The football world has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who reportedly died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train. According to multiple international media reports, the incident occurred at a railway crossing in Austria, where Manninger’s vehicle was hit in a devastating collision. Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, but efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful. Manninger, a former Austrian international, enjoyed a distinguished career across Europe, featuring for top clubs including Arsenal and Juventus. He was part of the Arsenal squad under Arsène Wenger during the late 1990s, contributing to the club’s domestic successes and earning admiration for his composure and professionalism. Tributes have begun pouring in from across the football community, with former teammates, clubs, and fans expressing shock and grief over the sudden loss. Wenger, who managed Manninger during his time in Nort...
A disturbing audio leak has shaken Osun State to its core. In the now-viral recording, a voice believed to be that of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, is heard issuing crude threats to the Alasi of Asi, Oba Oyewale Olasunkanmi Isaac, a traditional ruler in his own constituency. The threats weren’t political jabs or ideological arguments. They were raw, tyrannical declarations of intent: “I will jail you. You won’t leave alive.”
This is not politics. This is despotism in disguise.
The implications go far beyond one Speaker and one monarch. This moment reflects a deeper rot, a dangerous political culture in which elected officials, drunk on influence, begin to see themselves as kings, while actual monarchs are treated as dispensable pawns. When a Speaker talks like a mob boss, democracy is in peril.
A Speaker's Words Should Build, Not Threaten
The House of Assembly is not a fiefdom. It is the voice of the people, designed to make laws, protect liberties, and hold the executive to account. But what happens when the Speaker himself becomes the threat?
In the audio, Egbedun is heard weaponizing the machinery of the state, threatening jail, implying death, all in what appears to be a personal vendetta against a monarch accused of political disloyalty. Let that sink in: a threat to life and liberty over politics.
Osun people elected lawmakers, not warlords.
Traditional Institutions Are Not Enemies of the State
In Yoruba culture, traditional rulers are not just ceremonial heads. They are the custodians of heritage, peace, and community order. When a state official threatens a king, not just with political disgrace, but with death, it is not just a threat to the throne. It is a threat to the soul of the people.
The silence from the corridors of power is deafening. But we must be clear: silence now is complicity.
Where Is the Governor?
Governor Ademola Adeleke must rise above party ties and political calculations. The Governor swore to uphold the Constitution and protect the people of Osun State, that includes traditional rulers. His silence, if it lingers, will be interpreted as a quiet nod to tyranny. We call on him to:
Condemn the Speaker’s actions publicly
Call for an independent investigation
Encourage the Speaker to step aside or face impeachment
The people of Osun are watching. So is history.
Does Power Belong to the Politician or the People?
Let us remember: the constitution begins with “We the people.” Politicians are servants, not sovereigns. The moment we allow them to threaten, silence, and rule by fear, we surrender democracy itself.
We must reject the doctrine of impunity, whether it comes in a suit or agbada.
The Oba Is in Hiding. Who's Next?
It is heartbreaking that a traditional ruler, one who should be protected by both culture and constitution, now reportedly resides in Lagos for his safety. That is not just a political crisis. It is a moral failure.
When kings flee their thrones, and lawmakers turn into lawbreakers, the people must speak.
Silence Is Not an Option
Hon. Adewale Egbedun has broken the sacred trust of public office. He has allegedly threatened a monarch, used the power of the state as a personal weapon, and embarrassed the very institution he leads. If these allegations are true, and the evidence is damning, he must resign.
To do otherwise is to normalize political terrorism.
We do not elect bullies. We elect leaders. And when leaders become threats, they must go.
Now is the time to choose: silence, or accountability.
Osun people have seen enough.
History is watching.
Abioye Tosin Lawrence is the publisher of Oriontimes Online Newspaper and author of the upcoming memoir Voices from the fire: My journey through a hollow empire
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