NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 19/11/2023 -Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke and his entire team are open to engagement with civil society organisations for the common good of the state even as the administration cautions against political partisanship using civil society activism as a cover.

Responding to a press briefing by a group named Masterminds, the Governor canvassed for impartial criticism of government as the right of citizens but noted that a politically coloured statements will draw similar response from the administration, noting that if a civil group play political game, the response will also be political.

The government cited as an example the Masterminds’ commendation of the state government on enrolment of pensioners which it said was laced with political colouration, positing that the policy of enroling pensioners did not exist under any previous government in Osun state.

Because of political bias, the group could not stop at commendation but had to tell stories about which administration founded or nurtured the health insurance agency.

Is the issue about who established the agency or which administration launched the health cover for pensioners?

Before responding to the many issues raised by the group, let us invite its operatives and other civil society groups in Osun state to avail themselves of the Freedom of Information Act which makes it mandatory for government agencies to provide information as may be requested by members of the public.

Information about budgets, expenditure and other data related to public finance can be accessed legally and within the bounds of the law by interested members of the public. The rules and procedures are clearly spelt out.

This administration is committed to open governance and information access especially when such efforts are not politicized or designed to score political points.

On the multi-billion Infrastructure Plan, the Governor had during Ipade Imole stated that the sources of funding include savings from revenue leakages, enhanced internally generated revenue, federal infrastructure intervention, federal refunds among others.

For the avoidance of doubt, Mr Governor made it clear that he will not borrow in any way to fund the plan, that funding of the infra plan will not affect workers’ welfare and that the state will not be fiscally endangered as was the case in the past administration.

As to the question of how the Governor plans to fund the 2024 budget and if the infra plan is captured in the new budget proposal, we ask the group and other organisations to attend budget hearing sessions at the State Assembly to access the funding plans and the details of the budgetary provisions. The hearings are ongoing.

On the N10 billion naira supplementary budget and what it contains, we urged the group to access the approved supplementary budget either through the House of Assembly or the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Development. It is a public document.

Supplementary budgeting is not in anyway an abberation and such Appropriation Acts are public documents which interested parties can seek just like the 2.1 trillion naira supplementary budget just approved by the National Assembly for President Bola Tinubu

On the alleged removal of the Chief Judge, we want to set the records straight that Governor Ademola Adeleke had only written the Chief Justice of Nigeria who is the chairman of the National Judicial Council forwarding the resolution of the House of Assembly and recommending the most senior judicial officer for appointment in acting capacity depending on the final decision of the NJC.

By conveying the House resolution to the NJC and by merely recommending for NJC action an acting capacity appointment, Governor Adeleke has proved and acted within the confines of law and in recognition of the powers and responsibility of the NJC.

On the appointment of Barrister Hashim, we challenged the group to point out any legal provisions violated as Governor Adeleke is mostly fixated on competency and legality in his appointment decisions

On alleged stifling of funding to Osun State University, we call the attention of the group and the public to the public confession of the Vice Chancellor of the University to the unprecedented capital projects and overhead funding support for the university from the state government. The video indeed went viral.

We find it curious that the group finds it convenient to ignore the completion of several abandoned projects at the university by the current administration which led to the Vice Chancellor confessing that the current government has done more than any government in the state for the university.

If not for political bias, we expect the group to list university projects initiated and others completed by the Adeleke administration instead of focussing on overhead financing adjustments which even the university management accepted is compensated for by the huge capital funding support the university is getting from the state government.

As much as this administration is ready for dynamic engagement, it is also not our duty to spoon feed civil society groups as research is an integral part of advocacy and activism. For example, attending public hearings and accessing public documents are crucial responsibilities of genuine civil society groups.

We urge civil society groups to step out as genuine partners in state development by playing their parts in the advocacy and stakeholding process and by avoiding parroting opposition party’s talking points.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke.

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO- 18/11/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

The government of Osun state has denied news reports that Governor Ademola Adeleke has removed the Chief Judge and appointed an acting Chief Judge, clarifying that the Governor had only forwarded the resolution of the House of Assembly and recommendation for an acting appointment to the Chief Justice of the Federation for decision and action.

