Tag: osun

  • APC members involved in anti-party activities will not be spared – Chairman

    APC members involved in anti-party activities will not be spared – Chairman

    Mr. Tajudeen Lawal, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, has said that members of the party that engaged in anti-party activities during the governorship and general elections in the state will not be spared.

    Lawal said this during a welcome home party organised by APC Reformation Forum in Ijesa Federal Constituency for Ijesa sons, who served at the national, state assembly, as well as in the cabinet of former Gov. Gboyega Oyetola, on Sunday in Ilesa.

    Recalled that APC lost the July 16, 2022 governorship election to PDP due to crisis within the party.

    The party also lost all the national assembly seats to the PDP.

    The Chairman, however,  urged “genuine members” of the party not to lose hope, adding that with hard work and commitment, the party would return to power in 2026.

    ” No member of the party involved in anti-party during the last governorship and general elections in the state will be spared.

    ” I want to appeal to genuine members of the party not to lose hope because come 2026, we shall return to power,” he said.

    Besides, Lawal dismissed a statement credited to the elders caucus of the party that immediate past Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, should seek genuine forgiveness to return into the party.

    “I read what the Igbimo Agba (elder caucus) of our party said, but they are in the advisory role of the party. The party in no distant time will state its position on it.

    ” Meanwhile, we must be clear about this,  we are not restructuring the party. The party is intact in Osun under Baba Bisi Akande and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola,” he said.

    Mr. Timothy Owoeye, the immediate past Speaker of the state House of Assembly, urged members of the party to embrace peace and work in unionism.

    Owoeye, who was one of the awardees at the event, noted that with unity in the party, it would be easier for the party to return to power in 2026.

    Also, Mr Oluremi Omowaye, the immediate past state Commissioner for Works, said members of the party that involved in anti-party activities must be sanctioned before allowing them back.

    Omowaye, who was also another awardee at the event, said though politics was a game of numbers, the party must not condone indiscipline.

    ” I am an advocate of ‘the more the merrier’, but it is important we send a message to those involved in anti-party activities so that next time, another set of people won’t engage in such act.

    The Chairman of the Planning Committee of the occasion, Mr. Lukman Abubakre, said the event was organised to honour sons and daughters of Ijesa land for their commitment to the service of their fatherland.

    The highlights of the events were presentation of special recognition awards to seven sons of Ijesaland, who served in various capacities in the state and at the NASS.

    NAN

  • Why I left U.S. for politics in Nigeria – Osun speaker

    Why I left U.S. for politics in Nigeria – Osun speaker

    Mr Adewale Egbedun, the Speaker of Osun House of Assembly, on Thursday,  said he returned to Nigeria from America in 2016, to join politics in order to serve and provide his people with a better life.

    Egbedun made this known while meeting with the staff of the Osun Hosue of Assembly Commission, on the Assembly floor, after his swearing-in on Tuesday.

    He said he came back to Osun to ensure people of the state people had quality governance and that he was not into politics to make money.

    He assured the staff of the Assemply of an improved and better welfare, saying: ” I will make your welfare my number one priority.”

    “My priority now is to make impact, make a name, and not here to make money.

    “I have passion to help my people, to make the people happy.

    “I had a dream in April 2016 while living in Texas in America, and I told my wife, I am going back to Nigeria to do politics and serve my people.

    “Some Nigerians in the U.S., even my pastor, thought I was under enchantment, but I had a conviction that I wanted to do politics to serve my people and make their life better,” he said.

    He, however, appealed to the assembly staff to work with him and his colleagues so they could have a successful tenure.

    He said the opportunity the Governor,  Ademola Adeleke, had given to him to be a speaker, must be justified and that he needed them to work with him to succeed.

    He promised to run an open door policy and would ensure that their welfare was well taken care of by making them happy, even if it meant using his personal resources.

    Speaking also, the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Akinyode Oyewusi, appealed to the staff to work with the lawmakers to achieve growth and development.

    Oyewusi said, “Don’t look at us as young people, let’s work together to achieve a common goal of delivering the best legislation. ”

    Mr Simeon Amosun, the Clerk of the Assembly, on behalf of the workers, promised to work with the lawmakers and assist them to achieve the development agenda of the governor

  • Gov. Adeleke announces dissolution of Osun Assembly

    Gov. Adeleke announces dissolution of Osun Assembly

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has announced the dissolution of the 7th State House of Assembly.

