The Nation Newspaper

Tag: OSUN

  • Adeleke flag off Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence university in Osun

    Adeleke flag off Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence university in Osun

    Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke on Friday laid the foundation for Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence University in Modakeke. 

    The institution, Curators University, is to offer diverse courses in Artificial Intelligence relating to Machine Learning Specialisation, Computer Hardware Engineering, Data Analytics and Database Administration, Arbitration and conflict resolution, 3D printing and polymer science among other disciplines. 

    Adeleke, joined by the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola, said the proposed institution is in tandem with his five point agenda for the state especially to boost education and youth empowerment. 

    The Governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, said: “The establishment of this university here in Modakeke is a milestone achievement, which aligns with our drive to boost the educational sector. I charge you to make sure that this institution is one of the best universities in Nigeria both in academic and culture.”

    Founder of the institution, Mr. Olusola Amusan, highlighted the needs for Public-Private Partnership in promotion tertiary education and national development.

    Read Also: Nigeria dismisses Canadian court ruling labeling APC, PDP as terrorist groups

    He called Public private partnerships in developing education sector, saying “There are education endowment funds from the federal government and in the area of loans, specifically, we believe that to be able to get cutting-edge education our government must collaborate with private bodies to advance education.

    “We aim to support the country through this institution and also to boost the economy of Osun State especially Modakeke. This institution if government can partner with us, it will further enable our youths to access education in area of AI that we will be providing here.”

    Also, institution’s the Chairman Planning Committee, Barrister Abimbola Amusan, said Curators University will be a global academic and innovation hub that will empower youth, create jobs, spark economic growth for generations to come.”

  • INEC commences process for 2026 Osun guber election, warns against vote-buying, hate speech

    INEC commences process for 2026 Osun guber election, warns against vote-buying, hate speech

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the process for the 2026 Osun state governorship election fixed for August 8, 2025.

    The Nation recalls that INEC had on May 27, released the timetable and the schedule of activities for the 2026 Governorship Election for Osun state.

    Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, addressing political parties, heads of security operatives agencies, newsmen and other stakeholders, on Wednesday, charged them to imbibe a positive spirit in achieving success for the 2026 gubernatorial election.

    He said, “We are here to kick start the process of the 2026 Governorship Election in Osun State. Let me inform you now that as we speak, the notice of the 2026 Governorship Election for Osun State has been duly posted in all the 30 local government offices, including the Area office at Modakeke. With this notice, all activities that will culminate in the 2026 Governorship election in Osun State have commenced.

    “The conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, will start on the 24th day of November, 2025 and end on the 15th day of December, 2025.”

    Agboke stated that the primaries is to enable political parties democratically nominate candidates for the election as required by section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, adding that the submission of forms EC9 (personal particulars of candidates) and EC9B (Names/list of nominated candidates), online at the nomination portal of the commission at 9 am on the 15th day of January, 2026 to 6 pm on the 9th February 2026.

    The REC implored all the political parties and other stakeholders to follow the timetable for the 2026 Governorship Election for Osun State with a view to tracking the various activities contained therein.

    “Copies of the timetable shall be made available to the political parties at this meeting in a short while. The 2026 Governorship election shall be conducted on the 8th day of August, 2026.”

    He noted that provisions have been made to ensure that people with disabilities are not disenfranchised by making available Braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses and assistive listening devices.

    Highlighting the electoral statistics of Osun state voters as contained in the commission’s database as at 31st day of July, 2025, he said Osun has a total of 1,954,800 registered voters, while 1,594,006 Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) have been collected, with 360,794 remaining uncollected.

    “We have 332 Registration Areas/Electoral Wards and 3,763 polling units.”

    He said the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) would be used to accredit voters for the election.

    He tasked youth, politicians and political parties to shun violence, refuse to be used as agents of destruction, fake news and other electoral malpractices.

    “Let me also appeal to political parties and other major stakeholders that the menace of vote buying and violence cannot be ignored in our electioneering processes.

    “I appeal to you all to rise to continue to support INEC Osun state to deliver a credible election. INEC alone cannot deliver a peaceful and successful election. In togetherness, we shall all achieve the desired outcome of our election. Let me assure you all here today that INEC shall ensure a credible process in the upcoming 2026 Governorship election. Your vote will count.

    “We shall do the right thing at all times. We shall ensure we do our best to ensure your vote counts. Let me state the unwavering commitment of INEC in Osun state to transparency, fairness, and professionalism.”

    Read Also: INEC begins continuous voter registration nationwide Mon.

