Osun Defender Online Version of January 30, 2026

CSO Faults Extension Of Tenure Of Osun Head Of Service

Michael Bamigbola

ACivil Society Organisa on, the Socio-Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy (SECRA) has faulted the extension of tenure of office of the state Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina by the state government.

The CSO in a statement issued by its Execu ve Director, Mr Olowu Emmanuel alleged that the government’s ac on was illegal and called for an immediate review of the ac on.

The state government had extended the tenure of Aina a er reaching the 60 years mandatory re rement age.

Aina who was appointed the Head of Service by the state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke upon his (Adeleke) assump on of office as the Execu ve Governor of the state clocked 60 a few years ago but the governor approved an extension of tenure of office for him.

On Monday, the Head of Service celebrated his birthday which was believed to be the 62nd one, a development which raised concerns among residents of the state.

The SECRA in its statement queried the ra onale behind the extension of tenure of Ayanleye. a er a aining the mandatory re rement age of 60 alleging that the ac on was against civil service rules.

Findings revealed that Aina was not the only top civil servant that benefited from the government’s acon as some other top civil servants including Permanent Secretaries and General Managers among others enjoy similar gesture of the state government.

The statement reads in part “In Osun State, the administra on of Governor Ademola Adeleke shall be remembered not for civil service reforms, but for ac ons that culminated in the unlawful extension of tenure of top civil servants, a decision that generated widespread controversy and deep ins tu onal concern.

“By every standard of public administra on, strict adherence to the rule of law and the Public Service Rules (PSR) is non-nego able. Yet under Governor Adeleke’s leadership, decisions rela ng to tenure extension departed from

these established principles, provoking alarm among civil society organiza ons, governance analysts, and career officers within the Osun

State civil service.

“At a cri cal stage of Governor Adeleke’s administra on, allega ons emerged that he unilaterally extended the

service years of certain senior civil servants, a move widely cri cized as a clear viola on of the Osun State Public Service Rules (PSR) and

remains cri cal.

a serious breach of instu onal norms. Despite public outcry and sustained cri cism, the administra on proceeded without addressing the

Pregnant Women, Elders, PWDs Groan Over Dilapidated State Of PHC In Osun Communities

RESIDENTS of Obamoro in OlaOluwa Local Government Area of Osun State are currently facing difficul es in seeking medical help over the deplorable condi on of the community’s Primary Health Centre (PHC).

Oketola Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Federal Ministry of Health to urgently intervene and rehabilitate the centre.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the facility is currently unfit for effec ve medical service as residents are forced to seek treatment in an unsafe environment or travel long distance to seek alterna ve health care.

An assessment on the facility by OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday showed leaking roofing sheets, open and dusty floors, broken windows and damaged doors, all of which expose pa ents and health workers to health and security risks.

The condi on of the centre falls short of basic standard required for safe and hygienic health care services.

Some community members who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER on condi on of anonymity decried the poor state of the facility, no ng that it makes it extremely difficult to provide and access quality care.

In a public appeal by a civic accountability group, TRACKA, the group called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, alongside relevant authories including the Osun State Ministry of Health, Na onal Primary Health

The organisa on stressed that restoring Obamoro PHC would significantly improve access to affordable healthcare, enhance pa ent safety and create a be er working environment for health personnel working in the community.

The group also urged ci zens and stakeholders to demand accountability in the use of public funds, emphasizing that healthcare infrastructure should work for the good of the people.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to tracking government projects and ensuring that public resources deliver meaningful impact, par cularly in grassroots communi es where access to basic health services

The situa on wasn’t different at Ilemowu community also in Olaoluwa Local Government Area of the state.

The community is without a func onal Primary Health Care facility following years of neglect of the only centre serving the town.

The Primary Health Care Centre, which caters for thousands of residents has deteriorated significantly, with parts of the structure reportedly collapsed, leaving the community without access to basic medical services.

The prolonged neglect has persisted despite repeated complaints by residents to relevant authori es at both local and state levels.

The Civic Technology Pla orm in its reac on to the ugly development stated that “today, residents including pregnant women, children, the

elderly and persons with disabili es are forced to travel long distance to neighboring communies to seek medical care, exposing them to avoidable risks and addi onal financial burdens.”

Highligh ng the physical condi on of the facility, the group further noted: “The situaon is alarming. Roofing sheets are missing, walls are cracked, doors and windows are destroyed, there are no healthcare workers on site, and no func onal medical equipment.”

The group also drew a en on to the broader context of public health funding and intervenons, adding: “This is happening in a state that budgets billions of naira annually for health and despite ongoing federal government-funded primary healthcare renova on projects across the country, Ilemowu has been completely ignored.”

legal concerns raised.

“Cri cs have consistently warned that these ac ons would leave a las ng stain on the administra on’s governance record, long a er Governor Adeleke exits office.

“The Osun State Public Service rules, in line with na onal standards, clearly state that: A civil servant shall rere upon a aining 60 years of age or 35 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first.

“Re rement processes are mandatory, me-bound, and nondiscre onary. Extension of service is not an execu ve privilege, except where explicitly backed by law.

“These rules exist to protect order, fairness, meritocracy and predictability within the civil service. Any devia on from the rule, especially by execu ve fiat, raises serious quesons about legality, propriety, and respect for ins tu ons.

“It is on record that the Adeleke’s administra on confirmed two major extension of service years involving powerful offices within the Osun State civil service:

“At no point did the Osun State Government publicly cite: An amendment to the PSR,Legisla ve approval, or any statutory instrument legi mizing the extensions.

“We see the ac on as a direct and indefensible breach of service regula ons. We believe that due re rement processes were deliberately ignored.

