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TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014 Agba o si ni ilu, ilu baje, bale le ku, ile ku da horo. Imado iba se bi elede a balu je, eru iba joba eeyan o bakukan.” These are two Yoruba proverbs that capture my feeling about the Ekiti forthcoming election. If there are no elders in Ekiti to speak the truth, our state will become a
VOL. 9. NO.072
Front Page Comment EKITI MUST NOT DIE ON THE DAY OF DESTINY no free born person deserted state without a future. If we allow brutes to take over our government, then we cannot expect progress. If a slave becomes king,
would remain. The Yoruba people are a culturally wise people and this is why we have gotten this far in
our life’s journey. But at the right time in this journey, we have had to fall back on the wisdom of our ancestors as encapsulated in our proverbs and witticisms. Continue on pg4
Who Killed Chief Bola Ige, formerAttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice?
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IGE
Omisore Is Afraid Of His Past - Aregbesola - See Story On Page 2
•(L-R) Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and other dignitaries, during the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s first National Convention at Eagles Square, Abuja, last Friday.
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, June 17, 2014
News
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Omisore Is Afraid Of His Past- Aregbesola By KAZEEM MOHAMMED
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OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has said that it is now clear that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the August 9 governorship election in the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore, is afraid of his own past, as he is now entertaining fears over the acquiring of new Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) by the government. In a statement signed The governor was by his spokesman, Semiu reacting to Omisore’s Okanlawon, on Sunday, accusation that the Aregbesola wondered government acquired why the PDP candidate is APCs for the election, catching fever and cold all saying that the PDP candidate has again, at once over the state apparently displayed government’s acquisition either ignorance, mischief of APCs and other security patrol vans at this or both.
stage. “It has come to the attention of the government of Osun that Omisore is obviously being threatened by his own past, by, in an apparent display of either ignorance, mischief or both, saying the acquisition of APCs is for the August 9 governorship election. “If Omisore and his handlers have forgotten, this government did not have to wait for any election before putting in place adequate mechanism to protect the
peace and security of our people. “Perhaps, the PDP candidate and his hangers-on believe that the entire people of Osun also have short memory just as they do. They need to be reminded that on April 5, 2013, Aregbesola, with fanfare, handed over about 120 patrol vans and five APCs to the security agencies at a ceremony witnessed by an Assistant Inspector General, Ghandi Orubebe, who represented the Inspector-General of Police.
“If not for laziness, mischief and a determination to score cheap political point, we expect Omisore to have made inquiries in the office of the IGP what the APCs in Osun are meant for and whether he is aware of their presence or not. “At the handing over of the last batch of security equipment –including patrol vans and APCs to the various security agencies last year, Governor Aregbesola had pledged to do more if that would guarantee the
•(L-R) The Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun; the deputy governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; the Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat and Chief Tunde Badmus during Osogbo Progressive Union’s (OPU) endorsement of Governor Aregbesola for second term in office at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, last Monday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
Osun 2014: Group To Organise Debate For Governorship Candidates By ISMAEEL UTHMAN
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socio-political group, the Congress of Youths in the South-West, has stated that it would organise a debate for all the candidates contesting for the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the State of Osun. According to the group, urged political parties not the debate is to provide a to politicise the debate, level play-ground for all saying that COYIS is the candidates and affords non-partisan and that them the opportunity to those that would anchor present their manifestoes the event do not have towards the development political affiliation with of the state to the general any political party. public. He disclosed that the The State Coordinator group has been accredited of the group, Prince by the Independent Adeyemi Adejugbagbe, in National Electoral a press statement made Commission (INEC) to available to OSUN organise the debate, DEFENDER on Sunday which has been scheduled maintained that the debate to hold on July 22, 2014 in was not to witch-hunt or Osogbo. humiliate any of the According to him, governorship candidates, participants at the debate promising that there would would include professional be orderliness at the bodies like the Nigeria programme. Union of Journalists Adeyemi, however, (NUJ), artisans, labour
unions, religious bodies, students’ associations, and civil society groups, who would form the audience to ask questions from the governorship candidates. The coordinator stated that the debate was part of the social responsibilities of the group to promote unity and political tolerance among the governorship contenders, adding that candidates participating at the debate would be given equal treatment, irrespective of their status. Adeyemi said the debate was not to award position or adjudge any of the gubernatorial candidates, but to present them to the electorate and provide intellectual platform for them to state why they merit the
governorship seat. Adeyemi also said the group would mobilize youths across the state to organize a mass rally to
campaign for one-manone -vote and free, fair, credible and violence-free election in the state, after the debate.
security of our people and make Osun an investorfriendly state”, the statement said. For the avoidance of doubt, the statement recalled that Aregbesola , had, on that occasion stated: “Our people will live in peace, happiness and joy under the full protection of Almighty. The era of criminality has gone and gone forever. It is to ensure that that era does not come back that we have done all these and we are going to do more”. It also recalled that the governor also said at the event: “We have also paid for some APCs that are more sophisticated than the ones we have now and we are about to order heavy duty motorcycles, the sound of which is enough to drive away criminally-minded people. They will be here before the end of the year. Every street will have one”. Given the above statement more than a year ago, Aregbesola wondered what then is strange and in what way has the government deviated from what it promised to do to guarantee peace in the state. The governor then advised Omisore to concentrate on his campaigns, operating within the limits of the law and civility, as his administration would stop at nothing to bring the full weight of the law to bear on anybody who violates the law no matter his status including, those who want to hide under the guise of electioneering to perpetrate evil.
Children To Be Exempted From Child Labour
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IGERIANS have been urged not only to exempt children from child labour in accordance with the law of International Labour Organization, but rather to give the children social protection from such vices. The State of Osun had made the children Commissioner, Ministry of vulnerable to abuse and Women and Children deprived them of adequate Affairs, Mrs. Mofolake education, health, leisure Adetoun Adegboyega, and basic freedoms, disclosed this in a media thereby violating their chat on World Day Against rights. She stated that Governor Child Labour 2014, which Aregbesola’s held on June 12, with the Rauf Theme: Extend Social administration does not Protection: Combat Child support child labour and that it has in place numerous Labour. Mrs. Adegboyega policies in favour of the frowned at the large children, who he believed numbers of children should be safeguarded from engaged in forced, paid or the abuse of child labour. According to unpaid domestic work in the home of a third party or Adegboyega, the World employer, an action which Day Against Child Labour
2014 is a call to introduce, improve and extend social protection, work on National Social Security systems that are sensitive to children’s needs and help in fighting child labour, as well as social protection that reaches out to especially, vulnerable groups of children. She thereby called for the continued support of g o v e r n m e n t s , organizations, civil societies, schools, youths and women’s groups, media, as well as Nigerians at large, in the campaign against child labour to highlight the plight of child labourers, what can be done to help and save the children, and the social protection instruments needed in combating child labour.