    Speaking about the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), he said, “The exercises will start on the 18th day of August, 2025, with online registration. By this, the prospective registrant will visit www.cvr.inecnigeria.org to supply the necessary information about himself or herself. Thereafter, he or she will generate a slip to take to the INEC local government office within his place of residence.

    He explained that on the 25th of August, 2025, the registrant will visit the local government office for his or her biometrics.

    “We all must equally be vigilant to prevent foreigners from participating in the CVR.”

    The Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mr Victor Akande, charged political parties to join INEC in advocacy for a free and fair election process. 

  • Osun Osogbo: Babayemi advocates preservation of Yoruba cultural artifacts

    Osun Osogbo: Babayemi advocates preservation of Yoruba cultural artifacts

    A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has called for the preservation of cultural artefacts and relics of the Yoruba race in Nigeria.

    Such a move, Babayemi contended, would help to secure the future of the race, especially in the area of the Yoruba language, which he lamented was gradually going into extinction.

    He emphasized that consistent celebration of cultural festivals in Yoruba land would keep the consciousness of their historical backgrounds alive,a development he added, would always assist in fostering unity among the people.

    In a release by his media office, Babayemi congratulated the people of the state, especially the indigenes of Osogbo, on the celebration of this year’s annual Osun Osogbo Festival.

    “Our culture is our identity and our selling point; we must all strive to protect and preserve. It’s our common ancestry heritage which separates us from others, and this we must keep jealously. We need a conscious cultural rebirth that will help to re-engineer and inculcate an enduring belief in our younger generations. More importantly, the celebration of our various cultures links us with the past to foster our unity today and tomorrow.

    Read Also: Osun govt urges mothers to prioritise infants over husbands in breastfeeding campaign

    “It’s a money-spinning venture. Culture and tourism are basically what sustain most countries in the world today, but unfortunately, we are not paying much attention to them. We should endeavour to look at this direction because of its inherent benefits.

    “Osun Osogbo Festival, like others in different parts of Yoruba-speaking states, filled with different artefacts and relics, has ensured we continue to occupy global space for the good of our areas and the people. This, we must not allow to become a thing of the past in our annals,” he further cautioned.

    Also, Babayemi appealed to traditional rulers and stakeholders to always evolve engagements that would continue to promote the Yoruba ethos, pleading further that efforts be made to ensure that the language did not die as a result of the intrusion of foreign cultures.

    While congratulating the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, and the people of the ancient town on this year’s celebration, the governorship aspirant implored government at all levels in the country to use culture and tourism to generate more funds for the development of the nation.

  • Royal dynasty warns against looming clash in Osun over alleged traditional taboo

    Royal dynasty warns against looming clash in Osun over alleged traditional taboo

    …I’ve made my decision, no issue with it—Oba Ajiboye

    The Alase royal dynasty in Ola town, Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, has raised alarm over an emerging communal crisis, accusing the Olola of Ola, Oba Johnson Ajiboye, of violating traditional customs by engaging in acts considered taboo.

    Addressing journalists on Friday, the Alase of Ola land, Dr. Olufemi Fasanya, urged Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to intervene urgently to avert a crisis similar to the historic Ile-Ife/Modakeke and Ilobu/Ifon clashes.

    Fasanya alleged that Oba Ajiboye had overstepped traditional boundaries by unilaterally appointing Mr. Busari as the Oosa (King’s father) of the town—a role traditionally reserved for the eldest male of the Lageesi (Alase) dynasty. He described the action as a provocative taboo that threatens the peace and stability of the community.

    “The Alase and Akala families co-founded Ola, with Akala becoming the king and Lageesi retaining the role of ultimate traditional authority. The king’s recent move violates this sacred arrangement,” Fasanya said.

    Read Also: Traditional king absconds palace after alleged death threat by Osun speaker

    He added that the dynasty has reported the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police, and may seek legal redress if peaceful appeals are ignored. “We are not contesting the Olola stool, but we won’t tolerate attempts to erase our ancestral role,” he said.

    Fasanya appealed to the governor and the Ooni to call Oba Ajiboye to order and urge him to focus on unity and development rather than actions that could divide the community.

    In response, Oba Ajiboye dismissed the controversy, saying, “I have made my decision and there’s no issue with it. Nothing concerns anybody. Please leave the matter.”

  • Group blames Osun PDP for defection of Senator Fadahunsi to APC

    Group blames Osun PDP for defection of Senator Fadahunsi to APC

    Following the defection of Senator Francis Fadahunsi to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a socio-political group has faulted the Osun State leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for mismanaging the party and losing one of its key political figures.

