OSUN PDP CHIEFTAIN, AKINLEYE CELEBRATES VETERAN JOURNALIST, OLUMIDE LAWAL AT A70

…. DESCRIBES HIM AS A REAL PROFESSION MEDIA GURU

By Sunday Oguntuyi Osogbo

A chieftain of People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Osun state, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye has joined other well wishers in celebrating a veteran journalist and prolific writer, Alhaji Olumide Lawal as he clock 70 years on earth.

Alhaji Akinleye in a congratulatory message issued and made available with newsmen in Osogbo on Tuesday described Olumide Lawal as a real professional media guru who has used his God’s endowed wisdom to develop the society through writings .

He said, the Ede born journalist has impacted positively to the societies through his series of write up.

According to him, “it’s not out of place if one qualified Alhaji Olumide Lawal as an angel in human flesh considering his contributions to the development of human race”

“Olumide Lawal today savours the quietude of his country home in Ede as a journalist supposedly retired but he still beams with vigour”

“His philosophy consistently manifests continuity of good legacy. A descendant of the great Lawal Family of Ailaka Compound Ede. He happened to be one of the leading science students in his class at the Seventh Day Adventist Grammar School Ede, clearly the most expensive in the entire Osun Division of that era”

“Alhaji Lawal has diligently paid his dues in rendering journalism and humanitarian services. It may well be said that beneficiaries of his good heart may deem this special 70th birthday anniversary to reciprocate and even replicate such”

” On this occasion of your 70th birthday, I on behalf of my family gladly rejoiced with you and your families, I prayed God to continue showering you with more wisdom to live your life in blessing the humanity, HAPPY BIRTHDAY EGBON”

OSUN COLLEGE DISAGREES WITH AUDITOR-GENERAL OVER AUDIT REPORT

– SAYS REPORT BIASED, UNETHICAL

The management of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun has faulted the audit report recently released by the state Auditor General, Mr Folorunso Adesina on the finances of the institution, describing the report as biased, unethical and unprofessional.

The institution noted that the audit report fell short of best international standard and should therefore be discountenanced as it was based on mere vendetta and attempt to blackmail some principal officers of the institution.

In a comprehensive report addressed to the state Commissioner for Education, Mr Oladoyin Folorunso dated 5th January, 2022, copy of which was sighted by Nigerian Platform, the college alleged the state Auditor-General of attempt to blackmail the institution through frivolous means.

The document signed by the Provost of the institution, Prof. Jimoh Afolabi queried the basis for the Auditor General’s report which he said was dubious and disruptive aimed at pulling down a particular senior officer of the college because of his stance against corruption and illegalities perpetrated by some staff of the college in the past.

Specifically, the institution alleged that the Auditor General collaborated with the former Director of Works of the institution, Engr Olatokunbo Ogungbemi who was alleged of dubious and fraudulent acts in the discharge of his duties, especially award of contracts facilitated by the Education Trust Funds (ETF).

It was gathered that the salary of Engr. Ogungbemi was being deducted by the authorities of the institution, having been found guilty of alleged misappropriation of funds, but the State Auditor-General made attempts to intervene on the matter without headway.

It was learnt that the office of the Auditor General had initially faulted the way and manner Ogungbemi handled the institution projects, especially execution of projects, but later made attempts to give him soft landing, a situation that did not go down well with some principal officers of the college, who insisted that Ogungbemi’s salary should be deducted.

The institution queried the Auditor General’s decision to review projects executed by Engr Ogungbemi, just as it asked the Auditor General his interest in projects executed by Ogungbemi.

Also, the institution alleged the Auditor General of making attempt to influence the payment of salary meant for a substantive Registrar to the Acting Registrar of the college as he allegedly invited a particular Officer of the college to his office and directed him to pay the Acting Registrar, Mr Segun Ajiboye a higher salary but the management of the institution declined after tabling the issue before the state Ministry of Education, which is the supervisory Ministry for the institution.

The institution berated the activities of the state Auditor General and challenged his decision to fix the salary of principal officers of the college, asking where he derived the powers to fix the salary of principal officers of the college.