“These developments reinforces accusa ons that the Adeleke administra on selecvely applied the rules, thereby weakening ins tu onal discipline.It should be noted that the unlawful extension produced serious consequences, including erosion of ins tu onal norms. Allowing officers to remain in office beyond re rement undermines the neutrality of the civil service and erodes respect for established rules.

“The unlawful extension of civil service tenure under Governor Ademola Adeleke is not a minor administra ve lapse; it is a defining governance decision that will shape his administra on’s legacy in history,” the group added.

THE president has just come back from another investment drive. This me to Turkey, a country that has made considerable progress in the last seventy or so years. Any investment drive to bring in funds to s mulate and deepen the economy of Nigeria is to be welcome. However, it is not out of place to do a cost and benefit analysis of the impacts of this foreign trips of the past four decades and more.

There is a school of thought which depicts the excursion as “Junketing”, mere indulgences to massage egos and allow a hordes of freeloaders in the entourage to pick up estacode as part of the spoils of being part of the poli cal network.

In doing a Cost, Benefit Analysis of these trips, it is not out of place to recall the posi on of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo when he made his unsuccessful bid for the presidency of Nigeria in 1979. Chief Awolowo stated that if elected as president he would not go out of the country or receive foreign visitors in

IA Trip To Turkey

his first two years in office.

The me has come to ponder upon chief Obafemi Awolowo’s statement.

As far as Chief Awolowo was concerned “During

In doing a cost, Benefit Analysis of these trips, it is not out of place to recall the position of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo when he made his unsuccessful bid for the presidency of Nigeria in 1979. Chief Awolowo stated that if elected as president he would not go out of the country or receive foreign visitors in his first two years in office

a Period when you’re reconstruc ng the house it will not be appropriate to recieve visitors.” Given the absence of verifiable data that the foreign trips are going back decades approved, it is me to consider whether the reconstrucon of the founda on

Tribute

should not come first.

Nigeria must reconstruct a shaky debilita ng founda on first before the perennial quest for a largely illusory quest for foreign investment.

The country lacks basic industries and this in itself is a problem. Most important of all the “suspension” of the 1963 Republican Cons tu on which was based on produc on has led the country away from a system based on produc ve acvity leading to shared prosperity and into unfortunately with disastrous results into a rent -seeking increasingly impoverished state.

This has to be redressed if we do so and go back to the spirit of the 1963 Cons tu on foreign investment will come in and local entrepreneurship will be upscale. This is the route that has been taken by countries such as India which is now the fi h largest economy in the world, Malaysia and so forth.

The me has come to face our founda onal difference and break away from illusions.

Mama Mariam Abosede Adegboyega — Goodnight

By Ọgbẹni Rauf Arẹgbẹsolá

T was Folake Adegboyega who informed me of Mama’s home call when we met at an event on November 29 last year. Mama had passed on three days earlier.

I immediately sent a condolence message to my friend and brother, Dr. Ayotunde Adegboyega (Mensah), Folake’s husband.

Mama lived a long and exemplary life that will remain an inspira on to future genera ons. She served her na on and her community in Epe diligently as a nurse un l her re rement.

Therea er, she moved to Lagos and founded Adebola Maternity and Nursing Home in Pedro, Bariga, Lagos.

She was a devoted wife to her husband and an amazing mother to her children.

It is in respect and recogni on of one of her outstanding children, Dr. Ayotunde Adegboyega (Mensah), that I pay this tribute to Mama.

I am very close to two of Mama’s

“My association with Mensah transcends mere friendship; it has grown into true brotherhood. He is the personification of decency, reliability, and trust — a complete gentleman and a true Omoluabi. Only an extraordinary woman could raise such a man as Dr. Ayotunde Adegboyega, with whom I join in mourning the loss of his beloved mother’

children — Dr. Ayotunde (Mensah) and Remi Adegboyega (Rexy) — both of whom are remarkable personali es.

My associa on with Mensah transcends mere friendship; it has grown into true brotherhood. He is the personifica on of decency, reliability, and trust — a complete gentleman and a true Omoluabi. Only an extraordinary

woman could raise such a man as Dr. Ayotunde Adegboyega, with whom I join in mourning the loss of his beloved mother.

Mrs. Mariam Abosede Adegboyega, née Ayanbode, passed on

at the ripe age of 99. We deeply mourn her because mothers are treasures beyond measure.

OSUN DEFENDER

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, Off Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State.

ISSN : 0794-8050

Telephone : 0809-301-9152

We pray for comfort for the family and the for tude to bear this irreparable loss. We pray also for the peaceful repose of her soul and unending comfort for her in her next sta on. May she awaken to eternal joy on the other side. Mama, sleep well. Your legacy is great and enduring. Your children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren are living tes monies of your impac ul and beau ful life. I join them in celebra ng your inspiring journey.

Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com

All correspondence to the above email addresses.

Goodnight, Mama Mariam Abosede Adegboyega, née Ayanbode.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026

Teachers’ Recruitment: Applicants Insist On Protest Despite Govt Reassurance

THE 5000 shortlisted candidates for the 2024 teacher’s recruitment exercise in Osun State have insisted on embarking on a peaceful protest to register their displeasure over delay in the issuance of appointment le ers to them by the state government.

Recall that Governor Ademola Adeleke had on two different fora announced the release of appointment le ers to the awai ng teachers almost two years into the exercise.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the ini al direcve was made in March 2025 while the current one was announced on Thursday, January 15, 2025.

However, the applicants have accused the state government of paying lip service to the release of the le er, alleging that the government has refused to communicate an official date for the direc ve.

Recall that the state government had in 2024 a ributed the delay in the release of the appointment le ers to the increment in minimum wage before the local government crisis broke out.

