Osun Defender Online Version of May 31, 2024

Ataoja Warns Nigerian Army Against Cheating, Selling Of Osogbo Land

THE Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, has called on the Federal Government to intervene in the land dispute between indigenes of the town and the Nigerian Army.

Oba Oyetunji, who spoke in his palace in Osogbo, on Tuesday, was reac ng to the reports that the Nigerian Army had started selling the land located at Kelebe-Omu area of the town for a sum of N7.5m per 500 square metres.

OSUN DEFENDER recalled that an Osun State High Court, si ng in IleIfe and presided over by Jus ce O. Ayoola, had on January 10, 2023, asked the army to vacate the 3,646 acres of land belonging to the land owners.

Oba Oyetunji, who said no indigene of Osogbo should be subjected to any manner of inhuman treatment over their involvement in the land tussle, called for the interven on of government and other stakeholders on the ma er.

The monarch said: “The army should not cheat my subjects on the land located at Kelebe area in Osogbo. We are not troublemakers. We have been saying this before now and we won’t allow anyone to engage in trouble.

“I plead with the federal and state governments to please look into the ma er cri cally. They should order the Nigerian Army to relinquish the possession of the land.”

The monarch said court had given verdict in favour of the people of Osogbo, adding that the copy of the judgment was with him.

“The court has given its verdict in our favour and we have a copy of the judgment. No one is above the law because the law is above even those that made it,” he said.

The leader of KelebeOmu Landowners Associaon, Chief Amodu Akanbi, alleged that despite the court judgment given in favour of the associa on, the Nigerian Army had con nued to hold onto the land, adding that a firm hired by the military has been instructed to be selling the land.

Akanbi said: “The Post-Service Housing Development Limited incorporated by the Nigerian Army to manage the said land is selling it plot-byplot, with the sum of N7.5 million for 500sqm and

•Seeks FG Intervention

N15m for 1000sqm to private individuals.

“Kelebe-Omu Landowners Associa on comprises the good people of Osogbo across 45 family compounds in Osogbo and Olorunda local government areas of Osun State.

“We are here to expose the constant disobedience of the Nigerian Army to judgment of the court and the rule of law, which is threatening the peace of the public, especially Osogbo, the Osun State capital, hence, the interven on of the higher authority is urgently required.

“In compliance with the court judgment, we visited our land to execute the court judgment, but some military personnel led by

one Alayande forcefully dragged, harassed, beat us, destroyed our vehicles, and took about

30 of us to Ede Barack, threatening to kill us if we dare come on the land again. “It took the intervenon of our father, the

Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, before we could be released.” Akanbi warned members of the public against buying Kelebe-

Omu land from the Nigerian Army, saying that all transac ons a er the January 10, 2023 court judgment amounted to contempt of court.

Adeleke’s Commissioner Fingered In Osun Youth Council Leadership’s Crisis

THERE seems to be no end in sight to the lingering leadership crisis rocking the Osun State Chapter of Na onal Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

The Na onal Execu ve Council of the organisaon has iden fied with the Caretaker Commi ee set up in Osun which is being led by Comrade Abdulmojeed Oyeniyi, against Ajala Adetunji who claimed to have been elected in 2023.

Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that crisis engulfed the Osun NYCN a er the elec on that reportedly produced Adetunji on April 6, 2023 by all the affiliate associaons of the council in the state.

According to sources, the Na onal body of the council was against the candidature of Adetunji as the chairman prior to the elec on.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Moshood Olagunju, has been accused of fueling the crisis for polical reasons.

Olagunju was accused of siding the Caretaker

•Stop Blackmailing Me, Olagunju Tells Aggrieved Chairman

Commi ee of the NYCN in the state.

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER on the genesis of the crisis, Adetunji said the na onal body of the council has failed to idenfy with him because its anointed candidate, Oyeniyi failed to win the elecon.

According to Adetunji, the na onal secretariat resulted to appoint Oyeniyi as Caretaker chairman of the council a er losing the elec on.

Adetunji also accused the na onal body of lobbying the Commissioner for Youth Affairs and other persons in the Adeleke’s cabinet to do their bidding.

He said: “I have served as the Assistant Secretary and Public Rela ons Officer of Na onal Youth Council of Nigeria before my emergence as the chairman. Our elec on was conducted on April 6, 2023 and it was supervised by the Ministry of Youths which means the support of the government was involved in our congress.

“However, on the day before elec on, the delegates from the naonal led by the Vice President, South-West were in Osun.

“Meanwhile, prior to that me, there has been a kind of move from persons within the na onal body to impose Abdulmojeed Oyeniyi on us in the state but he is not known. He doesn’t belong to any affiliated organisa on.

“A er all efforts to impose him proved

abor ve, on the day of our elec on, the na onal came up with the list of five people. Two of the five people are member of the Youth Council while the other three were not members of the council.

“Among the five names are Abdulmojeed Oyeniyi, Emmanuel Adebisi who is now Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Civil Society and one Eluyemi who has distance himself from the supposedly Caretaker Commi ee.

“Also, the two other persons from our own end has also declared that they are not part of the kangaroo. Only Oyeniyi and Adebisi are going around calling themselves caretaker.

“When these people could not take control of the council, they tried to lobby the state Commissioner for Youths to do their bidding.

“The commissioner is not following the informaon he ought to follow. What they are telling him was that he can actually hijack the council and make it useful for his own purpose, by pu ng someone he can control for elec on.

“But we have maintained that the council is apoli cal, and if you want to join the council, you cannot join individually. You have to join through organisa on.

“And it is clear to the state that the cons tu on of Na onal Youth Council of Nigeria does not give any credence to caretaker. It’s a kangaroo. Such ac on and decision are not known to the cons tu on.

Earlier, the head of the

Voluntary Youths Organisaon, an affiliates of NYCN, Kamil Badmus, also accused the Commissioner for Youths of fueling the crisis by taking side with the fac onal group.

Badmus, in a statement made available to OSUN DEFENDER, on Wednesday, affirmed Adetunji as the duly elected chairman of the council.

