Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is deeply shaken to learn about the demise of the Caretaker Chairman of Ede North Local Government, Alhaji Jimoh Oyekanmi.The sudden death of Alhaji Oyekanmi is devastating, not just to his family, but also Osun state, particularly Ede North Local Government, who have been denied the service of trusted hand in delivering good governance.Alhaji Jimoh was a politician with a purpose, always prioritizing the good of all above his personal interest in every situation. During the struggle for the enthronement of the Imole government, Alhaji Jimoh showed discipline and unimaginable sacrifices.Alhaji Jimoh was a long-time member of the Adeleke political dynasty, but he was much more than that to me. He was loyal to a fault and more, reliable, no matter the circumstances. Alhaji Jimoh impact on Osun politics, particularly in Ede North, where he was a strong grassroot mobilizer for our great party, the PDP, is hard to miss. Ede town, and the PDP, has lost one of its finest, and I mourn this huge loss of a man who has contributed so much to the society.My heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Ede North, the PDP family, and everyone touched by his demise. It is my prayer that Almighty Allah comfort his family and loved ones and give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.May Allah Subhana watahala be pleased with his soul and grant him Aljanah Fridaus. AminSigned:Mallam Olawale Rasheed,The Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor
Sequel to the near state of total peace and harmony being envisioned by his administration in both Ifon and Orolu communities in the wake of the recent communal clashes, Osun state governor ,Senator Ademola Adeleke,has directed that the hitherto 24-hour curfew imposed on the two warring communities be reduced to 12.
Governor Adeleke’s latest directive was anchored on the good compliance to the last week ,Saturday, Peace Agreement signed by the communities in both Orolu and Irepodun local governments to bury their hatchets and embrace a lasting peace over the communal clashes.
Governor,Adeleke , however,maintains and re emphasises his earlier directive of taking complete possession by his administration of the disputed lands until when the imbroglio is finally seen to have been amicably brought to an end by the natives.
Accordingly, the hitherto 24 hour curfew, from dusk to dawn,earlier in place, has now been directed by the governor to be between 6am and 6pm daily.
A statement to that effect by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, on behalf of Governor Ademola Adeleke, reads :
“That, based on the recent Peace Agreement signed by Ifon and Ilobu Communities of Orolu and Irepodun local governments respectively, the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke is happy to state that the two communities are gradually embracing the need to engender peace and harmony , forthwith.
“Premised on this, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun state , in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state, has relaxed the 24 hour curfew to 12 hours daily,beginning from 6am to 6pm with immediate alacrity.
“That the Joint Security Task Force comprising the Nigeria Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and other security agents should ,however,continue their normal 24 hour surveillance of both Ifon ,Ilobu and Olokanla communities.
“That the good people of the two local governments should go about their businesses without any fear or apprehension anymore as their security are guaranteed with the eagle eyed security personnels in place .
“That,anyone or group of persons found or caught doing or instigating any act,knowingly or unknowingly, to mortgage the lasting peace being currently envisioned in the warring communities would be made to face the music,via necessary prosecution, in line with the dictate of the law of Nigeria.
“That, Governor Ademola Adeleke,for the umpteenth times, appreciates the resolve of the leadership and people of the warring communities to embrace peace.
“That, the present administration ,under the executive watch of H.E Senator Ademola Adeleke holds unity and peaceful co-existence of the people of Ifon,Ilobu and Olakanla sacrosanct just as it holds it for the entire villages, towns and cities of the state of the living string ; and
“That Osun state government, once again,sympathizes with the families of victims of the communal clashes.
