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People Democratic party (PDP) Stakeholders in Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency has harped on the need for unity of purpose in the area in order to ensure total victory for Governor Ademola Adeleke in 2026 Governorship Election in the state.
The stakeholders also promised to ostracize any party member that will not work in harmony with the Governor.
Speaking at a solidarity rally and a visitation to mark second year Anniversary of the state Governor Ademola Adeleke at the party Secretariat in Osogbo, the state Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin, also stressed the need for all party stakeholders to work on remaining All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the area, in an effort to bring them to the PDP fold.
Adejoorin, who appreciated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his Infrastructural Development projects within two years in office, noted that the people of Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency would fight All APC as a common enemy in a bid to vote massively for the party in 2026. He stressed that they would not allow individual to divide the party in the federal constituency.
Also in his remarks at the occasion, Commissioner for Cooperatives Empowerment, Bayo Ogungbangbe, noted that for the Constituency to achieve the needed victory, members must work with love in order to ensure the need feat.
He posited that the party did not want to lose anybody in the party, therefore, assured Ijesha North federal Constituency that the government is solidly behind the people of the area.
Contrary to the opinion expressed by an individual over the weekend, the Governor has been fair to the federal constituency in terms of appointment, projects and new projects, which will start early next year.
According to other party stalwarts; the list of completed and ongoing projects in the two local governments speaks volumes:
In Oriade Local Government:
- Schools: Repair and renovation works have been carried out at Apoti Community Grammar School, Apoti; All Saints’ Primary School, Dagbaja, and Ere Ijesa High School, Ere. New blocks of classrooms were constructed at Surajudeen Primary School, Owena Ijesa, and Community Primary School, Kajola Adedeji.
- Healthcare: PHCs in Erin Ijesha, Erin Oke, Ere Ijesa, and Ira Ikeji have been upgraded and renovated to enhance access to quality healthcare.
- Roads: The Itamerin Junction-Oke Agunla-Bishop’s Court Road in Ipetu Ijesa has been rehabilitated to improve connectivity.
In Obokun Local Government:
- Schools: New blocks of classrooms were constructed at Methodist Primary School, Hare, while motorized deep wells were installed at St. Paul Primary School, Ilase, and Methodist Primary School, Iregun.
- Healthcare: PHCs in Ajedun, Imesi Ile, and Ilare have undergone significant upgrades and renovations.
- Roads: Major road projects include the construction of Odowo-Ayetoro Junction-Oja Tuntun-Igbajo/Imesi Ile Road and Oke Oye-Oke Ita Road with spurs to Ogodogbo and Temidire Road in Ibokun
They also pledged loyalty to the Governor, saying the people of Ijesha North federal Constituency would not betray the trust reposed in them.
Meanwhile, responding to the solidarity rally by the Oriade/Obokun party members, the Chairman of the party, Hon. Sunday Bisi, appreciated them and pledged the support of the party to all the stakeholders.
He assured that the government of the day would not let them down in all ramifications.
However, the solitary rally by all the party faithfuls may not be unconnected to the statement issued by the Honourable Wole Oke representing the federal constituency. Obviously,the majority of the party stalwarts are not in sync with the representative.
For a better society
.throws weight behind Adeleke for second term
TUNDE ADELEKE, Osogbo
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has lauded Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke for his outstanding efforts in infrastructural development, particularly in the education sector.
Speaking at the NAPS 43rd Senate Sitting/Pre Convention held at Federal Polytechnic Ede Osun State, on over the weekend, its Senate President Adeniji Temitope, noted that Governor Adeleke’s passion for rehabilitating and reviving the Osun State Cooperative College in Ode Omu, underscores the his commitment to strengthening vocational, technical, and polytechnic education in the state.
According to him, the rehabilitation of the Osun State Cooperative College is a landmark achievement that demonstrates His Excellency’s dedication to improving the educational landscape.
While throwing its weight behind Governor Adeleke for a second term in office, Temitope said, “Adeleke’s giant stride has convinced the entire Polytechnic student body that Governor Adeleke is well-poised to achieve even greater feats if given the opportunity for a second term.”
