Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ban heavy duty trucks from plying the Olaiya bridge at the state capital, citing safety reasons arising from the technical reports on the state of the bridge.
The Governor who presided over a security council meeting at Osogbo said the decision became necessary to protect the bridge from possible collapse and avoid untoward happenings with continuous passage by heavy trucks.
Describing the decision as a preemptive step, Governor Adeleke said the Ministry should erect barricades across the bridge to allow only cars and buses to ply through the road.
As a step towards implementing the directive, the Governor also instructed the Ministry to issue a travel advisory with radio jingles to sensitize members of the public and the transport ecosystem.
The Governor assured the public that the decision was taken to protect the public and state assets while a long lasting review of the technical status of the bridge is being conducted by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
Several diaspora groups have described the mining reforms and other good governance initiatives of Governor Ademola Adeleke as “impressive” and “unprecedented” since the creation of Osun State.
The Governor who was on transit to Nigeria in the United Kingdom after attending a livestock conference in Northern France hosted several leaders and indegenes of Osun in London with many listing several sectors for which the Governor has placed the state on global map of good governance.
A group called Osun UK. Professionals led by Bimbo Adekemi expressed surprise at the fast pace at which the Governor is pursuing infrastructure upgrade across the state at a time of tight economic situation across Nigeria.
The group noted that pursuing infra upgrade is a smart way of jumpstarting the local economy and ease environment of doing business to attract investment into the state.
The group particularly commended the courage of Governor Adeleke for demanding Osun’s rights from mining companies operating in the state, citing ongoing faceoff with Thors Explorations Limited as “a courageous move by selfless leader.
“We note the demand notice on the Thors Explorations as a bold move by a state Governor. Where others pursue under the table deals, Governor Adeleke is seeking due payments into the coffer of Osun state. This is about the first time we will see a Governor not asking for gold bars from mining companies but is seeking validation of state shareholding, payment of PAYE as demanded by law and calling out mining firms on degradation of the environment.
“We salute the courage of Mr Governor in his drive to secure state economic assets. Please don’t give up in your multiple efforts to deliver good governance. Many of us here are encouraged to look back home for home bound investment”, Mrs Adekemi noted.
Another group, named Osun UK Royal Group led by Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi from Ijesaland said Governor Adeleke has raised the hope of many Osun indigenes in Europe by his delivery of good programmes in digital economy, health, education, agriculture, climate change and infrastructure.
“Your Excellency, we praise your commitment to public service and your visionary approach to governance. We read all you are doing and our members visited home and also came back with reports of your touching so many areas , towns and villages. We are proud to call ourselves Osun indigenes.
“You have given Osun new tech policy, new energy policy, new procurement policy, new cocoa and cashew initiatives among others. You are doing so much in empowerment and cooperatives with billions being disbursed to grassroots businesses and artisans.
“You are paying billions of naira in pension and salary debts. Workers welfare is a priority areas you have delivered so excellently well. To imagine you have done so much under less than two years is an amazing testimony. We will head home to register to vote ahead of the 2026 governorship election, Prince Oluyemi posited on behalf of the group.
While receiving the various Osun indegenes in London, Governor Adeleke expressed delight at the positive feedback from the diaspora community, assuring that his administration is poised to do more in service of the people.
Describing his main goal as selfless service, Governor Adeleke repeated that leadership is about service and that he is running a race to uplift Osun and her people as quickly as possible.
“We are less than two years in office. We are running a good governance race. I seek to deliver a four year plan within less than alloted time. The reason is Osun demands urgent actions to fill in the massive developmental gap.
“We need you to join hands with us. Be agents of development by marketing Osun in the diaspora. Set up your business at home. Give back to the community. I promise to ramp up delivery of programmes and projects even as we near two years in office by November 27”, the Governor was quoted as saying.
Governor Adeleke has since returned to Nigeria.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has opened on its far reaching, ongoing agenda to introduce and implement multi sectoral green economy and climate initiatives as tolls of state development.
