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Tag: ADELEKE

  • 2026: Outrage as Adeleke’s CoS threatens violence against residents planning not to vote PDP 

    2026: Outrage as Adeleke’s CoS threatens violence against residents planning not to vote PDP 

    • …arrest Adeleke’s CSO over threat comment—APC Natl Secretary tasks IGP
    • …I’m still enjoying support and goodwill of Osun residents —Adeleke 

    A viral video of Kazeem Akinleye, Chief of Staff to Governor Ademola Adeleke, issuing threats to residents unwilling to support the governor’s second-term bid in 2026 has sparked widespread condemnation.

    In the video, seen by The Nation on Sunday, Akinleye, addressing a crowd in Yoruba at an event reportedly held in Ede, Adeleke’s hometown, highlighted the governor’s achievements while making controversial remarks.

    He said: “In February, there shouldn’t be any vote…we should be dancing and rejoicing. When it’s time for my boss’s second term in 2026, if anyone says they won’t vote or refuses to come out of their house because of political affiliations, such a person should relocate to Cotonou. Let’s go find a room for them there. Such stubborn people shouldn’t remain in Ede that day.”

    His comments have drawn backlash from opposition leaders, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, in a statement, condemned the remarks as provocative and dangerous. 

    He warned that such rhetoric could escalate tensions and potentially incite violence.

    “Osun people are peaceful and will not succumb to intimidation from a government that has consistently failed to deliver on its promises. These statements show clear fear of electoral judgment due to the administration’s incompetence and lackluster performance,” Basiru said.

    Read Also: Adeleke orders contractor to resume work on N24b Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan road project

    He further criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government for its failure to implement meaningful youth empowerment programs or address teacher shortages in public schools, despite repeated public outcry. 

    Basiru called on the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to summon Akinleye for questioning over his inflammatory remarks.

    Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, also lambasted Akinleye, describing his comments as an embarrassment to democratic ideals. “His statement is a disgrace and shows he is a misfit for his position,” Lawal said.

    However, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, defended Akinleye, dismissing the allegations as baseless. He insisted the governor is a proponent of peace and enjoys widespread support in Osun State.

    “At no time did the governor or Chief of Staff threaten violence. Such allegations are unwarranted given the overwhelming goodwill and support this administration enjoys,” Rasheed stated.

  • Don’t set Osun on fire, Basiru warns Adeleke 

    Don’t set Osun on fire, Basiru warns Adeleke 

    The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has called on stakeholders in Osun state to caution Governor Ademola Adeleke and his aides against making inflammatory statements that could disrupt the state’s peace.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Basiru expressed concern over recent remarks by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye, describing them as reckless and a threat to opposition members ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.

    He warned that such rhetoric could heighten tensions and potentially lead to unnecessary violence in the state. 

    Basiru urged all parties to prioritize peace and stability while avoiding actions or statements that could harm the democratic process.

    “Osun people are known for their peaceful disposition and will not succumb to intimidation from a government that has consistently failed to deliver on its promises.

    “The intimidating posture of this administration signals a clear fear of electoral judgment, as their incompetence and lackluster performance remain evident to all,” Basiru noted

    The statement criticized the PDP-led administration for neglecting governance in favor of political strong-arming, noting that in over two years, the government has failed to implement meaningful youth empowerment programs or commence the long-anticipated teachers’ recruitment exercise, despite public outcry over staff shortages in public schools.

    Read Also: FG warns against politicising stampedes at food distribution exercises

    Warning that no political party holds a monopoly on violence, Basiru reminded the Adeleke-led administration that Osun’s citizens would not tolerate a repeat of the pre-election violence that marred the 2022 and 2023 electoral periods.

    He called on the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently summon Mr. Akinleye for questioning regarding his inflammatory statement that citizens must either vote for Governor Adeleke or leave the state ahead of the 2026 elections.

    “The primary duty of any responsible government is to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens, not instill fear or subject them to intimidation. Osun people will have their say in 2026 and make it abundantly clear that they can distinguish between sincerity and deception,” Basiru affirmed.

  • SAN cautions Adeleke over plan to free robbery convict

    SAN cautions Adeleke over plan to free robbery convict

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mutalubi Adebayo, has cautioned Governor Ademola Adeleke over plan to free a robbery suspect, who was convicted for robbing a police officer of fowl.

    The Nation recalls that Olowookere Segun and Morakinyo Sunday were sentenced to death by hanging in 2014 for robbing a police officer and other residents of Odo-Otin Local Government of Osun State in 2010 with a Dane gun, cutlasses and other weapons.

