1306 MEDIA

Abduljabar: The Hon. Ezekiel Olamilekan Olagoke Oko Arugbo I Know

By Arakunrin Bolujoko Kunle Abduljabar

Arakunrin Bolujoko Kunle Abduljabar, a former Personal Assistant on Politics and Media Aide to Hon. Ezekiel Olamilekan Olagoke, popularly known as Oko Arugbo, has shared his personal perspective on the man and his years of service to the people.

Abduljabar, who also previously served as the Secretary of the Oko Arugbo Humanitarian Foundation, said his experience working closely with Hon. Ezekiel Olamilekan Olagoke gave him the opportunity to witness his approach to humanitarian activities, grassroots engagement and service to the people.

According to him, his assessment is based not merely on what he has heard about Oko Arugbo, but on his direct experience working alongside him in different capacities.

“The Hon. Ezekiel Olamilekan Olagoke Oko Arugbo that I know is a man I have had the privilege of working closely with and observing firsthand,” Abduljabar said.

He noted that his journey with Oko Arugbo involved political and media responsibilities, as well as humanitarian activities through the Oko Arugbo Humanitarian Foundation.

Abduljabar currently serves as the General Secretary of Kwara Like Minds, where he continues to participate in grassroots-oriented discussions and community engagement.

He emphasized that his decision to speak about Oko Arugbo is rooted in his personal experience and knowledge of the individual, rather than hearsay.

“I am speaking from experience. I have worked with him, served in different capacities around his activities, and had the opportunity to see things for myself. That is the Oko Arugbo I know,” he added.

He maintained that public figures should be judged based on their actions, records of engagement and relationship with the people, while acknowledging that individuals may have different perspectives about political actors.

By Arakunrin Bolujoko Kunle Abduljabar
General Secretary, Kwara Like Minds

KWARA LIKE MINDS ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS

After extensive discussions, consultations, and careful consideration, the Kwara Like Minds Movement is pleased to officially announce the emergence of Mr. Mukaila Ayobami Ogunlade as the Deputy Chairman of the movement.

The movement also announces Mrs. Akande Balikis as the Woman Leader of Kwara Like Minds.

These appointments reflect the confidence, trust, and collective decision of members and stakeholders of the movement following thorough consultations.

The leadership of Kwara Like Minds congratulates the newly appointed leaders and expresses confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the growth, unity, and progress of the movement.

We look forward to their dedication, commitment, and continued service to the people and ideals of Kwara Like Minds.

Congratulations to the new Deputy Chairman and Woman Leader.

*Bashorun GAA and the Yoruba Usage of Ikunle Kise'wa*

By _Arc. Ayuba Musbau Kawu_

In the history of the old Oyo Empire, Bashorun Gaa remains one of the most enduring examples of what power can do to a man who begins to see himself as bigger than the institution he serves. He became so powerful that even the Alaafin was no longer beyond his political reach. His story eventually became a warning about the danger of power without restraint.

There is, therefore, an interesting parallel that many Kwarans have drawn between that historical figure and Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (GAA).

The comparison is not about military strength. It is about the politics of power, silence, retaliation and control.

The old Bashorun Gaa was loud. His authority announced itself. His roar came before his action. The modern Bashorun GAA of Kwara, as he often described, operates differently: he does not roar; he acts quietly. That silence, in itself, is what makes his political style particularly dangerous, if not devilish.

Those who have crossed his political path often describe a Governor who does not necessarily engage publicly. Instead, the response is always felt later, through political isolation, loss of influence or other forms of pressure.

Hon. Mashood Mustapha and Ambassador Yahaya Seriki are two prominent examples of his victims. Both men were instrumental to AbdulRazaq's emergence in 2019, while Seriki again played a prominent role as his campaign Director-General in 2023. Yet their political relationship with him eventually deteriorated.

MM has since moved to the PDP, while Ambassador Seriki became part of The Otoge Progressives (TOP), alongside other prominent former APC members who have aligned themselves with the PDP while maintaining support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The irony becomes even more interesting when one considers what happened to Seriki's governorship ambition. AbdulRazaq openly supported him as the preferred APC governorship candidate, only for the arrangement to collapse and Hon. Salihu Yakub Danladi to emerge less than 48 hours later.

Subsequent allegations of a damaging report being used against Seriki have only added another layer to the controversy. Your guess of the forces behind the political damaging report might be as good as some of us.

But politics has consequences. The emergence of TOP appears to have upset whatever calculation existed within the APC that aggrieved politicians, having been denied tickets or pushed aside, would simply remain in the party and eventually return to the Governor's camp.

