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Three Years Anniversary: Gov Ademola Adeleke Promises More Dividends of Democracy

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By Eric Elezuo

In a statement titled So Far, So Good, delivered to Mark and celebrate his three years of administration as the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, relished on his government’s landmark strides to give the people of the state a better and enviable life.

In an early morning broadcast on November 27, 2025, the governor went down memory lane, explaining how his coming jas been a source of breakthrough for the people, adding that the residents ‘have not seen anything yet’ because there are quite a lot more from his bag of goodies and dividends of democracy.

Recall that Adeleke defeated the incumbent administration of the Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July 2022, and was sworn in four months later on November 27th.

Known as the dancing governor, Adeleke has combined humour, diligence and acute intelligence to make Osun one of the happiest states in the country as well as o e of the consistently developing states.

He lauded his administration to taking headlong the challenges of pension payment among other shortfalls in the state, stressing that presently, all knotty and Grey areas have been successfully tackled, and the people of the state are the happier.

Below is the full details of the governor’s third anniversary speech:

SO FAR, SO GOOD

My good people of Osun state, today marks three years of my assumption of office as your governor. I start by expressing our deep appreciation for your strong support from the beginning till date despite all the challenges. We are eternally grateful to the people and residents of Osun state for their understanding and appreciation of our achievements in the last three years.

We must remember the state of governance when we took over in 2022 – the non-payment of pensions and backlogs of half salaries; the over 80 percent infrastructure deficit; the very poor performance of our pupils in national examinations; the lack of access to health care; the corruption ridden mining sector; the neglect of science and technology innovation; the poor state of sports development; the lip service to agriculture; non-existence of cooperative empowerments; the abandonment of critical projects in our universities; and general climate of insensitive leadership to the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

Three years later, the Osun story is positively different. From far and near, the turning around of Osun for the better is applauded. Osun has become a national reference point in the delivery of good governance and democratic dividends. We dedicate our sterling records of achievements to all cadres of Osun society.

I present our scorecards in summary.  This is for the public to see how far the transformation of Osun has gone under our leadership:

Imole Water Sector Reforms

My administration developed a water sector reform that include immediate access to water for Osun people, revival of corruption – ridden Ilesa water project, rehabilitation of urban water schemes and the ongoing completion of Igbomina Ora water project.

The troubled Ilesa Water Project has been revived after anti-corruption measures by our administration. Today, the Ilesa Water Project is back on track with an emphasis on accountability, transparency and community involvement. In the face of acute water shortage in 2022, we innovated community based motorized boreholes in all the 332 wards across the State under direct labour and local content engagement. The boreholes are today serving the people under people’s management.

We launched the rehabilitation of non-functioning urban water schemes in towns such as Osogbo, Iwo, Ede, Eko-Ende, and Esa-Oke. The upgrade interventions include the replacement of Old Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes with High-Density pipes. Across these locations, damaged pumps have been replaced, refining systems cleaned and upgraded. In communities where there had been no government water access for years, boreholes and mini water schemes are now being installed.

The Ora-Igbomina Water Scheme abandoned for 13 years has been re-awarded by our administration. The scheme has been revived to ensure regular clean water supply to residents of Ifedayo and Ila Local Government areas.

Imole Sports Sector Deliveries

Our administration crafted a sports sector development agenda on which we have delivered substantially. The remodelling of Osogbo City Stadium to a five star facility, is ongoing. We have established the Osun Sports Commission to provide focused leadership for sports management in Osun state. Additionally, we are establishing Osun State Sports Development Fund to provide dedicated adequate funding for the sector. Inclusive sporting policy is under implementation with para-sports now receiving adequate attention.

Land Sector Reforms for Economic Growth

In recognition of economic importance of land reforms and access to land, our administration introduced a comprehensive land reforms strategy. We eliminated delays, double allocations, and forgery. We completely overhauled the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) process. We introduced the revolutionary C of O in 45 days. This has positively changed the face of Osun development with industrialists and business class streaming into the state for opportunities. Today, Osun State is proudly running a “C of O in 45” days system.

This land reform further complements the broader digital governance vision of our government, which emphasizes transparency, efficiency, and accountability. This shift has also sparked inter-ministerial synergy. There is now a clearer path for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) across all sectors, especially in housing and agribusiness.

Imole Public Sector Deliveries

Our administration has repositioned and strengthened the public service as the heartbeat of the government. From the neglect and disruption of the past, we have recreated a more efficient, transparent, and people-centred system. From low morale, unpaid arrears salaries, workers’ promotion without cash backing and weak administrative structure, our administration restored workers’ welfare, accountability, and professionalism in public service

We have repaid close to 100 billion naira in pension and salary arrears owed by the previous APC government. We implemented cash backing for promotions, cleared the backlog of arrears inherited from previous administrations, eased the financial strain on families and revived confidence among workers. We paid attention to promotion and career advancement as thousands of civil servants received overdue promotions and conversions,

Financial transparency has become a defining feature of this administration. Osun State adopted the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), improved audit processes, and recovered millions of naira in over-payments to retirees. These measures have tightened fiscal control, curbed waste, and places accountability at the heart of public governance. Our administration has restored integrity, stability, and hope for Osun’s public service.

