Oriontimes

  A civil society organization, the Osun Youth Initiative for Good Governance (OYIGG), has demanded the immediate arrest of Honourable Olumide Wale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, following allegations that he issued a death threat against a traditional ruler, the Alasi of Asi, Oba Oyewale Olasunkanmi Isaac (Akorede I). In a statement signed by its National Convener, Dr. Akande Adeyemi, OYIGG urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and prosecute the Speaker, describing his alleged conduct as "rascality of the highest order." The call comes after the Alasi of Asi lodged a petition on July 29th with the office of the Inspector-General of Police, following the circulation of a leaked audio recording on social media on July 23rd. In the audio, which is believed to be the Speaker’s voice, Honourable Egbedun is heard threatening the monarch in Yoruba, vowing to i...

  By A bioye Tosin Lawrence, Sports Analyst Arsenal’s 1–0 defeat to Liverpool in the third week of the Premier League has once again exposed the lingering cracks in Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners, despite their impressive squad depth and tactical evolution in recent seasons, seem to have carried over some of the vulnerabilities that haunted them in their last three Premier League campaigns. The narrow loss at Anfield underscored familiar struggles, missed opportunities in front of goal, shaky composure under pressure, and lapses in defensive concentration. For a side aiming to dethrone Manchester City and establish themselves as serial contenders, these lessons remain unlearned. Yet, the bigger picture still offers encouragement for Arsenal fans. With Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City stumbling to back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Brighton, Arsenal stand as the only credible challengers to the Premier League crown this season. The Gunners’ consistency, coupled with City’s ...

  https://youtu.be/db2SHy1rmdM?si=vPQgv6X4EhCIrBzV Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has once again stirred the nation with a hard-hitting video message that has gone viral across social and traditional media platforms.  In the clip, Obasanjo reportedly delivers a blunt assessment of Nigeria’s political direction, governance failures, and the responsibility of leaders to secure the country’s future. The remarks, which many have described as both a “bombshell” and a “wake-up call,” have sparked heated debate nationwide. Supporters say the elder statesman is speaking truth to power, while critics argue that Obasanjo himself bears responsibility for many of the systemic problems he now condemns. Already, reactions are pouring in from politicians, civil society groups, and ordinary Nigerians, with hashtags linked to the video trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Analysts note that Obasanjo’s interventions often ignite intense discussions, and this latest episode app...

  The Osun Renewal Group (ORG) has issued a blistering press statement, accusing Governor Ademola Adeleke of turning Osun State into a personal estate of the Adeleke dynasty under what it described as a “dancing curse.” According to the statement signed by Yale Oyerinde, the group alleged that the state’s wealth of intellect and potential is being squandered by a leader with weak educational grounding and questionable competence. ORG claimed that Adeleke’s rise to power was less about his personal capacity and more about the influence of his siblings, Dr. Deji Adeleke and Mrs. Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, who allegedly dictate state policies behind the scenes.  “A school certificate failed person should not be entrusted with Osun’s future. Our state has become a private business of the Adeleke dynasty,” the group declared. Allegations of Misgovernance 1. Education and Communication Failures ORG argued that Adeleke’s limited education hampers governance, alleging that he cannot sustain...

  An attempted mass shooter was arrested near Stamford Bridge following the Chelsea match. Authorities reported that the suspect was wearing a helmet and a protective vest. He was armed with a gun and was carrying additional ammunition. Report had it that, police have launched an investigation to determine the motive and whether the suspect acted alone or had accomplices. No injuries have been reported at this time, and the area has been secured to ensure public safety. Details Shortly....

  In today’s political environment, accountability has become nauseating to many. Leadership is now treated like a free buffet, an ancestral throne where privilege is inherited, not earned. The public purse has become a banquet, and the people are invited only to clap while the powerful feast. When comrades speak, the oppressors call it noise. When we demand justice, they call it rebellion. Because our strategies are evolving, they mistake adjustment for weakness. But weakness is not in our blood; we were trained in the furnace of struggle. They ridicule us, thinking we are powerless. They sneer at our discipline, believing we are spectators. But let it be written clearly: a comrade never surrenders. Whether the adversary wears the robe of a technocrat, the crown of a monarch, or the disguise of a democrat, we know tyranny when we see it, and we confront it. Comradeship is the fire they cannot quench. It is the river they cannot dam. It is the echo that returns after every silence....

