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Tag: Ademola Adeleke

  • Adeleke decries poor sports infrastructure, flags off Osogbo stadium remodeling

    Adeleke decries poor sports infrastructure, flags off Osogbo stadium remodeling

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday expressed concern over the poor state of sports infrastructure in the state.

    Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the remodeling of Osogbo Stadium, Adeleke emphasized his administration’s commitment to revitalizing sports, stating that the stadium’s transformation would be completed within 12 months.

    According to him “When I came in as the governor of the state, this stadium was in terrible condition. The state of sport in Osun was appalling. We therefore decided to do some remarkable things that can boost the development of Sports in the State.”

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    “This project is not mere renovation but re-development and remodeling of the state sports Stadium to attain global standard. We have a big vision of Osun state with the best sporting facilities in the country.

    “By the time we finish this development, the stadium will be a beautiful edifice to behold. Our dream is to build a stadium with capacity to host various sporting events such as the National sports Festival, National Youth Games and more importantly to host some of our national teams including Super Eagles in their various continental and International matches.”

    Highlighting the specifications of the remodelling, he said the Osogbo stadium will have major pitches of International standard including including Volleyball, Swimming, Handball, Hockey, Basketball and a host of other. 

    He added: “The remodeling will also include a befitting indoor sports hall, hostels for the athletes and a state-of-art 4-star hotel.”

    He promised that the government will build revenue generation into the entire project to ensure sustainability and short and long term viability. 

    Adeleke disclosed that he has finalised the legal framework for creation of Osun Sports Commission, stressing that, “This is to enhance harmonious development and administration of all games in the state.”

  • Adeleke recruits 10,000 Osun youths into empowerment scheme 

    Adeleke recruits 10,000 Osun youths into empowerment scheme 

    Governor Ademola Adeleke has recruited 10,000 youths across 30 local government areas of the state into Imole Youths Corps empowerment scheme. 

    Apeaking at the grand ceremony of the inauguration of the corps on Thursday held at Freedom Park via Old Garage, Adeleke noted that the scheme would address joblessness in the state. 

    He noted that the programme is transitional arrangement designed to provide opportunities for our youth in several sectors in the state. 

    According to him, “Today’s gathering is a continuation of our efforts to provide job opportunities for our teaming youth. Ten thousand youth spread across the 332 political wards are engaged to provide services in the area of health, security, environment and education. 

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    “The newly enrolled Imole Youth Corps members are to be trained to deliver support services across the grassroots economy and sectors.”  

    He charged the corps members to demonstrate strong commitment in whatever sector you are assigned, tasking them “to justify the confidence reposed in you by working diligently in your posted areas”.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Moshood Olagunju commended Adeleke for the successful take off of the programme, noting that “the governor has demonstrated now and then his love and passion for youth development.”

  • I’ll bring perpetrators of Esa-Oke killings to justice, says Adeleke

    I’ll bring perpetrators of Esa-Oke killings to justice, says Adeleke

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has vowed to bring to book, those behind the killings and destruction of property in Esa-Oke, over the appointment of a new traditional ruler.

     The governor said this yesterday while meeting with the indigenes and residents of the town in Ibokun Local Government.

     Having identified violence as a hindering factor to community development, Adeleke said perpetrators of the uprising would be brought to book, no matter how highly placed they were.

     He said the announcement of the new traditional ruler was done in good faith but “If you are not pleased, write your petition and I will act on it.

     “There is no need for you to start fighting because I will do justice to your petition.

     “I know we will have disagreements, but not to the extent of killing and razing houses.

     “What do we stand to gain,” he said.

     Adeleke also promised to constitute a panel of inquiry to look into the immediate and the remote causes of the crisis.

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     The Chairman of Esa-Oke Central Union, Bamigboye Aremu, said the crisis erupted due to the imposition of Prince Timileyin Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ajegunle.

     “This appointment, made through a government white paper, is a source of great concern for us.

     “Ajayi is a native of Ilesa, in Ijesha South Traditional Council, and has no lineage or connection to the families that own the farmland.

     “This imposition violates the traditional and historical jurisdiction of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran, Owa Omiran of Esa-Oke, and undermines the peace and unity of our community.

     “We respectfully demand the reversal of the government white paper that appointed Prince Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido Ayegunle.

     “This action is necessary to restore the trust of the Esa-Oke people in the government and to prevent further escalation of tension.

     “Additionally, we appeal for the unconditional release of our youths who were indiscriminately arrested during the recent crisis,” he said.

     News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls four persons were reportedly killed and seven police officers injured during Monday’s protest.

     The protest was against the government’s announcement of a new traditional ruler for Ido Ayegunle, a community located within Esa-Oke town.

  • Osun monarch warns Adeleke against setting domain on fire over chieftaincy law

    Osun monarch warns Adeleke against setting domain on fire over chieftaincy law

    The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi has said that the approval of the purported Judicial Panel Reports on the Aragbiji Chieftaincy by Governor Ademola Adeleke may set his kingdom on fire.

    The monarch expressed disappointment over the development on Friday while speaking with reporters at his palace, noting that Adeleke’s decision was politically motivated to unsettle the town.