Imole Deliveries in Science, Technology & Innovations

We all remember the neglected state of the Osun Tech sector as at 2022. As at then, Osun state has no ICT policy. Our administration has introduced the State ICT policy now under implementation. As of 2022, Osun has no Tech innovation policy. Our government has developed and delivered the Osun State Tech Innovation Policy also under implementation. We started the fibre optics broadband project which is presently under review for sustainability. Osun domesticated the National Start up Act to enhance development and empowerment of Tech entrepreneurs and local tech hubs for thriving innovations and collective prosperity. Osun was the second state to so domesticate the law. Our government increased goggle mapping coverage of Osun from below 50 percent then to over 60 percent. Presently, a digital economy advisory board composed of leading lights of the Nigerian tech sector has been inaugurated to drive delivery of a tech prosperous Osun state.

Imole Environmental and Climate Change Achievements

Our government has recorded huge achievements in the environment and climate change sector from 2022 till date. Through the Office of the Director General and Special Envoy for Climate Change, Osun State has garnered more than six local and international awards for her attention and action on climate change. Our climate policy strengthens Osun’s capacity to attract global partnerships, implement informed policies, and become a regional leader in renewable energy adoption and climate-smart development.

Through the Ministry of Environment, our government put an end to seasonal flooding which had threatened Osun communities, washing away farmlands, displacing families, and disrupting local economies. Our government implemented a mixture of globally applauded environmental and climate actions projects and programmes.

For balanced and sustainable development, our administration introduced a holistic mining sector reforms through the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO). For the first time in Osun history, we have secured Osun shareholding in the Segilola mining project, thereby putting more money into Osun treasury instead of private pockets. We revalidated Osun mining licences and introduced and enforced mining operations that respect environmental standards, prevent pollution, and guarantees that host communities benefit fairly.

Imole Health Sector Deliveries

Our administration crafted a preventive health care agenda that targeted primary health care access as a starting point for secondary and tertiary health care. This ensures a generally healthy population. We implemented the plans with high level of success.

Amidst inherited mismanagement of 20 million dollar primary health care grant by the previous administration,  we executed the comprehensive rehabilitation of over 200 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) spread across the state’s 30 local government areas and area office. The renovation drive covered structural upgrades, installation of clean water systems, proper fencing, roofing repairs, furnishing, and improvement of sanitation facilities. We also installed solar-powered energy systems in the renovated PHCs. Another rehabilitation of close 200 primary health care centres is currently ongoing.

Furthermore, our administration revitalized the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) with increased coverage of under-served population. Specifically, I ordered the enrolment of the pensioners under the state insurance scheme (OHIS). This singular action eased the burden of our senior citizens. It is on record that the Federal Government has introduced similar measures in some federal sectors.

Our Imole Free surgical scheme implemented across the nine federal constituencies till date has over 70, 000 beneficiaries. Our Secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities have also experienced visible improvements. Two General Hospitals have been approved for upgrade.

In recognition of the transformative impact of our health sector agenda especially in primary health care sector, the state won a 500, 000 dollars cash reward as the best performing state in the southwest zone (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti) with Lagos been the runner-up in Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC). This validates the state’s investment in healthcare and encourages further development.

Imole Education Scorecard

Our administration inherited an education sector in deep state of neglect with very low national examinations rating. To revive the sector, our government targeted fundamental reforms. We spotlighted two key areas namely teachers’ welfare and school infrastructure upgrade. We rehabilitated 120 schools across the state. Similar numbers are also currently under upgrade to enhance the learning environment for pupils. At Osun State University, the completion of a 52-unit complex has increased lecture and administrative space, strengthening the university’s capacity to serve a growing student body. Five other abandoned projects were completed by our administration.

At the University of Ilesa, we made it a reality by releasing take off grant and getting over 100 courses accredited for the university. We are currently constructing the campus infrastructure.  The construction of the first-ever student hostel has eased accommodation challenges, while the regularization of temporary staff into permanent roles has boosted morale and stability within the institution.

Our administration also invested heavily in teachers’ development such as training programs on modern teaching techniques. Teachers’ welfare is at the zenith as attested to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT). Regular payment of entitlements and others benefits of teachers raises their morale. Our reforms and policies have ensured Osun movement from number 33 to number 7 on the national examination rating.

Our government also introduced the Government–Alumni Partnership Board. We intend to rigorously implement the initiative to strengthen public private partnership in our school development.

Aside school upgrade and teacher welfare, our government has restored bursaries for tertiary students after years of neglect by previous administration. The state government under my watch restored the payment of bursaries to indigenes enrolled in the Nigerian Law School.

