Oriontimes

In a rare and commendable display of political unity, two All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants in Osun State the immediate past Deputy Governor, His Excellency Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (BOA), and Prince Dotun Babayemi jointly attended a special celebration in Irewole Local Government Area on Saturday. The occasion, held in honor of retired Colonel Olayiwola Falabi, a respected APC leader, marked both his birthday and the launch of a women’s empowerment program aimed at uplifting grassroots participation in local development. Their presence at the event was widely seen as a symbol of political maturity and camaraderie, defying expectations of rivalry in the lead-up to future elections. Rather than competition, Alabi and Babayemi projected a shared commitment to the progress of Osun State, setting an example for party members and the broader political landscape. In his address, Alabi congratulated Col. Falabi on his birthday, lauding his decades of meritorious service ...

....you think political leaders don’t have divine callings too? I recently sat with a self-declared philosopher, a man who’s never worn a collar, but wears clarity like a badge. He doesn't attend church anymore. Not out of rebellion, but out of exhaustion. “Modern altars,” he said, “feel more like political podiums. Spiritless spectacles. Gratification for the rich, degradation for the poor, the same poor who, ironically, built most of these churches brick by sacrificial brick.” He looked at me the way prophets probably looked at priests in exile and asked: “Do you think political leaders don’t have divine callings too? Are we so drunk on incense that we forget leadership isn’t limited to the pulpit?” He went on half Socrates, half streetwise sage:  “Some pastors believe proximity to heaven makes them superior. But I’ve seen governors who fix roads, sponsor children to school, and build lives more faithfully than some preachers build churches.”  “Between the man with a microph...

  Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, the lawmaker representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has sounded the political trumpet, and it's not subtle. In a recent post on his official Facebook handle, Oke likened the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a divine evacuation vessel: "Oko Noah," primed for takeoff ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elections in Osun State. “August 8, 2026, is almost here. The APC vessel Oko Noah is about to take off,” he declared. “You better enter now before the doors are closed.” Like a modern-day Noah calling voters aboard, Oke painted the picture of a political ark-sanctified, strategic, and storm-ready. The message? Get in line with the APC or risk drowning in irrelevance. And while some may scoff, Oke claims that fear is already brewing in the opposition camp. "I sympathise with some of my brothers and friends in the opposing camp. They’re scared of what will happen in 2026 and 2027," he wrote, his words la...

....exits are still active, migration parade not a short scene Apparently, political GPS devices in Obokun & Oriade federal Constituency are still recalculating and they’re all pointing toward the ruling party. Over a month after Hon. Wole Oke announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), his loyalists are still checking their maps and jumping ship from the PDP. The latest in the migration parade? Honorable Barrister Olaitan Olabode of Ward 2, Ada-Owode, Obokun Local Government. Once a sturdy PDP man, Olabode has now dusted his political boots and marched straight into APC territory. For those who thought the defection wave would be a short drama with a neat closing scene, welcome to the extended version, possibly a whole season. It seems the Oke Signal still beams strong across Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, pulling in loyalists like moths to a well-positioned lantern. Observers are now asking: If this is the aftermath of a single defection, what happens wh...

In a bold and impassioned intervention from abroad, Honourable Busayo Oluwole Oke, the seasoned federal lawmaker representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency, has reignited political discourse in Osun State by calling for the reintegration of former Governor Prince (Gen.) Olagunsoye Oyinlola into the political mainstream. Speaking during a remote briefing, Hon. Oke himself a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), implored citizens and party faithful to rise above rumor-mongering and factional politics. He described Oyinlola as a towering symbol of integrity and resilience, whose return to active leadership could serve as a unifying force for Osun’s fractured political terrain. “Oyinlola stands tall, still,” Oke said emphatically, “and along with Engr. Fatai Akinbade, he remains one of the last standing pillars of true statesmanship in our state’s democratic journey.” Oke, who reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, took a swipe at those reportedly scouting for governorshi...

Abuja, Nigeria  Hon. Oluwole Oke, Member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as he marks his second year in office as President of the F ederal Republic of Nigeria. In a statement released in Abuja, Hon. Oke described President Tinubu as “the most civil and tolerant President Nigeria has ever had,” applauding his administration’s commitment to upholding fundamental human rights and fostering democratic values. Despite facing criticisms from opposition parties, factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), and even from his South West base, Hon. Oke noted that President Tinubu has maintained a climate of political tolerance where dissent is not met with repression, a stark contrast to past administrations. On the economic front, Hon. Oke hailed the President’s bold decision to remove the petroleum subsidy, describing it as a landmark policy that dismantled ...