He expressed optimism that Governor Adeleke’s continued focus on educational development will inspire other leaders to prioritize infrastructure and access to quality education for all students across Nigeria.
However, Temitope appealed for a meeting with the Governor as he also urged him to provide palliative to the polytechnic students in Osun State.
Similarly, the NAPS honoured Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State as an outstanding institution.
NAPS in a statement made available by it’s Senate President, Adeniji Temitope, on Sunday, said, “this Award is pointing to the significant efforts and contributions towards the development of human capacity, innovation introduced to Polytechnic Education, Provision of Conducive learning Environment for the Students, keeping to Academic Calendar in this dispensation.
“We cannot overlook the fact that this Federal Polytechnic has improved human resources over the years and has built successful human capacity in Nigeria. This deserves commendation.”
For a better society
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TUNDE ADELEKE, Osogbo
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has lauded Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for his outstanding efforts in infrastructural development, particularly in the education sector.
Speaking at the NAPS 43rd Senate Sitting/Pre Convention held at Federal Polytechnic Ede Osun State, on over the weekend, its Senate President Adeniji Temitope, noted that Governor Adeleke’s passion for rehabilitating and reviving the Osun State Cooperative College in Ode Omu, underscores the his commitment to strengthening vocational, technical, and polytechnic education in the state.
According to him, the rehabilitation of the Osun State Cooperative College is a landmark achievement that demonstrates His Excellency’s dedication to improving the educational landscape.
While throwing its weight behind Governor Adeleke for a second term in office, Temitope said, “Adeleke’s giant stride has convinced the entire Polytechnic student body that Governor Adeleke is well-poised to achieve even greater feats if given the opportunity for a second term.”
He expressed optimism that Governor Adeleke’s continued focus on educational development will inspire other leaders to prioritize infrastructure and access to quality education for all students across Nigeria.
However, Temitope appealed for a meeting with the Governor as he also urged him to provide palliative to the polytechnic students in Osun State.
Similarly, the NAPS honoured Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State as an outstanding institution.
NAPS in a statement made available by its Senate President, Adeniji Temitope, on Sunday, said, “this Award is pointing to the significant efforts and contributions towards the development of human capacity, innovation introduced to Polytechnic Education , Provision of Conducive learning Environment for the Students, keeping to Academic Calendar in this dispensation.
“We cannot overlook the fact that this Federal Polytechnic has improved human resources over the years and has built successful human capacity in Nigeria. This deserves commendation.”
For a better society
The Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, has banned heavy-duty trucks from plying the Olaiya Bridge in Osogbo.
The directive, which empowers the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to take action, was ordered due to safety reasons arising from the technical reports on the state of the bridge.
This directive was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson to the state governor, Olawale Rasheed, on Monday in Osogbo.
The statement said: “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.
According to the statement: “As a step towards implementing the directive, the Governor also instructed the ministry to issue a travel advisory with radio jingles to sensitise 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.”
There have been growing safety concerns by residents of the state capital over the influx of heavy-duty trucks plying the Gbongan-Ibadan Road.
The immediate cause of the development is due to the state of disrepair of the Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin expressway.
The trucks also access the Olaiya flyover, which many consider not strong enough to withstand their weight.
The Osun State Government has dismissed as false reports that Governor Ademola Adeleke is receiving security votes.
The State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, refuted the allegations in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday in Osogbo.
Alimi emphasised that Adeleke has not collected any security votes in line with the commitment he made upon assuming office.
DAILY POST recalls that Adeleke, who took office on November 27, 2022, had pledged that his administration would not accept security votes.
Alimi in the statement accused the opposition political parties of spreading falsehoods due to their inability to criticise the governor’s impressive performance.
The commissioner further suggested that the misinformation likely originated from the opposition party, which he accused of either misunderstanding or intentionally misrepresenting state expenditures meant to support security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services, DSS.
“The state government statutorily supports security agencies when they conduct security operations on a regular basis such as quelling communal violence, joint security operations in troubled spots as well as deployment during mass demonstrations.
“Such expenditures are formally accounted for in line with the due approval process. The state support in such situations are referred to as expenditure for security services as different from the concept of security vote which does not pass through formal due approval process.
