National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has rejected the award of Excellence in Leadership to be conferred on him by the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) Osun Chapter.
He accused Osun State Government of manipulating the society following the abrupt postponement of the award over what he described as undue political interference and manipulation by the Osun State Government.
NES had in a letter dated April 7, 2025 by its Chairman, Prof. Adeleke G. Aremo and Secretary, Adewale Sam-Aliyu intimated Basiru of the postponement of the award slated for Thursday 11th April, 2025, hinging their decision on unexpected turn of events, logistic and security complexities. No new date was fixed.
Faulting the postponement and rejecting the award, Basiru in a letter by his Special Adviser, Legal and Political Strategy, Barrister Othuke Amata Aso said the society has compromised the integrity of the award.
Basiru criticizeid the NES for what he described as an unprofessional communication regarding the “postponement” of the ceremony, calling the letter “convoluted” and “hastily prepared.”
Expressing dismay at the abrupt cancellation of the award, which was labelled a “postponement,” Basiru said the April 7 letter was lacking coherence and clarity.”
The APC National Secretary alleged external interference as the primary cause for the cancellation of the award ceremony.
According to him: “Reliable sources within the ranks of the NES, Osun Chapter revealed that the pressure to cancel the award ceremony came from the Osun State Government, specifically Governor Ademola Adeleke.
“The real reason for this shameful retreat is the undue pressure and shenanigans exerted by the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Ademola Adeleke, on the leadership of your society.”
The APC Scribe accused the Osun State administration of lacking excellence and being politically motivated, specifically calling out what he described as “mediocrity” and “cheap politicking” on the part of the state’s leadership.
Basiru, who said he initially hesitated to accept the award due to skepticism towards honorary awards, accepted it after encouragement from well meaning colleagues, and friends.
He rejected the recognition, stating that the actions of the NES Osun Chapter represent “a stain on its reputation” and a “disservice to the very ideals it purports to champion.”
Basiru advised NES Osun State Chapter to find a way to redeem itself and rise above political influence, reinforcing that merit should not be “subverted by the whims of those in power.”