Oba Makama Urges Traditional Rulers to Secure Their Domains, Warns of Foreign Infiltration Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, has renewed his call for Nigerians to unite in unwavering support of the Nigerian Army as the nation faces mounting security threats from insurgents and foreign mercenaries. In a statement released by his media office in Kuta over the weekend, the respected monarch raised alarm over the infiltration of the country by various militia groups and foreign fighters, describing the development as a dire threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty. Oba Makama emphasized the critical role of traditional rulers in safeguarding their domains, stating, “We must take proactive steps to ensure our communities are safe and fortified against the encroachment of these hydra-headed terrorists.” He praised the Nigerian Army for its pivotal role in preserving national unity and territorial integrity, urging all citizens to rally be...

President Trump secured a temporary victory in court as a federal appeals panel agreed to preserve many of his administration’s sweeping tariffs on China and other key U.S. trading partners.  The decision effectively pauses an earlier lower court ruling that would have compelled the White House to roll back duties previously deemed unlawful. Although the appeals court did not make a final judgment on the legality of the tariffs or directly address the government's broader arguments, it granted a temporary reprieve, allowing the administration to keep the levies in place for now. These tariffs have served as key bargaining tools in Trump's aggressive trade negotiations. As a result, Trump can continue enforcing many of the duties he imposed on China, Canada, and Mexico, while also keeping alive his threat of "reciprocal" tariffs on other nations, a policy he announced widely before pausing it in early April. Still, the legal battle is far from over. The case is expecte...

..... _the elders had ideologies and manifestos; we repost, react, and ridicule those who dare to think deeply _  We gather at polling units. We chant slogans. We click "like" on candidates’ Instagram posts. But beyond the noise and numbers, the bitter truth stands tall: elections are not leadership. And in the absence of civic education, our votes become seeds cast on concrete full of potential, but destined not to grow. Our generation is drifting. We are quick to participate, but slow to understand. We shout for change, but don’t study what change demands. We mistake election cycles for civic awakening, when in reality, they have become ritual performances of uninformed hope. We do not lack numbers, we lack orientation. Leadership is not just about putting someone in office. It is about systems, accountability, history, and vision. And if we cannot define those for ourselves, then we will keep electing shadows, not servants. Our elders had ideologies even if flawed. They ha...

The Deputy Head of the Sun Newspaper, Ismail Omipidan has read the Persona non-grata book to the general public in Osun state and beyond. The book reading took place on Thursday, May 29th at the Eti-Osa Lecture Theatre, Fountain University, Osogbo, the Journalist recounts political betrayals, media trials, and a journalist's defiant spirit.      During the reading and presentation of the book, Persona Non Grata, a memoir of truth, trials, and political treachery, the Former Chief Press Secretary to Ex-governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Omipidan revealed that most of the events in this book are not what somebody told him but what happened live and direct to him.  "One of the most striking revelations came when Omipidan recalled the moment he lost faith in former Governor Rauf Aregbesola during the APC membership revalidation exercise in 2021.  “He asked us to give him 48 hours. We waited, the day never came,” he said, signaling a political betrayal that shaped much of ...

 _..... northern chief (sarkin) hails Wole Oke as Inclusive Leader_    Political analysts see beyond Honourable Wole Oke’s record in the House of Representatives; they see a seasoned lawmaker whose long-standing experience is poised to redefine governance at the Senate level. Oke has consistently demonstrated that leadership goes beyond party lines, he has translated political authority into inclusive governance, building bridges across diverse communities. His recent defection to the ruling party was met with applause from unexpected quarters. “We’ve been waiting for Wole Oke to come into the ruling party,” said one sarkin (traditional northern leader) based in Obokun & Oriade Federal Constituency. “Even when he was in the PDP, he responded to our needs swiftly. We see him as a brother, a father, and a true political leader.” Wole Oke’s track record in the lower chamber, particularly as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, is defined by fearless oversight and p...

Former CPS to Oyetola recounts political betrayals, media trials, and a journalist's defiant spirit at Fountain University book event. In a charged hall at the Eti-Osa Lecture Theatre, Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan, held the audience spellbound during a reading and presentation of his latest book, Persona Non Grata, a memoir of truth, trials, and political treachery.  “Most of the events in this book are not what somebody told me,” Omipidan declared, his voice steady with conviction. “They happened to me.” One of the most striking revelations came when Omipidan recalled the moment he lost faith in former Governor Rauf Aregbesola during the APC membership revalidation exercise in 2021.  “He asked us to give him 48 hours. We waited, the day never came,” he said, signaling a political betrayal that shaped much of what followed. Speaking on the dangers of truth-telling in Nigerian journalism, O...

