The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has extolled the erstwhile Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola as he clocked 67 years.
Adeleke who was a guest at the birthday reception held at Adebimpe Event Centre, Osogbo capital of Osun State disclosed that his administration was completing the projects abandoned by his predecessor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
The Osun Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye commended Aregbesola for serving the state and nation in several capacities painstakingly.
He said, “As a former Commissioner in Lagos State, you were exceptional. As a former Governor of Osun State, you did your best to build a new Osun State. As a Minister, you delivered a lot of initiatives as head of the Interior Ministry. We salute your contributions to national development.
“On this occasion of your birthday, I am happy to report to you that our government is completing many projects you initiated that were abandoned by your predecessor. From roads to housing projects, we are building on your legacy of expanding the infrastructural base of Osun State.”
He prayed for Aregbesola and wished him more blessed years on earth.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke was recently installed as the Asiwaju of Ede Land; the ceremony attracted dignitaries from all walks of life. Toba Adedeji reports.
It was a sunny morning in the ancient town of Ede, Osun State; residents of the town stood in front of their houses in anticipation of the beautiful and perhaps once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sight dignitaries who would be coming to pay obeisance to the tradition and indeed the town.
Ede town is located in the heart of the Yoruba-speaking community in the South-west of Nigeria. The town has a distinctive military, religious and political history.
The town, which was formerly an outpost of the string Oyo Empire, is still a major hub for political action in Southwest Nigeria. Ede also has a traditional administration headed by a ruler with the title, Agbale Olofa Ina or Timi who is assisted by a council of twelve traditional chiefs.
The incumbent Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, is from the Adeleke Dynasty of Oluronbi Compound in the town. Adeleke, it would be recalled, had been exhibiting tenacity but it came to the fore after the death of his elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who gained popularity in the political landscape of Osun State with his philanthropy, which earned him the nickname, “Serubawon”, meaning “a dread onto them.
The elder brother was the first democratically elected governor of the state. He served the state for one year and 318 days before he was edged out. He was a two time senator who represented the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State from 2007 to 2011 and was elected again under the banner of the All Progressives Congress in 2015.
Meanwhile, until his death in April 2017, Isiaka Adeleke was the Asiwaju of Ede land because of his landmark contribution to the community, state and the country at large.
Right after the death of his elder brother and his breakaway from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ademola Adeleke’s political and leadership energy reignited the resurgence of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to take back the state.
He thrust the hurdles of ruling APC during the Osun West bye-election by winning nine local government areas against one. Subsequently, he lost the 2018 Osun State Governorship election to APC narrowly.
Destiny called again in 2022 when he won the guber seat. Adeleke with extra-ordinary strength, sought to shape the destiny of his immediate constituency, Ede and the good people of Osun State.
For over one year and six months since he has been governor of Osun State, the large-heartedness associated with the Adeleke Family has been evident for all to see. This caused the heart of the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, Laminisa 1 to overflow with ovation, hence, nudging him to the realisation that since the death of Isiaka Adeleke, nobody has stepped into his shoe as Asiwaju of Ede land.
Governor Ademola was, therefore, a perfect match to fit into the shoes of Asiwaju of Ede land because of the unprecedented development that he had brought to Osun State and Ede, his home town.
Speaking about the choice of Govenor Adeleke as the new Asiwaju of Ede Land at the Timi of Ede’s palace, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for Installation of Adeleke as the Asiwaju of Ede land, Senator Olalere Oyewumi (Osun West District), speaking at the Timi of Ede’s Palace, said, “What informed this decision to confer on Governor Adeleke, the Asiwaju of Ede title, is in the acknowledgement and recognition of his contribution to the growth and development of Ede land and Osun at large.
“The Timi, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, also took into cognisance the enormity of the entire Adeleke dynasty’s contribution to the growth and development of Ede, Osun State and Nigeria at large. It is just to show appreciation, not only to the governor, but to the entire Adeleke dynasty.”
He added that Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, business magnates: Aliko Dangote and Folorunso Alakija among others will attend the traditional chieftaincy installation of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the Asiwaju of Ede Land.
Other dignitaries to attend the ceremony are Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Chief Executive Officer of Bovas Petroleum, Mrs. Victoria Samson, Business conglomerate, Dr Deji Adeleke, among others.
Aside the Oyo State governor, two other governors who graced the occasion at the Timi of Ede’s palace, are Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State).
Speaking during the installation, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi lauded Adeleke for contributing to the development of Ede, adding that “The governor has been exhibiting the quality of Asiwaju since he came to political space.”
The Ooni prayed for Adeleke and urged him to continue contributing to the development of Ede and the state as a whole.
Governor Makinde who spoke on behalf of the Governor’s Forum, eulogised Adeleke in Yoruba, saying, “This is Asiwaju Serubawon.”
“Adeleke challenged me that he would compete with me with infrastructure. When I came today, I saw that work is ongoing in the state.”
