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Osun Guber Race: ‘Plus or Minus’ || By Akinyode Ishola

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AFTER the Ekiti State Governorship election which was won by the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, attention is now on September 22nd Governorship Election in the state of Osun.

Just like the Governor Ayodele Fayose’s tenure in Ekiti will be over in October, Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola will also bow out of office in November this year.

It is certain, except if the unfortunate incident happen, God forbid; Governor Fayose will definitely handover to the Governor Elect, Dr Kayode Fayemi, a replica of 2014 handing over ceremony.

https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/ekiti-election-why-did-goliath-fall-by-olamiposi-ishola/

The question is, who will succeed ‘Baba Kabiru’, who is the next occupant of Abere government secretariat?

Without iota of doubt, the race is between the ‘Dancing Senator’ of PDP, Chief Ademola Adeleke, who is the younger brother of the first civilian Governor in the state of Osun, Senator Isiaka Adeleke and Gentle Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the current Chief of Staff to Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Political Associate of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Senator Ademola, who is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hails from Ede in Osun West Senatorial District, while Alh Gboyega Oyetola, a native of Iragbiji in Osun Central Senatorial district is the standard bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 22nd governorship election in the state.

Also considering the new Abere government secretariat occupant, another factor is the former Deputy Governor in the state under the government of Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Iyiola Omisore who is the controversial governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP).

If the leadership tussle in Osun state chapter of the SDP is settled on time and Senator Omisore eventually emerged, then the race is between the trio.

The Strongholds

THE APC Governorship candidate, Alh Gboyega Oyetola is from Osun Central that comprises Osogbo, Ikirun, Ila, Iree, Iragbiji, Orooruwo , Agbaa, Ada, Eripa, Obaagun among others.

Some of these towns, especially Ikirun, Ila, Iree and Osogbo, the state capital are the strongholds of the progressive fold.

Alh Gboyega Oyetola

In Osun West senatorial district, where PDP candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke was picked, housed town like Ede, Ejigbo, Ife -Odan, Ikire, Iwo, Ode – Omu, Gbongan and some other adjoining towns and villages.

The PDP stronghold remains Ede, Ikire, Apomu,Ife- Odan, Gbongan and Ode- Omu while other towns like Ejigbo and Iwo belongs to the progressive going by the results of the bye – election in the district.

Ademola Adeleke

In Osun East Senatorial District, the home base of Senator Iyiola Omisore, the factional SDP governorship candidate, and the Incumbent governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola comprises Ife, Ilesha, Ipetumodu, Ifetedo, Ijebu-Jesa, Iperindo, Esa- Oke, Ife-wara among others.

https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/ekiti-election-why-did-goliath-fall-by-olamiposi-ishola/

Just like other candidates, Ife and its environ remains the stronghold of SDP while Ilesha, the home town of Governor Aregbesola and some parts of Ijesha land will likely vote for APC.

Other ‘influences’ considered by political analysts include the factor of Money, Power of Incumbency and Electorate who are the main determinant in the September 22nd Governorship election.

Omisore

Even in the 1993 general elections which is the most fair, freest and credible election, the three factors, especially money played prominent role.

Although the infrastructural turn around in Osogbo and ultra modern schools coupled with good road networks tagged ‘Ona Baba Ona’ in all the local government areas of the state under Aregbesola is a plus for his party’s candidate, Alhaji Oyetola.

On the contrary, irregular and half payment of salaries labelled ‘Hafusa’ is a Minus for the ruling party in the state.

Another Minus for the ruling APC is the defection of Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the Secretary to the government under Aregbe’s administration to African Democratic Party (ADP) is a big blow because Iwo which Adeoti came from is the stronghold of progress Party.

Alhaji Moshood Adeoti

Of course, the major opposition party always capitalised on the weakness of the ruling party and carefully observed some of their programmes as a way of canvassing for votes.

Less than two months to the September 22nd governorship poll, if the backlog of salaries are not paid on time, workers may decide otherwise and this may be a Plus for the opposition parties.

Also, another Plus for the APC is the defection of Senator Omisore from PDP to SDP. This is because, most of the Chieftains in the PDP moved with Omisore, thus, this is indeed; a Minus for the party that promised to wrestle power from the APC.

Unlike Oyo state, where Ibadan, the state capital with 11 local governments including less city has 51 percent of the eligible voters, Osun state with 30 local governments housed strong cities such as Osogbo, Ede, Ife, Ilesha, Ila, Ikirun, Iwo, Ikire among others with appreciable votes.

If Aregbesola’s candidate wins, then it will be the first in the history of the state for Progressive Party to hand over to another Progressive Government. But if otherwise, it will be the replica of what happened in Ekiti state.

September 22nd is knocking and left for electorate in Osun state to determine who will pilot the affairs of the state for another four years.

