Human Angle

By Adenitan Akinola

In Osogbo, the Police have begun an investigation into the alleged exhumation of the remains of a community leader, Pa Azeez Rauf from the grave in his house and the sale of the house by one of his sons, identified as Mutiu Rauf Okunola.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, told newsmen that a suspect identified as Rauf was arrested in connection with the alleged exhuming of the corpse and the sale of the house around Dada Estate, Osogbo.

Mrs Opalola, who explained that the matter was being handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), added that the suspect had been granted bail while an investigation into the matter was ongoing.

Findings by Radio Nigeria indicated that the sold property, located around the Dada Estate area of Osogbo, Osun State capital had generated issues amongst the children of the deceased. 

The other children of Late Azeez Rauf accused their sibling, Rauf Mutiu Okunola, also known as Tato of selling their late parents’ property and exhuming their corpses without the consent of the remaining children.

The dispute was said to have begun when Mrs Adedoyin Rukayat, one of the surviving children, discovered that the family property had been sold.

Apart from selling the house, Mrs Rukayat, who spoke to journalists, also alleged that her brother exhumed the remains of their parents without consulting other children.

Disturbed by these actions, Rukayat reported the case to Dada Estate Police Station in Osogbo, which led to the arrest of Mutiu on December 31, 2024

Radio Nigeria further gathered that policemen, who stormed the premises to arrest the suspect stopped further exhumation of their mother’s remains after the corpse of Late Azeez Rauf had already been dug out from the grave.

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Crime

By Mojisola Oladele

The founder of Rapture Empowerment International, Osogbo, Bishop Shina Olaribigbe, died after being stabbed while attempting to resolve a domestic dispute between an estranged couple.

The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident to newsmen.

She stated that preliminary investigations revealed the husband stabbed the bishop out of suspicion that he was having an affair with his wife.

Mrs. Opalola added that the couple, who had been living apart without legal separation, had been receiving mediation from Bishop Olaribigbe for some time.

The police apprehended both the husband and the wife, who worked as an interpreter in the bishop’s church and detained them at the Dugbe Police Division in Osogbo.

Eyewitnesses reported that the husband grew enraged after finding the bishop in the house and suspecting an inappropriate relationship between him and his wife.

The situation escalated into a heated argument, during which the husband allegedly stabbed the cleric multiple times in the chest, killing him instantly.

Reports add that the incident occurred near the BCGA area of Osogbo, close to the late bishop’s church.

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News

By Moji Oladele

The Olunisha of Inisha Town in Odo-Otin Local Government Area , Osun State, Oba Joseph Fashiku has assured the state government of adequate support from him and his subjects towards the continuous development in the town and the state at large.

Oba Fashiku gave the assurance when he led High Chiefs of the town on a courtesy visit to the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke at the Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo.

The monarch noted that, less than two years of the present administration, Senator Adeleke has commenced the rehabilitation of roads in the town which had been abandoned by immediate past administration and other ongoing positive developments in across the state.

Reacting on the recent defection of One of the People’s Democratic party, PDP, Party’s , Board of Trustees, BOT, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun to The All Progressives Party, APC, Oba Fashiku on behalf of his subjects disassociated themselves from the decision of Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun.

Also Coroborating his view, One of the High Chiefs of Inisha, Aremo Kunle Alao who emphasized that, the town is solidly behind the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke beyond 2026, pleaded for more developmental interventions into the Town.

In a remark, the Chairman, PDP , Osun State, Mr Sunday Bisi explained that the visit of the Olunisha and his chiefs to the state governor was significant and laudable.

While describing a front-line politician who hails from Inisha Town, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun as a leader and father, the governor said the PDP would gladly receive Alhaji Oyedokun back whenever he decides to rescind his decision.

Senator Adeleke reiterated that, his administration would continue to ensure infrastructural developments in all towns in the state irrespective political affiliation.

The governor also used the occasion to assure residents of the state, that more teachers would be recruited, engaged in regular training to boost proficiency, and all dilapidated public schools would be renovated as part of measures to revamp the education sector.

Also present at the event, Osun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo, high chiefs from Inisha Town amongst other distinguished personalities.