The results are unmistakable. Under our leadership, Osun surged from 33rd place to 7th nationally in WAEC and NECO rankings. Beyond examinations, Osun students have taken their talents to the world stage, representing Nigeria at the World Debate Day in Malaysia.

To strengthen the education sector, our government is navigating the externally imposed financial constraints. In due course, we will release appointment letters for new teachers to address personnel shortages in our schools.

Imole Agro-Revolution and Deliveries

Our administration inherited a neglected agricultural sector where the previous government, for instance, seemed to mistake the ceremonial distribution of cassava stem for meaningful agricultural development. Our administration crafted and delivered an agricultural plan which conformed with our plans for agro-industrialisation.

Our immediate action was the revival of some long-abandoned tractors which had been left to rot. After twelve years without tractors in Osun State, we acquired 31 brand new tractors. Those tractors are now in farms across Osun state at highly subsidized rates of #20,000 per acre as against #35,000 – #40,000 per acres in the private sector.

Aside mechanization, we ensured regular availability of seeds, seedlings and agronomic inputs such as fertilizers and chemicals. Over 200,000 hybrid cashew and cocoa seedlings have been distributed to farmers across the state.

Our administration further introduced an aggressive subsidy initiative for high-value crop seedlings. The cocoa and palm oil sectors, received a new lease of life. I approved the sale of cocoa pods at a subsidized rate of #300 far below the market price of #1,100. Similarly, palm pods were sold to farmers at #500 instead of the #1,500 market rate. Through the Osun Broiler Out-growers Production Scheme (OBOPS), hundreds of poultry farmers were empowered with chicks, feeds, and technical support.

Imole Cooperative Empowerment Revolution

Our administration implemented fundamental reforms and initiatives in the area of cooperatives and financial empowerment of the grassroots.  We introduced the Cooperative Revolving Disbursement came in two strategic phases, the Ward-Based Cooperatives and the Conventional Cooperative Unions and Societies. The Ward-Based Cooperatives were deliberately created to cater for the 332 political wards of the state, making a total of Four hundred and one societies.

Each of these 401 Ward-Based Cooperative Societies received over ₦1 million in interest-free loans with almost N800 million naira disbursed so far with over 30, 000 beneficiaries.

The Conventional Cooperatives Union channel, targets established cooperative societies and unions already in operation but needing capital to scale. Here, our administration disbursed close to One Billion Naira to over 250 Cooperative Unions and Societies.

Under the Osun Cooperative Union, Ten Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty Three individual co-operators have benefitted from this intervention. Beyond Osun’s borders, our cooperative empowerment strategy reached the diaspora within the country residing in Abuja and Northern Nigeria with over Fifty Million Naira as a revolving loan.

In total, our administration has disbursed close to Two Billion Naira to various cooperative groups in the state.

Our administration further introduced the “Imole Business Empowerment Scheme”, specifically designed for women and youth across the 30 Local Governments and the Area Office. The administration also launched the Imole Business Empowerment Scheme 1.0 in partnership with First Bank Plc and Fidelity Bank. Through this scheme, close to 20,000 beneficiaries received direct financial support, business mentorship, and startup capital.

Our government boosts cooperative education by reviving the Isiaka Adeleke Cooperative College at Odeomu. The college has been upgraded to a full-fledged campus of the Osun State University. From 2025, this new campus will officially begin academic operations as part of the 2025/2026 academic session, offering degree-awarding programmes in cooperative studies and other management sciences such as cooperatives studies, taxation, transport management, development studies and two other courses.

Imole’s Safety and Spiritual Infrastructure
 
Our government recorded landmark achievements in the area of safety and pilgrimage infrastructure. Our administration procured five brand-new fire trucks to replace those purchased during the administration of Prince Oyinlola. This has enhanced the firefighting capacities of the Osun State Fire Service.

When I came on board, Osun was the only state in the South West without a befitting Hajj camp. I immediately approved the construction of a modern Hajj camp which is now nearing completion. With the new Hajj Camp, Osun pilgrims will be able to focus on their spiritual responsibilities rather than battle with poor logistics and substandard facilities.

Imole Deliveries in Cultural and Creative Economy

Our administration acknowledged the potential and opportunities in the tourism and creative economy sectors. Hence, we implemented multivarious projects, programmes and policies.

We started the  Adire Osun Àgbáyé Fiesta, a colourful and vibrant celebration that has quickly become a global showcase for Osun’s tie-and-dye fabric. The Osun Osogbo Festival, a UNESCO World Heritage event, has also received a transformative touch. The sacred grove and festival arena have been rehabilitated, and the Osun River has been cleaned to create a safer environment.

We hosted the BON Awards, where I unveiled a Creative Industry Agenda.  We fostered partnerships with the British Museum in the United Kingdom to create cultural tourism linkages. Our administration has enhances the Owala Lake as a must visit destination, both locally and nationally.