“The opposition needs to be educated that there are differences between security votes and security services. Security votes are widely known as slush funds expended at the discretion of the Chief Executive without passing through formal accountability and due processes.
“In Osun State, Governor Adeleke is not, has not and will not take such security votes. Mr Governor is however committed to supporting the security agencies with their logistics needs under security services expenditure which are fully applied for and processed through the office of Special Adviser to the Governor on Security matters.”
He said revealed that the governor only approves funds to address security issues when occasion demands for such.
“There are always record to justify such expenditure as opposed to being latched on as a free money to be expended at will by any sitting Governor as was the tradition with the past administration.”
While reiterating that the administration is not averse to constructive criticism, Alimi urged that caution should not be thrown to the wind in going about it.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, Osun State chapter has dragged Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSSIEC, to court over a series of allegations on the proposed local government election in the state.
The claimants, in Suit No. Hos/184/2024 challenged the validity of the planned local government elections scheduled to February 2025 by the OSSIEC, the 1st defendant in the suit.
Joined in the suit as co-defendants are Adeleke and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Oluwole Jimi-Bada.
DAILY POST recalled that OSSIEC had in September disqualified some candidates of the opposition parties, including the APC, from participating in the election.
This decision was at the time opposed by the leadership of the affected political parties.
In an originating summons signed by the claimants’ counsel, Muhydeen Adeoye Galadima and made available to journalists in Osogbo, they bemoaned the conduct of the state electoral commission since the commencement of the entire process.
The claimants asked for court determination on myriad of legal issues bordering on: “whether, having regard to Sections 7, 36, 197, 204(1) 272 and Paragraph 4 (a and b) of Part II of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended), Sections 2 and 29 of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2022, failure of the Defendants to first cause the constitution or put in place the Local Government and Area Council Election Tribunal to enable the Claimants ventilate their pre-election grievances against the decision(s) of the 1st Defendant is not a wrongful and unlawful omission such that has rendered the whole activities so far taken by the 1st Defendant from 22nd July, 2024 in connection with the proposed 2025 Local Government Elections premature, illegal, null and void same having occasioned deprivation to the Claimants of the right of access to the prescribed Tribunal over the 1st Defendant’s decisions against the Claimants.
“Whether, having regard to Sections 13, 15 and 24(1) of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2022, the 1st Defendant has any power backed by law to amend a Notice of Elections already issued and published on 19th February, 2024 midway into the 2025 Local Government Elections.
“Whether, having regard to the provision of Sections 13, 15 and 24(1) of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2022 and the tenor of the Supreme Court’s decision, the 1st Defendant’s Amended Notice of Elections relied upon to deny the Claimants right to participate in the February, 2025 Local Government Council elections is not invalid, null and void same having failed to comply with the stipulated number of days required under the Law.”
The claimants also prayed the court for a declaration that the whole activities so far taken by the 1st defendant from 22nd of July 2024 are premature, illegal, null and void.
They also sought for a declaration that the 1st defendant acted ultra vires with respect to its July 2024 decision amending the Notice of 2025 Local Government Elections issued on 19th February 2024 and therefore the said Amended Notice of Elections is illegal, unlawful, null and void.
The claimants further prayed court for a declaration that the 1st defendant’s amended Notice of Elections is illegal, unlawful, invalid, null and void.
They also sought for an order of the court directing the defendants to jointly or severally pay damages in the sum of N100 million to the claimants, in addition to tendering a written apology for the public embarrassment, humiliation, disturbance and trauma caused to them.
Speaking on the development, the counsel to the claimants, Galadima expressed confidence in the potency of the case.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has bagged an award of excellence as the 2024 Best Civil Service Loving Governor in Nigeria.
This is according to a statement on Friday by Kolapo Alimi, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.
The statement also revealed that the award was presented to the governor by the President of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, NCSU, who also doubles as the Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Southwest Zone, Oluwole Adeleye.
Receiving the award, Governor Adeleke appreciated Osun State workers for cooperating with his administration.
He disclosed that he has been able to deliver much of his electoral promises within a short period through the grace of God and their support.
