. Democracy will not be salvaged by men who talk fluently, debate forcefully and quote aptly.” Lancelot Hogben said the above in his ‘Science for the Ci zen’ (1938). The mass media can only make its usual noise. Tinubu’s government is not the Wall of Jericho. No noise can threaten it.

And this is not peculiar to our situa on. Governments in Africa hardly pay a en on to write-ups and editorials. Nigeria is in a class of its own when it comes to this. Apart from a very few, our leaders here have been the very dregs of humanity when it comes to literacy. A president once told us that he never read newspapers. One said he does not pay a en on to social media. When a leader becomes naturally illiterate by closing his mind to any form of literature, we cannot but have the type of society we have in Nigeria. Worst s ll, the media aides of our leaders who are expected to fill in their principals on the daily editorials about their governments hardly do that. Whenever they get their principals to read what is in print about them, I bet it will be that thirdparty advocacy PR stuff planted. Those guys thrive in the illiteracy of their principals

A senior poli cal aide of the former governor of my Eki State once told me that the governor was so alienated from the happenings in town such that when the people rained curses on him while driving through the streets of Ado Eki , the state capital, and he asked what the people were saying, the response he used to get was that the people were hailing him as the true son of his father.

What about those ar cles in the newspapers? I asked. The ex-governor’s aide laughed. I was embarrassed. Nothing was funny. He looked at me and answered: “So, of all the issues with Oga, it is the newspapers he will be reading?” We had the discussion in our Eki dialect. I gave up.

Our leaders don’t, or hardly read. Governors and presidents are projected by their media aides as the darling of the people. This is why nothing changes no ma er the number of ar cles wri en. But we will con nue to write; we owe that as a sacred duty to the genera ons yet unborn. Let posterity record it that when it ma ered, we did not lose our voices!

This is why I don’t believe that anything tangible will happen on August 1. There may be nausea ng noise here and there. There may be a bit of acon in a few state capitals. But overall, nothing consequen al will happen. The government will remain deaf. Hunger will con nue to ravage the land. Infla on will not stop galloping. And our governments – state, local and federal, will remain lethargic. The pain will be more excrucia ng. The government won’t be moved a bit because it knows that the people’s goat will con nue to shi even a er hi ng the wall.

There is no denying that things are hard, and the streets are not smiling. It is also a fact that as things stand now, the na on is standing on the edge

“Our leaders don’t, or hardly read. Governors and presidents are projected by their media aides as the darling of the people. This is why nothing changes no matter the number of articles written. But we will continue to write; we owe that as a sacred duty to the generations yet unborn. Let posterity record it that when it mattered, we did not lose our voices!”

of a cliff, precariously. The cord can snap, any moment, no doubt. But an organised protest remains ineffectual; it is never going to be the solu on. I believe in protests. I believe that the people have the right to express their anger within the permissible limits of the law. Unlike Oga Bayo Onanuga, one of the media aides to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I don’t believe that the hunger and pains in the land wear any ethnic garment. I don’t believe, like Onanuga tried to project in his reac on to the planned protest, that a par cular ethnic group is behind the so-called planned protest. Poverty is not a na ve of any land. Abject want and lack is almost evenly distributed among all na onali es that make up Nigeria. Residents of Maiduguri are hungry; the people of Ibadan don’t have what to eat; just as those living in Nnewi don’t know where the next meal will come from. It is a partnership in depriva on! It does not rain anymore; it pours all over Nigeria. If August 1, 2024, ever happened, unlike Onanuga, I believe with every fibre of my being, that President Tinubu, rather than Peter Obi, the presiden al candidate of the Labour Party (LP), should be held responsible. I tell you why I strongly feel this way.

Nigerians elected Tinubu as president and not Obi. If for anything, the bulk stops on Tinubu’s table. He is the one who holds the yam, the knife and the bellows to fan the embers that roast the yam. He is the one who should do all he could to bring an end to the sufferings in the land. The president, elected by the people, is the one to ini ate policies that will make life more abundant for the people. He is to secure the country, revive and revamp the economy and provide an enabling environment for business to thrive.

If he fails in those responsibili es, he has the opposi on to contend with. So, whatever Peter Obi is saying about this government, he is only doing his job as an opposi on leader. Tinubu did worse, when he never contested elec on. I think Onanuga should stop ac ng like the old execu oner who never wants the sword to be taken across his head. If the economy improves today, nobody will tell Obi to remain quiet. He has an audience because the government has gone to sleep. That should not be too difficult to understand.

But if I were President Tinubu, I would not lose my sleep over the August 1 protest. Nothing tangible will happen. The president, if you ask me, should be worried about the organic erup on that will happen should we con nue in this parlous state that Nigeria is. Nobody will plan it. Nobody will be its leader. It will be all-encompassing. It will spare nobody. The me cks for the na on. That is what should bother President Tinubu; the day the people will, on their own, say, enough is enough. That is the day of great calamity that should be of concern to those in power. And guess what: nobody will be able to stop it. It will be like an earthquake that does not give any pre-knowledge. It would have started before we all knew what hit us. And there will be no escape route, anywhere.