I announced the approval of a series of programmes and projects in line with the administration’s tourism and creative industry expansion agenda. This is targeted at expanding tourist inflow to the various cultural sites in the various cultural sites in the state by over 60% in the next one year. This approval includes the adoption of Public Private Partnership (PPP) model to the development of Erin-Ijesa waterfall in Oriade Local Government, the upgrade of cultural tourist sites such as the Ifa Agbaye Temple in Ile Ife, Iwude Ijesa project in Ilesa,the Sango Timi Shrine project in Ede alongside the Osun Osogbo shrine to meet UNESCO recognition standard. All the above are currently under implementation.

Imole Infrastructure Revolution

When I assumed office in 2022, the Osun infra deficit was above eighty percent. Today, we have reduced the infra deficit by over 50 percent. This makes Osun one of the fastest growing states in road connectivity. Our administration focused on infra upgrade because it is the smartest route to economic development.

On local road development, over 255 kilometers of internal roads have been constructed across both urban and rural local governments. A total of 160 kilometres of roads are currently ongoing.

In specific terms, below is the stage of completion of the ongoing projects:

Ilesa dualization ….99%
Ife flyover ……………78%
Ila dualization………25%
Iwo dualization ……20%
Oke flyover …………99%
Lameco flyover……..80%
Ofatedo ………………..29%

Key roads have been rehabilitated to link farming communities with markets, schools, and healthcare centers. Drainage systems are expanded to prevent flooding and extend the lifespan of roads.

Operation light up Osun is also ongoing. All completed roads are fitted with solar lights and all major roads in the capital are already lit up.

Our administration ushered in an integrated infrastructure plan which is drastically reducing traffic congestion, opening up new economic corridors, and enhancing urban renewal in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ile Ife, Ilesa and other major towns.

My good people of Osun state, I have ensured that Osun money serves Osun people. In our infrastructure implementation plans, we block capital flights. We implement local content with commendable results. Local content simply means giving priority to local people, businesses, and materials when carrying out development projects. I ensure our people are the real beneficiaries of the investments made there. Instead of depending solely on outside contractors or imported materials, we focus on home-grown capacity, using local artisans and local resources to drive progress.

I uphold Osun first when I launched the infra plan in both 2023 and 2024. We engage local contractors, engineers, and artisans, as well as sourcing materials like sand, stones, and cement within the state. Across towns and communities, young artisans, bricklayers, carpenters, and engineers are now finding work on state projects. The direct-labour model being used in some road and school rehabilitation works ensures that local residents are employed, trained, and empowered. Ours is a people-centered development philosophy.  It is development by the people and for the people.

Imole Public Finance Reforms and Achievements

Our administration operates a disciplined, transparent, innovative and forward-looking public finance agenda. The goal includes blocking leakages, expanding revenue inflows, efficient management of state debt, harnessing of revenue opportunities and complying with best practices in public finance management.

We have recorded substantial achievements in this sector. We restored fiscal stability, strengthened revenue performance, and renewed public confidence that government can be both accountable and visionary.

One of the most standout achievements is the almost 94 percent growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) within a year. This means a growth from Twenty-Seven Million plus (N27.72bn) in 2023 to Fifty-Four Billion plus (N54.7bn) in 2024. This was a product of carefully designed reforms that reshaped the way Osun manages its finances.

The reforms we introduced include Tax Harmonization which streamline the tax structure and eliminate duplication. Others include Digitization of Revenue Collection; and Enforcement and Compliance. Our administration also ensures substantial reduction of the state’s debt profile,

Osun Domestic Debt was reduced from One Hundred and Forty Eight Billion plus (₦148.37 billion) in December 2022 to Eighty Three Billion plus (₦83.32 billion ) by early 2025, a staggering ₦65 billion drop of 43.84%.

Osun External Debt was lowered from Ninety One million plus dollars ($91.78 million) to Seventy Five million dollar plus ($75.14 million), a $16 million plus reduction of 18.13%.
Under my watch, fiscal discipline is a promise kept.

Before rounding up this broadcast, I pay special homage to our traditional rulers. Our leadership has maintained close rapport with our royal fathers since we assumed office in 2022. We will maintain the spirit of consultation, partnership and empowerment of traditional institutions in the state.

To our youth and students, I am committed to building on our sectoral achievements to further empower our students, youths and women. A specially packaged programme to link our students, youth and women to unfolding opportunities is being prepared. We will ensure youth and students’ inclusion in the preparation and implementation of the programme. Our administration can however boast that we have laid the sectoral foundations upon which our youth, students and women can thrive.

I won’t end this address without mentioning the challenges we are facing. As much as the public knows the details, we owe our people a duty to explain that the continuous withholding of Osun local government allocation is a major drag on our developmental plans. We are however optimistic that the Supreme Court will soon deliver judgement on the matter.

Once again, we express our deep appreciation to the good people of Osun state for their unwavering support for me and my team. We rededicate ourselves to selfless service in the interest of public good, good governance and public interest.

I thank you for listening.

