Lagere Flyover is Critical for Ife Development, Says Ooni of Ife
– As 30,000 Igbekele Oluwa Cooperators endorse Adeleke for re-election
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for initiating and implementing the Lagere flyover and dualization projects, describing Lagere as “the nerve centre of Ifeland.
The royal father who received Governor Adeleke in his palace also hailed the governor for developing the whole of Osun State contrary to the allegation of Edenisation being pushed in some quarters.
The royal father said from Ede, Imole’s development agenda spread to all parts of Osun State, declaring: “Mr. Governor, you are positively touching the whole of Osun State.
“For us, we commend your infrastructure projects at Lagere. That point is the melting point of all local governments across Ifeland. From all corners of Ife, we have one thing or the other to do at Lagere.
“The road and the flyover are needed at Ile Ife. We appreciate your clear commitment to get the projects completed. We urge you to compel the contractor to speed up the construction process“, the royal father declared.
“We have all seen that it is not Ede alone that is enjoying development. All towns and villages in our dear state are feeling your impacts. Under your leadership, Osun is looking good.
“God gives and takes power. God anointed you and you have served well. I pray for huge success at the poll. Continue to be godly with your clean hearts. It will end in praise”, the Ooni prayed.
Governor Adeleke who was accompanied by his cabinet members and special advisers updated the royal father on his visitation to Ile Ife, narrating that he is following up the Lagere flyover and dualization projects to ensure early completion.
He assured the royal father of his total commitment to even development of the state, explaining that he is pursuing a just and inclusive infrastructure and developmental agenda for all parts of Osun State.
Meanwhile, members of Igbekele Oluwa cooperative society in their thousands trooped out to host the governor in an endorsement rally held at Enuwa.
The president of the society, Chief Abubakar Bulliaminu Olanrewaju declared that the endorsement of the governor by his 30,000 members is a determination to ensure continuity of good governance across Osun State.
“Osun governance today is first class. We have all seen the roads, our bridges at Ife and others. We are not owing salaries. We are taking care of the people. We have seen all the good work of the governor.
“We knew and experienced the period of previous governments. We feel the difference. We are investing in this re-election of Governor Adeleke because we don’t want the good job to stop.
“If possible, we want Ademola for a third term. We ask the governor to be re-assured. We will vote and stand by our votes. Our members are more than 30,000”, the president who later conducted an endorsement vote stated at the rally.
In his response, the governor who commended the Commissioner for Empowerment and Cooperatives, Bayo Ogungbangbe, restated his commitment to deploying the cooperative movement as a vehicle for inclusive financing and expansion of the grassroots economy, adding that “our administration created a unique focus for all the sectors of our society.
“We uplift teachers, health workers, women, youth, tech communities and the cooperative movement. Our government is about the people, of the people and for the people.
“As your governor, the cooperative movement is of interest to me because grassroots financing is the lifeline of the society. The more vibrant the cooperative movement, the more buoyant the local economy.
“Any government that supports cooperative movement is boosting local businesses and fighting poverty among the people.
“That is why our government is committing several billions of naira to the cooperative movement. You are all living witnesses to our achievements within your sector.
“We are committed to increasing financing for the cooperative movement. We value you as a committed partner with our government in our drive to take Osun to greater heights.
“I therefore thank you for this endorsement. I task you to go out and mobilise for our re-election. Embark on House to house mobilisation among cooperative members. Our second term will witness enhanced support for the cooperative movement”, the governor told the cheering crowd.
Gbenga Hashim Meets Falana, Vows Resistance to One-Party Agenda in Nigeria
Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has declared that pro-democracy forces across the country will resist any attempt to impose a one-party system, following a strategic meeting with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana.
Hashim said the meeting formed part of ongoing consultations with key stakeholders aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
“We resolved to sustain the multi-party structure of Nigeria’s democracy and resist one-party rule,” he stated.
Describing Falana as a long-time ally, Hashim noted that their relationship spans over four decades, rooted in activism, resistance, and a shared commitment to justice.
He recalled their involvement in the anti-apartheid movement under the Nigeria–ANC Friendship and Cultural Association, particularly a major protest held on January 7, 1988, during the visit of former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.
According to Hashim, he led a student contingent that defied security restrictions and advanced onto the airport tarmac in protest, an action that led to the arrest of five activists.
He paid tribute to those involved, noting that only two of them remain alive, while others, Olaitan Oyerinde, Chris Ayaeze, and Rotimi Ewebiyi have since passed on.
Beyond activism, Hashim highlighted his legal battles against military rule, including a 1988 suit challenging the Structural Adjustment Programme under the regime of Ibrahim Babangida, in which Falana served as his pro bono lawyer.
He also referenced his detention in 1989 in a landmark constitutional case against the Attorney General of the Federation, handled by a legal team led by Alao Aka-Bashorun,then President of the Nigeria Bar Association.
Hashim further disclosed that Falana played a pivotal role in his appointment as National Administrative Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, where he worked under the late Beko Ransome-Kuti.
He stressed that their enduring alliance remains focused on defending democratic values, civil liberties, and political plurality in Nigeria.
The declaration signals renewed concern among pro-democracy advocates over the trajectory of Nigeria’s political system, with Hashim affirming his readiness to collaborate with like-minded actors to safeguard the nation’s democracy.