    This is contained in a statement by Malam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson to the governor on Sunday in Osogbo.

    The governor exercised the authority vested in him by Section 105(3)  of the Nigerian constitution by announcing the dissolution of the 7th  assembly and proclamation for the 8th assembly.

    The governor conveyed the dissolution of the 7th assembly and the proclamation of the 8th assembly to the Clerk of the state assembly.

    The 8th assembly will be inaugurated on June 6.

    Adeleke said: ” I write to convey my proclamation for the holding of the 8th Assembly.

    “In exercise of powers bestowed upon me by Section 105 (3) aforesaid, and of all powers enabling me in that behalf, hereby proclaim that the First Session of the Eighth (8th) Assembly of Osun State House of Assembly shall hold on Tuesday, 6th June 2019 at 10 am in Osun State House of Assembly.”

  • Adeleke’s signature dance moves distinguishes him – Saraki

    Adeleke’s signature dance moves distinguishes him – Saraki

    Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on his birthday, saying his dance moves and humility distinguished him from others.

    Saraki in a tweet said: “For several years, Governor Ademola Adeleke (@AAdeleke_01) has stood out as a distinct politician.

    “His humble and captivating personality, his skill in energizing and managing crowds, his signature dance moves, and his honesty have consistently distinguished him from others.

    “When Governor Adeleke assures you of his support, you can count on him to be there every step of the way.

    “Today, as we honour this exceptional leader who has been tirelessly working for the progress of Osun State, my family and I extend our warmest birthday wishes to our brother and friend, Governor Adeleke.”

  • Osun: We received Supreme Court judgment with calmness – APC

    Osun: We received Supreme Court judgment with calmness – APC

    The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says it receives the supreme court verdict which affirmed Gov. Ademola Adeleke, as winner of  July 16, 2022 with calmness.

    This is stated by Tajudeen Lawal, the acting Chairman of the party on Tuesday in Osogbo.

    Lawal said the  Supreme Court decisions were final, which could not be challenged in any other court of the land.

    He said that as a democratic political body that solely believed in the rule of law, there was no way the party could fault the judgment of the Supreme Court as the highest court in the land,  “even though we are not happy with the judicial decision”.

    “While we are congratulating the beneficiary of the judgment, we make bold to state that we shall not be found wanting in playing our expected opposition roles to keep the government on its toes.

    “The members and supporters of our party should refuse to be downcast with the current political situation in the state as the nature of politics is that one does not win all the times.

    “The prevailing condition of the winner(s) of today does not make him the perpetual winner, as the political office which was contested for is a tenured one for a period of four years after which we shall have the opportunity to slug it out with those who are rejoicing over today’s victory.

    “It is however, worthwhile to state that our party and our candidate, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, might have lost the election as it was pronounced by the apex court of the land, but it is visible to the court of the public that they never lost the battle.

    “That Osun State is a common patrimony is the reason we are assuring the PDP and the government that we shall be meeting in the trenches when it is constitutionally ripe to do so.

    “The way forward for our party shall be made available to the esteemed members and supporters soonest,” Lawal said.

    A five-member panel of the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had affirmed Adeleke’s victory on March 24.

    The Osun tribunal had on Jan. 27 annulled Adeleke’s victory and declared Gboyega Oyetola of All Progressives Congress as the valid winner of the poll after the Independent National Electoral Commission had returned Adeleke as the winner of the poll.

  • Osun: Supreme Court verdict has deepened democracy, rule of law – Buhari

    Osun: Supreme Court verdict has deepened democracy, rule of law – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has recognised the Supreme Court verdict on the July 16, 2022 governorship election in Osun as well as the important role of the judiciary in deepening democracy and rule of law.

    The president stated in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to Buhari, with the verdict of the apex court, the main task at hand now is to make the people feel the impact of good governance, where a prosperous, peaceful, and stable Osun is guaranteed.

    He, therefore, urged all the residents of the state to give the government of Sen. Ademola Adeleke all the support it needed to ensure that programmes, policies, plans, and aspirations fashioned to make individuals and businesses flourish succeeded.

    “Elections should be seen as the path to an end, which is the progress of the people in a peaceful environment, rather than unending bickering.

    “This is the time for inclusion and harmony in the state at the end of the litigation,” he said.