The State’s consultant on climate change and renewable energy, Prof Chinwe Obuaku who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke made the disclosure at a twin events in Lagos namely the 11th German-Nigerian Business Forum and the West African Clean Energy & Environment Trade Fair and Conference (WACEE) under the theme “Sustainability Showcase: Stimulating Green Economy Investments.”
Advancing Osun as a prime destination for green economy investments, the Governor’s representative presented the state’s strategic vision for sustainable growth and emphasized the state’s readiness to embrace clean energy initiatives and drive environmentally responsible development.
While listing the enormous potential that Osun holds in sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly infrastructure, the consultant expressed the state’s interests in investment opportunities in renewable energy, with a focus on cutting-edge solutions like energy efficiency, mini grids, and green hydrogen which are crucial components of Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
She further offered valuable insights into how the public and private sectors can collaborate to harness these technologies for broader economic growth even as she highlighted how Osun State is positioning itself as a leader in clean energy by actively seeking partnerships and investments that focus on renewable energy integration, particularly in off-grid solutions and mini grids.
At the circular economy roundtable, Prof Obuaku who identified challenges facing circular economy challenges in Nigeria cited Osun State’s ongoing efforts, where attention is focussed on creation of a conducive environment for circular economy businesses.
“In Osun, we’ve developed policies that provide financial incentives, such as tax breaks and grants, to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices. We’ve also been working on establishing public-private partnerships that leverage private sector innovation and government resources to scale circular economy initiatives.
“One such example is our commitment to improving waste-to-energy projects, which convert agricultural and household waste into sustainable energy sources, reducing environmental degradation while creating economic value”, the consultant told the audience.
“Osun State remains committed to sustainability, and the steps we are taking serve as a model that other states can replicate. By focusing on renewable energy investments, waste management innovations, and strong public-private partnerships, Osun is leading the charge in creating a green economy that benefits both the environment and the local population.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the policies and practices we implement today will lead to long-term economic growth and environmental preservation, both in Osun and across Nigeria”, the representative of the Governor posited.
Other highlights of the event include the meeting with representatives of the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce with a membership offer that would open doors for Osun-based businesses to access a network of German and international companies, facilitating potential investments and partnerships in key sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing, and sustainable agriculture.
Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor
The Senior Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Medla, Hon. Hezekiah Oladele Bamiji has derided the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, on his assessment of the extent of development in Osun state under Governor Ademola Adeleke, saying it is too pedestrian for anyone to deny the monumental infrastructural imprints of the Adeleke administration.
Hon. Bamiji chided Mr Oyebamiji for trying to misrepresent the facts on the true state of things in Osun state, noting that, Governor Adeleke is not only building new infrastructures across sectors but also completing many of the developmental projects that the administration which Mr Oyebamiji was an integral part of abandoned without any justification other than political bickrings with his former boss in office.
“It is a cruel irony that Mr. Bola Oyebamiji who was part of a government that left Osun in shambles could brazenly deny the progress that Osun is witnessing under the Governor Ademola Adeleke administration in all spheres,” he noted.
“Contrary to the erroneous impression that Mr. Oyebamiji tried to create, the Oyetola administration had more than enough resources to make meaningful impacts on the state and its people but bungled the opportunity largely due to mismanagement, misplaced priorities and incompetence. Anyone with a sound understanding of finances, as against what Mr Oyebamiji tried to make us believe in the past, will know that there is nothing significant in the accrued revenue to the state in the light of the skyrocketing inflation and the over 70 percent loss in the value of the nations currency.
“Yet, Governor Adeleke has been up and doing. In terms of welfare, Governor Adeleke is not only paying the salary of active workers regularly contrary to Apc evil expectations, but also paying the salary owed by the APC administration and cleared the cooperative deductions running into hundreds of millions also also wickedly withheld and misappropriated by the government Mr Oyebamiji served as Finance Commissioner.
