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Osun @33: Adeleke Eulogises Founding Fathers, Calls For Solidarity
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has used the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the state to pay tribute to the founding fathers and urged all to close ranks to build on already laid foundations.
He shared these views in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday August 26, 2024 to mark the 33rd anniversary of the state.
Gov Adeleke said, “as we celebrate our past, we must also look to the future. The journey ahead requires that we continue to work together irrespective of political affiliation in the spirit of unity and purpose that has brought us this far.”
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Full text of his broadcast below:
STATE BROADCAST ON THE 33RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF OSUN STATE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ASIWAJU, SENATOR (DR.) ADEMOLA JACKSON NURUDEEN ADELEKE ON 27TH AUGUST, 2024.
Dear citizens of Osun State.
I am filled with immense pride and joy as I address you on the 33rd anniversary of the creation of our beloved Osun State. Today, we stand united in celebration of a journey that began three decades ago, a journey marked by determination, resilience, and a strong belief in our collective future.
On this day in 1991, our dream of having a state that we could call our own was realized. The creation of Osun State was a testament to the power of unity and the unwavering spirit of our people. It was the result of years of advocacy, sacrifice, and the courageous efforts of our founding fathers, who fought tirelessly for the recognition of our unique identity and aspirations.
Going down the memory lane, the struggle for the creation of Osun State started as early as 1950’s with a series of commissions of inquiry in the old Oyo State. And on August 27th, 1991, our state was carved out as a distinct entity from the old Oyo State with a vision for progress, unity, and prosperity.
33 years ago, the dream of a state that could stand tall and independent within the Nigerian federation became a reality. The creation of Osun State in 1991 was not merely a political event, but the fulfillment of the hopes and aspirations of our people. It was the result of years of unwavering commitment and sacrifice by those who believed that our unique cultural heritage, resources, and potential deserved recognition and development.
My dear people of Osun State, today marks a significant milestone in the history of our great state, a day of pride, reflection, and celebration for every son and daughter of this great land. Our state’s creation was a culmination of the aspirations and struggles of our people. The vision is the pathway and the guiding light into the future. This was what the founding fathers and the agitators for the creation of a state to be named “Osun” had in mind and did everything possible to realize the vision.
Today, we remember and honor those who championed the creation of Osun State, their labor was not in vain. They fought tirelessly, not for themselves, but for the future generation yet unborn. Their sacrifices remain the foundation upon which we stand today.
To these heroes, we owe our deepest gratitude and we are forever grateful to their resolve, advocating for a state where the voices of our people could be heard and their potentials fully harnessed.
We owe loads of gratitude to our founding royal fathers, politicians and activists such as the late Ooni of ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Oyewale Matanmi, late Orangun of Ila, Oba William Ayeni, Ariwajoye II, and other prominent traditional rulers to mention a few that played significant roles in the creation of the State.
The history will not be complete without mentioning some politicians and activists who fought tooth and nails to ensure successful creation of Osun State such as late Chief Bola Ige; late Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa; my father, late Senator Raji Adeleke; Pa Samson Adeola Siyanbola; Chief Kolawole Balogun; Chief Aiyelaagbe Laogun; Professor Olu Aina; Alhaji Rasheed Igbalaye; Chief Bisi Akande; Dr. Olu Alabi; Alhaji Tunde Badmus (TUNS); Chief Gunju Adesakin; Hon. Jonathan O. Awofisayo; General Alani Akinrinade; Engineer Tunde Ponle; late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke; and other prominent sons and daughters of the state, dead or alive. They are all honored and remembered. May their good work continue to live after them.
Good people of the State, in the 33 years since our state’s creation, we have faced both triumphs and challenges, but we have also made significant strides. Our state has grown in leaps and bounds, and we have every reason to be proud of our achievements. From the development of our infrastructure to the empowerment of our youth, from the preservation of our rich cultural heritage to the promotion of peace and security, Osun State has continued to evolve, becoming a model for other states in the Federation.
We have seen progress in education sector with renovation of schools across the State; expansion of healthcare access with complete renovation of 332 Primary Health Care Centers; infrastructure growth across the state with modern flyover across our urban centers; renewed attention to development of digital economy; transitioning to an agro industrialized economy; workers’ centered public service reform; revival of the agric sector; development of state energy legal and policy infrastructure; active support for students’ population; harnessing of state cultural and entertainment assets; integrated approach to youth development; refocusing of attention on sports development; empowerment of small businesses, cooperatives and artisans with operating funds; enforcement of local content in state governance; and ongoing payment of billions of naira in pension and half salary debt.
As we celebrate the birth of Osun State today, we must also look to the future with renewed determination, as the work of building a greater Osun is ongoing. It is a responsibility we all share. We must continue to pursue development with vigour and passion, ensuring that every citizen of this state benefits from the fruits of our labour.
Dear good people of Osun State, as we celebrate our past, we must also look to the future. The journey ahead requires that we continue to work together irrespective of political affiliation in the spirit of unity and purpose that has brought us this far. Our challenges are not insurmountable; they are opportunities for us to demonstrate our resilience, our innovation, and our commitment to building a prosperous state for all.
My fellow citizens, as we mark this 33rd anniversary, let us renew our pledge to contribute to the development of our state. Let us embrace the values of hard work, integrity, and community that have defined us as a people. Together, we can ensure that the Osun of tomorrow is even greater than the Osun of today.
As your Governor, I am committed to leading this charge with transparency, dedication, and accountability. As we all know that governance is a collective responsibility, I call on all of you—our traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs — to continue to play your part in the development of our state. Together, we can make Osun a model of excellence and progress.