Represented by the deputy governor, Kola Adewusi, Adeleke appealed to workers to continue to support him, and he equally thanked the workforce in the state for supporting the present government.
Presenting the award to Governor Adeleke, Adeleye said the award is in recognition of the governor’s outstanding performance in the state and his positive disposition towards workers generally.
While congratulating the governor, Adeleye also acknowledged his consistency and style of governance.
“This has positively impacted the human capital, socio-economic and infrastructural developments of Osun State.
“The Union will continue to sustain its pivotal role in advocacy for good governance and agitations for better welfare for workers generally,” he said.
Buttressing factors that earned Governor Adeleke the award, the labour leader listed prompt payment of salaries and payment of palliatives to workers to cushion the negative effects of economic hardship, as well as promotion, conversion and advancement of workers.
A former Commissioner of Information and Strategy in Osun State, Hon. Sunday Akere, on Thursday, affirmed that the immediate past governor of the state, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, will defeat the incumbent governor of the state, Senator Ademola Adeleke, hands down if contested as an All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the 2026 governorship election.
Hon. Akere, who is presently a member of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, made the affirmation while answering questions from newsmen during the 41st edition of The Frontliners, organised by the League of Veteran Journalists at the NUJ press centre, Osogbo.
According to him, Oyetola and APC as a party lost the election not because “we were not popular but because some powers believed that we must deal with Oyetola to stop Tinubu from becoming President.”
” The former governor lost the 2022 governorship election in the state due to political manipulations within the All Progressives Congress, APC.”
However, the chances of the former governor becoming the governor in the next election are auspicious because he was never the enemy of civil servants in the state, as he never owed them salaries.”
“Oyetola was never the enemy of civil servants. All through his administration, there was not a single protest from students. He paid the bursary and did not make noise about it.
“He never intervened in the running of higher institutions and doesn’t encourage illegalities.”
The former commissioner, who accused the Ademola Adeleke-led administration of being reckless and frivolous, maintained that his government has wasted a lot of state resources
On the projects executed by the Oyetola regime and the current administration in the state, Akere explained that, during Oyetola’s regime, “We did the Olaiya flyover with N2.9 billion, and they are doing the same Flyover at Okefia for N10 billion now and I must remind you further that what Adeleke took in 23 months is what Oyetola took for 48 months.”
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Adedeji Adeleke, the father of award-winning Nigerian artiste, Davido, has revealed that his company, Pacific Energy, generates about 15% of Nigeria’s electricity.
Adeleke disclosed this during the Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s General Conference Annual Council 2024, held on 15 October.
The billionaire businessman highlighted his investments in the nation’s power sector, particularly focusing on his thermal power plant, which is expected to become fully operational by January 2025.
He further noted that Chinese engineering firms are involved in the construction of the plant, which, upon completion, will be the largest thermal power plant in Nigeria, with a capacity of 1,250 megawatts.
In one of the videos of the conference shared by Davido on his X account on Wednesday, Adeleke said partly, “I’m in the electricity business, I own power plants. I generate about 15 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity. I’ve Chinese engineering companies that work for me. I am building the biggest thermal power plant in Nigeria to be launched in January 2025. It’s a 1250MW power plant.”
Reacting to the development, the governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, who is a brother to the billionaire businessman, took to his X account to pour encomiums on him over the development.
He tweeted, “Proud of my big bro always. My Chairman. Our parents always taught us to take everything to God in all that we do. I hope this testimony inspires others not to give up when faced with those trying to stand between them and their goals. This is why I dance to praise my God.”
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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 the 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 easing environment of doing business to attract investment into the state.
The group particularly commended the courage of the governor 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, 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 efforts to deliver good governance. Many of us here are encouraged to look back home for home-bound investment”, Adekemi noted.
Another group, named Osun UK Royal Group, led by Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi from Ijeshaland, said 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 debt. Worker welfare is a priority area 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 indigenes in London, 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, Adeleke repeated that leadership is about service and that he is running a race to uplift Osun and its 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 allotted 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.
Adeleke has since returned to Nigeria.
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The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has thrown his weight behind the resolution made by governors elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to remove the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum.