The statement reads partly: “We are here to affirm the Chairmanship of Ajala Adetunji, who was ini ally elected by all the affiliate associa ons of NYCN last year April in a congress supervised by the Ministry of Youths in the state.

“We, the VYOs, therefore urged the Commissioner for Youth in the State, Hon. Moshood Olagunju to play the neutral role of being a father to all rather than taking side with a fac on and illegally suspending an elected chairman, who can only be suspended by the congress.

“We are the groups under the NYCN and we only recognise Ajala Adetunji’s leadership, hence, we appeal to all stakeholders, including the State Government not to cause more crisis in the group and should only work with Ajala as our representa ve in the state.”

But Olagunju, in a telephone interview with OSUN DEFENDER, on Wednesday, debunked the allega ons, saying the crisis has been in existence before his emergence as commissioner.

Olagunju noted that he is only working with the Caretaker Commi ee as

recognised by the Na onal Headquarters and Patron, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. He said: “The problem they have is with the naonal leadership of the group which, in an official le er, disowned Ajala Adetunji as the Chairman and is insis ng on an elec ve congress to elect leaders for the group.

“We suspended Ajala from having anything to do with the Ministry of Youth due to the illegal ac vi es he was perpetra ng under the name of the Ministry. But on his leadership issue, he has the na onal leadership to sort out issues with.

“I can only work with the group which was recognised by the na onal body and their patron, the Ooni of Ife. In fact, this issue has been on ground before I assumed office. He should stop blaming me with his predicament.

“The na onal body was here at the state police command on Tuesday on the crisis and they told him to stop parading himself as the chairman. How is it possible to call yourself chairman when the na onal headquarters does not recognise you.

“The elec on that produced him (Adetunji) was a kangaroo. The elec on which the na onal headquarters and representave of the patron was not there to observe. When it’s me to do another elec on, the patron will send his representa ves and I will also invite other Commissioners from other state ,including security agencies to observe”.

Letter To The Editor

The Old New National Anthem-A Call To Pay More Attention To The Sacred Chambers?

WHAT new skit is trending on social media?

One not worth sparing my leisure me, I concluded. Alas, it’s not a skit. A beau ful soulful Na onal Anthem that resonates with Nigerians has been unceremoniously thrown to the bins to be traded by an outdated irrelevant non-indigenous Anthem, composed by a foreigner and wri en by yet another foreigner!

Is some sort of colonial oath from master to slave shrouding over us like a shadow to its owner? Why should a birth child be forsaken and a foreigner called to scribe an ode to our fatherland. Perhaps this is a belated April Fool’s joke and we will all wake up tomorrow to an apology for the expensive joke.

Democracy is for the people and by the people. School children chant this every day. We, their teachers, are confused on how to jus fy a preference for “white” things over indigenous things. We, the people, educators and children are pained by this forceful a ack on our identy, it’s an imposi on and disrup on of our heritage and a dent to the promising future we have been trying to hold on to against all odds. We, the Nigerians s ll op mis c that we are on track and ge ng to the promised land, have been hit by the whirlwind of this old new anthem. It’s bi ng into our eyes and we are struggling to keep our feet on the ground and hold on to the beau ful picture of a brighter future despite all odds. The uncommon history of our beloved anthem “Arise O Compatroits…” was a na onal contest whereby the five winning poems by P.O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Eme E m

“Why should a birth child be forsaken and a foreigner called to scribe an ode to our fatherland”

Akpan and B.A Ogunaike were subsequently composed by Ben Odiase who served in the Nigerian Police Force from 1954 to 1992.

“Arise, O Compatriots…” was adopted to promote na onal ownership since the previous anthem was composed by a Bri sh expatriate. The excuse of an anthem introduced by the military is an excuse for lack of excuse. A democra c anthem by a colonialist as a replacement for an indigenous anthem introduced by the military is like trading gold for glass. How do I teach my students now that our na onal anthem is composed by a foreigner and wri en by a foreigner? Increased patrio sm is an unlikely result. Hearts are dampened and disappointed enough as it is in the “Nigerian Dream”. Is this some sort of knowing or unknowing suicide mission to sink Nigeria to the abyss of confusion for the con nued return of a colonialism more brutal than pre-independence. Then, Nigeria was not overcome without a fight, today Nigeria increasing seems to beg for and dance into recoloniza on. It is therefore per nent that we keep our eyes on the sacred chamber where laws are brewed, while we spur our voices to the heart of the chambers.

Anthem aside, this worrisome development calls for more vigilance to the sacred chambers. If this absurdity can play out with such speed of lightning, the ques on then is…what’s next on the cards of absurdi es?

Attack On Ayinke Towers

“Ogbeni:

The Osun Renaissance Years is a book written by a prominent Nigerian columnist, Olakunle Abimbola. The book details the administration of former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the ideological leanings that shaped his approach to governance. Here is an excerpt from Chapter 6 of the book”

RA TA TA TA TA TA – and the racket of excitable humanity outside vanished, replaced by a deathly quiet!

It was the night of 7 April 2007, exactly a week to the 14 April 2007 gubernatorial elec on. In his book, Fayemiwo put the me of a ack at 9:30 pm. Ayinke Towers (now Oranmiyan House), Aregbesola’s Campaign Headquarters, was deserted. Apart from the media team trio of Roy Jibroma (head consultant, Aregbesola Campaign Media), Fayemiwo (long-term Oranmiyan/Aregbesola Osun spokesperson), the author (co-consultant) and their support staff, the building was empty. O yes: there were also Kola Olabisi, Osun Defender editor, and his team holding newsroom strategic sessions, on their next offering, at the peak of the campaign period. Osun Defender, the Aregbesola campaign voice that Olabisi o en called “project newspaper”, had their office somewhere up-road, on Gbongan road, the main artery connec ng Osogbo to the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa expressway. But because of worsening elec on- me violence, Osun Defender, faced with threats of arson – or worse – had deserted their office, for the consolidated security of the Aregbesola Campaign Headquarters.