On infrastructure, Governor Adeleke has constructed over 100km of roads and another batch of nearly 100km is at various stages of completion across the state, including Mr. Oyebamiji’s hometown of Ikire.
“In Osogbo, 10-span and 4-span overhead bridges are at advanced stages of completion and will connect the Old Garage-Lameco dual-carriage road, while another overhead in Ile-Ife, the first in the cradle of Yoruba nation, is ongoing as we speak.
Again In Ilesa, a dual-carriage road is also being constructed while the Akoda-Ede dual carriage road with a series of features like bridges, will soon be completed. Oyebanji should just cover himself in shame for being a part of the monumental failure of the Apc government in Osun!
“In the health sector, a total of 345 primary healthcare centres are being rehabilitated with the installation of 24-hour power and water systems in line with the World Bank standard, just as dozens of public schools across the state have equally been refurbished and equipped with necessary furniture and other essential amenities. The failed Commissioner of Finance seems too dazed to be aware of all that.
Hon. Bamiji maintains that Osun has taken a turn for the better under Governor Adeleke and that only those who are still hunted by the realities of the failure they exuded during their hellish spell, will pretend about these facts. He enjoined Mr Oyebamiji to get over the shame of the ignoble past of the APC which stares him in the face and accept the reality of the transformation that Governor Adeleke’s good governance has projected into manifestation in less than two years.
“While Mr. Oyebamiji may still be finding it hard to tell Osun people what the government he was part of did with the over N400bn aggregated revenues that accrued to it in the four years it lasted, even when inflation was still being humanely managed, he should swallow his pride to come to the reality of the positive turnaround that Osun has witnessed under Governor Adeleke,” he stressed.
“Instead of trying to divert attention from the abysmal record of the previous government, Mr Oyebamiji should bring himself to recognise those abandoned projects by his government that Governor Adeleke is completing, the litany of ongoing projects across the state among other positive developments.
“The candid truth is that the APC administration, which Mr Oyebamiji served failed in Osun, and anyone involved in that ignoble failure will always see nothing but failure in others too, just as the former Commissioner of Finance is demonstrating. It is even important to ask Mr Oyebamiji to provide Osun people with answers on what happened to the over N11 billion received from the Federal Government by the Oyetola administration for road projects executed by the Rauf Aregbesola government and that of the over $20million grant to renovate health facilities in Osun State, in which the present Government of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke now have to start all over again to bring to shape.”
“Available records indicated that Mr. Oyebamiji is the worst Finance Commissioner in Osun’s history going by the gross mismanagement that characterised the government he served as head of Finance Ministry. So, if he is coming up with the jejune narrative to prepare himself for the 2026 governorship contest, he should rather rid himself of the penchant for misinformation as Osun people are too smart to fall for such baby tactics.”
Signed: Hon. Hezekiah Oladele Bamiji, The Senior Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Medla 03/10/2024
We members of the Ikirun Elders Forum again wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke for his thoughtfulness and for extending developmental strides of his administration to Ikirun.
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with the Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Akinrogun Dele Momodu on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as “a pride of the media industry.”
Governor Adeleke notes Akinrogun Momodu’s heartwarming contributions to a just and equitable society, saying he has touched the minds and hearts of countless people with insightful words, logistic support and unwavering dedication to truth and justice.
The Governor appreciates the Ovation Magazine Publisher’s sustained commitment to informing and enlightening the public as a weapon of nation building, acknowledging him as an inspirational figure who has empowered readers to think critically and engage meaningfully.
“I congratulate my dear friend, Akinrogun Dele Momodu, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday. The Aare Tayese of Iwoland is a unique personality who has touched lives positively and brought smiles to countless faces,” the Governor was quoted in a congratulatory message.
“On this auspicious occasion, I honour both your wonderful life and exceptional contributions to the media sector and the larger society. I note, with admiration, Akinrogun Momodu’s deep sense of commitment to a better Nigeria, which is manifest in columns and public discourse.