  By Oriontimes Sports Desk The stage is set for another thrilling season of continental football as UEFA on Thursday and Friday conducted the draws for the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League in Monaco, unveiling blockbuster fixtures and historic storylines. Champions League: Familiar Rivalries, Fresh Fire Holders Manchester City will once again lock horns with Real Madrid in what has become the defining rivalry of modern European football. The two powerhouses were drawn alongside Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Villarreal, Galatasaray, Bodo/Glimt, and Monaco under UEFA’s revamped league-phase format. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain will face Barcelona, a pairing loaded with history and emotions for PSG boss Luis Enrique, who once led Barça to Champions League glory. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich also headline challenging paths in what promises to be a fiercely competitive edition. Europa League: Nostalgia and High Drama The Europa L...

  Special Adviser booted from govt WhatsApp group after lamenting deplorable condition of 55km road flagged off by Oyetola in 2022 Tension is mounting in Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration following the sudden removal of his Special Adviser on Community and Social Development Projects, Alhaji Nurudeen Emiloju, from an official government WhatsApp group. Emiloju, a native of Iwo, had lamented the deplorable state of the Iwo–Osogbo road on the platform, only for his comment to be deleted by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, before he was himself kicked out of the group. The incident has stirred outrage, with many questioning whether Adeleke’s aides are free to speak their minds on issues affecting the people. The Iwo–Osogbo road, stretching about 55 kilometres, was flagged off for reconstruction by former governor Gboyega Oyetola on October 27, 2022. Since the change of government, however, residents say the project has been abandoned, leaving commuters stra...

  When government propaganda begins to insult the intelligence of the people, then it becomes necessary to respond without fear or apology. The recent press statement issued by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on the Iwo–Osogbo road project is one of such moments. For months, commuters and residents of Iwo and Osogbo have cried out about the terrible state of this vital road. Cars have broken down, journeys have become nightmares, and economic activities have suffered. Elders have raised their voices, commuters have lamented repeatedly, and the public frustration was too glaring to ignore. Yet, this administration chose silence. Now, after months of pressure, Mallam Rasheed wants us to believe that the Governor approved the road “since January 2025” and that everything is happening smoothly as planned. Really? If approval came in January, why did nothing move until late August? Why did it take growing complaints and public outrage before contractors were “mo...

Youth Must Stop Being Tools, Start Adding Value – Osun REC Chairman At the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) media parley yesterday, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, issued a pointed call to the youth of the state: it is time to move from being political tools to becoming drivers of progress. Speaking to journalists, Dr. Agboke lamented the active involvement of young people as instruments for political interests rather than as contributors to governance and legislative processes. “The same age range of political thugs who dominate grassroots politics are now passing bills in the parliament. They must begin to add value,” he said. Dr. Agboke also highlighted a pressing concern for electoral participation, noting that over 360,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected in Osun State, even as registration offices remain open for collection. He emphasized that the door remains open for all eligible voters to claim their PVCs, urging young ...

  Britain, France, and Germany announced on Tuesday their intention to reinstate international sanctions on Iran, claiming that Tehran has violated the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal. The announcement, made to the United Nations, sets in motion a “snapback” mechanism outlined in a U.N. resolution, which provides a 30-day window for diplomatic negotiations before the sanctions take effect. Under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. The European powers argue that Iran’s recent nuclear activities breach these commitments, prompting the move to restore penalties that were previously suspended. Iran, however, rejected the announcement as “illegal” and warned that it risks undermining the “ongoing process of engagement” with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog. Tehran has repeatedly stated that its nuclear program is peaceful and has criticized a...

