NEWS
Osun CJ: Actors Take Turns In Firefighting Style
The swinging of the pendulum on the matter of the Chief Judge (CJ) of Osun State appears to point to a house on fire.
The dramatis personae, on the Osun State Government (OSG) side appear to have been enjoying so much dribbling with their mastery of the pen that not a few were swayed and swayed again on the basis of stories they churned out.
The two principal perception executioners, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Osun State, Hon Kolapo Alimi, and Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, might have been enjoying dishing out stories and counter-stories, in a manner akin to skillful footballers passing the ball to one another after dribbling an opponent. The opponent on this case, happens to be the public.
However, what look to have torn the masquerade’s attire in the market-square turned out to be the firm position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Osun State Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
The NBA only had to insist on constitutionality and due process, while the JUSUN had to troop out as ‘ordered’ by the ‘powers that be’.
On its part, the JUSUN opened its act by demonstrating at the court premises on Monday.
A popular adage has it that he who pays the piper dictates the tune. However, the JUSUN protests gave away a little more than desired, probably only to discerning eyes.
Prominent banners and placards displayed by the JUSUN protesters include, ‘Unlawful Suspension of Judiciary Staff Without Recourse to (the) Judicial Service Commission is Barbaric’, ‘We are Tired of Oppression and Stagnation’, and ‘Judiciary Staff Deserves Better’.
Watchers are wondering where to place these messages. How do the organisers of the protest want the public to interpret such messages?
Public perception has it that, either the JUSUN led by Gbenga Eludire came out in solidarity with the NBA, or to demonstrate support for the embattled Chief Justice (CJ) of Osun State, Hon Justice Adepele Ojo.
Recall that the NBA made its position known in a statement last Saturday, that the process of changing the CJ in Osun State had fallen short of constitutional standards and thus, would not acceptable to the bar.
National Publicity Secretary, NBA, Akorede Lawal, cited the constitutional principle of the separation of powers and the crucial independence of the judiciary, as informing their position.
He said, “The tenure of a judicial officer cannot and should not be subject to the mood of politicians.”
The embattled CJ, Justice Ojo has laid her complaints to the courts of the land.
The National Industrial Court, sitting in Ibadan has already given her a reprieve, through an injunction.
However, what transpired on Monday tends to indicate that the JUSUN was either infiltrated or not convinced on the job they were called out to do.
Interestingly, the faulty interpretation of the script by JUSUN was not just discernible to those who spoke to Biztellers, as the industrial union has on Wednesday had to take more drastic action to rectify what many considered their failed attempt on Monday.
In the instant, Eludire had to shut down the courts using his position as Chairman, JUSUN, Osun State by calling the workers on strike.
He cited unfriendly action by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), who he alleged fired teargas at protesting members of JUSUN.
He said, “Following the action of the police and the attitude of the Chief Judge, I, Comrade Gbenga Eludire, hereby ordered that workers in the sector should withdraw their service till further notice.”
The Spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State Chapter, Kola Olabisi told Biztellers that even the simplest of minds could discern that the Osun State JUSUN was piping the tune of politicians.
He admonished Eludire and his people to consider their place in history before lending themselves as pliable tools in the hands of the political class.
Olabisi considered it, “a pity that some people under the guise of unionism could allow themselves to be used by some disgruntled and desperate politicians.
“One does not need to be a soothsayer to observe and conclude that the JUSUN protest at the State High Court was sponsored and politically motivated.”
Not seeing any need for the involvement of the JUSUN in the crisis, Olabisi pointed out that, “The protest wasn’t necessary as it was needless and diversionary. Discerning minds would probe the timing of the said protest by the Osun JUSUN.
“What could have been the monetary attraction for some unionists to have deliberately mortgaged their future for an ill-motivated political errand?”
He expressed concern at the timing of JUSUN’s involvement and warned that posterity would hold them accountable.
“Why now? We write history every day and the right-thinking members of the society are curiously watching,” Olabisi noted.
Which Way Forward?
A statement from Hon Alimi had clearly pointed the way the OSG was going on the matter, by making strong recommendations while referring the matter to the appropriate authorities.
He wrote, “Governor Adeleke has only duly notified the Chief Justice as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) in writing about the resolutions of the House of Assembly following a series of petitions made against the sitting Chief Judge of Osun State.
“In the communication, Mr Governor intimated the CJN of the recommendation of the House that the Chief Judge should step aside and included his own submission for an acting appointment to fill the vacuum while the NJC reviews and decides on the petition.
“To that end, the Governor in the same letter recommended to the CJN, the appointment of the most senior judicial officer, Hon. Justice Olayinka David Afolabi for thorough consideration and further processing by the same NJC through the CJN.”
Analysts can discern between the OSG referring the matter to the NJC and CJN as required by law, and recommending Justice Afolabi “for thorough consideration and further processing by the same NJC through the CJN”.