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

Why should any government panic because an Omoyele Sowore said there will be a ‘revolu on’? How many Nigerians can he mobilise? What will be his selling point? That he has remained on the side of the people all these years, or that he has no friends among the real enemies of the people? Will he ask the people to come to the streets when they know that his family is tucked away somewhere very impenetrable? Is he the one to tell the people that there is hunger in the land? Or that inflaon which has eradicated the middle class is about to wipe out the lowest of the lowest? No!

Telephone : 0809-301-9152

Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php

e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com

All correspondence to the above email addresses.

•Read full article on www.osundefender.com

•Culled from the NIGERIAN TRIBUNE of July 23, 2024.

•Ayodele is a writer, journalist and columnist.

Royal Rumble: The Deadly Clash In Araromi Owu

•Continued from page 1

OSUN DEFENDER alleged that Oyeyemi is an indigene of an adjoining community, Orile Owu; a situa on that does not sit well with the people of Araromi Owu.

A video shared on social media and obtained by the medium showed some buildings being burnt while some cars, including a Lexus jeep, were also damaged beyond repair.

One of the sources, a resident of Araromi Owu, who does not want his name in print said the hoodlums who burnt the palace also destroyed other proper es.

“It was caused by a chie aincy tussle. Araromi Owu is a se lement in Ago Owu in Ayedaade South LCDA.

“The bone of contenon is that an indigene of Orile Owu is being made the Baale of Araromi Owu but some se lers, majorly from Ibadan, are opposing the choice of the appointed Baale claiming that they are also en tled to the throne.

“The appointed Baale was at Ilofi (seclusion), where tradi onal rites were performed on him. But the se lers are insis ng that he would not be allowed to reign,” the source hinted.

Security Agents Take Over

Meanwhile, a combined team of security opera ves have taken over the community to forestall another crisis.

A top security source told OSUN DEFENDER that peace has rela vely returned to the community, warning that the operaves have been instructed to deal with anyone wanting to foment trouble.

“I can confirm to you that we security agents are

in the community and people are going about their businesses without any issue.

“We are here to stop any further clash and whoever tries to cause problem will be properly dealt with. We won’t allow the breakdown of law again in the community,” the security agent who preferred not to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the ma er stressed.

Why Crisis Degenerated - Olowu of Orile Owu

Speaking on what led to the deadly clash, the Olowu of Orile Owu, Oba Dauda Adebimpe Akinfalabi, said the people of Araromi Owu who are settlers from Ibadan in Oyo State, have made several a empts to have their monarch elevated to a Second Class tradi onal ruler in Osun State.

Oba Akinfalabi explained that moves around

the eleva on from the status of a Village Head had been on since 1934, when the late Oba Peter Adekunle, the then Olowu of Orile Owu, gave them land for farming and payment of annual tributaries.

The royal father who spoke to newsmen in his palace, said some people had earlier forged his letterhead and signature as the Consen ng Authority in the area and wrote the state government that the Olu of Araromi had been recognised as a Second Class King and presented the same to the government for approval.

The Olowu of Orile Owu noted that the said document was being inves gated by the security agencies when the late natural ruler of Araromi Owu, Nathaniel Oyetunji joined his ancestors and Alhaji Sikirulahi Oyeyemi was chosen as the next tradi onal ruler of the town.

According to the mon-

arch, Oyeyemi was in seclusion on July 19, 2024, when some people allegedly from Ibadan stormed the town for the installaon of another person.

The tradi onal ruler added that they retreated for more reinforcement when they learnt that a monarch had been selected and was already undergoing ritual rites in seclusion.

He alleged that the said people came back with thugs and some security opera ves to invade the seclusion but were resisted by Oyeyemi’s supporters, a situa on which led to the violence.

The monarch who said he had wri en a peon to the Commissioner of Police, alleged that a prominent person in the community who wanted to install himself as the monarch and had earlier approached the state High Court for declara ve and injunc ve orders led the thugs to cause chaos.

Govt Sues For Peace, Halts Selec on Process

Meanwhile, the state government has sued for peace in Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communies.

Governor Ademola Adeleke also approved and directed that security opera ves should be sta oned in the areas and protect the communi es by maintaining law and order.

The state Commissioner for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, in a statement, confirmed that many properes were lost to the violent confronta on.

While calling for calm, Alimi said, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved and directed that security opera ves should

immediately be sta oned in the areas and protect the communi es by maintaining law and order.”

The statement read, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for calm between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communi es in Ayedaade local Government area of Osun State.