It was learnt that the recent audit report released by the office of the Auditor General was aimed at indicting the college for the failure to dance to his (Auditor General) tune, having realized that the Acting Registrar and the Auditor General have close relationship.

The college management lamented that “the Auditor General has become so untouchable in the state to the level that he has become a satanic tax collector, demanding for bribes, writing conflicting and implicating reports without any check. Many staff of the college have different types of promotion letters as a result of conflicting orders from the Auditor General’s Office.”

The institution declared that it has a clean bill and its financial records are up to date, adding that the college audit report till last year had been duly prepared in accordance with extant laws.

OSUN COLLEGE CALLS FOR PROBE OF AUDITOR-GENERAL OVER ALLEGED BIAS IN AUDIT REPORT

The management of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun has faulted the audit report recently released by the state Auditor General, Mr Folorunso Adesina on the finances of the institution, describing the report as biased, unethical and unprofessional.

To this end, the institution has called on the state government and the state House of Assembly to institute a panel of enquiry to probe the activities of the state Auditor General.

The institution noted that the audit report fell short of best international standard and should therefore be disregarded as it was based on mere vendetta and attempt to blackmail some principal officers of the institution.

In a comprehensive report addressed to the state Commissioner for Education, Mr Oladoyin Folorunso dated 5th January, 2022, copy of which was sighted by Nigerian Platform, the college alleged the state Auditor General of attempt to blackmail the institution through frivolous means.

The document signed by the Provost of the institution, Prof. Jimoh Afolabi queried the basis for the Auditor General’s report which he said was dubious and disruptive aimed at pulling down a particular senior officer of the college because of his stance against corruption and illegalities allegedly perpetrated by some staff of the college in the past.

Specifically, the institution alleged that the Auditor General collaborated with the former Director of Works of the institution, Engr Olatokunbo Ogungbemi who was alleged of dubious and fraudulent acts in the discharge of his duties, especially award of contracts facilitated by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

It was gathered that the salary of Engr Ogungbemi was being deducted by the authorities of the institution, having been found guilty of alleged misappropriation of funds, but the State Auditor General made attempts to intervene on the matter without headway.

It was learnt that the office of the Auditor General had initially faulted the way and manner Ogungbemi handled the institution’s projects, especially execution of projects, but later made attempts to give him soft landing, a situation that did not go down well with some principal officers of the college, who insisted that the deduction of Ogungbemi’s salary should continue.

The institution queried the Auditor General’s decision to review projects executed by Engr Ogungbemi after he had earlier been found wanting by his office, just as it asked the Auditor General his interest in projects executed by Ogungbemi.

Also, the institution alleged the Auditor General of making attempt to influence the payment of salary meant for a substantive Registrar to be paid to the Acting Registrar of the college, Mr Segun Ajiboye as he allegedly invited the Bursar of the college, Dr Olanrewaju Oyedeji to his office and directed him to pay the Acting Registrar a higher salary but the management of the institution declined after tabling the issue before the state Ministry of Education, which is the supervisory Ministry for the institution.

This, the institution alleged was as a result of alleged financial inducement by the acting Registrar to the Auditor General.

The institution berated the activities of the state Auditor General and challenged his decision to fix the salary of principal officers of the college, asking where he derived the powers to fix the salary of principal officers of the college.

It was learnt that the recent audit report released by the office of the Auditor General was aimed at indicting the college for the failure to dance to his (Auditor General) tune, having realized that the Acting Registrar and the Auditor General have close relationship.

The college management lamented that “the Auditor General has become so untouchable in the state to the level that he has become a satanic tax collector, demanding for bribes, writing conflicting and implicating reports without any check. Many staff of the college have different types of promotion letters as a result of conflicting orders from the Auditor General’s Office.”

The institution declared that it has a clean bill and its financial records are up to date having been cleared and given clean bill by an external auditor made up of chartered accountants duly nominated in accordance with extant laws and global general practice of auditing, adding that the college audit report till last year had been duly prepared in accordance with extant laws.