Today, let us renew our commitment to the vision that inspired the creation of Osun State. Let us continue to work towards a future where every citizen can thrive, where opportunities abound, and where the legacy of our founding fathers remains strong.
In the face of challenges, we must remain steadfast. Together, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. Our strength lies in our unity, our diversity, and our shared vision for a prosperous and peaceful Osun State.
On this 33rd anniversary, I ask that we all take a moment to reflect on the journey so far and to recommit ourselves to the ideals of our founding fathers. Osun State is our home, and it is our collective duty to ensure it continues to thrive.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every citizen of Osun State. Your support, your contributions, and your unwavering belief in the potential of our state have been the driving force behind our progress. Let us continue to walk this path together, hand in hand, towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
Thank you for your continued support of our government.
Happy Anniversary to us all.
May God bless Osun State, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has suspended a professor in the Department of Chinese Studies, Prof. Ifeanyi Odinye, for three months over an alleged sexual assault involving a female student.
The suspension, approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, followed the preliminary report of a six-member special investigative panel set up to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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The university said Odinye would serve the suspension with half salary in the first instance.
The development follows an August 15 incident in which the professor was allegedly assaulted and stripped by some students after he was accused of attempting to sexually molest a female student in his office.
A video of the incident subsequently went viral on social media. In the footage, the female student was seen leaving the lecturer’s office with his clothes while alleging that he had attempted to sexually assault her.
The lecturer was later seen being pursued and assaulted by individuals believed to be students before leaving the university premises in a tricycle.
According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Aloysius Attah, the investigative panel chaired by Prof. Emmanuel Obidimma, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, has so far addressed two of its five terms of reference.
Attah said the panel’s preliminary report indicted Odinye for allegedly violating Section 5.8.3 of the university’s General and Academic Regulations.
He explained that the professor allegedly failed to properly record and submit an examination misconduct case involving the student, Chikamso Favour Okechukwu, using the prescribed examination misconduct report form.
The lecturer was also accused of returning an offending phone recovered during the examination to the student on the same day, allegedly in violation of Section 5.8.1(iv) of the university’s regulations.
Meanwhile, the student involved in the matter has been referred to the university’s Student Examination Misconduct Committee.
The Vice-Chancellor has extended the investigative panel’s assignment by another two weeks to enable it to complete its remaining terms of reference.
According to Attah, the outstanding issues include determining whether sexual harassment occurred, identifying those involved in the assault on Odinye and establishing whether there was any incident of kidnapping.
“The committee members are expected to conclude their findings with recommendations to the Vice Chancellor before a final verdict is initiated, including possible criminal prosecution,” the university spokesman said.
Attah added that the Vice-Chancellor had reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of staff and students, while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards unethical practices.
The university also stressed that transparency and fair hearing would be upheld throughout the investigation as the panel works towards its final recommendations.
Former South-East spokesman of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Denge Josef Onoh, has urged President Bola Tinubu to review the composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 election.
Onoh made the call in a memorandum addressed to Tinubu, expressing concerns over the 223-member campaign council and what he described as inadequate representation of key APC stakeholders and loyalists from the South-East.
He warned that the composition of the council could undermine the party’s mobilisation efforts in the region ahead of the presidential election.
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According to Onoh, the structure used for the 2023 presidential campaign was more inclusive and provided opportunities for regional stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers who played roles in the party’s campaign.
He alleged that the latest campaign structure failed to adequately accommodate some longstanding APC supporters in the South-East.
Onoh also questioned the region’s representation in key operational, policy and management directorates of the campaign council, arguing that broader inclusion would give stakeholders a greater sense of ownership of Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The former campaign spokesman further criticised the council’s media structure, saying the campaign required experienced political communicators capable of effectively responding to the opposition.
“With the strict exception of only two persons who possess genuine fire and strategic depth, the current media team completely lacks the political tenacity and intellectual grit to face the opposition’s sophisticated PR machinery,” Onoh said.
He warned that leaving experienced campaigners and media operatives out of the structure could create vulnerabilities for the APC and provide opposition parties with an opportunity to gain political advantage.
Onoh therefore called on Tinubu to order a comprehensive review of the 223-member campaign council, with particular attention to geopolitical balance and the inclusion of established party leaders and grassroots mobilisers.
He also urged the President to strengthen the campaign’s media team by bringing in politically experienced and resilient communicators.
Onoh further appealed to Tinubu to ensure that APC stakeholders across the country felt a sense of ownership of the re-election campaign.
“Mr. President, do not let the short-sighted selfishness of a few handlers ruin the future of your administration. You cannot win a national re-election by shrinking your support base and telling an entire region they have no stake in your campaign,” he said.
He maintained that broader representation and effective coordination would be crucial to the APC’s efforts to retain the presidency in 2027.
A 56-year-old shoemaker identified simply as Anthony has reportedly died by suicide inside the Obudu Main Market in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, August 23, 2026.
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Anthony, who was said to be from Bekwarra Local Government Area, was found dead inside the market, prompting community leaders to shut down the facility.
The leaders reportedly demanded N300,000 from the deceased’s family for cleansing rites, insisting that the circumstances surrounding his death were considered sacrilegious.
Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the deceased was a 56-year-old man simply identified as Anthony.
Eitokpah said the police had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and determine whether foul play was involved.
He said, “Police operatives visited the scene, documented the area, and recovered the body to the mortuary. The circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be established.
“Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
The police spokesman’s statement indicates that the exact circumstances of Anthony’s death remain under investigation.
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