A cross sec on of the applicants who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER on condi on of anonymity, challenged the government to come out clean and stop playing poli cs with their future.

One of the applicants said “The Commissioner for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi during a radio programme recently didn’t state an actual date for the release of the appointment le ers to us. The simple interpretaon is that we have been deceived and this may have a nega ve impact on their government.

“This was the same way we were promised in March 2025, ll this moment, nothing posi ve has come out of it. How on earth will a government make a pronouncement without a meline and keep on saying soon. That doesn’t make any sense.

“The government kept on saying there’s no money, where did they get money to pay Amotekun Corps opera ves they recruited in March 2025?

“I believe it’s high me we mobilize our colleagues across all local governments to stage a peaceful protest against the delay if that is the only language they will understand.

“We urge all other applicants to come out en masse for this protest. This is for us to get our appointment le ers. We don’t want a situa on whereby only

five members will show interest. At least, we should come out in the hundreds.

“We can even fight the seizure of the local governments alloca ons by the Federal Government on behalf of the state government if they couldn’t pay us a er our employment. We should be the one coming out to protest against the Federal Government.

“The state government cannot fight alone, they need the support of the masses to win this war against federal might. It shows that they are not ready as well to put an end to the shenanigans. There is no difference between Adeleke and Oyetola. None of them is close to Aregbesola in terms of governance.

“It’s le to us to decide if we’re going to come out for protest or not. Keeping mute won’t do any of us any favor. There is the need for us to come out at this cri cal moment for the government to know we are s ll in existence.

“What the government does not understand is the mul plier effect of the 5000 successful applicants on the coming elec on. That’s about 20,000 votes because, at least four family members are a ached to each applicant.

“The fact is that none of us will come out on elec on day to vote if our le ers are not released. The government is deliberately was ng our me,” he added.

The state Commissioner for Educa on, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, while reac ng to an

earlier report on the planned protest said teachers recruitment involves budgetary clearance, verifica on, posting needs and payroll integra on, none of which can be executed arbitrarily.

Eluwole said the phased release of appointment letters is deliberate and ongoing, not reac ve.

He promised that the Ministry of Educa on will con nue to update the public through official channels as each milestone of the recruitment process is concluded.

Nine Convicted For Vote Buying In Osun

AT least nine persons have been prosecuted by the Independent Naonal Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State for alleged vote buying in the state.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Muu Agboke, disclosed this while answering ques ons on a radio programme in Osogbo.

Agboke said the commission is working relessly to ensure a free, fair and credible elec on surfing the August 8 governorship elec on holding in the state.

He said that the commission needs the support of stakeholders and the media to ensure the elec on is successful.

To this end , he urged par cipa ng poli cal par es in the elec on to abide by INEC rules and regulaons, rather than disrup ng the poll.

On the ongoing INEC Con nuous Voters Registra on (CVR), Agboke said that the commission has updated its machines to prevent double or mulple registra ons.

He added that the commission would also arrest anyone discovered to have or attempt mul ple registra on.

The INEC REC also called for the cooperaon of the media to control misinforma-

on, saying that facts and informa on should be verified from the commission.

Agboke, however, said that he would take legal ac on against any journalist or media

ou it that reports any defamatory or false news about the commission.

Before the Crown, There Was Character Art/Culture

IN the rhythm of African leadership, both past and present, one truth remains constant: a crown, no ma er how ornate, is meaningless without character. In Osun State, and indeed across the con nent, we have witnessed me and again how the pursuit of tles—governorships, party posi ons, or ceremonial thrones—can overshadow the essen al quali es of leadership.

Yet the most enduring leaders, those whose legacies outlive their tenure, remind us that leadership begins not with a posi on, but with personal integrity, humility, and the courage to do what is right.

Character is the foundaon upon which all leadership rests. It is tested not in public ceremonies, but in the quiet decisions, ethical choices, and daily interacons that define a person long before they reach the pinnacle of power. Consider the elders in our communies, whose wisdom commands respect not because of tles, but because of their unwavering commitment to fairness, empathy, and responsibility.

These are the leaders whose words carry weight, whose judgment is trusted,

•Leadership Begins With Who You Are, Not The Title You Wear

and whose influence shapes genera ons. Before the crown, there was character— and without it, no posi on can legi mize leadership.

The recent poli cal discourse in Osun reminds us of the tempta on to equate influence with en tlement. Too o en, ambi on is celebrated above virtue, and tles are sought for pres ge rather than service. Yet voters—especially a poli cally aware electorate like ours— are increasingly discerning. They recognize that the person behind the campaign slogans, the rallies, and the glossy manifestos ma ers more than the office itself.

Leadership is about what you do with authority, not the mere fact of holding it. Suppor ng candidates or leaders with character, therefore, is not an act of loyalty to a party alone, but a commitment to the principles that sustain society.

Leadership rooted in character is also resilient. In mes of crisis, when policies are challenged and decisions scru nized, tles offer no shield. Only the strength of one’s integrity, the consistency of one’s values, and the courage to uphold them can

steer communi es through turbulence.

Osun State, with its history of progressive governance and civic engagement, thrives when its leaders priori ze service over status. When character guides ambi on, the result is accountability, innova on, and sustainable development. Furthermore, character fosters trust—an indispensable currency in public life. Ci zens naturally gravitate toward leaders whose acons match their words, who listen before making decisions, and who place communal good above personal gain.

Such leaders inspire parcipa on, loyalty, and hope. Without character, even the most ambi ous plans falter, and the brightest tles shine briefly before fading under the weight of public scruny. For young leaders, the lesson is clear: cul va ng character must precede chasing crowns. Educa on, mentorship, self-reflec on, and community engagement are not op onal; they are the crucibles in which leadership is forged. Titles may open doors, but character

ensures those doors lead somewhere meaningful.

