OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCE, ENGINEER SEYI MAKINDE ON LAUTECH ISEYIN CAMPUS

 Your Excellency,

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‎We, the Youths of Iseyin land, are compelled to write to you with utmost urgency and desperation, seeking your immediate intervention to address the existential crisis facing our campus. The situation is dire, and we implore you to act swiftly to grant our campus autonomy, lest we risk losing a generation of students, the brilliant contribution they would add to the education body in the country and the beautiful vision of your Excellency to expand the economy beyond the capital city.

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‎Since its establishment in 2021, the campus has been subjected to neglect, marginalization, and deliberate attempts to stifle its growth and development by the main campus in Ogbomosho. This happened because the campus relies solely on the latter – the sole reliance has resulted in:

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‎- Inadequate infrastructure and resources, forcing students to travel to Ogbomosho for practical

‎- Unwillingness of lecturers to relocate to Iseyin, compromising the quality of education

‎- Denial of opportunities for research and innovation, stunting the growth and development of our students

‎- A sense of hopelessness and frustration among students, staff, and the community.

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‎Please be informed Your Excellency that the main campus, backed by Ogbomoso indigene, has consistently prioritized its own interests over the needs of our students and campus. We are being held hostage by a system that seeks to suppress our aspirations and stifle our progress. In just a year, the students have protested three times, obviously playing the character in a movie written and directed by some wicked lecturers to facilitate their return to Ogbomosho. The recent visit by lecturers to Iseyin campus, attempting to lure students to demonstrate again for a return to Ogbomosho, is a stark reminder of the sinister intentions of the main campus.

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‎As you are aware sir, the Iseyin campus is supposed to have 20 farm units, including poultry, piggery, and others, to facilitate practical training for our students. However, most of these units are non-existent, while those available were not put to use by the lecturers till they became bushy, moribund and useless. Thus, our students are being denied the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. The lack of farm practicals is a clear indication of the neglect and marginalization of Iseyin campus by the main campus in Ogbomosho. Even as some Iseyin private farmers are ready to release their facilities to the institution for research, the management is thwarting these efforts.

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‎Dear Sir, the consequences of this neglect are dire. Our 400-level students are being neglected, as there are no practical units for them to undertake their projects. The (ANS) Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology departments have even instructed their 500-level students to return to Ogbomosho to complete their projects in their lecturers’ various private farms – this is a clear indication of selfishness and the lack of faith in the Iseyin campus.

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‎We are at a crossroads, Your Excellency. If we do not act now, the consequences will be catastrophic. We risk losing our students, our staff, and our reputation as an institution of higher learning. We risk perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment in our community.

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‎We cannot afford to wait any longer. The Local Government, Community Stakeholders and leaders have tried their best to make the Campus work better, through the special committee established to handle LAUTECH Iseyin Campus matters - The efforts of this committee are obviously being strangulated by the base management. We need your leadership, Your Excellency. We need your courage, your vision, and your commitment to justice. We need autonomy, and we need it now.

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‎Your Excellency, we propose the following immediate actions:

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‎1. Grant LAUTECH Iseyin Campus autonomy to function independently

‎2. Establish a separate management structure, with a Vice-Chancellor and management team appointed by the university council

‎3. Appoint lecturers who are willing to relocate to Iseyin

‎4. Allocate a fair share of the university's budget to our campus

‎5. Allow our campus to develop its own curriculum and programs, tailored to the needs of our students and the community.

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‎We believe that with autonomy, we can overcome the challenges facing Iseyin Campus and provide quality education to our students. We are also confident that with your support, we can make a significant contribution to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. We are ready to work with you to make this vision a reality.

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‎We await your urgent response and action.

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‎Yours sincerely,

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‎Qs Babajide Oniyo, MNIQS, RQS,

‎President, Council of Iseyin Youths Organisations.

