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Tag: Osogbo

  • Police confirm 1 death as rival cult groups clash in Osogbo

    Police confirm 1 death as rival cult groups clash in Osogbo

    The Police Command in Osun, on Monday, confirmed the death of one person during a clash between two rival cult groups at Oke Ola area in Osogbo on Sunday.

    DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Command’s Spokesperson, who disclosed this in Osogbo, said that it took the intervention of the police to quell the upheaval.

    “It was the police team that went to the sceme of the incident that restored normalcy in the area.

    “At the moment, we are on the trail of the culprits (the cult members), and they will be made to face the law when arrested,” he told NAN.

    Ojelabi urged residents of the state to always report any breach of the law or suspected criminal activities to the police promptly.

    He enjoined them to call the Police Control Room and Complaint Response Unit on the numbers: 08039537995/08123823981 and 08035143235/08066286549/08030732461 to make reports.

    It was gathered that fracas ensued when some suspected members of a cult group in Osogbo, who were part of a masquerade’s procession, entered into the territory of a rival cult group.

    An eyewitness said that the clash which occurred at about 7:00p.m, on Sunday snowballed into a gun battle and one of the cult members was shot in the head and died on the spot.

  • Osun 2026: Why Osogbo should produce next governor – Oladimeji

    Osun 2026: Why Osogbo should produce next governor – Oladimeji

    Dr Yemi Oladimeji, a leader of Osogbo Progressive Union (OPU), Osogbo in Osun, has decried the inability of the town to produce a governor since the creation of the state 33 years ago. OPU is the umbrella body of all Osogbo indigenous groups.

    Oladimeji, in a statement on Sunday in Osogbo, said that the attitude of “pull him down syndrome” by some indigenes of Osogbo was responsible for the inability of the town to produce a governor.

    He charged the indigenes of Osogbo to work together and as a team to produce the next governor of the state in the 2026 election for the development of the town and the state.

    Oladimeji noted that Osogbo parades quality, qualified, competent and very sound political leaders, urging all indigenes of Osogbo in various political parties to work for the interest of the town ahead of the next governor election.

    He noted that prominent indigenes of the town had several opportunities in the past to become the governor of the state but such opportunities were deterred by some people.

    “In the last 33 years that Osun State was created by the military administration of retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Ede in Osun West has produced the governor twice through late Sen. Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke (1992/1993), and his younger brother, who is the incumbent, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, from 2022 till date.

    ”Also, Osun Central has produced the governor thrice through Chief Abdulkareem Adebisi Akande from Ila-Orangun (1999-2003), Okuku through Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (2003-2010) and Iragbiji through Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, 2018-2022.

    “Ilesa in Osun East produced the governor through Ogbeni Abdulrauf Adesoji Aregbesola (2010-2018).

    “Our great leader and my big uncle, Sen. Olu Alabi, from Osogbo had a good chance to become the governor of Osun State when he came out to run for the exalted office in 1999 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “He fought tooth and nail to emerge the PDP governorship candidate but lost to Chief Bisi Akande of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) because some of our people in Osogbo worked against him.

    “The history repeated itself in my own case too when I ran the primary for the Osun State governorship under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2007.

    ”I am bringing up this issue not because of my own interest but for us to learn from history and begin to make an amend so that we don’t fall into the same booby-trap when such an opportunity for Osogbo comes up again,” he said.

    According to him, there is a lot to gain by working together to advance the course and interest of Osogbo.

    Oladimeji, who is a member of the United States chapter of OPU, urged Osogbo indigenes in the diaspora to always work towards the development of the town and be willing to assist the less privileged.

    “We should also love one another and support whoever God wants to use to represent Osogbo politically.

    ”I am now appealing to all of us to rally support for the development of Osogbo and Osun State. Let us show commitment to this course and make it a collective responsibility,” he said.

  • What we’ve done in 100 days – Osun gov, Adeleke

    What we’ve done in 100 days – Osun gov, Adeleke

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun said that his administration, in its first 100 days, had redirected the government’s efforts toward meeting the needs of the people.

    Adeleke, who was sworn in on Nov. 27, 2022 as the sixth executive governor of the state, said this on Tuesday at a news conference in Osogbo, while rolling out the administration’s achievements in the period.