The institution expressed worry on why the Auditor General was involved in the internal posting of its staff, just as it bemoaned the interest of the Auditor General in the assets of the college, especially vehicles as he had allegedly complained about vehicles found on the campus of the institution.

The institution specifically alleged the Auditor General of persecuting the Bursar of the institution, Dr Olanrewaju Oyedeji due to his zero tolerance for corruption, stressing that the Bursar has cleaned all financial recklessness in the institution since his assumption of office in August 2016 and some officers who are not comfortable with his anti corruption stand are waging war against him.

I REMAIN NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF ACTION ALLIANCE – OMOAJE

National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje has declared that he remains the authentic national chairman of the party and warned some disgruntled elements bent at causing crisis in the party to steer clear or face the wrath of the law.

Reacting to his purported suspension by some elements who claimed to be members of the party at a stage managed charade called party’s convention in Abuja on Thursday, Omoaje said the group that held the “kangaroo convention” was not known to the party and participants at the event were not members of the AA, hence their decisions were null and void.

He said the party had last week held its recognized national convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and it was attended by delegates from the 36 states of the country including the Federal Capital Territory, adding that critical issues affecting the party were discussed at the meeting.

At the national convention held in Ibadan, Omoaje said the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees and other members of the National Think Thank Committee of the party were in attendance, declaring that the convention held in Ibadan was the only one recognized by the party.

He stated that members of the National Working Committee and chieftains of the party across the six geo-political zones of the country were in attendance at the convention held in Ibadan with security operatives and the media well represented.

Omoaje who expressed concern on the desperate move of some disgruntled elements to highjack the party at all means, queried the convocation of the purported convention held in Abuja as it was not called by him, being the national chairman of the party who is the only one empowered by the constitution of the party to call the party’s convention.

He said the attempt to cause confusion within the party through the illegal convention was a deliberate move by some expelled members of the party whose trade in stock were lies, deceit and corruption.

His words “The question people should ask is that who presided over the Abuja illegal convention? A former member of the party who is on expulsion, in person of Kenneth Udeze was behind the whole charade. The question to ask therefore is that is Udeze a member of the party?

“It is also pertinent to ask who the sponsors of their illegal gathering were? No single statutory member of the Action Alliance across the 36 states of the country attended the illegal meeting. Those who conveyed the meeting and those who attended were not members of our party and they have no right to take decision on behalf of our party.

“However, for clarification and for avoidance of doubt, I must say that I have no issue of financial impropriety hanging on my neck. I have never been accused of any financial misappropriation before or since I emerged the National Chairman of the Action Alliance. I am a very disciplined person and I am contented with what God has done for me, unlike the characters who conveyed the meeting that are known for financial impropriety.

“Many of the expelled members who converged on Abuja for the charade called convention are either in one financial mess or the other. They are all expelled for anti party activities and other issues bothering on financial recklessness and mismanagement of funds. For me, I have a clean record when it comes to the finances of the party and our finance team including the National Treasurer, National Financial Secretary and National Auditor can confirm this and also show proofs from the party’s financial records,” he added.

He alleged that the party’s National Secretary who reportedly attended the charade did so because of financial inducement as he has records of financial recklessness and abuse of office, having been caught in the web of financial indiscipline before.

However, Omoaje urged members of the public, especially members of the AA to discountenance his purported suspension as the group that purportedly suspended him is not known to the party, thus lacks the power to do so.

He assured of his readiness to continue to work for the unity, progress and development of the party, just as he promised to work with other stakeholders within the party for its victory in the 2023 general elections.

NEW YEAR PRAYER :

CHAIRMAN LGSC ADMONISHES WORKERS ON HARD WORK

The chairman, Osun state Local Government Service Commission, Elder George Adedeji has admonished local Government workers in the state to be more hard working in the new year.

Elder Adedeji made the statement while addressing the cross section of Council Managers and forum executives in a special prayer to usher in new year organised by the management of the commission.

He therefore charged leadership of councils to show love among staffers but chastise when necessary.

Elder Adedeji encouraged workers to engage in farming in order to boost the state economy.