This is why the restiveness in the JUSUN, Osun Chapter, has set tongues wagging, with public perception holding that it is probably with a view to swaying the NJC and CJN.
What would seem good for the public is a restoration of the status quo and constitutional resolution of the matter.
However, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is of the view that the dramatics surrounding the office of the state’s CJ “ridicules Osun among the comity of states”.
The view of the Osun APC, expressed by its chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, is that it “has further exposed Gov Adeleke, his co-travellers and the lawmakers as a bundle of entities abundantly lacking what it takes to increase the fortune and prosperity of the state”.
The state’s main opposition party does not heap blames on the governor alone, voicing the belief that those acting in concert with him ought to have guide him right on this.
“If Governor Adeleke is uninformed about the constitution,” it would have been expected that “those who are parading themselves as lawmakers would have guided the accidental governor aright,” Lawal maintained.
On his part, Olabisi would want the actors to allow the NJC and CJN to play their constitutionally assigned roles on the mater.
On how to resolve the matter, Olabisi responded, “It’s simple. The state House of Assembly and Governor Adeleke should stop usurping the statutory functions of the National Judicial Council on the issue of the bungled illegal sack of the Osun CJ.”
It is left to be seen if the actors would heed this advice or not.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has justified the activation of the Osun State Security Trust Fund on the ground of growing insecurity and public sector funding challenges facing all levels of government.
To show commitment of the state government, Gov Adeleke announced a contribution of three hundred million naira (N300m) to the trust fund.
On his part, billionaire philanthropist and brother of the state governor, Dr. Deji Adeleke donated five hundred million naira (N500m) while several businesses contributed various amounts.
The governor also used the occasion to announce the imminent sharing of refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers and new patrol vehicles, declaring that “the administration is determined to maintain Osun’s record as one of the most peaceful states in the country”.
Launching the security trust fund at Osogbo, the governor decried the abandonment of the trust fund initiative by the Oyetola administration, describing the implementation of the trust fund as ‘long overdue’.
According to the governor, several states in Nigeria have established security trust funds. Osun started the process but this was abandoned under the immediate past administration of Mr Gboyega Oyetola.
“Our government decided to revive the initiative by updating the law and organising the launching today. A security trust fund is a matter of necessity considering the security climate in Nigeria and Osun state.
“We all know Nigeria faces security challenges. Yet, available public financing resources are limited. Governments at all levels then initiate public-private partnership to bridge the funding gap.
“It is neither a political project nor a self-serving policy. This is a necessary policy to secure our people. Only an irresponsible government will abandon the PPP arrangement that is working so well in Lagos, Kaduna, River states among others. Ours is a responsible leadership with people-oriented innovations, policies and programmes.
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“This Fund is designed to provide sustainable funding for modern security infrastructure. Through this Fund, we will establish a modern Situation Room with real time CCTV surveillance. We will continue the provision of operational tools required by our security agencies.
The governor appreciated all individuals, corporate organisations and stakeholders that have been contacted. “We appreciate your positive disposition. Today, I am inviting, for partnership, the private sector, financial institutions, development partners, professional bodies and all sons and daughters of Osun State.
“As a trust fund regulated by law, I assure you of strict accountability, transparency and due process in the management of the trust fund”, the governor said.
Secretary to the State Government who also doubled as the deputy chairman of the trust fund, Hon Teslim Igbalaye congratulated the governor for activating the Fund after its enabling law was passed as far back as 2012 while several special guests pleaded support for the initiative.
Public Policy analysts, government officials and other stakeholders have in Lagos hailed the strategic foresight and industrial courage of the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, describing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a transformative national asset deserving of collective appreciation by Nigerians.
This position was strongly articulated at the 2026 Bullion Lecture, powered by the Centre for Financial Journalism, where the Director‑General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof Nnanyelugo Ike‑Muonso, declared that Nigerians owe Aliko Dangote a profound debt of gratitude for investing in the world‑class refinery.
Delivering the keynote lecture themed “From Resources to Prosperity: How Raw Materials Development, Value Addition and Innovation Can Catalyse Nigeria’s Industrial Renaissance,” Professor Ike‑Muonso said the refinery represents a decisive break from Nigeria’s long‑standing dependence on crude oil exports with minimal domestic value addition.
According to the RMRDC Chief, Nigeria had historically exported crude oil only to re‑import refined petroleum products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with little economic benefit beyond crude sales.
“That narrative has now changed. Instead of exporting crude and importing PMS alone, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery processes crude locally to produce PMS, diesel, dual purpose kerosene (DPK), and valuable by‑products for petrochemicals such as polypropylene. This represents complete domestic value addition.”
Prof Ike‑Muonso described the refinery as Nigeria’s most concrete example yet of how strategic industrial investment can unlock the full value of the country’s natural resources.
