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Tag: adeleke

  • Adeleke denies lavishing state’s funds on foreign travels

    Adeleke denies lavishing state’s funds on foreign travels

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke says that it is not true that his administration lavished the state’s money on foreign travels and training in the first half of 2025.

    This is contained in a statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Malam Olawale Rasheed, on Monday in Osogbo.

    According to Rasheed, the reports that the governor spent N2.8 billion on international travels, transport, and N1.674 billion on refreshments and meals is untrue.

    He described the public debate around the figures as a politically-motivated smear campaign.

    The governor’s spokesperson said that the travelling and training costs were legitimate expenditures tied to capacity-building initiatives for civil servants across several ministries, departments, and agencies.

    According to him, the amount quoted for international travels and trainings for the first two quarters of the year is the expenditure of the entire officials of the state government.

    He said that the current high exchange rate of the naira had largely impacted the amount for the trainings and travels.

    He said that since the travels were mainly funded by the naira, it significantly increased the total cost despite the reduction in the number of delegates and frequency of traveling when compared to past administrations in the state.

    “The governor is only the head of the government; there are several other sectorial heads and career officers whose expenditures on travels and training make up the state government expenditure.

    “Therefore, it is incorrect to say that the governor spent so much on traveling,” he said.

    Olawale said the expenditure for cleaning and fumigation services, and refreshments represented the amount spent by the state to maintain a clean environment across the state secretariat, agency offices, the government house, among others

  • Osun 2026: I am not defecting to ADC – Adeleke

    Osun 2026: I am not defecting to ADC – Adeleke

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke says he is not defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the Aug. 8, 2026 governorship election in the state.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Osogbo by Malam Rasheed Olawale, the spokesperson for the governor.

    Olawale said the governor remained in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was not aligning with anybody within the ADC.

    He said that there was no truth in the speculation about Adeleke’s imminent defection or alignment with ADC big wigs ahead of the 2026 governorship race.

    “There is no truth in those speculations and publications,” he said.

    Olawale said that since the PDP in Osun had adopted and endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, there was no alliance with ADC.

    “Gov. Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to win with a wide margin in 2026.

    “The Osun electorate supports the governor because of his impressive performance since he came to office.

    “That good work is still ongoing, and the people of the state are committed to sustaining the delivery of good governance by re-electing him in 2026,” he said.

    The spokesperson also said that the governor had directed PDP members to forge ahead with the ongoing strengthening of the party structures across all levels to prepare for fresh victory in the election.

  • Finally, Osun gov, Adeleke opens up on why he visited TInubu

    Finally, Osun gov, Adeleke opens up on why he visited TInubu

    Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has rubbished speculation suggesting he is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP.

    “Governor Adeleke remains a bonafide member and leader of the PDP in Osun State,” Rasheed stated, describing recent media reports as baseless and misleading.

    The clarification follows a high-profile visit by members of the Adeleke family to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The meeting, which included Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke (Davido), Davido’s father, Chief Adedeji Adeleke, and Governor Adeleke himself, took place at the President’s Lagos residence on Tuesday.

    The statement emphasized that the visit was purely a familial and courtesy engagement.

    “The media speculation about likely or imminent defection is fake news. Governor Adeleke remains a member and leader of the PDP in Osun State. The visit by the Adeleke dynasty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a routine courtesy visit. Any reading of defection agenda into the visit is mere fake news,” Rasheed said.

  • Gov. Adeleke told not to quit PDP but support Tinubu

    Gov. Adeleke told not to quit PDP but support Tinubu

    A political group, Osun Leaders of Thought (OLT), has urged Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun not to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The group said this in a statement issued by its Chief of Public Affairs, Mr Adesola Adigun, in Osogbo on Friday.

    It said rather than leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governor should fully support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    The political group said that the admonition was in response to the raging agreement of defection and coalition formation in the state.

    According to the group, the mounting of pressure on Adeleke to leave PDP for APC is ill-advised and unnecessary.

    It called on the governor to remain in the PDP and continue his good work for the good people of the state.

    “We proceed to call on the governor to support the re-election of Mr President.