Tensions in Gaza escalated further as a crowd broke into a food warehouse in the central region late last night, resulting in at least two reported deaths, according to initial assessments from the U.N. World Food Program. The incident comes amid deepening humanitarian desperation and growing international criticism of Israel’s control over aid distribution. The United Nations condemned Israel’s newly imposed aid delivery system, with a senior official describing it as “an assault on [Palestinians’] human dignity.” Israel, which halted aid deliveries for over two months, claims the new mechanism is designed to prevent diversion by Hamas by routing assistance through Israeli-controlled checkpoints. The situation has already sparked unrest. On Tuesday, when the new system took effect, dozens were injured during a chaotic scramble at a distribution point. The U.N. and humanitarian agencies warn that replacing the previous U.N.-run aid network with an Israeli-led approach puts civilians at...

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration is moving to "aggressively revoke" the visas of certain Chinese students, particularly those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in sensitive or "critical" fields. On Tuesday, Rubio also ordered a temporary suspension of visa interviews abroad for student and exchange programs, as the State Department ramps up scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity.  Foreign nationals who already have appointments scheduled may still be able to attend them. President Trump added that institutions like Harvard University should reduce their intake of international students to prioritize American applicants.  He has also pressured universities to impose limits on campus speech, especially targeting expressions of anti-Israel sentiment.

Germany would step up support for ukraine by sending more military equipment and more funds for the domestic production of weapons, including long-range ones. ,   Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared. The announcement came during a visit by Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to Berlin. The German Defense Ministry said the aid would include cooperation on weapons construction, air-defense systems and the financing of satellite communications. Its total value was put at roughly 5 billion euros. Zelensky, who has traveled the world for years in search of arms for his country, said this week that Ukraine now needed about $30 billion in annual financing to fund its domestic production at full capacity.

The lawmaker representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, has called on members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State to reconsider their political stance, declaring that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a firm grip on the state's political landscape. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs, expressed concern over what he described as the continued political misjudgment of PDP loyalists. “Remove the scales from your eyes and look clearly the path forward is with the APC,” he stated. He emphasized that his statement was made in good faith and in the interest of his fellow citizens, noting, “Do not say I didn’t warn you. I have fulfilled my duty of care to you all. It’s now up to you to act wisely.” Using a popular Yoruba proverb, the lawmaker urged the youth and undecided voters to learn from the experience of elders. “What an old man sees sitting, a young man may not see even while standing,” he s...

Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads in its democratic evolution, and our choices at the ballot box will shape not just the destiny of our regions, but that of the nation at large.  For the good people of Osun East Senatorial District, the upcoming senatorial election offers a profound opportunity, not just to vote, but to chart a new, hopeful course. In this light, one name rises above the rest with clarity and conviction: Honourable Busayo Oluwole Oke. Running under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Honourable Oke is not merely a politician; he is a seasoned legislator, a man of conscience, and a visionary with an unshakable connection to the grassroots.  Here are the key reasons why he is unequivocally the best choice to represent Osun East in the Nigerian Senate.  Proven Legislative Experience Legislation is not a guessing game, it is a craft, requiring knowledge, patience, and mastery. Honourable Oke has served multiple tenures in the House of Rep...

The Constituency Office of Honourable Wole Oke, Member of the House of Representatives for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, has joined family, friends, and associates in celebrating the birthday of a devoted public servant and community leader, Omolebi Sunday Segun. In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday, the office praised Omolebi for his unrelenting commitment to grassroots development, civic responsibility, and community service to the people. “Omolebi Sunday Segun exemplifies the values of dedication, humility, and consistent service to the people, the statement read. Honourable Wole Oke’s team further highlighted Omolebi’s longstanding contributions to local development initiatives, describing him as “a dependable ally in the journey to build a more inclusive and progressive constituency.” The statement concluded with prayers for Omolebi’s continued health, wisdom, and strength as he enters a new year of purposeful service. “On behalf of the Honourable Member and the good pe...

At least 50 people were injured yesterday when a driver plowed into a crowd celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League victory. Among the injured were four children, one of whom is in serious condition.  Police identified the driver as a 53-year-old British man, who has since been taken into custody. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the incident appeared to be isolated and was not being treated as an act of terrorism. Authorities are not seeking an

Maros Šefčovič, the European Union’s trade commissioner, held talks yesterday with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, following President Trump’s announcement that he would delay imposing 50 percent tariffs on all E.U. imports to allow more time for negotiations. Šefčovič later expressed on social media that the E.U. remains “fully committed to constructive and focused efforts” to reach an agreement. On Sunday, Trump spoke by phone with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. Paula Pinho, a spokeswoman for the Commission, described their conversation as providing “a new impetus for the negotiations.” Both sides aim to reach a resolution before July 9, when the tariffs are scheduled to take effect. Despite these developments, the path to easing tensions remains complicated. The U.S. and E.U. continue to hold differing priorities, and it is unclear whether any significant shifts have occurred in their demands or proposals. Goals: A Commission spokesman said the E...

