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Osun: We’ll Collect Money, Vote Our Choices – Residents

Published

4 years ago

July 16, 2022

Gboyega Oyetola, Ademola Adeleke and Lasun Yusuf

As the people of Osun elect a new governor for the next four years, there is a heavy deployment of security operatives in major towns of the state. Not less than 1,955,657 registered voters are expected to exercise their franchise across the 3,763 polling units. Meanwhile, residents have vowed to collect greedy politicians’ money and still vote for their candidates.

Soldiers, policemen and members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen in strategic locations around the state capital and border towns.

The election, which will be contested by 15 political parties, is expected to be a straight duel between the incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Other candidates in the race are the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf of the Labour Party, Goke Omigbodun of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Akin Ogunbiyi of Accord Party.

Meanwhile, residents who spoke with Daily Trust Saturday said their choice would not be influenced by money and other forms of inducement.

A test of performance and popularity

More voters are expected to participate in the election than the 2018 poll when 767,444 electorates out of the 1,668,524 registered voters exercised their franchise. The election recorded 45.99 per cent turnout.

In 2018, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyetola as winner, having polled 255,505 votes against Adeleke, who had 255,023 votes at the end of a supplementary election, which held in seven polling units across four local governments amidst allegations of harassment and other forms malpractice.

The INEC had scheduled the rerun after declaring the main election inconclusive, won by Adeleke with 353 votes after polling 254,698 against Oyetola’s 254,345. It stated that the margin of votes between Adeleke and Oyetola was less than the number of cancelled votes in seven polling units.

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Today’s poll will offer an opportunity for Oyetola to banish any doubt about his victory four years ago or reinforce Adeleke’s claim that his mandate was stolen in 2018.

The two leading candidates have crisscrossed the 30 local government areas in the state, wooing the electorate with their plans if given the opportunity to lead the state of the Living Spring.

Oyetola, who had over 30 years of cognate experience in the private sector before venturing into politics as chief of staff to his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola, is campaigning on the strength of his performance in the last three-and-a-half years, stressing that his re-election would help to consolidate his achievements.

The Iragbiji-born politician, who said he had not disappointed the people in delivering dividends of democracy, assured that he would do better if re-elected on Saturday.

“My decision to seek re-election is based on genuine intention to serve the good people of Osun, consolidate on the good works we have been doing, further entrench good governance and deliver more dividends of democracy to our people,” Oyetola said when he announced his re-election bid.

The state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, in an interview with Daily Trust Saturday, said the people of the state would reciprocate Oyetola’s performance at the poll by massively voting for him in order to consolidate the achievements of the administration. She predicted that Oyetola would win the poll by a wide margin.

Faulting the oppositions’ claim that the governor had few achievements to mention during the recent governorship debates in the state, she said a debate was guided by rules.

“Even if the governor had been given two hours without interruption from other candidates at the debate, it would still not be enough for him to itemise all his achievements because a debate is still a debate, and there are rules guiding a debate. He answered the questions that were asked of him. There was no time for him to go further on his achievements, that is why he has copies of his achievements for reference,” she said.

However, the popularity of Adeleke seems to be on the rise on a daily basis as evidenced by the crowd at all his political events in the state.

The former senator belongs to the Adeleke political dynasty; leveraging on the political structure and goodwill of his brother and former governor of the state, the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, and the financial muscle of his billionaire brother, Dr Deji Adeleke, father of popular singer, David Adeleke (Davido).

The family is arguably one of the known families in Osun, especially in Ede, owing to their investment and philanthropic acts.

Adeleke, who recently claimed that Oyetola stole his mandate in 2018, boasted of his family’s investment in the state, while promising to attract international investors if voted in today.

“We (candidates) must ask ourselves what we have done in our state. I will make sure I reduce corruption so that people coming to invest would be rest assured that their money would not end up in others’ pockets,” he said during a recent debate.