    The governor said he had made provision for potable water in each of 333 wards in the state and constructed 20-kilometre roads across the state.

    He said that the administration had presented the sum of N518 million to 40 communities for infrastructure development.

    In the area of health, Adeleke said under the Imole surgical and medical outreach, 2000 persons in each of the nine federal constituencies in the state would benefit from free medical care.

    He said this was in addition to the enrollment of 3000 indigenes on the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS).

    The governor also said that since his assumption of office, he had made provision for transformers and other electrical materials in communities without electricity in an ongoing project.

    Adeleke said he had started the payment of salaries and pension arrears from January 2016,  owed by the past administration.

    On infrastructure development, the governor said he had embarked on the rehabilitation and construction of roads across the state.

    He said in a bid to ensure food security in the state, he had approved subsidies on fertilisers and other farm inputs for farmers in the state.

    The governor also revealed that he would be giving bond cheques to the contributory pensioners in the state on March 10.

    He promised that in the next few months, he would embark on robust delivery of services in the area of climate change action plans for job creation.

    Adeleke said that he would also focus on tourism and entrainment, and application of telemedicine to expand healthcare access for artisans, among others.

    “To that end, Osun people should expect more robust delivery of services as well as new initiatives,” he said.

  • Why cultists, hemp sellers clashed in Osun state

    Why cultists, hemp sellers clashed in Osun state

    Some youths suspected to be cultists on Friday clashed with another group of people who involve in the illicit activity of selling hemp in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

    According to an eye witness account, who doesn’t want his name in print  said trouble started at Ode Oga Junction in Oke Baale Area, Osogbo, when some suspected cultists abducted a man alleged to be a hemp seller identified only as Kokoro.

    It was gathered that Kokoro was said to have renounced cultism; a decision that allegedly displeased members of his former group.

    Members of the group were said to have launched a search for Kokoro since he made the decision but they could not get him until Friday when they saw him on a motorcycle.

    The eyewitness said, “Members of his former group saw him (Kokoro) on a motorcycle at Ode Oga and abducted him. When news of his abduction reached his own group at Ita Akogun, Osogbo, they mobilised and stormed where he was being held.

    “The two groups engaged in a fight. There were exchanges of gunshots. Police also intervened. But two people lost their lives. The fight later spread to Isale Aro, Gbaemu area of Osogbo where two passersby were hit by bullets. They were injured and taken to a hospital.’’

    Contacted to comment on the matter, the state police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that two persons lost their lives during the incident, adding that the hoodlums involved also exchange gunshots with the police.

    “They even attacked operatives. Normalcy has returned to the affected areas,” Opalola said.

    There have been series of unrest in Osogbo in the past few weeks for one reason or the other.

  • 2023: Former Osun governor, Oyetola promises to deliver 1.5 million votes to Tinubu

    2023: Former Osun governor, Oyetola promises to deliver 1.5 million votes to Tinubu

    The immediate past Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola has promised to deliver over 1.5 million votes from the state for the presidential candidate of the  All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the forthcoming general elections in the state.

    The former governor made this statement at the inauguration of the Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign council in Osogbo, the state capital.

    Oyetola, who is the State Coordinator, Tinubu/Shettima PCC, also tasked the newly-inaugurated members to intensify efforts towards ensuring all round victory for the APC presidential candidate and his running mate and all the party candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

    He said “No stone would be left unturned to ensure the emergence of Tinubu and Shettima, as well as all the candidates of the party in the National and State assemblies elections.

    “No stone would be left unturned to ensure the emergence of Tinubu and Shettima, as well as all the candidates of the party in the National and State assemblies elections.

     

    “The country is in dire need of a competent individual like Tinubu to build on the gains of the incumbent administration and drive the nation’s potential for socio-economic growth and development of the country.

    “There is no room for experiment on the choice of next president at this critical time in the history of Nigeria, hence the need to elect Tinubu whose political pedigree, good, responsible and responsive governance antecedents are second to none.

    “Tinubu/Shettima ticket is divine and it is worthy of note that the team is powered by tested and trusted hands as it offers a renewed hope in all sectors.”