History is replete with examples of those who reached great heights only to fall because they neglected this principle. Conversely, leaders who invested in their character created legacies that transcended offices, poli cal cycles, and even their own life mes.

In African socie es, where leadership is as much about moral authority as it is about policy, this truth is par cularly resonant. Osun State is no excep on. As we prepare for electoral seasons and the next genera on of leaders emerges, voters and aspirants alike must remember that a crown without character is empty.

Leadership is not merely about the chair you occupy, the ceremony you preside over, or the applause you command. It is about the person you are, the values you uphold, and the lives you touch.

Before the crown, there was character. And un l we honor that truth, every tle will remain just a symbol, wai ng for the substance it so desperately needs.

Consider Our Plights, Ede Community Appeals To Adeleke Over Diversion Of Water Channel

TWO weeks a er raising the alarm over the diversion of water channels to their community, residents of Irewunmi Community, Bin nlaye, Owode-Ede, have again appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to consider their plights by redirec ng the channel.

The community had earlier accused the contractor handling the reconstruc on of the road of diverting the water channel into the community without proper considera on.

They argued that there is no river in the community to connect the water to allow free flow, adding that the diversion of the water channel would endanger the community as many houses would be affected by flooding during the rainy season.

Some of the community members who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday said they thought the government would listen to their complaints about the diversion but work is about star ng on the project.

They urged Governor Adeleke to intervene on the ma er.

“We appeal to our amiable Governor to please consider our plights. We have been living in panic since the project began. This is not the right

TWO staff members of a firm, Sefolad Company, have been dragged before a Magistrate’s Court si ng in Osogbo, the Osun State capital for allegedly defrauding their employer of N16,773,100:00.

The two defendants are a 38 year old woman, Olatunbosun Mujidat, and Adebiyi Adedayo, a 53 year old man.

They were arraigned before the court on Monday by the state Police Command over allega ons bothering on fraud, the and threat to life of the complainant, Alhaja Serifat Omobolanle, a wom-

place to divert the water coming from the main road to.

“Before now, we were experiencing flooding in this community but the situa on will get worse with this diversion. We are not against it but there is no river nor stream to connect it with.

But the Commissioner for Environment and Sanita on, Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin told OSUN DEFENDER that ac on will be taken on the ma er.

Adejorin stated this in a message sent toour correspondent.

“It will be a ended to. Thanks,” the message reads.

2027: Jola Faseru Declares Interest In Obokun/Oriade

Michael Bamigbola

Achie ain of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Hon Jola Faseru Isaac has signified his inten on to contest the House of Representa ves elec on for Obokun,/Oriade federal cons tuency of Osun State.

Hon Jola Faseru Isaac declared his inten on known recently, disclosing that he will contest the elec on under the platform of the ADC.

Declaring his intenon, Hon Jola expressed his willingness to serve the people of his federal cons tuency with the fear of God., saying that he’s prepared to bring to the cons tuency all that it de-

serves. He hinted that he has commenced consulta ons with stakeholders and leaders of the ADC in the federal cons tuency.

Hon Jola declared that he’s prepared to take over the reins of government

from the incumbent member represen ng the federal cons tuency at the House of Representa ves. He said his academic training and the leadership skills he had acquired over the me will help him serve the people in any ca-

pacity he finds himself. He solicited for the support of all the leaders and stakeholders of the ADC in the state, especially his federal cons tuency, for him to emerge the House of Representa ves candidate of the party and subsequently emerge the member of the House of Representa ves represen ng Ijesa North federal cons tuency of Osun

State.

The House of Representa ves aspirant called on the people of his federal cons tuency to rally round the ADC in order to ensure that the party emerge victorious in the next general elec ons. He called for the support of the masses of the state for ADC to win all categories of elec on this year and next year.

THE Osun State House of Assembly has dismissed reports that it was plo ng to rotate the chairmanship among tradi onal rulers in Osun State.

an based outside Nigeria.

The police prosecutor, Inspector A. Anifowose, alleged that the defendants conspired to defraud Omobolanle of the sum of N16,773,100:00 under the pretence of remi ng the money into the company’s account, but diverted it into their personal accounts.

He added that the defendants threatened the complainant’s life “because of the fraudulent act they have done to her company’s fund.”

Mujidat and Adebayo were said to have commi ed the offence between August 2024 and July 2025 at

Safolad Company in Osogbo.

According to the inves ga ng team, the defendants were some of the complainant’s staff and Mujidat was managing the company in the complainant’s absence.

The police prosecutor told the court that when the complainant arrived from overseas, she discovered changes in the company’s account.

He stressed that the offences contravened sec ons 516, 419, 390, and 86 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol II, Laws of Osun State, Nigeria, 2002.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Counsel to the defendants, M. K. Omolade, applied for bail for his clients in the most liberal terms.

But, The police prosecutor opposed the defendants’ bail, explaining that they had previously been arrested but were later released on October 10, 2025, arguing that the accused persons con nued to threaten the complainant.

Ruling on the matter, the Chief Magistrate, Olusegun Ayilara granted the defendants bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sure es each in like sum.

The case was adjourned to 2nd March, 2026, for men on.

Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, said the allega on that the house received and authorised a le er concerning the rota on of chairmanship among tradi onal rulers in Osun State was false and misleading.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olamide Tiamiyu, the speaker said the publica on, circulated by a pseudo Facebook page opera ng under the name “Ashiwaju Omo Yoruba,” was false, adding that such matter was not presented or contemplated before the House or its Commi ee on Chie aincy Ma ers.

