TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ademola Adeleke

  • “I left N14bn for my successor,” – Osun’s outgoing Gov. Oyetola

    “I left N14bn for my successor,” – Osun’s outgoing Gov. Oyetola

    Outgoing Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, says he left N14 billion in the state’s coffers for his successor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke.

    In his farewell message, released in Osogbo on Sunday by Mr Ismaila Omipidan, his media aide, Oyetola stated that his administration paid N97 billion of the debt it inherited in 2018, when he assumed office.

    Oyetola declared that his administration did not borrow any money from anywhere to finance the state’s economy, stressing that he kept faith and maintained fidelity with his electoral promises throughout his tenure.

    “We are leaving behind cash balance of more than N14 billion.

    “In addition to the N14 billion cash, another N8 billion is being expected between December and January 2023 from our performance in States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability programme (SFTAS) and from Internally Generated Revenue.

    SFTAS is a government programme designed to advance fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability of states of the federation.

    “For four years, we did not take any bank loan.

    “We benefitted from the N3 billion monthly interventions by the Federal Government to all the states for six months to cushion the effect of deductions of budget support facility and salary bailouts taken by the previous administration.

    “We paid N97 billion from the total debt we inherited in 2018,’’ he stated.

    The out-going governor added that the state was also expecting 72 million dollars from other programmes and from the NG-CARES programme of the Federal Government, among others.

    “These are earned, based on performance. And we have indeed performed to earn them,’’ he stressed.

    Oyetola stated also that his administration put the state’s economy on a surer footing through its myriad people-centred and masses-focused projects, promptly executed to make life worthwhile for the people.

    He stressed that Osun’s economy stabilised during his tenure as manifested in the astronomical increment in the GDP of the state.

    He affirmed that Osun was more stable economically than he met it in 2018 in spite of all the visible socio-economic challenges that confronted the state.

    He stated that he contained the fears and evils of fiscal indiscipline and lack of implementation which hampered the execution of projects and delivery of services.

    “As I step aside today following the conclusion of the four-year tenure you freely gave me, I thank God and I thank the people of Osun for your support, cooperation and prayers over the years.

    “I recall how the journey began four years ago; how by your belief in me and your conviction in the plans and programmes of our party, the All Peoples Congress (APC), you exercised your right to vote for me.

    “As we draw the curtains on this first tenure, we are convinced that we neither reneged on our promise nor disappointed you.

    “We kept faith with you and maintained fidelity with our electoral promises,’’ Oyetola stated.

    He said he wished to continue to serve the people of Osun, but was constrained by the outcomes of the July 16 governorship election, which, he said he was already challenging in court.

    “As a law-abiding citizen and government, we are stepping aside to allow the law to take its course.

    “We look forward to continue to serve you in no distant future.

    “We have absolute trust in God that we shall be back soon as we have implicit trust and confidence in the Judiciary to do justice in the case before it,’’ he stated

    Oyetola stated also that he was confident that this period of temporary political eclipse would pass.

    “The sun shall shine again, brighter and warmer and the sustainable development and participatory governance that we enthroned, which were applauded by local and international organisations, shall be restored and put on a surer and better footing.

    “There can be no substitute to people-oriented and development-savvy governance in a democracy.

    “The taproots of the unprecedented good governance, inclusive and participatory governance that we introduced, which delivered massive equitable projects and programmes, are too strong to be uprooted.

    “As we end our first term, rest assured that Osun is more stable economically than we met it in 2018 and it remained the most peaceful state in the country under our leadership,’’ he stated.

    Oyetola stressed that he went through stewardship to let the people know that Osun was sustainable and that he did it through fiscal discipline and personal sacrifices.

    “On behalf of our team, I appeal to you all to continue to be law-abiding and to work assiduously to build the Osun of our dreams.

    “Together, we shall continue to mend the broken walls of our dear state and restore her glory for our collective good and that of posterity,’’ he stated.

  • BREAKING: Adeleke swings into action, freezes State accounts

    BREAKING: Adeleke swings into action, freezes State accounts

    Sen. Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was sworn in on Sunday at Osogbo as the sixth executive governor of Osun.

    He immediately ordered the freezing of the state’s accounts in banks and in other financial institutions.

    Chief Judge of Osun, Justice Adepele Ojo, administered the oath of office on Adeleke at the Osogbo City Stadium.