The Timi of Ede, Oba Lawal, while addressing the gathering, said he was not worthy to adorned the chieftaincy leaf on the new Asiwaju of Ede Land in the presence of the Ooni. He thus invited Oba Adeyeye to perform the chieftaincy rite.
However, Oba Ogunwusi explaining the importance of chieftaincy leaf called Ewe Akoko, further invited the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Asiru Olaniyan; Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun; Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Olanipekun Oyetunji; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin and the Timi of Ede himself to jointly adorn Adeleke as the new Asiwaju of Ede Land, while other monarchs present blessed the governor.
Also present were the Orangun Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Alaagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Ogunwole, Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Oyelude among others.
Reacting after his due conferment, Adeleke called for a minute’s silence in honour and remembrance of his late brother, Isiaka Adeleke, after which he lauded the Timi of Ede for the gesture.
He also applauded his elder brother, business magnate, Adedeji Adeleke and sister, Chief Dupe Adeleke for their support.
He described his installation as ‘a further call to service’ and vowed that “Very soon, all big towns in Osun State will become cities. That is how we called it in America. Ife will become a city, Ilesa will become a city, Iwo will become a city, Ikirun will become a city, Ila will become a city. I will carry the light of positive transformation from towns to villages and from cities to rural areas across our dear state.”
Other dignitaries at the ceremony are former Oyo State governor, Rasheed Ladoja, former National Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf, PDP Deputy Chairman South, Taofeek Arapaja, Speaker of Oyo State, Debo Ogundoyin, Acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagum, Ex-governor of Ondo, Segun Mimiko, Osun ex-SSG, Fatai Akinbade, Senator Olu Alabi, Senator Fadahunshi, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Ondo State PDP guber candidate, Agboola Ajayi, wife of Mike Adenuga amongst other politicians.
The Inspector General of Police on Wednesday commenced trial of aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke over alleged defamatory statement against ex-commissioner of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
But Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Political Matters, Muniru Raji, was absent in Federal High Court, Osogbo when the case number FHC/OS/60C/2024. His counsel, Naim Adekilekun, hinged his absence on health ground.
Adekilekun told the presiding Judge, Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel: “The defendant was terribly sick and battling with chronic ulcer, hence he could not appear before the court for arraignment.”
Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke filed a petition to the police on alleged criminal defamation of his character against Muniru.
He alleged Muniru falsely accused him on a Radio Programme of securing contract from the government of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and absconded with the contract sum without executing it.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has said that administration scored 80 per cent in policy implementation within one year and six months.
In a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, the governor noted that he has done well for the state after a review of his five-point campaign promises.
He lauded the people of Osun State for supporting his administration to deliver on his promises on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to the statement, Adeleke who spoke while hosting a technical meeting of his policy coordination unit, said: “I am largely satisfied with our programme implementation so far. We have surpassed expectations and targets within one and half years in office. We just need to redouble our efforts as we face mid-term in the next six months.
“The feedback from the public has been quite encouraging. Our people have gladly given us an A-rating in workers’ welfare, infrastructure, health, education and many more. We must express our appreciation to our people.
“They are happy we are delivering on good governance. A friend said our approval rating is over 80 per cent. I told him I must work harder in some areas, especially that 20 per cent gap. The good thing is we are just one and half years in office.”
Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has disclosed that the performance of his administration within one year and six months, was rated above 80 percent with policy implementation.
Adeleke in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Sunday, May 19, revealed that with the review of his five points campaign promises he has done well for the state.
He lauded Osun people for their resolute support for his administration in its quest to deliver on his five point agenda on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adeleke made the statement while hosting a technical meeting of his policy coordination unit.
He said: “I am largely satisfied with our programme implementation so far. We have surpassed expectations and targets within one and half years in office. We just need to redouble our efforts as we face mid-term in the next six months.
“The feedback from the public has been quite encouraging. Our people have gladly given us an A-rating in workers’ welfare, infrastructure, health, education and many more. We must express our appreciation to our people.
“They are happy we are delivering on good governance. A friend said our approval rating is over 80 percent. I told him I must work harder in some areas, especially that 20 percent gap. The good thing is we are just one and half years in office.“
His elder sibling, and the first executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, was 62, when he died, but for Governor Ademola, hitting 64 is quite a significant one, and it’s a thing of celebration.
His sojourn into the murky waters of politics is divine as he is indeed a man destined for greatness. In his first attempt to govern Osun State, he lost to Governor Oyetola, but coming back stronger to win the incumbent, indicates that he is a man backed by his creator.
As governor of Osun State, Adeleke has performed excellently declaring that his government has not borrowed a dime to run its affairs which many lauded as quite impressive, especially, on how he was able to manage the states allocation to build infrastructure, and pay worker’s salaries on time.
While his detractors are busy casting aspersions on him, Adeleke is busy working round the clock to ensure Osun is better than the way he met it.