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‎Co-signed:

‎Joint Actions Forum, Iseyin

‎Iseyin Youth Development Group

‎Federation of Iseyin Local Government Students

‎Movement for Ekunle Development

‎Iseyin Youth Assembly

‎National Youth Council of Nigeria, Iseyin

‎ Nigerian Youth Congress, Iseyin

‎Iseyin Youth Forum

‎Isalu Youth Development Forum

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ASEYIN: UPC APPOINTS ASEYIN OF ISEYINLAND AS GRAND PATRON, SOUTH WEST ZONE

Traditional Institution Strengthens Grassroots Empowerment as Club Rallies Leaders for Unity, Peace

The United People’s Club (UPC) of Nigeria has appointed His Royal Majesty, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, Ajirotutu I, Adeyeri III, the Aseyin of Iseyinland, as Grand Patron of the Club, South West Zone, in recognition of his exemplary leadership, moral authority, and sustained commitment to community development.

The appointment, contained in an official letter dated 11th December 2025, acknowledges the revered monarch’s role in promoting unity, peace, and the socio-economic advancement of his people. According to the Club, the Aseyin’s wisdom and dedication to service have continued to inspire confidence and progress within Iseyinland and beyond.

Delivering a keynote address, the National Deputy President of UPC, South West Zone, Hon. Adeosun Adesanya, Lagos State, described the appointment as a strategic partnership between a people-oriented organization and a respected traditional institution. He stressed that the guidance of the Aseyin would further strengthen UPC’s mission of authentic empowerment and inclusive development across the South West.

The event was anchored under the leadership of the National President of UPC, Engr. Olarenwaju Shittu, whose vision has continued to reposition the Club as a platform for grassroots engagement. Dignitaries in attendance included the South West Director, Hon. Adeosun Adesanya; Lagos State Chairman, Alhaji Muftaideen Afolabi; Oyo State Chairman, Hon. Fowosere; Oyo State Women Leader, Mrs. Dupe Ayilara; Director of Women Affairs, South West, Mrs. Olukemi Osotoye; Senatorial Women Leader, Oyo North Senatorial District, Hajiyat Oluwasayo Oladimeji; and the South West Media Director, Mrs. Owonikoko Balqis, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the host community, the Chairman of UPC, Iseyin Local Government, Honourable Oluwatoyin Mukaila Sanje, described the appointment as a landmark recognition of the Aseyin’s enduring contributions to peace and development in Iseyinland.

The United People’s Club reaffirmed its loyalty to the throne, expressing optimism that the partnership with the Aseyin of Iseyinland would further deepen unity, service delivery, and sustainable development across the South West Zone.

Iseyin Community Raises Alarm Over Alleged Academic Neglect at LAUTECH Agric College, Iseyin

The Iseyin community and students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus, have raised serious concerns over what they described as deliberate actions by some lecturers and staff aimed at frustrating academic activities and undermining the growth of the newly established campus.

Speaking under the umbrella of the Iseyin Development Union (IDU), community leaders accused a group of lecturers—allegedly led by the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences—of sabotaging efforts by both the government and host community to ensure stability, quality teaching, and sustainable development at the Iseyin campus.

The allegations were made on Monday during a press conference held at the palace of the Aseyin of Iseyinland. Addressing journalists, the National President of the IDU, Alhaji Mubasiru Azeez, first expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for relocating the College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources to Iseyin and for approving the financial and logistical support required for its successful takeoff.

According to him, the relocation brought renewed hope to the people of Iseyin and the wider Oke-Ogun zone, while the community has continued to offer full cooperation and support to ensure the success of the institution.

However, the Union lamented that these gains are now being threatened by what it termed “unacceptable and deliberate neglect” by some academic staff members. It was alleged that since academic activities resumed at the Iseyin campus on October 13, 2025, several lecturers in key departments—including Crop Production and Soil Science, Crop and Environmental Protection, and Agricultural Economics—have failed to resume teaching duties.