    Earlier, Justice Ojo administered the oath of allegiance on Adeleke’s deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi.

    Adeleke succeeded former Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He directed an immediate return to status quo ante of all appointments, placements and other major decisions taken by Oyetola’s administration from July 17, the day after the governorship election in the state.

    Adeleke said a panel would be set up to conduct out an inventory of government assets and recover those in wrong hands.

    The governor ordered an immediate reversal to the Constitutionally-recognised name of the state as Osun State from former “State of Osun’’.

    The penultimate governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, now Minister of Interior changed the name from Osun State to State of Osun.

    “All government insignia, correspondences and signages should henceforth reflect Osun State, rather than `State of Osun’, which is unknown to the Nigerian Constitution.

    “Under my watch as the governor of Osun, I will boldly correct all past injustices, corrupt acts or policies by any previous administration, which are against the collective interest of our people,’’ he said.

    He assured that all directives he gave on Sunday would backed with appropriate executive orders.

    Adeleke assured that as governor, he would meet Osun people’s expectations as the Chief Security Officer of the state.

    He said his administration would also demonstrate a high sense of urgency, transparency, justice and innovation to tackle and solve the problems of poverty, illiteracy, disease, and poor infrastructure in the state.

    “I know that as a product of the collective will of you my people, there is a heavy weight of history on my shoulders and I accept the urgency of your expectations.

    “The depth of your aspirations and your conviction in me to build a better state will not be misplaced,’’ he said.

    Adeleke said that all policies that were not favourable to the growth and effective local government administration would be reviewed in accordance with the law.

    He assured labour unions in the state of his administration’s willingness to protect workers’ interests and to promote their welfare at all times, adding that he would be labour-friendly.

    The governor frowned at what he described as mass employment by the immediate past administration without financial backing.

    He pleaded with workers to give him few weeks to review and sort out all “malicious actions and confusions’’ which the immediate past administration had created since July 17.

    The governor also promised to fulfil his campaign promises.

    The promises included welfare of workers and pensioners; boosting the state’s economy, home-grown infrastructure policy and people-focused policy on education.

    Others were affordable healthcare, security, social welfare and agro-based industrialisation for wealth and job creation.

    “I hereby extend a strong hand of fellowship to the other arms of government, the Legislature and the Judiciary.

    “As a former lawmaker and a graduate of criminal justice, I appreciate the importance of collaboration between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.

    “I call on all political parties to unite in the best interest of the state. Election is over. Now is the time for governance. We are open to fresh ideas in line with our manifesto.

    “For the purpose of emphasis, I will be a governor for all Osun people regardless of differences in language, faith, political affiliation or any other considerations,’’ he said.

    Dignitaries at the inauguration included Govs. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Udom Emmanuel, of Akwa Ibom, Ifeanyi  Okowa of Delta, Aminu Tambuwal of Kano, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa.

    Others were PDP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his wife Titi, PDP National Chairman, Mr Iyiorcha Ayu, and former Senate President, Mr Bukola Saraki.

    Other still were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, former Ekiti governor, Ayodele Fayose, Tony Elumelu, and David Adeleke, aka Davido, among others.

  • FULL TEXT: Oyetola speaks glowingly about his achievement as he joins league of ex-Govs

    FULL TEXT: Oyetola speaks glowingly about his achievement as he joins league of ex-Govs

    Today, Governor Gboyega Oyetola will join the league of former Governors of Osun State. In his farewell message, he said he is proud of his achievements.

    Read full statement below:

    FAREWELL ADDRESS BY OSUN GOVERNOR, MR. ADEGBOYEGA OYETOLA, ON COMPLETION OF HIS FIRST TERM ON NOVEMBER 27, 2022

    My Dear Good People of Osun,

    As I step aside today following the conclusion of the four-year tenure you freely gave me, I thank God and I thank you for your support, cooperation and prayers over the years.

    I recall how the journey began four years ago; how by your belief in me and your conviction in the plans and programmes of our Party, you exercised your right to vote for me.

    Motivated by God’s promise, my conviction, we promised that we would serve you with steady heart and hands. We promised that we would hit the ground running once we assume office. We gave our words that we would put you first and run a people-centred government. We pledged to uphold the best ideals befitting of an Omoluabi.