Egbedun said “this pseudo Facebook page is clearly engaged in deliberate mischief, spreading unfounded informa on with the intent to mis-

lead the public, provoke unnecessary tension, and undermine the credibility of the Osun State House of Assembly. Such irresponsible ac on amount to a calculated a empt to exploit sensi ve tradional and cultural issues for ulterior mo ves.”

The Speaker strongly condemn the conduct and reiterates that the Assembly conducts its affairs strictly in line with cons tu onal provisions and established legisla ve procedures.

“Members of the public, par cularly the people of Osun State, are therefore, strongly advised to disregard this baseless publica on in its en rety. Only statements issued through the official and verified channels of the Osun State House of Assembly should be considered authen c.

“The Speaker remains steadfast in his commitment to truth, transparency, and the protec on of the integrity of the House against misinforma on and malicious falsehoods,” the statement concluded.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026

UNIOFFA Matriculates 350 Students for 2025/2026 Academic Session

THE University of Offa, Kwara State, has matriculated 350 students for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The matricula on ceremony held at the ins tu on’s permanent site in Offa a racted dignitaries from different parts of the country.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kazeem Alagbe Gbolagade said over 400 candidates applied for admission, but only 350 were offered admission into the university, saying that the admission process was highly compe ve.

Prof. Gbolagade advised the new students not to take their admission for granted.

“This success of yours should not be short-lived. You must do everything humanly possible to defend your current champion status,” he said.

The students were admi ed into various facul es of Management

Ooni

Concludes

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has formally concluded the 2026 World Obàtálá fes val in Ilé-Ifẹ, describing the annual sacred celebra on as a powerful spiritual pla orm for peace, moral rebirth and cultural renewal.

The Director of media for the monarch, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the fes val remains one of the most profound spiritual observances in Yoruba land, symbolizing purity, wisdom, pa ence and the sanc ty of human existence.

He stressed that the rites and prayers performed throughout the fes val were meant to realign the people with the values of truth, righteousness and compassionate leadership.

The 2026 edi on of the World Obàtálá fesval took place from Wednesday, January 14 to Tuesday, January 27, 2026, a rac ng devotees, tradi onal custodians, scholars and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and the global Yoruba diaspora.

Rooted in deep spiritual significance, Obàtálá, also known as Òrìṣànlá, occupies a central place in Yoruba cosmology.

The Obatala is tradi onally regarded as the god of crea on, purity, wisdom, jus ce and moral uprightness and its believed to be the divine ar san entrusted by Olódùmarè with the moulding of human life. Ac vi es for the fes -

and Social Sciences, educa on and science.

The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the university is not a scam, contrary to what some people may believe.

He stressed that the essence of educa on goes beyond cer fica-

on, stressing that the university’s goal is to provide a unique opportunity for students to excel.

He highlighted the five points agenda of his administra on to include financial sustainability, ITdriven systems, students welfare, research and in-

Campus Review Campus Review

dustry collabora on.

Also, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that the university has established a Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies to equip students with prac cal skills beyond academic work.

He disclosed further that the university partners with interna onal ins tu ons, including a US-based IT company.

Prof. Gbolagade declared that students with less than 1.0 CGPA at the

end of the session will be shown the way out of the university.

He emphasized zero tolerance for misconduct, including cul sm, exam malprac ce and violent demonstra ons.

The Vice Chancellor also urged students to familiarize themselves with the university’s code of conduct and rules, stressing that the university is commi ed to providing a conducive learning environment.

2026 Obatala Festival, Prays For Peace, Unity In Yoruba Land

val officially commenced on January 14 with Osan, the ini a on and spiritual opening day, marked by sacred rites and purifica on ceremonies at the Obàtálá temple, signalling collec ve renewal and spiritual preparedness.

This was followed on January 15 by an Interna onal Colloquium and Itaala Orisa night, which brought together scholars, priests, devotees and tradi onal custodians for intellectual discourse and spiritual engagement on the relevance of Obàtálá in Yoruba moral philosophy and leadership values.

On January 17, the fes val featured exhibion and Oshosi at the Obàtálá Holy Temple, highligh ng cultural displays, tradi onal arts, music and ritual observances that showcase the richness of Yoruba heritage.

January 18 was dedicated to Ase Oba and Ase Iwrogba, while January 19 witnessed the Itonini Procession, Iwure Day and Oru (ini a on rites), involving sacred processions, communal prayers and ritual teachings for devotees.

The celebra ons connued on January 20 with Ipewo Day and a tradi onal spiritual procession to Iranje Idita, reinforcing unity and communal worship.

On January 23, major rites included Ase Oonirisa, Nini Osan and Ekuru Itapa Day, one of the spiritual highpoints of the fes val, where symbolic

offerings and special prayers were offered for peace, moral governance and global harmony.

worship at the Obàtálá temple, tradi onal drumming, chants, colourful street processions and vibrant cultural displays led by devotees and custodians.

Beyond its religious significance, the World Obàtálá Fes val has evolved into a major pla orm for cultural diplomacy and iden ty reconnec on, drawing parcipants from the Yoruba diaspora and scholars of African spirituality who con nue to engage with Ilé-Ifẹ as a living centre of tradi on and intellectual discourse.

This was followed on January 24 by Etutu Oonirisa, during which Obàtálá devotees were formally hosted by the Oonirisa, and on January 25 with Iyin Aje rites for Oonirisa at Ejibomekun.

The fes val formally concluded on January 27 with Iyin Egbe and the official declara on of

the closure of the 2026 World Obàtálá Fes val, marking a moment of thanksgiving, reflec on and spiritual transi on.

