National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has rejected the award of Excellence in Leadership to be conferred on him by the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Osun State chapter.
He accused Osun State Government of manipulating NES, following the abrupt postponement of the award, due to what he described as undue political interference and manipulation by the state government.
NES had in a letter dated 7th April, 2025 signed by its Chairman, Prof. Adeleke Aremo and Secretary, Adewale Sam-Aliyu, informed Basiru of the postponement of the award slated for April 11, hinging their decision on unexpected turn of events, logistic and security complexities. No new date was fixed.
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Faulting the postponement and rejecting the award, Basiru in a letter signed by his Special Adviser, Legal and Political Strategy, Othuke Amata Aso, a copy of which was sighted by The Nation, said the society had compromised the integrity of the award.
Basiru criticised the NES for what he described as an unprofessional communication regarding the “postponement” of the ceremony, calling the letter “convoluted” and “hastily prepared.”
Expressing dismay at the abrupt cancellation of the award, which was labelled a “postponement,” Basiru said the April 7 letter was lacking coherence and clarity.”
The APC national secretary alleged external interference as the primary cause for the cancellation of the award ceremony.
According to him, “sources within the ranks of the NES, Osun chapter revealed that the pressure to cancel the award ceremony came from the Osun State Government, specifically Governor Ademola Adeleke.
“The real reason for this shameful retreat is the undue pressure and shenanigans exerted by the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Adeleke, on the leadership of your society.”
The APC secretary accused the Osun State administration of lacking excellence and being politically motivated, specifically calling out what he described as “mediocrity” and “cheap politicking” on the part of the state’s leadership.
Basiru, who initially hesitated to accept the award due to his skepticism towards honorary awards, accepted it after encouragement from well-meaning colleagues and friends.
He has, however, rejected the recognition, saying the actions of NES Osun State chapter represent “a stain on its reputation” and a “disservice to the very ideals it purports to champion.”
Basiru advised NES Osun State chapter to find a way to redeem itself and rise above political influence, reinforcing that merit should not be “subverted by the whims of those in power.”