Normally, as the media people did their stuff, sundry groups of poli cians streamed in and out of the building. Many different groups, from varied wards and cons tuencies, also held different strategy mee ngs, such that the building was always a beehive of ac vity. When Aregbesola himself was around, it acquired a heightened bubble and frenzy. Mrs Laoye-Tomori, his running mate, also held rou ne mee ngs, in her second floor office, and adjoining conference hall, with the campaign womenfolk; since the Aregbesola Campaign was determined to take maximum advantage of the gender plurality that the Aregbesola/Laoye-Tomori cket offered. That was no monopoly though, since Erelu Olusola Obada, si ng Deputy Governor and Governor Oyinlola’s running mate in the 2007 elec on, was also a woman. On that fateful night, however, Ayinke Towers was near-empty.

Not so, outside. Beyond the Towers’ fenced and extensive forecourt was s ll enough space to spare, since Gbongan road was not yet a dual carriageway up to that point. So, that space played merry host to happy campaign-era guests, who every evening always flocked the Aregbesola Campaign Headquarters. This excited and excitable band of humanity was a sundry mix of ordinary folks: men, women, Okada riders leaning on their auto bikes, cha ng with friends a er a hard day’s work, to catch up with the latest news and gossips on the ongoing campaigns. Neighbourhood children too streamed into the crowd; turning the lit-up space into an exci ng night playground. In that medley and its roars of laughter, you could even hear one or two swear that the Governor, en route to his Abere office, always scowled, from behind nted car windows, at the gathered cha ering and animated crowd with envy and distaste; seeing them as nega ve plebiscite of sorts, on his person and tenure! No hard facts backed up that claim, though.

The especial pull of Ayinke Towers was the campaign’s mul -media segment – the big screen, from which the Aregbesola Campaign, every evening, beamed its daily elec oneering tours. So, many who could not follow the trail, but wanted a feel of the AC candidate’s message and campaign vibes, always massed around the area, to

have their fill: bantering, joking, arguing and generally enjoying themselves. But aside from campaign stuff, the big screen also showed movies, during which the crowd cheered or hissed; roared or cursed: the unmistakable babel of film goers, having the fun of their lives – and this me, it was free! Besides, the African U-17 championship was also on (from 10 to 25 March 2007), in neighbouring Togo, where Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets featured. The big screen served the matches live, sizzling hot and fresh – and you could hear the rolling thunder of the gathered denizens, as they cheered the Golden Eaglets, kilometres away: either from the Orita-Olaiya junc on down town, or from the Abere end, up road. It was addi onal excitement – call it a boon, if you will – that the Nigerian team was doing exceedingly well, as the crowd soaked in the thrills and tension of all the matches. A er the Golden Eaglets pipped Togo 1-0 in the final match, on the night of 25 March 2007, the crowd went berserk: kids yelling, women dancing, men hugging and back-slapping and some children screaming and screeching, dar ng into adjoining streets and alleys.

Such was the normal buzz, on the night of April 7, when bullets started whizzing – and the whole place melted into sudden quiet! As the staccato of hot lead sent everyone outside scurrying and diving for cover, those bullets smashed through the first floor glass windows, where the Aregbesola Media Team and the Osun Defender folks huddled, a few of them frozen with shock and fear. The author, informal campaign media bureau chief, who dished out Aregbesola campaign news for newspaper publicaons, grabbed and hugged his lap top. It was a desperate though laughable reflex, sugges ng his torso could protect the news materials in the computer, against flying bullets!

The ini al shock wore out, only for Rasheed Mabayoje, exNigeria Television Authority (NTA) Osogbo reporter and head of the media broadcast media, to belt in from the stairs.

“Kola Olabisi has been shot!” he screamed. “Olabisi has been hit!”

OSUN DEFENDER

Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Deputy Editor – Ismaeel Uthman

Produc on Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa

Reporter – Yusuf Oketola

Reporter – Kazeem Badmus

Photo Journalist – Olushola Aderinto

Computer Graphics – Zainab Olalere

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing

House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite

That screech snapped everyone out of their stupor. It was a great relief that no one, in the hall, had been hit. But that relief and flee ng joy only sparked fresh panic, to confirm the worst, about the Osun Defender editor, who but a few seconds ago, was with his team, in that same hall. So, the dash downstairs started. But somewhat, Olabisi emerged, wrapping what remained of his torn redlaced-with-black Yoruba nave fabric around his torso, looking like a stunned ghost who just stumbled on the living!

Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), Gbogan Road Osogbo,

State of Osun

ISSN : 0794-8050

Telephone : 0809-301-9152

Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php

e-mail : osundefender@yahoo.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com

All correspondence to the above email addresses.

“Kola,” someone asked rather stupidly, “are you dead”?

Of course, he was not –and that again was a great relief! But he recounted,

Report

The Great Ogbeni @67: Chronicles Of A Political Avatar’s Birthday

•You’re A Doyen In Osun Politics, Adeleke Tells Aregbesola

•Aregbesola Is A Trailblazer And Performer – Imam Igi-ogun

•I Will Continue To Associate With Ex-governor- Oba Abolarin

•Peter Babalola: Aregbesola Bequeathed Worthy Legacy To Osun

•Aregbesola, A Name Synonymous With Fairness, Justice, Equity – Adesiji

•We’re Proud Of You - OCSC Chairman

ian reminds one of the way his new age is marked every year, while he was governor and a minister.

GREATNESS is all about success, excellence, and grand achievements that unleash opportunity and prosperity. What informs further greatness is extending the fron ers of good to other people, which will always return at every point in life, through different means.

‘The Great Ogbeni,’ a phrase used by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to welcome the immediate-past Minister of Interior and former governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, to a mee ng of leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West, ahead of the 2023 general elec ons, is not just a name.

It is a testament to the greatness of a man described by many profound writers as a poli cal colossus, the architect of modern Osun, and a dynamic avatar in good governance, posi oned for development.

