Politics

Politicians have been called upon to exhibit good leadership in the course of duty. 

Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola made the call in an interview shortly after a special valedictory service held in honour of the first Chief Whip of Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, late Prince Ajibola Adegorioye Oyinlola at the Assembly Complex in Osogbo.

Prince Oyinlola who described the deceased as someone who had served the state diligently during his lifetime noted that his legacies in the political arena would not be forgotten.

He further emphasized that the man was a core family man who embraced others with love. 

In a remark during the sitting presided over by the OHSA Deputy Speaker, Mr Olufemi Popoola described the deceased as a teacher who is known for diligence and humility.

In his contribution, the son of late lawmaker Mr Gbenga Oyinlola noted that his father was a good politician who carried everyone along in his doings.

In a goodwill message, the member representing Osogbo State constituency, Mr Taofeek Badamasi described the late Prince Oyinlola as one of those who laid the solid foundation of the Osun State House of Assembly.

Prayers were offered for the repose of the late lawmaker by members representing Ifedayo and Ila State constituency, Mrs Elizabeth Abioye and Mr Adebisi Jayeola.

Also present at the Valedictory program included, the widow of the late lawmaker, Princess Ebunlomo Oyinlola, younger brother to the deceased Mr Simson Oyinlola, daughter, Princess Abisola Oyinlola amongst other distinguished personalities.

Late Prince Ajibola Adegorioye Oyinlola who represented Odo-Otin State Constituency in the first Assembly and was the first Chief Whip between 1992-1993 was born on the 4th April 1940 and died in December 2022.

Mojisola Oladele

Lifestyle

Twenty-eight distinguished individuals have been honored with various awards to mark the 30th anniversary of the creation of Osun State.

Some of the awardees included the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, former Chief of Defense Staff, Retired Lieutenant General Alani Akinrinade, former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande and legal luminaries, Mallam Yusuf Ali, Gboyega Awomoolo, both whom are Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs.

Speaking at the event, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, charged citizens to put their collective strength to work, irrespective of their political differences and sentiments, for a greater tomorrow, saying that state-building is a collective enterprise.

Describing the event as symbolic, Mr. Oyetola, who ensured a minute silence was held in honour of the first Civilian Governor of the State, the late Chief Isiaka Adeleke, said it was deserving to pay tributes to the illustrious men and women who had held sway as leaders of the people.

Also speaking at the event, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, commended the government of Osun State on the awards, describing it as a welcome development because of its potential to ignite high hopes and hunger for diligence and excellence in the youths.

Similarly, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu lauded the Osun State government for celebrating individuals who had made tremendous impact in their endeavors.

One of the Awardees, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN, pledged to continue to contribute his quota to the state and mankind in general.

One of the high points of the event was the decoration of the former Military Administrators and Governors of the state since its creation in 1991 by the incumbent, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. 

Governor Oyetola was in turn decorated by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

The event had in attendance former and sitting governors across Nigeria, including: former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Alao Akala, Minister of Youth and Sport Development, Mr. Sunday Dare; first class traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi who was represented; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe among other dignitaries.

However, the immediate past Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola was the only former Governor of the state who was absent at the event. Adenitan Akinola

Politics

As part of activities lined up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Osun State, the state government has unveiled plans to honour 28 distinguished and prominent citizens of the state.

This was announced by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola, while addressing journalists at a press conference in Osogbo on the activities for the anniversary celebration.

Dr. Akinola explained that the celebration had started last week with the governor featuring on special TV and Radio interview sessions.

According to him, a special anniversary colloquium will hold next week Thursday fielding high-profile resource persons like former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Phillipines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, among others.

He said the anniversary colloquium would be a hybrid event, holding both in the physical and virtual spheres, adding that the decision is based on the peculiarity of the COVID-19 season.

The Chief of Staff added that the anniversary colloquium would be followed by a State Banquet and Award ceremony for some distinguished citizens in recognition of exceptional productivity and significant contributions to the social and economic development of the state and humanity in general at a date yet to be determined.

Dr. Akinola hinted that the awardees, totaling 28 distinguished citizens under four broad categories, were selected by a jury, on the basis of their service to Osun State and contribution to the global and local society. Adenitan Akinola