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A member of the party, Bankole Omisore, said Adeleke was popular because of his investment in human capital, as well as his programmes, which resonate with the people.

“People want proper representation. The good people of Osun want Adeleke, they want PDP, and the people will defend their votes under the provisions of the law,” he said.

The Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Pro Abdulganiy Raji, said that out of the 1,955,657 registered voters, over 1,463,047 permanent voters’ cards had been collected in readiness for today’s poll, representing 70 per cent.

Raji also said the commission had deployed all the resources needed for the success of the exercise.

Today’s exercise, which will be the last off-season election, is seen as a litmus test for the two major political parties in the country ahead of the 2023 general elections.

However, some political watchers have predicted violence and vote buying by the major political parties, in an attempt to influence the electorate following an alleged influx of thugs into the state.

Our correspondent yesterday observed security operatives patrolling major roads like Old Garage, Olaiya, Ogo Oluwa, Aiyetoro and Okefia, among others, in Osogbo, the state capital

Helicopters also hovered in the sky as several armoured personnel carrier vehicles were deployed in the streets in a show of force to deter political thugs.

The police which deployed 21,000 personnel for the exercise, warned trouble makers to stay away from voting areas.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC said it had deployed over 11,000 personnel for the election, while assuring residents and electoral officers of adequate protection.

The deputy commandant-general of the corps, Dauda Mungadi, said their officers and men on election duties in the state had undergone a series of training and would act professionally.

It was gathered that a prominent leader of the National Union of Road Workers (NURTW) in the state was picked up by soldiers.

Residents said the heavy deployment of security agents was in response to the tense atmosphere in the state in the buildup to the poll.

They, however, vowed that such situation would not deter them from coming out to cast their votes.

‘We’ll collect money, vote our choices’

A resident, Kunle Ogundele said, “People will troop out for the election despite the security issue. We can see the police patrolling our roads and the sky to assure residents of maximum protection.

“People are ready to cast their votes despite the issue of vote buying. We will collect money from the opponents and still vote for our candidates of choice.”

Another resident, Demola Ahmed said, “As it is now, everything is settled and people are expected to come out en masse, especially with the heavy presence and constant patrol of the town by security agents.

“On the issue of vote buying or money politics, Osun will vote for who they really want and collect money from wherever they get it from. But the election is going to be decided more on party and personality. We are tired of suffering and want to vote for who we love and believe can meet our expectations.”

A trader in Osogbo, Folashade Bello, said the people already knew who they would vote for despite any inducement from politicians.

Mrs Grace Oguntuyi also said, “Security or no security, we will come out and vote for the right candidate. We need peace and progress in this state.”

Court bars Amotekun from poll

The Federal High Court in Osogbo has restrained the INEC from deploying operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Operation Amotekun, in today’s governorship election duties.

Counsel to the PDP, Hashim Abioye, sought an order of interlocutory injunction from the court to prevent Amotekun corps from partaking in the process.

Issuing the order, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola stated, “The defendant is hereby restrained from requesting the deployment of the 2nd defendant (Amotekun) as part of the security personnel deployable for the purpose of Osun 2022 governorship election pending the determination of the originating summons filed in this suit.

Nigerians watching us, Yakubu tells INEC staff

The chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has urged workers involved in today’s governorship election in Osun State to stick to the oath of neutrality they swore to and ensure the success of the exercise.

Making the call yesterday in Abuja, Yakubu stated, “The people of Osun State and Nigerians will hold us to our promise. They will observe our attitude and behaviour from the opening to the closing of the poll.

“They will particularly observe our management of the election results and measure the extent of our adherence to the extant laws through every stage of the electoral process.”

He also urged INEC staff to display a sense of commitment and professionalism, remain above board and firmly resist any unethical behaviour.