In order to show love to the administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Elder Adedeji solicited for workers support on re- emergence of Governor Gboyega Oyetola during the forthcoming gubernatorial election in July this year.

According to him,’this government is on the right path of development which will be built on solid and immovable foundation during the second term in office.

Elder Adedeji assured Council Managers and forum heads of periodic call to get feedback from them from time to time on programmes and policies of the present administration.

Comrade Wale Adedapo,the chairman,forum of council managers while giving vote of thanks assured the state Governor of workers unalloyed support towards his second term ambition.

The event which took place at the Local Government service Commission Multipurpose Hall was attended by the chairman, Local government Service commission ,Elder Tunde Adedeji ,Coordinating Director of the commission Barrister Lekan Babalola,and other commission directors

Others include Mrs Folake Adebayo ,Coordinating Director,Local Government Loans Board;Comrade Jacob Adekomi,State NLC Chairman;;NULGE President Comrade (Dr) Nathaniel Ogungbangbe,while invited Clerics include Prophetess Esther Ayodele Akinloye and Ustaz Musbahudeen Orimadegun among others.

ILODE WARD 1 IN IFE EAST LOCAL GOVT PDP REFUTES PURPORTED SUSPENSION OF PROF. WALE OLADIPO, SAYS IT’S BASELESS, UNFOUNDED AND WORK OF DISGRUNTLED LOAFERS.

By Sunday Oguntuyi Osogbo

The executive members of Ilode ward 1, in Ife East Local Government of People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Osun state has refuted the purported suspension of the erstwhile national secretary of the party, Prof. Wale Oladipo by some unscrupulous elements who are not known to the executive members of the party in the ward as baseless, Unfounded and far from the truth.

This was contained in a release issued and signed by the current PDP Chairman of the ward, Prince Omotosho Lawrence and authenticated by all members of the Ward Exco after their weekly meeting. Copies of their communique were made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Friday.

According to the release, the purported suspension was a charade by disgruntled loafers who lost out at the recently conducted Ward Congress where their political coffin was finally nailed after years of crass incompetence and open anti Party activities. That the reverred Leader had finally succumbed to the clamour for change of guard at the Ward level is a bitter pill for these agents of doom to take is the sole reason for this spuriuos, baseless and patently illegal misrepresentation of the position of the Ward.

“The executive members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in ward 02 (llode 1), in Ife East LGA of Osun State, has just been notified of purported suspension of Professor Wale Ladipo from the ward on spurious, baseless and unfounded allegation by a group of persons being led by one “Adelebare Adewuyi”

“We are through this public notice notifying members of the general public to discountenance such falsehood”

“The newly elected and National Convention recognised members of Executives in Ilode Ward 1 under the Chairmanship of Prince Lawrence Omotosho are solidly behind our leader Professor Wale Oladipo”

“We are admonishing these agents of destruction to desist from action capable of breaching the peace in Ife East Local government and the entire Ifeland. They should be mindful of the criminal content of their act of impersonation”

“As a matter of fact, we have adequately informed security agencies of this nefarious and untoward behaviour of these people who are presently on the wrong side of PDP. They are warned in their own interest to desist from such act henceforth, otherwise they will face the wrath of Law”

It would be recall that, a self styled executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in ward 002, Ilode 1, Ile-Ife, has allegedly suspended former National Secretary of the party, Prof Wale Oladipo over what they described as anti-party activities.

But the executive members of the party in Ilode ward 1 promptly met to serve a final warning to all impersonators masquerading as Party exco in order to truncate the chances of the Party in 2022.

IBA COMMUNITY REHABILITATES INISHA-IBA-IREE ROAD

After many years of neglect by the state government, the people of Iba have through communal efforts rehabilitated the Inisha-Iba road.

The effort which was coordinated and solely financed by some indigenes of the town is to make life meaningful for the residents of the town and also aid economic activities of the ancient town and its suburb.

The rehabilitation work which has given a facelift to the road, it was gathered was without any intervention of either the state or local government.

The people of the town said they resolved to rehabilitate the road when transportation became highly unbearable for them and economic activities became cumbersome.

