The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has rejected an Award of Excellence in Leadership slated to be conferred upon him by the Osun State chapter of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), citing alleged political interference by the Osun State Government.
In a letter dated April 8, 2025, addressed to the leadership of Osun State chapter of NES, Senator Basiru expressed disappointment over what he described as the “unprofessional” handling of the award process and the abrupt cancellation of the initial award presentation ceremony.
Basiru condemned the communication announcing the postponement of the event, describing it as “convoluted, hastily prepared, lacking coherence and clarity.” He further stated that the language used in the letter raised red flags and confirmed fears of external meddling.
According to the former lawmaker, credible sources within NES in Osun State disclosed that the cancellation was politically motivated and orchestrated by the state government under 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,” Basiru wrote in the letter.
The former Senate spokesperson accused Governor Adeleke of using his office to undermine merit-based recognition and replacing it with “mediocrity and cheap politicking.”
Senator Basiru noted that he initially declined the award out of skepticism over honourary recognitions but later accepted it following persuasion from colleagues and friends who believed the award was a deserving acknowledgment of his contributions.
But, outrightly rejecting the award now, the APC National Secretary described decision by Osun State chapter of NES as a betrayal of the values the society stands for.
“This represents a stain on its reputation and a disservice to the very ideals it purports to champion,” he stated.
In his conclusion, Senator Basiru urged the Nigerian Economic Society in Osun State to insulate itself from partisan influences and to recommit to the principles of excellence, fairness, and merit.
“Merit should not be subverted by the whims of those in power,” the letter read.