Throughout the fesval period, Ilé-Ifẹ was characterised by daily

As the fes val concluded, the Ooni urged everyone to carry the lessons of Obàtálá beyond the shrines into everyday life, stressing that true spirituality is reflected in humility, jus ce, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.

Newly Recruited Teachers Yet To Recieve Appointment Letters Weeks After Gov. Adeleke’s Directive

Michael Bamigbola

TWO weeks a er

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State gave direc ve for the release of appointment le ers for the newly recruited teachers, the state government is yet to carry out the direc ve.

Governor Adeleke had penul mate week directed the state Ministry of Educa on to release the appointment le ers of the newly recruited teachers.

However, the direcve of the Governor was not carried out by the Ministry or any other agency of government.

For over two years, prospec ve teachers who had gone through various stages of the recruitment exercise are yet to know their fate.

At different mes, Governor Adeleke had given promises as to when the newly recruited teachers will commence work but all

to no avail.

The government had promised to employ not less than 5,000 teachers to take care of the shortage of teachers in both the public primary and secondary schools in the state. This is even as the government promised to employ educa on officers who will be in charge of inspec on of schools and perform other du es in the state Ministry of Educa on.

Recall that the teachers recruited by the immediate past administra on of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola at the tail end of the administra on were disengaged by the government of Adeleke shortly a er he (Adeleke) assumed office in 2022. The state commissioner for Educa on, Hon Dipo Eluwole in a statement issued recently said the recruitment exercise will follow due process and different steps will also be followed.

CAF Sets To Take Decision On Use Of Towels By Goalkeepers

PRESIDENT of the Confedera on of African Football (CAF) Referees Commi ee, Olivier Safari, has hinted that the body may move to review exis ng regula ons guiding the use of towels by goalkeepers, following the controversy that trailed their use during the just-concluded Africa Cup of Na ons (AFCON) in Morocco.

The controversy came to light during the semifinal clash between Nigeria and host na on Morocco, where Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was repeatedly distracted as stadium officials interfered with the towels placed be-

hind his goal Videos of the disrup ons quickly went viral, drawing cri cism from fans and pundits over the lack of control around the pitch. The issue resurfaced and intensified during the final, again involving the host na on.

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy experienced similar interference, with ball boys, stewards and even players handling or removing his towels during the match. One widely circulated clip showed Africa Footballer of the Year, Achraf Hakimi, taking Mendy’s towel from the goal area.

Tensions escalated fur-

Osun Guber: Salaam

ther when Senegal’s substute goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf, a empted to safeguard the towels.

Diouf was chased around the pitch by stewards and ball boys before being forcibly escorted off, crea ng disorderly scenes that momentarily overshadowed the final.

Despite the distrac ons, Senegal went on to secure the AFCON tle. However, the incidents may yet have consequences, with potenal sanc ons reportedly looming for sec ons of Senegal’s supporters, head coach Pape Thiaw, and the Senegal Football Federaon.

Reac ng to the epi-

sode, President of the Confedera on of African Football Referees Commi ee, Olivier Safari, admi ed the situa on exposed a gap in regula ons and hinted at possible changes ahead of future tournaments.

“This is a problem organisers must take into account in future compeons,” Safari said.

He noted that towels are not officially recognized as playing equipments and cau oned against their misuse.

“When a goalkeeper carries a towel, it must be done in a spor ng and fairplay manner. Once it is used to shout instruc ons or influence the game, I believe it should be

the playing area.”

Unveils Plans To

Rescue Osun, Pledges People Centered Government

GOVERNOR

SHIP candidate of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) in the August 8 governorship elec on in Osun State Rt. Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salaam has unveiled his mission to rescue the state.

A former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Dr Salaam said he’s prepared to deliver Osun State from years of mismanagement and redirect governance towards the genuine needs and aspira ons of the people.

Speaking at various engagements with party faithful, professionals, youths and community leaders across the state, Salaam described his aspira on as a mission of restoraon, not a mere polical contest.

A statement by the state Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Abdulsalam Abdulkudus quoted Salaam as saying that he’s fully ready to deliver the state from its current state and rebuild it.

He said Osun State is richly endowed with human and natural resources, yet the people con nue to bear the burden of poor leadership, weak ins tu onal accountability and policies that fail to priorize ci zens’ welfare.

Salaam par cularly decried policies that punish the grassroots,

no ng that governance must never become an instrument of exclusion or collec ve suffering, adding that leadership is about stewardship, fairness and accountability, not control or in mida on.

He maintained that “government exists to serve the people, not the other way around. His proposed administra on, will be anchored on listening to ci zens, strengthening ins tu ons and ensuring that public resources translate directly into improved living standards.”

“Workers’ welfare will be priori zed with prompt payment of salaries and en tlements and respect for labour agreements,” he added.

He stated further that “educa on will be revitalized through improved infrastructure, teachers mo va on and policies that restore Osun’s reputa on as a centre of learning.

“Healthcare delivery will be strengthened to ensure accessible and affordable services for both urban and rural dwellers.

“Youth empowerment will move beyond rhetoric to praccal skills acquisi on, entrepreneurship support and job crea on. Local governments will be empowered to func on effec vely as engines of grassroots development,” he submi ed.

OSUN State Local Government Service Commission has announced the deployment of five Heads of Local Government Administra on to new duty posts.

This was contained in a le er announcing movement of the affected local government career heads from their previous duty posts to the new ones, dated January 26, 2025 and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mudashir Oyedeji.

The Commission, though did not state reasons for changing the affected HLAs, however, one of the council areas, that will have a new career head is Boripe Local Government, where the immediate past Governor,

OSCOTECH Moves To Engage Corps Members After Sacking

THE management of Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), Esa-Oke, has concluded plans to engage members of the Na onal Youth Corps Service (NYSC) a er barring all contract staff of the ins tu on from having access to the campus.