That calculation has changed. Senator Salihu Mustapha has emerged as the PDP candidate for Kwara Central while Baba Kolo Jiya has emerged as the PDP candidate for Kwara North. And Ambassador Yahaya Seriki remains an important figure within TOP.

Suddenly, politicians who might previously have been expected to negotiate individually are sitting at a different table.

That is where Ikunlẹ̀ Kise'wà becomes relevant.

The Yoruba expression—Ikunlẹ̀ Kise'wà, literally suggesting that kneeling is not necessarily a reflection of one's true character—captures an important political reality as today's gesture of humility does not automatically erase yesterday's conduct.

There have been reports of political reconciliation efforts involving some of these prominent figures, including claims of approaches made to MM and Seriki. If such efforts are genuine, reconciliation itself is not a bad thing. Politics needs dialogue. But reconciliation cannot be built on forgetfulness. A politician who has been disappointed once will naturally examine the circumstances that produced the disappointment before trusting again.

MM is not an inexperienced politician. Neither is Ambassador Yahaya Seriki.

They have both seen enough of politics to understand that a kneeling politician may be asking for forgiveness, seeking cooperation, or simply buying time. Only subsequent conduct reveals which one it is.

This is perhaps the fundamental difference between Bashorun Gaa of old Oyo and Bashorun GAA of today's Kwara. The old Gaa used force openly. The modern political version uses silence, influence and calculation.

But history has a way of correcting political calculations. Those who believe they have successfully eliminated every alternative often discover that politics does not end when one closes a door. Sometimes, the people who were pushed outside simply build another entrance.

And that may be the real lesson of TOP. Power can command obedience, but it cannot permanently manufacture loyalty.

Kwara politics is entering another decisive phase. The people who have been involved long enough know the difference between genuine reconciliation and political convenience.

As the Yoruba would say: Ikunlẹ̀ Kise'wà.

Kneeling may be temporary. But character, however, is revealed by what comes after the kneeling.

*~Arc. Ayuba Musbau Kawu writes from Ilorin, Kwara State*

*BREAKING: Hon. Adekola Mubarak Tadenikawo FBB Resigns from APC.*

_~ Set to Announce New Political Platform to Join Soon._

Hon. Adekola Mubarak Tadenikawo FBB, a prominent political figure in Offa, Kwara State, has formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a resignation letter dated September 12, 2026, addressed to the Ward Chairman of the APC, Shawo South East Ward, Offa, FBB stated that his decision followed careful consideration and was driven by his personal political convictions and commitment to human capacity development, empowerment, and creating opportunities for the people, particularly youths and vulnerable members of society.

FBB, who has served the APC in several capacities, listed his previous roles as Chairman of the One2Tell10 APC Support Group, Chairman of Kwara Like-Minds, PRO of the 2019 Kwara South APC Senatorial Mobilization Committee, and Spokesperson of the Kwara South APC Street-by-Street Campaign Committee, among others.

According to him, his years in the APC provided valuable opportunities to serve, build relationships, engage with grassroots stakeholders, and contribute to the party's activities across Offa and Kwara South.

While announcing his departure, the former APC chieftain expressed appreciation to the party's leaders, executives, members, supporters, friends, and associates for the love, trust, cooperation, and support extended to him over the years.

He stressed that his resignation should not be viewed as a rejection of the people he had worked with or the positive experiences he gained during his time in the party.

«“I leave with respect for everyone and with gratitude for the journey so far,” he stated.»

FBB further reaffirmed his commitment to human capacity building, youth development, empowerment, and meaningful community development, saying these remain central to his political vision.

He disclosed that he would announce the political platform he intends to join at the appropriate time.

The development is expected to generate political interest in Offa and across Kwara South as stakeholders await FBB's next political move.

HON. EZEKIEL OLAMILEKAN OLAGOKE FELICITATES WITH OFFA LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN, HON. OLATUNJI SULEIMAN, ON HIS BIRTHDAY

I, Hon. Ezekiel Olamilekan Olagoke, the Supervising Councillor for Health, Offa Local Government, warmly felicitate with our amiable Chairman, Hon. Olatunji Suleiman, on the occasion of his birthday.

Your leadership, dedication and commitment to the development of Offa Local Government continue to inspire us. Your administration has demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.

As you celebrate another year today, I pray that Almighty God grants you good health, wisdom, strength and abundant grace to continue serving our people with distinction.

May your new age bring greater achievements, peace, prosperity and fulfilment. May God continue to guide and protect you, and bless you with many more fruitful years in service to humanity.

Happy Birthday, Your Honour!

Warmest regards,
Hon. Ezekiel Olamilekan Olagoke
Supervising Councillor for Health
Offa Local Government

OYPA Commends ODU National President for Generous Support to Student Hostel Project

The Offa Youth Progressive Association (OYPA) has expressed its profound appreciation to the National President of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU), Dr. Muideen Olaniyi Azeez-Salako, for his generous contribution towards the successful launching of the student hostel project in Ilorin.