    “President Tinubu’s ancestral state is Osun, and we have a duty to support our son, no matter the situation.

    “We call on the governor to sustain his support for Mr President; it must be done as a matter of duty,” it said.

    According to the group, the governor should not leave the party because he is a brand with huge street credibility and a huge command of the electorate in Osun.

    “To win Osun, Adeleke’s brand is a must for the president without dilution,” it said.

    The group, however, urged political leaders at the local and national levels to strike a deal between the Presidency and Adeleke.

    It said that a deal was the most politically appropriate action within the context of Osun politics.

    “We call on Mr President and the governor to enter into a mutual supportive agreement.

    “Nothing like defection should be included.

    “We speak on behalf of many silent leaders of thought across Osun State,” said the group.

  • Adeleke condemns arson attack on Osun High Court building

    Adeleke condemns arson attack on Osun High Court building

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has condemned the arson attack on Ilesa High Court building by yet-to-identified persons, describing the act as a criminal attack on the state judiciary.

    This is contained in a statement by Malam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson for the governor, on Monday in Osogbo.

    Adeleke directed thorough investigation into the incident and also called on security agencies to beef up  security in all court premises in the state.

    “Thorough investigation must be conducted by the security agencies to apprehend the suspects and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.

    “I further direct security agencies to beef up surveillance across the various court buildings.

    “Additionally, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice is to join hands with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the immediate rehabilitation of the court building,” he said.

    Adeleke, who, described the attack as a threat to democracy, said that judiciary remains the stabiliser and critical arbiter of the democratic process.

    “The Judiciary needs our support and not to be attacked,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the incident happened in the early hours of Monday.

    NAN further learnt that the arson attack led to the destruction of court sensitive documents and exhibits, with the entire building razed.

    An eyewitness revealed that the state fire service responded to the incident but was unable to salvage the situation as the fire had destroyed the building before the arrival of the firemen.

  • Osun communal clashes: Gov. Adeleke vows to remove erring traditional rulers

    Osun communal clashes: Gov. Adeleke vows to remove erring traditional rulers

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State says the government will remove from office any traditional ruler that fails to sustain peace in their community.

    Adeleke, in a statement by his Media Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed on Monday, said that action would be taken against traditional rulers of Ifon and Ilobu/Erin-Osun communities in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas.

    He said that action would be taken, if the traditional rulers failed to sustain peace and de-escalation crisis in their communities.

    The governor issued the warning against the backdrop of online reports that some faceless groups across the conflict areas, were planning another round of attacks.

    “In the midst of sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns,” he said.

    According to him, security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place, and are speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict.

    “I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace undertaken they are signing are not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.

    “The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas.

    “Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.

    “Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order.

    “I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough,” the governor said.

  • Adeleke orders arrests, imposes curfew after communal clash

    Adeleke orders arrests, imposes curfew after communal clash

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of the violent communal clash that occurred in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun communities in the state.

    Adeleke issued the directive during a visit to the affected communities on Monday, where he conducted an on-the-spot assessment.

    According to reports, many houses, shops, cars, motorcycles, and other valuables were destroyed during the violence.

    Adeleke condemned the destruction, stating that his administration would take every necessary step to end the “needless destruction of lives and property” in the affected areas.

    “This crisis has gone on for too long, and I will put an end to it.

    “When I was elected, I told the people to stop fighting over land disputes. Violence only drives away potential investors,” the governor said.

    He emphasised that there was no need for fighting over land and made it clear that the culprits would be held accountable.

    “I have given the directive for all those responsible to be brought to justice. The wanton destruction of lives and property will no longer be tolerated.

    “We have put in place measures to ensure permanent peace,” he added.

    The governor commended the swift response of the security agencies and assured them that his administration would continue to provide the necessary support to enhance their operations.

    NAN reports that the crisis erupted on March 20 between Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas, respectively, over a land dispute.

    In response to the unrest, Adeleke imposed a 24-hour curfew on the affected communities on March 21.

  • LG: Adeleke has lost public trust, struggling to control – APC

    LG: Adeleke has lost public trust, struggling to control – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to comply with the Court of Appeal ruling, saying he has lost public trust in the state.