According to report the PDP Governors’ Forum had declared that Damagum would be removed to pave the way for a North Central member as enshrined in the party’s constitution.
According to them, a North Central member should have replaced the former national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu who was sacked in 2022.
The decision has, however, deepened the party’s leadership crisis as some governors declared their support for Damagum.
Stating his position, Governor Adeleke in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said he stands “by the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum of which I am an integral part”.
“I stand by the Constitution of our great party which clearly spelt out the succession procedure in case of the exit of an elected chairman.
“Our party must adhere to its Constitution at this critical time and at all times. That is the way to build a responsible political party”, he said.
Ilesa, a town in Osun State, was plunged into mourning on Thursday following the passing of its king, the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran.
Condolences have poured in from far and wide, including by President Bola Tinubu, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among others.
The announcement of the monarch’s death was made in a statement signed by the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Yinka Fasuyi.
Oba Aromolaran, who was 86 years old, passed away after a 42-year reign.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his sadness over the passing of the Ijesa monarch, praising his contributions to nation-building and the education sector, in particular.
“As a traditional ruler, Oba Aromolaran kept his palace above the fray of partisan politics. He was open to all political tendencies. On behalf of the Federal Government, President Tinubu extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, the good people of Ijesaland, and the family of the late traditional ruler,” Onanuga said.
Ex-President Obasanjo, in a condolence message delivered by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, noted that the late Oba Aromolaran used his influence to advocate for peace, understanding, and development in Ijesaland and across Osun State.
“His wise counsel, inspiring leadership, and consistently dependable support will be deeply missed. His formidable contributions to the development of his community, the state, and the country will remain indelible in the memory of all who had the privilege to know him,” Obasanjo said.
“It is a measure of his selfless and qualitative service to our dear country that he was honoured with the revered national award of Commander of the Federal Republic,” he added.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his sadness over the monarch’s death on his X.com handle. He wrote, “The late Owa was more than a father-in-law to me. Each time I visited him, he accorded me the homecoming welcome of a son. We all loved him dearly. He was a great monarch and personified the boldness, courage, and discipline of the Ijesha progeny.”
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed his sorrow over the monarch’s death, describing him as “a father figure and a pillar of support.” In a condolence message signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said, “We will miss him dearly, but his impact on our lives and the development of Osun State will never be forgotten.”
“Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father who took no prisoners when it came to matters of development and the well-being of the people. He was a friend of good governance, regardless of political affiliation,” Adeleke added. “The last time I was with him was during the flag-off of the dualisation of Brewery-Palace Road. I am glad our late erudite scholar witnessed a new phase of development for Ijesaland.”
The Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa, Oba Samson Oyeleye, has declared a seven-day mourning period for the late Aromolaran. In an official confirmation of the monarch’s passing, Oba Oyeleye, who is the chairman of the Ijesa South Traditional Council, said, “I want to confirm and announce the transition to glory of His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, a foremost traditional ruler in Nigeria, who passed away on Wednesday, September 11th. He reigned for 42 years during which he served as the Chairman of the Osun State Traditional Council and the Chairman of the Ijesaland Traditional Council.”
“During his reign, Ijesaland saw the establishment of its university, the University of Ilesa, and the completion of the Ijesaland Generative Center, one of the largest community-funded projects in Nigeria. We have declared a seven-day mourning period in his honor. A curfew will be in place from today, starting at 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and all markets in Ijesaland will be closed for three days starting tomorrow.”
“Since our king’s influence extends across Ijesaland, including Ilesa West, East, Atakumosa East, West, Oriade, and Obokun Local Government Areas of Osun State, we urge all residents of Ijesaland to observe this announcement. The curfew will be in effect for the next seven days.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate Kazeem Akinleye, Osun State Chief of Staff.
This follows allegations by the Osun APC that Akinleye used his closeness to the state government to secure a two hundred and ninety-seven million naira (N297m) Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) contract at Osun State University (UNIOSUN).
In a statement signed by Kola Olabisi, Osun APC Director of Media and Information on Saturday, the party stated that Akinleye’s actions and behavior as a public officer did not conform to the highest standards of public morality and accountability.