On the side of the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) the just concluded Ekiti governorship election is an improvement on the part of the commission, but there is need to intensify more effort, especially on the malfunctioning of card readers and collection of Permanent Voter cards ahead of the governorship poll.

No doubt, Nigerians are waiting and hoping for free, fair and credible election in Osun state and this will also serve as template for the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

By Akinyode Ishola

Mega Icon Magazine, Political Desk

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Oyo Rep, Oseni Pays APC Secretariat Staff Salaries, Donates N10m to Boost Party Operations

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File photo of Hon. Aderemi Oseni

House of Representatives member and Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has fulfilled his pledge to support the welfare of the All Progressives Congress (APC) staff in Oyo State.

In a gesture highlighting his commitment, the lawmaker personally funded the salaries of staff at the APC’s Oke Ado Secretariat in Ibadan, reinforcing his dedication to the smooth operation of the party’s activities in the state.

Representing the Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Oseni recently visited the secretariat, where he expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their contributions.

As a further commitment to the smooth operation of the party’s activities, the lawmaker generously donated ten million naira (N10,000,000) as an allowance to enhance the secretariat’s functions.

In a statement released Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker extended appreciation to the secretariat staff, whom he described as the backbone of the party’s daily functions.

He lauded their dedication, noting their essential role in advancing the party’s goals.

“Leadership is about service, and service begins with supporting those who make the party function from within,” Oseni remarked.

“I am proud to honour this commitment to our staff, as they play a crucial role in making our political structures work effectively. This is my way of showing appreciation for their unwavering dedication”, he added.

 

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Oseni Salutes Senator Folarin’s Decades of Service at 61

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Engr. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, has paid tribute to former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, on his 61st birthday, celebrating his decades of dedicated service and contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), lauded Folarin’s unwavering commitment to leadership and the well-being of the people.

Highlighting the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial nominee in the 2023 elections for three terms in the Senate, the lawmaker noted that Folarin’s legacy of service continues to be a guiding light for emerging leaders and a source of inspiration for countless individuals across the state.

“Senator Folarin has built an admirable legacy through years of selfless public service, consistently advocating for progress and unity,” remarked Oseni.

Reflecting on Folarin’s role as the Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland, the lawmaker commended his leadership approach, which has bridged divides, fostered coalitions, and promoted initiatives aimed at stabilising democracy.

“Senator Folarin’s career is an example of visionary leadership,” he added, “and his commitment to public service will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

As Senator Folarin marks this milestone, Oseni extended warm wishes for his continued health and success, expressing hope that his exemplary life of service will keep inspiring positive change across the nation.

 

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Ugandan Court Hands Ex-LRA Commander 40-Year Sentence

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In a historic ruling, a Ugandan court on Friday sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison.

This landmark decision, marking the first time a member of the notorious LRA has faced trial for war crimes in a Ugandan court, follows the group’s brutal two-decade insurgency against the Ugandan government.

Kwoyelo, who was convicted in August on 44 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, faced charges including murder, rape, torture, pillaging, abduction, and the destruction of settlements for internally displaced people.

(FILES) Thomas Kwoyelo a commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebellion blamed for brutal civilian murders during a 20-year war in the north of the country is brought into a courthouse in the northern Ugandan town of Gulu on July 25, 2011. – A Ugandan court on October 25, 2024 sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison after a landmark war crimes trial over his role in the group’s two-decade reign of terror. The sentence against Kwoyelo, who was convicted on 44 counts of crimes against humanity in August, was announced by Michael Elubu, the lead judge in the case at the court in the northern city of Gulu. (Photo by MICHELE SIBOLINI / AFP)

Michael Elubu, lead judge of the case at the International Crimes Division (ICD) of Uganda’s High Court, delivered the sentence in the northern city of Gulu, underscoring a rare moment of accountability in the decades-long history of the LRA’s violence.

Judge Elubu stated that Kwoyelo retains the right to appeal both his conviction and sentence within 14 days.

Kwoyelo, who was abducted by the LRA at the age of 12 and later rose to a low-level command position within the organization, denied all charges brought against him.

(FILES) Suspected LRA (Lords Resistance Army) member Thomas Kwoyelo is pictured during a pre-trial session at the High Court in Kampala on Februay 1, 2017. – A Ugandan court on October 25, 2024 sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison after a landmark war crimes trial over his role in the group’s two-decade reign of terror. The sentence against Kwoyelo, who was convicted on 44 counts of crimes against humanity in August, was announced by Michael Elubu, the lead judge in the case at the court in the northern city of Gulu. (Photo by GAEL GRILHOT / AFP)

The Lord’s Resistance Army, founded by Joseph Kony in the 1980s, sought to establish a regime based on the Ten Commandments. Under Kony’s leadership, the group unleashed widespread terror across Uganda and neighboring regions, resulting in over 100,000 deaths and the abduction of 60,000 children.

The violence eventually spread to Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic.

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