It was gathered that the chairman of the governing Council of the college, Prince Diran Odeyemi on Wednesday, led management of the ins tu on on a courtesy visit to the NYSC Orienta on Camp, Ede.

It was learnt that the visit was part of ongoing ins tu onal engagement and collabora on between OSCOTECH and NYSC.

Sources hinted that the council Chairman formally presented key areas

of need cri cal to ins tuonal growth and service delivery to the state coordinator of NYSC during the visit.

These include a request for the deployment of medical personnel, architects and other relevant professionals, as well as a broader call for strategic partnership in development-focused ini a ves.

The Chairman, according to sources emphasized the importance of inter-ins tu onal collabora on in the strengthening capacity and improving service outcomes.

Also speaking during the engagement, the Rector, Mr. S. A. Adewumi, reiterated the posi on of the Council Chairman by formally informing the NYSC Coordinator of the ins tuon’s forthcoming accredita on exercise.

He requested the assistance of NYSC in the pro-

vision of qualified professionals, as earlier outlined, to support the accreditaon processes.

In his response, the NYSC State Coordinator expressed apprecia on for the visit and the spirit of engagement demonstrated by the Council/Management.

He further informed the delega on of the posive response received from the Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University, indica ng the ins tu on’s willingness to support collabora ve efforts aimed at capacity building and development.

Recall that OSCOTECH had in a memo on January 2, 2026 and signed by the Registrar, S.O Popoola, ordered all Constract Staff not to resume back to the College pending the outcome of the interview and le er of renewal of appointment.

Adegboyega Oyetola, hails from.

According to the le er detailing the new pos ngs, Yakubu Adekunle Oni, currently serving in Irewole North East Local Council Development Authority, has been moved to Boripe Local Government Area.

According to the le er, all the five new HLAs were moved from the Local Council Development Authority to main council areas.

The le er did not however state where those running the affected councils, where the newly deployed HLAs will serve, before the latest pos ngs will be moving to.

The le er reads in part, “I wish to inform you that the Local Government Service Commission has approved the deployment of the underlisted Heads of Local Government.

“Bolaji Wasiu Ayoola, Emmanuel Oluwole Ademokoya, Adebisi Lateef Kayode, Yakubu Adekunle Oni, Isaac Tope Akinwumi Present sta on: lfe South West LCDA, Oriade South LCDA, Ede East LCDA, Irewole North East LCDA and Egbedore South LCDA

New sta on: Ola-Oluwa L.G, Atakumosa East LG, Oriade L.G, Boripe LG and Ife East Central LCDA

“The Officers affected by this deployment are to resume du es with immediate effect.”

The deployment of the HLAs which came amid row involving the Osun State Government and the All Progressives Congress over the control of LGAs in the state, generated diverse reac ons from supporters of the state governor, Ademola Adeleke and the members of the main opposi on party, the APC.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026 VOL. 21 NO 08 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

NIGERIA’S poverty debate has dried into a dangerous simplifica on.

A single figure appears, detached from its assump ons, repeated un l it hardens into fact, and then deployed as proof of inevitability or failure. It is emoonally compelling. It is also analy cally shallow.

When the media headlines projec ons made by consul ng firms, such as the recent PwC publica on Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026, which stated that 141 million Nigerians will be poor, the figure is o en treated as a defini ve account of lived reality rather than what it actually is: a projec on based on assump ons about economic condi ons, policy effec veness, and exposure to shocks. That dis ncon ma ers, because projec ons are not measurements, and assump ons are only assump ons.

This piece is not an a empt to downplay poverty. It is an a empt to restore clarity to how poverty is understood, debated, and governed.

A poverty measurement is derived from household-level data collected at a specific point in me, using a defined methodology and threshold. It tells us what was observed. A poverty projec on, by contrast, extends past trends forward o en in a straight line to es mate what might happen if key condi ons remain unchanged. It assumes that household behaviour does not change, policy design and scale do not improve, efficiency of beneficiary targe ng remains sta c, shocks recur with similar intensity, and social protec on systems remain fragmented.

Straight-line projec ons are useful as warnings, but they are not neutral. They embed pessimism into forecasts and then present those assump ons as data-backed certainty. Allowing this instrumental use of poverty sta s cs to dominate public discourse par cularly in a pre-elec on year undermines serious policy engagement. Poverty is not a single condi on. It is an aggrega on of depriva ons that interact over me. Two households can fall below the same poverty line for en rely different reasons and therefore require different policy responses. One may be temporarily poor due to food price shocks. Another may be structurally trapped by low educaon, poor health access, unsafe housing, and lack of produc ve assets.

Assuming equivalence based solely on headline figures results in imprecise beneficiary targe ng, subop mal alloca on of resources, and weak poverty exit strategies. When policy is guided by a single

“No single political actor today has the convening power to mobilise federal and state actors, nor the authority to align spending, demand compliance, or insist that social protection investments produce durable exits from poverty rather than temporary

relief”

The Politics Of Poverty Numbers And The Coordination Gap PERSPECTIVE BY SOLA AFOLAYAN

metric, poverty is managed rather than reduced.

Given that monetary poverty and muldimensional poverty do not fully overlap, across countries, large groups of people are poor by one measure and not the other. Some households have income but lack essen al services. Others lack income today but possess capabili es and assets that make their poverty transitory. Evidence from countries such as the United States illustrates par al overlap, reinforcing the need for complementary measurement frameworks. In its latest report, the US Census Bureau cited 12.3% of Americans are income poor, 15% were MPI/MDI poor, while 8.3% are poor in both measures.