Signed: Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information And Public Enlightenment
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has tasked Bayelsans not to change a winning and performing team as represented by Governor Douye Diri at the November 11th governorship elections.Speaking while commissioning the Elebele AIT road on Tuesday at the outskirts of Yenagoa, Governor Adeleke said the Diri administration has performed creditably well as attested to several completed projects across the state.” Bayelsans, you have a performing team, a miracle administration with a miracle Governor. Will you change a winning team? “, a question to which the crowd shouted Nooooo” In a football match, when the team is doing well, the coach won’t tamper with players. Come November 11, vote for continuity, vote for prosperity.” I can see you are all happy. I was at the 8th year remembrance programme of the late first executive Governor of Bayelsa state, DSP Alamieyeseigha I saw how happy you are with your Governor. I see the continuity of prosperity. I see a re-elected Governor Diri”, Governor Adeleke told the cheering crowd.Speaking earlier , the Bayelsa state Governor, Senator Diri said he has completed several road projects inherited from the previous administration in addition to new ones.Bayelsa elections will be held on November 11th..SignedMallam Olawale Rasheed,Spokesperson to Osun Governor
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has congratulated a renowned industrialist and loving husband of Yeyeluwa Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni, Chief Aderemi Sanni on the occasion of his birthday, extolling his virtues and endearing personality.
The Governor who acknowledged Chief Sanni’s affection and support over the years, noted in a congratulatory message signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, that his kindness and positive energy have been a great source of cohesion in the family.
While thanking God for His grace and blessings over Chief Sanni’s over the years, Governor Adeleke said not only has his presence in the Adeleke dynasty offers a relishing experience, but also strengthens resolve to expand horizons.
“On this auspicious occasion of your birthday, I want to extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to a cherished member of our family, Chief Aderemi Sanni,” the Governor was quoted in his congratulatory message.
“Chief Sanni holds a great place in our heart, and his birthday is not just a moment of joy and reflection, but a time to acknowledge the grace of God in his life and be grateful for the great bond that we share.
“It is my prayer that this new age fill him with happiness and greatness while the year ahead be marked with marked with good health and fulfilment of everything good he ever hoped for.”
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has described his Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Akinleye as “a bosom brother, associate and deeply trusted official in the struggle to enthrone good governance in Osun state.In a birthday message he personally signed, Governor Adeleke said his Chief of Staff is a strong pillar of support to him and the entire Adeleke family, noting that the celebrant is “a good man, a dogged fighter and a consistent loyalist who sacrifice at every point for the collective good of the group and the state.”My brother, the celebrant, is not just my Chief of Staff but my bosom brother who has been part of me and the family in many struggles, now and in the past. He is a wonderful politician who prioritizes the interests of the people and who sticks out his neck for only what is just and fair.”I pray fervently to Almighty God to uphold and strengthen him to further bountifully reap the fruits of his labour. My brother has been a critical success factor in all what we do. Our God who unites us will further bless and expand your coast.”On this occasion of your birthday, I wish you more blessed years on Earth. We have started sailing; we will arrive safely under the divine mercy of the Lord.”Happy birthday my darling brother”SignedHE, Senator Ademola Adeleke,Executive Governor of Osun State
The Government of Osun State and Canadian High Commission today consolidated economic partnership with a follow up bilateral talks between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Canadian top diplomats in Lagos.
The Canadian High Commissioner, James Christoff had led his team at High Commission to Osun state five weeks ago during which sectoral teams of the Osun state government made presentations on potential partnership and collaboration between the state and Canada.
Today in Lagos, Governor Ademola Adeleke led his team which comprises of Hon Teslim Igbalaye, Secretary to the State Government; Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; and Bamikole Omishore, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Relations.
Governor Adeleke said his visit was designed to reinforce conclusions reached during the High Commissioner’s visit to Osun State and to brainstorm on his upcoming trip to Canada to meet Canadian sectoral investors.
“Today, I had the honor of visiting the Canadian High Commission in Lagos to discuss shared interests and my upcoming trip to Canada, where I plan to engage with investors, development partners, and Osun State natives residing in Canada”, the Governor explained after the closed door meeting.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Osun, sharing with the diplomats the remarkable progress he has made in just 10 months, including plugging revenue leakages, maintaining transparency, and involving our citizens in the decision-making process.
“I also highlighted Osun’s strategic location in the Southwest, which facilitates the movement of agricultural produce”, the Governor was quoted as saying, adding that “our plans for a cargo airport, the presence of a sub-power station that will be a major benefit to be a manufacturing hub with the right investments, a free trade zone, and an economic zone.
“I assured the High Commissioner of our dedication to providing investors with a secure and supportive atmosphere for their ventures to flourish”, the Governor noted.