It was another opportunity to celebrate greatness last Saturday, May 25, 2024, when the Great Ogbeni marked his 67th birthday with prayers, pomp and pageantry. Kicking off with the annual birthday prayers at his Ilesa residence, Aregbesola’s 7th step being a sexagenar-

The nostalgia was even noteworthy as the celebraon a racted notable tradi onal rulers, poli cians and well-meaning Nigerians in the state and beyond, as well as other well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the symbol of progressive poli cs in Osun.

The birthday prayers a ended by family members, friends and poli cal associates was led by Imam Daud Imran, popularly known as Igi-Ogun, alongside other Islamic clerics, and it featured the recita on of the Quran and several prayers.

Imam Daud noted that Aregbesola is a trailblazer and performer whose leadership’s impact transcends poli cal office.

He said the con nued show of love, solidarity, and support to everything that Aregbesola represents by eminent Nigerians and members of the poli cal class are pointers to Allah’s love for him, which is embedded in the contribuons he has made to humanity.

He prayed Allah to grant the former governor of Osun a long life and many more years in service to God and humanity.

Aregbesola and others le Ilesa to a end a birthday programme organised

by his friends and poli cal associates in Osogbo.

The event was well a ended by tradi onal rulers, among who are the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dr Adedokun Abolarin, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, who was represented by his chief, poli cians, leaders of civil society groups, ar sans and others.

The well-wishers took their turns to celebrate and deliver their individual’s goodwill message on Aregbesola.

Speaking at the event, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, celebrated Aregbesola’s ‘life of impacts and contribu ons to state and na onal building’.

Adeleke who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Teslim Igbalaye, noted that Aregbesola had painstakingly invested efforts and God-given wisdom over the years to make differences through the various public offices he had served.

The Governor described Aregbesola as an excep onal and charisma c leader whose imprints in the state and country, is standing the test of me.

Adeleke also noted that the celebrant remains a doyen in Osun poli cs, with the cult-like followership which is full of the movers and shakers of the poli cal direc on of the state.

The Governor said: “You are blessed. You only know a core poli cian with the calibre of people following him when he is not in power. For me to see the calibre of people that are here even without being in power at the moment, it means God is with you. It also shows that you are on ground.

“On behalf of the Osun State Execu ve Council, we are celebra ng you, our party the PDP is celebra ng you. Con nue to do good to people. You are reaping the fruits of your legacy and impact in the lives of the people and I pray God to grant you many more years in good and sound health in service to Osun State.”

In his remarks, Oba Abolarin saluted the sterling attributes of leadership and commitment to humanity that Aregbesola symbolises.

Oba Abolarin noted that the former Minister and himself share a common passion for the emancipa on of the poor and the libera on of the people.

He said: “I can’t write my history without men oning Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. We’ve been together since

The Great Ogbeni @67: Chronicles Of A Political Avatar’s Birthday

1980; we were together in ac vism and other ideological ac vi es.

“When I wanted to establish my school, I consulted Aregbesola. We share everything in common. Aregbesola will always acknowledge and appreciate good and quality ideas, and progressive thinking. He appreciates progressive projects. He encouraged me to do good things.

“I don’t know why I wouldn’t not associate myself publicly with a person like Aregbesola.”

The former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeo , described Aregbesola as a man of his words and one that always fulfils his promises.

Adeo added that the immediate past two-term governor of Osun State earned his loyalty and support with his good character and love for the masses.

The ace poli cian declared that he will rather quit polics than dissocia ng himself from everything that Aregbesola represents.

Adeo said: “Aregbesola restored progressive party to government. A er the 2003 governorship elec on defeat, the progressive was in disarray; Aregbesola came in 2004 and breathed life into the party. He restructured the party and picked up the finances of the party. He restored the progressive to government and performed well.

“Aregbesola always wish everybody well and see to the upli ment and progress of everybody who works with him. Aregbesola is a core progressive and he’s doing well. Those who were in government yesterday are betrayer.

“I will rather resign from poli cs instead of betraying or dissocia ng myself from Aregbesola. I can do anything in support of Aregbesola. He’s truthful and straigh orward.”

The Chairman of the Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, eulogised Aregbesola, describing him as symbol of jus ce, fairness and equity in leadership and public service.

Adesiji remarked that Aregbesola has con nued to be a trailblazer and a relevant poli cal figure in Osun and na onally.

“Aregbesola is a name synonymous with fairness, jusce, and equity, and this is exemplified in his way of life as an unrepentant welfarist.

“As a governor in Osun, your people-friendly policies and programmes for the cons tu onal maximum tenure, have become points of reference for those who have occupied the exalted seat a er your glorious transformaon for higher responsibili es at the na onal level.

“Ogbeni, you remain a trailblazer everywhere you go, and without gainsaying, I can affirm you have con nued to be relevant in your calling, even a er exi ng poli cal offices you have held in the past.”

Also speaking, a former Chief of Staff to former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Elder Peter Babalola, praised Aregbesola, urging him to con nue to impact the development of Osun.

Babalola said: “You have bequeathed a worthy legacy to the State and everyone is proud of you. I have worked with you and I can say that you are truly an icon of excellence in leadership. You remain a shining star in the annals of history. I want to appeal to you to con nue to work for the progress and entrenchment of good governance in the state. That is where we need you the most as you turn 67.”

The Chairman, Osun Civil Socie es Coali on (OCSC), Comrade Waheed Lawal, described Aregbesola as humane and passionate about Nigeria’s development.

According to Lawal, Aregbesola is a pride to the civil society community, saying that the former governor of the state has con nued to associate himself with the CSOs’ cons tuency.

In his vote of thanks, Aregbesola used the occasion to canvass for joint efforts and organisa on for poli cal projects that will bring about mass prosperity.

Aregbesola called on ci zens to key into the ideas of Omolaubi Progressives Caucus which he launched few months ago in Ilesa.

He said the caucus is for all comers in the state, describing it as movement to renew commitment to the path of progressive ideology and poli cs as inherited from Chief Obafemi Awolowo, among other progressive leaders.

The former governor of Osun State said the way to go in achieving mass prosperity for Nigerians is to abide by the Omoluabi ethos in governance and poli cs.

He maintained that the core of an administra on that is truly ready to serve the people is discipline, courage, character and competence in leadership.