Related Topics:Adeleke Featured INEC Lasun money Osun Oyetola Residents vote

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Bauchi Woman Arrested After Co-Wife Dies in Alleged Pestle Attack

Published

1 hour ago

September 29, 2026

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Bauchi Woman Arrested After Co-Wife Dies in Alleged Pestle Attack

A 33-year-old woman, Hauwa’u Haruna, has been arrested by the police in Bauchi State after her co-wife, identified as 43-year-old Jamila Adamu, died following an alleged attack with a pestle.

The incident occurred at about 4:05pm on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Tafawa Balewa Housing Estate in Bauchi metropolis, where the two women reportedly lived in the same household with their husband.

According to the Bauchi State Police Command, Haruna allegedly picked up a pestle during a confrontation and struck Adamu on the forehead.

The victim reportedly lost consciousness after the alleged assault.

Police said officers from C-Division, Bauchi, were alerted to the incident and responded to the residence. Adamu was subsequently taken to Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, where a medical doctor reportedly confirmed her death.

Her remains were deposited at the hospital mortuary pending an autopsy, while the police commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The police said the alleged pestle used in the attack was recovered and retained as an exhibit. Haruna was also arrested and taken into custody for questioning.

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The police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, said preliminary findings indicated that the suspect was allegedly acting under what the command described as hallucinations when the incident occurred.

However, the police description does not by itself establish a medical diagnosis or explain the cause of the alleged behaviour. Further investigation, including the circumstances surrounding the incident and any relevant medical assessment, would be required to establish the facts.

The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and prosecution.

The commissioner also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged members of the public to seek timely medical and psychosocial assistance for people experiencing serious behavioural or psychological difficulties.

Police have not disclosed a specific motive for the alleged attack or provided details of what triggered the confrontation between the two women.

The incident has consequently remained under investigation as authorities work to establish the circumstances that preceded the alleged assault and the events that led to Adamu’s death.

The case is expected to be subjected to further investigation before any criminal liability is determined through the appropriate legal process.

Bauchi Woman Arrested After Co-Wife Dies in Alleged Pestle Attack

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Lagos Driver Arrested After Police Sergeant Dies During Stop-and-Search

Published

1 hour ago

September 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos Driver Arrested After Police Sergeant Dies During Stop-and-Search

A 21-year-old Lagos driver has been arrested after a police sergeant was fatally injured during a stop-and-search operation in the Egbeda area of Lagos State.

The deceased officer, identified as Sergeant Johnson Okediji, was reportedly knocked down and dragged beneath a Lexus ES 350 during the incident, which occurred at about 2:20pm on Saturday, September 26, 2026, along Olugbede Street, Egbeda.

The driver, identified by the police as Olumide Olusola, was arrested after officers pursued him following the incident. The Lexus, with registration number FKJ 223 KX, was also recovered and taken into police custody.

According to the Lagos State Police Command, officers were conducting a stop-and-search operation when they flagged down the vehicle.

The command said the driver initially stopped but allegedly accelerated as Sergeant Okediji approached the driver’s side of the vehicle.

The officer was reportedly knocked down and dragged underneath the moving vehicle for several metres despite efforts by other police officers and passers-by to stop the driver.

Okediji sustained multiple fractures and serious head injuries in the incident.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital before being referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His remains were subsequently deposited at the Mainland Hospital Mortuary, while an autopsy was ordered to assist with determining the circumstances surrounding his death.

The police later arrested Olusola and recovered the vehicle involved in the incident.

However, the suspect has disputed the police account of what happened.

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While being paraded by the command, Olusola reportedly denied deliberately hitting the officer, claiming instead that the vehicle suffered a brake failure as he approached the police officers.

He said he had taken the vehicle to a mechanic the previous day to replace its brake pads and was informed that the work had been completed.

According to his account, he later noticed that the brake was still slipping after he bought fuel on the day of the incident. He said he intended to return the vehicle to the mechanic when the incident occurred.

The competing accounts have not been resolved, and the police investigation is expected to establish how the collision occurred and whether the driver’s actions amounted to a deliberate attempt to evade the officers.