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News
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Adopt Our School Feeding Policy •Osun Advises State Govts
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TATE governments across Nigeria have been advised to emulate Government of the State of Osun to drastically reduce high rate of out-of-elementary-school children, which presently stands at over 10 million and tackle youths’ restiveness by generating jobs for the myriad of unemployed youths through school feeding programme. Deputy Governor and state. Laoye-Tomori said the Commissioner for Education in the State of Osun School Feeding Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Scheme tagged: OGrace Titilayo Laoye- Meals, is geared towards Tomori, stated recently in employment generation her office, while playing and economic promotion, host to a United Nations which has led to the Children Fund (UNICEF) empowerment of 52 delegates, who were on youths in fish-growing an official visit to the business, 3,007 caterers
and an appreciable number of local farmers, coupled with the 40,000 employed through the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES), employment of over 10,000 teachers and 3,000 engaged in the OGarment scheme, which has assisted in the reduction of unemployment rate in the state. According to her, the State of Osun presently enjoys the least unemployment rate in Nigeria, with three percent
unemployment rate, resulting from series of people-oriented programmes the state government has embarked upon, which presently rank State of Osun as second behind Lagos State, as the state with the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Applauding efforts of the local producers of farm products going into the scheme for making dreams of the state government in the OMeals scheme a reality, the state deputy governor said over 300,000 fish, 10,000 crates of eggs, an appreciable quantity and
quality vegetables, along with different varieties of seasonal fruits are consumed on weekly basis by children between the ages of 6 and 9, who are fed under this scheme. Describing State of Osun as a haven of investment to willing investors, being the safest and most peaceful state in Nigeria, the deputy governor called on the UNICEF to come into partnering with the state government in the actualization and sustainability of these programmes, most importantly the O-Meals. Reacting, the Country Representative of UNICEF, Ms. Jean Gough, said her team had earlier visited elementary schools across the state
and other ongoing project sites of the state government to physically ascertain level of achievement the state government has attained in this regard, which she said was tremendous. Ms. Gough said UNICEF is willing and ready to partner with the government of the State of Osun in an efficient, effective, innovative and people-oriented programme as O-Meals, with a view to impacting positively lives of more kids, which could become achievable only if the programme is sustained. She thereafter advised the state government to be involved in exchange programmes with other developed nations across the globe, so as to add value to the scheme.
UNODC Charges Osun To Effect Reform In Justice Sector
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•Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left) and Secretary, Convention Planning Committee, Senator Chris Ngige, during All Progressives Congress (APC)’s first National Convention at Eagles Square, Abuja, last Friday.
Media Urged To Give Prominence To Children Reportage By SOLA JACOBS
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OURNALISTS have been urged to give prominence to issues as they relate to children, in view of their being the most vulnerable members of the society. This call was made by She added that the the chief executive officer negligence of children of Cares Global Network, and issues related to them Mrs Omolola Omotesho- are rocking our essence Famuyiwa during a media as a nation and it had training workshop multiplier adverse effect organised by the Nigeria on development as a Association of Women nation because Nigeria is Journalists (NAWOJ) of producing failed leaders B Zone, which comprises of tomorrow. Women Journalists from She stressed that Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo journalists, as the and Ekiti states held in watchdog of the society, Lagos last Thursday. can report more on Mrs Famuyiwa violence against children, carpeted Nigerian media child education in Nigeria, for reportage of only economic policies and social diary of children, Nigeria child and child rather than issues that trafficking, as Nigerian border on their rights in children were spread the society, until the across African states, recent abduction of serving as domestic Chibok girls, which gave slaves in central African them prominence in the states, East Africa, North media. Africa, as well as West
African countries. “If Nigeria as a state pretended as if the Nigerian children were not aware of their plight, may it not witness the rebirth of” Soweto Children” revolution,” she stressed. “The insensitivity of the leaders and society on children matters should stop and concrete efforts should be taken, reverse negative trends against children in our society, if we must witness the growth and development of our country,” she advised. She however, counseled the Nigerian media to respect the rights of the minor in their reportage, so as not to infringe on their fundamental rights by unduly exposing their photographs or while reporting rape or crime
stories. In her own contribution at the workshop, the National President of NAWOJ in Nigeria, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, said the need for children media is long overdue. She urged the media houses and executives to give child issues serious reportage in their medium. Mrs Omowole also advised reporters to take interest on children issues and make in-depth reporting about them, rather than scanty and scratch-face reportage about them. The President of the women journalists in Nigeria used the occasion to appeal to Nigerian government to make frantic effort to bring back Chibok girls, rather than paying lip-service attention to rescuing them from their abductors.
consultant of United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) from Abuja has charged the state government of Osun to emulate states like Lagos, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, in the area of justice sector reform. The team, led by Mr that were not too suitable Saka Azimazi and Aisha to the team included: the Ado Abdullahi, was on a state of the two prisons in capacity assessment visit Ilesa and Ile-Ife, presence to all structures and of under-aged convicts in justice sector facilities in the prisons, too many the State of Osun. awaiting trial inmates, lack During the visit, of enough statutes like the discussions were held Child’s Right Law, lack of with the State Ministry of independence for the Justice, High Court, Legal Office of Public Aid Council, Defender and Citizen Commissioner of Police, Rights, dilapidated and Controller of Prisons, obsolete court structures, Nigeria Bar Association, lack of case tracking FIIDA, Office of the techniques in the system, Attorney-General, as well lack of co-ordination as the House of within the justice Assembly Committee on stakeholders, lack of Judiciary. vehicles to convey prison The team visited major inmates to court, sharing courts in the state, the two of court-rooms by prisons and facilities magistrates and so many available therein. other woes bedeviling the Some of the structures justice system.
Medical Specialists Commend Ogbeni Aregbesola On Walk-To-Live
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OLLEGE of Physicians has commended State of Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola on his programme of walk-to-live exercise in the
state. The physicians gave the commendation while carrying out a similar fitness exercises to commence their National Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM) in Osogbo, the state capital. The fitness exercise marking the commencement of the AGSM of the physicians was attended by the State of Osun Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Ilori, and and her counterpart in the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Special Needs, Mr.
Stephen Kola-Balogun. Dr. Ilori expressed her appreciation to the physicians for complementing the healthy lifestyle exercise, which the governor had laid down in the state. She stated that the exercise had inculcated healthy living habits into the citizens of the state. Also speaking, KolaBalogun disclosed that the state had been performing similar exercise on monthly basis in order to promote healthy living, communal peace and unity across the state.
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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, June 17, 2014
EKITI MUST NOT DIE ON THE DAY OF DESTINY By Jide Osuntokun Continued from pg1 As an academic, I have always had the problem on relating to the Nigerian political environment. In fact I always say that my western education has not prepared me well for the hustle and bustle of the Nigerian political environment. I have always had problems adjusting to understanding the nature of our politics. Yet I have practically lived my adolescent life in an intense political environment. How on earth, in the year of our Lord 2014 can anybody compare Kayode Fayemi, our incumbent governor with Ayodele Fayose, our former governor who we are trying very hard to forget that he ever ruled our state? How could a state whose citizens are tempered by education and the struggle against a harsh environment of the hilly topography of the Ekiti State find it acceptable to have a man who ran the state aground and down through bribery and corruption and who imposed himself on the generality of the people of the state including traditional rulers by brute force and coercion including roughing up people violently if necessary? How can he be running to rule the same state whose legislators impeached and removed him from office? This bad dream and nightmare has again come to haunt our people even while we are awake and it seems some people are even giving it a consideration when in fact it should have been rejected outright. On the other hand, we have a good commodity to sell in Fayemi. This is a man true to his conscience who for the past three and a half years has been tested and proven to be a round peg in a round hole and a governor who instead of shaming us has proved to
be an object of pride to all Ekiti people at home and abroad. He is a sober man compared to a man acting like a drunken sailor while in office. Supporters of Fayose describe him as onijagidi jagan, a roughneck who should never have been governor in the first place. If we are a sensible people, and I think we are, we should not be faced with this choice but the choice is clear. There is no meeting point between darkness and light, between peace and war, between serenity and confusion, between murder and life, between development and underdevelopment, between progress and backwardness and between education and illiteracy. Fayemi is a vessel unto honour. He is not perfect, even our Lord Jesus Christ said no one is perfect. He has set his hands on the plough of Ekiti state’sprogress unless we pull him back, it is forward ever and backward never. As an elder, I cannot keep quiet and allow people to be misled, Fayose has no plan for Ekiti. If he does, he will not be talking about bringing up two new universities when the only one we have is not well funded because the state is not well endowed materially and I speak from experience. His people are going round telling lies in order to hoodwink our people but they will not succeed. One of them without shame told me that telling lies is what they call “political bomb” and that they are ready to use it against Fayemi. I challenge all Ekiti people in diaspora to send word home about this election. We will not allow uncircumcised people from outside to take our patrimony from us.