HE, SENATOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE,
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF OSUN STATE
NOVEMBER 27TH, 2025

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GLO: The Undisputed Digital Oxygen

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8 hours ago

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May 24, 2026

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By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba

In medicine, oxygen is the invisible molecule upon which all human life depends. Remove it, and the body shuts down almost instantly. The brain weakens, the heart struggles, and every organ begins to fail. As someone who studies how the human body works, I have always understood the centrality of oxygen to biological existence. But in recent years, watching Nigerian society evolve in the digital age, I have arrived at another conclusion: connectivity has become the oxygen of modern civilisation.

Without network connectivity today, businesses freeze, students lose access to learning, hospital records fall into jeopardy, POS transactions struggle, markets slow down, and families become disconnected. Digital access is no longer a luxury; it is the infrastructure upon which modern life breathes.

And in Nigeria, one network increasingly stands out as the supplier of that digital oxygen: GLO.

Across campuses, markets, offices, villages, and urban centres, millions of Nigerians now depend on the Glo network for the daily rhythm of their lives. For students, it powers e-learning, research databases, virtual classrooms, and academic collaboration. For traders and entrepreneurs, it sustains mobile banking, online transactions, advertising, and customer communication. For farmers in rural communities, it ensures communication with farmland workers. For doctors and healthcare professionals, it enables telemedicine and rapid information exchange. In many homes, Glo is the invisible bridge connecting families separated by distance.

This is why many Nigerians increasingly describe Glo not merely as a telecom company, but as a necessity.

What is even more fascinating is the growing public confidence in Glo’s reliability, something I have personally witnessed. I recently observed a man asking a shop attendant to call his boss. After placing the call once, the attendant calmly replied, “Sir, his phone is switched off.” The man insisted he should call repeatedly before concluding. The attendant smiled and responded, “Sir, I am using Glo network. If Glo says the phone is unavailable, then it is unavailable.” Everyone around laughed, but beneath the humour was a powerful reality: people increasingly trust the reliability and clarity of the Glo network. That brief moment was more than a casual conversation; it was a testimony to the confidence Glo has quietly built among Nigerians.

The reality becomes even clearer during moments of national stress. In an era defined by climate change, unstable electricity supply, flooding, extreme heat, and infrastructural disruption, telecommunications networks face enormous pressure. Floodwaters damage fibre optic cables. Heat weakens sensitive electronic systems. Power failures destabilise base stations. Yet despite these challenges, millions of Nigerians continue to experience remarkable connectivity stability on Glo.

That stability is not accidental. Globacom has continued to invest heavily in infrastructure upgrades and network improvement projects aimed at enhancing customer experience nationwide. For millions of Nigerians, clearer calls and faster internet are no longer wishes but daily realities because of the company’s sustained commitment to expanding and strengthening its network systems.

What makes Glo exceptional is not simply its coverage, but its resilience. The company has increasingly embraced hybrid energy solutions involving solar systems and battery storage technology to reduce dependence on diesel-powered infrastructure. This improves network reliability during grid failures while simultaneously reducing environmental pressure. Glo has also undertaken extensive fibre reconstruction and relocation projects across Nigeria, redesigning network routes to withstand environmental disruptions such as flooding, erosion, and climate-related damage. Its investments in expanded spectrum capacity and advanced technologies have further improved efficiency, enabling stronger data delivery and smoother connectivity for subscribers across the country.

From my vantage point in Kano, a region experiencing intense heat and significant environmental pressure, the importance of resilient connectivity cannot be overstated. For traders in Sabon Gari Market, network access means economic survival. For students at Bayero University, it means uninterrupted learning and research. For countless young Nigerians trying to build digital businesses, it means opportunity itself.

In many respects, Glo functions like the respiratory system of Nigeria’s digital society. The Glo-1 submarine cable and Glo fibre optics act like lungs, bringing global bandwidth into the country. The national fibre network resembles blood vessels distributing connectivity nationwide. The 4G LTE base stations function like capillaries, delivering data directly to the individual user whether in Kano or far beyond.

The subscriber shouting “Glo Unlimited!” during a blackout while data continues flowing is not merely celebrating affordable internet. They are experiencing the result of years of investment, resilience engineering, and technological foresight.

Calling Glo “The Digital Oxygen” of Nigeria is therefore not poetic exaggeration, it is an acknowledgment of reality. In a country where millions now live, learn, trade, communicate, and dream through digital connectivity, Glo has become more than a network provider. It has become the vital breath upon which modern Nigerian life increasingly depends…

Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba writes from Kano, and can be reached via drssbaba@yahoo.com

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Ooni of Ife, Wife Welcome Twin Sons

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1 week ago

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May 15, 2026

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The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has announced the birth of twin princes with his wife Mariam Ajibola, to the Royal House of Oduduwa.

The monarch disclosed this in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Friday, expressing gratitude to God for the safe delivery of the children and the wellbeing of their mother.

“To God be all the glory and adoration for His wondrous works and abundant blessings once again.

The announcement has drawn congratulatory messages from admirers and members of the Yoruba royal institution celebrating the arrival of the newborn princes.