    He said: “The declaration is unknown to Aragbiji and the four ruling houses of Ajibode, Osungbemi, Arowodoye, and Ogunmolu.”

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    The monarch explained that “the only Judicial Panel of Inquiry conducted on the Aragbiji Chieftaincy had submitted its reports and the Government had made her position known with the Osun State Government’s in letter Ref No CD.4/1/Vol.IX837 of 25th April 2013, as well as the Osun State Gazette No 7, Vol. 23 of 4th April 2013 (twelve years ago).”

    He stressed that no panel was constituted till when Adeleke approved a fresh Chieftaincy Declaration on Wednesday which is alien to the town.

    “It is like the Governor is interested in destroying the peace in Iragbiji, or there is an orchestrated plan to make Iragbiji another crisis-ridden community in the State, God forbid! The Government has all the while been showing an unfriendly attitude toward Iragbiji. Adeleke should not plunge our town into crisis.”

    He demanded that the approval should be reversed because the document had been trashed by the government 12 years ago.

    “It is our strong appeal to Governor Ademola Adeleke to reverse his decision on the dead report, which has been consigned to the dust bin for the past 12 years, and call on Nigerian to prevail on him to reverse his intention to cause unrest in Iragbiji.”

  • Don’t cause crisis in Iragbiji, monarch tells Adeleke

    Don’t cause crisis in Iragbiji, monarch tells Adeleke

    Following approval of Governor Ademola Adeleke of the purported Judicial Panel Reports on the Aragbiji Chieftaincy, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, has said the decision may set his domain on fire.

    Oba Olabomi told reporters in his palace on Friday he was disappointed with the development, noting that Adeleke’s decision is politically motivated to unsettle the town.

    He said: “The declaration is unknown to Aragbiji and four ruling houses of Ajibode, Osungbemi, Arowodoye and Ogunmolu.

    “The only Judicial Panel of Inquiry conducted on the Aragbiji Chieftaincy had submitted its reports and the Government had made her position known with the Osun State Government’s in letter Ref No CD.4/1/Vol.IX837 of 25th April, 2013, as well as the Osun State Gazette No 7, Vol. 23 of 4th April, 2013 (twelve years ago).”

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    He stressed that no panel was constituted till when Adeleke approved fresh Chieftaincy Declaration on Wednesday which is alien to the town.

    “It is like the Governor is interested in destroying the peace in Iragbiji, or there is an orchestrated plan to make Iragbiji another crisis-ridden community in the State, God forbid! The Government has all the while been showing unfriendly attitude toward Iragbiji. Adeleke should not plunge our town to crisis,” he stressed.

    He demanded the approval should be reversed because the document had been trashed by government 12 years ago.

    “It is our strong appeal to Governor Ademola Adeleke to reverse his decision on the dead report, which has been consigned to the dust bin for the past 12 years and call on Nigerian to prevail on him to reverse his intention to cause unrest in Iragbiji,” he stated.

  • Ex-Osun LG chairmen kick over Adeleke’s alleged squandering of N180b

    Ex-Osun LG chairmen kick over Adeleke’s alleged squandering of N180b

    • Allegation mischievous, says Osun government

    The forum of former chairmen of Osun State local government areas have berated Governor Ademola Adeleke for allegedly squandering N183 billion meant for 30 councils.

    The chairmen said the funds in question were allocations to the local governments from the federal purse from November 2022 to November 2024.

    Addressing newsmen in Osogbo yesterday, the leader of the ex-council chairmen, Abiodun Owoeye, claimed alongside others that the administration of Adeleke violated the 1999 Constitution by withholding and spending the federal allocations credited to the 30 local government councils.

    He said “The actions by the Adeleke administration is against the decision of the Supreme Court as regards their funding.

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    “We are deeply concerned by the flagrant abuse and disregard to the judicial pronouncement of the highest court in the land.

    “Adeleke administration has received, spent and/or tampered with funds released from the Federation Account the sum of N183,196,629,321.19 standing to the credit of the 30 local government councils in Osun State from November 2022 to November 2024.”

    He lamented that Adeleke’s government spent the money meant for people at the grassroots without anything to show.

    He urged the federal government and its relevant agencies to wade in and query Adeleke over the N183 billion LG fund.

    But the Osun State Government through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapi Alimi, reacted to the allegation yesterday, describing it as frivolous.

    “They are mischievous. We shall react to their allegations appropriately,” Alimi said.

  • I’ve reduced Osun infrastructure deficit by over 40 percent — Adeleke

    I’ve reduced Osun infrastructure deficit by over 40 percent — Adeleke

    …bags governor of the year

    The Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said that despite good reviews that his administration attracted, his government is compelled to work harder to cover a lot of ground with the governance of the state.

    Adeleke in his remark at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo shortly after he was declared the governor of the year by the management of Leadership Newspaper, noted that opposition figures scored his government high.

    He said his government has reduced the infrastructure deficit in the state by over 40 per cent.

    According to him, “Osun State is constantly getting recognition for what outsiders and even opposition members regard as our commendable performance. In the last year, our government has been conferred with several awards across the sectors.