As he glided into 64, the whole Osun State was on lockdown, as guests trooped into the state capital to celebrate the ‘Dancing Governor’ on his big day.
While celebrating his birthday, the Timi of Ede land, Oba Muniru Adesola Lawal, also bestowed on him the traditional title of the ‘Asiwaju of Edeland’; which means the Leader of Edeland. Marking his birthday at the Osun State Government House; the fun-loving governor converged with his friends, family and associates to celebrate the double celebration with him as he held a pre-birthday dinner on Sunday, May 12 at the government house. He also played host to former President Olusegun among other royalties who came to celebrate his big day.
Former National Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Shuaib Oyedokun has dumped Governor Ademola Adeleke to join All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.
Oyedokun, who is also a member of the Board of Trustees and founding member of PDP, defected with some chieftains of the party, including Prince Dotun Babayemi.
The decision of the ex-National deputy chairman of PDP was contained in a letter dated May 16th 2024 to the leadership of the party through the Ward 13 Chairman to Local, State and National Secretariat.
He stated: “As a functional member and leader of PDP (Ward 13, Jagun/ Osi-Bale Ode, Odo-Otin South Local Government, Osun State,) whose high electoral productivity and value have been credibly and positively acknowledged in my ward, across the local council, state and country-wide for the enhancement of the fortune of the PDP, I have the honour (though with pain) in announcing the renunciation of my membership of the party on principle, having observed that the ideals of we, founding members, had been sorely contaminated.
“In taking this step which is not even without due consultation with my teaming loyalists in the PDP, I have consequently decided to shift my allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) where I believe my experience, efforts and leadership roles would be valued and appreciated. I thank you.”
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has cautioned the deposed Owa of Igbajo, Adegboyega Famodun, against causing conflict in the community over plans to hold a seperate Oroke festival.
Recall that Adeleke deposed Famodun through the White Paper published in January 2024, and thereafter appointed and presented the Staff of Office to Oba Ademola Makinde as the new Owa of Igbajo.
Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, frowned at plans by Famodun to organise the Oroke festival ‘which may likely lead to crisis’. He directed security agencies to deal with any trouble maker over attempts to destabilise the peace and security of Igbajo.
The statement reads: “Reports show an attempt by a faction belonging to Mr. Famodun to create conflict in Igbajo by fixing a different festival date from the one officially announced by the legal and official-crowned king of Igbajo, Oba Ademola Makinde. This effort is designed to create violence and crisis in the peaceful town of Igbajo.
“As a government, we reiterate that the king of Igbajo today is Oba Ademola Makinde, and the May 23 already fixed for the Oroke Day Festival remains sacrosanct.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has cautioned the deposed Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun, against causing conflict in the community over plans to organise a festival.
The Nation reported that Adeleke deposed Famodun through a White Paper published in January 2024 and subsequently appointed Oba Ademola Makinde as the new Owa of Igbajo, presenting him with the Staff of Office.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke criticised the deposed king’s plans to organize a community festival, warning that it could lead to unrest.
He directed security agencies to take decisive action against any troublemakers attempting to disrupt the peace and security of Igbajo, by some group of people led by Prince Gboyega Famodun through conflicting Oroke festival days.
He said: “Reports at the disposal of the government indicated an attempt by a faction belonging to Mr Famodun to create conflict at Igbajo by fixing a different festival date from the one officially announced by the legal and officially crowned king of Igbajo, Oba Ademola Makinde. This effort is designed to create violence and crisis in the peaceful town of Igbajo.
“As a government, we reiterate that the Monarch of Igbajo today is Oba Ademola Makinde and the May 23rd already fixed for the Oroke Day Festival remains the sacrosanct date for the popular cultural and traditionally significant event.
“In a bid to forestall the breakdown of law and order and in line with my responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of Osun state, I direct security agencies to enforce the holding of the Oroke festival on the official date of May 23rd and to ensure no gathering is held on May 19th set by any other faction.”
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, along with his cousin David Adeleke, inaugurated the Osun Country Club on Wednesday, May 15, to promote lifestyle and cultural exchange in the state.
Speaking at the Aurora Event Centre in Osogbo before unveiling the club’s logo, Adeleke stated that the club will enhance unity and cultural diversity in the state.
He said: “As we begin this journey, let’s remember that what we do now will figure the future for those who come after us. Let’s work together to make this club not only enjoyable for us but also something that helps our community in a good way. Let’s start this journey with determination and a common goal of creating a legacy that will be recalled for a long time.”
The president of the club, Chief Abiola Falayajo in his address explained that “Over 30 years ago, Osun State was born. Yet, since then, a country club with state-of-the-art facilities that will serve the interests of all our people has been lacking.
“The birth of Osun Country Club stands as a testament to the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of our beloved state. As a hub of recreation, social interaction, and cultural exchange, our club endeavours to create a welcoming environment where members can forge lasting friendships, indulge in leisure activities, and contribute to the betterment of our community.”