“He also announced that the government has ordered that the chie aincy selecon process which caused the communal clash, be henceforth suspended.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has also directed the Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Ojo, to mobilise security opera ves to the towns to maintain law and order, that anyone caught not abiding by the law is to be arrested and prosecuted appropriately.

“The government has the duty of protec ng the lives and proper es of the people of Araromi Owu and Orile Owu in Ayedaade local government, hence direc ng that any act or movement contrary to peace, and which may lead

to a breakdown of law and order in the communi es, is not acceptable.

“The government parcularly commiserates with the families of those who lost their proper es in the communal clash and added that the ri will be duly inves gated.

“The government reiterates that peace is germane in every environment, and assured Osun residents of security, while also calling for the support of residents, and urged everyone to embrace peace.”

Slain NSCDC Officer Laid To Rest

The remains of the NSCDC officer killed during the crisis, Shi u Kehinde was on Wednesday, laid to rest in Osogbo.

Kehinde, popularly called Kenwask, was laid to rest according to Islamic rites a er a short prayer was conducted in his honour.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that he died on the spot while other officers of the agency who were also at the scene of the chie aincy clash sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The deceased was among the 159 new intakes of the NSCDC.

He was survived by his wife and children.

PDP Defectors Accuse Adeleke’s Govt Of Favouring Cronies

Yusuf Oketola

SOME members of the People’s Democra c Party (PDP) who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State have accused the ruling party led by Governor Ademola Adeleke of par ality.

The defectors, led by a former local government scribe, Alimi Surajudeen, cri cised the ruling party for favouring perceived family members and friends over those who had worked hard for the party.

According to Surajudeen, “It is unfortunate to be in a party, work for it, yet feel no sense of belonging. The party operates within a circle of friends and family, neglec ng the masses. I cannot align with such a party.

“In Osun State, es-

LG

pecially in Irewole, only those seen as family dominate, without allowing others to enjoy the dividends of democracy. I cannot belong to such a party.”

Surajudeen also highlighted his past role, saying, “I was a former Secretary of the local government during Oyinlola’s tenure. A poli cal party should help the masses, not just a select group. When only 2 percent out of 100 benefits, it creates suffering and problems for the masses.”

Meanwhile, the APC Chairman in Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal, assured the defectors that they would not regret their decision to join the party.

Some members of the Ac on Democra c Party (ADP) also defected alongside the PDP members on Sunday.

Autonomy:

Osun Assembly Commences Amendment Of OSIEC Law

Yusuf Oketola Kazeem Badmus

THE Osun State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, said it had commenced the process of amending the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission and Local Government Crea on and Administraon Law.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the amendment follows the recent judgement by the Supreme Court gran ng financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), Barr Hashim Abioye had noted that the forthcoming local government elec ons will be conduct-

ed in only the cons tuonally recognised 30 Local Government Areas and Area Office in the state.

The Speaker, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, during plenary on Tuesday, noted that the bills slated for amendments include the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (Amendment No 1) Bill, 2024, and the Osun State Local Government Areas (Crea on and Administraon) (Harmonised) Bill, 2024.

Egbedun maintained that the Assembly needed to delve into the amendments to ensure that its legisla ve framework aligned with the new legal landscape.

He said, “I trust that each one of us is well-informed about the recent

landmark ruling delivered by the Supreme Court, which has authorised financial independence for the 774 Local Governments across Nigeria.

“This significant judgement has brought about the nullifica on of certain exis ng laws that were in place.

“In light of this development, I am urging this Honorable House that we promptly ini ate the process of amending the current Osun State Local Government Areas (Creaon and Administra on) Laws, as well as the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Law.

“To facilitate this crucial process, I am proposing two new bills for considera on: (i) Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (Amendment No 1) Bill, 2024, and Osun State Local Government Areas (Crea on and Administra on) (Harmonised) Bill, 2024.

“Let us work collabora vely to enact laws that not only comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling but also promote good governance and effec ve administra on at the local government level.

“Your dedica on and exper se in this ma er are highly valued, and I am confident that together, we can enact legisla on that serves the best interests of our cons tuents and upholds the principles of democracy.”

Nigerians Carpet APC Scribe, Basiru For Saying Food Inflation Is Overhyped

SSodiq Yusuf his posi on denotes that the thinking of the federal government and the ruling party is far away from the reality of the people.

OME Nigerians on X (formerly Twi er) have carpeted the Na onal Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru over his comments that Nigeria’s skyrocke ng inflaon rate is not as bad as it is being reported.

Basiru, while featuring on Channels TV Poli cs Today monitored by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday downplayed the sta s cs released by the Na onal Bureau of Sta s cs (NBS) saying he does not agree with it.

The former Osun Central Senator stated that although prices of essen al commodi es especially food have con nued to rise, the situa on is being tackled by the federal government.