    As we draw the curtain on this first tenure, We are convinced that we neither reneged on our promises nor disappointed you. We kept faith with you and maintained fidelity with our electoral promises. It was our wish to continue to serve you but we are constrained by the outcome of the July 16 Governorship election which we are already challenging in court.

    As a law-abiding citizen and government, we are stepping aside to allow the law take its course.

    However, we look forward to continue to serve you in no distant future. We have absolute trust in God that we shall be back soon, as we have implicit trust and confidence in the judiciary to do justice in the case before it.

    We are confident that this period of temporary political eclipse shall pass. The sun shall shine again, brighter and warmer and the sustainable development and participatory governance that we enthroned, which have been applauded by local and international organisations, shall be restored and put on a surer and better footing.

    There can be no substitute to people-oriented and development savvy governance in a democracy. The tap roots of the unprecedented good governance, inclusive and participatory governance that we introduced, which delivered massive equitable projects and programmes are too strong to be uprooted.

    My Dear Good People of Osun, I cannot thank you enough for not only supporting us throughout our tenure but for also standing by us even after the outcome of the July 16 election. Your goodwill encouraged us to continue with all our projects till the last day.

    Let me reiterate here that in this first tenure, we were able to take care of the fears and evil of fiscal indiscipline and lack of implementation, which hamper projects and services in the nation’s public service. This can be seen in the myriad of people-centred and masses-focused projects we delivered for the use of the people of the State in this first term.

    We proved that infrastructure and economic development are doable in a depressed economy and that stagnated development in a struggling economy is a product of intellectual laziness, dearth of creativity, shortage of innovation and lack of political will.

    The laudable and people-centred projects we were able to deliver include the feeding of 30,000 vulnerable persons in Osun on a monthly basis through the Osun Food Support Scheme and financial support for the aged and widows; opening up of the Mining sector that attracted big investors to the state; reforming of the educational sector, including the recruitment of 2, 500 teachers; review of the single school uniform regime among others in line with the demand of the people; renovation of school buildings, distribution of educational materials to our pupils, provision of free education and free meals to them as well as training and re-training of our teachers to provide quality education for our children to enhance their performance as leaders of tomorrow.

    In order to increase access to quality and equitable education at all levels with a view to empowering Osun citizens to realise their full potential, we upgraded the existing Osun State College of Education, Ilesa to a full-fledged University of Ilesa, with a world-class funding strategies that would not exert unnecessary pressure on the finances of the State; fixing of the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro and equipping same with state-of-the-art equipment, where we constructed120-bed ward and 30 units of Doctor’s Quarters; rehabilitation of the Ejigbo and Ifetedo General Hospitals; we also instituted the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) to deliver affordable healthcare to our workers while offering free health services to the vulnerable under the scheme; revitalization of 332 Primary Health Centres -one per ward across the State.

    We constructed, reconstructed and rehabilitated rural and township roads to open up our rural areas, help our farmers to transport their produce to the market and generally bring equitable development to our State. Apart from the Olaiya Flyover, which is an architectural masterpiece, a paragon of aesthetics and a socioeconomic signature on the economic transformation captured by the Development Agenda we exchanged for the mandate of our people, other major roads that were touched by our administration are: Ada-Igbajo road, Osogbo-Kelebe-Iragbiji road, and Akindeko-Awosuru link road via Adejumo Street with Oremeji spur, Akinlade Street, Adewale Street with loop to WAEC road all in Osogbo; Army Barack (Ede)-Ara-Ejigbo township road, Moro-Yakoyo-Ipetumodu-Asipa-Ife/Ibadan Expressway Junction Road and Ereja Roundabout-Ereguru-Isaare-Oke Oye-Sabo (Irojo)-Ilesa/Akure Expressway Junction.

    Others are: Lawyer Atanda Road, Iwo; Ila-Arandun-Kwara Boundary Road; Nike Gallery – Ido – Osun Township airport with palace spur; Ikirun – Eko-Ende Road; the access road to Fountain University, Osogbo; Osogbo (Lameco)-Okinni-Ilobu – Ifon Osun Market with Spur to Olobu’s Palace; Osogbo/Ilobu-Akari-Erin Osun Roundabout on Osun LCDA Junction; Post Office-Ayetoro – Jamodo – Ifon Palace – Janta Ifon Osun; Isale-Asa-Oke Aree road, Iree, as well as Ikire township roads among other interventions. There are however a few other roads that are still on-going, while some are nearing completion. Among these roads are: Ife Township Roads; Inisa Road and Osogbo-Iwo Road among others. We did all these because fixing our State’s infrastructure deficit is a critical item on our Development Agenda. This is because no economy can truly succeed without adequate infrastructure to make life easy for residents and businesses.