Those who are planning to use extra electoral strategy to rule Ekiti state will not succeed because we will not allow them. I will not be a slave to anybody no matter how highly placed he or she may be and my children and my grandchildren and all Ekiti youth now and in future will not be slaves to outsiders. Our people should be allowed to make a choice and I believe they will make the right choice. Let the word go out that we Ekiti people are inheritors of an intrepid tradition of resistance and if need be, we will resist again, any imposition from outside. Threats have been issued about this election to be a do or die affair. Huge amount of money will be brought to Ekiti during this time to buy the voters. My advice to my people is to take the money and vote according to your conscience. The development in Ekiti in the last three and a half years provide opportunity for comparison and this is why this election is a referendum on good governance which has been the experience of Ekiti people during the Fayemi administration. We have the opportunity to build on this excellent performance and to lay the solid foundation of an industrialised state enjoying the application of the knowledge of our people for economic development. Peace is a desideratum for development. We have enjoyed this peace for over three years and we do not want to go back to Egypt. No country today can be developed without external support. The same scenario goes for our state. If we do not have a government headed appropriately by a far seeing person, we will not be able to attract economic development assistance because only the deep can speak to the deep. A governor who is known in and outside his state, who speaks the language of the world, a renaissance man and who is sought after by
On Iree Channelized Drainage
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ANY thanks for affording the grateful populace an opportunity to thank and appreciate the Rauf Aregbesola administration for the numerous good deeds it has rendered to the people. I would really like this letter published. I wish to commend the good works of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola concerning the improved drainage system in my hometown, Iree. During the tenure of the previous administration, we lodged numerous complaints on regular basis but absolutely nothing was done despite the various convincing promises that were made. Please, I implore you again to
make sure my letter is published. Previously, anytime it rained, it was certain that we had to take the next day off from our places of work because our houses would be filled with water, regardless of
the size and location of the structure. Considering the fact that we lodged our complaints to the previous administration for about 20 times without any results, we complained only once to the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s
administration. No sooner had we complained than we were promised that it would be looked into with immediate effect. Time showed that it was not an empty promise. The drains really
alleviated the flooding problems that accompanied any heavy rainfall. Compared to then when we had to squeeze out a whole day to clean our homes or pray to God to make the rain minimal, we can now
sleep peacefully, knowing full well that the storm is over. Our houses, which were previously vulnerable to flooding, are now impregnable to the same factor. I implore the good people of the State of Osun to continue to support Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and assist him. He who the cap fits, let him wear it. Effective leadership is determined by results. As I conclude this letter, I pray that God will continue to help Ogbeni Aregbesola in all his endeavours. May our state continue to be prosperous. • A F O L AYA N FEMI, Oke Aree, Iree, State of Osun.
the haves and have-nots, by billionaires and plebeians for inspiration will be able to attract attention to our state for the economic upliftment of our people. Education means a lot to our people because since independence it has provided means of upward social mobility. We need somebody who knows and appreciates the meaning of sound education. You cannot give what you do not have. We grant Fayose kudos for lifting himself by his bootstrap but he should appreciate what God has done for him and not push his luck too far. He must not allow himself to be used by any external force for their own purpose. If Fayose loves Ekiti people, he himself will accept the fact there is a difference between knowledge and mere understanding, between wisdom and ignorance, between studentship and scholarship. Ekiti is too important for experimentation, we do not need a repeat of a failed poultry experiment that gobbled up N2 billion which could have built us a bright new Ekiti University Teaching Hospital. Fayose as a patriot must tell Ekiti people the truth that he cannot beat Fayemi in a fair contestation of ideas. If we do not monitor this election and allow evil to triumph over good, people will laugh last at us that we have so many PhDs but no sense and that we cannot even make a wise choice. We have to stand up and be counted. This is the time to speak out. At a time like this, silence is not golden. We need to seize the moment and march forward in development under the governorship of Fayemi but if we allow our state to be robbed of progressive rulership, may God forbid, but if we do, let the last man leaving the state shut the door and switch off the light
OSUN DEFENDER Publisher
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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the above mail address. ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com
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Politics OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Aregbesola On The March Again
Broom Revolution Hits Ikire No sooner had the month of June started than yet another in the series of convergence packaged by history into this season convened. This time around, the mammoth crowd did not converge on the ancient town of Ile-Ife; but it did on another ancient town renowned for a sumptuous delicacy prepared with fully ripe banana / plantain fruits and other condiments. Though "dodo Ikire", as it is fondly called found its way into the gathering under review, there is another event which formed the raison-d'ĂŞtre for the tumultuous crowd - an event that promises life abundant for all: the Broom Revolution. In this edition of OSUN DEFENDER Magazine, NIYI OLASINDE dissects all that interests the longing hearts of progressives about the recently-held Ikire episode in the ongoing series of mega rallies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun. - See Story On Page 2
•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left), addressing the mammoth crowd, during his re-election campaign in Irewole/Ayedaade/Isokan Federal Constituency, Ikire, State of Osun, recently.