After his marriage to Naomi Silekunola ended, the Ooni married several queens within a short period in 2022.

Among the queens are Mariam Anako, Elizabeth Akinmuda, Tobiloba Phillips, Ashley Adegoke, Ronke Ademiluyi and Temitope Adesegun.

During celebrations marking his 48th birthday and seventh coronation anniversary, the monarch explained that his marriages were connected to the traditional heritage and responsibilities attached to the throne of Ile-Ife.

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“Siddon Look” Policy of Chief Bola Ige As a Panacea for Nigeria’s Current Democratic Malaise

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1 week ago

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May 15, 2026

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By Hon. Femi Kehinde

Chief James Ajibola Idowu Ige, SAN, popularly known as the “Cicero of Esa-Oke,” was one of Nigeria’s most influential legal minds and political figures. He was a master orator, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and a key player in both the First and Second Republics. He had seen and fought many political battles in his lifetime.

In the first Republic, during his tumultuous period, he was the Federal Publicity Secretary of the Action Group in 1962. He was affable, charismatic and a consummate lawyer. He was a polyglot and had seen many wards of the Nigerian prison, but was never battle weary. As a democrat per excellence and an Awoist, who believed in a just, humane and egalitarian society, he lived his life within the ambience of those principled stance until he was murdered in his Solemilia Court home in Bodija, Ibadan on the 23rd December, 2001. Through his political binoculars, he could easily discern what may not be easily discernible by ordinary eye.

The Military overtook the democratic government of Nigeria on the 31st of December, 1983, and thus the collapse of the Second Republic, of which Bola Ige had been a prominent political player as the first democratically elected Executive Governor of Oyo State from the 1st October, 1979 to 30th September, 1983. He was subsequently clamped into various prison wards in Nigeria by the military government of General Muhammadu Buhari as Head of State.
After release from prison by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, Bola Ige, perhaps from the benefits of hindsight, refused to participate in the various transition programs of the military government, because he knew it would hit a Cul de sac, and rather would according to him, siddon look -(Sit down and look).

This “Siddon Look” policy was a strategic political stance adopted by Chief Bola Ige,during the transition program of General Sani Abacha in the mid1990s.This phrase, derived from the Nigerian Pidgin English “sit down and look,” perfectly captured a philosophy of tactical withdrawal and passive observation in the face of what Ige viewed as a fraudulent democratic process.

During the 1990s, General Sani Abacha initiated a transition-to-civil-rule program. However, many political observers and pro-democracy activists believed the process was designed to fail or to eventually “self-succeed” Abacha as a civilian president. This era was marked by the presence of five political parties, often mockingly referred to by Chief Bola Ige as the “five fingers of a leprous hand”, that were widely seen as subservient to the military junta.

Bola Ige, a staunch Awoist and leader within the Pan-Yoruba group Afenifere, refused to participate in the elections. His policy was built on several key principles.
Ige argued that engaging with the Abacha transition would lend legitimacy to an insincere and undemocratic process.Instead of active rebellion, which often led to imprisonment or exile during that regime, he advocated for staying quiet, observing the unfolding events, and waiting for the inevitable collapse of the flawed system. By “sitting down and looking,” Ige and his associates maintained their political integrity, positioning themselves as the alternative leadership once the military eventually exited.

The policy became a defining characteristic of the progressive opposition in Nigeria at the time. While some critics argued that it left a vacuum for less-principled actors to fill, Ige’s foresight was largely vindicated when the transition program ended abruptly with Abacha’s death in June, 1998.

Following the transition to the Fourth Republic in 1999, the “Siddon Look” practitioners emerged with their reputations intact, allowing Ige to play a central role in the formation of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and subsequently serve as the Attorney General of the Federation.

Interestingly today, the term remains a part of the Nigerian political lexicon, used to describe a deliberate choice to remain neutral or observant during a suspicious or chaotic event.

At the last convention of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) held in Abeokuta on the 15th December 1983, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a sage, philosopher, clairvoyant and visionary leader, bemoaning the fate of democracy in Nigeria, of which he had been a key player for almost five (5) decades, made an epochal speech that was purely valedictory and instructive.

The speech was delivered in the wake of the controversial 1983 general elections, where the UPN had lost to the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) amidst widespread allegations of electoral malpractices.The NPN had become a behemoth capturing virtually all the states of Nigeria. The speech is often cited for its sharp critique of the Nigerian political state and its warning of impending instability.