    We also restored the lost glory of our civil service and ensured that workers’ salaries are not only promptly paid but continued to pay minimum wage despite the devastating effect of COVID-19 pandemic. We stood tall among comity of states in the fight against COVID-19.

    We also resolutely defended and prioritised the welfare of workers and pensioners. For this first term, we expended over N50 billion to cater for our senior citizens to settle their pensions and gratuities. We remitted the contributory pension as and when due, and we were at the same time reducing the backlog we inherited from the previous administration. By and large, we were able to stabilise the economy of the State under our leadership.

    We never toyed with the security of our people as we cooperated with other States in South-West to set up Amotekun to support the conventional security agencies in order to further secure our State.

    We also launched the Osun Youth Policy Document to take care of the present and future of our younger generation, just as we injected over N2billion into the economy through the Osun Microcredit Agency to empower our market men and women.

    From a little above 10billion in 2018, we have been able to grow the State IGR N20billion, just as our performance in the World Bank’s States’ Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) has continued to earn us accolades and financial benefits.

    In 2018 before we came into office, Osun was placed 32nd on the fiscal sustainability index, finishing just ahead of Taraba, Plateau, Adamawa, and Kogi states.

    However, by the latest ranking in 2021, we have climbed to the 19th place on the index, as we are now ranked 13th out of 36 states of the federation.

    As we end our first term, rest assured that Osun is more stable economically than we met it, in 2018 and it remained the most peaceful state in the country under our leadership.

    For four years, we did not take any bank loan facility. But we benefited from the N3billion monthly intervention from the federal Government to all the States for six months to cushion the effect of deductions of budget support facility and salary bailout accessed by the previous administration, just as we have paid N97 billion from the total debt we inherited in 2018.

    We are leaving behind cash of over N14 billion. In addition to the N14 billion cash, another N8 billion is being expected between December and January from our performance in SFTAS and the IGR. Also, another Seventy-Two million Dollars will come to the State soon from RAMP 3, NG-CARES, Nigeria for Women Project and Ease of Doing Business. These are earned, based on performance. And we have indeed performed to earn them. It was part of the same performance that earned us the award of Best Governor on Efficiency of Public Expenditure and TOP Performer on Domestic Revenue Mobilisation by the World Bank’s States’ Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability, SFTAS, recently.

    We have gone this length to let you know that Osun under our leadership was sustainable. It was done through fiscal discipline and personal sacrifices.

    On behalf of our team, I appeal to you all to continue to be law abiding and to work assiduously to build the Osun of our dream. Together, we shall continue to mend the broken walls of our dear State and restore her glory for our collective good and that of posterity.

    Thank you all and may God continue to bless Osun.

    Adegboyega Oyetola

    Osun Governor.

    November 26, 2022

  • I have no doubt, I’ll reclaim my mandate, says Gov. Oyetola

    I have no doubt, I’ll reclaim my mandate, says Gov. Oyetola

    Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, says he has no doubt in his mind that he will reclaim his mandate at the ongoing election petition tribunal.

    Oyetola said this on Saturday during the 31st Iragbiji day in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor said he is optimistic that he would grace the 32nd celebration of the annual celebration as the governor of the state.

    “I congratulate us all on this memorable and rewarding 31st Iragbiji Day even as we pray to God for a more eventful 32nd version.

    “By the special grace of Allah, In Sha Allah, be rest assured that I shall grace this occasion next year, still as the Osun Governor.

    “I have no doubt in my mind that I shall reclaim my mandate,” he said.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the July 16 governorship election, having polled 403,271 votes against 375,027 polled by Oyetola.

    Oyetola and APC have challenged the election results from 749 polling units across 10 local government areas of the state for various alleged electoral malpractices, especially over-voting.

    On the annual celebration, Oyetola said that “Iragbiji Day remains the best proof of who and what we are”.