Against the backdrop of ongoing instability in the Middle East and its implications for global energy supply and price volatility, the RMRDC boss said the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has emerged as a stabilising force and an African‑led solution to global energy challenges.
“With the far‑reaching consequences of the Middle East crisis on global energy markets, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery stands today as a monumental demonstration of strategic foresight, industrial courage and African self‑reliance,” he said.
“Nigeria should, in fact, be praying for Aliko Dangote at this time.”
Prof Ike‑Muonso also presented comparative data on raw‑material value addition across countries, including the United States, India, Brazil, South Africa and Kenya, revealing that Nigeria records the lowest percentage of value addition.
He disclosed that the country loses an estimated $29 billion annually due to the export of raw materials without processing partly due to the energy deficit.
“Rather than exporting raw materials, Nigeria should be exporting processed raw materials and finished products,” he argued.
Identifying obstacles to achieving full value addition, the RMRDC Director‑General highlighted key structural challenges such as: Private infrastructure tax, resulting from companies’ reliance on self‑generated power; Logistics gaps, noting that only about 30 percent of Nigeria’s road network is paved; and Capability gaps within the industrial ecosystem.
He stressed that sustained industrialisation remains Nigeria’s most viable pathway to broad‑based economic prosperity, citing Dangote Industries’ investments as a model for the country.
Earlier in his remarks, Otunba Kelvin Dele Oye, Chairman of the Economic Research and Ethics Committee and former President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), also commended Dangote’s industrial contributions.
He decried what he described as an imbalance in the exploitation of Nigeria’s raw materials by foreign investors, often without meaningful value addition to the local economy.
Otunba Oye called for deliberate government policies and stricter regulatory vigilance to ensure that raw material exploitation benefits Nigerians, while enabling local investors to compete favourably with foreign players.
The event, which marked the 10th anniversary of the Bullion Lecture, also featured the unveiling and launch of a commemorative book titled “Pathways to Nigeria’s Socio‑Economic Transformation.”
The book, authored by Mr. Ray Echebiri, Chief Executive of the Centre for Financial Journalism, documents all lectures delivered since the inception of the Bullion Lecture series.
Photo Caption
From Left: GMD/CEO, Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak; Chairman, Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd., Yin Zhisong; Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, Yan Yaqing; President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Chairman of the Board, Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd., Lin Zhisong and Vice President Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, during the Sinoma International visit to Dangote Head Office in Lagos
NEWS
Dangote Refinery Exports 1.1bn Litres of Aviation Fuel to Europe, Supplies 95% of Nigeria’s Jet A1 – AON
The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a critical pillar of support for Nigeria’s aviation industry, disclosing that the refinery currently supplies over 95 per cent of the Jet A1 fuel consumed nationwide.
Biztellers reports that the company also exported 1.1 billion litres of aviation fuel to Europe between March and April 20.
Speaking during a televised interview, AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo said the refinery’s output has played a vital role in sustaining domestic airline operations at a time of global supply disruptions arising from tensions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs.
“It is a matter of fact that over 95 per cent of aviation fuel supplied across the country comes from the Dangote refinery. To airline operators in Nigeria, Dangote is not just a refinery; it is a game changer and, indeed, a lifesaver,” Okonkwo said.
He noted that despite the refinery’s consistent supply, airlines continue to face severe operational strain due to escalating Jet A1 prices, which he attributed to sharp practices within the downstream distribution chain.
According to Okonkwo, some fuel marketers are allegedly creating artificial scarcity in spite of available supply from the refinery, leading to disproportionate price increases. He disclosed that airline operators have recorded Jet A1 price hikes of up to 300 per cent since the onset of the Middle East crisis.
“We consider this exploitation. The refinery has not indicated any shortage, yet we are witnessing artificial scarcity and unjustifiable price increases. What airlines pay does not reflect depot prices,” he said, suggesting the presence of racketeering within the market.
Echoing these concerns after a closed‑door meeting between the AON and the Federal Government, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the situation as deeply troubling, particularly given that the Dangote refinery sells its products at comparatively lower rates.
“The truth is that marketers must be called to account. How do prices rise by as much as 300 per cent when Dangote’s supply remains the cheapest and some marketers source directly from the refinery?” Onyema asked. “So, why the astronomical increase?”
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Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery continues to expand its footprint in the international aviation fuel market. Industry data indicate that the facility exported approximately 876,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe within the period under review—about 456,000 tonnes in March and an additional 420,000 tonnes by April 20.
These export volumes underscore the refinery’s growing capacity and improved logistics, further reinforcing Nigeria’s emerging role in the global downstream oil and gas market, even as it strengthens domestic energy security.
Photo Caption
From Left: President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Museveni; President of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto, and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu, at The Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday.
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