The Nation Newspaper

Tag: OSUN

  • ISWAP: 100 foreigners arrested as Osun beefs up security over terrorist invasion 

    ISWAP: 100 foreigners arrested as Osun beefs up security over terrorist invasion 

    Following the arrest of ISWAP suspects during bomb-making training in Ilesa, over 100 foreigners who invaded Osun state in groups have been arrested. 

    The Nation learnt that the foreigners were arrested while entering the state by operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service. 

    It was gathered that the foreigners did not have any valid travelling documents and lacked an explanation of their mission in the state. 

    A top security source disclosed: “I will not disclose the location of arrest for security reasons and not to raise apprehension in the community. They were arrested and the Osun State Government was informed. 

    “The state government was involved as they provided Immigration buses to convey them.”

    When reached by phone, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Immigration Service, Osun State Command, Olu Moyosad, did not answer calls or respond to text messages.

    Meanwhile, in an exclusive phone interview with The Nation, the Osun State Commisioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi confirmed arrest of 100 foreigners in the state. 

    Read Also: ISWAP: No cause for alarm, say S’west states

    He said: “100 foreigners were arrested weeks ago before the arrest of suspected members ISWAP in Ilesa. We are on top of security situation, our residents should not panic.”

    According to him, the issue of security is not something that we can disclose fully. In Osun, we have always been proactive which led to the arrest of suspected terrorists in Ilesa. 

    “The governor including our Service Chiefs they are on top of security situations in the state. We are equally rejigging the Amotekun Security outfit to be more effective.”

    He commended Oyo State Governor for raising the alarm of bandit invasion in Southwest,’noting that his Osun counterpart will always ensure that residents do not suffer any crisis. 

    “Following the alarm, we are leaving no stone unturned on security matters. Osun State remain the safest state in Nigeria because of the efforts of Mr Governor.” 

  • Osun ex-lawmaker warns opposition against inciteful comment against FG 

    Osun ex-lawmaker warns opposition against inciteful comment against FG 

    A former lawmaker, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has cautioned opposition parties making incitful statements against the federal government of Nigeria. 

    Oyintiloye who represented Obokun State Constituency on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in a statement on Sunday noted while it is the right of the opposition parties to act as a watch dog for government’s policies and programmes, but must be responsible while making such. 

    He said that unchecked negative comments and criticisms by the opposition parties could cause unnecessary distractions for the federal government.  

    His words: The truth is that we don’t have any other country except Nigeria, and that is why we need to play the role of opposition reasonably. 

    Read Also: Osun communities threaten fresh war over disputed land

    “Making comments that could incite the masses against the government in the name of politics is unpatriotic and should be avoided. They have the right to criticise the government but such should be constructive to assist government to achieve its best for the people.

    “Constructive criticism is about appreciating the good policies and highlighting the drawbacks, and not despising the policies and programmes of the government.” 

  • Communal crisis looms as Osun communities renew hostility over disputed land

    Communal crisis looms as Osun communities renew hostility over disputed land

    A fresh crisis is looming between Ifon in Orolu Local Government Area and Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State over a disputed land, which Governor Ademola Adeleke had previously declared a buffer zone.

    The two communities, notorious for their violent clashes in 2023 and 2024, have a history of conflict resulting in over 40 deaths, the shooting of a Divisional Police Officer, and extensive property destruction across both local government areas.

    In a recent complaint addressed to Governor Adeleke, the Ifon Orolu Progressive Union (IPU) accused Ilobu of encroaching on the disputed land. 

    The letter alleged that Ilobu residents had sold portions of the land, constructed roads, developed buildings, and destroyed farmlands in the Opapa and Igbo Imin-Esin areas, escalating tensions once again.

    The situation threatens to reignite hostilities if urgent interventions are not made to address the grievances and enforce the buffer zone policy.

    Read Also: Osun council poll: Court fixes Jan 17 for APC suit seeking to stop exercise

    IPU in a letter jointly signed by its President and Secretary; Mohammed Oyedeji and Prince Jide Akinyooye said “We want to state that His Royal Majesty, Oba Alayeluwa Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Akinyooye III, The Aremo-Obatala of the Universe and Olufon of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom is the one that has been managing these crisis by preventing the affected families to protect their properties. 