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News

By Folake Oye

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has disowned a flier purportedly from the Office of one of his wives, Mrs Ngozi Adeleke, welcoming Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to the state

Senator Adeleke who described the flier purportedly from Mrs Ngozi Adeleke as fake said there was no conflict over who among his two wives would host the First Lady, who is billed to visit Osun State today to turn the sod of the Alternative High School for Girls at Oke D.O, Ilesha Road, Osogbo.

Making clarification on the matter in a statement in Osogbo, spokesperson for the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed said Mrs Titilola Adeleke is the First Lady and would receive Mrs Tinubu during the visit.

It notes that, Mrs Ngozi Adeleke did not authorise the flier, as the material was manufactured and shared by elements who wanted to sow discord and create an atmosphere of confusion.

The statement adds that the person behind it has been arrested.

Transportation

By Adenitan Akinola

No fewer than seven people today lost their lives in an accident that occurred in front of the popular WOCDIF Events Center, Ring Road, Osogbo, Osun State.

Radio Nigeria learnt that the fatal accident involved a commercial bus and tricycle, which got damaged beyond repair.

Preliminary information has it that three schoolchildren and the driver of the tricycle died on the spot while the other three persons passed away on arrival at the hospital.

It was gathered that security operatives, marketers and other road users around the area, joined in the rescue efforts.

Confirming the incident the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Osun Command, said occurred on the Osogbo-Ilobu highway in the early hours of Tuesday. 

The Sector Commander, Mr Henry Benamaisia, said the accident which occurred at about 9:10 a.m. involved a blue Mazda commercial bus and a tricycle having a number plate RLG 898 QE with a motorcycle with number plate SGB 630 DN. 

He said the accident occurred around the WORDIF Area close to Lameco Junction on the Ring Road by-pass claiming the lives of four persons on the spot. 

“Three passengers out of the four died at the hospital where they were rushed to. Although, eight persons were involved, which include four male adults with two female children and two male children”. 

“We only have one survival out of the eight persons involved in the accident”, Benamaisia said.  

According to him, the root cause of the accident was excessive speeding leading to a tyre burst and later loss of control by the commercial bus driver. 

“The vehicles and the motorcycle have been taken to Dugbe Police Station while the dead were taken to Osun State Teaching Hospital with the help of O’ Ambulance.” 

The sector commander commended the joint efforts of other security agencies in helping to maintain law and order during the gridlock.

Mr Benamaisia, however, advised motorists against disobedience to traffic regulations which could endanger their lives and those of passengers on board their vehicles.

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Security

By Folake Oye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Osun State Command has rescued a middle-aged woman who jumped into Gbodofon, Osun River.

 Speaking with newsmen in Osogbo, the spokesperson of the command, Mr Kehinde Adeleke said the command received a distress call from a member of the public and in less than ten minutes the search and rescue team was at the scene to rescue the victim, resuscitate her before taking her to the hospital for medical attention. 

When she regained consciousness, the woman explained that she came from Iragbiji to Osogbo to jump into the Osun river because she was feeling fire burning in her body and the only way to quench the fire was to jump into the river.

Speaking on the incident, the Commandant of NSCDC in the state, Mr Sunday Agboola commended the search and rescue team, led by Mr Ishola Oluyinka for being responsive and for bringing their training in disaster management to bear in such a critical situation that could have claimed the life of a fellow citizen.

Mr Agboola assured Osun State residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property even during emergencies. 

He enjoined them to take care of their mental health, stressing that his men would pay close attention to all the rivers in the state to avoid recurrence

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Culture

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Government at the meeting of the Executive Council has approved the appointment of six new traditional rulers in the state.

In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Chief Kolapo Alimi says all the appointments are with immediate effect. 

While congratulating and wishing the newly appointed traditional rulers success and peaceful reign in their respective domains, the statement urged all the subjects in their respective communities to give the newly appointed traditional rulers the best support and cooperation they deserve. 

The newly appointed traditional rulers approved by the Council include Prince Haastrup Adeola Ojo as Aloro of Iloro-Ijesha in Atakunmosa East Local Government; Prince Mark Adeniyi Ajewole as Onise of Ise-Ijesa also in Atakunmosa East Local Government; Prince Adekunle Waheed Babatunde as Elende of Eko Ende in Ifelodun North Local Council Development Area.

Other newly appointed Obas are Prince Sulaimon Adebayo Olalekan as Olu of Alajue in Ede East Local Council Development Area; Prince Badmos Rafiu Omotoso as Alagbeye of Agbeye in Odo-Otin South Local Council Development Area; and Prince Johnson Oyewale Ajiboye as Olola of Ola in Ejigbo West Local Council Development Area of Osun state. 