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MAGAZINE
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Broom Revolution Hits Ikire
•A mammoth crowd during Governor Aregbesola’s Re-election mega rally at Irewole/Ayedaade/Isokan Federal Constituency, Ikire, State of Osun on Tuesday. INSET: From left, Speaker, State House of Assembly of Osun, Honourable Najeem Salam; first civilian governor of the state, Senator Isiaka Adeleke; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, at the event. Contiuned from page 5
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HE last week edition of OSUN DEFENDER Magazine did necessary justice by way of concise reportage of events, to the debut in the series of campaign rallies preceding the forthcoming Gubernatorial Elections, heralding the re-election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun under the candidature of the duo of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola and Otunba (Mrs.) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori. Unarguably, the two personalities, governor and deputy governor respectively, have proven their worth through series of programmes, projects and transformation agenda that they have initiated, rolled out and instituted within the space of almost four years that they have spent in the saddle of leadership of the state. Needles to say, this progress team has given good account of itself at true democrat, consummate humanist and sincere lover of its people. All over the length and breadth of the state, the achieving touch of the hand of the administration is visible in all spheres of life. In the present-day State of Osun; the list of ‘O’ programmes is endless. It ranges from the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), through the State of Osun Rebranding Project, the State of Osun first-ever Education Summit, the O’CLEAN cum O’CLEAN-Plus, and the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Project (OREAP). It does not stop at that. Aside the fact that free, functional and qualitative education and broad-based free, comprehensive health programmes are in full swing in the state, particular programmes are in operation; the synergy of which has made the programmes a huge success. Thus we have the Osun Elementary Schools’ Feeding and Health programme (O’MEALS); the free schools uniform programme, known for short as O’ Uniform; the schools’ gymnastics programme called O’ Calisthenics; and the schools’ free transportation scheme which is about to take effect, O’ Transport. It as a widely acknowledged fact that since its coming on board about forty-five months ago, the incumbent administration has virtually turned the state into a massive project site through its huge investment in road and other forms of infrastructure. In spite of the huge capital outlay involved in putting these infrastructures in place; especially in the face of ever-dwindling monthly Statutory Allocation from the Federation Accounts, the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola has been undeterred in its avowed determination to turn around positively the fortunes of the people it got the mandate to rule. Specifically, we have other programmes like the State of Osun Urban Renewal Programme, the O’ Cab, O’ Fish, O’ Honey, O’ Ambulance and all the rest. In all these acronyms; letter ‘O’ stands for Osun.
It is obviously in appreciation of the foregoing that the people always respond with good gesture to any clarion call made to them over any issue concerning their governor and / or his political platform, the All Progressives Congress (APC). In recent times, especially at the approach of another in the line-up of governorship elections, the turn-out of people is huge and overwhelming at rallies and campaign forums convened by Ogbeni and his party. It has become a topic for debates as to which of the campaign rallies so far held had the highest turnout of people. However, our editions are adventures taken in exercises more serious than joining issues with any line of argument in those debates. Ours is a task devoted to bring out realities of the contents, events and intents of those rallies and to provide missing gaps in form of reminder as to the programmes, agenda and manifestos of the man of the moment in the political annals of the State of Osun and those of his political platform by extension. The man, Aregbesola rolled out a Six-Point Integral Action Plan with which he wooed the people for a mandate as far back as year 2005. At the rolling out period, Aregbesola signed to the election promises as is done to pacts, just as he challenged the people he intended to govern to hold him accountable according to the tune and spirit of the pact at any point of his stewardship. To God, Aregbesola has never till date backed out or refrained from his election promises as all nooks and crannies of the state are replete with visible and intangible projects which are traceable to the imprints of the landmark achievements of his administration. It could not be surprising to discerning minds then that Aregbesola has become an idol to his people; an obvious apple of their common eye. Aregbesola has become a household name as far as the State of Osun is concerned. This is to the extent that detractors, political adversaries and traducers know in their heart of hearts that he stands for the emancipation of his people. A good number of them who are still true-toearth confess it without shame, reservation or holdback; born of conspiracy of silence. Our last edition of OSUN DEFENDER Magazine beamed its searchlights on events that made the political rally of the Ife Federal Constituency of the State of Osun the success that it was. As prelude to that, the concept and essence of holding political rallies were examined. After the events at the Ile-Ife rally were brought to fore, we went ahead to present the pact rolled out by the governor years ago so as to refresh the memory of readers. This is more so because election periods are such vital periods when cross sections of the electorate sit back to evaluate those who have led them for a while and score them as a basis of making crucial decisions as to whether they
should be entrusted more with mandates to be their representatives. Based on the solid concrete achievements on ground in the State of Osun of today, it is not in doubt what the utterances of the people are, regarding the continuous stay in office of Ogbeni beyond 2014. The large turnout of people at campaign grounds across the state is instructive of the fact that people are passing a vote of confidence on the administration to carry on its good work for another term of four years; that is if the people’s body language is anything to go by. As the elections approach, it is hoped that the equal fingers that will thumb-print the ballot papers would not state otherwise. This edition is intended to capture the events that characterized the campaign rally for the Irewole / Ayedaade / Isokan Federal Constituency of the State of Osun held in Ikire, the headquarters of the constituency penultimate week. Alongside this, events that saw the light of day that are of prolific value to the political lives of the state and its people shall be underscored. Two significant events occurred in the political life of the State of Osun, just as the month of May was about to end. The events happened in such a way as if they had laid in wait, like a time bomb, to explode. But instead of wrecking destructive havoc as does the literary bomb device, they are glad developments which wield high promise of good fortunes for the almost twenty-three-year-old state and its entire people. The two events, though mutually exclusive in nature, are mutually reconstructive. In other words, even though they are not quite inter-dependent; they both promise to contribute immensely to the fasttracked growth, development and progress in the years to come, especially in the areas of party politics and good governance. The one, which took place on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, was the flag-off of campaign for the re-election bid of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola for a second term of four years in office. This event, which took place in the ancient town of Ile-Ife, has already been accorded the prominence it required in our last edition. The other was the event of Saturday, May 31, 2014, which occurred at Osogbo. Precisely, the venue for that event is the newly constructed Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, located at the Old Garage area of the state capital. The event under reference is the defection of one of the hitherto big-wigs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, who functioned between January 1992 and November 1993 as the first civilian governor of Osun State of the time, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. Closely trailing these two events on their heels is the Ikire mega rally, which account shall form the central focus of this edition. Contiuned on page 11
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Faces At The All Progressives Congress (APC)’s First National Convention At Eagles Square, Abuja, Last Friday.
•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun Chapter, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi (left) and a delegate, during the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s 1st National Convention at Eagles Square, Abuja on Friday.
•(R-L) Aregbesola; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the occasion.
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Faces At The All Progressives Congress (APC)’s First National Convention At Eagles Square, Abuja, Last Friday.
•(R-L) Former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and first civilian governor of Osun, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, during the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s 1st National Convention at Eagles Square, Abuja, on Friday.
•(R-L) Ajimobi (Oyo); Aregbesola (Osun) and Umaru Al-Makura (Nasarawa), at the event.
•(L-R) Deputy Governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori; her Lagos State counterpart, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Princess Sarah Sosan, during the programme.
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Presentation Of An Award Of Excellence To The Governor, State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, By Hoplink Solidarity Forum (HSF), LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Photo: GBENGAADENIYI. Osogbo Chapter, At GMT Hotel, Osogbo, Last Thursday.
•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (right) in a handshake with Chief Medical Director (CMD), LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Professor Olufemi Fadiora (left) during the programme.
•A cross section of HSF members at the event.
•Governor Aregbesola (middle) in a group photograph with some HSF members.
