Oriontimes

Osun State has received multiple awards in recognition of its leadership in climate change action and environmental sustainability. The honours were presented at the closing of the Pre-Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS-2025) Stakeholders Engagement Workshop held at the Western Sun Hotel, Ede. The three-day workshop, which ran from April 28 to 30, 2025, was convened in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and development stakeholders. It attracted high-level participants including government officials, academics, civil society groups, and private sector representatives, who deliberated on climate project development, waste-to-wealth innovation, and access to international climate finance. Speaking during a reception at the Government House in Osogbo to honour the participants, Governor Ademola Adeleke said Osun had emerged as a sub national hub for climate action in South Western Nigeria. “We are elated a...

In another significant move, Karounwi Festus Olamilekan, President of the Association of Inconsequential People of Nigeri a, has announced his resignation from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), effective today, April 30, 2025. Karounwi, in his resignation letter, explicitly stated that his unwavering loyalty lies with Hon. Oluwole Oke and, as such, he will be joining him in the All Progressives Congress (APC). His departure underscores what some observers are calling a continued exodus from the PDP, with key figures and mobilisers leaving the party. This latest resignation highlights the growing sentiment that the PDP is losing ground, influence, and prominent members—potentially altering the political landscape as the 2027 elections approach. In his letter, Karounwi expressed gratitude to the members of the PDP for their shared journey and wished them well in their future endeavours. However, he made it clear that Hon. Oluwole Oke remains the sole leader he recognises and value...

Critics have raised concerns ahead of a scheduled meeting between Governor Ademola Adeleke and selected political leaders from Obokun and Oriade local governments. They have cautioned the governor not to be deceived by those he has invited to the Government House, alleging that many among them are only seeking personal gain under the guise of party loyalty. The critics issued a stern warning: “Mr. Governor, we warned you. Do not be deceived. Those coming from Obokun and Oriade are not coming in good faith, they are here to scam you and take what rightly belongs to others.” This strong message comes as the Osun State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke popularly known as “Imole” is set to meet with several PDP leaders from Obokun on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo. The list of invitees includes notable figures such as: Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi Prince Diran Odeyemi Mrs. Eniola Omotoso Bis...

.....mass defection hits Esa-Oke PDP Hon. Owoeye Samuel Abiodun (OSA), Party Leaders, and Ward Executives Welcome PDP Defectors to APC in Ward 7, Esa-Oke A significant political shift occurred in Ward 7, Esa-Oke, as the PDP Ward Chairman, Mr. Faniyi Omolayo, and the PDP Local Government Secretary, Hon. Omotosho Oladipo, officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside their supporters. The defection took place during a meeting held at the APC Ward 7 Secretariat in Esa-Oke, Obokun East LCDA. Hundreds of PDP supporters also renounced their membership to join the APC, marking a historic moment in the local political landscape. This wave of defections underscores the growing popularity of the APC in Obokun and Osun State, reflecting increasing confidence in the party’s policies and programs. Mr. Faniyi Omolayo and Hon. Omotosho Oladipo cited the APC's commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability as their primary reasons for switching allegiance. A...

In a stunning development within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mercy Ayodele , a frontline woman in Osun politics , former Gubernatorial candidate under Restoration Party, former Caretaker Secretary for Obokun PDP Local Government Excos, currently serving as an LGEA member tendered her formal resignation this morning, effective immediately. In her resignation letter addressed to PDP leaders and members, Mercy expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities and support she received during her tenure. However, she lamented that the party has recently become a "one-man show" where dissenting voices are stifled, signalling a loss of focus and internal democracy. After extensive consultations with her supporters, including her deputy from the gubernatorial project, friends, and loyal followers across the state, she and her team have resolved to seek a new political platform better aligned with their vision and aspirations for the people. Mercy Ayodele also emphasised that t...

  .....with live-streamed polling stations, election-day violence becomes visible .....when the camera rolls, the guns go silent  Live-streamed polling stations, GPS-monitored materials, and real-time digital reporting can expose election violence instantly, stripping away the cover of darkness where it once thrived. Across Nigeria, and especially in Osun State, election days have become synonymous with fear. Voters tread carefully, candidates deploy loyalists like field generals, and security agencies often look away. Blood has been spilled in the name of power and worse, it has gone unpunished. But we are not powerless. In fact, the tools for transformation are already in our hands. Technology deployed deliberately and monitored transparently can change everything. With live-streamed polling stations, election-day violence becomes visible, not hearsay. With GPS-tracked movement of sensitive materials, ballot tampering becomes traceable. And with real-time digital reporting p...