    Senator Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, officially left the PDP last Saturday, citing unresolved internal wrangling as his reason for defecting to the APC.

    Reacting to the development, the Ijesa Unite for Good Governance (IUGG), through its National Coordinator, Alhaji Kazeem Ibikunle, described Fadahunsi’s exit as a significant loss to the PDP. The group recalled the senator’s pivotal role in revitalising the party during the Rauf Aregbesola administration, saying his sacrifices and leadership helped reposition the PDP in the state.

    “Fadahunsi brought unmatched energy and commitment to the PDP when it was in opposition. He invested his time and personal resources, which made the party more attractive and played a major role in the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke over an incumbent,” the group stated.

    Read Also: Wadada, Fadahunsi, Umeh, seven other senators set to change parties

    The statement further highlighted Fadahunsi’s wide-reaching empowerment programmes, which included donating a 46-seater bus to the party, providing trailer loads of rice and rams to party members, funding the party’s secretariat operations, and offering financial support to staff.

    Describing him as a “master strategist and visionary leader,” IUGG noted that Fadahunsi’s influence extends beyond party lines, with other political parties in the state already expressing interest in him.

    The group mentioned that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is among those eager to welcome the senator, with its State Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, describing him as “a wave of hope” who has positively impacted countless lives in his constituency.

    IUGG called on the PDP to reflect on the circumstances that led to the senator’s defection and urged the party to address internal issues to prevent further high-profile losses.

  • Adeleke won’t defect to APC – Osun PDP caucus

    Adeleke won’t defect to APC – Osun PDP caucus

    The Osun caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Gov. Ademola Adeleke will contest the Aug. 8, 2026 governorship election on the platform of the party.

    The PDP leadership emphasised that the governor would not defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the PDP caucus meeting held at the Government House on Monday in Osogbo.

    The communique was made available to journalists by the spokesperson to the governor, Malam Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday.

    The PDP leaders stated that majority of the APC members in Osun were opposed to the idea of Adeleke defecting to the APC, “which did not originate from the governor in the first instance.”

    The communique also alleged that some APC leaders, “based on entrenched interests”, have demonstrated “hostility and resentment” towards the governor.

    The caucus said that the majority of PDP members in the state were not happy with the idea of the governor joining APC, but only reluctantly agreed to follow him to wherever he goes to show their love, support, and loyalty to his leadership.

    The PDP leaders said that the party recognised the fact that Osun is the ancestral home of President Bola Tinubu, “which makes him the son of the State.”

    The PDP caucus, however, adopted and endorsed the President for re-election in the 2027 general elections.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke, Osun PDP endorse Tinubu for 2027

    The leaders of the party also endorsed Adeleke’s re-election bid on the platform of the PDP, directing all members in the state to remain in the party.

    According to the caucus, the state government and the PDP, as a political party, remain very popular and acceptable above all other political parties in the state.

    The PDP leaders urged the governor to forge ahead with governance and implementation of his administration’s five-point agenda.

    The caucus also directed members to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the communique was signed by Adeleke, his deputy, Kola Adewumi, a former governor in the state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf, among others.

    (NAN)

  • Omoworare joins Osun governorship race

    Omoworare joins Osun governorship race

    Senator Babajide Omoworare, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to former President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters, yesterday joined 2026 Osun State governorship race.

    Omoworare, who joined the race on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), also presented his manifesto to the party leadership and vowed to return the party to power.

    Addressing the Chairman of the party, Tajudeen Lawal and members, Omoworare said he had never lost any election, and was returning to the scene with renewed vigour to rebuild Osun State.

    Read Also: Osun 2026: Why Osun should reject Adeleke, PDP, by NIWA boss

    “I have contested five times and I’ve never lost. Even when they tried to rig me out, I went to court and won. By God’s grace, I am a five-star general in politics,” he declared.

    He criticised the current state of infrastructure and governance in Osun, referencing statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics that place the state at the bottom of food inflation rankings in the Southwest.

    “I am a progressive to the core. My great-grandfather was ‘Afenifere’. My maternal grandfather, the Ooni of Ife, was the first governor of the Western Region. Politics is in my blood. PDP did not win Osun. APC lost it. But we will not lose again. I’m here to help us get it right.”

    Lawal described Omoworare as an astute politician and a core progressive.

  • JUST IN: Another Osun Senator dumps PDP

    JUST IN: Another Osun Senator dumps PDP

    Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    His Osun East counterpart Senator Francis Fadahunsi was the first to leave the party. 