The IDU further disclosed that only one lecturer reportedly showed up in each of the Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Animal Production and Health departments, while just four lecturers were said to be actively teaching in the Agricultural Extension and Rural Development department.

Alhaji Azeez noted that the situation has caused widespread anxiety among students and parents, stressing that the community had initially refrained from accusing anyone of sabotage, but said the pattern of events could no longer be ignored.

“The Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, Ajirotutu I, the Council of Traditional Chiefs, religious leaders, elders and the entire people of Iseyin remain deeply grateful to Governor Seyi Makinde for his uncommon goodwill towards our community,” he said. “Unfortunately, the actions of a few disgruntled individuals now threaten the future of our children and the credibility of this institution.”

The Union recalled that students were forced to protest on January 20, 2025, following prolonged teaching deficiencies. It alleged that more than half of the students had been compelled to return to Ogbomoso, where some were reportedly engaged in farm work on private livestock farms belonging to their lecturers and supervisors instead of receiving formal academic instruction.

Further allegations include the deliberate withholding of 400-level results of students currently in 500 level, allegedly to create frustration and provoke unrest. The IDU also claimed that a poorly coordinated timetable was deliberately designed, with multiple courses scheduled simultaneously in the same lecture halls, leading to confusion and overcrowding.

According to the Union, these actions culminated in unrest within the town on December 8, 2025, with claims that some lecturers instigated students and parents against the state government, encouraged litigation, and fueled negative narratives against Iseyin and the broader Oke-Ogun region.

The Union also alleged that despite students paying levies for 2025 farm practical's, no practical training had been conducted, while final-year students were allegedly subjected to the stress and financial burden of shuttling between Ogbomoso and Iseyin for project supervision, as some lecturers reportedly refused to relocate to the Iseyin campus.

“These actions show a blatant disregard for the welfare, safety, and academic future of the students, all in an attempt to blackmail the state government and frustrate the system,” the Union stated.

In a passionate appeal, the IDU called on Governor Makinde to urgently intervene, restore order, and ensure that all lecturers posted to the Iseyin campus comply fully with their academic responsibilities.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Tiamiyu Taiwo, who led a delegation of LAUTECH Iseyin campus students, echoed the call for swift intervention. He urged relevant stakeholders, including the university management and governing council, to enforce compliance among lecturers, noting that students have endured prolonged hardship, uncertainty, and academic disruption.

The press conference concluded with a unified call by community leaders and students for immediate action to safeguard the future of the LAUTECH Iseyin campus and protect the academic dreams of its students.

Signed:

Alhaji Azeez Toyin Mubasiru, FCA, ACTI

National President,

Iseyin Development Union (IDU)

THE TALE OF TWO REGIONS:OKE-OGUN AND YEWA.

 They are miles apart, yet bound by the same ancestry the ancient Old Oyo Empire, that once-great civilization that gave the Yoruba world its crown of culture, courage, and commerce. Today, its descendants in Oke-Ogun and Yewa stand like twin siblings separated by state boundaries, Oke-Ogun in the northwest of Oyo, Yewa in the southwest of Ogun, each carrying the burden of unfulfilled political destiny.

