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

Osogbo 12:11:23 osunstate.gov.ng

The attention of the Osun state government has been drawn to the purported N25,000 allowance to workers in November currently in circulation.

Against this backdrop, the Osun State Government is constrained to dismiss it not only as fake news from the pit of hell but maliciously fabricated to deceive innocent workers and people of the state.

The administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke is therefore using this medium to assure the public, particularly civil servants, that the post in question is the handiwork of some mischievous elements bent on creating a wedge between a worker-friendly administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke and its loyal workforce.

To this end, the state Government is also using this avenue to assure and re-assure the teeming workforce of its avowed commitment to their welfare in line with the economic realities.

It is worth noting that the State Government under the current administration implemented the financial implication of promotion for civil servants granted as far back as 2019.

Against this backdrop, in a matter of days, with all sense of sincerity and commitment to the welfare of workers, the current administration under the watch of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke will roll out a good and well-packaged transport scheme aimed at alleviating the pressure of transportation as a fall out of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government with its attendant effects on workers and Nigerians generally.

We are quick to also emphasize that If there will be an additional allowance, the civil servants in Osun state should rest assured that the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke will make this known via official channels.

Therefore, we enjoin workers and the entire people of Osun State to discountenance the viral post on allowance for workers.

Osun Government is still in the process of arriving at the appropriate support for workers within the available means of the state to avoid a repeat of the financial misadventures that characterized the past.

Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Osun State.

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.

The recent reforms and repositioning of the state civil service operations in Osun state under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke continue to bear positive fruits as Osun State emerges the top state alongside two other States among the 36 states of the federation and the FCT on Audit compliance rating according to the accountability index of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN) as of October 2023.

The ICAN’s rating on state’s compliance with audit rules scored Osun, Ekiti and Lagos state as ‘Excellent’, seven states were scored ‘good’ while 26 others were rated ‘fair’.

ICAN commenced audit rating for states to assess financial management and accountability of state governments. The assessment focuses on compliance with audit rules and regulations and the quality and timeliness of audit reports, resulting in a rating of Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor for each state.

According to Innocent Okwuosa, the 59th president of ICAN, “the rankings suggest an overall trend of improving compliance with the constitutional requirement to audit state and local council accounts since the introduction of the ICAN accountability index.

An “Excellent” ranking for Osun state by the ICAN rules means “the Osun state government under Governor Ademola Adeleke has an excellent level of compliance with audit rules. Ensuring timely submission of audit reports with high level of quality and ensuring full implementation of audit recommendations.

This impressive performance of Osun State is another testimony of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s commitment to due process, transparency and accountability in the governance affairs of the state.

In conformity with the existing laws which stipulate that the draft Budget of the State should be presented to the House for approval before the end of the year, I am pleased to present to the honourable members of Osun State House of Assembly through the Honourable Speaker, the Draft 2024 Budget of Osun State.

I sincerely thank the Hon. Speaker and all the Honourable members of the Assembly for your mutual understanding, cooperation in our collective effort and desire to take our dear State to greater heights. Without iota of doubt, whatever achievement we have recorded so far could not have been possible, but for your support.

I therefore, on behalf of the Executive Arm express our gratitude to the entire House and hoping to receive more of such support in the coming years.

Hon. Speaker, I am highly delighted to present to you and honourable members of the Assembly, the 2024 draft Budget tagged “BUDGET OF RECONSTRUCTION AND RECOVERY” in the sum of Two Hundred and Seventy- Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety -Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Ten Naira (N273,908,997,410.00).

This figure is made up of recurrent expenditure of One Hundred and Sixty – Five Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty – Four Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy – Six Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira (N165,654,976,700.00) and capital expenditure of One Hundred and Eight Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty – Four Million, Twenty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ten Naira (N108,254,020,710.00).

The tag for this budget reflects our current focus of rebuilding the battered state we inherited. It is a sign we are targetting recovery after successful revamping of all sectors of Osun society. I assure honourable members that the executive arm has the will and the determination to ensure achievements of budgetary goals once this proposal is passed into Appropriation Act.

Today, I am reassured of our collective partnership for a new Osun of our dream. You have in me a Governor with firm belief in executive-legislative collaboration for development.

Thanks for listening

HE, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke,
Executive Governor of Osun State

Osogbo 8:11:2023 osunstate.gov.ng

The State chairman Parliamentary Staff Association Of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, Comrade Adekunle Adesina says the ongoing strike would be temporarily discontinued in order to enable Governor Ademola Adeleke present the state appropriation bill otherwise known as money bill for the next fiscal year.

Comrade Adekunle Adesina stated this while speaking with the journalists in the assembly complex on the readiness of the state assembly workers to receive governor Ademola Adeleke who will tomorrow present 2024 budget before, the state parliament in the hallowed chambers.

He said if not, that the strike action is a nationwide coverage,there is no reason embarking on the industrial strike because governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration and government has been consistently maintaining a sound and prosperous working relationship with the state workforce.

Comrade Adekunle Adesina therefore expressed strong conviction that governor Ademola Adeleke would in a matter of days do the implementation of financial and legislative autonomy which the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigerian have been agitated for even long before his administration.

He called on his members to as a matter of public interest, respect for the authority and to consolidate on unabated harmonious working relationship with the state governor to welcome senator Ademola Adeleke to the assembly in order to ensure that he present his maiden appropriation bill all for the growth and development of the state.

He acknowledged profusely the effort and understanding of members and leadership of the state assembly under the watch of the Parliament speaker, honourable Adewale Egbedun.

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