Awolowo expressed deep disillusionment with the democratic process as it was then being practiced. He remarked:

“I do fervently and will continue fervently to pray that I may be proved wrong. But the present twilight of democracy, individual freedom, and the rule of law will change or might change into utter darkness. But after darkness, and this is a commonplace, comes a glorious dawn. It is, therefore, with a brave heart, with confident hope, and with faith in my unalterable destiny, that I go from this twilight into the darkness, unshaken in my trust in the Providence of God that a glorious dawn will come on the morrow.
“For something within me tells me, loud and clear, that we have embarked on a fruitless search. At the end of the day, when we imagine that the new order is here, we would be terribly disappointed.
In other words, at the threshold of our new social order, we would see for ourselves that, as long as Nigerians remain what they are, nothing clean, principled, ethical, and idealistic can work with them.
I venture to assert that the ills of the nation will not be exorcised, and indeed they will be firmly entrenched, unless God Himself imbues a vast majority of us with a revolutionary change of attitude to life and politics… or unless we succumb to permanent social instability and chaos.”

On the moral Crisis of the leadership, Awolowo argued that the failure of the Second Republic was not just a failure of the ballot box, but a failure of character:

“It is a sad and painful thing to observe that, in our country today, the more highly placed a man is, the more likely he is to be a liar, a cheat, and a deceiver. We have reached a stage where truth is regarded as an enemy, and where the man who speaks it is hounded as a rebel or a nuisance.
As long as we continue to elevate mediocrity and corruption over merit and integrity, the search for a stable democracy will remain an exercise in futility. We must realize that no constitution, however perfect, can work in the hands of men who have no conscience.”

One of the most technical parts of the speech dealt with the mismanagement of the national treasury. He warned that the “landslide” victory would lead to a “landslide” economic collapse:

“I have warned before, and I warn again: our economy is bleeding to death. The reckless spending, the unbridled importation of luxuries, and the total neglect of our productive sectors have brought us to the brink of a precipice.
The current administration (NPN) has turned our foreign reserves into a personal fund for a few. Very soon, the naira will lose its value, and the common man, who was promised ‘Green Revolution’ rice, will find that he can no longer afford to even smell it. The day of reckoning is not years away; it is at the door.”

On the Future of the UPN and His Own Role, as many were calling for him to lead a protest or an insurrection, Awolowo’s paragraphs took a more philosophical, almost valedictory tone:

“Some of you ask, ‘Papa, what do we do now?’ My answer is simple: remain steadfast in the truth. We in the UPN have played our part. We have offered the people Free Education, Free Health, and Integrated Rural Development. If the people have been robbed of these, the responsibility lies with the robbers, and the consequence will be borne by the nation.
I have fought the good fight. I have finished my course. Whether I am here to see the new social order or not, I am satisfied that the seeds we have sown are imperishable. They will grow, and they will flourish, long after the noise of today’s ‘winners’ has been silenced by history.”

Awolowo furthered in his 1983-period reflections by predicting that the people would eventually reclaim their destiny:

“A time will come when the misery of the people will become unbearable, they will then rise by themselves to demand a redirection of their destinies.
My adversaries might say, ‘Who am I to think that if I am sidelined the country might suffer?’ The point, of course, is that the spirit of man knows no barrier, never dies, and can be projected to any part of the world. I am confident that the ideals of social justice and individual liberty which I hold dear, will continue to be projected until they are realized in our lifetime.”

He ended the speech with a call to personal resilience, moving from the political to the spiritual:

“Let no man’s heart fail him. The history of the world is a history of the struggle between light and darkness. For now, the darkness seems to have the upper hand. But I tell you, even in this gloom, I see the rays of a glorious dawn.
My trust in the Providence of God is unshaken. I go into the twilight with a clear conscience, knowing that I have never once compromised the interests of the common man for a mess of pottage. To God be the glory.”

Some few years thereafter, specifically on the 9th of May, 1987, Chief Obafemi Awolowo passed on to join the saints triumphant at the age of 78 years, as if he had lived for a century in the service of mankind. His good deeds still lives after him.

In this present Nigeria political conundrum, the voice of Obafemi Awolowo still echoes and reverberates. The Nigerian political space, in its present disillusionment, still remains a huge cause for concern to every discerning mind.

Oyelagbawo Comprehensive High School is a secondary educational institution located in the Babalomo community within the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. The School was patterned after the popular Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro, in present day Ogun State, that was established in 1963, by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ford Foundation, the defunct Western Region Government, through the ideas of the founding Fathers- Chief B. Shomade and Dr. Adams Skepson.

However, the name of the school “Oyelagbawo”- Elders are usually far-sighted, and its choice of location “Babalomo”- God knows, are very instructive to our present political malaise as a search point and the need for elders’ introspective look into our present political firmament. What an elder sees while sitting down, a young man from the rooftop of a twenty-five (25) storey Cocoa House, Ibadan, may certainly not see it.

With the monstrous Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), one would still insist that fair play is lost when in a football match between IICC Shooting Stars FC Ibadan and Rangers International FC Enugu. The IICC Shooting stars FC Ibadan is asked to pick the Referee for the match. Oyelagbawo!

In the Yoruba epic film, “Saworoide”, the centerpiece of Tunde Kelani’s 1999 masterpiece, is the mystical talking drum adorned with brass bells, which gives the movie its name- “Saworo” meaning brass bell” and “Ide” meaning brass.