Aregbesola said: “We thank those who we started together, those who have joined us and those who will join us. We are invi ng everybody to join the Omoluabi movement.

“We make no discrimina on on the basis of ethnicity, religion, occupa on, economic status and any circumstance of birth, except in adherence to our core values and character. We are open to all people, young and old, rich and poor, educated or otherwise, traders and blue collar, landowners and tenants.

“The core of our belief is that poli cal power should be deployed in service of the people.

“The way to go in bringing people out of underdevelopment is for the leadership in every strata of society to

imbibe the Omoluabi ethos in its governance template and ideology.

“We cannot serve or lead the people to victory without ensuring that those governing rule with the fear of God, utmost dedica on to the principles that put humanity first as well as embarking on projects that see to the con nued prosperity of the mass in the society. That is simply the best way to lead.

“I thank you all for honouring me. You have all demonstrated courage and love for what we represent. I am indebted to you.”

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024 - THURSDAY, JUNE 06, 2024

Why Owa Obokun Banned Trade Unions In Ijesaland

THE extor onate prac ces of union leaders and the nega ve contribu ons of the unions and associa ons to the increment in prices of commodi es are responsible for the ban on trade and transport unionism in Ilesa and other areas by the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the trade unions and associaons were in the habit of fixing and enforcing prices of commodi es on traders, at the expense of members of the public.

It was learnt that the unions and associa on do curse their members who sell their commodi es below the fixed price by the associa on.

According to sources at the palace, the excesses of the trade unions and associa-

Man Lands In Court After Crashing Friend’s Car

A38-year-old man, Adegboyega Ajayi, has been arraigned before an Osun State Magistrates Court, for allegedly damaging a car he borrowed from his friend, Jide Ayantayo.

Speaking before the court in Osogbo, on Tuesday, police prosecutor, Jacob Akintunde, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said Ajayi abandoned and failed to repair an unregistered Peugeot 806 space wagon he borrowed from Ayantayo, a er crashing it in an accident.

According to the charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, the defendant commi ed the alleged offence on September 2, 2022.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravenes Secons 249(d) and 45 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol.II, Law of Osun, 2002. Ajayi, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The Defence Counsel, T.B Ayodele, in an oral bail applica on, prayed the court to admit the accused person to bail, promising that he would provide a reliable surety.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs Muibah Olatunji, granted bail to Ajayi in the sum of N200,000 with two sure es.

The case was adjourned un l July 10th, 2024.

ons was ge ng out of hand, making some stakeholders to report them to the palace. Findings revealed that the palace had iniated discussions with leaders of the transport and trade unions and other associa on on the need to allow an open and free price market.

However, the discussion didn’t yield any posi ve result, forcing Oba Aromolaran to ban trade unionism and business associa ons across Ijesaland.

Oba Aromolaran, in a statement from the palace directed all business owners in the

town to con nue their trade without fear of any associa on.

The ban affected all transport unions and food vendors in the community.

According to the monarch, in the statement made available to OSUN DEFENDER, on Tuesday, the ban will

allow individual business owners to determine the price of their commodi es without any influence or disturbance from any union or associa on.

The ban has however s red reac ons from residents of Ilesa through their various social media handles.

A resident of Ilesa, Gabriel Olanrewaju, on his facebook wall, said the development would give broad room for intruders to evade the community.

Olarenwaju urged the tradi onal ruler to look for a be er way in addressing the ma er instead of abolishing trade unions.

He wrote: “Don’t you think that abolishing trade or business union in Ijesaland is giving broad room for intruder to evade our community.

“This is just like stopping policemen from opera ng because there is corrup on in the police system. Does that sound well? There is a be er way of addressing the issue instead of abolishing them.

Osun Pastor Accused Of Rape By Four Nurses Alleges Conspiracy

THE proprietor of Adeniran Hospital in Osun State, Prophet Adeyemi Adeniran, has claimed that four nurses he employed

falsely accused him of rape a er allegedly commi ng N3m fraud.

Adeniran, who is the General Overseer of Great Tabernacle Miracle Church of God, IdoOsun, had pleaded not guilty to the accusa on of rape levelled against him when he was arraigned on January 14, 2024, before the Federal High Court, Osogbo.

LG Poll: OSSIEC To Launch Campaign Against Social-Vices

AHEAD of the 2025 Local Government elec on in Osun State, the state Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), is set to launch a campaign against social vices such as cul sm, cybercrime and drug abuse.

The campaign tagged “Campaign Against Elecon 2CD”, according to a statement by the Commission’s Chairman, Barr. Hashim Abioye, will be formally launched very soon.

Abioye noted that one of the core responsibili es of the commission is to intensify campaign against all forms of social vices which can jeopardise the elec on. He said the move will aid peaceful conduct of the polls.

Abioye added that the commission is commi ed to conduc ng credible, free, fair and acceptable polls across th

e Local Government and Local Council Development Areas and the Area Office in Osun.

Abioye said: “The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission will launch campaign against cul sm, cybercrime and drug abuse during elecons in Osun.

“The campaign which is tagged, “Campaign Against Elec on 2CD will be formally unveiled soon.

“This will intensify the efforts of the commission to conduct credible and acceptable polls across the Local Government Council Areas and the Area Council of Osun.” The OSIEC boss enjoined residents of State to join hands with the commission so as to get rid Osun off electoral offences and every acts that are capable of disrupting electoral processes.

The pastor was arraigned by the Na onal Agency for the Prohibion of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on a 12count charge bordering on sexual exploita on, deceit and trafficking in persons.

Appearing before the court last Friday with his counsel, Abiodun Adeniran, the pastor explained that in 2021, he established the hospital with the aim to help people by subsidising their medical bills.

“I employed some of my church members in the hospital and I pay them good salaries. However, there was a me I went to the hospital for inspec on, I discovered that most of the medical equipment, including drugs had been sold by my staff. I called the matron of the hospital about it and she talked to me rudely which made me leave in anger.