“On behalf of my family, I convey best wishes to Akinrogun Momodu on his birthday and it is my prayer that God grant him many celebrations in good health and happiness while also bestowing him the grace to give more to humanity.”
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor.
● Approves Appointments of new Obas and Elevation of Others
OSOGBO 15/5/2024 osunstate.gov.ng
Osun State Executive Council today deliberated on a wide range of issues with key conclusions reached on the draft State Electricity Market System bill, the Airport Implementation Committee report and the Food Security Committee report.
While the draft electricity bill was submitted for consideration, the Council resolved to await the harmonized copy being prepared by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for adoption by all state governments.
The Council further received reports of the Airport committee which reflected extensive work already done towards building a befitting airport for Osun state.
Mr Governor through the Council further directed that other pending bills and reports should be circulated ahead of the next Council meeting to allow for necessary approvals.
The Council through the Governor also directed that the new logo for the state should be effected by all ministries without further delay.
Meanwhile, the Council after observing the necessary administrative processes and relevant laws, approved the appointments of Prince Oyeleye Saheed Akorede as the next Gbelepawo of Gbelepawo in Egbedore Local Government and Prince Oyedele Isiaka Olasunkanmi as the next Alajagba of Ajagba.
The Council has also approved the restoration of Chief Omolola Ibitoye Afilaka in Atakunmosa East Local Government as the Alatorin of Atorin.
The Osun State Executive Council also at its meeting approved the elevation of the following : Alade of Atokejoye inAyedire Local Government; Aleki of Ileki-Ijesha in Atakunmosa West; and Olu of Alapata in Egbedore Local Government.
The Council further approved the elevation of Olu of Akiriboto Oke in Ayedaade LG, Chief Peter Oyewo; Baale Ajeniju of Halleluyah, Olu Oba Bello Enukoko, Olu Oba Akangbe Alayemore,Olu of Kuse in Egbedore Local Government, Onigun of Igun Ijesa, Looyin of Apara Ijesa, Asua of Isua Ijesa (Atakunmosa West) , Alaratu of Aratu Ijesa, Oniberekodo of Iberekodo in Atakunmosa East,Alarobole of Arobole-Ijesa in Oriade LG and Olu of Laadin- Lakoro in Ife South to Part II, (Recognised) Status of the Chiefs law, Cap 25,Laws of Osun State 2002.
It is also to be noted that all the appointments and elevation of Obas mentioned above were done following the due process and the tenets and spirits of the Chief’s law of Osun State
SIGNED OLUOMO KOLAPO ALIMI, HON COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT, OSUN STATE.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has warned against attempts to destabilize the peace and security of Igbajo by some group of people led by Prince Gboyega Famodun through conflicting Oroke festival days, directing security agencies to deal decisively with any trouble maker.
Reports at the disposal of the government indicated an attempt by a faction belonging to Mr Famodun to create conflict at Igbajo by fixing a different festival date from the one officially announced by the legal and officially crowned king of Igbajo, Oba Ademola Makinde. This effort is designed to create violence and crisis in the peaceful town of Igbajo.
As a government, we reiterate that the Monarch of Igbajo today is Oba Ademola Makinde and the May 23rd already fixed for the Oroke Day Festival remains the sacrosanct date for the popular cultural and traditionally significant event.
We note further that the Head of Igbajo traditional institution remains the present Owa of Igbajo, Oba Ademola Makinde and he is therefore empowered and entitled to fix the day for the Oroke festival. Actions of the Famodun faction is therefore against tradition and law and is therefore a nullity.
In a bid to forestall breakdown of law and order and in line with my responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of Osun state, I direct security agencies to enforce the holding of the Oroke festival on the official date of May 23rd and to ensure no gathering is held on May 19th set by any other faction.