The  Council meeting also approved the elevation of 11 more traditional rulers in Osun State to a Part II (Recognised) Status of the Chief Law, Cap 25, Laws of Osun state, 2002.

The newly elevated Obas include:

Olu Ilu Oba Oyeyemi Town in Egbedore Local Government; Alayetoro of Ayetoro Ijesa, Onikajola of Kajola, Bowaje-Ijesa, Olorogoji of Orogoji-Ijesa, in Atakunmosa East Local Government; Onimelu of Ifemelu -Ifewara; Alarunde of Arunde Ifewara; Esemo of Iyemogun (Atakumosa West Local Government); Olosuntedo of Osuntedo( Ejigbo Local Government); Olu of Araromi-Owu; Olu of Akiriboto-Isale (Ayedaade Local Government; and Onijimo of Ijimo-Ijesha. 

All the elevations are with immediate effect.

The Council however stepped down consideration of the Koka kingship stool, directing investigation and correction of the  alleged abnormality and irregularity in the selection process. 

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Environment

By Folake Oye

Osun State Government has stepped up efforts to make the environment clean for healthy living.

The Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Sanitation, Mr Pelumi Ojo stated this when he led a sensitization campaign ‘Operation Keep Osun Clean’ to the heart of Osogbo, in an effort to clean the environment.

He emphasised that the sensitization campaign was meant to let the people know the adverse effects of a dirty environment.

While advising the people to take advantage of the waste they generate and turn it into wealth, Mr Ojo said the government was ready to give them the necessary support to make the environment clean.

Also speaking, the Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation, Osun State Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Mr Wale Akala noted that the campaign was in response to the complaint received that Osogbo is dirty.

The campaign, which commenced from the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, led the team including market women and sanitation officers to Oja-Oba market through Ibokun road during which people trooped out to dump their waste in the refuse truck provided for the purpose.

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Education

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Government has ordered full investigations into the reported cases of food poisoning at St James Primary School B, Owoope Osogbo.

About 18 pupils of the school were on Monday rushed to various hospitals by their parents after reacting to alleged contaminated food that they were served by O’Meal vendors.

The school children were said to have vomited and defecated repeatedly after consuming cooked rice and eggs.

According to their parents, the egg they were served was already rotten.

Meanwhile, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, said in a statement that Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed immediate action when the matter was reported to him by the Special Adviser on O-Meal, Mrs. Grace Ayodele.

The Governor has subsequently directed the stoppage of further food cooking at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations.

The Governor has also directed enforcement of food standards and control as well as the auditing of the O-Meal structure to forestall future occurrences while the affected cooks in the said schools alongside the Planning officer for the O-Meal programme have also been summoned to a meeting this morning.

In a remark, the Chairman of the Local Government Education Authority, Mr. Nathaniel Ojetola explained that the Government is settling the medical bills of the affected students.

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Judiciary

By Funmi Adekoya-Ojo/Folake Oye

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke says his government will not rest on its oars to ensure that the people of the state enjoy their rights.

Governor Adeleke stated this while hosting members of the Osun State Judiciary Staff Union, JUSUN, who were wrongfully suspended and had their fifty-seven months’ salaries allegedly diverted.

Governor Adeleke, represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi appreciated members of JUSUN, for their mutual understanding and maturity, saying, the government is concerned about JUSUN and would not allow the members of the judiciary to suffer for no reason.

He expressed joy that the national body has waded into the matter, noting that the suspended Judiciary staff salaries had been paid by the state government.

While urging members of JUSUN to continue to maintain peace and their dignity, most especially during their industrial actions, the Governor assured that all other demands of the Union would be looked into

In his remarks, the Chairman, Osun State Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Comrade Olugbenga Eludire commended the state government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke for its quick response towards the well-being of the judiciary Staff in the state.

On the issue of their industrial strike, Comrade Eludire said the industrial action is still ongoing adding that only the national body of the judiciary can give an order to either suspend or call it off

Meanwhile, the state government says Osun remains one of the cleanest states in the country.

Special Adviser to the State Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Mr Babatunde Balogun stated this in a statement in Osogbo in reaction to a report credited to a group which rated Osogbo, the state’s capital as the dirtiest in the country.

