Reasons Senator Basiru Rejected NES Award

Senator Ajibola Basiru, Ph.D., has rejected the Award of Excellence in Leadership that was to be conferred upon him by the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Osun State Chapter.

The rejection is contained in a letter, dated April 8th, 2025.

The letter outlines a series of grievances regarding the handling of the award and the subsequent cancellation of the award ceremony.

The letter criticizes the NES Osun State Chapter for what is described as an unprofessional communication regarding the “postponement” of the ceremony, calling the letter “convoluted” and “hastily prepared,” which, according to Basiru’s representatives, was “lacking coherence and clarity.” The senator further expressed dismay at the abrupt cancellation of the award, which was labeled a “postponement.”

The letter points to alleged external interference as the primary cause for the cancellation.

According to the letter, “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 senator accused the government of exerting undue influence on the leadership of NES, ultimately compromising the integrity of the award.

“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 letter reads. It goes on to accuse the Osun State administration of lacking excellence and being politically motivated, specifically calling out what the senator described as “mediocrity” and “cheap politicking” on the part of the state’s leadership.

Senator Basiru, who initially hesitated to accept the award due to his skepticism towards honorary awards, accepted it after encouragement from well meaning colleagues, and friends. However, he now rejects the recognition, stating that the actions of the NES Osun State Chapter represent “a stain on its reputation” and a “disservice to the very ideals it purports to champion.”

In closing, the letter expresses a hope that the NES Osun State Chapter will 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.”