The delegation was received by the High Commissioner James Christoff, Deputy C.J. Scott, and their team in the trade and political section.
The High Commissioner reiterated his earlier assurance of the Canadian government to deepen economic partnership with subnational entities across Nigeria and Africa.
Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed his gratitude to the people of Osun state over their positive turnout and feedback at the Ipade Imole, assuring that actions are ongoing on the various recommendations and viewpoints from the people.
In an appreciation statement issued on Saturday, Governor Adeleke said he remain ever excited and encouraged by the positive review of his records of the last 11 months as well as the candid identification of areas of attention by the participants.
“It was a truly engaging four hours of interaction with people drawn from all walks of life. It is really gratifying that the event took place under a largely informal setting with mutual exchange of ideas between the people and their elected Governor. The formal barrier was removed and I was able to reach my people in heart to heart exchanges.
“I cherish the rare opportunity of a hall full to the brim listening attentively and contributing as to where our administration has done well and which areas we should place more emphasis on. The frank down to earth questions and comments further strengthen the resolve of our team to deliver more dividends of democracy and amends in areas of interest to the people.
“I thank our royal fathers, the representatives of various associations from students to civil society associations. The media particularly proves strong channels for ventilating our records. We pledge to remain accountable and responsive.
“I have subsequently directed my team to analyze the questionnaire from the participants and create a sectoral tracker. We will ensure action are taken in areas of weaknesses and strengthen areas of accolades. We must be able to show the people that Ipade Imole is not a mere jamboree.
“I have also directed my team to put up a website for Ipade Imole. All proceedings of the maiden edition must be documented and an interactive platform be created. In this digital age, my team will also set up a whatsapp chat room. I will be in that chat room as your Governor, we will ensure continuous interaction.
“Ipade Imole should be a continuous exercise. Before we meet physically again the feedback mechanism must be operational on a 24 hour basis”. the Governor was quoted as saying.
Governo Adeleke further implored various associations that participated at the event to be gracious enough to host a secondary Ipade Imole by briefing their groups’ general meeting on the maiden edition of the accountability platforms.
Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
To allow peace and order to reign, the two warring communities of Ifon and Ilobu have signed a peace agreement with the Osun state government to sheath their swords with immediate effect.
While welcoming the development as a good omen towards a near-lasting peace in the two communities, Osun state government reaffirmed its earlier stand that the 24-hour curfew put in place subsists.
For the past few days, the two hitherto peace-loving communities of Ifon and Ilobu had been embroiled in a communal conflict that had led to the wanton destruction of lives and properties, which informed the decision and subsequent directive by the Osun state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to impose a 24-hour curfew in the two communities.
Announcing the truce reached by the two communities on Friday night, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, on behalf of the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke stated as follows:
That Ifon and Ilobu Communities of Orolu and Irepodun local governments respectively have agreed to sheath their swords with immediate effect following a signed Peace Agreement to stop the communal clashes.
That notwithstanding this cheering development, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke,the Executive Governor of Osun state in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state directs that the 24-hour Curfew earlier imposed in Orolu and Irepodun local governments housing Ifon and Ilobu communities be continued until further notice.
3. That the Peace pact agreement was arrived at during a stakeholders meeting held Friday night, between Osun state government and the leaders of the two warring communities.
4. That Osun state government delegation to the peace agreement was led by the state Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi alongside the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, and other top government officials.
That Otun Olobu, Chief Jimoh Waliyu, the Esa of Ifon, Chief Babatunde Oyetunji and the representative of the third community of Olokanla, Mr Bashiru Azeez, with two other representatives from each of the community, signed the peace agreement on behalf of their communities.
6. That Governor Ademola Adeleke commended the resolve by the warring communities in putting pen on paper to say No To War and Yes To Peace in Ifon, Ilobu and Olokanla communities.
7. That with the peace agreement reached, the 24-hour curfew should continue till a total restoration of peace, law and order in the communities, must have been seen to have returned totally.
8. That anyone or group of persons found or caught doing or saying anything contrary to the peace agreement would be prosecuted in line with the dictate of the law accordingly.