    The opposting party said the governor to obey the court ruling reinstating APC Local Government chairmen and councillors.

    Mr Kola Olabisi, the party’s Osun chapter Director of Media and Publicity, made the call in Abuja on Sunday. He spoke at a news conference about Osun’s political situation.

    He stated that governance should prioritise democracy dividends, truth, and due process, not political vendettas. He criticised the ongoing discord between Adeleke and his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola.

    Olabisi described the conflict between Adeleke and Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, as political mockery that damages Osun’s reputation for political wisdom.

    “We are deeply concerned about the political mockery in Osun, a state known for the intelligence and political astuteness of its people,” he said.

    He noted that for three weeks, Osun had received negative media coverage due to Adeleke’s refusal to implement the ruling reinstating APC’s sacked Local Government chairmen.

    Olabisi expressed disappointment that Adeleke ignored advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to respect the court’s decision.

    “The ongoing political crisis shows that Governor Adeleke has lost public trust. He is now struggling to maintain control,” he said.

    He urged Adeleke to implement the Court of Appeal’s Feb. 10 judgment in the interest of the rule of law.

    Olabisi defended Oyetola’s administration, stating that all legal and procedural requirements were followed. He dismissed claims that procurement rules were violated as misleading.

    He noted that contracts awarded under Oyetola’s tenure adhered strictly to the State Public Procurement Law, countering allegations of irregularities.

    “The committee making these accusations was created by the new administration to target Oyetola. This is political persecution, not a genuine anti-corruption effort,” he said.

    On the money laundering allegations against the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Olabisi dismissed them as unproven and lacking credible evidence.

    He argued that without bank records or an independent audit report, claims of fund mismanagement and illicit cash withdrawals remained baseless.

    He emphasised that financial transactions alone do not indicate wrongdoing unless backed by forensic investigation.

    “For clarity, the $20.467 million was converted into ₦6.26 billion and credited by the CBN to Osun Government’s account. The CBN records confirm this,” he explained.

    He maintained that governance should prioritise truth and due process, not political retribution. He challenged Adeleke’s administration to present evidence in court if credible.

    “Oyetola’s legacy is one of responsible leadership. No politically motivated accusations can erase his achievements,” he added.

    Olabisi highlighted Oyetola’s achievements, including upgrading 332 primary healthcare centres and rehabilitating General Hospital in Ejigbo Local Government.

    He noted that Oyetola also built a world-class 120-bed ward at the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, and improved medical facilities across Osun.

  • Despite police threat to stop LG poll, Gov Adeleke orders restriction of vehicular movement today

    Despite police threat to stop LG poll, Gov Adeleke orders restriction of vehicular movement today

    Despite police threat to halt LG elections, Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd February 2022 across Osun state.

    The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.

    Recall the police had issued a directive that the LG polls must not hold today.

    Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.

    He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organizations for the continued peace and security of Osun state.

  • Osun LG poll will hold – Gov. Adeleke insists

    Osun LG poll will hold – Gov. Adeleke insists

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has said that the local government election slated for Saturday would hold.

    Adeleke, in a statement on Friday in Osogbo made available to newsmen by Malam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson to the governor, said this while playing host to a delegation of Civil Society Coalition.

    The governor, who said the delegates were in the state to monitor the local government poll, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by the state electoral body.

    According to him, the electorate are prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday.

    “I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared to choose their chairmen and councillors tomorrow.

    “The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has also done a marvelous preparatory job, according to reports at my disposal.

    “Other political parties will participate in the election and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity at the poll,” he said.

    Adeleke, responding to the call to cancel the election, said “democracy is governed by rule of law and nobody can assume the authority of the court”.

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on Thursday advised Adeleke not to proceed with the election.

    Fagbemi urged the governor to respect the Court of Appeal, Akure, judgement which restored the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen and councillors sacked in 2022 by the Federal High Court, Osogbo.

    The governor advised all parties, including local and national stakeholders, to abide by democratic norms.

    “As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help.

    “The election is going to hold and the outcome will fast track development at the local level.

    “I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is truly a peaceful state,” he said.