“I discovered that all the drugs I bought (about 3m) were no more and I said I was not interested in (running) the hospital again. I sent my head of security to lock the place.

“The following day, the matron threatened

me to open the hospital or pay her some money. She said I should pay her N25m, or else she would blackmail me.

“I started hearing my ma er on the radio that I raped my staff who are nurses in the hospital. My staff who came here to tes fy, including Olorunlanbe Easter, Dorcas Ajiboye, Bukky Ojolo and Nafisat claimed that I raped them. They are lying because of the fraud they did in the hospital. They are doing that as a cover-up over the money they embezzled.”

Under cross-examinaon, Adeniran disclosed that he has the picture of the equipment and drugs that were sold by the nurses, adding that he has evidence that the matron asked him to pay her N25m.

However, Jus ce Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel adjourned the ma er to September 23, 2024 for con nua on of hearing.

OMOJARO KEHINDE GBADEGESIN

That I was formerly known and addressed as OMOJARO KENNY, now wish to be known and addressed as OMOJARO KEHINDE GBADEGESIN

All former documents remain valid General public should take note.

Concerns Over Growing Security Threats In Osogbo

THERE is a growing security threat to the safety of lives and property of the residents of Osogbo, Osun State capital, findings by OSUN DEFENDER have revealed.

Some hoodlums have been terrorising the residents by abduc ng and robbing them of their belongings.

OSUN DEFENDER noted that the extor onate prac ces by the louts have con nued unabated, with residents of the state capital forced to part with their monies.

There are also reports of abduc on by the hoodlums within the Osogbo metropolis.

The louts operate with motorcycles and usually flag down or waylay their targeted vic ms at every available opportunity.

Findings revealed that the thugs who are always armed with guns, cutlasses, dagger and other weapons, usually posi on themselves at strategic areas to lay ambush for their vic ms.

According to reports, the hoodlums do not have specific targets, but youths and suspected internet fraudsters known as YahooYahoo guys are their regular vic ms.

Innocent ci zens with decent appearance are also so targets.

It was gathered that the hoodlums, some mes, abduct their vic ms who refused to give them money at the spot they were accosted, while vic ms who do not have cash on them were taken to Point of Sales operators to withdraw or transfer.

Areas that are said to be notorious for the crime are Olaiya, Odi-Olowo, Alekuwodo, Ogo-Oluwa, Isale Osun, Oja Oba, Ilesa Ggarage, among others.

The criminal ac vi es have been genera ng reacons from ne zens in the state, calling the a en on of the state government and the police to the broad daylight crime being perpetrated by the hoodlums.

In a tweet by an X user opera ng ‘Your Osogbo Barber’ account, the resident disclosed that cases of abduc on, extor on and harassment by the thugs were becoming rampant in the state capital.

He tweeted: “Dear Osogbo residents, we have a cking bomb in our hands, and I will like us to call the a enon of Governor Ademola Adeleke, Hon. Wale Egbedun (the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly) and the Police Public Rela ons Officers to it.

“Thugs now go around the state capital doing what I can call a mini kidnapping. They profile you, and once they see you look good, you

•Hoodlums Abduct, Rob, Extort Residents Freely •Husband Killed Over Refusal Of Wife To Give Out Money

smell nice, and you dress well, they will chase you down with bike, pick you up while showing you guns and short knives, all these in the open.

“They pick you a er several threats and take you to an isolated place, some mes bush, they’ll beat you and rip you of your money.

“They force you to give them your password while threatening to kill, they take your phone to different POS shops to do withdrawal and some mes return your phone back to you.

“They go around using

the name of dead thugs so that they can be untraceable.

“A staff was hijacked at captain cook about four weeks ago, it happened around 4pm, a brother was kidnapped as well yesterday night around 8pm at olaiya while he was on bike, they released him at 11:30 a er taking 360k from his account.

“If we are not careful as a state, this issue I just raised will become a full blown one and it will surely go round because on days these people don’t meet money on

“Dear Osun state government and police, please see to this, the economy is tough already for anyone to s ll be losing thousands of money to thugs and kidnappers.”

Corrobora ng what the X user stated, another resident of the state capital with the account ‘Star10’ (@ Biolastar11) claimed that he and his people have fallen vic ms of the criminal ac vies of the hoodlums.

In a reply to ‘Osogbo

trate efforts on Ilesa water project.

Barber’s tweet, the person stated: “This is exactly what they did to us. They usually operate around that Olaiya, Oja-Oba, Isale Osun side.”

Commen ng on the matter on a WhatsApp group, another resident of Osogbo said: “My people it is real. It happened to one of the elders in my church last Friday just in front of a popular hotel at Ogo-Oluwa area.

“They just packed beside him where he was wai ng for public transport around 9am not 9pm, asking him to cooperate and showing him AK-47.

Stakeholders Express Readiness To Track Govt Projects In Osun

STAKEHOLDERS in allspheres of life in Osun State have expressed their readiness to track projects ini ated by both state and federal governments across the 332 wards of the state.

The stakeholders, comprising Civil Society Organisa ons (CSOs), academics, Community-Based Organisa ons (CBOs), Persons with Disabili es (PWDs) and the media made the pledge at a workshop organised by a non-governmental organisa on, Connected Development (CODE).

The par cipants of the workshop who are referred to as Community of Pracce (CoP) were assigned to Osun West, Osun East and Osun Central Senatorial Districts during the training.

A trained member of the CoP and facilitator, Deji Alabi, while speaking at the workshop, provided clarity by delinea ng the thematic areas that each group would focus on.

According to Alabi, those who were a ached

to Osun West have the task of spearheading a zonal interven on project with a focus on educa on, those in Osun East would concen-

The Osun Central team was allocated the responsibility of enhancing public health centres within the district.

The ac vity is aimed

at providing CoP members with the essen al knowledge and skills needed to effec vely apply the Follow The Money (FTM) model in project tracking and monitoring.