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Broom Revolution Hits Ikire S Contiuned from page 6
ENATOR Adeleke ruled the state in his days as governor under the auspices of the progressive Social Democratic Party (SDP). But since the current democratic dispensation started in 1999, he had been with the defunct Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was on the platform of this party that Adeleke contested and won the senatorial seat of Osun West Senatorial District into the Senate of the Federal Republic and served between 2007 and 2011. A complete gentleman with one of the finest combinations of a statesman cum partisan politician, Adeleke wields the attributes of an elite yet a grassroots mobilizer who is never tired of doing valiantly for his people. It remains a reference point in many circles what his lofty achievements were within those twenty-two months during which he governed the state. In a nutshell, the events and circumstances of his crossover cannot be a liability to any progressive party that is worth its salt; rather, the aftermath shall usher in greater success and progress for the party, the state and its people. It is on this note that OSUN DEFENDER Magazine considers it an added advantage for the fold of progressives in the state that Senator Adeleke has joined their bandwagon. Speculations had been making the rounds for quite some time; since political misadventure heightened in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the former senator was going to defect for sure. As a matter of fact, it became a point of controversy among politicalminded people, especially as the dungeon of political disarray into which that party which had prided itself as the single largest political party in Africa plunged itself deepened. As the crisis which had continually rocked the boat of that party reached a head early this year, many concerned citizens wondered what the like of Otunba Adeleke was waiting to impact in a devil’s enclave – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But true to the assertion of the scriptures that there is time for everything; and appointed season for every purpose under heaven, he has finally taken the most appropriate decision at the most opportune time. The final cross-over of Otunba Isiaka Adeleke therefore came to put to rest an endless era of rumourpeddling and speculations as to how well he was faring in his old party; or rather his prospects as a politician if he should remain there. The news started filtering in few days to the d-day of defection that the new accord was to be sealed that Saturday. At the start of it, it produced the effect of doubt and surprise, especially among die-hard admirers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But the day arrived and passed. The event is no news any longer. But OSUN DEFENDER Magazine is duty-bound to give the account; if only for record purposes. The Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Old Garage Area, Osogbo was agog on the evening o Saturday,
May 31, 2014 when an event which could be best described as the king of all defections took place. The first Executive Governor of the State of Osun, Alhaji Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke made a ‘U’ turn when he dropped his former conservative Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the fold of All Progressives Congress (APC).Apart from ending speculations which as referred to above had been in the air, the cross-over, as adduced to in Adeleke’s words, was to mark the cul-de-sac, that is, end of the road for the deserted party in the State of Osun. The well-attended occasion drew to itself wellmeaning members of the society, which included the high hierarchy of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, members, loyalists, admirers and sympathizers of the party; as well as well-intentioned members of the general public when the spacious venue became jam-packed with people who had come to witness the event of the year and give their support and admiration to the Ede-born former governor cum federal legislator. As Adeleke appeared was spotted to appear from the direction of the Oke-Fia Government House in company of the incumbent governor, Ogbeni Aregbesola, the entire atmosphere was thrown into wild frenzy, with the duo riding inside an open-roof bus and acknowledging cheers from the expectant crowd. A mass mobilizer to the core, Adeleke did not make the cross-over alone. He brought with him a large retinue of his supporters, among who are the former state Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bashir Tokunbo Salaam; a former commissioner in the state, Prince Adesoji Baderin; Honourables Musbau Ayinde, Samson Siyanbola, Adekola Aliu; and others, comprising mostly those who were members of the Federal House of Representatives. In addition to Dr. Bashir Salaam, other former local government council chairmen who defected with Adeleke include Honourables Kareem Adegoke, Kamoru Ajisafe and Kamorudeen Adegoke. The list of other defectors include Honourable Taufeek Bello, Alhaja Hauwa Hammed, former executive assistant, Rasheed Irinlado, Bayo Aminu, Jimoh Oyekanmi, Alhaji Fatai Pepper, Bimbo Oyedele, Musa Bilau and Saka Laoye. Also included are all executive members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ede North and Ede South Local Government council areas, to mention just a few. The event, which was presided over by the Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebisi Akande (also a former governor of the state). He was assisted by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi who came over to share in the joy of the moment. In his keynote speech, made on behalf of his
•A mammoth crowd during the in campaign. •Governor Aregbesola (middle) a group photograph with some HSF members.
followers, Alhaji Adeleke expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to the fold of progressives, via APC which as he reasoned is his original home. He further appreciated the people of the state for their support so far. He further traced the history of his political career, which he said originated from the fold of the progressives in the old National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) of the time of military administration, aside serving as governor under the aegis of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). Narrating the ordeal of manhandling he suffered in the hands of the trio of Iyiola Omisore, Sogo Agboola and Jelili Adesiyan as ugly build-up to PDP governorship primaries from which he was eventually prompted to withdraw, Adeleke said: “I am a party man to the core and when you are in a party which leadership has lost sanity, you cannot feel comfortable in that party. I never had interest in the governorship seat; but some of them came to persuade me that Omisore cannot win any election and that I should run for the governorship seat. “It was with reluctance and reticence that I accepted the offer because I was at crossroads on how to go about campaigning against my brother, Governor Aregbesola, who had been performing excellently well. Things later took a dramatic turn when we were invited by the Congress Committee of the party to Ideal Nest Hotel, Osogbo where I got the greatest shock of my life. “On getting to the venue, I met my supporters: Akinleye, a former council chairman; a former House of Representatives member, who were forced to lie down at gunpoint by the police. They were accused of thuggery. I had to intervene before they were released. I moved into the venue of the meeting to lodge complaints to Jelili Adesiyan, as the Minister of Police Affairs that his boys outside were harassing my supporters. “I met some of them at a big table, drinking and taking pepper soup. I saw Omisore’s elder brother there also. To my utmost surprise, Adesiyan and Sogo (Agboola) dashed at me in fury. It was Jallo (Adesiyan) who first dealt me a blow on the chest. Then I heard Omisore from a distance shouting on top of his voice: ‘Shoot him, shoot him’. I looked sideway to see where he was since it was already getting dark, then he held me at the throat…” Adeleke backed the sincerity of his account by swearing to it. He went further: “I must confess that there are still good people in the party, I have no grudge against them. I rose to become a senator through the platform of the party. But I cannot work in support for the candidature of a criminal, a bunch of hoodlums and violent people…Little wonder that the trio of Contiuned on page 12
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Broom Revolution Hits Ikire
•Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the Akire of Ikireland, Oba Olatunde Falabi and Senator Isiaka Adeleke at the Akire’s Palace. Continued from page 11