Osun State is reeling from a political shockwave following the dramatic resignation of Hon. Oluwole Oke, the Obokun/Oriade House of Representatives member, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oriontimes reports. The defection has triggered panic at the highest levels of government, prompting Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently summon party leaders from Obokun Local Government for a closed-door crisis meeting, as fears of a broader collapse in party loyalty take root ahead of the 2026 governorship race. Governor Adeleke’s recent move comes in the wake of widespread reports that Oke’s defection has rattled the PDP, especially in the Obokun/Oriade axis, a critical stronghold for the party. In what seemed as unease climate, according to report, Aides have been discreetly instructed to steer clear of Oke’s path, underscoring growing concerns about a potential wave of defections. An emergency meeting has been slated for Wednesday, April 30, at the Government House Banquet Hall in Osogb...

Everybody has a past, and every journey has its humble beginnings. Hon. Oluwole Busayo Oke’s journey from humble beginnings to national prominence exemplifies the transformative power of providence, resilience, education, and service. Hon. Wole Oke has never for once hidden the grace of God and the way the universe has ordered his paths. Greatness is rarely born from comfort. From the late MKO Abiola, once a firewood hawker, Abiola rose to become a prominent Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and politician, remembered as a symbol of democracy in Nigeria. President Goodluck Jonathan is known for trekking barefoot to school during his childhood to become Nigeria's president, showing how humble origins can lead to national leadership and even to world leaders who emerged from obscurity. History is replete with examples of individuals whose modest origins shaped their resilience and vision.  Even Jesus Christ, revered by billions, was born in a manger to a carpenter. These stories...

......across the African continent, there are countries with less fertile lands, rocky terrain, limited rainfall In recent times, many Nigerians have lamented the growing scarcity and high cost of food. Markets across the country tell the same grim story, families struggling to afford basic staples, children going to school hungry, and farmers battling to survive in a land rich with agricultural potential. It is a bitter irony that Nigeria, blessed with vast arable land and favorable weather, is grappling with a food crisis. The question on everyone’s lips is: who should be held responsible? Some argue that it is the government's failure. Others go further to point fingers at the president, expecting a direct intervention to solve the crisis. But let’s be clear, while leadership is crucial in policy formulation and infrastructure development, it is not the president's job to take up hoes and cutlasses to farm for the people. Across the African continent, there are countries wit...

Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada won a new term last night, according to the national broadcaster CBC/Radio Canada, in a remarkable turnaround for the Liberal Party owed in large part to President Trump’s aggressive stance toward the country. It is still too early to tell if the Liberal Party has secured a majority of seats in the House of Commons, or if it will be forced to form a minority government. Until just a few months ago, the Conservative Party, run by career politician Pierre Poilievre, seemed all but certain to win. But Trump and his relentless focus on Canada upended the race, securing the Liberal Party a fourth term. Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, pushing it toward a recession, and repeatedly threatened to annex it as the 51st state. Knock-on effects: The result highlights how Trump’s brand of conservative politics can turn toxic for conservatives elsewhere if they are seen as being too closely aligned. Poilievre, who railed against “radical woke ideology...

Esa-Oke, a serene town in present-day Osun State, first captured my attention on a tragic day in 2001—the day Chief Bola Ige was assassinated. As a former Governor of old Oyo State and Nigeria’s Attorney General, his legacy left an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s political and intellectual landscape. I still recall the somber news coverage of his remains being taken from Ibadan to Esa-Oke, a moment etched forever in my memory. That same period introduced me to another towering figure Professor Wole Soyinka, whose presence I would later encounter in person during my postgraduate days at the University of Ibadan. Like much of Ijesaland, Esa-Oke has given Nigeria many distinguished sons: Dr. Edward Omotoso, a former senior official at the UN and OPEC, and Chief Dosu Fatokun, among others. Among these eminent personalities is Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, a household name in Osun politics and Nigeria’s longest-serving House of Representatives member for Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency. Over th...