    “We want your administration to understand that this unfortunate situation and lack of respect for constituted authority by the people of Ilobu Community may lead to renewed crisis if concrete action is not taking within the next 14 days.”

    Responding to the allegations, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Leke Ogunsola denied the allegations, claiming that Ilobu community is the owner of the land mentioned by Ifon community. 

    His words: “We are not aware of any buffer zone, the land they are talking about, there is no place called Igbo Imin Esin on their land, Opapa is within Ilobu, so if they have valid court paper on those land they should bring it out. 

    “We have won up to the Court of Appeal, we have the judgment and they are aware of it. Where they are calling Igbo Imin-Esin is called Oke-Ekutu, where they killed Sikiru Onaolapo. They are still looking for some of them that did that and they still want to start another problem. If they are ready for a communal clash, we are ready too, they should bring guns again, and they will meet fire there.”

  • APC guber ticket: Zoning debate sparks tensions in Osun 

    APC guber ticket: Zoning debate sparks tensions in Osun 

    The push for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone its 2026 governorship ticket to the West Senatorial District of Osun State has ignited disagreements among interest groups. 

    The Nation reports that the Osun Progressives Independent Forum (OPIF) has rejected the idea, arguing that the agitation for zoning is driven by personal interests. 

    In contrast, the Coalition of Osun APC Interest Groups (COAIG) has voiced strong support for zoning the ticket to the West. 

    In a statement signed by its Director of Public Engagement and Operations, Iwolode Samuel, COAIG emphasised that the move is rooted in fairness, equity, and balanced representation. 

    Samuel accused those opposing the zoning of prioritising personal agendas over the collective good of the party and the state. 

    Read Also: 2027: Ganduje, others urge unity in Kano APC

    “Our agitation doesn’t revolve around a personality; we are projecting an aspiration that considers the benefit of the majority over the comfort of an individual,” he said. 

    He further stressed that Osun West has been historically marginalised in the state’s governorship narrative, stating, “Our call for zoning the APC gubernatorial ticket to Osun West is not just a matter of local pride but a commitment to justice and equitable development for all parts of the state.” 

    COAIG also invited OPIF and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to build consensus on the zoning issue, urging unity within the party to advance its broader goals.

  • Osun monarch flays attack on colleague by irate youths

    Osun monarch flays attack on colleague by irate youths

    • Adeleke directs security operatives to arrest perpetrators

    Following the beating to pulp of a traditional ruler, Ajeniju of Halleluyah, Oba Jelili Olaiya, and his chiefs for holding a Jumat service on controversial land by irate youths, Alabere of Abere, Oba Adefemi Adelakin, has condemned the attack.

    The Nation reports that Oba Olaiya was beaten to a pulp by youths suspected to be from Ido-Osun community, who were opposed to his enthronement.

    Oba Olaiya was later taken into custody by the police and taken to the hospital for treatment.

    Condemning the attack on his counterpart, the Alabere described it as disrespectful and sacrilegious.

    He said: “The action of the angry youths goes against the tradition of Yorubaland, and it is an attack on custom and tradition.

    “Any attack against a monarch is an attack on custom and tradition and a slap on all traditional rulers in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Why we had to remove fuel subsidy, by Tinubu

    “It should be noted that a king is the representative of tradition and the stool should be respected whatever the circumstances.

    “I thereby call on the security operatives to ensure the arrest and prosecution of whoever is involved in the attack and ensure that justice is served.”

    Also, Governor Ademola Adeleke issued a stern warning to the youth groups behind the attacks and also directed security agencies to fish out those behind the acts.

    “Resorting to violence to resolve communal disputes is unacceptable and those found wanting will face the full wrath of the law.

    “We will not tolerate violence under whatever guise,” he said.

  • Youths beat Osun monarch to a pulp

    Youths beat Osun monarch to a pulp

    The newly installed Ajeniju of Halleluyah, Oba Jelili Olaiya in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State has been repeatedly beaten to a pulp by youths from Ido Osun community for installing a Chief Imam, conducting Jumat service on their land. 

    The Nation reports controversy trailed the installation of Oba Olaiya after he was promoted from a community head to Part II king without the consent of Ido-Osun community. 

    It was gathered when Oba Olaiya was made king, the people of Ido-Osun were not pleased claiming he is under the community. 