    Subsequently, the matter went viral after the parent of one of the suspects claimed that their son was sentenced to death for stealing fowl, which attracted public sympathy.

    Read Also: Owa-Obokun: Court stops Adeleke from appointing monarch from Haastrup family

    Governor Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the governor had directed investigation and pardoning action on the case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing fowl.

    Reacting to the development, Adebayo in a statement warned that “governments at all levels and the public should not allow bloggers and internet idlers to mislead them to unnecessarily harass, vilify and attack the judiciary through dissemination of half-truths and outright lies.”

    He said “The report that the prisoner was convicted and sentenced to death for stealing a fowl is a pure lie and cheap blackmail that was packaged with a view to secure freedom for the prisoner through the backdoor. 

  • Osun community lauds FG for halting Adeleke’s plan to relocate airport to Ede

    Osun community lauds FG for halting Adeleke’s plan to relocate airport to Ede

    The Ido Osun Community in Egbedore local government area of Osun State on Thursday commended the federal government for preventing Governor Ademola Adeleke from relocating M.K.O Abiola International Airpot to his hometown. 

    The Nation recalled that the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace in a letter with reference number FMA/ADD/402/S.3/6.4/Vol I/56, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole and addressed to Governor Adeleke on December 6, directed that the decision should be suspended indefinitely. 

    Subsequently, the Ido-Osun community in a press conference held at the king’s palace, commended President Bola Tinubu over the suspension and also admonished FG to expedite necessary actions towards ensuring the completion of the Airport. 

    The president of Ido-Osun Development Union (IDU), Timothy Adeleye addressing newsmen in the presence of traditional chiefs, leaders and other indigenes of the town, led by the Eesa, Chief Oyewale Basiru also urged the Osun government not to relent in collaborative efforts with FG. 

    He said: “We wish to express our deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), through the Office of the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Barrister Festus Keyamo, for being steadfast and leading a people-centric, selfless and purposeful government, guided by the rule of law.  

    “We are very happy with FG’s commitment to the completion of M.K.O. International Airport, Ido-Osun as contained in the Ministry of Aviation’s Letter, Suspending the Relocation of M.K.O. International Airport to Ede, the hometown of Governor Adeleke of Osun State.” 

    He noted: “The recent proposal for the relocation of the Airport was ab initio a needless course, to serve a selfish interest, without minding the state resources that had been earlier committed by the respective past regimes.” 

    “We are solidly behind the Federal Government’s decision to review the situation and suspend further actions related to the relocation of the Airport, in the interest of fairness, justice, and peaceful co-existence.” 

  • I won’t succumb to blackmail on my N100bn infrastructural plan – Adeleke

    I won’t succumb to blackmail on my N100bn infrastructural plan – Adeleke

    Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke has vowed that he would not succumb to blackmail by his transducers to fulfill his N100 billion infrastructural plan. 

    Adeleke said this while commissioning the Iresi/Otan Ayegbaju township roads which had been abandoned for over 44 years. 

    He said: “Today, we are here to open for public use, an historic road that has been in a state of disrepair since the second republic. For the past 44 years, this road has remained unattended to, I thank God that today our administration has broken the jinx of four decades.

    “We are opening today a total of 7.5 kilometres of road. This includes three kilometres of Iresi township roads and the 4.5 kilometres Otan Ayegbaju-Iresi road”, the Governor noted.

    He added: “Our administration is opposed to politicisation of development. Our administration is determined to press ahead with infrastructure upgrades of Osun state across all sectors. We will not succumb to political blackmail from those who failed our people for decades. We will continue to revive projects they abandoned for several years.”

    Earlier, Adeleke commissioned the Cooperative College, Ode-Omu, which was abandoned for 12 years. 

  • FG halts Adeleke’s move to relocate Osun Airport project to Ede amid protests

    FG halts Adeleke’s move to relocate Osun Airport project to Ede amid protests

    The federal government has suspended the relocation of the Osun State International Airport project from Ido-Osun to Ede, following widespread controversies and protests. 

    Governor Ademola Adeleke had announced that the foundation-laying ceremony for the new airport would be held on December 16, 2024, in Ede, his hometown.

    The event was to feature key dignitaries, including Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo. 

    However, the proposed relocation drew sharp criticism.

    The Ido-Osun community staged protests, condemning the move as nepotistic and undemocratic.

    Critics argued that the relocation prioritised personal interest over public good.

    In defence, the Osun state government cited encroachment on the Ido-Osun airport land, the presence of gullies, and the inadequacy of the runway as reasons for the decision. 

    In a letter dated December 6, 2024, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, Dr. Emmanuel D. Meribole, and addressed to Governor Adeleke, the ministry directed the state government to suspend the project indefinitely. 