While reiterating the commitment of the present administration to deal with the numerous challenges posed by environmental degradation in the state, Mr Balogun noted that both the state capital and major cities were always kept clean daily by the sweepers, parkers and PSP operators.

He explained that some large trucks were functioning, with small trucks packing over 1000 tonnes of waste to various dump sites every day for effective management.

Mr Balogun maintained that Governor Adeleke was keen towards creating a conducive and clean environment for the entire state’s citizens. 

He said the state government was working assiduously on innovations that would assist the environment and sanitation sector development and also ensure that the state shines amongst its equals.

Mr Balogun, who described the write-up as barbaric, warned the group to desist from such act, noting that it was a deliberate attempt to rubbish the good work of the performing Governor.

The Special Adviser also charged residents to take concrete actions towards ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment to assist the government in its bid to make the environment clean.

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Economy

By Mojisola Oladele 

Osun Government says plans were underway to ensure that the state is transformed from a civil service status to an economic vibrant one. 

The State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Reverend Bunmi Jenyo gave the assurance during a meeting with the State House Committee on Commerce, Industry, Cooperative and Empowerment held at the Assembly Complex, Osogbo.

Reverend Jenyo explained that the ministry had met with some investors with a view to attracting investments into the state to boost the internally generated revenue, IGR.

He stressed that ministry was planning to appoint one consultant per local government, and that they would be saddled with generating revenue.

Earlier in a remark, the Chairman, Osun State House Committee on Commerce, Industry, Cooperative and Empowerment, Mr. Sanmi Areoye assured the Ministry of unflinching support, urging it to carry the legislators along in all its programmes.

Vice Chairman of the committee, member representing Ola-Oluwa, Mr Afeez Ibrahim urged the ministry to present executive bills that would help boost the economy of the state, noting that it was necessary that the ministry engage the consultant to increase revenue generation.

Other legislators on the Committee included Mr. Olayiwola Taofeek Olalekan, Mr. Adekunle Oladimeji and Mr Olaide Ajibola.

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Infrastructure

By Adenitan Akinola 

The Oloba of Oba Oke town in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Adam Iyiola Yusuf has appealed to the State government to reconstruct the only road connecting the community with Osogbo, the State Capital.

Oba Iyiola made the appeal while speaking at a forum in the State capital.

The monarch argued that the dilapidated state of the road had made it difficult for the people from moving in and out of the town with ease, thereby making life unbearable them.

He said this had negatively affected their businesses as farmers could not conveniently move their farm produce to the State capital and beyond, while traders also had challenges coming to buy things from the town.

Oba Iyiola added that the deplorable road was limiting the commercial capacity of the Oba Dam as tourists who would have loved to visit the place avoided it to safe their vehicle from damages. 

The monarch urged the government to consider the road in the ongoing road rehabilitation and reconstruction project of the administration.

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Power

By Funmi Adekoya

The Osun State Government has intervened in the ongoing crisis between the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC and some communities in Osogbo, calling for an urgent stakeholders’ meeting on the disconnection of parts of the state capital from power supply.

In a statement by governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the state government called on the two parties to consider an alternative dispute resolution method, as the blackout may lead to insecurity in the affected communities, shutdown of economic activities and negative impact on the upcoming Eid El Kabir celebration.

The government appealed to IBEDC to restore power supply, while an immediate solution will be worked out to sort the huge debt owed by the affected communities.

The state government expressed concern about the likely breakdown of law and order due to the protests from the affected communities which may be hijacked by unscrupulous elements in pursuance of their nefarious activities.

The statement adds that government is committed to brokering a peaceful negotiation between the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, and the stakeholders from the affected communities.

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News

By Adenitan Akinola 

There was pandemonium in Osogbo, the Osun State Capital in the early hours of Tuesday as about thirty-five students of Fakunle Comprehensive High School around the Stadium area collapsed as a result of teargas fired by policemen during their morning drill.

The incident led to the students being hospitalized. 

Radio Nigeria gathered that men of the 39 Squadron Division of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force located opposite the school along Osogbo-Ikirun road fired numbers of teargas canisters during their morning drill which accidentally breezed into the school premises aided by wind.

A source in the school disclosed, “When the tear-gas attack occurred many of our students were fainting and we were taking them to the hospital but at a point, many of the students ran to safety, we were forced to close the school for the day”. 