    “In line with the dreams and vision of our forebears, we have annually demonstrated that we are loving, united, culturally correct, development compliant and politically savvy.

    “We have proved to the world that we are strong partners in the best demonstration of the Omoluabi ethos,” he said.

    Oyetola said as the governor and son of Iragbiji, he had showcased the best of the town through provision of quality and equitable services in all sectors.

    “I have managed the resources of the State, using the lessons that I learned on your laps – the skills of probity, accountability, creativity and innovation, rendering the best of services in a depressed economy and bringing our economy out of the woods and putting it on the path of sustainability.

    “This is the signature which the Iragbiji put in my hands as a young boy growing up in a town surrounded by hills and I have put the seal on the State for all to enjoy,” he said.

    Oyetola, however, urged the people of the town to  continue to wear the armour of love and peace “as we seek the tool of development for our collective good”.

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court upholds Ademola Adeleke’s election

    BREAKING: Supreme Court upholds Ademola Adeleke’s election

    The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the July 16 People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s governorship primary election that produced the Osun Governor-elect, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, as its candidate.

    The five-member panel, in a judgment delivered by Justice Amina Augie, held that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit after counsel for the appellant, Adebayo Adelodun, SAN, withdrew the earlier notice of appeal that was filed within time.

    Upon resumed hearing in the matter Adelodun, who appeared for the appellant and a PDP governorship aspirant, Dotun Babayemi, informed that he sought to withdraw the earlier notice of appeal to replace it with the fresh application he filed.

    But the panel held that Section 285(11) of the constitution stipulated that an appeal on a pre-election matter must be filed within 14 days from the day of the decision, and that having filed the second appeal out of time, the apex court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter

    Justice Augie, therefore, dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction.

    Babayemi, had asked the court to invalidate the primary election that produced the governor-elect, citing non-compliance with a court order.

    In his judgment on the matter on May 18, Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of a Federal High Court, sitting in Osogbo, had upheld the governorship primary that produced Adeleke.

    Also, the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, in its judgment of July 20 on the appeal filed against the decision of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, aligned with the lower court and dismissed Babayemi’s appeal.

  • Osun Tribunal: PDP, INEC to file responses before 0ctober 4

    Osun Tribunal: PDP, INEC to file responses before 0ctober 4

    The Osun Election Petition Tribunal hearing the petition of the incumbent Governor over the loss of the July 16 governorship polls to Ademola Adeleke has been postponed till October 4 for the proper commencement of the matter.

    The postponement is also to avail the respondents to file their responses to the issues raised for determination.

    Justice Tertsea Kume presided over the panel on Monday in Osogbo, Osun state and was also attended by other members of the panel; Justices Benedict Amaugbe and Bashiru Rabi.

    Addressing the panel, Prof. Kayode Olatoke, who represented the petitioners, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress,  (APC) informed the panel that he had filed the pre-trial form containing his responses to issues listed for determination.

    Olatoke noted that the respondents,  the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Senator Ademola Adeleke and the Peoples Democratic Party, had been  duly served

    He appealed to the tribunal to stand down the matter for two hours, so that the respondents can also file their pre-trial form for the matter to proceed to hearing.

    But lead counsel for the respondents, Prof. Paul Ananaba, who appeared with Oluwole Jimi-Bada, Mubarak Adekilekun and Nurudeen Kareem, said he had not seen copy of the petitioners’ pre-trial form.

    Ananaba then insisted that the respondents should be allowed seven-day window stipulated in the second schedule of the Electoral Act for them to respond appropriately.

    In his ruling, the chairman of the panel, Justice Kume, adjourned the matter to Tuesday, October 4, before which the respondents must have filed their pre-trial forms.

    Meanwhile, In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Oyetola, Mr. Ismail Omipidan, the adjournment followed the decision of the tribunal to grant the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Adeleke seven days to respond to the pre-hearing form served on them by the tribunal.

    According to him, at the tribunal’s sitting counsel for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Kayode Olagoke, (SAN), had informed the court of his readiness to continue with pre-hearing session, having filed his form TF008, where issues for determination were raised.

    The statement further added that on the request of the tribunal for advice, Olagoke suggested that the matter should be stood down for a few hours for the respondents to also respond to the tribunal pre-hearing form.

    “Counsel for INEC, Paul Ananaba, (SAN), pleaded with the Tribunal to give him seven days to respond to the pre-hearing form as he had just been served at the sitting.