160 Intending Osun Pilgrims Await Flight, Get N15,000 Each As Compensation

Atotal of 160 intending pilgrims going to perform this year’s hajj from Osun State but were yet to be airli ed have received a sum of N15,000 each as compensa on from the state government.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that about 1,432 pilgrims from the state had been airli ed to Saudi Arabia, while the remaining 160 were s ll in Nigeria, awai ng their flight to the holy land.

The Execu ve Secretary, Osun State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, Mr. Muritala Fakunle, in a release on Wednesday, said the last batch of pilgrims from the state, comprising 325 pilgrims

were to be airli ed on Sunday.

However, Fakune said due to a delay in the flight schedule, only 165 were airli ed, leaving 160 pilgrims awai ng the next schedule.

Fakunle, who explained that the gesture of the state government was a result of a rescheduled flight, also said the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Kazeem Akinleye, gave the affected pilgrims the said amount on behalf of the state government.

Addressing the pilgrims, Fakunle appealed to them to remain calm and pa ent, as efforts were being made to ensure their early airli to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The government of Osun State, through the

Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, has given a cash of N15,000 to each of the 160 pilgrims from the state who are yet to be airli ed to Saudi Arabia.

“This gesture came as a result of rescheduling flights of the last batch from 26th May 2024 to 29th May 2024. The last batch comprises 325 pilgrims to be airli ed on Sunday, 26th May, 2024 but due to delay in the flight schedule, only 165 were airli ed.”

AFOLABI OMOLADUN ABIKE

That AFOLABI OMOLADUN and AFOLABI OMOLADUN

ABIKE are the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLABI OMOLADUN

“He just related his harrow experience to us in the church today and nobody new about his whereabouts since that Friday un l we got to church this morning.

“My people please don’t stand in the public alone nowadays. God’s protec on will be enough for us.”

Narra ng his own experience, the Publicity and Organising Secretary of Omoluabi Progressives, Comrade Abosede Oluwaseun, said he nearly fell vic m of the thugs’ opera ons recently.

Oluwaseun said: Immediately I dropped from my car at the railway track at Abija area, behind First Bank Fakunle branch, two guys accosted me and started harassing me. I was resisting their a empt to rob me, some members of their gang told them to leave me; he said I am a known face. That was why they le me alone.”

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that a husband was killed by the hoodlums when he intervened in an a empt to extort his wife who has a shop Behind Prime Gold Hotel, Cele Awosuru, area of Osogbo, in March this year. A source in the area told this medium that “Around 8pm of that day, two of the hoodlums dropped from the bike and walked straight into the shop of the woman. They met her husband outside, but they didn’t do anything to him, they just went inside the shop to ask for money from his wife.

“The wife offered them what he had, but the thugs complained that it was small, they demanded for money. The husband entered the shop on hearing that his wife was begging the thugs. He ques oned why the hoodlums would be demanding for more money when they didn’t work for them. His statement infuriated the thugs and they shot him immediate, and they fled.”

When contacted, the Commandant of Amotekun Corps in Osun State, Brig Gen. Bashir Adewinbi, said the agency was not aware of such criminal ac vi es.

Adewinbi, in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday said: “We are not aware of that; if at all that is happening, nobody has come to report to Amotekun office. We will look into it and set up our intelligent network to see how we can put a stop to it.

“The problem is that there are too many thugs in Osogbo now. But we will ensure that there is safety for lives and property of the people of the state.”

All effort to get the comment of the police on the ma er proofed abor ve as the Police Public Rela ons Officer, Osun Command, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, was not available for reac ons.

ABIKE and my correct Date of Birth is 02-10-1956 not 14-12-1965. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024 - THURSDAY, JUNE 06, 2024

NIGERIA, the most populous country in Africa with a Gross Domes c Product (GDP) es mated at $477 billion in 2022 which was maintained ll mid 2023 at $477.38 billion, was the largest and richest economy in Africa, with South Africa and Egypt trailing behind. As a big crude oil producer with a popula on of over 210million people and thriving service providers industry, Nigeria emerged as the African con nent powerhouse. As I write this May ending, 2024, Nigeria has dropped to the 3rd place, $253 billion, far behind Egypt and South Africa with GDP of $394 billion and $378 billion respec vely. Nigeria pathe c situa on is not limited to the con nent; it is on a life support machine domes cally. There has been food scarcity and unprecedented per centage increase in the prices of basic food item. Prices of tomatoes, pepper and other soup ingredients are highly prohibi ve. In today’s Nigeria, there is no food that can be tagged “Poor man’s food”, as Garri and the likes have become gold. The infla on rose from 22.41% in May 2023 to 29.9% in January 2024, and in April, 33.69%, according to Nigeria Bureau of Sta s cs ( NBS). In April 2023, food infla on rate was 24.61% and rose to 40.53 % in April 2024. This accelera on in infla on has eroded purchasing power of the people, especially the average Nigerians who are struggling day and night to make ends meet. Small and Medium Scale Businesses which contribute 48% to the Nigeria GDP, according to NBS, are faced with poor sales and declining revenue because of high cost of their goods necessitated by high cost of produc on provoked by increase in the price of fuel and electricity tariff, forcing most of them to close shops while the very few remaining are downsizing. The floa ng of Naira to the blind forces of demand and supply without produc vity base and economic diversifica on has only worsen the pathe c case as Naira was crashing against almost all interna onal currencies, snuffing lives out of the people whose businesses – goods and services - are import based.

Although, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led APC government has released food in na onal reserve to the states governors to distribute as palliates to its harsh socioeconomic policies, so as to stabilise the prices of foods and other consumables to ensure food security, things have con nued to degenerate very fast. Thanks to the war-torn Ukraine for its grains supply in this period of needs.