The party alleged that he has put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicted with his duties and responsibilities as the administrative head of the office of the Governor of Osun State, in breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct (Part 1, Section 5 of the Act).
“His justification elsewhere that he resigned from the company as a Director on September 1, 2022, shortly after he was appointed Chief of Staff does not hold water, as the management of the company still revolves around the members of his immediate family, as an investigation at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) revealed.
“Similarly, the other excuse of the Chief of Staff, that the contract in question is a federal job within the TETFUND for which the company has all the legal rights to handle, is an afterthought and mere misinformation invented to confuse and wriggle his way out of the contract logjam.
“We, as a party, are reminding Akinleye that TETFUND has nothing to do with the procurement of the project. It is solely the responsibility of the institution whose Governing Council’s members are direct appointees of the governor.
“So, whether Akinleye is a former director or a current director in AKINKAS INTERBIZ LIMITED with registration number 770848, registered on September 3, 2008, with address number 290, Station Road, Ede, Osun State, is not relevant.
“We enjoin the Code of Conduct Bureau to invite, investigate, and possibly prosecute the said Akinleye as empowered by Parts 1, 3 (e) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). We also appeal to all patriots within and outside the state to rise above political sentiments and speak vehemently against this clear abuse of power and contravention of the procurement laws of the state.”
Responding, the Spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed, described the allegation as a ridiculous concoction.
Stressing that the allegations against the governor’s Chief of Staff were baseless, Rasheed added that Akinleye has not violated any provisions of the Code of Conduct.
He urged members of the public to discountenance the Osun APC, describing them as “failed men of yesterday.”
He also added that the Ademola Adeleke-led administration is committed to upholding and enforcing due process.
The statement reads, “As a public officer, the Chief of Staff has not deployed his office to, in any way, favor himself, especially as he is not a member of the governing board of Osun State University nor a member of the board of directors of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
“Specifically, Hon. Akinleye had effectively ceased to be a director of the mentioned company even before his appointment as Chief of Staff and so cannot in any way be held accountable for the business operations of the said company.
“The Chief of Staff has never sat at any meeting or board deliberation where such a contract was determined and is therefore by all accounts not in breach of any provisions of the Code of Conduct or any subsisting laws of the land.
“We note with disdain the reprehensible desperation of the opposition to destroy the vibrant and world-class Osun State University, which is running its affairs in line with best practices and in compliance with its establishment laws.
“We assert with all confidence that Hon. Akinleye has not in any way abused his office as he mainly applies himself to discharging his official duties as Chief of Staff to the Governor, which does not include contract solicitation and influence for and/or on behalf of any personality, be it natural or corporate.”
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke , has called for peace and unity in Nigeria even as he tasked the military and other security services to redouble their efforts in sustaining national stability.
Adeleke made this call when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of The Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu in Osogbo.
The Governor who held hours of closed door sessions with the GOC on sustaining peace and stability emphasized the importance of the military’s support in ensuring that the democratic process remains intact
The Governor who praised the Nigerian Army for its unwavering respect for democratic institutions, stressed that loyalty is fundamental for the stability of the nation.
Governor Adeleke further stated that in an era marked by anxiety and protection of lives and property, the collaboration between the political class and the security sector becomes indispensable in providing adequate protection for the citizenry.
He told the visiting military delegation that his government has taken all necessary precautions to ensure that Osun remains peaceful without conflicts despite planned nationwide demonstrations.
“Let me assure you that we have taken all necessary precautions. We just finished a stakeholders’ meeting and we are all resolved to sustain peace and tranquility in our state of the living spring”, the Governor told the GOC and his delegation.
In his address, the GOC 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Onubogu said his visit to Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke underscores a critical period in Nigeria’s journey towards stability and unity.
According to him, “The visit not only signifies a reaffirmation of the military’s loyalty to democratic principles but also highlights the essential role of the armed forces in maintaining peace during turbulent times.”
He commended Governor Adeleke’s commitment in ensuring that Osun state remains the most peaceful state in the country and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Major General Onubogu emphasised the role of the military in upholding democratic principles and maintaining peace, particularly in handling protests and demonstrations.