    “Aside from reputable newspapers like the Leadership Stable, we have received accolades from several federal agencies and non-governmental bodies. In the face of overwhelming positive reviews and high approval ratings, I am compelled to drive my team harder.

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    “Opposition figures confessed to our positive ratings, I still believe we have a lot of grounds to cover.  I am not allowing the praises to enter my head, I am propelled to do more because Osun has been left behind on many fronts.

    “As I have reduced the infra deficit by over 40 percent, my real target is higher. As I have bridged access to primary health care, my ambition is to also expand health access at medium and tertiary levels.”

    Earlier, the Vice Chairman of Leadership Newspaper, Mr. Michael Okpere disclosed that over 50 members of the management after rigorous screening decided to give Adeleke the award considering his infrastructure drive, and workers among others. 

  • Eight days after pardon, ex-convict remanded for burglary

    Eight days after pardon, ex-convict remanded for burglary

    Eight days after Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke pardoned 53 inmates, one of them, Sunday Omisakin, has been remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre for allegedly burglarising a house to steal a television set.

    Omisakin, who was number eight on the prerogative of mercy list signed by Adeleke last December 26, was pardoned over ‘a simple offence’.

    But, on January 3, he was arrested for allegedly breaking into a house to steal plasma television worth N600,000 in Osogbo, the capital.

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    He was dragged to a Magistrates’ Court in Osogbo presided over by Mr Adekanmi Adeyeba on two charges – burglary and stealing.

    The police prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Adeoye, said: “Omisakin on the 3rd day of January 2025 about 12:00pm in Al-medinat Area, Iludun, Osogbo broke and entered the house of one Shittu Damilare ‘m’ and stole one Plasma TV valued N600,000.

    “The offence committed is contrary to and punishable under section 411 (1) (2) 363, 390(9) of criminal code cap 34 vol.II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.”

    He, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence as his counsel, Najite Okobe, urged the court to admit him to bail in most liberal terms.

    The prosecutor opposed the bail, stating: “The governor pardoned him few days ago. He was sentenced to prison by Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara and he was not done serving his jail term.”

  • Eight days after Adeleke’s pardon, ex-convict commits crime, returns to prison 

    Eight days after Adeleke’s pardon, ex-convict commits crime, returns to prison 

    Barely eight days after being granted pardon by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, a former inmate, Sunday Omisakin, has been remanded in the Ilesa Correctional Facility for allegedly breaking into a house to steal a television.

    Omisakin, who was listed as number 8 on the governor’s prerogative of mercy list signed on December 26, 2024, had been pardoned for what was described as a minor offence.

    However, on January 3, 2025, he was arrested for allegedly burgling a residence in Osogbo and stealing a plasma television valued at N600,000.

    The suspect was arraigned before the Osun State Magistrate Court in Osogbo, presided over by Magistrate Adekanmi Adeyeba, on two counts of burglary and theft.

    According to police prosecutor Inspector Kayode Adeoye, “On January 3, 2025, at about 12:00 p.m. at Al-Medinat Area, Iludun, Osogbo, Omisakin broke into the house of one Shittu Damilare and stole a plasma TV worth N600,000.”

    Omisakin has been remanded pending further court proceedings.

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    “The offence committed is contrary to and punishable under section 411 (1) (2) 363, 390(9) of criminal code cap 34 vol.II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.”

    Meanwhile, he pleaded not guilty to the offence as his counsel, Najite Okobe urged the court to admit him to bail in most liberal terms. 

    The prosecutor opposed to the bail stating that “Governor just pardoned him few days ago. He was sentenced to prison by Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara and he was not done serving his jail term.”

    Magistrate Adeyeba ordered that he should be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Facility and adjourned to January 10th 2025 when he was denied bail. 

    He subsequently adjourned to February 2025 for hearing. 

  • Adeleke slams fresh curfew on Ifon, Ilobu

    Adeleke slams fresh curfew on Ifon, Ilobu

    • Poly student shot dead

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on two local governments, following continued communal clashes.

    The Nation recalls that Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government and Ifon in Orolu Council have been at loggerheads over disputed land, which has led to the killings of over 40 people and destruction of property.

    The communities clashed in 2023, 2024 and this year after Governor Adeleke declared the disputed land as a buffer zone.

    The communities started clashing on Monday, which nearly escalated before the intervention of security operatives.

    The government through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, yesterday said Governor Adeleke had ordered a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the two communities.

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    “Following outbreak of another communal clash between the people of Ifon and Ilobu, Osun State Government has imposed a 7pm to 7am curfew with immediate effect, starting from Thursday, January 16 until further notice.’’

    A few hours after Governor Adeleke imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the two local governments, a polytechnic student was yesterday shot dead during communal clash.

    Ilobu Development Union (IDU) said a student of the Department of Computer Science, Westland Polytechnic, Ilobu was shot dead during an attack ‘’close to the palace this afternoon.’’

    A statement signed by the National President of the union, Pastor Olufemi Salako, condemned the killing of the student, urging security operatives to arrest the perpetrators.