9. That strict restriction of both human and vehicular movements in the affected areas and communities subsists, until otherwise directed by His Excellency, the state Governor and the Chief Security Officer of Osun state.
That officers of the Joint Security Task Force comprising the Nigerian Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and other security agents, as directed by His Excellency, are to remain on the 24-hour surveillance of the two communities with a view to ensuring a lasting peace.
11. That as a government, the present administration will not stop at doing anything as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to protect the lives and properties of the people of Orolu and Irepodun local governments and by extension, Osun state in general.
12. That Osun state government appreciates the leadership of Ifon and Ilobu communities as well as Olokanla for the signing of the peace agreement.
13.That, Osun state government, for the umpteenth time commiserates with the families of victims of the communal clashes, who lost their lives in the wake of the recent crisis.
Signed: Oluomo Kolapo Alimi Commissioner for Information And Public Enlightenment, Osun state.
Oftentimes, we relish the progress in advanced societies and hope that similar experience be replicable here. As good as those thoughts usually are, we do miss one critical factor, and that is the existence of a proper feedback mechanism that is applicable in those environments that primarily account for the growth and developments we see and cherished.
Accountability and transparency is the heart of good governance. If government is about the people, it is incumbent that they are carried along in the administration of their affairs. This plain logic is what drives the incredible progress we see and cherish in society that embraced accountability and transparency in governance.
And fortune enough for Osun state, this same philosophy defines the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke. From the outset of his administration, Governor Adeleke was pointedly clear that he will be different. Unlike his predecessor who spent most of his time in office evading giving account of stewardship to the people, Governor Adeleke embraced it as the needed catalyst to achieve the needed progress for the state.
Early into his administration, Governor Adeleke did the usual by opening up the financial books of the state to the people through traditional rulers in the state. It was a move that provided a clear understanding of the financial situation of the state to the people, demonstrating a major shift away from the opaqueness and secrecy that defined the past in the administration of the state.
It was in furtherance of his commitment to transparency and accountability that Governor Adeleke hosted Ipade Imole on Thursday October 5, 2023. Just as the name implies, Ipade Imole was a gathering of stakeholders that cut across every segment of the Osun society. It was a platform for the Governor to render accounts of his stewardship to the people and also receive feedback from the public.
“Ipade Imole will be a quarterly event. We have to let Osun people know how we are expending their money,” Governor Adeleke disclosed at the event which held at the Aurora event centre in Osogbo, before going on to add that “At this meeting, you can ask any question and we will answer you. You put us in this position.”
And true to his assurance, the Governor provided a detailed overview of the activities of his administration since he assumed office on November 27, 2022. This began with a 45-minute documentary of programmes, interventions and policies executed by the Adeleke administration under 10 months, providing pictures and videos evidence of the monumental achievements that Governor Adeleke recorded in the various sectors during the period under review.
What followed was even more encompassing, as the Governor’s speech outlined not just what has been done or currently ongoing, but also future plans of the administration in delivering for the people. Remarkably, the Governor made it abundantly clear that “this administration has not and will not borrow to fund ongoing infrastructure upgrades. From bridges to dualisation of existing roads among other infrastructures, we are pursuing value for money and public private partnership. Our financial plan is sustainable.”
Also, Governor Adeleke elaborately answered questions on the costing of projects executed by his administration, particularly providing clarity that against the erroneous cost of N14 million per borehole quoted by the opposition, each of the borehole in the 332 wards across Osun state cost the government N1.5 million. This disclosure on the cost per borehole, not only deflate the circle of lies of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but also underscored the financial prudence in the Adeleke administration. Because, similar project under the Oyetola administration was done at a cost of N1.925 million per borehole, even though, none of it came with a generator set as it is the case with the one executed by the Adeleke administration.
Away from this is the recurring questions on the whereabouts of the N2 billion palliative fund received by the State Government from the Federal Government. For some weeks now, the APC had mischievously created an impression of abuse and misapplication. But Governor Adeleke defused the main opposition ignoble narrative, pointedly noting that the N2bn is safe and will be applied for the benefit of the people of the state.