  The horse says you are a spirit walker, the man who has been to the moon and fought the devil but returned unhurt. But I say, C’est Pas Bon, who is that demigod who cannot be caught? You can break my spirit, but you cannot steal my dream. In this empire, I will not mistake six for nine. I have my shortcomings, but I am sensitive and calculative. I read minds in spirit and flesh, the work of a clergyman and an apostle of the pen. My facts come from the seven heavens. I have trekked around the world on the legs of discipline, and though bad luck once tied my feet, sanity has vindicated me to speak with God. But here lies the irony: every empire loves to crown a Cinderella, and every empire secretly plots her murder. When a soul rises from the ashes of ridicule, suddenly the knives of envy are sharpened. When a voice grows louder than whispers of the court, silence is purchased with betrayal. And when integrity refuses to be bought, suspension becomes the fashionable gown they dres...

  Former governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Osun State, Dr. Saliu Oyelami, popularly known as AroleOrisun, has called on residents of the state to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise. Oyelami made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) at the association’s secretariat in Osogbo. He described voter registration as the foundation of credible elections, urging eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and be ready to exercise their franchise. “Democracy thrives when the people take responsibility for choosing their leaders. I encourage every eligible resident to go out, register, and be ready to vote when the time comes,” he said. The former NNPP candidate also commended members of OOPA for their role in strengthening governance through timely reportage and accountability. “I must commend the media because I am one of you. The Osun Online Publishers, ...

  Women Should Not Just Wait to Be Women Leaders – They Have the Potential to Lead the Nation” OOPA Hosts Osun REC Chairman, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, at 9th Media Parley Osogbo, Osun State – The Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) hosted the 9th media parley with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, in a session aimed at fostering transparency and public understanding of the electoral process. Addressing journalists, OOPA Chairman Mukhtar Ajelogbon emphasized the professionalism of the association, noting, “You might have read different kinds of news, but this association comprises trained and professional journalists from Osun State and across Nigeria.” Fielding questions from media practitioners, REC Chairman Dr. Agboke reiterated INEC’s commitment to openness, stating, “We opened our doors for everybody to understand our operations. We have clear procedures when it comes to prosecuting offenders, but in Osun State, there is cu...

  This is my message to every betrayal: when you step closer, you only have one shot. After that, the battle will no longer be yours. I walked on dangerous adventures, laid my life on the line, while others folded back into empty cocoons, thinking history would record us the same. But memory does not belong to cowards; it belongs to the one who survives the fire. I am grooming an ambition that swallows pride, that humbles already defeated souls. My scars are not decorations, they are signatures of wars that would have broken lesser men. I have been cheated by time and epoch, yet I still approach destiny and wrestle with its gates. Your time, I do not have. My time, I do not spare. My eyes are redder now, sharpened by the nights of sleepless struggle. I have walked through empires where warriors laid down their swords, where generals surrendered their crowns. I carried their abandoned destinies on my back and survived. So, power your game. Level up your schemes. Because what you cal...

  The Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) has joined citizens across the state in celebrating the 34th anniversary of Osun’s creation, paying glowing tributes to the heroes, leaders, and stakeholders whose vision and sacrifices birthed and sustained the state. In a congratulatory message issued in Osogbo on Wednesday, Chairman of the association, Mukhtar Ajelogbon, emphasized that the anniversary was not only a moment to reflect on the past but also to recommit to the ideals of unity, peace, and development. “Today, we celebrate not just the founding of our dear state on August 27, 1991, but the vision, courage, and sacrifices of the founding fathers, leaders, and citizens who worked tirelessly to bring Osun into existence. Their legacy is the fertile ground upon which our collective dreams continue to grow,” the statement read. OOPA further paid special tribute to traditional rulers, political leaders, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens who have played vital roles i...

  As Osun State marks its 34th anniversary today, the Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, Chief (Dr.) Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Asiwaju Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, and the good people of Osun on this significant milestone in the state's history. In a press statement issued to journalists in Osogbo, Chief Omoyele described the 34th anniversary of Osun’s creation as a moment of reflection, thanksgiving, and renewed commitment to the collective progress and unity of the state, fondly known as the "State of the Living Spring." He praised the transformational leadership of Governor Adeleke, whose administration, according to him, has brought visible and impactful development across all sectors of the state. From infrastructure, healthcare, and education to digital innovation and security, Osun under Governor Adeleke has witnessed commendable progress, setting a p...

  COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE MEETING OF THE LEAGUE OF IMAMS AND ALFAS, OSUN STATE CHAPTER HELD ON AUGUST 27, 2025 The Osun State chapter of the League of Imams and Alfas, after an extensive deliberation in Osogbo today, has issued a communiqué addressing key issues affecting governance, the economy, and the Muslim Ummah in the South West. The meeting, which was well attended by leading clerics across the state, focused on the ongoing review of voter registration, the withholding of Osun State’s local government allocations, and the rising controversies within the Muslim community in the region. After exhaustive discussions, the assembly resolved as follows: 1. Commendation of National Leadership: The League praised President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his ongoing reforms targeted at stabilizing the national economy and improving the welfare of Nigerians. They offered prayers for the success of the Federal Government. 2. Support for Governor Ademola Adeleke: The clerics lauded Governor Ade...

 Osun state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has reaffirmed its opposition to illegality in local government administration even as the union debunked allegations that it was responsible for the non-release of Osun state local government allocations. Responding to Senator Iyiola Omisore and the state All Progressive Congress(APC), the union justified its stay at home action on the ground that it was meant to stop the imposition of court sacked council chairmen as well as payment of council funds through an account opening process that violated financial regulations. He added further that the stay at home action was necessitated by the need to protect the members of the union due to a violent push to take over the leadership of local governments. “We are not on strike. We only stayed away from the local government secretariats for fear of being caught at crossfire. “There was even an attempt to shoot at us by the security guard of the Central Ban...

  The Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) is set to host Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, at its 9th Media Parley on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The session, themed “INEC’s Preparation Towards Osun 2026 Gubernatorial Election,” will provide a platform for deep conversations on the commission’s readiness ahead of next year’s governorship polls. Discussions will spotlight key issues such as voter registration, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and strategies to ensure credible electoral processes. In a statement on Tuesday in Osogbo, OOPA Chairman, Mukhtar Ajelogbon, said the event will hold at the association’s Secretariat in Ajegunle, Osogbo, beginning at 12 noon. Dr. Agboke is expected to engage directly with members of the online media community, address critical electoral concerns, and share insights into INEC’s roadmap towards a free, fair, and transparent election in the stat...

  Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has defended his recent defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that his decision was guided by conviction and the need to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development. Speaking during a media chat with journalists at his country home in Ward 4, Ilase, Obokun Local Government Area, on Tuesday, August 26, the lawmaker drew a metaphor from scripture to explain his political realignment. Quoting from Luke 15:8–9, the senator announced that he held “imole” (light) in one hand and “igbale” (broom) in the other, an image that, on paper, suggested both illumination and cleansing, “This is not just about politics but about purpose,” he said. “I don’t think there is anything separating me from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We have failed to realize that Mr. President should have been a blessing to us in Osun, which happens to be his source, if the same template he used to transfor...

  No Nigerian Holding Our Flag on a Global Stage Has Ever Collapsed Under Pressure By Abioye Tosin Lawrence I was baptized into the struggle the moment I graduated, armed with nothing but my certificate and a bag of hope. My curriculum vitae had traveled across the offices of Abuja like a nomad in search of pasture. Yet the silence was deafening. The fact stared me in the face: the system was designed to grind down anyone who had burnt the midnight candle. The road to employment was not paved with knowledge, skill, or discipline but with letters of recommendation from the powers that be. It was a rude awakening. During school, I was taught formulas, theories, and principles. In life, I was taught that the shortest route to employment is not merit but “connections.” You may hold a degree, but unless you also hold a godfather, your competence is as useful as water in a basket. This reality drove me crazy during every contest and engagement - yet it also kept me strategizing. I refuse...

  The recent political event at Sabo Market, Ilesa, Osun State, marked a significant moment in the state's political landscape, primarily through the public debut of Senator Ade Fadahunsi as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).Choosing the bustling Market Square a melting pot of ethnicities and a symbol of Nigerian diversity for his announcement, Fadahunsi created a charged atmosphere that resonated deeply with market women, traders, and local residents. His declaration was rich in symbolism, drawing on the biblical parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8–9) to illustrate his political message. By stating that he held "imole" (light) in one hand and "igbale" (broom) in the other, he metaphorically suggested that he had illuminated the path and cleaned away obstacles to restore a lost treasure to Osun namely, the political influence and leadership embodied by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Fadahunsi’s rallying cry “Moti ti ri! E wa wo!!” (“I have found it! Co...

