Oriontimes

  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...

Wole Oke, Oyebade, Others Lead Conversations on Democracy, Progressive Governance in Osun OSOGBO — Calls for the protection of democratic values, accountable leadership, and progressive governance took centre stage on Friday as political leaders, public affairs experts, civil society advocates and stakeholders gathered in Osogbo for the June 12 Democracy Day Celebration organized by the Civil Society Committee of the APC 2026 Campaign Council. The event, themed "Democracy and the Ideals of Progressive Governance," brought together eminent Nigerians to reflect on the nation's democratic journey and the responsibilities of leaders and citizens in sustaining democratic gains. The Director-General of the APC Osun 2026 Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Hon. Oluwole Oke, Member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, described June 12 as a defining symbol of sacrifice, resilience, justice and the struggle for accountable g...

 Oriontimes Poitical Desk | June 12, 2026 The Concerned Leadership of Political Party Chairmen in Osun State has appealed to political stakeholders to embrace peaceful campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election, while also raising concerns over a proposed peace summit reportedly being organised by a group known as “The Democrat”. In a communiqué issued on Thursday, the group, which said it comprises chairmen of parties including the Action People's Party (APP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and others, questioned the motives behind the planned summit. The chairmen alleged that the organisers had excluded several major political parties and stakeholders from participation despite presenting the event as a peace-building initiative. According to the communiqué, the group believes the proposed summit lacks broad representation and therefore does not reflect the interests of all political actors in the state. The statement said: “Some politi...

 ACCRA, Ghana – Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Ghana's capital, Accra, on Thursday, converging on the headquarters of MTN Ghana as public anger mounted over alleged xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa. The demonstrators, chanting "South Africa Must Go," marched through parts of the city before gathering outside the telecommunications company's headquarters. MTN Ghana, a subsidiary of South Africa's MTN Group, became the focal point of the protest as participants sought to register their displeasure over reports of hostility towards foreign nationals in South Africa. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters carrying placards and chanting slogans while demanding stronger action from African leaders and authorities to address concerns over the treatment of migrants in South Africa. The protest comes amid renewed discussions across the continent regarding recurring incidents of xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant s...

  Mexico launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating South Africa 2-0 in a fiery opening encounter that produced goals, red cards, and enough drama to satisfy even the most demanding football fans. In what could be described as a symbolic reversal of roles, Mexico effectively "deported" South Africa from the spotlight within 90 minutes, leaving Bafana Bafana with little to show for their efforts except frustration and disciplinary troubles. The match was anything but ordinary. Three red cards punctuated a tense and physical contest, as emotions boiled over on both sides. However, amid the chaos, Mexico remained composed enough to capitalize on their opportunities. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring with a clinical finish that stunned the South Africans and handed Mexico early control of proceedings. As South Africa pushed forward in search of an equalizer, gaps began to emerge in their defensive setup. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez then delivered...

 Oriontimes Poitical Desk| June 12, 2026 Party leaders express confidence in victory as campaign machinery expands across four local government areas The All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified its grassroots mobilization drive ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election with the inauguration of more than 12,000 canvassers across the Ijesa South Federal Constituency in support of its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO). The inauguration exercise, held on Thursday, attracted large crowds of party faithful, supporters and stakeholders across the constituency. The programme commenced at Osu Town Hall in Atakumosa West Local Government Area, moved to Iperindo Town Hall in Atakumosa East Local Government Area, and concluded at S.B. Bakare Field, opposite Ilesa Grammar School, where canvassers from Ilesa East and Ilesa West Local Government Areas were formally inaugurated. Leading the exercise were the Director-General of the AMBO Campaign Coun...

 Oriontimes Poitical Desk| June 11, 2026 Governor’s Aide Dismisses APC Claims as “Bundle of Fake News,” Insists Ilesa Rally Was a Massive Success The spokesperson to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State of orchestrating a failed attempt to stop the Accord Party's canvassers' rally held in Ilesa, describing subsequent allegations by the opposition as a “bundle of fake news.” In a statement issued on Wednesday, Rasheed alleged that the Osun APC embarked on what he described as an anti-democratic plot aimed at frustrating a legally organized political mobilization event that had Governor Adeleke as its chief host. According to the governor's spokesperson, the APC allegedly sought to use the police as a tool to prevent the rally from taking place by claiming to have scheduled another event on the same day, a move he said was intended to create grounds for the cancellation of political activiti...