    Fadahusi’s resignation letter dated July 12,  2025 was addressed to Ward 4, Oke- Ejlgbo, Ila-Orangun, chairman of the party.  He copied the National and the State Chairman of PDP. 

    The letter reads partially; “I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my Membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.”

    He blamed irreconcilable differences, irreparable division within PDP and numerous court cases which created factions at the National level as reasons for his action. 

    Fadeyi said: “This was concluded after consultation and engagement with my political associates, family and friends. Thank you in advance for accepting my resignation.”

  • Over 1,000 Osun households benefit from Oyetola’s empowerment

    Over 1,000 Osun households benefit from Oyetola’s empowerment

    No fewer than 1,000 households in Ipetumodu, Ife-North local government area and Modakeke, Ife-East Area office, benefited from the empowerment scheme of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

    The empowerment which started in 2023 with over 20,000 beneficiaries is sponsored by the Executive Director, Engineering Services of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Abeokuta, Engr. Oluwakayode Sowade. 

    For the sixth edition of the programme, 400 vulnerable households were picked across the political wards in Ife-North council while 600 were selected in Modakeke to receive food items and a cash gift. 

    Speaking at the event, Sowade said that “When our leader, Oyetola was the governor, he commenced monthly distribution of food items to 20,000 vulnerable households but since he left office, Governor Ademola Adeleke stopped the initiative, causing hardship to bite harder even before the removal of the subsidy. 

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    “This programme tagged Oyetola Hand of Fellowship is to help tackle hardship and make people believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. We will still do more for our people.”

    He disclosed that “We are giving food items including rice, beans, Garri and others with cash gift to 600 households in Ipetumodu while 400 households benefited in Modakeke.”

    Earlier, former Special Adviser to Oyetola, Hon. Kareem Akande and Chairman of All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ife-North, Elder Awotidoye Rufus Ayokunnu lauded the gesture towards the vulnerable households in the two local government areas of Osun State and they expressed confidence that the party will wrestle power from Governor Adeleke in 2026. 

  • Osun, Kwara monarchs, 18 LGAs defend creation of Igbomina State before Senate committee

    Osun, Kwara monarchs, 18 LGAs defend creation of Igbomina State before Senate committee

    Traditional rulers, district heads, scholars, and other stakeholders in Osun and Kwara States on Friday advocated and defended the need to create Igbomina State before the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 constitution.

    The advocacy was championed by the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun, who united 18 local government areas and three senatorial districts from the states that sponsored the proposal to create Igbomina state.

    The secretary of the Igbomina Creation Committee, Dr. Fatai Afolabi, in a statement after the defence before the Senate Committee in Lagos State, chaired by Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, disclosed that Professor Adeola Faleye and Dr. Hezekiah Oyedepo led the presentation for the Igbomina state proposal.

    “The agitation for an Igbomina State under one united administrative structure stands as one of the most enduring quests for self-determination in Nigeria’s post-colonial history, rooted in deep historical grievances and a profound desire to right colonial-era wrongs,” Afolabi said.

    READ ALSO: Of Aregbesola’s hypocritical musings and Tinubuphobia

    He noted that the struggle has spanned more than a century because the Igbomina is a distinct Yoruba sub-group, which once thrived in cultural and political unity alongside other northern Yoruba groups.

    He noted that the Igbomina people had united since the 19th century during the Fulani Jihad, when the expansion of the Ilorin Emirate into Igbomina territories introduced an alien governance system that clashed fundamentally with the indigenous Yoruba political structure.

    “By 1949, a landmark agreement between Igbomina leaders from the North and South proposed the creation of the Igbomina Parapo Native Administration, with Ila-Orangun — the seat of Orangun Fagbamila Ajagunla, a direct descendant of Oduduwa — as its headquarters. In August 1956, the Ila-Igbomina Union submitted a petition to the Governor of the Western Region.

    He said prominent Yoruba nationalists like R.A. Fani-Kayode, Chief O.N. Rewane, and A.O. Lawson, helped Igbomina’s advocacy on the matter in 1960, 1967, 2000, 2002, and 2005.

    “The document laid bare decades of marginalisation and made a compelling case for an Igbomina State, arguing that like the Ekiti, the Igbomina deserved to be united to fast-track development and restore a sense of wholeness.

    “They showcased the region’s economic viability: rich agricultural resources, mineral wealth, thriving human capital, and unique tourism treasures like the Esie Stone Images and Ayikunnugba Falls.”