A community leader in the town informed that “the common peasant farmers of Iba Eburu origin in their efforts contributed from there meagre resources to repair state government road.”

It would be recalled that Iba people had made several passionate calls and submissions to draw the attention of the state government, as well as the state Ministry of Works and Transport to the deplorable state of the road, which links three local government areas in the state, Odo -Otin – Ifelodun and Boripe.

The community leader said it was appalling that the state government turned deaf ears to the plea and appeal of Iba people for a long time.

He said “It is good to note that the people of Iba are part of Osun State and unfortunately, the state government failed in its bid to come to their rescue.

“The people of Iba-Eburu contribute to the progress and development of the state in a way that is not different from other towns. We are farmers; the produce from our farms contribute to the economic stability of the state. We participate, actively, in electoral process that brings leadership of the state to government house. So, what exactly is our offence that the government has neglected us in such a very despicable manner.

“Recently, the people of Iba-Eburu resulted to “Self-Help” putting the state government road in order. In this yuletide season, as always, we expect the influx of people because of the activities of events in the town. I wonder if the state government officers passing through the road realize that the road was totally a mess and an eyesore to the dignity of the state. Now, is it not shameful that the poor peasant farmers of Iba had to contribute from their meagre income to repair state government road?

“Further, the handwriting on the wall indicates a signal that could be interpreted as “they don’t need us.” This kind of attitude can have a very unpleasant repercussion in the nearest future. What is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander. Let it not be said anywhere that the leadership of our state is discriminatory in any form whatsoever.

“We are a progressive people. We will do whatever we can to survive. But, the government should know we are also part of the state agenda and the apparatus that put the current government in place. No little contribution is negligible.

“Finally, we urge the government to take up its responsibilities and stop the suffering of its subjects,” he added.

OSUN 2022: OSUN HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER, HON. AMOBI HOLDS MEETING WITH LOCAL, WARD EXCOS

….. DECLARES SUPPORT FOR OYETOLA’S SECOND TERM

…… Inaugurates Campaign Group for Oyetola’s second term

By Sunday Oguntuyi Osogbo

As part of the efforts to strengthen the reelection bid of Governor Gboyega Oyetola,
a member of House of Representatives representing Ayedire/ Iwo/ Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency, in Osun state, Hon. Yinusa Amo, has inaugurated a campaign team that would canvass votes and mobilise the electorate for the governor in the coming 2022 gubernatorial election.

The name of the group according our correspondent who monitored the event is “Ayiwola For Oyetola Second Term”

The inauguration of the group was witnessed by the local and ward Chairmen, youth leaders and woman leaders of the party in the federal Constituency.

The campaign group was inaugurated during a meeting recently held with the new ward and local party excos from the three local governments that made the federal constituency.

During the Inauguration meeting, the lawmaker and his loyalists declared full support for the second term bid of governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

Hon. Amobi while addressing the party leaders urged them to strengthen their efforts and tighten their belt for the movement of Ayiwola for Oyetola.

He said ” the need to double our efforts is important as a matter of urgency and to also dissociate ourselves from some set of people who are planning coup to factionalize our dear party”.

Speaking at the event, the APC party chairman in Iwo local government, Engr. Lasun Olaniyi stressed that, all chairmen should go back to their various wards to harmonize the party members for the second term of governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

Hon. Amobi used the medium to introduced Alh. Musa Bilau from Ileogbo, Ayedire local government as the Coordinator for AYIWOLA FOR OYETOLA SECOND TERM.

Bilau who urged the party leaders and loyalist in the federal constituency to cooperate and work amoniuosly for the second term bid of the working governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.

“We should all Cooperate and resolve all our differences so as to achieve this cause and claim the glory in unison.

Encomium as Former Osun NUP Scribe, Adesoji goes home

By Sunday Oguntuyi Osogbo

Series of tribute flows in as the remain of the erstwhile secretary of Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, Osun state chapter, , Eleder Gabriel Adedire Adesoji laid to rest in Osogbo over the weekend.

The program that began with lying in state at the premises of state Secretariat of the union in Osogbo on Friday had in attendance the who is who in the Pensioners union across the country.