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Atayese Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (BOA), on Sunday warmly received a delegation of Progressive Youths and Comrades from across Osun State, who have proudly identified themselves as the “BOA Ambassadors.” The meeting, held at his residence in Osogbo, further reaffirmed Alabi’s towering influence and enduring appeal among the youth and political stakeholders in the state. The BOA Ambassadors are a vibrant coalition of grassroots comrades who have voluntarily resolved to unite their efforts to promote, project, and propagate the inspiring political ideals of Benedict Olugboyega Alabi. Their formation signals a strong belief in BOA’s visionary leadership and his capacity to drive progressive governance in Osun State. During the solidarity visit, the group accompanied by their surveillance and strategic mobilization team openly pledged their unwavering loyalty and expressed their deep commitment to Alabi’s political cause. Th...

Today, I join countless admirers in felicitating with Hon. Wole Oke, the distinguished lawmaker whose name has become synonymous with staying power in Nigeria's ever-dynamic political theater. Indeed, few can boast of such consistency, a testament to experience, resilience, and an unmatched ability to navigate the tides of leadership. Hon. Oke’s journey through the corridors of power has been nothing short of inspiring. From one legislative season to another, his presence has been a reassuring reminder that some things, like fine wine or old habits only get stronger with time. His career serves as a case study in longevity, proving that when it comes to public service, endurance is truly the greatest virtue. Leadership, like good tailoring, must be measured, even if the stitches are sometimes invisible to the casual eye. As Hon. Wole Oke marks another milestone, I wish him a happy birthday and many more years of timeless service.  May his example continue to inspire or at least, to...

The Ijesha North Constituency Office has hailed Hon. Wole Oke on the occasion of the seasoned parliamentarian's birthday, describing him as a testament to what leadership should be. In a felicitation message signed by Omolebi Sunday Tunde, it read: "Today, the good people of Ijesa North Federal Constituency join our voices with countless admirers across Nigeria and beyond to celebrate a man whose life epitomizes dedication, courage, and uncommon service: Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke (BOO). Your journey through life has been marked by an unbreakable commitment to the ideals of justice, progress, and human development. You are not just a politician; you are a beacon of hope for the downtrodden, a voice for the voiceless, and a true testament to what purposeful leadership should be. From the grassroots of Ijesa North to the grand chambers of the National Assembly, your contributions have left indelible marks—transforming lives, inspiring dreams, and building bridges of opportunity for...

On the eve of his birthday, Tioluwani Joseph faced a heartbreak that shook him to his core. Yet, even in the face of personal sorrow, he remains a symbol of resilience, a reminder of the silent battles many face and the unyielding strength required to push through them. In life, there are moments that feel as though they could break you. Tioluwani, much like many of us, has experienced those moments. And yet, it is in the breaking that we often find our true strength. Like me, Abioye Tosin Lawrence, he knows what it means to face the darkness of life's trials, those gut-wrenching moments when the weight of the world feels unbearable. Yet, in each of those moments, Tioluwani has demonstrated a courage few can understand. His story, much like mine, is one of endurance. His pain, though unique to him, echoes a shared human experience. It speaks to the resilience of the heart, how, even when broken, it continues to beat, even when bruised, it remains strong. Tioluwani has faced life...

When glamour fades too quickly, trust is the first casualty. Mrs. Elizabeth, a modest shoe vendor, built her small business around trust. She sourced her shoes from a supplier she believed in—whose name is Okeke Esther Udoka, owner of brand "Queen Empire Collection" in Lagos—and resold them to her loyal customers. Business was steady, until one fateful day when a customer returned, visibly upset. The beautiful pair of shoes she had purchased from Mrs. Elizabeth had fallen apart after just a single outing. The incident cast a shadow over the integrity of Queen Empire Collection , a brand Mrs. Elizabeth had trusted for years. Caught off guard, Mrs. Elizabeth found herself speechless. She had bought the shoes in good faith from her regular Lagos supplier and had not expected such a complaint. Before she could even recover from that shock, a similar disaster struck closer to home. She had personally purchased a pair for an important occasion—only to watch them collapse after one ...