    Meanwhile, the speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye affirmed that Oyetola  will return to state house in the state soon, adding that Tinubu will also emerge the country’s next president.

    He described the outcome of the July 16, 2022 Osun gubernatorial election as a temporary setback.

    Reacting, the Osun Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described statements credited to Oyetola and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly as hallucinations.

     

     

  • Tourists troop in Osogbo, as grand finale of Osun festival begins

    Tourists troop in Osogbo, as grand finale of Osun festival begins

    Tourists, devotees as well as cultural enthusiasts from across the globe are trooping into the ancient city of Osogbo to join the fiesta marking the grand finale of the annual Osun Osogbo festival.

    Newsmen covering the festival report that it had always given a boost to socio-economic activities in the Osun capital and its environs.

    Newsmen reports that as early as 8. am, many Osun devotees were sighted singing and dancing on major roads in the city centre while others exhibited some cultural artefacts near the Osun grove.

    Many devotees were also seen carrying plastic bottles and kegs and moving to the Osun River to fetch some water for spiritual purposes.

    The state government had, however,  warned devotees not to drink the water from the river as it had been contaminated.

    Newsmen also sighted some masqueraders  chanting incantations while shooting sporadically into the air with their dane guns to the admiration of onlookers.

    Security personnel, including those of the NSCDC and Nigerian Police as well as FRSC were positioned at strategic locations within the capital city to ensure law and order as well as ease human and vehicular movement.

    Newsmen further report that food and souvenir vendors took advantage of the influx of visitors to make brisk business.

    The event, which started on Aug.1 is expected to end on Friday with a young maiden, Arugba, who will carry a calabash on her head as a symbolic sacrifice to the river goddess.

    According to the Curator and Site Manager of Osun Osogbo Grove, Mr Adekunle Fatai, no fewer than 60,000 devotees and tourists are expected at the grand finale.

    The Osun-Osogbo festival, whose history dates back to many centuries, is usually celebrated in an ancient grove believed to be among the last of the sacred forests still remaining among Yoruba cities.

    In recognition of its global significance and cultural value, the Sacred Grove was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

    Newsmen further report that for the people of Osogbo land, the annual festival symbolises the traditional cleansing of the town and cultural reunion of the people with their ancestors and founders of Osogbo Kingdom.

  • Police arrest wanted killer, Rasheed Okoilu in Osogbo

    Police arrest wanted killer, Rasheed Okoilu in Osogbo

    The Osun Police Command said it arrested the notorious wanted serial killer, Rasheed Hamed, popular known as Rasheed Okoilu, in the early hours of Sunday.

    SP Yemisi Opalola, spokesperson of Police command, Osun said in a statement in Osogbo, that the suspect was arrested by a combined team of police officers from Dugbe Police Station and Oke Baale Police Station with support from local hunters.

    Opalola said the suspect was tracked and arrested after he went on a killing spree in Egbatedo, Osogbo, where he killed three people.

    She said the suspect had been handed over to the anti-cultism department of the Police Command in the state and was undergoing processing.

    Recall that Osun Police Command, on March 10, declared Rasheed Okoilu and one Solomon Adedimeji (Solo Iwara) wanted in connection with offences of murder, arson, ritual killings, armed robbery, rape, and kidnapping.

    The police warned that anybody that harboured the suspects would be treated as an accomplice to their crimes.

    The police, however, promised anyone with useful information about the whereabouts of the wanted persons, a handsome reward

  • Osun Guber: Bullion van sighted at Polling Unit

    Osun Guber: Bullion van sighted at Polling Unit

     

    A bullion van has been sighted at a polling unit in CAC Grammar School, Osogbo while voting is about to start at the ongoing Osun guber race.

     

    It was gathered that there have been speculations by the electorate that countless  bullion vans are now in Osun

     

    Candidate of the Accord party, Dr.Akin Ogunbiyi, on Thursday during an interview with TVC confirmed that bullion vans from Lagos are in Osun allegedly masterminded by APC to buy vote.

     

    Also, CSOs had raised alarm on Friday that Osun guber election maybe marred by vote buying and security challenges.

    Osun Guber: Bullion van sighted at Polling Unit

     

    A bullion van has been sighted at a polling unit in CAC Grammar School, Osogbo while voting is about to start at the ongoing Osun guber race.