    “Counsel for Adeleke, Bamidele Abolarin, and counsel representing the PDP, Nathaniel Oke, (SAN), also requested the tribunal to give them the required seven days to respond,” the statement said.

    “In his ruling, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Tertsea Kume, adjourned the matter till Tuesday, October 4, for proper commencement of hearing.

    “Addressing journalists after the sitting, Professor Olagoke said the adjournment was not out of place and that the tribunal has the power to abridge the days required for any of the parties to respond,” he further said.

     

  • Osun 2022: Tribunal adjourns pre-hearing in Oyetola’s suit until Oct. 4

    Osun 2022: Tribunal adjourns pre-hearing in Oyetola’s suit until Oct. 4

    The Osun Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Osogbo , on Monday, adjourned until Oct. 4 the pre-hearing of a petition filed by Gov. Gboyega Oyetola against the declaration of Ademola Adeleke as the Governor-elect.

    The Chairman of the tribunal , Justice Tertsea Kume , fixed the date and granted INEC, PDP and Adeleke seven-days to respond to the pre-hearing form served on them by the tribunal.

    Earlier, Counsel to the All Progress Congress (APC) , Prof. Kayode Olatoke , SAN, had informed the court of his readiness to continue with pre-hearing session, having filed his form TF008, where issues for determination were raised.

    On the request of the tribunal for advisce, Olatoke suggested that the matter should be stand down for few hours for the respondents to also respond to the tribunal pre-hearing form.

    Counsel to the INEC, Ben Ananaba, SAN, said the pre-hearing could not go on because he was just served with the pre-hearing form this morning, saying statutorily, they have seven day to respond.

    Counsel to Adeleke, Bamidele Abolarin and counsel representing PDP, Nathaniel Oke, SAN, also requested the tribunal to give them the required seven days to respond.

    Addressing newsmen after the sitting, Olagoke said the adjournment was not out of place, but the tribunal has the power to abridge the days required for any of the parties to respond.

    “We were supposed to begin pre-hearing session this morning but unfortunately, the respondents were served an application which they were to respond to.

    Oke said :” what transpired in court was the preliminaries in respect of the totality trial of the petition”.

    He said that PDP is ready to defend its victory in the last governorship election in the state , despite the urgly incident in 2018.

    Newsmen reports that following the outcome of the July 16 governorship election in Osun, Oyetola and the APC filed a petition before the Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the State High Court, Osogbo.

    The petitioners who were seeking justice challenged the results of the election in some of the Local Government Areas and prayed the Tribunal to return their mandate to them.

    The INEC had declared Adeleke winner of the July 16 governorship election having polled a total number of 403,271 against 375,027 polled by Oyetola.

  • Osun state governor-elect, Adeleke forms transition committee

    Osun state governor-elect, Adeleke forms transition committee

    Osun State governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has constituted a 37-man transition committee to begin the process of a smooth transition between the incumbent governor, Oyetola, and the incoming administration in the state.

    This development was made known through a statement signed and released by Ademola Adeleke’s media office.

    The committee is made up of seasoned technocrats, present and former public office holders, and experts from diverse fields of endeavour, including the academia, finance, law, engineering, labour, local government administration, and the media.

    The Committee is to be chaired by a Doctor of Nuclear Medicine and a Fellow of the Euro Institute of Reticulo-endothelial Biology & Medicare, Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji, while the Director-General of Ademola Adeleke Campaign Organisation, Hon. Sunday Bisi will serve as deputy chairman.

    The Secretary of the transition committee is a serving member of the House of Representatives who is also a legal practitioner, Representative Bamidele Salam, and will be assisted by a project management expert, Sir Adekunle Adepoju.

    The committee will be launched by the governor-elect on Thursday in Osun state.

     

     

  • VIDEO: Osun Gov-elect, Adeleke’s brother warns him not to derail

    VIDEO: Osun Gov-elect, Adeleke’s brother warns him not to derail

    Dr Deji Adeleke, the Pro Chancellor of Adeleke University has warned his brother, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Governor-elect of Osun State that he will not hesitate to expose if he should derail from the development agenda promised to the people.

    Dr Adeleke, who is father to David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, gave the warning at the 8th undergraduate and 4th postgraduate convocation of Adeleke University.