    The letter, obtained exclusively by The Nation, stated: “Re: Invitation as a Special Guest of Honour at the Foundation Laying Ceremony of the Osun State International Airport. I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. 5.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188 dated 21st November 2024 on the above subject and to respectfully request Your Excellency to suspend the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State International Airport until the issues regarding the petitions over the existing airstrip/airport are resolved and to harmonize the state’s efforts with that of the federal government.” 

    Read Also: Community cries out over ‘plot’ to cede Osun Airport land to Ede

    This development marks a significant setback for Governor Adeleke’s administration amid ongoing disputes over the airport’s future.

    “Your Excellency may wish to note that the airstrip is a federal project that is captured in the Ministry’s 2024 Appropriation. We also note that you have made arrangements to expand the airstrip to an international airport. In addition, there is a petition indicating there is an existing airstrip where funds have been expended and the need to use the site for the present airstrip instead of a new site.

    “The federal government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds to curtail wastage of resources. As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration between state and federal governments, we must be in synch before the project takes off.

    “Accordingly, Your Excellency is respectfully requested to reschedule the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State Airport pending the resolution of the petitions and selection of a mutually agreed date. Please, accept the assurances of the Honourable Minister’s highest regards.”

  • Presidency to Adeleke: provide lists of abandoned projects in Osun 

    Presidency to Adeleke: provide lists of abandoned projects in Osun 

    …Osun residents seek completion of Fed roads, intervention for traders 

    In a bid to foster grassroots development in Osun State, the Presidency has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to compile a list of abandoned Federal Government projects across the state to expedite their completion.

    The call came during a town hall meeting held on Monday with various stakeholders, including residents, labor leaders, traders, market women, farmers, and journalists. 

    The Presidency emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to addressing the people’s needs, making the meeting an important step for the state’s development.

    Khadijat Kareem, the Personal Assistant to the President on Constituency Affairs, noted: “We recognize the unique challenges facing Osun State, from infrastructure to economic empowerment. We are committed to addressing these issues and making a tangible impact. Please provide us with information on any abandoned federal projects in your area. On my next visit to Osun, I will bring a massive empowerment program.”

    Read Also: Tension in Osun PDP as Reps member Oke criticises Adeleke’s leadership style

    Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his remarks, reiterated the state’s commitment to federal-state collaboration and expressed hope for the completion of abandoned federal roads and other projects in Osun. 

    He confirmed that a list of such projects would be submitted soon.

    During the meeting, Comrade Adeshina Abubarkar, Chairman of the Osun State NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, urged the Federal Government to revisit the abandoned Machine Tool Factory and Steel Rolling project in the state. 

    He also called for a revival of initiatives such as the Trader Money program to support market women across the country.

  • Owa Obokun stool: Royal family seeks equity from Adeleke, Ilesa elders, kingmakers

    Owa Obokun stool: Royal family seeks equity from Adeleke, Ilesa elders, kingmakers

    As the process to fill the vacant stool of the Owa Obokun of Ijesa land begins, the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House has appealed to the Elders’ Council of Ijesa land to ensure equity and fairness in the selection process.  

    The former Owa Obokun, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, passed away on September 11, 2024, after a 42-year reign. 

    With the mourning period for the late king nearing its conclusion, preparations for the installation of a new monarch are underway.  

    In a letter dated November 30, 2024, and addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Elders’ Council, and the Aare Council, among others, the Ofokutu of the Bilaro Ruling House emphasized the importance of upholding tradition and justice. 

    The letter, signed by the ruling house’s Secretary, Prince Adetoyese Adegbohungbe, urged the community leaders to prioritize fairness in guiding the process of filling the prestigious stool.  

    The Owa Obokun stool holds significant cultural and historical importance, and stakeholders are keen to ensure a peaceful and transparent selection process.  

    The letter explained: “The last two Owa Obokun of Ijesland have emerged from the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House and both from the Ajimoko-Haastrup Royal Family.”

    The Ofokutu royal family raised concern that the Ajimoko-Haastrup Royal Family might present another candidate for the vacant stool, hence, it will amount to a denial of others who had waited for 125 years.

    The Ofokutu Royal Family noted that any attempt not to consider the dynasty which comprises of numerous families, including Adeyemi, Adebusuyi, Adegbohungbe, Obembe, and Osundaunsi-Adeyokunnu amongst others will amount to obliteration of the Ofokutu Dynasty contrary to principles of equity and fairness.

    The ruling family implored Agba-Ijesa (Elders Council) to be mindful of the monopolisation of the Owa-Obokun stool to one royal family.