    He was said to have built his palace on Ido Osun land which further angered the youths. 

    “Last week, he turbaned one Ahmad Tijani as Chief Imam while we still have Chief Imam in Ido-Osun. Today they were gathering at the palace for Jumat service which the new Imam will preside over, the youths from Ido Osun revolted, he was beaten and injured when the matter escalated.” a security source confided. 

    Read Also: APC group urges zoning of 2026 Osun guber ticket to Osun West

    Another security source said: “Police later rescued the monarch from the scene and he has been detained at the police station. He would be taken to hospital very soon because he was badly injured.”

    When contacted, the Special Adviser to Govennor on Security, Samuel Ojo said: “I can’t make any comment about it now, I will make my findings and get back.”

    Effort to speak with Osun Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola were abortive. She did not respond when her phone rang out as at the time of filing this report. 

  • Ex-ipac chair, Osun govt clash over N135bn excess revenue in 2024 budget

    Ex-ipac chair, Osun govt clash over N135bn excess revenue in 2024 budget

    The former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Adewale Adebayo, has clashed with the Osun State Government over the alleged failure to account for over N135 billion in excess revenue not reflected in the 2024 budget.

    Adebayo, who also serves as the Osun State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), issued a statement on Saturday demanding transparency regarding the utilization of the surplus funds generated in 2024.

    “The 2024 budget approved by the State House of Assembly was set at N273 billion, outlining a clear framework for revenue and expenditure. However, reports suggest that the state has generated N408 billion, leaving a surplus of N135 billion,” Adebayo claimed.

    He called for the government to publish a comprehensive financial report detailing how the excess funds were allocated to projects or programs, emphasizing the need for accountability. 

    The APM chair also alleged that “We heard it from good authority that the Osun State Government is mopping up money through surplus budget among others against 2026 election.”

    Meanwhile, Osun State Government through the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi berated Adebayo over his claims, faulting that he failed to state the sources where Governor Ademola Adeleke led government got the money in 2024. 

    He said, “The allegations are very ridiculous. People just come out with figures, you should be able to state the source like FAAC and IGR. The claims by the ex-IPAC chair are a fabricated lie, our government has never and will never embark on spending money which is not budgeted for. 

    “It is not a surprise to us since they know that the government is performing, the only weapon they can use is blackmailing because we are performing. On the issue of mopping up money for the election, it is also another lie, that is his imagination. The election is coming up in 2026. Where did Adeleke mop up the one he used when he was not in government?”

  • Well-wishers rejoice as Ex-Osun Deputy Gov emerges Owa Obokun of Ijesaland

    Well-wishers rejoice as Ex-Osun Deputy Gov emerges Owa Obokun of Ijesaland

    The former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup from Bilaro Oluodo ruling house has emerged as the new Owa Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.

    This comes as well-wishers from across the country celebrate the new king, extending their wishes for a long and prosperous reign.

    In a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna by Folashade Aliu, the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs ENL Consortium Ltd, the company founded by His Royal Highness, she expressed gratitude to the concerned people who greeted the new king of Ijesaland from different parts of the country including Kaduna State despite the distance from Osun State.

    The statement informed that Haastrup’s emergence was announced penultimate Friday at the selection presided over by the kingmakers within the premises of Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat, in Ilesa.

    “While we are thanking our admirers and well wishers all over the country, we want to inform them that Haastrup defeated nine other candidates in a free and fair selection process held at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat along the Ilesa-Oshogbo motorway. 

    “The kingmakers included six Iwora mefa mamely Obaala, High chief Ibitoye,  Ogboni Ipole, Oba Omokehinde Oyeleye, Ogboni Ijebu-jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye (Elegboro), Ogboni Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro, Ogboni Ilesa High Chief Saka Fapohunda, Oba Odo of Ilesa, and seven agba Ijesa, Risawe of Ilesa. High Chief Adefioye  Adedeji, Lejoka of Ilesa, High Chief Omoniyi Ojo, Lejofi, High Chief Adebusoye Onigbogi, Arapate of Ilesa, High Chief Oluwagbemiga Fadunsin Igbarool, Loro of Ilesa, High Chief Lekan Folorunso, Odole of Ulesa, High Chief Bola Orolugbagbe and Mr Abimbola Aluko (warrant officer representing the Saloro of ilesa whose stool is vacant)

    Read Also: Haastrup declares interest in Owa Obokun stool

    “Announcing the result, the Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West Local Government, Mrs Felicia Olabimtan said Looja Clement Adesuyi secured highest votes and emerged as the Owa Obokun elect.