Both regions are the silent powerhouses of their respective states. Their people rise before dawn to till the land, their markets overflow with produce that feed millions, and their border towns with Benin Republic serve as lifelines of trade and regional integration. Yet, when it comes to politics and governance, both Oke-Ogun and Yewa are treated as footnotes in the stories they helped write.
For decades, these regions have played the role of the loyal deputy, the reliable second fiddle. The governor’s seat, that ultimate symbol of power, has always eluded them. In Oyo, the Ibadan political bloc continues to dominate; in Ogun, the Egbas and Ijebus maintain their age-long hold on the reins of power. The irony is bitter: the regions that feed the states remain starved of recognition, respect, and representation.
But this story is not just about neglect, it’s also about the wounds inflicted by their own. Time and again, leaders have risen from both regions, men of intellect, charisma, and courage who could have rewritten the narrative. Yet, personal ambition and selfish interests have often turned promise into tragedy.
In Oyo State, Oke-Ogun has produced towering figures whose political journeys were cut short not by external enemies, but by internal divisions. Many recall Chief Michael Koleoso, a disciplined administrator and one of the brightest technocrats from Oke-Ogun, whose vision for equitable development was dimmed by intra-regional rivalries. Others like the late Adedibu (the Alaafin Molete) and the pragmatic Alhaji Yekeen Adeojo once championed the cause of Oke-Ogun representation, but political betrayal and disunity crippled the dream before it could fully bloom.
In Ogun State, the story of Yewa is not different. From the days of Chief Derin Adebiyi to Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, to the tireless efforts of Chief Tolu Odebiyi and others who have carried the torch of Yewa’s political aspiration, the region has repeatedly come close to the seat of power, only to be pushed aside at the last minute often by their own allies who bowed to external pressure or personal gain.
The common thread in both histories is painful but clear: selfishness has been more damaging than opposition. Political differences, ego battles, and short-term calculations have consistently undermined long-term regional progress.
The enemies are not always “them” too often, it is “us.”
Yet, change is in the air again.

The 2027 elections are shaping up as a defining moment for both Oke-Ogun and Yewa. Two figures stand as symbols of renewed hope and determination.
In Ogun, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has emerged as the face of Yewa’s political reawakening. He represents not just ambition, but preparation years of building networks, experience, and political capital across Lagos and Abuja, now being channeled toward his homeland. Yayi’s strides have rekindled the belief that Yewa’s time has come. But the real test is not in his capacity; it lies in the unity of his people. Will Yewa stand with one voice, or will history repeat itself in the familiar tune of internal sabotage?
In Oke-Ogun, the movement is younger, but no less powerful. Beulah Adeoye, lawyer, thinker, and an international personality has become the loudest voice in the call for Oke-Ogun emancipation. He speaks not just of politics, but of economic renewal, cultural pride, and generational leadership. His vision is one where Oke-Ogun is not a periphery of Oyo politics, but a central force shaping the state’s future. Yet, as Adeoye pushes forward, the same question looms: will Oke-Ogun unite behind one of their own, or will the familiar ghost of political betrayal rise again?
The stakes could not be higher. These are not just political battles; they are existential ones. The power dynamics of Oyo and Ogun will not change unless Oke-Ogun and Yewa change their internal mindset, from dependence to defiance, from divided voices to collective will.
Both regions have the numbers. They have the economic muscle. They have the cultural identity and moral right. What they have lacked, for too long, is political cohesion. The old empire that once led must not be content to follow forever. The same spirit that built Oyo Ile — proud, strategic and unbending must rise again in the hearts of Yewa and Oke-Ogun sons and daughters.
If they fail to act now, the price will be another decade of regret, another cycle of political marginalization dressed in empty promises. But if they seize this moment, align their purpose, and place regional interest above personal ambition, history will finally give them what politics has long denied: leadership, dignity, and destiny fulfilled.
The tale of Oke-Ogun and Yewa is, at its core, the tale of Nigeria itself, regions rich in people and potential, yet trapped in the politics of division. Whether that tale ends in triumph or tragedy will depend on the choices they make before the ballot boxes open in 2027.
The empire once stood tall. It can rise again, if its children remember who they are.

Akinwale Atepe writes from Abeokuta.

LAUTECH: PROMO holds appreciation walk for Makinde

Aare Babajide Oniyo

Earlier today, I joined the Progressive Movement of Oke Ogun (PROMO) on a solidarity and appreciation walk for the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Oluseyi Makinde on the Establishment of LAUTECH College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources in Iseyin. 

A specially framed Appreciation note was presented to the Governor, through the Executive Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Mufu Abilawon who appreciated the group on behalf of His Excellency and promised to deliver the message to the Governor.