“I don’t agree with that sta s cs. What is the source of your informa on? NBS did not give the data. I disagree. I know there are infla onary challenges but it is not up to that level.”

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the June 2024 infla on index is 15.0% higher than the situa on in March 2023 at 33.20%, before President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

Also, food infla on, according to the NBS suffered a 15+% rise from 24.82% in May 2023 to 40.01% in March 2024.

Many Nigerians, however, at the end of the programme took to their various social media handles to carpet Basiru stressing that

@MentusNnaemeka in his reac on said: “You wonder how these guys are elected from elec on to elec on!”

Another X user @Thescars92And he is a lawyer? Wow! Per tone or per tubers. The masses can’t even afford half. Lol rub it on their faces.

@iam_Daposh Their Leader, Alhaji Tinubu doesn’t believe in Sta s cs. Why would anyone expect APC members to believe in Sta s cs?

@berom29 stressed that: “He gets Newspapers Allowance and have access to economic data yet he will not accept official data from NBS. What solu on can he proffer to our cur-

rent economic situa on?

@francis_ranco said that, “At this point, you can agree with me that these poli cians are only good for one thing, if Nigerians can summon the courage to!

“Did I hear him menon that they are releasing food? Like seriously, that’s a control measure for them?,” @ecomgem posted.

@MbakaraPromise tweeted: “Our poli cians are too proud, they need serious humbling, I don’t think we hit the road we should visit their Houses instead and have this conversa on face to face.”

@abiajames wrote: “Arguing blindly. How much was rice sold using the 4kg custard rubber before PBAT came in and how much is it now and a si ng Senator is arguing unnecessarily? Wow!

JULY 26, 2024 - THURSDAY, AUGUST 01, 2024

Osun Poly Expels 27 Students For Protesting Against EFCC

THE management of the Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State has expelled 27 Higher Na onal Diploma (HND) students of the ins tu on over an alleged riot on the school premises.

Recall that students of the school had in May embarked on the alleged riot bea ng staff and destroying their vehicles while protes ng the arrest of some students by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The development prompted the ins tu on to set up a panel to inves gate the crisis and the terror unleashed on the staff and property of the ins tu on.

A statement by the spokesperson of the instu on, Sola Lawal, said: “The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State cons tuted an inves ga ve commi ee to unravel the miseries surrounding the Students’ crisis/rampage of Thursday,

•Expulsion Harsh, Unjust - NANS

May 9th, 2024 leading to the stoning of people at the senior staff club.

“The unprovoked a -

tude led to the vandalisaon of individual and ins tu on’s proper es. This unwarranted ac on ne-

gates the mo o of the great citadel which is Knowledge, skill, and character which the ins tu on is known for.

Residents Hail Owaloko, Laud Achievements At Third Anniversary

RESIDENTS of IlokoIjesa in Oriade local government area of Osun State, have commended the giant strides of the Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa, Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe in the last three years of his coronaon.

In separate interviews with OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, the residents noted that Oba Ogungbangbe since his enthronement has con nued to a ract developmental projects that have aided the economic life and wellbeing of the people.

They also lauded his leadership a ributes stressing that his impact has been felt widely by indigenes of Iloko Ijesa at home and in the diaspora.

A resident of the town,

Adebayo Michael explained that “In the last three years, Oba Ogungbangbe has not agreed that he is a ruler. He prefers to be addressed as a leader.

“He has carried the people along so well that in every corner of the town, you will see his imprints and developmental efforts. We are indeed happy with him.”

Another respondent, Sodiq Lawal stressed that the golden imprints of Oba Ogungbangbe have made him a man of the people.

Lawal said, “His major achievements are in educa on and employment opportuni es. Aside from employing temporary staff, he pays monthly to assist public teachers at Osowusi Grammar School. He has a long list of indigenes who are benefit-

ing from his scholarship scheme from primary to ter ary educa on. He has empowered some youths with quality tools for voca onal prac ce, and those who were lucky to be employed through his interven on are not few in number.

“During Easter or Christmas, he associates with Chris ans. In the month of Ramadan, he associates with the Muslim faithful. During Obalogun fes vals, Oba Ogungbangbe wakes up as early as 3 a.m. to join the procession to historic sites in the town and does not miss showering prayers on his people at every historic site. He expressly permits the celebra on of the Olokun and New Year fes vals without restraint.

“His kind of royalty does not accommodate laziness and indiscipline. I have seen him driving around the town in person. Whenever you asked him, he would tell you that his driver is also a family man who deserves to rest and play with his kids. For Oba Ogungbangbe, leadership, or royalty, is service to the people. He is not the kind of leader who sits flamboyantly in his palace and asks subjects to run errands for the people. He supervises and monitors community projects.