 Oriontimes News Desk| June 10, 2026 Spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi has said that the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke in forthcoming 2026 Governorship election will liberate Ijesa North Federal Constituency from darkness and from the hands of its oppressors. While stating this at the Inauguration of 10,000 Imole Canvassers, in Ijebu-jesha, the headquarters of Oriade Local Government of Osun State, he stated that the gesture was to show the Governor that the people of Ijesa North are with him. He said, "I want to thank you, your Excellency for honouring us with your presence. This event is put together to officially inaugurate the 10,000 canvassers we have assembled for your re-election but more importantly to show you that the people of Ijesaland love you dearly and are fully with you. "The people of Ijesa North are aware that my victory and your re-election as Governor of this state is the only way to liberate Ijesa North from da...

  Calls on Adeleke to Rein in Supporters, Urges International Observers to Monitor Developments By OrionTimes Political Desk | June 10, 2026 The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of failing to curb what it described as escalating political violence, intimidation, and harassment allegedly carried out by individuals linked to the ruling party. The opposition party made the allegations during a press conference held in Osogbo on Wednesday, where it called on security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to urgently intervene and prevent further deterioration of security in the state. Addressing journalists on behalf of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, the Director-General of the 2026 Campaign Council, Hon. Oluwole Oke, alongside APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Engr. Benjamin Adereti; former Commiss...

  By OrionTimes Political Desk | June 10, 2026 The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has strongly condemned the recent wave of political violence across the state, declaring that no political ambition is worth the loss of human life. In a personal statement issued on Tuesday, Oyebamiji expressed deep concern over reports of attacks, injuries, destruction of property, and growing political intolerance in several parts of Osun State. Addressing the people of the state, the APC candidate said he was saddened by the trauma and suffering inflicted on citizens and party supporters, offering prayers for the recovery of victims and comfort for affected families. According to him, democracy must remain a contest of ideas and service, not a battlefield where innocent citizens become casualties of political rivalry. "There is no political office, including the office of Governor, that is worth the blood of a...

  OrionTimes Political Desk | June 9, 2026 The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has raised alarm over what it described as an escalating wave of politically motivated violence across the state, alleging that supporters of the ruling government are targeting innocent citizens and backers of the party's governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO). In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Council condemned what it called a growing culture of intimidation, harassment, and violence allegedly being carried out by criminal elements linked to the ruling party. The Council called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to immediately rein in his supporters and political associates, warning that continued violence could further destabilize Osun State and threaten public peace. According to the statement, campaign buses belonging to the APC were attacked and vandalized on Tuesday morning in the Owode-Ede area by individuals suspected to be support...

By Mukhtar Ajelogbon  Different sources have complained about the disturbing concerns bothered on University of Ilesa (UNILESA), over the welfare of hundreds of newly employed staff members in the Institution, with allegations of disputed remuneration structures, prolonged delay in payment of backlogs of salary, breach of contractual agreement and growing frustration among affected workers. According to multiple sources familiar with the situation including some affected staff, some academic and non-academic staff members employed by the institution in the year 2025 most especially reportedly worked for several months without receiving corresponding salaries for those months till date despite continuous discharging of their official assignments. The findings raise questions about staff welfare, contractual obligations and the challenges confronting one of Osun State's newest public universities. EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT EARNING Sources told OsunReporters News that many of the affected em...

 OSOGBO — Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned what he described as coordinated attacks on residents of Ile-Ife, Ede and Osogbo by suspected political thugs, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security chiefs to urgently intervene before the situation escalates into a wider security crisis. Addressing an emergency press conference at the Government House on Tuesday, Adeleke alleged that the attacks were carried out by supporters of the AMBO political movement and accused former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, of contributing to rising political tensions in the state. According to the Governor, the violence reportedly began in Ile-Ife before spreading through Akoda, Owode, Olaiya, Old Garage, Okefia and other parts of Osogbo. He alleged that the attackers moved in a convoy of about 15 vehicles branded with AMBO insignia and operated openly without resistance from security agencies. "As at the time of calling this press conference, ...

  Brufut, June 9, 2026 (By Abioye Tosin Lawrence) There are tragedies in this world that arrive with sirens, sanctions, and emergency summits. There are others that arrive with silence. The latter is what troubles my conscience. Across Africa, families have buried sons and daughters who crossed borders not in search of conquest, but in search of survival. They travelled with dreams folded inside worn-out passports, believing that an African brother's land would offer them shelter, opportunity, and dignity. Instead, some met hostility. Some met violence. Some never returned home. Yet, the world appears to move on. A press statement is released. A condemnation is issued. Leaders promise action. The headlines fade. The dead remain dead. And so I struggle with a question that refuses to leave my mind: at what point does recurring xenophobic violence become more than a regrettable incident? At what point does it become a matter demanding the full weight of international justice? Perhaps...