The association of Babalojas and Iyalojas of Osogbo/Olorunda local government areas have endorsed the State governor Senator Ademola Adeleke for second term in office. The endorsement was made during a gathering of the market leaders at Olonkoro town hall, Igbona Osogbo on Friday, April 25th. The association commended Adeleke’s administration for visible development, particularly in road infrastructure and market accessibility. Chief Adeoti Qamarudeen, Babaloja of Orisunbare Main Market on behalf of the association listed over 25 completed and ongoing road projects that have improved market routes and boosted commercial activity in Osogbo and its environs. He listed the projects which include, “the Arogunmosa Road link to Ring Road, Okebale, Costain Road to Ayepe Junction, Iso Eran and Iso Ata roads at Oja Oba, Peter Ajibola Street in Alekuwodo, DSS Road link to Ring Road, Ori Oke Pure Water Road, Oroki High School Road, BCJ Road at Ajegunle, the third phase of Ona Baba Ona, Okefia and...

  The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aribisala Care Foundation, Barrister Abiodun Aribisala, an internationally acclaimed tax consultant and a leading figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms. He described the reforms as critical steps towards ensuring long-term national stability and economic prosperity. As part of his continued efforts to cushion the effects of current economic challenges, Barrister Aribisala once again led a large-scale food distribution exercise for vulnerable residents of Ijebu Ijesa, in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State. The initiative, which has become a regular intervention by the Aribisala Care Foundation, aims to bring relief to communities feeling the pinch of government policies intended for national economic recovery. Speaking during the outreach, Barrister Aribisala noted that the Foundation has consistently reached out to resi...

Supporters of Hon. Wole Oke in Ijesa North Federal Constituency have appealed to the seasoned lawmaker to allow them to fully enjoy the fruits of their labour before physically joining him in his new political alignment. In gatherings across the constituency, several members expressed their unwavering loyalty to Hon. Wole Oke following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, they pleaded for the opportunity to secure their pending dues and entitlements from the Adeleke-led state government before making the formal move. A respected leader within the constituency issued a warning to party loyalists, advising them not to take any form of oath or pledge that could bind them unfairly while they pursue what is rightfully theirs. "Enjoy your fruits of labour first," he cautioned, "before making any new commitments." The constituents reaffirmed their commitment to follow Hon. Wole Oke’s political direction, declaring boldly: "Wherever you go, we...

The political landscape in Oriade Local Government Area is witnessing a major shift as 1,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 11 of Oriade local government—comprising Iloko Ijesa and Ijeda Ijesa, prepare to decamp to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This mass movement follows the recent defection of seasoned lawmaker, Hon. Wole Oke, a key figure in Osun State politics. Supporters cite Hon. Oke's leadership style, accessibility, and track record of service as key reasons for aligning fully with his political direction. "Wherever Wole Oke goes, we shall follow," a member declared during a ward meeting, signaling the depth of loyalty among his grassroots base. Discontent within PDP structures in Ward 11 has been growing, with many accusing the Honourable Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, Hon. Bayo Ogungbangbe, of abandoning party members. Aggrieved supporters alleged that Ogungbangbe focuses only on his immediate family and inner circle,...

By Abioye Tosin Lawrence Author of “Voices from the Fire: My Journey Through a Hollow Empire” .....the watchdogs are muzzled, the unionists are buried in bureaucracy There’s a curious irony in the corridors of power: the loudest critics of government, those who once stood at the frontlines of journalism and unionism often become its most bitter internal adversaries when handed a seat at the table.  The transition from holding the megaphone to holding office rarely unfolds as a fairytale. It is, more often, a slow disillusionment—a crucible that burns away idealism, leaving behind either cynicism or a renewed, dangerous clarity. Why do those who once fought institutions now find themselves fighting them from within? The answer lies in the tragic architecture of power. Journalists are trained to question, to expose, to challenge. Unionists are forged in the fires of collective resistance. Both professions require a deep moral conviction—and a suspicion of authority. Yet, when absorbe...