The association described Dr. Salako's gesture as a demonstration of his unwavering commitment to the welfare, education and development of Offa sons and daughters, particularly students who continue to face challenges in accessing affordable and conducive accommodation.

According to OYPA, the hostel project represents an important investment in the future of students and a meaningful contribution to human capital development. The association commended the ODU President for supporting initiatives capable of creating lasting positive impacts beyond his immediate community.

OYPA further described Dr. Salako as a leader who has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is about service, sacrifice and empowering the younger generation.

The association prayed for continued wisdom, strength, good health and greater resources for the ODU National President, while calling on other well-meaning individuals and organisations to emulate his philanthropic spirit and support initiatives that promote education and youth development.

The Offa Youth Progressive Association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting programmes and individuals working towards the advancement of Offa people and the broader development of Kwara State.

Hon. Ezekiel Olamilekan Olagoke Commends Kwara Government as Free Medical and Surgical Outreach Comes to Offa

OFFA, KWARA STATE — The Supervisory Councillor for Health, Offa Local Government, Hon. Ezekiel Olamilekan Olagoke, has commended the Kwara State Government for bringing its Free Medical and Surgical Outreach Programme to residents of Offa.

The healthcare intervention, which is being implemented across all 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State, is providing residents with access to free medical consultations, treatment, preventive healthcare services and surgical interventions.

Speaking during the programme in Offa, Hon. Olagoke praised the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for prioritising the health and wellbeing of the people.

He described the outreach as a demonstration of people-oriented governance, noting that bringing quality healthcare directly to the grassroots would help residents access essential medical services without the burden of cost.

Hon. Olagoke further emphasised the importance of sustained investment in community healthcare, stressing that healthy communities are essential to building a productive and prosperous society.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, PhD, was also present at the programme alongside medical professionals, government officials and other stakeholders.

The initiative is part of the Kwara State Government’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery through preventive care, medical treatment, surgical intervention and community-based health programmes.

The commencement of the outreach in Offa further reinforces the commitment of the government and local health authorities to ensuring that residents at the grassroots have access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Hon. Ezekiel Olamilekan Olagoke “Oko Arugbo” Reaches Out to Offa People With Food and Cash Support

Today, Hon. Ezekiel Olamilekan Olagoke, popularly known as Oko Arugbo, the Supervising Councillor for Health, Offa Local Government, demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of the people by distributing food items and cash to both the elderly and younger members of the community.

The gesture is part of his personal effort to help reduce the burden of hunger and provide immediate relief to people facing economic challenges.

Speaking through the act of kindness, Oko Arugbo reaffirmed the importance of supporting vulnerable members of society, stressing that leadership should be about touching lives and making a meaningful difference in the community.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the timely intervention, describing it as a welcome gesture that will go a long way in easing their daily challenges.

Oko Arugbo continues to show that true service is not only about occupying an office, but about using every opportunity to put smiles on the faces of the people.

*GAME OF THRONES BEGINS IN OFFA APC: CHAIRMAN OF CHAIRMEN, ALHAJI OYEDIRAN LAYI RASHEED, FACES FRESH PARTY BATTLE*

8 Out of 12 Ward Chairmen Pass Vote of No Confidence on Ojomu North-West Chairman

*The much-anticipated “game of thrones” appears to have begun in the Offa chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following reports that eight out of the 12 ward chairmen under the Ojomu North-West axis have passed a vote of no confidence on their chairman.*

The development has sparked fresh political tension within the party and is being viewed by some stakeholders as a strong challenge to those who believe they have absolute control over the APC structure in Offa. The perceived emergence of underground gladiators seems to be taking over from the so called high and mighty champions of Offa APC.

The move is particularly significant coming under the leadership of Alhaji Oyediran Layi Rasheed, the Chairman of Chairmen, as the ward-level structure begins to assert its influence and voice.

Supporters of the move described the reported vote of no confidence as a clear message that party structures cannot be permanently controlled by a few individuals.

*They argued that the development should serve as a wake-up call to what they described as “bad leaders” within Offa APC who believe that the party structure belongs to them personally rather than to its members.*

*The political development has also generated reactions among party faithful, with some describing the affected chairman as one of the loyalists of the old power structure who may now be forced to step aside and “go home and rest.”*

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, the latest development could mark the beginning of a wider realignment within Offa APC, with the battle for control of the grassroots structure expected to become even more intense.

For now, all eyes are on the leadership of the party as stakeholders await the next move in what is increasingly looking like a serious internal contest for political influence in Offa.