Aside from being rightly crowned the King of Road Construction, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has also shown that good governance is not complete without healthy people to walk on those roads. Under his administration, Ekiti State’s health and human services sector has recorded remarkable strides that speak louder than promises. From the grassroots to specialized facilities, the impact is evident: 1. Primary Health Care Renewal – Renovation of numerous PHCs across the state, coupled with the installation of solar inverters to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. 2. Nursing the Future – Ongoing construction of a 700-capacity lecture theatre and 250-capacity ICT building at the College of Nursing, Ado Ekiti. 3. Fighting Malaria Head-On – Distribution of over 90,000 free malaria prevention drugs to pregnant women, more than 600,000 free malaria tests, and 500,000 ACT treatment drugs to patients with confirmed malaria. 4. Inclusive Healthcare for All – Through the Ulerawa scheme...

  A new survey by Geopolitical Survey International (GSI) has revealed mounting public anger in Osun State against the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the protracted seizure of local government allocations. The survey, conducted between August 1 and 15 across nine federal constituencies of the state, sampled 10,000 respondents, with 60 percent women and 40 percent men. It covered major towns including Osogbo, Ile Ife, Ikirun, Iragbiji, Iwo, Ila Orangun, Ikire, Ejigbo, Ede, Ilesa, Odeomu, Ilobu, Esa Oke, Ipetumodu, and Kuta. Findings showed that women bear the heaviest brunt of the crisis, with 84 percent of respondents identifying them as the most negatively impacted by the federal government’s withholding of the funds. Only 10 percent mentioned men, while 6 percent were undecided. On culpability, 86 percent of respondents blamed the Federal Government, describing the action as illegal and unconstitutional. Eleven percent blamed the state gove...

  The Osun Renewal Group (ORG) has blasted Governor Ademola Adeleke’s unpolitical and hypocritical court action against defecting National Assembly members. In a strong-worded statement, the group’s spokesperson, Yale Oyerinde, said: "The Osun Renewal Group (ORG) has watched with utter disbelief and rising indignation the recent attempt by Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to drag five distinguished National Assembly members into court for exercising their constitutional right to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This desperate, unpolitical, and hypocritical move is nothing but a reckless abuse of power, a misuse of the courts, and a clear demonstration of the Governor’s poor grasp of democracy, constitutional law, and leadership." The lawmakers in question are: Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi: Osun East Senatorial District Sen. Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi: Osun Central Senatorial District Hon. Emmanuel Olusanya Omo...

  Governance is often measured by promises made during campaigns, but true leadership is proven by projects that change the daily realities of citizens. In Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has emerged as what many now describe as an infrastructural wizard. His commitment to road rehabilitation, construction, and urban renewal is not only transforming the landscape but also rewriting the economic and social story of the state. Barely halfway into his tenure, Oyebanji has turned Ekiti into a massive construction site, with ongoing and completed road projects linking towns, easing transport burdens, and connecting rural communities to urban prosperity. A Governor with Asphalt in His Vision Ekiti’s hilly terrain and underdeveloped road networks had, for decades, hampered economic growth and trade. Bad roads meant farmers could not move their produce to markets efficiently, communities were cut off, and businesses struggled to expand. Governor Oyebanji has confronted ...

By Ajibola Emmanuel  Since assuming office, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has positioned himself as a leader with a clear sense of duty and a strong connection to the aspirations of Ekiti people. His approach to governance has been rooted in inclusivity, accountability, and pragmatic solutions to everyday challenges. While campaign promises are often easily forgotten after elections, Oyebanji’s administration has distinguished itself by building a checklist of tangible actions across critical sectors. This scorecard provides an overview of how the Governor is delivering on his commitments, with agriculture and security standing out as flagship achievements. Transforming Agriculture: From Subsistence to Sustainability Agriculture has always been central to Ekiti’s economy, yet for decades, it remained underdeveloped due to poor infrastructure, limited access to finance, and outdated farming methods. Governor Oyebanji’s administration has begun to change this narrative by moderniz...