    “It is on record that six of the kingmakers voted, while High Chief Adefioye Adedeji was absent and 7 others were not eligible.

    “After the event, the Ogboni of Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro and the Elegboro of Ijesaland, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye described the exercise as peaceful, and congratulated the Owa elect and the Ijesas for the smooth  beginning of the new era in Ijesaland”. The statement said.

  • Osun community lauds FG for halting Adeleke’s plan to relocate airport to Ede

    Osun community lauds FG for halting Adeleke’s plan to relocate airport to Ede

    The Ido Osun Community in Egbedore local government area of Osun State on Thursday commended the federal government for preventing Governor Ademola Adeleke from relocating M.K.O Abiola International Airpot to his hometown. 

    The Nation recalled that the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace in a letter with reference number FMA/ADD/402/S.3/6.4/Vol I/56, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole and addressed to Governor Adeleke on December 6, directed that the decision should be suspended indefinitely. 

    Subsequently, the Ido-Osun community in a press conference held at the king’s palace, commended President Bola Tinubu over the suspension and also admonished FG to expedite necessary actions towards ensuring the completion of the Airport. 

    The president of Ido-Osun Development Union (IDU), Timothy Adeleye addressing newsmen in the presence of traditional chiefs, leaders and other indigenes of the town, led by the Eesa, Chief Oyewale Basiru also urged the Osun government not to relent in collaborative efforts with FG. 

    He said: “We wish to express our deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), through the Office of the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Barrister Festus Keyamo, for being steadfast and leading a people-centric, selfless and purposeful government, guided by the rule of law.  

    “We are very happy with FG’s commitment to the completion of M.K.O. International Airport, Ido-Osun as contained in the Ministry of Aviation’s Letter, Suspending the Relocation of M.K.O. International Airport to Ede, the hometown of Governor Adeleke of Osun State.” 

    He noted: “The recent proposal for the relocation of the Airport was ab initio a needless course, to serve a selfish interest, without minding the state resources that had been earlier committed by the respective past regimes.” 

    “We are solidly behind the Federal Government’s decision to review the situation and suspend further actions related to the relocation of the Airport, in the interest of fairness, justice, and peaceful co-existence.” 

  • Adeleke: Doguwa apologises to Osun APC, says I’ll never demarket the people’s party

    Adeleke: Doguwa apologises to Osun APC, says I’ll never demarket the people’s party

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has apologised to the Osun chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he is the chief promoter of the party.

    The party had, via a statement by the Osun APC spokesperson, Mr Kola Olabisi, on Monday accused Doguwa of demarketing the party with his utterances at this year’s Ede Day celebrations.

    Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, represented the Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, at the event last Saturday in Ede, where his statement was twisted to demarket the APC in the state.

    In his swift reaction, Doguwa said he remains the chief promoter of the All Progressives Congress in all parts of the country as a founding party member. 

    He said the media team of the PDP in Osun State deliberately quoted him out of context, but that will not stop APC from reclaiming the state in the 2026 governorship election.

    ” I was quoted out of context. Honestly, the PDP media team in Osun misused my jokes to attack our party, APC, in the context of their local political tussles. It was indeed quite unfortunate; they used my innocent comments to score cheap political gains,” he said.

    Read Also: Murder trial: Doguwa affirms confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary

    Apologising to the party in Osun State, he said: ” I wish to tender my sincere and unreserved apology to our APC family in Osun State. Please accept my profound and heartfelt apologies. By God’s grace, the days of the PDP are numbered in Osun State. In 2026, our party will bounce back in the state, Insha Allah.

    ” I will always remain a loyal and proud member of the APC, the largest political party in Africa. As a founding member of the APC, I’m the chief promoter of the party not only in Kano but across the country.

    ” I urge my APC compatriots in Osun to accept my apologies for what may have appeared to be underlying comments or statements against my party. I never meant to undermine or embarrass my mother’s party for any reason whatsoever. Thank you.”