  • I will unseat Adeleke in 2026, APC chieftain boasts

    I will unseat Adeleke in 2026, APC chieftain boasts

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Kabiru Adeniyi Adisa, has vowed to unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 governorship election in the state.

    Adisa said he has what it takes to Govern the state better than Adeleke.

    Adisa, in a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said he is determined to defeat Governor Adeleke of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2026 governorship polls.  

    He described himself as the best candidate, saying his wealth of experience, visionary leadership, and a proven track record of impactful community service qualify him to lead the state toward prosperous future.  

    According to him, as a committed leader, he has been dedicated for the past two decades to community development, launching transformative programs such as scholarships, maternal and infant health initiatives, and youth empowerment projects that have positively impacted thousands across Osun State. 

    He said: “My tenure as President of the Guidance Community Development Foundation and my experience as a Financial Controller in the corporate sector have equipped me with the skills to deliver measurable results, manage resources effectively, and drive inclusive growth.  

    “My commitment to empowering the youth and women of Osun is steadfast. Through initiatives like summer classes for secondary school students, scholarship schemes, and an interest-free loan program benefiting women and youth over the last six years, I have demonstrated my dedication to building capacity and fostering economic opportunities. These efforts align with my vision for a progressive and prosperous Osun State.  

    “Food security will be a central focus of my administration. By supporting smallholder farmers, investing in modern agricultural practices, and enhancing access to affordable inputs, we will ensure Osun becomes self-reliant in food production. 

    “My government will prioritize value-chain development, create agro-processing hubs, and open access to both local and international markets, fostering job creation and improving livelihoods.  

    “With a solid background in financial planning, industrial project management, and sourcing affordable funding, I have the expertise to transform Osun into a hub of industrial and economic activity. My proven ability to attract investment and create jobs ensures that I can revitalize our state’s economy and improve the lives of all our citizens.  

    “I have a deep connection to the grassroots and a firm dedication to the vulnerable. My governance will be inclusive and people-centered, ensuring that the needs of both rural and urban communities are addressed. Through initiatives like providing mobility aids, clothing, and academic materials, I have consistently shown my commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable members of our society.  

    Read Also: Minimum wage: Adeleke warns Osun workers against unproductive attitudes

    “Osun State is blessed with abundant mineral resources and a wealth of tourism attractions. My administration will leverage these assets to finance social projects and drive sustainable development. Also, my strong connections with foreign donors from the United States, Europe, and Arab countries will ensure a steady flow of resources for the advancement of Osun State. 

    “Under the banner of ‘Together for a Progressive Osun,’ I will unite our state, transcending political and social divides to deliver development, transparency, and integrity in governance. My clear and actionable plans will address pressing challenges in healthcare, education, food security, infrastructure, and equitable resource distribution. 

    “I am prepared to serve Osun State with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to progress. I have done it before, and I am ready to do it again—on a larger scale. Osun, I am ready. Send me.  

    “Together, we will build a better, more prosperous Osun State for all.”

  • Minimum wage: Adeleke warns Osun workers against unproductive attitudes

    Minimum wage: Adeleke warns Osun workers against unproductive attitudes

    Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged civil servants in the state to maintain a positive work ethic, warning against behaviours that could undermine productivity and efficiency in the civil service. 

    The governor gave the caution on Monday while addressing workers at his office following a solidarity walk organised to thank him for implementing the new minimum wage of ₦75,558.24 and an additional ₦25,000 for pensioners. 

    Reaffirming his commitment to workers’ welfare, Adeleke said: “They don’t call me the ‘talk and do governor’ for nothing. When I make a promise, I fulfill it. During the campaign, I made it clear that my priority is to ensure our workers are happy.” 

    He emphasised the importance of timely payment of salaries, describing it as a fundamental duty.

    “It’s a sin for someone to work and not get paid. That is not me. I wish Osun’s allocation were like Lagos or Akwa Ibom’s; I would have done even more. But with the little we have, I will ensure you are happy,” Adeleke added. 

    Read Also: Abimboye honours Governor Adeleke’s second anniversary

    The governor also pledged to enhance the state’s tax system to generate more revenue, promising that residents would enjoy greater dividends of democracy as a result. 

    He said: “We are teaching them how to do politics without bitterness because government is a continuum. All the abandoned projects, my government is doing it. I did not even sack the people they employed, all I do is that if you are going to do a good job, I won’t sack you but once you don’t do a good job, you are gone.”

    Earlier, the Osun state chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Chris Arapasopo commended Adeleke, adding, “We are going ask for more from the state and I urge our members to improve on service delivery.”