“Being an Owaloko comes with a lot of sacrifice and demands. Whoever enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, partying, or living

flamboyantly must not aspire to become the king of Iloko-Ijesa. The king (Owaloko) serves the people, not the other way around. In Iloko-Ijesa, the king cannot sell land; only the people or council can. No king of Iloko-Ijesa can enjoy the palace like modern kings. You are certainly compelled by some mysteries to work for the town and its people. This is evident in the lives of past leaders who led the town to prosperity with their Godgiven intellect, resources, and posi ve drives,” Lawal noted.

“A er a painstaking and thorough inves ga on, the following decisions were arrived at: 27 students (HND1 and 2) were expelled.

“Eight students (HND1) were suspended for two academic sessions while two former students union leaders were banned from entering two campuses with immediate effect.”

However, the Na onal Associa on of Nigerian Students (NANS) SouthWest while reac ng to the expulsion said the judgement is harsh, unjust, and an infringement on the fundamental rights of the students.

NANS in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Alao John, Secretary, Comrade Sulaimon Sanni, and Public Rela ons Officer, Oluwadamilola Bamigboye said the decision to expel the students without due process is a

clear viola on of natural jus ce and the principle of fairness.

The statement reads partly: “The a en on of the Na onal Associaon of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest has been drawn to the expulsion le ers dated 18th July 2024 to some of our students in Federal Polytechnic, Ede.

“The le er accused them of par cipa ng in the student crisis of 9th May 2024, which allegedly led to the breakdown of law and order on campus.

“We find this expulsion not only harsh and unjust but also an infringement on the fundamental rights of the students involved.

“The protest journey to the Office of the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ibadan and Odele, Osun State, was carried out to voice legi mate concerns. The decision to expel the students, without due process or a fair hearing, is a clear viola on of natural jus ce and the principles of fairness and equity.

“Furthermore, the involvement of students in peaceful protests should not be criminalized. Educa onal ins tu ons are meant to nurture and develop cri cal thinking and ac ve ci zenship among students. Punishing students for exercising their rights sets a dangerous precedent and s fles the democra c spirit within the academic community.

“In light of the above, NANS Southwest demands the immediate reversal of the expulsion. The leadership of NANS Southwest awaits the report of the Joint Campus Commi ee (NANS JCC Osun Axis) to determine the next line of ac on.”

Siblings Remanded In Prison For Allegedly Stealing 22 Bags Of Cocoa In Osun

AN Osun State Magistrate Court si ng in Ile-Ife has remanded two siblings, Hassan Wasiu and Kamoru Wasiu, in a correc onal centre for allegedly stealing 22 bags of cocoa beans.

Hassan (34), and Kamoru (30) were arraigned alongside one Liadi Muhammed (40), on three charges of conspiracy unlawful entry, and stealing.

The prosecutor, Joseph Adebayo, told the court that the defendants stole 22 bags of dry cocoa beans, an electric ba ery, a solar system, and clothes valued at N30 million.

According to Adebayo, the defendants committed the offence at about

3.00a.m on June 18, at Ondo Road, Ile-Ife, when they conspired and unlawfully broke into a shop belonging to one Adegbaju Olaolu.

The offences according to the police contravened sec ons 390(9), 413, and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002. The defendants who

were not legally represented, pleaded not guilty to the allega ons preferred against them.

The Magistrate, Abosede Sarumi, ordered that the defendants be remanded to the Correconal Centre.

The case was adjourned ll September 9, 2024 for men on.

PUBLIC NOTICE

That I was formerly known and addressed as OLATOYOSI FUNKE ABIMBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADENIJI FUNKE ABIMBOLA All former documents remain valid General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as BANKOLE AISHAT, with former Date of Birth 0908-1981, but now wish to be known and addressed as BANKOLE FATIMOH TOYIN, with New Date of Birth 02-06-1986. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Osimhen Open To Saudi Move – Report

NIGERIAN interna onal Victor Osimhen was said to be ge ng fed up with the prolonged negoa on between Napoli and suitors Paris SaintGermain, with the striker now open to a move to Saudi Arabia.

This was contained in a report by Italian publica on Tu o Napoli on Wednesday.

The report further stated that Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal are set to make another move for the Nigerian, who is eager to have his future sorted out before the start of the season.

Osimhen has emerged

as one of the most soughta er strikers in Europe, having been linked with moves to Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool, among others.

However, his he y €130m release clause has scared off many suitors, with PSG the only European club s ll keen on signing him.

Talks between Napoli and PSG have taken another turn, with reports emerging that the Ligue 1 side will have to sell either Gancalo Ramos or Randal Kolo-Muani before proceeding with the signing of the Nigerian striker.

While Osimhen is ready to leave Napoli this summer, the Super Eagles striker’s priority is to remain in Europe and fight for the biggest trophies on the con nent.