Governor Adeleke explained to the people that his government is careful not to repeat the mistake of the previous government that dragged the state into financial mess that it is struggling with at the moment, hence, not rushing the application of the palliative fund. “The N2 billion palliative fund by the Federal Government will be spent on three projects. One of them is the purchase of additional buses to complement the buses in the pool of the state, which has been repaired and soon to be unveiled for use,” he disclosed.
The two other projects to be funded from the palliative fund, as disclosed by the Governor, is the rehabilitation of health centres in the state and the purchase of food items for distribution to the people of the state. Not only did this erase the erroneous conclusion of the APC on the fund, Governor Adeleke was able to stress the commitment of his administration to allocate resources for meaningful interventions.
This is further evident in the disclosure of the Governor that the state is in receipt of N7 billion refund from the federal government for projects executed by State Government on its behalf and that it will be used solely to fund infrastructural projects across the state. In the past, refund to the state from the central government is usually shrouded in controversy going by the lack of openness and transparency by the previous government. Governor Adeleke did not only disclosed the received fund, but also provided clear direction on how and on what it will be utilized.
Projects ranging from the dualisation of at least two roads in each senatorial district, construction of flyovers in Osogbo and some other towns, installation of streetlights on newly constructed roads, fresh installation of boreholes in the 332 wards, Imole Housing Estate at 500 units in each federal constituency and Imole Transport service outlined by the Governor are likely to benefit from the fund.
However, the highlight of the Ipade Imole was the moment when Governor Adeleke disclosed that he has not accessed security votes as it is the practice with his predecessors. Governor Adeleke said his decision not to access monthly security votes is on principle and a personal sacrifice for the state, noting that “I do not take security votes which my predecessors do take. I said the money should be used for the good of the people.” This disclosure is a further affirmation of Governor Adeleke’s commitment to the service of the people, and not about self benefit. For a Governor to sacrifice at least N500 million every month, which utilization is hardly questioned, showed how passionate he’s about progressing the state.
Sarafa Ibrahim is the Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Print Media.
…Takes immediate possession of the Disputed Lands/Areas
OSOGBO – 6/10/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng
Sequel to the on going communal clashes between Ifon and Ilobu communities, leading to the loss of lives and properties, Osun state government has directed that a 24-hour curfew commences with immediate effect in the two communities.
The curfew is with a view to forestalling further breakdown of law and order in the hitherto two peaceful and law abiding communities.
A statement in respect in respect of the unfortunate development as released by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon Kolapo Alimi on behalf of His Excellency,the Executive Governor of Osun state ,Senator Ademola Adeleke reads as follows:
Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that a 24 hour Curfew begins in Orolu and Irepodun local governments housing Ifon and Ilobu communities with immediate effect .
To maintain a lasting peace and order pending when the issues at hand would be amicably resolved, Governor Ademola Adeleke in his executive capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the State,has ordered the immediate take over of the disputed lands/areas by his administration.
In the same vein, government has ordered that anyone or group of persons found or seen doing one thing or the other on the disputed lands/ areas would be made to face the full wrath of the law, accordingly ,by Osun state government .
Therefore,in strict compliance with the 24 hour curfew now imposed , Adeleke administration has also ordered strict restriction of both human and vehicular movements in the affected areas and communities,until otherwise directed by His Excellency, the state Governor and the Chief Security Officer of Osun state.
Accordingly, officers of the Joint Security Task Force comprising, the Nigerian Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps have been directed by His Excellency, to be on a 24 hour surveillance of the two communities with a view to ensuring a lasting peace .
As a government,the present administration has the obligation as conferred on it by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to protect the lives and properties of the people of Orolu and Irepodun local governments and by extension, Osun state in general.
The present administration will ,not in anyway be a party to compromising any action or utterances that will mortgage the peace and order currently holding sway in Osun state since the inception of the present administration in the last one year.
While commiserating with the affected families of those who lost their lives in the wake of the recent crisis, the present administration is still reiterating the need for peace and order to be restored in the two concerned local governments.
Maintaining peace and order is our collective responsibility in Osun state.
Signed: Oluomo Kolapo Alimi Commissioner for Information And Public Enlightenment, Osun state.