    The business magnate said the Governor-elect has no reason to fail the people that trusted him with the mandate.

    “I told the governor-elect (Senator Ademola Adeleke) and his colleagues. I said you are lucky because you don’t have any godfather to refund any money to, so, whatever people contributed to your election is a sacrifice for a better Nigeria, for a better state.

    “So, you and your colleagues are not under any pressure. The only thing you need to do out there is to go and serve the people. And I threatened them that I would be the first to call a press conference if I see things going wrong with his government.

    “I will be the first to alert the world that your governor is derailing, and I have told him and his team not to allow anyone that is not ready to serve; anyone that his focus is to come and look for money, to steal from the poor people, into the team,” Dr Adeleke said.

    Watch video below:

  • Osun: PDP warns aspirant to stop legal action against Adeleke

    Osun: PDP warns aspirant to stop legal action against Adeleke

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned Prince Dotun Babayemi to stop further legal action against the  Governor-elect,  Sen. Ademola Adeleke, in the overall interest of the party.

    Recall that Babayemi contested in the PDP primary in Osun that produced Adeleke as its candidate for the July 16 election.

    Adeleke later in the governorship election defeated the incumbent, Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress.

    The warning is contained in a statement signed by the caretaker Chairman of the PDP in Osun, Dr Akindele Adekunle, on Sunday in Osogbo.

    The party, in the statement, specifically frowned at “apparent attempt by the former aspirant to become a tool of the APC to truncate the overwhelming victory of PDP at the governorship poll’’.

    It described as worrisome Babayemi’s refusal to listen to calls by elders of his group who urged him to discontinue legal challenge of the PDP primary in Osun.

    “While the aspirant had filed several cases and failed to upturn due process decision of the party, the party noted that the last ruling of the Court of Appeal should put paid to further litigation on the primary.

    “Any decision to pursue the issue further will smack of open anti-party activity and a direct disrespect for the people of Osun state who voted massively for Sen. Ademola Adeleke,’’ it said.

    The party described as a very dangerous and self-destructive dimension the alleged collaboration between Babayemi and the APC to continue the case, affirming that such evil alliance would end in further legal defeat.

    “From the beginning of the litigation to date, it was obvious the aspirant was only holding unto straws as the primary that produced Sen. Adeleke fulfilled all extant regulations and legal requirements in line with the Electoral Act among others,” the statement read in part.

    The PDP in Osun had on March 8 held two parallel governorship primary elections in the state.

    In one of the primaries held at the Osogbo City Stadium, under the supervision of Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as Chairman, Sen. Ademola Adeleke was declared the winner.

    However, the other primary held at the Women and Children Development Initiative Foundation (WOCDIF) Centre, Osogbo, produced Prince Dotun Babayemi as the winner.

    In a list of candidates later released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Adeleke emerged as the flag bearer of the PDP.

    Babayemi, however, approached the Federal High Court, Osogbo, challenging the PDP’s nomination and submission of Adeleke’s name to INEC and the validity of the governorship primary conducted at the stadium.

    The case was, however, dismissed at the Federal High Court Osogbo, as well as the Appeal Court in Akure.

    Adeleke later won the governorship election on July 16 with 403,371 votes to defeat his closet rival, Gov. Gboyega Oyetola, the candidate of the APC, who scored 375,027 votes.

    But in a swift reaction, the Babayemi Campaign Organisation said that the redress being sought at the law court was not to truncate the victory of PDP at the recently concluded governorship election, but rather to ensure it translates to good governance.

    The campaign organisation in a statement signed by its Director, Oladiran Ojedele, said that Babayemi was out for justice with a view to claiming his mandate.

    It said  “having explored all internal mechanisms of the party to no avail, the option left as spelt by the party’s constitution is to seek justice through the judiciary.

    “Our symbol, Prince Dotun Babayemi, is not seeking to truncate PDP’s victory, but he’s out for justice, seeking to claim his mandate at the law court.

    “Is such lawful trajectory out of place? For all those who are now crying wolf, what genuine efforts did they make to ensure the PDP is not exposed to litigation?

    “At this point, we want to assure everyone that Prince Dotun Babayemi is a genuine and bonafide member of the PDP who will not, for any price, submerge the wishes of the people.

    “He has never pretended on his resolve to always be with and for them”.