Osimhen had rejected numerous offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia in the past. Tu o Napoli wrote that the 25-yearold had instructed his entourage to listen to offers from the Middle East.

“Yesterday’s slow-

down in the nego a ons between Victor Osimhen and PSG is sensa onal: the Napoli striker, red of wai ng for the French to find him a place in the team by selling Kolo Muani or Gonçalo Ramos, winks at Saudi Arabia,” the Italian publicaon wrote.

“The Nigerian is covered by a €130m release clause that is considered excessive even by the sheikhs of Paris. So the

French have tried without success to include their surplus strikers in the talks to unblock the opera on.

“Osimhen is fed up, a prisoner of his golden contract. De Lauren is will probably grant discounts on the clause but not sales. Therefore, the player’s entourage, in order to hurry the French and unblock an embarrassing situa on, has made it known that the

centre-forward would be available to listen to Al Hilal’s proposal.”

Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in the 2020 summer for a club record fee of €70m plus another €10m in bonuses.

The 25-year-old has been in top form for the Parthenopeans for the past two seasons, guiding them to their first Scude o tle in over three decades in the 2022/23 season, scoring 26 league goals, which earned him the top scorer award.

Osun To Host Zonal Elimination Ball Games

OSUN State has been granted the right to host the zonal elimina on of team sports in the South-West.

This was contained in a release issued by the Public Rela ons Officer of the State’s Sports Council, Mrs Funmilayo Moradeyo.

The compe on according to the statement is aimed at selec ng athletes that will represent the South-West in the ball games at the Naonal Youth Games to be hosted by Delta State in September.

The athletes will compete in Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball,

Hockey Cricket, Abula, Rugby and Baseball/Soball in the comple on slated for August 12th14th, 2024.

Speaking on the state’s prepara ons, the host and General Manager of the Sports Council, Mr Ro mi Dunmoye stated that the Deputy Governor who doubles as the Commissioner of Sports, Prince Kolawole Adewusi, has been working relessly to make the hos ng a remarkable ou ng.

Meanwhile, the Director of coaching and training, Demola Daini stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure a brilliant performance as the host state.

News

Cholera: Lions Club Sensitises Osogbo Market Women, Donates Waste Bin

IKazeem Badmus

N its bid to contribute to efforts at keeping the environment clean to rid off the outbreak of Cholera in Osun State, a nonprofit organisa on, the New Era Lions Club District 404 B2 on Thursday, donated a big metal waste bin to Oluode market in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

The club also sensised market women on the need to keep their environment clean and stay healthy to guard against the deadly disease.

Speaking during the handover of the waste bin, the President of New Era Lions Club, Lion Busola

Ogundiya, urged the state government to provide waste dump mechanisms at markets, as well as, its frequent evacua on.

She said, “We are here today to donate this waste bin to manage the refuse that we have in the Oluode market. Before coming, we met with the market heads on needs assessment and it was then that they told us that as big as the market is, they don’t have where to dump their refuse.

“We know the state government cannot do it alone but we will s ll admonish them to keep ringing it in the ears of our people that dumping of

refuse, either in the gu er or the canal is very wrong. They should provide as many places and waste bins as possible where people can drop their waste and make sure the waste management goes regularly to pick it up.

“Market is the next to mouth. It is where we buy what we eat and somemes, we buy things there and drop them in our mouths. So, we want the market people to always keep their environment clean.

“We’ve already sensi sed the people on the need to keep their places clean and live healthy to avoid cholera.”

In his admoni on, the 2nd Vice District Governor, Lion Sunday Akere, appealed to the market women to use the facility in a way that would not discourage the waste management officials from doing their work.

According to him, “At Lions Club, we have our areas of focus which include, environment and our Lions year starts every first of July. For this month, our ac vity globally is on the environment and we decided a er the need as-

sessment to bring this big waste bin here.

“The market women should not allow people to misuse the facility. They should ensure that they pack their waste in a way that will not discourage the waste management officials from picking the refuse.”

Also, speaking, the Director of Environmental Management and Sanitaon, Osun Waste Management Agency, Mr. Peter

Aleshinloye, promised the market women that his officers would be on the ground to pack the refuse regularly.

He said, “We thank God for the presence of this organisa on and their partnership with the Osun State Government in making sure that our ci es are clean.

“We have been here since morning, joining them to sensi se members of the market about

imbibing the culture of cleanliness. We have assured them that our vehicles will be coming to evacuate the dirt on a weekly basis.”

The Head of the market (Iyaloja), Sidikatu Lateef, in her words of appreciaon, said, “On behalf of the market women, I want to appreciate the Lions Club for this gesture and I’m urging my people to make judicious use of the waste bin.”

Youths Disagree Over Construction...