With all sense of responsibility ,it is important to set the records straight that Governor Adeleke has only duly notified the Chief Justice as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) in writing about the resolutions of the House of Assembly following a series of petitions made against the sitting Chief Judge of Osun State.

In the communication, Mr Governor intimated the CJN of the recommendation of the House that the Chief Judge should step aside and included his own submission for an acting appointment to fill the vacuum while the NJC reviews and decides on the petition.

To that end, the Governor in the same letter recommended to the CJN ,the appointment of the most senior judicial officer, Hon.Justice Olayinka David Afolabi for thorough consideration and further processing by the same NJC through the CJN

We urge the public to note that while the House of Assembly recommended the appointment of a replacement to the Governor in its resolution, the Governor however toed the line of law by writing the CJN on the entire development and submitting all materials for NJC as mandated national agency.

We therefore wish to state categorically that Governor Adeleke has not appointed any judicial official as Acting Chief Judge and nobody has been sworn as Acting Chief Judge of Osun state.

Governor Adeleke is a man of due process and rule of law with a deep level of respect for the bar and the bench, the NJC and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

We assure the public that Mr Governor is fully aware of the limit of his powers as well as the responsibilities of the various agencies of government and will therefore not act in any way to violate the constitution and rule of law.

Signed
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.

By Olawale Rasheed

The superlative performance of Governor Ademola Adeleke has necessitated a change of strategy within the opposition. As the Governor cannot be faulted on performance rating, the focus is then shifted to how state decisions are taken, how appointments are made and how the wheel of state is piloted. As an insider, let me assert that the man in control of Osun state is Senator Ademola Adeleke.The opposition propaganda is to posit albeit falsely that somebody else other than the Governor rules. The fake ploy is to paint a picture of a rudderless administration. The fault and the weakness of these strategies is that a state on autopilot as they want us to believe cannot be delivering as much as the Osun state government is performing. A state with discordant leadership structure must have manifested chaos and internal implosion, one year after. Yet, the state is running seamlessly, hard state policies are implemented. Critical matters are thrashed out. The five point agenda is being implemented. Workers are happy. Citizens acknowledged unprecedented delivery. Pensioners are full of joy. Infrastructure deficits are being addressed. The state is progressing.Who is in control other than the Governor, Senator Adeleke? That question stems from a mischievous mindset trying to undermine the huge popularity of the Governor and his high performance rating. As nobody can fault innovative governance Osun is experiencing, the shot is at how decisions are made. Again as an insider, let me assure the naysayers that Governor Adeleke holds the ace, the green pen. He decides, he approves. Like the Governor often jocularly noted, “I got the pen”.How are decisions arrived at? Let me further educate detractors that this is a democracy, not a military junta. The Governor has the party, the cabinet, the assembly and well wishers to consult. Even under military administration, consultation takes place. The all-powerful Abacha has a kitchen cabinet talk-less of General Babangida the Maradona of our time.A democratic government is built on consultation from bottom to top. Institutional structures, both formal and informal are an integral part of democratic decision making. In a democracy, interests of high and the low are taken into accounts.Negotiation, horse-trading and give and take are the hallmark of democratic system of governmentWhen somebody accuses Governor Adeleke of running a parliamentary system or collegiate system of government, I wonder what his understanding of democracy is. Democracy is not a one man show. It is not a platform of a tyrant. It is the field of a consensus builder, a leader who must ensure all interests are integrated for the general good of the state. A democratic leader with all the executive authorities understands the imperative of policy negotiations. Hence he wields power not in a vacuum but as an outcome of a well grounded bottom to top counseling admonitory process.Such a mindset of the leader ensures the strengthening of the leadership structure, the buying in of policy outcomes and the successful implementation of policies and decisions. In the case of Osun, successful policy design premised on best practices of consultation and counseling from all stakeholders ensures successful outcomes. We have seen such in the infrastructure, health and education sectors. That manifested well in the public sector reforms championed by the Governor.Another area opposition activists need enlightenment is the constant attack on the Governor’s family. As highlighted above, a Governor is entitled to take advice from party leadership, cabinet, lawmakers and of course his family, both immediate and extended. Family members are as much a stakeholder as the other institutional actors. They are citizens of Osun and they are also party men and women. Having their brother as Governor should not deprive them of participation in the governance process. The Adeleke family is blessed and the family has a duty to stand by their brother who is in power.Is the family breaking any law? Absolutely not. Has the Governor abdicated his official powers to any adviser or family member ? No. Is the Governor granting undue favoritism to his family? No. Governor Adeleke remains firmly in control but he is at liberty to listen to advice from his party leadership, his cabinet, the legislature and his family. Why should I block my family because I am a Governor? The duty of a Governor is to ensure the right balance within the law under the involvement of all stakeholders.If only critics know the man called Ademola Adeleke, they will stop wasting time concocting false narratives about a Governor not in control of state power. In every decision, there is a statutory process. Such order of actions are not only enforced but observed across board. Here is a Governor widely known as “Mr Harsh Pen”. He is not only in the know of starting point of decisions and policies, he followed up and still wields the big stick, his pen, at the final stage.Beyond all the above, what is the essence of the public policy process? As a trained policy professional , I can assert that it is simply about service delivery to the public. Efficient actions on public sector reform, workers welfare, health care coverage, educational reform, infrastructure upgrade among others. Governor Adeleke’s style of leadership has satisfied the main essence of public governance- delivery of democratic dividends and good governance. More impressive is that such meeting of public needs happened under impressive observance of due process and compliance with procurement laws. A democratically elected Governor won’t alienate critical stakeholders even as he governs within the bounds of the law. President Bola Tinubu today runs a presidency with a multidimensional team with various power centers which he manages, all within the law. As he listens to powerful forces within his fold, he integrates such with institutional and geo-regional forces. Governor Adeleke also sits atop a very dynamic and complex state system. His style ensures all forces are heard and processed while final decisions are taken with a strict eye on public good.Let me finally submit that the opposition’s new strategy is dead on arrival for many reasons. Firstly, democracy stipulates consultation and counseling. A democrat must engage all forces. In the multiplicity of power centers, the democratically elected leader must hold the final say as he has his eye on service delivery and good governance.● Mallam Olawale Rasheed is the Special Adviser/Spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 12/11/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