The Permanent Secretary of the Osun State Ministry of Education, Mrs Adelani Aderinola, through the Information Officer, Mrs Roseline Olawuni said the mobile policemen were holding memorial exercise in honour of their fallen colleagues in Benue state when they fired the tear gas that affected the students. 

They were shooting tear gas which affected the students in the school. However, the matter has been escalated to the Police Commissioner and has stopped the exercise. The students have been taken to the hospital and most of them have been stabilized.” 

The spokesperson of Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola confirmed that the police did not fire the tear gas inside the school but they were just using it for their drill.

Speaking with newsmen, Head of Corporation Osun Ambulance, Mrs Arowosafe Olayemi explained that eleven patients were moved to Uniosun Teaching Hospital and the others were taken to Spring Hospital very close to the school at Aderin.

Before we got there the school authority already took the students to the private hospital, you know we cannot just disagree with them because the lives of the students are so important to us“. He said 

We were there early enough, within 5 minutes we were there because we have an ambulance close to that place, we have an ambulance at the stadium and you know that place is closer, immediately they call me I told them to move down to the school and immediately I ask them to release the students to go home because the more they inhale that thing the more the people would faint, so I told the principal to release the students to go home so that we can reduce the number.”

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Labour

By Funmi Adekoya

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reassured the Osun State workers that his administration is focusing on worker’s welfare because it is the duty of the government.

Governor Adeleke, who gave the assurance at this Workers Day celebration at Osogbo Township Stadium, said as a Comrade Governor, he is committed to workers’ welfare and ensuring workers’ friendly government.

He noted that workers in Osun State had passed through tough moments l of neglect and anti-labour which led to several dead and life plans disrupted.

On the issue of the appointment of Permanent Secretaries, which is one of the requests of workers, the Governor said the Head Office had been directed to look into it.

https://radionigeriaibadan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Adeleke-Workers-Day-Inst.mp3

Governor Adeleke called for the collaboration of workers towards the development of the state adding that his administration is open to ideas on how to fast-track the development of the state.

In his address, the Chairman, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Osun State Branch, Comrade Adekola Adebowale, said there is an urgent need to declare a state of emergency in the pension department of the service noting that Workers now see retirement as a death sentence because there’s no hope of getting retirement benefits years after disengagement from active service. 

He added that the Governor should look into the issue of contract staffing as the practice is inimical to the spirit and ethics of the service and against the International Labour Organisation laws and the world’s acceptable working standards.

Also speaking, the Caretaker Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Osun State, Comrade Modupeola Oyedele called on Employers of labour to respect labour laws and end all discrimination against workers.

https://radionigeriaibadan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/NLC-Workers-Day-Inst.mp3

Highlights of the event were matched past by the workers from different union groups.

Present at the event were top government functionaries in the state, including the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, elected members of the state Assembly, Royal fathers as well as Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and dignitaries.

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Agriculture

By Funmi Adekoya 

In a bid for sustainable water supply to the people of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed a phased rehabilitation of selected water works and water pipeline networks across the state.

The directive is coming as the sinking of 332 boreholes under direct labour and shoestring budget reaches 85 percent, with only about four local governments rounding up with their implementation. 

A statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed indicates that Governor Adeleke, acting on a committee report relating to the worsening state of infrastructure within the water sector, approved the immediate upgrade of pipeline networks of both Ede and Osogbo water works alongside the repairs and recharging of water filter media at Iwo and Eko-ende water works.

The water scheme at Esaoke is also under rehabilitation for the supply of potable water while the Governor is following up with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for the completion of the Ile-Ife water project.

The State Government, according to the statement is also interfacing with the Federal Ministry to resolve the delay created by the mismanagement of the Ilesa Water project with particular reference to the contractor and the project managers.

A top adviser to Governor Adeleke, Dr Bashiru Salami, who confirmed the rehabilitation in the water sector, affirmed that the administration had a holistic programme to address the challenges facing the water sector in the state. 

According to him, the administration adopted a mix of solutions which includes sinking boreholes in wards across the state even though he acknowledged that the 332 boreholes were not sufficient to cater for the citizen’s water needs.

Meanwhile, the administration has denied reports from some quarters that 14 million naira was the cost of each of the 332 boreholes, describing the report as false as each borehole cost far less than insinuated, the full details to be made available during ‘Ipade Imole’ event. 