•Continued from Page 2

ment’s ini a ve to construct the flyover bridge. This project represents a proac ve approach to modernizing our infrastructure and addressing the longstanding deplorable condi on of roads in that axis. It is designed to benefit residents, commuters, and businesses alike, providing a sustainable solu on to enhance our city’s livability and connec vity.

“Furthermore, we emphasize that the faceless group, Ife Consulta ve Forum, purportedly represen ng our community, does not speak for the ma-

jority of Ife indigenes nor reflect our collec ve aspira ons for development. Their a empt to discourage this essen al project is misguided and does not align with the broader interests of our community.

“We call upon the Osun State Government to disregard the baseless objec ons raised by this faceless group and proceed with the planned construc on of the flyover bridge as soon as possible. We appeal to the contractor to with immediate acon move to the project site and begin opera on. The 12-month delivery period as promised in our

last discussion with both the ministry officials and contractor remains firm in our mind.

“We urge all stakeholders, including residents and local businesses, to unite in support of this transforma ve ini a ve that will undoubtedly contribute to the overall progress and prosperity of our historic city.

“The Ife Youths Organisa on remains commi ed to advoca ng for ini a ves that promote sustainable development, infrastructure improvement, and the overall well-being of our community.”

FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2024 - THURSDAY, AUGUST 01, 2024 VOL. 19 NO 29 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

TO combat soaring prices of food commodi es especially, which have gone beyond the reach of the mass majority of Nigerians, the Federal Government has decided to suspend taxes, du es, tariffs on importa on of certain food commodi es like maize, wheat, husked brown rice and cowpeas through Nigeria land and sea borders for 150 days. In addi on to foodstuff importa on by private business people, the government is also poised to impor ng 250,000 metric tons of wheat and maize each in their semi-processed state for direct supplies to small-scale processors and millers and restock the nearly depleted Na onal Strategic Food Reserve. With this policy, the Tinubu led government intends to tackle food infla on which stands at 40.66% in May 2024, by the data from the Na onal Bureau of Sta s cs and makes foods accessible to the poor working people, parcularly.

In the last one year, prices of food items which were taken for granted like yam, wheat, sugar, tomato and pepper, plantain, potato, garri, meat, egg, etc, have con nued to skyrocket, making millions go hungry to bed as money in their pockets can no longer buy foods. The United Na ons had predicted that 82 million Nigerians may go hungry by 2030 except the government tackles climate change, pest infesta ons, and other threats to agricultural produc vity.

In March, 2024, a Presiden al Economic Coordina on Council (PECC) was cons tuted which later presented a N2 trillion package, which was approved by Mr. President, to be spent on a aining ‘Accelerated Stabiliza on and Advancement Plan’ with which agriculture was a major sector. Before PECC cons tuon, Mr. President had ordered the release of 42,000 Metric Tons of food commodi es from the Na onal Strategic Food Reserve to be distributed to the people with another plan to do more with 85,500 Metric Tons of rice purchased from Rice Processors Associa on of Nigeria and addi onal 30,000 Metric Tons of rice bought elsewhere. Furthermore, on Tuesday, 9th July, Mr. President announced the crea on of a new ministry – The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. The President seems to be convinced that livestock reform industry is a long term solu on to herders and farmers rou ne violent clash.

The above stated facts a est to the fact that Tinubu led government is concerned about the hunger in the land and striving to taking measures to bring down the prohibi ve price of foods. But all these policies and measures only scratch the surface. For instance, what happens a er 150 days tax holiday to food importers? Would skyrocke ng food prices have by then evaporated? With corrup on everywhere you go, wouldn’t the importers be compromised and make nonsense the tax waiver by the marketer and trader profiteers who would hide under the increase in the fuel price in moving the commodi es from one

“Our security agencies have been doing their best but it is not enough. The bad eggs among them who are informants to the terrorist/criminals must be made to face hellfire while the sponsors of terror in any form who have chased our farmers out of their farmland should be made to face the full wrath of the law with immediate commensurate compensation to affected farmers”

Tax Holiday On Imported Food Commodities

point to another across the country? Yes, it is a good ini a ve to boost our livestock industry but is that a solu on to farmers/herders clash which has been a major cause of food shortage that sparks off food infla on? Benue farmers who were chased away from their ancestral homes and farmland by the armed herdsmen have increased to 2 million in the past 7 years in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps with their children denied proper educa on. These are people that are

RULES are popularly defined as guidelines and instruc ons for doing something right. From the smallest unit of society, the family, all the way to na ons and the global stage, rules are made for orderly rela ons and opera ons.

Whereas rules may be general and flexible, regula ons stringently and specifically detail out the rules, o en going further to specify penal es for default.