It has been brought to our attention the blackmailing attempt of the sinking opposition and belly-aching traducers in Osun state to drag the prestigious name and personality of Yeye Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni into what she knows nothing about. One of such blackmailing attempts is linking her to the recent purchase of official vehicles for local governments Caretaker Chairmen in Osun state.Let it be noted that the process involved in the purchase of the official vehicles for the local government Chairmen has nothing to do with Yeyeluwa. Due process was followed through Association Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), their umbrella body, in purchasing those vehicles. Yeyeluwa Adeleke-Sanni was not in any way involved in the entire process.Just recently, a reputable financial institution ‘ICAN’ accorded Osun State with the topmost position as one of the best audit and financial compliance states. This administration is committed to due process, transparency and upholding of procurement laws.We call the attention of the public to the existence of the Freedom of Information Act which allows the citizens to seek information through a designated process. Peddlers of fake news are also reminded of the existence of cyber crime laws which prohibit fabrication and spreading of fake news among others.Going forward, any defamatory or blackmailing attempt from any quarters will be treated with the right and deserving legal actions. Relevant state law officers have been directed by Mr Governor to bring to book those committing fake news and associated cyber crimes.SignedMallam Olawale Rasheed ,Spokesperson to the State Governor

NEWS RELEASE

OSUN -11/11/2023 -Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has commiserated with friends, family, and associates on the demise of one of his friends, Senior Apostle Felix Falana Abidoye.

The Governor, in his condolence visit to the deceased residence at Ife, described him as one of his bosom friend they spent several struggles of life together till he breathed his last.