Prior to the visit to the Chairman, a press conference had earlier been held by the President of the Progressive Movement of ÒkèÒgùn (PROMO) Comrade Hammed Saheed Adeyemi Oloro on the Campus of the institution, where he lauded the Governor on his love for ÒkèÒgùn especially on the LAUTECH, Iseyin Campus. He also advised those calling for the cancellation of this well legally-sealed development to desist from such move, as he prays for the continuous development of Oyo State.

In my remarks, I appreciated the PÈGÚNRUN of ÒkèÒgùn and the ÈYÍNNBÁBÍ of Iseyinland, Governor Oluseyi Makinde for his torrents of benevolence acts to the ÒkèÒgùn zone, ranging from the construction of Moniya-Iseyin road, Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomosho road, Iseyin-Oyo road, Establishment of LAUTECH Campus in Iseyin, renovation of Iseyin City Hall and many others still in the stocks in Omituntun 2.0. I also extended my appreciation to the Chairman and his cabinet members, ditto the members of Progressive Movement of Oke Ogun. I prayed for continual prosperity of Iseyin and the entire Oke-Ogun.

PROMO is commended for this beautiful act and advised to sustain this tempo in future; as we can't wait till the last minute to get things done aright. May God help us.

An Open Letter To His Excellency, Eng. Seyi Makinde

By: Asiwaju Abiodun Abdul'azeez

I want to use this opportunity to congratulate you on your re-election, but it’s with a heavy heart i write to you on the issue of the dilapidated health care sector in my Hometown; Iseyin. Over the years, we have witnessed the maximum support and turnouts of electorates in order to cast their vote for the right candidate, and unarguably Sir, you have enjoyed this decorum–like reactions. Firstly, i must establish the fact that i was born and raised in iseyin town, so beyond ink and paper, i am qualified to draw your attention towards certain slaps raping our locality’s cheeks. 

Your Excellency Sir, it is pertinent to appreciate your kindness towards Iseyin and its environs by reconstructing Ibadan to Iseyin road, Ogbomosho to Iseyin road, Oyo to Iseyin road, relocation of Faculty of Agriculture; Ladoke Akintola University to our dear hometown and many more that are still on the way in your second term that would kickstart very soon. I learnt that The University would commence activities in a short while, which some of us are anticipating for such a climax of development. Sir, there is this depiction that you are people’s choice whom citizens hope that can get rid of their tears, and of course you have truly inhibited some tears with your kindness in these past years, but the moment we need you in extension is now. 

Your Excellency Sir, we have witnessed the prudence of a good governance under your watch, and the dividend of democracy is not left out, but i have come to draw your attention like the cry of a new born baby seeking his mother’s nipple. Sir, Basically, Primary Health Care is one of the vitals of a good governance, and according to World Health Organization (WHO), Primary Health Care is an essential care based on practical, scientifically sound and socially acceptable method and technology made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at a cost they and the country can afford to maintain in the spirit of self reliance and self determination. In addition, primary health care reflects and evolves from the economic conditions and sociocultural and political characteristics of the country and its communities. Addresses the main health problems in the community providing promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services, It includes education concerning prevailing health problems and the methods of preventing and controlling them. It involves, in addition to the health sector, all related sectors and aspects of national and community development, example, education, housing and beyond; but i shall center my observation and clarion call on the curative and rehabilitative services. 

It breaks my heart each time i visit General Hospital, Iseyin due to certain anomalies flying like a night bird, religiously, in some context, sickness and death are beyond man’s knowledge, nevertheless, there is need for a better health care system in our community. Permit me to remind you that in 2011, Iseyin population was about 362, 990, and this was about twelve years ago, and it is visible to the blind that there are only two Government health care facilities that are functioning/under-functioning; General Hospital Odo-Omu and Maternity Center, Oja Oba. 