The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by police officers during stop-and-search operations, as well as the need for motorists to comply with lawful police checks.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani said the command would continue to enforce the law while ensuring that officers performing their duties operate within established rules.

The incident was disclosed during the command’s September operational briefing, where the commissioner also gave an account of other arrests and recoveries recorded during the month.

The police said 32 suspects were arrested during the period, while officers recovered 43 vehicles, five pump-action firearms, five locally made pistols, 20 live rounds or cartridges, 15 expended ammunition and about ₦2.5 million in cash, among other exhibits.

The command said investigations into the death of Sergeant Okediji were continuing.

The case is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death, including the suspect’s claim of brake failure and the police allegation that he accelerated after initially stopping for the search.

Lagos Driver Arrested After Police Sergeant Dies During Stop-and-Search

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Rivers Approves State Police Bill as Kano Assembly Starts Consideration

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1 hour ago

September 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Rivers Approves State Police Bill as Kano Assembly Starts Consideration

The Rivers State House of Assembly has unanimously endorsed the constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police Services in Nigeria, while the Kano State House of Assembly has begun considering the proposal as the nationwide legislative process gathers pace.

All 25 members of the Rivers Assembly voted in favour of the State Police Bill during plenary on Monday, September 28, following consideration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026.

The bill was transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly by the National Assembly on September 16 for consideration and concurrence.

Rivers Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule said the lawmakers had consulted their constituents before taking a position on the proposed constitutional amendment.

He said the proposal would create a constitutional pathway for states to establish their own police services while allowing the National Assembly to prescribe minimum standards for policing nationwide.

The Rivers Assembly’s resolution is expected to be formally communicated to the National Assembly as part of the constitutional amendment process.

Meanwhile, the Kano State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of the bill after lawmakers resumed plenary on September 28.

The Kano Assembly had earlier indicated that it would examine the proposal when it reconvened, with lawmakers expected to scrutinise its provisions before taking a formal position.

The Kano development is part of a wider process involving the 36 state legislatures. The National Assembly has clarified that the State Police Services Bill is the only constitutional alteration proposal so far transmitted to the state assemblies for consideration.

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Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, a constitutional amendment passed by the National Assembly requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it can proceed to the next stage.

This means at least 24 of the 36 state assemblies must approve the proposed amendment.

The National Assembly has given the state legislatures a 30-day administrative timeframe to consider and communicate their resolutions, although the Constitution itself does not prescribe that period as a statutory deadline.

The state-level consideration follows the passage of the executive-sponsored State Police constitutional amendment bill by the Senate and House of Representatives earlier in 2026.

The proposed amendment seeks to provide constitutional backing for a decentralised policing structure in which State Police Services would operate alongside the existing Federal Police Service.

The proposal also contains provisions intended to establish national minimum standards and safeguards for state policing.

According to the proposed framework, the Federal Police Service would continue to operate across Nigeria, while individual states that establish state police would have their own police services subject to the constitutional and legislative requirements.

The proposal comes amid longstanding discussions about restructuring Nigeria’s policing system and bringing law enforcement closer to communities.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has previously backed the establishment of state police, saying a decentralised policing structure could complement the existing federal security architecture and strengthen grassroots policing.

The Presidency has also said that any new state policing framework would require provisions covering recruitment, training, funding, oversight, discipline, firearms control, complaints mechanisms and other safeguards before state police services begin operations.

The legislative process has already produced different responses from state assemblies. Osun and Edo have also backed the proposed amendment, while other assemblies, including Oyo, Nasarawa and Gombe, have begun or scheduled consideration of the bill.

The proposal, however, has not yet created State Police Services in Nigeria. It must first secure the constitutionally required support from at least 24 state assemblies and complete the remaining stages of the constitutional amendment process.

With Rivers having endorsed the proposal and Kano now considering it, attention is shifting to the decisions of the other state Houses of Assembly as the State Police Bill moves through the next phase of the constitutional review process.