But the organised labour – NLC and TUC – are poised to lock horns with the Tinubu APC led government from the midnight of May 31st over increase in electricity tariff and non-implementa on of new minimum

“The Tinubu led administration has been acting the script of the IMF and World Bank from the beginning, as they insisted and still insisting that it must remove all subsidies, commercialise all social services and price them beyond the reach of majority of Nigerians”

Nigeria Going Down The Drain

wage. The first one year of the administraon has been a disaster for the poor people, especially, as they can barely breathe and there is no policy or programme in the pipeline that suggests that things will improve later on. The Tinubu led administraon has been ac ng the script of the IMF and World Bank from the beginning, as they insisted and s ll insis ng that it must remove all subsidies, commercialise all social services and price them beyond the reach of majority of Nigerians. This informs, “Fuel subsidy is gone”, floa ng of Naira, increase in electricity tariff and other policies that have made life miserable for the majority of the people. Meanwhile, as these Bri on Woods Ins tu ons hold Tinubu at the jugular to implement these neo-liberal a acks, they advise governments of the western world to subsidise fuel, energy, agriculture, and all other necessi es, including grants to indigent students.

It is instruc ve to state that World Bank and IMF were established in 1944 a er

THE “Unusual” Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has several unique trademarks, among which are his signature maxims: “People First” and “Power Is Responsibility.” Simple statements of fact and commitment that have, however, acquired deep and heavy significance in an age of virulent irresponsibility in public governance and distain; nay, outright contempt for the wishes and aspira ons of the common people by state actors they voted into power!

Whenever democracy (government of the people by the people and for the people) turns out not to be about the people anymore, it becomes a nasty and oppressive tool, a façade for authoritarian cliques to advance their an -people projects. At such mes, the discerning will no ce that poli cal par es are no longer principled and ideological vehicles for aggrega ng like-minds around grand social manifestoes but iniquitous pla orms for power-grabbing by amorphous adventurers and fortune seekers: a typical Nigerian reality, post 2nd Republic especially.

In the above scenario, the power of one man’s deep vision and the force of his personal examples in commitment to the common good becomes a deligh ul oasis in a scorching desert of self-centredness and lack of imagina on. If “all ac ons shall be judged by inten on,” however overbearing and however far ahead of their mes such a man’s steps

Website: www.osundefender.com Email:

the World War II as world largest sources of funding to help rebuild Europe and Japan, help poor countries reduce poverty. Specifically, World Bank’s core goal is to “reduce poverty by promo ng sustainable economic growth in its client countries. Development is about ge ng economic and financial policies right. But it is also about empowering the people, building the roads, wri ng the laws, recognising the women, educa ng the girls, elimina ng corrup on, protec ng the environment....” while its twins - IMF - was to, among others, “foster economic growth, tackle unemployment and provide cures for poverty.” They are to lend money to their client governments to improve their economies and standard of living of their people and maintaining financial stability in the world. These are lo y ideas! But IMF and World Bank are only responsible to the western na ons but care less on Third World or developing na ons especially Africa, La n America and Caribbean. The 121-page The-

sis of Adeesha Hack in 2001 submi ed to Acadia University in par al fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Art (Poli cal Science) with the theme Global Lies: The World Bank, IMF And Poverty is a striking exposure of these organisa ons mechanism. The thesis established that since their establishments, poverty has pervaded and con nued to increase in the Third World; the gap between the rich and the poor has con nued to widen and their policies prescrip ons, like Structural Adjustment Programme, have been counterproduc ve and not reflec ng the needs of the poor majority. In the actual fact, their prescrip ons have worsened the poor people’s pathe c condi ons, increasing their grief and des tu on.

The 28-page Open Le er of Resignaon to Mr. Camdessus, Managing Director of IMF on 18th May, 1988, by Davison L. Budhoo who had worked with IMF for over 12 years tled, “Enough Is Enough” is another eye opener for the leaders of under-developed na ons. In summary, Davison revealed how IMF constructs rotten “financial program” that increases the woes and sufferings of the people of their cap ve Third World Countries and the double standard of opera ons of one prescripon to the Third World and another to the Western World.

We have passed this road of structural Adjustment Programme with military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in 1986 and we came out being shortchanged. Except President Tinubu changes his game by dumping IMF and World Bank killer neo-liberal policies, poverty will connue to mul ply, hunger and starva on will aggravate, majority of our children will die of malnutri on, life will be misery for the majority and violent crimes and insecurity (that may even threaten the very existence of Nigeria) will escalate beyond its current alarming level.

Power Is Responsibility

and ac ons are, all can be understood and none can be intolerable except only to the shallow-minded, the revisionist of history and enemies of the peoplesheep in wolf’s clothing.

The people must be first, and “why so?” is quite simple to understand and accept, except to hard-nosed, u erly self-centred poli cians spirited away by vanity! The Yoruba say “irorun igi ni irorun eye,” and “bi ara o a ba ro okun, ara o le ro adie;” simply saying “the peace/ stability of the tree/line gives peace to the bird perched on it,” and same for instability.

The common people cons tute the majority amidst which the elites live. The elites are the privileged minority. The elites are elites because they are the best exposed, the most successful in business and the professions, the best connected socially, with ways and means to emerge as the leaders of poli cs and government, however it is cons tuted. What does it cost them to guarantee social stability and avoid turbulence so that they can enjoy their vast privileges in peace? Li le next to nothing – just sense of responsibility with the exercise of the powers submi ed to them by the people in a democracy. What do the people need to maintain their peace and enjoy their ordinary lives? Li le next to nothing – just food and clean water,

shelter, clothing, good roads, electricity, schooling for their kids, health care, and a job whose income makes those simple things of life affordable along with li le entertainment.

The tans of egalitarianism in Nigeria’s history were not poor; neither did they end up being impoverished by guaranteeing all of the above for their people in the responsible exercise of their powers by considering the people first. Obafemi Awolowo was a mul millionaire in Naira that was then worth more than dollars.

Even nature itself did not endow us all equally at birth; for simple instance, some are programmed to end up tall and some as dwarfs. Understanding Equity, Equal Rights and Jus ce as a condi on for free society and thriving democracy is the only way those vested with powers to direct society’s affairs can guarantee peace and prosperity by implemen ng policies that put the common people first; protec ng the weak against the mighty; mee ng the majority’s basic needs as the cos tuent in whom sovereignty ul mately reside. It is the only condi on that can truly and finally eliminate turbulence and guarantee that the elites too enjoy their many privileges in peace. That is an exercise of power with deep sense of responsibility a la Aregbesola.