In the case of Maternity Center, the responsibilities are narrowly channeled to perhaps the Obstetric and Gynecology, but my major concern is the poor performance of the General Hospital which is the hope of every common man like me who does not have money to bear the cost of private hospitals, i may be wrong in this regard but averagely, General Hospital Iseyin hardly have a Physician on call after working-hours which is definitely not applicable in some parts of the State. Sir, my people have lost trust in the healthcare delivery system of the General Hospital, Iseyin due to their lackadaisical attitudes towards managing several emergency cases, of course this may not be the fault of workers but the management at all levels of health sector, hence, the sick people prefer patronizing herbal homes which reduce the cost of their treatment but a reminder that this has limitations; considering the diagnosis and often time when surgical cases are required. 

A reminder that there are other primary health care centers at the outskirts of Iseyin as a local Government which we expect General Hospital to be their secondary facility but unfortunately even the secondary facility can not serve its roles due to several factors which you're being called upon to assign checkers as a sole administrator of our dear state. Recall that our sister towns; the likes of Ibadan has University College Hospital (UCH) and Adeoyo Memorial Hospital among others, to some extent, they deliver their roles averagely, Ogbomosho has a teaching hospital which performs very fairly, Oyo town has a functioning General Hospital, also, Saki, and what have we done in Iseyin to deserve this negligence, enhancing lost of lives to unnecessary carelessness. 

In the same vein, quack health care providers are now flowing in Iseyin streets, i even learnt they now learn how to be a physician under the shelter of illiteracy, this could happen in an environment that pays less attention to the health care of its people, and this should definitely be a slap on the twenty first century. Like i have mentioned earlier, ruling out diagnosis is key in managing ailments, and who could do this, our physicians but countless times, nurses at the General Hospital explain to us as client that Physicians are not around, and the aftermath of this reaction could be death or unimaginable complications.

Sir, i am appealing to you to do something very urgent regarding this request, many people have died in the hands of poor management of their ailment, and these quacks aforementioned operate blindly with zero knowledge of what, when, how and where to administer medications. 

In conclusion, there is need to appoint Senior Physicians, Resident Doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses, Medical Laboratory Scientists and other health care providers in order to achieve the desire of Omituntun 2.0, also, there is need to install equipments in our dear General Hospital for effective diagnosis, there is also need to close down unregistered health care facilities which accommodate and train quacks that expose our loved ones to dangers, there is need to swift to action by preventing irreversible health complications, even if lives are not lost. We would be glad if you could as well replicate every functioning department at Adeoyo Memorial Hospital to our owned General Hospital in Iseyin, we would definitely appreciate that, and posterity would never erase your fame on the walls of memory. 

Thanks so much for reading my letter Your Excellency, God bless you richly. 

Sincerely,

Asiwaju Abiodun Abdul'azeez

LAUTECH: The story of the beginning

 By Kunle Alhazan

Truly, I could vividly remember the fund raising day at the ISEYIN TOWN HALL then where Baba Ashiru Olona of blessed memory was imploring every well-to-do son and daughter of our town to donate handsomely for the institution to be located at ISEYIN.

I could also recollect that Baba Olona donated sum of #50,000 while Alhaji Omokunmi Mustapha donated:the sum of #20,000 but Baba advised that he should donate more.

The value of those monies donated then could be imagined then compared to now.

Alhaji Sanni of blessed memory also promised on that fund raising day that if the institution is sited in ISEYIN he would build infrastructural facilities worth #200,000 for the school.

Those were some of the instances that happened on that day in 1989, aside other huge donations from other prominent sons and daughters of ISEYIN not excluding donations from young and old people, our mothers and fathers who were anticipating for the institution to be located in our town.

With all this historical background of the establishmentof the school, I wonder how the Ogbomosho people has turned the collective property of the state to their own property.

They had the upper hand then for the school to be located there because the military Governor then was their son not that they contributed more the other divisions of the state especially Oke Ogun region.