Speaking at the event, the state secretary of the union, comrade Dele Aina said, the event was organised to honor the departed hero who have served the union meritoriously for 23 years.

According to him, it’s incumbent on the union to honor a departed soul like Pa, Elder Adesoji who was the second administrative secretary of the union in the state for his service to sustained the future of the union not in Osun state but the Southwest zone and Nigeria at large.

Given his tribute, the state chairman of the union, Alhaji Ganiyu Salawu, the work done by late Elder Adesoji can not be forgotten in a jiffy.

He said, the departed soul was able to organized and monitored a rotational system of electoral process in the state chapter of the union, adding that, he equally played a prominent role in building a befitting state Secretariat for the pensioners in the state.

Salawu said, late Elder Gabriel Adedire Adesoji was instrumental to the efficient of the centralised payment of check-off dues and collection of rebates of the pensioners in the state.

The NUP chairman noted that, the vacuum created by the demise of Pa. Adesoji would be difficult to fill as his legacies would be forever be remembered for his indelible landmark.

Also speaking on behalf of Southwest zone of the pensioners, Elder Kumapayi noted that, the impact of late Adesoji would be greatly felt at the Southwestern zone as he was one of the founding fathers of the union in the zone.

Others that have tributes includes, the Nigerian Labour Congress,NLC Osun state chapter represented by Comrade, B.A Oyebade, Olorunda Pay point of NUP, represented by Mrs Grace Dare and Women’s wing of the state NUP who was represented by Evangelist D. Adebisi.

They all attested to the good deed of the departed formal NUP secretary in the state.

The burial program was rounded up with thanksgiving service at C.A.C prayer Embassy District headquarters, Ayekale Osogbo and entertainment of guest at Osogbo city stadium, osogbo.

OSUN 2022: DELE ADELEKE’S POLITICAL RECORD

By Sunday Oguntuyi Osogbo

I have just come across an article questioning the experience or political credentials of one of the Gubernatorial aspirants of Osun state. Specifically, Mr Dele Adeleke. Even more baffling is the opinion that he lacks political roots. I must say it is laughable and hypocritical.

While it is good to have held political office in the past, it is definitely not a condition nor an indication of the ability of the aspirant to organize and deliver. There are so many successful elected officers who never held elective office before becoming elected, Senator, Governor or President.

As understandable as it is during political campaigns, for narratives to emanate from various quarters to discredit dreaded, dominating or rising opponents, it is worthwhile to note that statements created should be as close to the truth as possible and with candour. It would not only reflect the author as noble but also well versed in the chosen field of discussion.

Be that as it may, I have in the light of this, therefore found it needful to quickly nip things in the bud by providing the antecedents of the man in question so that the records can be straightened as fast as possible.

Mr Dele Adeleke before joining the gubernatorial race on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, he played the following roles with the stated capacities listed below:

* Director-General, Adewale Aribisala for Reps campaign organization.. 2007.

* Special Adviser (Probono Services) on MDG to Hon Wale Aribisala (MHR) 2008 to 2010.

* Lead Technical Team …Nigerian contingent to Agritech in TelAviv, Israel 2009.

* Head of Elections Operations/Situation Room Manager… Osun West Senatorial By-Election 2017

*Head of Elections Operations/Situation Room Manager… Osun Governorship Election 2018

* Panelist .. EU/ECOWAS Panel on Electoral reforms 2019.

*Head of Elections Operations/Situation Room Manager… OYO state Governorship Election 2019.

*Head of Elections Operations/Situation Room Manager… Ondo State Governorship Election.

*Head of Elections Operations/Situation Room Manager… Kogi State Governorship Election.

*Situation Room Manager; Anambra state Governorship Election.

*Member 2021 National Convention planning central working committee.

From a personal perspective, I dare say, it is foolhardy to trivialize and diminish a resource and asset such as Dele Adeleke, who has recorded this lineup of milestones within and outside our dear Osun state. If we must criticize or discredit, let it be done with some semblance of honour to the target.

Osun deserves better, Dele Adeleke is the answer.