In a just world, Asisat Oshoala would have been paraded in glittering halls of global football as a Ballon d'Or winner, not merely a nominee, or worse, an afterthought. But in the world of football politics and media-blessed narratives, talent alone is never enough. Especially not when you're African, female, and unapologetically excellent. For years, Oshoala carried not just the Nigerian flag, but the aspirations of an entire continent. From scoring in Champions League finals to topping goal charts in Spain's Liga F, her stats screamed Ballon d'Or but the silence from the award gatekeepers was deafening. When you dominate at FC Barcelona Femení, win league titles, conquer Europe, and still don’t crack the top three, questions must be asked. And then came her quiet departure from Barcelona. Official statements were courteous, professional, "mutual parting of ways," "new challenges" ,but in the shadows, a different story was simmering. One of a player...

In the early hours of a restless political season, Elugbemi’s alarm bells rang out, amplified and echoed by one Isaac Olusesi, who, it seems, mistook shadows for spectres in his attack on Hon. Oluwole Oke’s so-called “ghost endorsements.” But in the haste to preempt a contest barely in motion, one must ask: have we not blurred the line between healthy skepticism and reckless antagonism? Mr. Olusesi, in your role as Assistant Director of Publicity, Research & Strategy for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, the expectations are high. You are tasked not with inciting division, but with shaping narratives, building confidence, and showcasing the strengths of your party’s aspirants. Yet, your recent approach reads less like strategy and more like a desperate deflection, a tantrum masquerading as political critique. Hon. Oluwole Oke, a respected figure with a track record in legislative service, deserves a fair hearing, not hostile commentary borne from paranoia or premat...

Russia unleashed one of its largest drone and missile barrages of the war over the weekend, killing at least 12 people in Ukraine and injuring dozens. President Trump said that he was “not happy” with Russia, and that he was considering more sanctions in response. “He’s killing a lot of people, and I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin,” Trump told reporters. “We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities.” Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, cited the attacks as further proof that “Russia is dragging out this war and continues to kill every day.” Details: This was Moscow’s second large-scale attack in two nights and the third in just a week, despite cease-fire talks. Russia appears to be targeting cities more intensively, and there has been a spike in civilian casualties.

..... _this is elite-level chess in a room full of politicians still playing checkers_  In the thrilling theatre of Nigerian politics, where principles are elastic and party manifestos are bedtime fiction, Rt. Hon. Wole Oke has once again reminded us that power, like fashion, is all about the right fit at the right time. Yes, he's made the bold, noble, and incredibly strategic leap to the APC. But this isn't your average political defection. Oh no. This is elite-level chess in a room full of politicians still playing checkers. Wole Oke isn’t just changing party colors; he’s taking the entire stadium with him. When he walks onto the pitch, he’s not looking for the whistle, he already has it. The linesman nods in agreement, the referee dares not call a foul, and the supporters' club, some of whom chanted “PDP till we die” last month have now upgraded their chorus to “APC we hail thee,” complete with new matching vests and political memory loss. Why such confidence? Because ev...

In the ever-shifting terrain of Osun State politics, calm and objective reflection is not only rare, it is essential. It is in this spirit that we revisit the legacy of His Excellency, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Asiwaju Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola, a statesman whose tenure as governor marked a disciplined, development-focused chapter in Osun’s democratic evolution. While political icons such as Pa Bisi Akande and Prince (Gen.) Olagunsoye Ishola Oyinlola left indelible footprints in the sands of Osun’s history, Oyetola’s style of governance offered a refreshing blend of prudence, professionalism, and peace, values that became all the more significant in the face of national instability. In any objective comparison between Oyetola, his predecessor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, the difference is not just a matter of party lines, it is striking.  Oyetola's approach to governance was defined by deliberation, discipline, and digni...