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Politics

By Mojisola Oladele

The All Progressive Congress, APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has promised to create job opportunities for the unemployed Youths through the establishment of industries, and the provision of soft loans to support small-scale businesses.

Asiwaju Tinubu made the promise during the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Rally held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo Osun State Capital.

While canvassing for votes from Nigerians, the APC Presidential candidate said he would pay Bursary allowances to students at various levels of Education amongst other policies aimed to make life better for Nigerians.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who expressed the hope to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari urged Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC to enable them to exercise their franchise not minding the artificial setbacks allegedly aimed towards preventing him from attaining the position. 

Asiwaju Tinubu commended Party faithful and assured that the mandate of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola would be recovered in due course. 

In a remark, The Chairman of, the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign In Osun State, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola appreciated members of the party for their unflinching support at all times. 

Also in an interview with Radio Nigeria, a member of the Local Organizing Committee, LOC in Osun State, Alhaji Kazeem Yusuf said Asiwaju Bola Ahmed’s manifestoes tagged “Renewed Hope” cuts across all spheres of life. 

Upon arrival into the State, Asiwaju Tinubu met with some traditional rulers in the State at his campaign office, along Gbongan/Ibadan road, Ogooluwa, Osogbo, to seek their royal blessings.

On the entourage of the APC Presidential candidate are, APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun, former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, among other distinguished party stalwarts. 

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Crime

By Adenitan Akinola

The kidnapped member of the Union Baptist Church, Odi-Olowo Osogbo, Mrs Tosin Kayode who was kidnapped by gunmen alongside her child has both regained her freedom.

Mrs Kayode and her child according to information were found in Ibadan, Oyo State where they were abandoned by their abductors having noticed that security agents were after them.

It would be recalled that Mrs Kayode and her child were kidnapped by unknown gunmen around the Otaefun/Kobongboe area of Osogbo while returning home from her shop around 6 PM on Tuesday 24th January 2023.

The senior pastor, Union Baptist Church, Odi-Olowo, Osogbo, Reverend Dr Sunday Adeoye who announced this in a statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the church, Mr Oluwamayowa Fagbohungbe, appreciated the people for their prayers and support.

Reverend Adeoye said; “On behalf of the family of Engineer Abayomi Kayode and the entire Union Baptist Church Osogbo family, I express my profound appreciation to first to the Almighty God for answering our prayers, our gallantry security agencies, distinguished members of the press, Osun Baptist Conference President, Reverend Dr Paul Kolawole, the entire Christian Community and all and sundry for their prayers and most particularly for standing by us during the period”.

“May the Almighty God rid our dear nation of all forms of criminality and insecurity” Dr Adeoye prayed.

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Economy

By Adenitan Akinola

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is to impose a one million naira fine on commercial banks per day for each box of new naira notes they refused to pick and disburse to their customers ahead of Tuesday next week’s deadline. 

The CBN Deputy Director in charge of Research, Mr Adeleke Adelokun made this known at the Ayegbaju Market, Osogbo during a sensitisation programme organized for Osun market women on the new naira notes of N200, N500 and N1000 denominations. 

Mr Adelokun noted that the apex bank had printed enough new naira notes, but the commercial banks had refused to pick them up. 

According to him, “CBN has printed enough new naira notes but we discovered that most of the banks have not collected the money. When we discovered that they refused to collect the new naira notes we put sanctions on the bank with a fine of 1 million per box per day depending on the number of days”.

“We also mandated the banks to put new naira notes in the ATM machines all over Nigeria so that Nigerians will have access to the new notes.” 

Also speaking, the Branch Controller of CBN, Osogbo Branch, Mr Madojemu Daphne who was represented by Mrs Adebayo Omosolape alleged that Nigerians hoarded the old naira notes to the tune of two point seven trillion naira.

He noted that 84.71 per cent of the country’s currencies in circulation were outside the vaults of commercial banks across the country.

“Statistics shows that N2.72 trillion out of the N3.26 trillion currency in circulation as of June 2022 was outside the vaults of commercial banks across the country, and supposedly held by members of the public.” Mr Daphne added.

Adenitan Akinola

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Economy

As Christmas moves closer, residents of Osun State have lamented the high cost of food items occasioned by the increase in prices of petroleum products across the nation. 