In the fictional town of Jogbo, this drum is much more than a musical instrument. It is a sacred tool of political accountability and spiritual law. The drum acts as a check and balance system.

In Saworoide, the late Alagba Adebayo Faleti plays the character Baba Opalaba, the palace bard and official praise singer, Akigbe to the King of Jogbo. While his role begins as a traditional functionary of the court, it carries significant weight in the film’s exploration of power, ethics, and the duty of the intellectual.

As the palace bard, Baba Opalaba is the custodian of the town’s oral history. He doesn’t just sing praises; he recites the Oriki (lineage epithets) that reminds the King of his ancestors and the weight of the crown. His presence gives the monarchy its cultural legitimacy, framing the King’s authority within the long-standing traditions of Jogbo.

In Yoruba palace culture, the bard is one of the few people allowed to speak truth to power, albeit through metaphors and proverbs. Faleti portrays Opalaba with a quiet, observant dignity. He witnesses Oba Lapite’s descent into corruption and greed. Through his chants, he often inserts subtle warnings or reminders of the “Saworoide” pact, signaling that he knows the King has bypassed the sacred rituals.

One of the most poignant aspects of Faleti’s role is the depiction of the internal struggle of the courtier. He is part of the system, but he is not of the corruption. He serves the “Throne” rather than the “Man”. When Oba Lapite attempts to consolidate power through violence and theft, Opalaba’s discomfort is visible. He observed in a solemn voice and measured tone-
“Yo ma leyin
Oro yi yo ma leyin.
Ajan ti ele…”
That is, a great repercussion is imminent.

He represents the traditional elite who must navigate staying alive under a tyrant while trying to preserve the integrity of the culture they represent.

Beyond the script, Adebayo Faleti was a legendary Yoruba scholar, poet, and actor in real life. His casting brought an unmatched authenticity to the film. His command of the Yoruba language, the nuances, the tonal poetry, and the deep idioms, elevated the movie from a standard drama to a high-art cultural document.
When he speaks or chants in the film, he is not just acting; he is demonstrating the actual power of the Yoruba oral tradition to command attention and respect, even in a palace filled with soldiers and politicians.

Ultimately, Faleti’s role serves as a bridge between the mystical world (the drums and the crown) and the political world. He is the “memory” of the state, reminding both the audience and the characters that while kings may come and go, the culture and the consequences of their actions remain.

In a broader sense, the Saworoide is a powerful allegory for transparency and the power of the collective voice. Even today, it remains one of the most culturally significant symbols in Nigerian cinema, representing the idea that no leader, no matter how powerful, is above the “drums” of public accountability.

In a chanced encounter with Alagba Adebayo Faleti at the Solemilia Court home of Chief Bola Ige, Bodija, Ibadan, in February, 1999, I had a raw experience of Faleti’s interventionist role in human conduct as a soothsayer. Chief Bola Ige was meant to travel abroad and was to leave Ibadan that morning to Lagos. It was few days to the Presidential primary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) of which Bola Ige and Olufalaye were contestants.

A leader in my constituency, Bashorun Saliu Akanni, had informed me of the need to pick him from Oluponna to Ibadan to see Chief Bola Ige before he travels to Lagos that morning for his intending trip abroad. According to him, he had some words of advice for Chief Bola Ige and he wished that I listen to the conversation. Dutifully, I picked him up and we arrived Chief Bola Ige’s house few minutes to 8:00 o’clock in the morning. Chief Bola Ige was ready for the trip to Lagos and we met him at the antic sitting room. Bashorun Akanni told Chief Bola Ige of his mission and gave him a letter and also repeated the content of the letter. In the letter, he advised Chief Bola Ige to shelve his proposed trip abroad to a later date after the presidential primary of the AD.

We were on this brief discussion when Alagba Bayo Faleti breezed into the antic sitting room. Bola Ige welcomed him enthusiastically and said “Seriki, o ma ku ojo meta. I’m on my way out of Ibadan for a trip to the United States”. And Seriki replied him, “Exactly! That was why I came around this morning to advise you against your trip abroad, and to delay your trip ‘til after the outcome of your presidential primary of the AD”. Bashorun Akanni, Chief Bola Ige and myself were surprised that Seriki was on the same direction with Akanni.

The outcome of the presidential primary did not favour Chief Bola Ige and he was already abroad. My respect for Oloye Bayo Faleti blossomed after the outcome of the AD primary presidential election at the D-Rovans Hotel, Ibadan, where majority of the members of the Electoral College were Bola Ige’s bosom friends and loyalists. Oyelagbawo!

May the sacred voice of our Elders now provide for us a complete direction, otherwise we may all echo the words of Professor Olarotimi in his epic play “Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again”!

Hon. (Barr.) Femi Kehinde, MHR is a
Former Member, House of Representatives, National Assembly, Abuja (1999-2003), representing Ayedire-Iwo-Olaoluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State and Principal Partner, Femi Kehinde & Co. Solicitors, Ibadan, Oyo State

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