Osogbo Youths Back Badmus, Dissociate Dalegan Family From Muniru’s Actions
Youth leaders from the Dalegan Family Compound in Osogbo have paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Director, Marine and Operations of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hon. Olalekan Badmus, in a show of solidarity and support for youth inclusion in the political and developmental affairs of Osogboland.
The visit was sequel to Badmus’ public call out of the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Political Matters, Alhaji Muniru Raji, accusing him of persistently attacking emerging political figures from Osogbo in what he described as a deliberate and predictable pattern.
Speaking during the visit, the youths said their decision to meet with Badmus was informed by concerns over what they described as the systematic frustration of young, capable Osogbo indigenes seeking to grow and contribute meaningfully to society.
Addressing the youths, Badmus reaffirmed his stance against what he termed politics of suppression, stressing that Osogbo must create space for its younger generation to thrive.
“Osogbo needs elders who will allow the youth to grow excellently. If you will not allow your own children to venture into politics, do not ruin the chances of other people’s children,” Badmus said.
He warned against actions that undermine collective progress, adding that youth empowerment remains key to the future of the town.
“Stop frustrating efforts aimed at the development of Osogbo. This is the time for the youth to liberate themselves from self-centred elders who are not after the progress of Osogbo but after their own pockets,” he added.
Badmus also referenced developments in Kogi State to underscore the importance of giving young people opportunities to lead.
“A former governor of Kogi State became governor before the age of 40, and his successor also emerged young. Do we not want young adults from our own families to grow?” he queried.
The NPA executive further dismissed claims by some political actors that Osogbo did not benefit from the APC-led administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, noting that records clearly show otherwise.
According to him, Osogbo produced commissioners, a national party secretary, an INEC commissioner, and several federal appointees, while many indigenes secured employment in federal parastatals alongside key infrastructural projects executed during the APC administration.
The Dalegan youths, however, were unequivocal in distancing themselves from the recent actions and comments of Alhaji Muniru Raji, stressing that his posture does not reflect the values or position of the Dalegan Family or the wider Osogbo community.
They described his conduct as self-serving, divisive, and harmful to youth progress, warning that such actions only deepen disunity and hinder development.
The visit ended with a renewed call for unity, constructive engagement, and deliberate support for young people as critical stakeholders in the future of Osogboland.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