Complemen ng monetary measures, Nigeria’s sub-na onal Mul dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report (2022) provides the most updated and verifiable poverty numbers. It shows how people are poor, not just how many. It provides federal and state governments with insight into how to

Tallocate resources by sector and geography based on actual depriva on pa erns. Crucially, it enables coordina on across ministries and sub-na onal governments by turning poverty into a shared, measurable outcome.

This is why serious governments use MPI not merely to report poverty, but to design policy, track progress, and hold ins tu ons accountable. India, with a popula on of over 1.2 billion, has significantly used the MPI as a crucial tool to track and achieve substan al poverty reduc on. The country nearly halved its MPI value, moving 415 million people out of mul dimensional poverty in 15 years (2005/06-2019/21).

Nigeria’s poverty debate, however, often jumps prematurely to funding. Can we afford this? Where will the money come from? These are the wrong ques ons.

When social protec on spending: cash transfers, food interven ons, school feeding, health subsidies, educa on support, livelihood programmes, humanitarian re-

A Waste Of Life

HERE is a quota on that our Educa on Curriculum ought to integrate into Civic Knowledge from Basic 1 up to GNS 101 in Ter ary Ins tu ons so it becomes etched in the minds of ci zens and contribute to making them avowed patriots. It is li ed from no other fundamental document than the American Declara on of Independence, and worth repea ng again and again because it is not just about America, not just cra ed by some of the best human minds, but about the very essence of humanity and its ins tuted governments.

It says, and we take liberty to quote at length because failure to act on it is what leads to wasted lives, especially in Nigeria: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are ins tuted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destruc ve of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to ins tute new Government, laying its founda on on such principles and organising its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

The right; nay, the duty, of the people to abolish governments that do not guarantee their welfare and security is inalienable. Con-

firmed. In order not to allow the exercise of that right degenerate into a war, periodic elec ons to choose those that govern are ins tuted in every Cons tu onal Democracy. It is then up to the people to keep insis ng on perfec ng their electoral system – knowing that whereas perfec on is not a ainable on earth, excellence is. The catch, however, is that if a people keep elec ng, or allow some persons to be “declared elected,” who do not care for their welfare and security – in words and deed – and repeatedly so, again and again, then they are condemned to a life me of misery and tribula on! Every elected government (Presidents and Governors) desire to stay at least the usually permitted 8 years, or so. Parliamentarians without specified tenure limita on by the Cons tu on desire to stay there forever!

So, if we put a human life me at a ripe 100 years old, he or she can only experience the tenure of a maximum of 13 Presidents and Governors in an uninterrupted democracy if they all enjoyed their 8-year tenure. Gran ng a man or woman must be 18 to be considered fully responsible, his or her 82 years adult-life can only be lived under 11 of such governors/ presidents. Imagine living the first under a man who so much sought to be president and wept a er repeated failures but got there and reigned clueless for 8 agony-dispensing years. Then comes the “turn” of another stumbling and fumbling individual that dreamt of being

sponse, pensions, fuel mi ga on measures, and shock-related relief, is aggregated across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, it already represents one of the largest func onal expenditures in the naonal system. Fragmenta on makes large spending appear small and serious effort appear ineffec ve. Integrated systems, by contrast, allow governments to pool resources, model trade-offs, run microsimula ons, assess budget incidence, and priori se interven ons that reduce depriva on fastest and prevent relapse.

Effec ve social protec on answers one central ques on: what happens to a household over me?

This is where Ultra-Poor Gradua on approaches ma er. There are some beneficiaries who remain in the Nigeria Na onal Social Register since 2016- not improving in livelihoods, nor exi ng to make room for others. Gradua on approach is the answer. Originally developed by BRAC in Bangladesh, the Gradua on approach is a holis c framework designed to transi on the world’s most vulnerable popula ons into self-sufficiency. The programme provides a “big push” through six core components: the transfer of a produc ve asset (such as livestock), technical skills training, temporary consump on support, access

•Read full article on www.osundefender.com

•Afolayan is a social protection and poverty governance specialist with over 25 years experience working on multidimensional poverty analysis, integrated safety nets, and graduation-based pathways out of poverty in Nigeria. An Oxford-trained Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Champion, she has advised government and development partners on poverty diagnostics, social policy architecture, and large-scale delivery systems, with a focus on translating poverty data into durable exit pathways.

president since he was a baby, who is now delivering unrelen ng (and unprecedented) cost of living crises and escala ng insecurity. If that our ci zen then lives just 6 more of such presidents, then he or she would have lived 82 years of a life that is difficult to qualify decently. Even the minority that will be fortunate to live the affluent life in such a country of wasted lives cannot completely escape the unavoidable trauma.

In such a country where the President and governors consider themselves omnipotent, rule imperially in a unitary system that lives a false “Federal Republic” name; should the policies and programmes of governors and presidents be largely self-aggrandising and anpeople, then the fate of the majority is sealed – shou ng “up NEPA” as a child, then again as adult, and their children now shou ng same “up NEPA” as a miserable legacy! Forget roads, water supply, health system, quality educa on, industry; not to men on science and technology in an age when Voyager 1 has le the solar system and flags of na ons are planted on the moon.

The only thing le for the ci zens and patriots of such country is to listen a en vely and abide by the words of the Late Murtala Mohammed - and recapture the spirit of learning and knowhow TO ACT for their redemp on. Murtala said shortly before his death on February 13, 1976, “For too long, we have paid lip services to issues of remoulding our society; far too o en we have talked glibly of the birth of a new na on. Now is the me to rethink, to reflect and to act.”

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, Off Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. All correspondence to the Deputy Editor, MICHAEL BAMIGBOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com