 _when the movement returns, monuments will tremble_  Once upon a pulpit, fishermen became apostles. Now, apostles become influencers. Once, men wept in upper rooms for the Holy Spirit; today, they weep in boardrooms over livestream engagement stats. In the early church, Peter healed a lame man at the gate called Beautiful. In today’s church, the gate is still beautiful Italian marble, gold-plated,  but the lame are charged gate fees for healing services that require seed offerings and a PayPal link. Let’s be honest,  if Jesus walked into most churches today, He wouldn’t be ushered to the front row. No. He’d be stopped by protocol for wearing dusty sandals and no ID tag. And if He flipped a few offering baskets in righteous anger, they’d call security, or worse, accuse Him of attacking “God’s anointed." Enter the voice of Joshua Selman, or rather, the spirit behind him calling out to a generation in slumber: "What we have today is not the Gospel. These days, church i...

In a landmark display of unity and progressive vision, influential stakeholders across Obokun and Oriade Federal Constituency, including political leaders, artisans, youth groups, students, and faith-based representatives are set to formally endorse Hon. Wole Oke as the next Senator for Osun East. This move comes on the heels of an inspiring charge from the outgoing Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who, as he concludes his second term at 80, has called on the next generation to rise and lead. His appeal has sparked a groundswell of support for new leadership, one embodied by Hon. Oke, a seasoned public servant revered for his unwavering commitment to grassroots development and youth empowerment. The forthcoming endorsement gathering will serve as a platform to consolidate support and articulate a shared vision for Osun East, one anchored in inclusive governance, accountability, and transformative representation. For the diverse communities across the district, this endorsement is not just po...

In a time when political loyalty often outweighs legacy, and hype frequently trumps history, the youths of Ife-Ijesa are making a bold and intentional plea: send Hon. Wole Oke to the Senate. This is not a cry born out of sentimentality or ethnic favoritism. It is the product of lived experience, of watching a man carry the burden of representation with consistency, wisdom, and accountability. It is a generational endorsement rooted in evidence, not emotion. For over two decades, H on. Wole Oke has stood tall as a beacon of leadership in the House of Representatives. His record speaks louder than political slogans. From infrastructure interventions to youth empowerment schemes, his handprints are visible across the land. In villages and towns where politicians once made promises and disappeared, Wole Oke returned not just with words, but with action. But this time, the stakes are higher. The Ife-Ijesa zone stands at a crossroads, and so do its youths. Many have tasted the bitter fruits ...

.... _you don’t need to dim your light to fit into dark rooms_  In an era where charts are dominated by Afrobeats giants and viral hooks, it’s nothing short of a miracle to see a worship song like "Favour" by Lawrence Oyor become the most streamed Nigerian song on Spotify in early 2025. With over 2.9 million plays, Oyor’s song didn’t just trend, it testified. Rooted in Psalm 5:12, “Favour surrounds me like a shield,” the track resonates deeply with a generation craving more than empty choruses. It’s not just music, it’s a mantle. And yet, in the corridors of the music industry, such spiritually weighty works are often sidelined, labeled simply as “inspirational” while mainstream hits get front-row seats and flashing lights. But Lawrence Oyor's success reminds us of a deeper truth: the biggest rewards aren’t trophies or industry nods, they are changed lives. Every stream, every testimony, every soul stirred back to God is a reward. Oyor’s music doesn’t chase awards, it cha...

UN Women remarks at the Security Council: No Peace Without Protecting Women and Girls Executive Director Sima Bahous highlights that 61 per cent of all maternal deaths occur in just 35 conflict-affected countries.   "Today, I will focus on forms of gender-based violence that are too often overlooked: reproductive violence, explosive armed violence, mental trauma, and targeted attacks on women in public life—threats increasingly enabled by digital technologies."  "61 per cent of all maternal deaths occur in just 35 conflict-affected countries. In the past year, we have seen bombed maternity wards, blockaded medical supplies, and massive funding cuts.  "In Afghanistan, where 90 per cent of women lack access to essential healthcare services, a woman dies from preventable pregnancy-related complications every two hours. One third already deliver without medical assistance. With bans on female workers and shrinking access to care, maternal deaths are projected to rise by...

A fatal shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington late Wednesday night has been declared an act of terror by the FBI.  The suspect, Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, is in custody and faces charges of first-degree murder and multiple related offenses. According to officials, the gunman approached a group of four individuals exiting an event at a Jewish museum, opened fire on two of them, and then entered the building, where security officers quickly detained him.  Surveillance footage captured the assailant walking past the couple before suddenly turning around, raising his weapon, and shooting multiple times into their backs. Even after the victims collapsed, he continued to fire, as detailed in an FBI affidavit filed Thursday. According to U.S. officials, Rodriguez has a documented history of pro-Palestinian activism and reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” upon his arrest. Authorities say Rodriguez approached four individuals departing a diplomatic reception...