“My friend Alagba as he’s fondly called, was a committed ally of mine and a patriot

“He always believed in any cause I set out to do in life and was a steadfast supporter of mine during the political struggles to the eventual victory. It’s quite unfortunate he’s dead at a time I will most need his advice and encouragement in delivering the best of service to the good people of our state.

“I commiserate with his immediate family, friends, wife, children, and the entire people he left behind. I pray may God comfort everyone and give the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss,” Governor Adeleke stated at the burial session of the deceased at his residence.

Senior Apostle Felix Falana Abidoye was 63 years of age till he breathed his last and was buried in his hometown in Ife.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Governor.

NEWS RELEASE

11/112023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has congratulated his colleague Governor of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, on the conferment of chieftaincy title as the “Jagunmolu of Ondo Kingdom”Governor Adeleke in the same vein equally congratulated the Senator representing Osun Central senatorial district at the National Assembly, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi on his installation as the “Bobasofin of Ondo Kingdom” by Oba (Dr) Victor Ademefun Kiladejo (Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom).The installation of the prestigious Chieftaincy titles on the two worthy personalities coincided with the 70th birthday celebration and 17th year coronation anniversary of Oba (Dr) Victor Adesimbo Ademefun Kiladejo (Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom).”I congratulate my brother Governor, Seyi Makinde on his conferment as the Jagunmolu of Ondo Kingdom and my Senator from the state of the living spring, Olubiyi Fadeyi on his installation as the Bobasofin of Ondo Kingdom””Governor Seyi Makinde has shown himself overtime as a man of the people. His landmark performance as the Governor of Oyo State is applaudable. “His accelerated roadmap for development of Oyo State is commendable, and I’m not surprised the ancient city of Ondo Kingdom has found him worthy to celebrate and honour him to be the JAGUNMOLU of the kingdom””Let me equally congratulate our very own, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi for bringing honour to Osun state with his conferment of this prestigious Chieftaincy Title of the Bobasofin Ondo Kingdom””This is affirmation of his responsible representation and quality governance deliverables he’s been giving since his assumption to office as the Senator representing Osun Central at the upper chamber””You all have my best wishes as you continue to serve humanity in your different space,” Governor Ademola Adeleke reiterated. Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Deputy Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Jibrin Barau, Ovation Magazine Publisher, Aare Dele Momodu were among other high profile personalities that attended the installation ceremony with Governor Ademola Adeleke in the ancient city of Ondo Kingdom.Signed:Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Governor.

Osogbo– 07/11/2023– osunstate.gov.ng

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke and his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday hosted members of the Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osogbo, the Osun state capital.Governor Makinde who was in Abuja, joined the meeting that was chaired by Governor Adeleke virtually, as the two leaders agreed on moving the PDP forward in the Southwest zone.In his welcome address, Governor Adeleke acknowledged the commitment of the Southwest PDP Excos in making the party strong in the zone, assuring them that he has the understanding of his counterpart in Oyo state, Governor Makinde, to improve the fortune of the PDP in the Southwest.Governor Adeleke who said the meeting with the managers of the PDP in the Southwest is to strengthen the party, noted that the party have a lot to benefit in unity.”We are all brothers,” the Governor pointed out, adding that “We, the two leaders, have decided to forge ahead in the interest of our party.”Governor Adeleke maintained his commitment to the progress of the PDP in the Southwest zone, saying his door is always open to whatever will aid the growth of the party.Joining virtually, Governor Makinde said he’s on the same page with Governor Adeleke on building the Southwest PDP, assuring those at the meeting of the resolve of both leaders to unity.Governor Makinde canvassed the PDP Southwest Excos to contribute to making the party strong by ensuring unity, disclosing intention of convening an enlarged meeting of leaders of the party in the zone in Ibadan.He however said he is on the same page with his counterpart in Osun, Senator Adeleke, on the replacement of the late National Vice Chairman of the party, Hon. Soji Adagunodo.Speaking at the meeting, the Acting Chairman of the PDP in Southwest, Alhaji Rahman Owokoniran, commended Governor Adeleke for the step towards building the party in the zone, saying “we want to assure the Governor of our uttermost support and cooperation.””When our Governor won, we knew it was going to happen because the people love him and we are happy with that. We have been campaigning for you since 2017 and we did the same in 2022. Our people gave you their supports and are happy that you won. We pray that our party prevail in Ogun as well,” Owokoniran noted.Highlight of the meeting included the nomination of Barrister Kamorudeen Ajisafe as the National Vice Chairman of the party (South West), to replace late Adagunodo who was from the state. It was resolved that the nomination will be sealed at the enlarged meeting to be held in Ibadan at a later date.