my attackers were the same ones held sometimes ago in connection with some serious crime…” He further went on to pledge his total support toward the realization of the second term ambition of Governor Aregbesola. In his own contribution to events that marked the occasion, the immediate past Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) viewed Adeleke’s crossover as the final straw that broke the camel’s back for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state; as the party had suffered natural extinction with that major development. According to Akande, he marveled at the urgency of the call that invited him to Osogbo for the occasion, but became happy upon learning of what it was meant to accomplish. He went down the memory lane how Adeleke had been supportive to him while he was governor of the state between 1999 and 2003 and welcomed him into the fold of progressives. He noted that it was the superlative performances of Aregbesola which endeared Adeleke and his supporters into the fold and not into any other party and commended the reign of peace and progress which subsists in the state under Aregbesola. Also on hand to make comments was the incumbent governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi who remarked that by joining the APC, Adeleke had only returned home, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) is his original destination. He furthered his remarks by making an open invitation to other reputable politicians still outside the fold that they would be welcome with open arms. The Ekiti State helmsman said: “We recognize and fully appreciate that the people are always with us and we are not bothered at that. Why we are impressed is the feats and strings of success we have so far recorded and these are still counting. Now, it has become clearer that God is with us. In the forthcoming polls in Ekiti and Osun, there is no degree of violence or anything they can do that we will not defeat them” Speaker after speaker made speeches at the occasion before it was rounded off by Ogbeni Aregbesola. The Osun helmsman narrated how he had maintained a long-time cordial relationship with Adeleke, party differences regardless. He pointed out the noble deeds of late Pa Senator Raji Ayoola Adeleke, the father to Isiaka Adeleke, who never wavered from progressive politics in his entire life. He went ahead to corroborate Fayemi’s remarks that Adeleke’s defection was a home-coming. “I kept telling my brother and friend for a long time that he was in the wrong camp. You know that he is a bit tough. He would simply ignore it and just felt that it should remain the way it was. PDP is a party of destroyers. The party has got bad antecedents in Yorubaland. Their reign is always
associated with woes and misery; poverty, hunger and civil disturbances”. The governor drew an analysis of concatenation of events that led to Adeleke’s defection and brought out the conclusion that morally and viewed from the angle of spirit of sportsmanship in which politics should be practised, Omisore’s gait is both unhealthy and ungodly. He made analysis of his (Omisore’s) abysmally poor performances in past elections where he either contested free or in jail. Even when he was returned elected, he did not win in the true context of winning an election as he either contested against himself or secured phony victory through foul means. Welcoming the new entrants into the fold of progressives, he assured them of equity, fairplay, justice and honesty. On his second term bid, Aregbesola hammered it that his interest was hinged on the need to continue the good work already started. He pointed out that more members of the leading opposition were still coming into the fold, and that it is untrue that the mammoth crowd that greeted the party’s first mega rally at Ile-Ife earlier in the week comprised people hired from other states. He challenged his detractors if the crowd of that particular event was also hired, even as the occasion was organized on short notice. In a nutshell, the defection signaled greater things to come the way of the ruling party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC). The high point of the occasion was the dismantling of the umbrella, which is the symbol of his old political party. The symbolism of that act was the total nailing of the coffin for the party in the state. THE mega rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at Ikire, the headquarters of Irewole Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 was by all standards a huge success. The mega rally offered a prolific ground for all political and interest groups in the Irewole Federal Constituency to demonstrate their support for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and to declare their approval for his second term bid in office as helmsman of the State of Osun. Like similar one held at Ile-Ife exactly a week earlier, the convergence on Ikire gathered to itself all manners of people who constitute prospective voters in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Elections in the state. It however appeared to outdo the Ile-Ife rally in population strength, due probably to the location of Ikire, which lies along the Ibadan / Ile-Ife / Akure Highway; and which plays host to the most populous campus of the multi-campus Osun State University (UNIOSUN). The College of Humanities (Arts and Languages) of the almost eight-year old university is situated at the ancient town. The Ikire Federal Constituency is one of the nine federal constituencies that comprise the state and it has within its vicinity three local government council areas, namely: Irewole, Ayedaade and Isokan local councils. The federal constituency has benefited immensely from the good gestures of the Aregbesola
administration, hence, nothing less of a rallying turnout should be expected from the people whenever it is their turn to repay the kind gestures of Ogbeni Aregbesola. On the d-day, all categories of people trooped out en masse to catch a glimpse of the governor and his campaign train and to assure him of their full support and backing in the approaching elections. The overwhelming nature of the crowd was instructive of the love and admiration the people have for Aregbesola and the high esteem in which they hold his laudable programmes and policies through which he had been able to touch the lives of the generality of people in the federal constituency in particular and the state at large. On top of this, the Aregbesola Second Term Campaign Committee for the constituency, under the chairmanship of the shining political star of the area, who is the Chairman of the State of Osun Local Government Service Commission, Elder Peter Adebayo Babalola (a.k.a. Peter Action) must have done a great deal of work, consisting in public notification and awareness cum grassroots mobilization. When the OSUN DEFENDER Magazine crew got to Ikire on that day, the entire community was found enlivened and agog with frenzy enthusiasm in expectation of the campaign team which was billed to pay a visit on them to seek their massive vote for the re-election of Ogbeni back to office. It was gathered that as early as nine o’clock in the morning, the entire town had become a beehive of events as people, old and young had started trooping out in expectant mood to position themselves for the grand event of the day. All manners of traders closed their shops while many of those who operate stalls or are positioned in conventional market places either closed for the day or engaged in skeletal operations. However, many of the street hawkers found in the day an ample opportunity for brisk business, especially, those who traded in edible items like table / sachet water, light food items, fruits and most interestingly the famous dodo Ikire – a delicacy of fried ripe banana / plantain, spiced and garnished with pepper and other condiments, which is peculiar to that town and for which it had been renowned since time immemorial. OSUN DEFENDER Magazine makes bold to assert that if that product alone had never been able to make itself popular; or if no one had ever gathered excursionists in large number to explore and relish its savoury taste, Aregbesola did just that on that day! But Aregbesola did far more than that. The Ikire mega rally was graced by a mammoth crowd of members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), supporters, admirers and sympathizers in the area, with the central point of the occasion being St. John’s Elementary School, Ikire. Right from the expressway end, especially, the main Continued on page 13
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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Broom Revolution Hits Ikire
•Governor Rauf Aregbesola, acknowledging cheers from his numerous admirers at the Ikire mega rally. Continue from page 12 entry and exit point of the ancient town, popularly known as Naira and Kobo Junction, through Sango to the entire town, the jubilant crowd was just unprecedented. The vehicular and human congestion was so thick that pedestrians would prefer if there were other means of getting to their destination. Maneuvering to the venue of the event became a herculean task; yet the people enjoyed it!