Radio Nigeria Correspondent, Mojisola Oladele who visited Osogbo the state capital and Ilesa town, observed that buying and selling moved at a moderate pace.

A visit to the markets revealed that most buyers purchased clothes and shoes of average prices for their children and wards. 

A foodstuff trader in Igbonna Market, Osogbo, Alhaji Maruf Bashiru said a bag of rice sells between #32,000 and #38,000 per bag depending on quality, a bag of brown beans popularly referred to as “Oloyin” is sold for #35,000 against last year price of #33,000 and the white beans has reduced to #40,000 against #44,000 per bag sold last year, 25 litres of vegetable oil increased from #27,000 to #31,500 and the 5 litres of the same which formally sold for #5000 now goes for #7500.

Alhaji Bashiru appealed to the government to intensify efforts at addressing the high cost of transportation and insecurity across the nation. 

A palm oil trader in Atakumosa Market, Ilesa, Mrs Taiwo Olaniyi who said 25 litres of palm oil is now being sold for #26000 also called on the government to assist farmers so as to increase their production. 

Also contributing, a yam flour seller in Oluode Market, Osogbo, Mr Sunday Adebayo said a bag of yam flour which was sold last year for #130000 is now going for #150000, a basket which is one-fourth of a bag sells for #37,500 while a bag of cassava flour which was sold at #8000 last year is now sold for #10000.

Mr Adebayo who appreciated God for the gradual patronage of customers expressed the hope that the current prices would not increase further but reduce to encourage buyers. 

A poultry dealer at Sabo Market, Ilesa, Mrs Bimbo Fatola said a table-weight turkey sells from #35,000 upwards, while chickens from native hen, old layers, Noiler and Broiler sells for #3500, #4000, #6000 and #10000 respectively. 

In an interview with Radio Nigeria, a civil servant in Osogbo, Mr Israel Fatoki and a resident of Ilesa Town, Mrs Toyin Oke who decried the high cost of food items noted that the present economic situation of the country was caused by high foreign exchange rates, unofficial increase in the prices of petroleum products, insecurity amongst other negative factors, would lead to a low key yuletide celebration. 

They appealed to the federal government to ensure an upward review of workers’ salaries which would serve as palliative measures to cushion the current harsh economic situation.

Mojisola Oladele

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Environment

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC Osun State command has blamed the incessant accidents on deplorable roads, and the attitude of the road users.

The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Paul Okpe said this during an enlightenment campaign organised for commercial motorcyclists and motorcycle auto technicians in Osogbo, the state capital.

Mr Okpe pointed out that some of the poor attitudes of people responsible for accidents included impatience, intolerance, and use of substandard spare parts.

While noting that there is a considerable reduction in motorcyclists accidents in Osun State, the FRSC boss said the agency would continue to embark on regular public awareness programmes to sensitise those involve in the business.

“We are working with motorcycle mechanics because of their closeness to the motorcyclists. They owe a duty to ensure the safety of their customers so that when they repair motorcycles, they would handle it with much care because technical errors are also responsible for accidents”. He said

Also speaking, an Osogbo-based spare part expert, Pastor Emmanuel Eze stressed the need for regular sensitisation to stop the menace of illicit drug use among commercial motorcycles.

Pastor Eze noted that most of the accidents that had resulted in fatalities were avoidable, but for the use of enhancers by motorcyclists, particularly the young ones.

“It is important to remind our people regularly that they have a duty to protect themselves and their passengers by being careful and avoiding drugs. There is nothing wrong with ember months, we only demonize it by our impatience”. Mr Eze stressed.

He charged motorcycle technicians to desist from encouraging their customers to use substandard spare parts because they are cheap, adding that they must insist their customers pay for the standard.

In response, the Chairman of the motorcycle technicians, Osogbo branch,  Mr Emmanuel Shittu pledged that his members would adhere to the use of quality spare parts.

Mr Shittu appealed to the FRSC to commercial motorcyclists to always use their protective helmets to prevent fatalities in case of accidents.

Some of the Okada riders who spoke thanked the FRSC for organising the sensitisation exercise, urging the commission to do such a programme regularly.

Adenitan Akinola

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Politics

Voters’ apathy characterized the Saturday’s local council poll conducted by Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSSIEC.

There was a poor turnout of voters in some polling Units visited in Egbedore, Osogbo and Bolorunduro areas of Osun while some units in Ward 10 in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osogbo were empty of voters.

