On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
By Oriontimes News Desk
Osogbo, Nigeria | October 10, 2025
The Office of the Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, has strongly condemned a series of online publications and social media posts it described as malicious and orchestrated attacks against the lawmaker.
In a statement signed by Omolebi-Sunday Segun Tunde from Hon. Oke’s office, the lawmaker dismissed the materials, particularly those credited to one Mr. John Akande and published on Newspot Nigeria, as a coordinated smear campaign aimed at misrepresenting his official engagements and tarnishing his reputation.
“After a careful review, it is clear that these publications form part of a deliberate effort to distort facts and portray Hon. Oke as acting contrary to Nigeria’s national interest. Nothing could be farther from the truth,” the statement read.
The office clarified that Hon. Oke, in line with his legislative mandate, regularly receives diplomatic delegations and foreign envoys as part of Nigeria’s parliamentary diplomacy and global cooperation.
Among these engagements were his meetings with delegations from Israel (April 2025), the United Kingdom Foreign Service and North Korea (20th November 2024), as well as the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (22nd January 2025). Each of these, the statement emphasized, was a routine and duly documented courtesy visit conducted in accordance with established global parliamentary practice.
The statement further cautioned that any attempt to twist such legitimate engagements into a narrative of conspiracy or divided loyalty reflects “sheer ignorance of governmental operations and foreign policy processes.”
“The conduct of Nigeria’s foreign policy remains the exclusive responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Executive Arm. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs performs oversight and legislative duties strictly to strengthen, not to dictate or distort, national interest,” the office stated.
Reaffirming Hon. Oke’s patriotism and service record, the release described him as “a loyal legislator and seasoned diplomat who has consistently advanced Nigeria’s image through legislative diplomacy, constructive engagement, and responsible leadership.”
The statement urged the public to disregard the malicious insinuations and view them as “acts of desperation by those who find honour, credibility, and integrity inconvenient.”
Signed:
Omolebi-Sunday Segun Tunde
Office of Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke
Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Member, House of Representatives
(Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency)
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