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply yesterday, as Pakistan unveiled a set of retaliatory actions following India's punitive response to a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 tourists. In a strong move, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, announced plans to expel a portion of India’s diplomatic staff from Islamabad, and suspended all bilateral trade. While India has yet to officially name those responsible for the attack near Pahalgam on Tuesday, Pakistan has categorically denied any involvement. The mood across Pakistan is one of anxiety, as Indian officials signal the potential for military retaliation. Media outlets have been flooded with commentary from defense experts, many warning of dangerous and unpredictable consequences if the situation deteriorates further. Key Development: After India halted a crucial water-sharing agreement, Pakistan issued a stark warning, declaring that any attempt to block river flows would be...

Russian missile drone strikes on Kyiv killed no fewer than 12 and 90 others injured yesterday. The attack prompted President Trump to express rare disapproval of Moscow. “Vladimir, STOP!” Trump posted on social media, addressing Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin. “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing.” The attack came hours after Trump and his top aides had demanded that Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, accept an American-designed plan that favored Russia.

.....the seasoned lawmaker’s exit sends power brokers into panic mode Peering at Oke’s adversaries, one can sense the tremors his defection has sent through their ranks. The entire state now feels like a theatre, with his opponents restless and unsettled, forced to reckon with the gale of his departure, a statement released by the legislator's constituency office and made available to Oriontimes. "The press release reveals that Oke’s exit has triggered a frenzy of emergency meetings and recalculations, as power brokers scramble to contain the fallout. The rapid convening of caucuses—from market women to palm-wine tappers and local influencers—across all 30 Local Government Areas within just 48 hours underscores the scale of the disruption." Something significant has shifted. Those who once mocked Oke now find themselves grappling with the loss of influence and resources that his exit represents. Something heavy has fallen upon these people. It is hard for them to embrace ...

It is no longer news that Honourable Dr. Busayo Oluwole Oke, representing Obokun Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State and Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, what remains vital is to clarify the principles behind this monumental decision and to dispel the cloud of speculations surrounding it.   Honourable Oke's resignation is not fueled by political ambition nor a quest for electoral opportunity, stated by the legislator in a press statement signed by the public and media communication unit, Ijesha North Federal Constituency Office, "With a valid mandate lasting two more years, his choice reflects something deeper: a moral imperative to uphold the truth, restore integrity to governance, and stand in solidarity with the long-sidelined aspirations of his people. For decades, Honourable Oke has been a steadfast pillar of the PDP, dedicating energy, time, and leadership to its ...

Honourable Oluwole Oke, a seasoned legislator representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, has launched a strategic political movement dubbed PBAT 2027—an initiative aimed at galvanizing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. He described the movement as his personal contribution to advancing the Renewed Hope agenda, championed by President Tinubu. Hon. Oke praised the President’s vision, political courage, and unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and good governance—traits he says align with his own political philosophy. “I joined the All Progressives Congress to further my goal of empowering people and accelerating infrastructural development in my constituency,” he said. “This movement is my way of backing a leader whose ideals I share and whose progress I believe in.” He emphasized that the PBAT 2027 initiative would be driven by the principles of equity, fairness, and justice, ensuring that the vision of a renewed and inclusive Nigeria reaches every co...

In a significant political development, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, former member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sources confirmed that Hon. Oke held a closed-door meeting with the APC Ward 7 Chairman in his hometown of Esa-Oke, Osun State, where he formally registered with the party and picked up his APC membership card. The move follows Oke’s recent exit from the PDP, which he attributed to a lack of inclusiveness, infrastructural neglect in his constituency, and the growing concentration of power within a single family in the party’s Osun State chapter. The meeting, held discreetly in Esa-Oke, signals a new chapter for the seasoned lawmaker, who is regarded as one of the most experienced voices from Ijesa North. Party stakeholders at the ward level welcomed his decision, describing it as a “homecoming” and a strategic step toward realigning the region’s political s...

Amidst ongoing speculation and misleading narratives, it is important to clarify the facts surrounding the departure of Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Contrary to claims being circulated, Hon. Oke was not suspended from the PDP, nor was his decision to exit driven by any dispute over an electoral ticket. According to a statement from the Public and Media Communication Office of Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Federal House of Representatives, his departure is rooted in deeper issues of principle, governance, and inclusivity. Hon. Oke is still midway through his current four-year mandate and had not entered discussions regarding any new political ticket. The primary concerns prompting his departure include the lack of infrastructural development in his constituency—Ijesa North—despite years of advocacy, as well as the erosion of democratic values within the party's state structure. A growing sense of exc...