Radio Nigeria reporter, who went around some polling Units, found that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSSIEC, officials had left the polling Units as there were no voters to participate in the Local Government election.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Igbajo, Bolorunduro Local Government Area, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Mr. Sunday Akere commended OSIEC for the peaceful conduct of the election.

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At Dada Estate market, in Egbedore local government area, a woman hawking smoked fish, who refused to be recorded by our correspondent said, she came from Iwo town to do her daily business in the market adding that she did not know the election was taking place this Saturday.

Also speaking, one of the residents of Ofatedo, Mr. Dimeji Ojo said, he did not go out to vote since he did not know the Councilor or Chairman contesting in the election.

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However, despite the no movement order by the state government, some shops and market stalls were opened for business while some motorcycle operators were going about carrying passengers from one area to another.

Similarly, a Radio Nigeria correspondent, who monitored the exercise in Osogbo, Ikirun Iragbiji and Ilobu noticed that there was voters’ apathy.

Some residents were also seen going about with their businesses despite the restrictions ordered by the state government.

However, our correspondent in Osogbo reports of voting exercise in Unit 2 and unit 3 Ibokun road ward 7 Alagbaa Area, Ward 9 and 12  in Oja Oba Market, Unit 8 Ward 6 Otun Jagunbi, Akolu Compound, Itaolokan. 

Shops, filling stations and markets were observed to be under lock and key in places visited including Station Road, Oja Oba, Italokan, Aiyepe, Ilesa Garage, Owode -Ilesa and Kajola areas of the town. 

There were slight movements of commercial vehicles and motorcyclists on the major roads. 

Osun Independent Electoral Commission, OSEIC officers, and security officials manned the polling units, and various security agencies were observed patrolling around the major roads of the areas visited to maintain peace and order. 

Speaking with Radio Nigeria,  an OSIEC presiding officer, Mr Tunde Abdulazeez said the voting process commenced at 9.00a.m.and most voters left the polling units after casting their vote. 

In an Interview, a politician, Prince AbdulAkeem Olaniyan described the process as smooth, free and fair, commending the State Independent Electoral Commission for the timely distribution of Electoral materials. 

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Speaking, The Chairman, Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Otunba Segun Oladitan said only All progressive Congress participated in the election.

Otunba Oladitan noted that the commission had provided enabling environment for all political parties to participate in the election but some political parties decided not to participate in the exercise

It would be recalled that the last local government election in Osun State was held in January 2018.

Funmi Adekoya/Wasiu Ajadosu

News

Suspected political thugs have attacked the convoy of wife of the Osun State governnor, Mrs Kafayat oyetola.

Some of the security personnel in the the convoy sustained varying degrees of injuries in the attack which took place at Owode-Ede market Friday evening.

A witness disclosed that the convoy was passing through the market around 8 pm  when a truck suddenly blocked the lane that the convoy was passing.

The witness said the thugs, who were already around the area, started to attack the convoy with stones and dangerous weapons which caused the security operatives to shoot into the air

During the attack, they shattered the glasses of some vehicles while the incident caused panic in the area.

An aide to the first lady, Tunmise Iluyomade confirmed the incident but she did not say specifically the number of security personnel injured.

“All I can tell you is that no life was lost in the incident. I can’t tell you the numbers of security operatives that were injured but some of them that were attached to the convoy sustained varying degrees of injuries.”

Abiodun Adeoye 

Crime

A man, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, has been electrocuted while trying to steal transformer cables at Kolade Estate, Onward area, Gbongan-Ibadan Road, Osogbo, Osun State capital.

A resident of the area, Mr. Taiwo Yakubu said the incident happened around 4:00pm on Monday.

Yakubu said that the man who was electrocuted was trying to remove some cables from the transformer.

a close look at the deceased shows that he was one of those scavengers who picked iron and metals components to sell for survival.

Yakubu said the sound of an electrical spark and the scream of the man attracted the attention of residents to the scene.

It was gathered that, there was power outage in the area for some time but while the man was trying to remove the cables, the power was suddenly restored and in the process he got electrocuted as the suspect was found hanging dead on the transformer.

Yakubu said the residents called the attention of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, and report the case at the Ataoja Police station, who later deployed their staff to evacuate the body of the man.

Funmi Adekoya 

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