    Buhari thanked the people of Osun for their immense contribution to the development of the nation, particularly through the state’s rich cultural heritage, the several historic sites, and tourist attractions, including Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    He assured that the Federal Government would continue to develop the boundless resources in the state to enhance national development and prosperity.

  • Osun denies demotion of workers, half-pay

    Osun denies demotion of workers, half-pay

    The Osun State Government says it has no plan to demote any of its workers or payment of half salary.

    This is contained in a statement by Malam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson for Gov. Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday in Osogbo.

    The statement said it was an outright falsehood and wicked fabrication, the fake news about demotion of workers and alleged plan of payment of half salaries to the state workers.

    It said the administration of Gov. Adeleke had no plan to demote any of the state workers and would not introduce payment of half salary.

    “We affirm that the Osun State Government under Gov. Ademola Adeleke, has not and will not demote any worker. There is also no plan to introduce half salary.

    “We declare that the content of the said story and all the references to a supposed worker are mere fabrications to undermine the very strong bond between Adeleke and Osun workers, both in the formal and the informal sector.

    “The bond of partnership between this administration and the workers was further cemented at the May 1 Workers Day celebration, where labour leaders praised the extraordinary commitment of Gov. Adeleke to workers’ welfare,” it stated.

    The statement said the May Day event saw confirmation by all stakeholders that Gov. Adeleke was the first governor in the state to have workers’ welfare as the first item on his agenda.

    “The May Day event also saw confirmation by all stakeholders that Gov. Adeleke was the first governor in Osun state to have workers’ welfare as the first item on his governance agenda.

    “Members of the public and the labour movement also acknowledged that the present administration has been clearing the mess and the evil fallouts of years of maladministration by the APC in Osun state.

    “Part of that acclaimed step is the template adopted to clear years of half salaries and pensions owed Osun workers.

    “It is, therefore, a failed hatchet job by the opposition party to allege that a solution provider, a workers’ governor and a performing leader of peoples’ government is planning any anti-labour agenda

    “Governor Adeleke has since been working round the clock to restore public confidence in government, to bridge the infrastructural gap, to clear backlogs of salaries owed to workers, to rebuild the public service, to sanitise public finance, and to digitalise Osun economy.

    “We, therefore, urge members of the public to ignore the fake news about demotion of workers and re-introduction of half salaries.

    “Gov. Adeleke is an apostle of good governance and grassroots development who upholds workers’ rights and aspirations of Osun people,” the statement said.

  • Better treatment of workers antidote to poverty, under-devt. – Adeleke

    Better treatment of workers antidote to poverty, under-devt. – Adeleke

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says to address poverty and underdevelopment in society, public servants must be accorded better treatment.

    Adeleke stated this during the Workers’ Day celebrations, held at Osogbo township stadium on Monday.

    According to him, when public servants are cared for, the informal sector fares better.

    He said that a very happy public service would automatically translate into a booming economy.

    Adeleke said that his administration was focussing on workers’ welfare because that was the right thing to do.

    “There is a strong link between the formal and informal workforce in Osun State.

    “When the formal workforce, the public servants, are cared for, the informal sector fares better.

    “A very happy public service translates into a booming local economy across the state”, he  said.

    The governor also said that his administration would continue to be committed to workers’ welfare.

    “Since I took over under a very hostile environment, I have remained committed to that goal of workers’ first.

    “You can all attest to my faithfulness in resolving inherited challenges on workers’ salaries and pensions.

    “I have demonstrated good faith as a leader with genuine love of workers at heart.

    “You will always find in me a governor that is responsive and open to the wellbeing of labour.

    “Be rest assured that our administration will not waiver in restoring the integrity and professionalism of the public service,” he said.

    Adeleke added that he had also taken judicious note of all the requests and demands contained in the addresses delivered by labour unions.

    “This administration is yours. I assure you that all your points are well noted”, he said.

  • Earth Day: Adeleke approves climate agenda for Osun

    Earth Day: Adeleke approves climate agenda for Osun

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has approved a comprehensive climate change agenda to address emerging concerns about climate change and its impact on the state.

    The approval is contained in a statement by Malam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson to the governor, on Saturday in Osogbo.

    According to the statement, the climate agenda is part of the state government’s efforts to mark the World Earth Day.

    The statement noted that the new agenda included the making of a climate change and adaptation policy for state.