  By OrionTimes News Desk | June 8, 2026 The Osun State Government has cautioned the state police command against yielding to alleged political pressure in the handling of a suspected bandit linked to the Lameco security case, warning against what it described as attempts to secure the suspect's release through unverified psychiatric claims. The government's reaction followed separate developments surrounding the controversial case. Earlier on Sunday, a civil society organisation, the Public Safety Accountability Group, alleged that prominent members of the opposition APC in Osun State were mounting pressure on law enforcement authorities to facilitate the suspect's release on medical grounds. According to the group, several APC chieftains were allegedly visiting police formations and making contacts aimed at obtaining bail for the suspect. The organisation described the move as an attempt to undermine what it called a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle a crim...

  Group alleges irregularities, candidate imposition and constitutional breaches; mobilises over 30 lawyers, including SANs, for legal showdown The internal crisis rocking the Edo State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken a dramatic turn as aggrieved members and aspirants announced plans to seek judicial intervention over what they described as an irregular and undemocratic screening exercise conducted by the party. The development follows growing dissatisfaction among party stakeholders over the recently concluded screening process, which critics claim was marred by alleged constitutional violations, lack of transparency, and attempts to sideline qualified aspirants. In an open letter dated June 8, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman, National Working Committee (NWC), and other national officers of the party, the aggrieved members formally notified the national leadership of their decision to challenge the exercise in court. The letter, signed by H...

Concerned stakeholders urge national leadership to reject politically motivated disqualification, demand transparent primaries ahead of 2027 election Concerned members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ebonyi State have issued an open letter to the party's national leadership, warning against what they described as emerging attempts to use zoning arrangements as a basis for the unjust disqualification of Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu from the party's 2027 governorship race. In the letter dated June 7, 2026, and signed by Engr. Uchenna Kelechi on behalf of concerned party elders, stakeholders, grassroots mobilizers, youth and women wings, and ward and local government executives, the group expressed fears that certain interests within the party may seek to manipulate the screening process to prevent Senator Nwagu from contesting for the governorship ticket. The group described Senator Nwagu as one of the most experienced and widely accepted political figures in Ebonyi S...

The family of late Mrs. Olanrewaju Aduni has paid glowing tribute to their beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, describing her as a woman whose life was marked by love, sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of her family and community. Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Okunlola Timothy, an in-law to the deceased, said the passing of Mrs. Aduni has left a profound void in the hearts of her children, relatives, friends, and loved ones, noting that her remarkable impact and selfless nature will never be forgotten. "You lived an impactful life, and we miss you more every day," he said, reflecting on the cherished memories and enduring values she left behind. The family described the late matriarch as a source of strength, wisdom, and guidance whose kindness, humility, and compassion touched countless lives. They noted that she devoted her life to nurturing her family, instilling strong values, integrity, and a spirit of service i...

  Senegal Offers Africa a Rare but Powerful Reminder of What Democratic Maturity Looks Like Abioye Tosin Lawrence, Publisher Oriontimes Online Newspaper In politics, loyalty is often mistaken for wisdom, and enthusiasm is frequently confused with strategy. As Osun State inches closer to the 2026 governorship election, the political temperature is rising once again. Alignments are shifting, rhetoric is hardening, and young political actors are becoming increasingly vocal.  Yet, amid this energy, there is a troubling pattern: a growing tolerance for politics without principle, and participation without dignity. There is nothing inherently wrong with defending a political party or supporting a candidate. Democracy thrives on competition. However, what is at stake is not participation, it is the manner of participation. Too many young elites in Osun and across Nigeria are slowly normalizing a political culture that reduces elections to warfare rather than civic responsibility....

  Wole Oke, Representing AMBO at St. Paul’s Cathedral Synod, Urges Christians to Prioritize Character, Competence and Integrity in Politics As political activities ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election continue to gather momentum, a message delivered at the 12th Synod of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Gbongan, has reignited discussions on the role of faith, leadership and governance in shaping the future of the state. Speaking on the theme, “The Role of Christendom in Politics and Governance,”  the federal lawmaker and Director-General of the APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Wole Oke, represented the party's governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), during the first session of the synod where the candidate was honoured with the Episcopal Distinguished Merit Award. In his address, Oke described the recognition bestowed on Oyebamiji as a reflection of a life dedicated to service, integrity, humility and commitment to humanity. He commended the Anglican D...