Although most rules are officially wri en and spelt out, a measure of the backwardness of so-called underdeveloped countries manifests in ci zens wanton ignorance and disregards for rules and regula ons. A clear demonstra on of this is seen, for instance, in the way instruc on manuals for basic household gadgets are thrown away without a glance, a er purchases; “I Agree” is usually cliqued without reading Terms and Condi ons; and rules of engagement on social media pla orms and groups are disobeyed relentlessly. Such are the reasons why generator fumes in enclosed environments s ll kill cizens in their sleep ll tomorrow despite warnings and warnings against it!

If any reader casts his or her mind back in me, since our growing-up days callers-in to radio programmes

known as professionals in food and cash crops produc on languishing in the 14 registered IDP camps across the state.

It is instruc ve to state that Benue used to be the food basket of Nigeria un l this pathe c situa on reared its ugly head. But it is not peculiar to Benue State, it’s all over and it is difficult to explain why successive governments find it difficult to finding las ng soluon to this menacing problem. Apart the fact that open grazing is barbaric, it is a se led law as Hon. Jus ce Adewale Thompson had ruled on April 17, 1969 in Suit no AB/26/66 at Abeokuta High Court againt open ca le grazing when he pronounced, “Sequence to that, I ban open grazing for it is inimical to peace and tranquillity and the ca le owners must fence or ranch their animals for peace to reign in these communi es.”

Apart from herdmen troubles, terrorists and criminals have con nued to kill and chase farmers out of their farmland in most NorthEastern states like Borno, Yobe and Adamawa to men on just a few and have made fran c efforts at taking over in the South-West but were resisted. Failure of government in tackling this crime and terror seems to give cre-

dence to what was said some mes that, “Any government that inten onally wants to fight crime and criminality or terrorism and clear them out of the country can successfully do so. It’s not a rocket science. There’s no criminal gang or terrorist group anywhere in the world that is more powerful than the government of their host countries. Anywhere you see terrorists and criminals operate unchecked or as if they are more powerful than the security system of that na on, the leaders are either romancing or are in bed with the sponsors of the gangs/groups.” Our security agencies have been doing their best but it is not enough. The bad eggs among them who are informants to the terrorist/criminals must be made to face hellfire while the sponsors of terror in any form who have chased our farmers out of their farmland should be made to face the full wrath of the law with immediate commensurate compensa on to affected farmers.

Government must take a bold step to crush these crimes once and for all as it is only domes c agricultural produc on and produc vity that can drive down food price and boost produc vity which is the only viable way out for long term food security. Once security at the farm is guaranteed, the first leg to food security is assured. The second leg is fuel price. Despite lipservice of every successive government to diversifica on, Nigeria has remained a monolithic economy. Almost every aspect of our life is run and affected by fosil fuel and once its price rises, prices of goods and services will rise. The very day of pronouncement of “fuel subsidy is gone” was the beginning of skyrise in the prices of goods and services. If the government is genuinely interested in driving down the prices of foods par cularly, fuel must be adequately subsidised, at least un l local refining dictates a clement price, which can never be as high as that of imported fuel whatever the case. Even if security of farmland is guaranteed, as long as the price of fuel increases, the price of food commodity will rise; and that is the naked truth.

For The Love Of Rules

are warned to move away from their radio sets if they cannot put it off during phone-in programmes. Till today, that same plea is s ll being made on radio sta ons without any end in sight! Wan ng to talk to the world on radio and wan ng to hear oneself on radio at the same me is a manifesta on of the crass opportunism and self-centredness that has come to characterise our lives based on love of shortcuts to gain undue advantages in disregards for rules of engagement and terms and condi ons. With the majority of ci zens tuned this way, it is only by miracle from above that we can produce service-oriented, lawabiding leaders for any organisa on.

This a tude, carried over into poli cs and governance is at the roots of our endangered democracy. The woeful status of public service ins tu ons and bad governance as well as crime and insecurity that obtains today is reflec ons of disregard for rules and procedure, as fear of deterrent measures disappears in the face of a jus ce system totally inept. It can be seen clearly that only the most menial infrac ons are punished, o en severely, while the most atrocious crimes mostly go unpunished – that is even

when perpetrators are apprehended at all. This is the founda on for a chao c society stranded in underdevelopment and insecurity.

There are clear rules for poli cal party opera ons, interparty rela ons and electoral contests for a healthy and growing democracy. The reason why we forever keep saying our democracy is young, and why it may sadly remain forever “young,” is refusal to “grow” through obedience to rules by all stakeholders. Cu ng corners is the general order of the day via the deployment of all sorts of open-secret cons and strong hands

In a land of serial contempt for the rules by majority of the “leaders” and the led alike, the Israelite’s tortuous and longwinded journey to the Promised Land is a child play compared to what inevitably lie ahead of us. If a change in a tude to rules and regula ons will not be championed by the elites who benefit the most from and are less punished by lawlessness, why should it not be championed by organisa ons of the masses that are the pawns and mainly at the receiving ends of disorder? The sooner we begin, the sooner we will be done.

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