Feelers sent to the people by the crew of this medium revealed that most people found the honour most deserving for Aregbesola because he had worked valiantly to raise the bar of governance in the state within the limited time he had occupied the seat of governance. In the affected federal constituency in particular, his works are found everywhere. The notorious part of the Ibadan / Ile-Ife Expressway, bordering the Naira / Kobo Junction in Ikire and the pedestrian flyover therein got fixed by Aregbesola upon his assumption of office. By that singular act, Aregbesola has saved the people of the community from perennial disasters (e.g. water erosion) and their attendant losses. Also, the constant harvest of corpses arising from road mishaps at that junction has been made extinct. The trumpet crossover / bridge under construction at Gbongan Junction of the expressway and the stretch of Gbongan / Akoda road which is currently receiving dualization treatment is another good score of the administration. The Gbongan / Orile-Owu / Odeyinka / Ijebu-Igbo / Ogun State Boundary road and other inter- and intra-town roads either rehabilitated or outright constructed are other areas of applause for the administration. Informed, authoritative and impeccable sources in the area revealed that the ongoing transformation at Ikire General Hospital and other public health institutions is a feat unequaled in history. Remember Hassan Olajoku Park at Gbongan Junction? It is also situated in the area. The prompt and proactive response given by the Aregbesola administration to the fire incident that ravaged the Ikire Unity School sometime ago deserves kudos and commendation. The institution has now been fully restored to good shape while its fencing project has been fully accomplished. All the other general projects and programmes of the administration did not leave the area isolated. Ikire / Ayedaade / Isokan people did not misplace their gratitude – it is due to God and to Aregbesola, the prime change-agent of our time. Little wonder then that on arrival by the governor and his entourage at the palace of the monarch of the ancient town, the Akire of Ikire for royal blessings as his tradition is, all the monarchs of adjoining towns were found there waiting for the arrival of the man on whose account the people had converged. Starting from the Akire, Oba Olatunde Falabi, Lambeloye III, all the monarchs were full of praises and prayers for the success of the administration and the fruition of his
second term bid. They also avowed their support for the programmes and policies of the administration while admonishing their subjects who have reached voting age to vote massively to re-elect Aregbesola to keep the good works going. Addressing the teeming broom-brandishing crowd, Aregbesola disclosed that his administration had been able to bring good governance to bear through his developmental programmes and projects. He revealed that his administration’s priority for the area focused on the electrification project, since he is fully aware of the besetting that epileptic power supply has been posing for the area. He added that the feeder for the new project was being connected from Ile-Ife. Excerpts of his address: “We are aware that one of the major problems of this area is electricity. We have commenced the electricity project and we are running it from Ile-Ife, through OrileOwu, Ikire and others. Although we have provided electricity transformers; we are still going to provide more. “In addition, we are expediting action on your water project. The remaining parts of the project shall be delivered either before this tenure runs out or during our second tenure. We are committed to the overall progress of our state and the entire nation…” He warned the people to beware of retrogressive politicians who do not have their interest at heart, but who offer them peanuts in exchange for poverty and misery. Such politicians are, according to him selfish and avaricious and should at best be kept at bay. The governor availed the opportunity provided by the occasion to enumerate on the achievements of his administration, especially as it has bearing on the lives of citizens of the area. According to him, the administration had distributed 2,229 units of Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge) to students in the area alone. He also mentioned the specific road network projects as mentioned earlier on in this report. Problems associated with perennial flooding in the area had been addressed through dredging of flood-prone areas. Mr. Governor reiterated that his achievements in the areas of education, health, infrastructure and agriculture are visible enough for all to see as dividends of democracy and cautioned the leading opposition party to desist from attempts at seeking political power forcefully. He also cautioned the electorate further to ignore the antics of the elements that want to govern the state by force. Given another chance to govern the state through the people’s mandate, Governor Aregbesola promised to complete all ongoing projects and embark on new ones that would make life more meaningful for the
citizenry. On this note, he appealed to residents of the area and those of the entire state to guard their voters’ cards to enable them vote for candidate of their choice in the fast-approaching governorship election. He further charged the people to vote and defend their votes on the Election Day. Welcoming the people to the rally, the Chairman of the Aregbesola Campaign Committee for the federal constituency, Elder Peter Babalola assured the All Progressives Congress (APC) members and supporters that the people of Irewole / Ayedaade / Isokan Federal Constituency are solidly behind the governor based on his superlative performance in office. He remarked that the road to Orile-Owu and Mokore which no one had ever thought to upgrade had been tarred by Ogbeni Aregbesola, thereby opening up rural areas to urban area. He compared the rejuvenated and repackaged Elementary Schools’ Feeding and Health Programme (O’MEALS) of the incumbent administration with the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme of the immediate past administration in the state, of which he was a part and parcel and tongue-lashed the latter as inferior; and that meals served under the O’MEALS programme are relatively cheaper and more nutritious. He brought out a whole lot of differences between the ousted administration and the incumbent, enjoining the people to do it again for Aregbesola. Other speakers who solicited the massive votes of the people through their massive turnout on the election day included, the Executive Secretary of Irewole Local Government Council Area, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues in the two other councils, Honourable Olusoji Ajayi; a party chieftain in the state, Alhaji Fatai Oyedele Diekola; the Speaker of the State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam; and the first civilian governor of the state who had just defected into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the preceding week, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. In his speech at the event, the state Interim Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Elder Adelowo Adebiyi pointed out the governor as having fulfilled all the promises made in 2007 and urged the people of the federal constituency to troop out massively and vote for him, come August 9, 2014. He concluded that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the only party that can salvage the nation from the shackles of poverty, hunger and squalor, stressing the gross failure and ineptitude of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Numerous events and side attractions were packaged to spice up the rally. These include performances by Nollywood actors and musicians, among who were Toyin Adegbola, Saheed Balogun, Ojo Arowosafe (a.k.a.Fadeyi Oloro) and others. The musicians include Tony Tetuila and King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal Anifowose Concluded (KWAM 1).
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, June 17, 2014
NEWS FEATURE
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Bad Roads Would Save Lives Of Osun People Under PDP Government By RASHEED MABAYOJE
GBENI Rauf Aregbesola stormed Ife, the home town of Iyiola Omisore three Tuesdays ago to flag off the campaign of his second term bid. The mammoth crowd that thronged on Aregbesola’s train right from Mayfair, Lagere up till Technical College in Ilode area was phenomenal. “We have never seen this number of people before”, the people said. O
The same pattern was captured in Ikire where the second electioneering campaign came up and the crowd kept increasing from one locality that the campaign train was staged to the other. The patern is that- Ogbeni, in his characteristic manner would go straight to the palace of the monarchs to pay respect to them and they would pray for him to return to Abere for second term. The monarch would highlight several reasons why they wish and pray for Aregbesola’s return. “You feed our school children, you give us security, you provide uniforms for our children in school, roads, farming...” They would roll out many initiatives of Ogbeni, which have directly impacted positively on their communities, almost unending. They say the same thing from one community to the other. This is an indication that the Aregbesola administration has indeed touched every nook and crannies of Osun within its three and a half years.
•(L-R) Senator Sola Adeyeye, representing Osun Central Senatorial District; State of Osun Deputy Governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; Senator Isiaka Adeleke; All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, during the 2014 governorship campaign in Ila-Orangun recently.
However, when the Aregbesola campaign train entered Ila town last Tuesday where the people of Ila, Ifedayo and Bolorunduro gathered for the third campaign of Ogbeni, it was another scene of high ecstasies as the young and old bust out their emotion. They yelled, sang, jumped, danced and did several other actions to express their ‘craze’ for this Aregbesola that they love so much. Yes all these are worth capturing one’s attention, especially for a reporter and other media person. But the most attention capturing incident happened in the palace of the Orangun of Ila. The Orangun, HRH Abdul Wahab Oyedotun, Bibire the first, called on some chiefs to pray for Ogbeni. Then he asked the Alaasan of Ila, Chief Muraina Adeniyi to express the common decision of Ila sons and daughters regarding the August 9 election. “God has made you to turn around our localities. So we don’t have any choice than to ensure that we bring you back to Abere. Ila is strongly in your support. May our ancestors grant our request”, the chief prayed. Then came the peak of the palace homage, the Orangun spoke. He said the same thing that the Ooni of Ife and the Akire of Ikire said when Aregbesola paid them such homage- but the Orangun said it in a thought provoking manner... in such manner that shocks the mind. The Orangun technically laid before the gathering- the difference between a typical PDP government and the current Aregbesola administration of the progressives. “They (PDP government (2003-2010)
•A cross section of APC supporters at the rally.