    It was gathered that there have been speculations by the electorate that countless bullion vans are now in Osun

    Candidate of the Accord party, Dr.Akin Ogunbiyi, on Thursday during an interview with TVC confirmed that bullion vans from Lagos are in Osun allegedly masterminded by APC to buy vote.

    Also, CSOs had raised alarm on Friday that Osun guber election maybe marred by vote buying and security challenges.

  • Hotelier allegedly rape corps member serving in his hotel

    Hotelier allegedly rape corps member serving in his hotel

    An hotel manager, who allegedly raped a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Osogbo, will appear in court on Tuesday.

    SP Yemisi Opalola, the Police Spokesperson, Osun Command, Nigeria Police, made this known to NAN in a telephone interview.

    Opalola said that police had concluded investigation on the matter.

    “The State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), investigating the matter, has completed its investigation and would, any moment from tomorrow (Tuesday), charge the suspect to court,” she said.

    Opalola said that the management of NYSC in Osun was following up on the case and providing the needed support.

    “They are interested party in the matter, being guardians and parents in charge of the wellbeing of corps members in the state,” she said.

    The manager of an hotel, located around GRA Area in Osogbo, was arrested by the police for allegedly raping a female corps member serving at his hotel.

    The incident was reported to have occurred at about 8:30 p.m on March 25, when the victim was on duty.

    The matter was reported at the Police Station, Dugbe in Osogbo, by other corps members serving in the hotel.

    The victim had explained to her colleagues that, while she was on duty, the manager ordered her to bring a bottle of beer to his hotel room, which she did.

    She further said the manager engaged her in a conversation about her plan after the service year, adding from that point, the manager started touching and rough handling her.

    The victim said she fought and resisted the manager’s move, but was overpowered and had his way.

  • OAU MBA Student: Ramon Adedoyin, other suspects arrive Osogbo for trial today

    OAU MBA Student: Ramon Adedoyin, other suspects arrive Osogbo for trial today

    Hotel owner Ramon Adedoyin and six other suspects fingered in the death of MBA student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Timothy Adegoke have all arrived Osogbo, Osun State, to face trial on Thursday

    Counsel to Adegoke’s family, Femi Falana, demanded that the matter be transferred to Osun after the suspects had been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The hotelier, Adedoyin, was alleged to have unlawfully interfered with the body while Adedeji Adesola, Magdalena Chiefuna, Adeniyi Aderogba, Oluwale Lawrence, Oyetunde Kazeem and Adebayo Kunle were arraigned on seven-count charge of conspiracy, attempted murder, and murder, among others.

    Meanwhile, a top security source who spoke on condition of anonymity told pressmen that everyone standing trial on the case have all arrived Osun state.

    “Chief Ramon Adedoyin and other suspects have arrived in Osun ahead of the commencement of their trial on Thursday. They arrived in the state on Wednesday evening.” He said

    Police spokesman, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that the trial will begin today.

    Read Also: Adegoke family hires Femi Falana to take over case

    The family of Timothy Adegoke, the MBA student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who was murdered at Hilton Hotel and Resorts on November 6, 2021, has hired human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) as the family lawyer.

    This was contained in a letter dated February 3, signed by Moses Adegoke, the father of the deceased; Olugbade Adegoke, the brother of the deceased; and Bolatito Victoria Adegoke, the wife to the deceased
    According to the letter, the family said they are hiring Falana due to their confidence in his expertise and professionalism with the hope of getting justice.
    It reads, “We the family of Moses Adegoke have decided to appoint you as our family lawyer, demand for our late son Adegoke, Timothy Oluwadamilare who was murdered at Hilton Honour Hotel and Resorts, Ile Ife.
    “We have full confidence in your expertise and professionalism and hope to get justice on the case. Thank you for your great concern and sympathy.”
    Falana & Falana Chambers, in a statement sent to SaharaReporters, accepted the family’s invitation, saying, “We have accepted the instructions of the bereaved Adegoke Family.
    “We shall handle the case pro bono publico and ensure that justice is done.”
    Adegoke had lodged at the hotel when he came to take his examination in OAU late last year before he was allegedly murdered by the owner and staff members of the facility