    It also included the creation of the state climate advisory board, the establishment of climate tracking research unit at the state University and the development of annual state energy report.

    The statement added that the hosting of a post COP 27 conference for sub-national entities in Nigeria is also part of the agenda.

    The 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Paris Agreement (COP 27), was held from Nov. 6 to Nov. 20, 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

    A decision was made at the conference to establish and operationalise a loss and damage fund.

    The statement quoted Adeleke as saying that the approval of the climate programme was in fulfillment of his election promises to address the threatening environmental crises facing Osun and the world at large.

    “I take note of global climate crises and I believe we cannot leave the issue to the Federal Government alone.

    “States must take active part in the movement to save the planet from imminent extinction. Our climate agenda is all inclusive,” he said.

    According to the statement, Adeleke, on the Earth Day, directed the announcement of the climate agenda to reconfirm his administration’s resolve to make Osun the most climate friendly state in Nigeria.

    “Our administration will invest in making Osun a truly green economy by mainstreaming climate matters in health, education, infrastructure, finance, mining, technology as well as gender and youth matters.

    “Our state will become truly resilient and emerge as a strong partner in the climate adaptability movement,” he said.

    Earth Day is being celebrated yearly on April 22, to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation.

  • Ile-Ife: There’s need to end Oro procession in daylight – Ex-NLC Chairman

    Ile-Ife: There’s need to end Oro procession in daylight – Ex-NLC Chairman

    Mr. Sakariyau Adesiyan, the Former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun state, has said that there’s the need to end procession by adherents of Oro in daylight in Ile-Ife.

    Adesiyan made the call in an interview with NAN on Friday in Ile-Ife.

    “This must be the end of daylight Oro procession in Ile-Ife. This is not the first time they have been attacking Muslims and Christians in daylight.

    “What happened yesterday (Thursday) was barbaric and satanic, because the person that was attacked was inside the mosque. Those who are praying were inside the mosque.

    “They have once attacked people. So, we are saying enough is enough. The Muslims are not happy with what they did,” Adesiyan explained.

    According to him, Oro adherents came into the mosque and attacked Muslims.

    The Ex-NLC Chairman stressed that they want the perpetrators punished, adding that the people will continue their protest if those involved are not arrested.

    Also, the Secretary, Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT), Ife Central, Mr Tajudeen Adesiyan, stated that the Muslims were about to observe Solat Asri prayer when they were attacked.

    Adesiyan said that the Oro traditional worshipers were returning from their shrine, when they forcefully entered the mosque and they were asking for Imam Lateef Adesiyan.

    “It happened inside the mosque and the mosque was destroyed. there was pool of blood of those injured. We are telling Nigerians that the constitution allows everyone to practice his religion as he likes,” he stated.

    He observed that there has never been a day when Christians would ask Muslims to stay indoors for religion event, but the traditional worshipers were intolerant of other religions.

    The Secretary emphasised that they are going to end the indiscipline act of the traditional Oro worshipers in Ile-Ife.

    According to an eye witness, Mr. Bashir AbdulAzeez, “We were about to observe our Salatul Asr on Thursday evening around 4:30 pm, when scores of Oro worshipers “attacked us as we did our ablution.

    “They attacked us and told us to move away. Before we could explain anything, they have started to beat our people.

    “They invaded the mosque and destroyed the Quran and other properties,” AbdulAzeez stated.

    According to him, the Imam and five other Muslims have been receiving treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife.

    When contacted, the Chief Imam of Ifeland, Alhaji AbdulSemiu AbdulHammed, stated that the Palace had intervened in the matter.

    The Chief Imam indicated that Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ọjájá II, had called him to appeal to Muslims to be patient as the matter would be resolved amicably.

    He emphasised that the Ooni promised to bear the hospital bills of the injured persons and rehabilitate the vandalised mosque.

    He said the head of Olorisa worshipers would be arrested and brought to justice, and reaffirmed that there is fundamental human right of freedom of religion in the land.

    The Chief Imam urged Muslims to be law abiding in their protest.

    The Police Spokesperson for Osun Command, SP Opalola Yemisi, said that the attack was confirmed and that the oloobatala people attacked the Muslims at their worship place.

    Opalola said that investigation is still ongoing in the case.

    There was pandemonium at Idi Omoh Mosque, Ilare, Ile Ife, on Thursday, when Oro worshipers attacked Muslims.