used to tell us that if they rehabilitate or construct our roads for us in Ila, we would experience accidents on the roads. Our people will die because of good roads. They said we should count ourselves lucky for not having good roads in Ila. “Today, God has made it possible for Aregbesola to let us know that good roads do not kill people. Good road makes our economy to grow in our lands. Good roads make our farmers to bring produce to town easily and quickly. Good roads make our people to do their trade more profitably; and vehicles of our people don’t get spoilt as it used to during their own (PDP) government. We thank you. And the best way to thank you more is to ensure that you continue to do our roads in Ila and other places
all over Osun.” It was thought provoking, and I captured responses of the people around the palace. In no time, Orangun’s comment had traveled to town. Traders in the Obajoko and Obi markets (the two major markets close to the palace) were quick to spread the Orangun’s comment. “May God never let us witness any PDP government in Osun. Haaa, bad road saves people from accident! Thank God for this Ogbeni. He will earn a second term by God’s grace”, they discuss amongst themselves. In the same manner was the matter discussed at the campaign ground by the people. Had the comment come from an ordinary individual, one would have tagged it as an exaggeration or
fabrication. But for the ‘first son of Oduduwa’ in the personality of the Orangun of Ila to have mentioned some of the anomaly of the PDP government is the seriousness of the matter. The Orangun said this bitter truth before the red lighted cameras of TV reporters and the scribbling hands of the print journalists. He was conscious of their presence. His conviction in the Aregbesola’s government was strong like that of the Ooni of Ife, and that of the Akirun who had earlier spoken in the same manner three Tuesdays back. Should an Omisore/PDP government rule Osun, one can simply imagine what would happen to the entire Osun people. Backwardness. Tufiakpa!!! May God forbid.
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, June 17, 2014
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TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014 R O V I D E N C E places great burden of rational thinking and action on all human beings for the simple reason that it is they that the Maker put in place as coordinators of all activities that all other creatures get involved in. Other animals may do things any how due to peculiarities of low intelligent quotients attributable to each of their species, it is not so with human beings because God in His wisdom fashioned it in such a manner that human beings are blessed with brains and gumptions that are better developed than those of other lower animals. It is therefore, an anathema for human beings to do things that portend moral imbalance, and are at variance with natural ethos that prompted the Supreme Designer to refer to us as creatures created after His own image.
By ADE OLUGBOTEMI
P
All human societies have codes of conduct that regulate institutional behavioural patterns which are considered acceptable in their day to day quests for survival. These are otherwise referred to as societal norms, and their contravention attracts grave penalties which often serve as deterrents to the recalcitrant ones, as proportionate punishments are invoked. Law of equity is also applied so that nobody will be seen as being above the common laws that are jointly propounded, and coded for constant reference for application. There is also the other aspect of operational principles that are not expressly coded and documented, but are understood to be pivotal to institutional survival. This is termed commonsensical because it is pretty understood by, and acceptable to everybody and those who defy their observance are branded accordingly for possible alienation. There are those under certain forces that make them operate in delusions, with obstinate propensity to always act contrary to universal norms. They are often ostracized by the majority, but the minority that flow with them often create an impression that all is well with them so as not to feel alienated. Those who make them feel alright make use of conjectures to influence the environment and cause confusions amongst those with better understanding of the true situation of events. Ironically, because they cohabit with those who strictly adhere to normative order, the brunt they bear also have negative influence on the innocent. That is why it is often said that when a relation is preying on forbidden insect, one is duty-bound to avert it, so that the resultant unpleasant noise does not constitute a menace of sleeplessness. In sane climes are usages that make
Osun Election: PDP Feigning Sanity In Apparent Irrationality “Omisore’s loyalists cannot succeed in their clownish ploy to force people down with their dwarfish sentiment of cajoling voters of this state to a voyage of slavery and excruciating retrogression.” possible for approval to be given to those normal practices for societal social dynamics, different from those aberrations considered dysfunctional to systemic survival, which are summarily repudiated to avert danger. Mistakes can occur due to the nature of man that is laced in fallibility; that is why opinion leaders are always vigilant so that timely steps are taken for accompanying dangers to get mitigated before serious arm is done. Any system that fails to be proactive against inevitable dangers end up losing touch with developmental attributes that others exploit to make headway in life. That is why we are speaking of some countries towering over and above their contemporaries that got independence at the same time.
We often speak of antecedence because reference must be made to past acts that call for emulation, and those that are disdainful and condemnable. Whichever predominates in individuals determines whether it is right to repose confidence in, and trust individuals or not. People are entrusted with responsibilities based on what they have done or what they have failed to do in the past. The rational instincts in people thus compel them to either entrust position seekers with their mandates or not. When mandate or position seekers have no past that portray them as people of integrity, they resort to violence, thuggery, and other unconventional ways to force their way
loyalists’ empowerment, and his charlatanic imperviousness to communal facelift during the period he held sway as two-term Senator representing Ife\Ijesa senatorial district. Other contenders like Fatai Akinbade and Segun Akinwusi, among others have Lilliputian political pedigrees in terms of party formations that cannot be seen to pose any threat to Ogbeni Aregbesola’s re-election bid.
People now have their destinies in their own hands as they have absolute freedom to juxtapose all options that are laid bare before them. Absence of tangible achievements as campaign issues has made those who desperately need to convince people about their perceived voting pattern to resort to foul means to discredit the sitting governor. Seeing that the antics are not paying off, they are now going about telling people about the precedent in Osun where office holders are not voted in twice. They are trying to put people’s rationality to test, trying to blindfold them about the reality that kept a Peoples Democratic Party’ governor in power for almost eight years in office. They seem to have forgotten that if Osun electorate are wary of voting political office holders in twice, it is to the extent that such two-term seekers through. have put up performance dismality when The polity is getting heated up tested at one time with people’s because just as the incumbent is gearing mandates. for another shot at gubernatorial contest People in the State of Osun cannot, that will afford him another term in office, and must not subscribe to sheepish candidates from other political parties persuasion that will change world’s are also strategizing to ensure that they perception of a people that voted wisely come out victorious in August 9, 2014 in 2007 when Aregbesola turned out election. Electorate are beginning to to be the preferred choice above the weigh options as they deem it fit based then incumbent Olagunsoye Oyinlola. on personal convictions, and as made Britain was our colonial master, and available to them. It would have been they are not so daft that for the first time better if it is limited to deeming it fit based on personal convictions only, they swallowed their pride to invite a because individuals’ rational suasiviness governor from Nigeria to educate them will enjoy paramountcy. People would about the magic wand that propelled have come to terms with score cards one Governor Aregbesola of the State and performance credentials which of Osun in the Federal Republic of respective candidates can honestly and Nigeria to continue sustaining the Ounambiguously wield; bearing in mind Meal programme that has long been that all of them have enjoyed dropped by the Federal Government representation status at one time or the that initiated and started it. Omisore’s loyalists cannot succeed in their other. clownish ploy to force people down Apart from the incumbent governor with their dwarfish sentiment of cajoling whose performance in office needs no voters of this state to a voyage of slavery overbearing orchestration for being and excruciating retrogression. visible on ground, others must sweat it out to convince the electorate why they should be preferred over and above the •This piece, first published in the magical Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. The Tuesday, April 29, 2014 edition is closest Rival in Senator Iyiola Omisore repeated due to popular demand. needs frantic moral burden unbundling because of his purported roles in - Editor various malfeasances, including the hacking to death of Bola Ige in 2001. Omisore was upbraided for individual
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the Managing Editor, KOLA OLABISI, Telephone: 08033927286 (kolaolabisi@yahoo.com); Editor, KAYODE AGBAJE, Telephone: 0803-388-0205, E-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com, kayodeagbaje@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org.