Oladele Bamiji

HOB Senior Special Assistant To The Governor.

Osun State.07/11/2023.

OSOGBO – 07/11/2023

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved the reinstatement of Mrs Abosede Folasayo Fagbola as the Secretary of the Osun State Judicial Service Commission with immediate effect.SignedMallam Olawale Rasheed,Spokesperson to the State Governor

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 01/22/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke acted within the requirements of the law in dissolving all statutory commissions almost a year after he assumed office.
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi made this clarification .

In a reaction to news publications in respect of the dissolution,Hon Alimi said the Governor received the best legal advice before taking the decision, positing that the dissolved commissions suffered legal deficiencies in their making.

According to the Commissioner, the Commissions were set up under “the state of Osun”, a platform already declared illegal by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Against this backdrop,Alimi reiterated and also affirmed that the appointments were made under a law that has been nullified by a competent Court of law, which,by implication made those beneficiaries lacked the expected claim to immunity from dissolution by a Governor who is upholding only legal actions of the previous government.

It must also be added that the former Governor violated the stipulations of the law in the composition of some of the boards.

The law stipulated the types and manners of persons to be appointed into the commissions. By violating those requirements, the appointments were rendered null and void.

We can therefore assure all and sundry that the state government does not need tutoring from those who hope to benefit from obvious non-compliance perpetrated by the previous government.

We call on members of the dissolved commissions to accept the best wishes and commendation of the State Governor for their meritorious service to the state.

Signed
Oluomo kolapo Alimi,
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 23/10/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke on Monday hosted the State Executive Council meeting with key focus on treasury board decisions as it affects preparation for budget 2024 and landmark pronouncements on state governance.

The meeting attended by all members of the executive council deliberated on 2024 budget proposals from the Ministries, departments and agencies as a prelude to the submission of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework to the State House of Assembly.

Addressing the Council, Governor Adeleke called for due diligence on the budget preparation process, reading out key policy directives on the governance of the state.

The Governor directed the immediate suspension of foreign travels by top officials, urging application of virtual meetings for attendance and participation at international business and investment events.

“Foreign trips for top officials for the rest of the year is hereby suspended unless there is a direct emergency to be authorized by the Governor”, the Governor directed

Governor Adeleke further instructed that state expenditure should henceforth be focussed on implementation of critical projects across the sectors.

According to him, “we must sustain the momentum of our service delivery by avoiding excessive spending on recurrent and overheads”

He also called for personal sacrifice on the part of cabinet members, positing that cabinet members and all members of the administration must demonstrate readiness to sacrifice in the face of the state’s harsh financial situation.

“Our needs from office to accommodation are much but our resources are limited. So we have to devise a coping mechanism pending the time our funding situation will improve” , he affirmed.

As a way of enforcing efficiency in the governance process, the State Governor also directed the Head of Service to prepare a memo to streamline the relationship between the Commissioners and Special Advisers.

“While memos by Special Advisers must pass through the Permanent Secretary to the Commissioners, the Commissioners must ensure fair play and accommodating spirit” , the Governor declared in a move to pre-empt possible rivalry among top appointees.

“Members of the Council are to also note that I will be unveiling the Administration’s N100 billion Infrastructure Plan by Thursday. The plan covers roads, health, water, housing among others.

“I invite us all to note that this Treasury board deliberations are critical to the achievement of our governance goals. We must take it with all seriousness”, the Governor affirmed.

The Council meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; the Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Akinleye; the Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina, commissioners and the ten cabinet ranked special advisers.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Governor.