The above directive and actions are taken to maintain peace and protect the ancient town from those hell bent on manipulating the traditional institution to destabilize the state”, the Governor was quoted as saying.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
I CONVEY MY HEARTFELT HAPPINESS AND APPRECIATION TO TOP LEADERS, FRIENDS, ALLIES, FAMILY MEMBERS AND ADMIRERS WHO THRONG THIS EVENT TODAY TO HONOUR ME, MY FAMILY AND MY DEAR PEOPLE OF EDELAND.
I CRAVE THE INDULGENCE OF THIS IMPORTANT ASSEMBLY TO RISE FOR A MINUTE IN HONOUR OF MY LATE BROTHER, THE FORMER ASIWAJU OF EDELAND WHOSE BIG SHOE I AM STEPPING INTO.
(A MINUTE SILENCE)
I PRAY THE GOOD LORD GRANT HIS SOUL ETERNAL REST.
THE EVENT TODAY IS HISTORIC FOR MANY REASONS. THE FIRST IS THAT IT MARKS A FAMILY TRADITION AS MY LATE FATHER WAS THE BALOGUN OF EDELAND WHILE MY LATE BROTHER WAS THE FORMER ASIWAJU OF EDELAND. HERE I AM TODAY BEING HONOURED WITH THAT SAME TITLE.
ON BEHALF OF MY FAMILY, I THANK KABIYESI, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE TIMI OF EDE LAND AND THE ENTIRE PEOPLE OF THIS ANCIENT TOWN FOR KEEPING FAITH WITH MY FAMILY.
KABIYESI, WE NOTE THAT THIS CONFERMENT IS A COMMENDATION FOR THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MY FAMILY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS TOWN. IT IS EQUALLY A FURTHER CALL TO SERVICE.
AS I AM ACCEPTING THE TITLE OF ASIWAJU OF EDELAND TODAY BEFORE GOD AND MAN, I DEDICATE IT TO MY LATE FATHER AND MOTHER; TO MY LATE BROTHER, SENATOR ISIAKA ADELEKE; TO MY BIG BROTHER, DR ADEDEJI ADELEKE; AND TO MY DARLING SISTER, THE YEYELUWA OF EDELAND, CHIEF DUPE ADELEKE-SANNI.
I VOW TO BE A FRONTLINER (ASIWAJU) OF DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH FOR EDELAND AND OSUN STATE AS A WHOLE.
I WILL CARRY THE LIGHT OF POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION FROM TOWNS TO VILLAGES AND FROM CITIES TO RURAL AREAS ACROSS OUR DEAR STATE.
TO ALL ASIWAJU TITLE HOLDERS OF VARIOUS TOWNS IN OSUN STATE, I WELCOME MYSELF INTO YOUR MIDST.
ON A LIGHTER MOOD, I BELIEVE YOU ARE EAGER TO RECEIVE ME NOT JUST AS THE ASIWAJU OF EDELAND BUT AS THE ASIWAJU OF OSUN STATE.
DEAR FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES, YOUR PRESENCE TODAY STRENGTHENS MY RESOLVE TO FURTHER DEVOTE MYSELF TO THE SERVICE OF THE PEOPLE.
YOU WILL CONTINUE TO FIND IN ME A TRUE PEOPLES’ SERVANT, A GOOD LISTENER AND AN AGENT OF GOOD GOVERNANCE.
AS I ASSUME THIS NEW ROLE, I SEEK THE COOPERATION, PRAYERS AND SUPPORT OF ALL AND SUNDRY FOR OUR DEDICATION TO TAKE OSUN TO A GREATER HEIGHT.
FRIENDS AT HOME AND ABROAD, JOIN US AS WE INTENSELY DELIVER DIVIDENDS OF DEMOCRACY.
I THANK YOU FOR LISTENING.
GOD BLESS OSUN STATE
GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
HE, SENATOR (DR) ADEMOLA ADELEKE, THE NEW ASIWAJU OF EDELAND
