Governor Adeleke Highlights Three Years of Governance, Challenges Critics at Iwude Ijesha Carnival
Ilesa, Osun State – Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has asserted that his administration has successfully delivered good governance across all sectors of the state over the past three years. Addressing a gathering at the Iwude Ijesha carnival in Ilesa on Sunday, Governor Adeleke directly challenged his detractors, urging them to evaluate his tenure based on tangible achievements and outcomes.
“Leadership is not and should not be a master-servant relationship,” Governor Adeleke stated. He emphasized that true governance transcends mere appearances or the posturing of authority. Instead, he posited that effective leadership is defined by its capacity to create a direct and positive impact on the lives of the populace.
Measuring Leadership: Records and Outcomes
Governor Adeleke articulated a clear philosophy on how leadership should be assessed: “Your delivery as a governor is the best judge of your performance and capacity to lead. Judge me on my records, outputs, and agenda as a governor. That is the best globally accepted parameters to measure leadership.” He expressed confidence in his administration’s performance, declaring, “My people, I have delivered across sectors in the last three years. I positively touched all sectors and federal constituencies. My records affirm and validate my capacity and competence to continue to lead our dear state.”
The governor took the opportunity to extend felicitations to the Ijesa people on the occasion of the Iwude day. He revealed that upon assuming office in late 2022, his administration conducted thorough due diligence into the fundamental developmental challenges confronting Ijeshaland.
Addressing the Plight of Ijeshaland: From Exploitation to Reform
Governor Adeleke painted a stark picture of the situation in Ijeshaland when his administration took over: “When we came on board in late 2022, Ijesaland was being plundered without accountability. There was an inglorious rape of the land actively aided by the government of the time.” He detailed the severe environmental consequences, noting that “Environmental degradation caused by illegal mining was so pervasive that the underground water across Ijesaland was declared polluted.” Furthermore, he highlighted that revenue generated from the mining sector was being diverted into private hands rather than the state treasury, underscoring the systemic corruption that plagued the sector.
In response to these challenges, Governor Adeleke outlined the significant reforms implemented by his government:
- Mining Sector Reform: A comprehensive overhaul of the mining sector was initiated.
- Securing Osun’s Shareholding: The state’s equity in the Segilola Gold Project has been secured, ensuring that Osun benefits from its natural resources.
- Combating Illegal Mining: A concerted effort is underway to wage war against illegal mining operations.
- Environmental Rehabilitation: Continuous environmental cleanup exercises are now a regular feature, including a dedicated river clean-up project managed by experienced professionals.
Tackling Corruption and Revitalizing Infrastructure
The governor also addressed critical infrastructure projects that had been mired in corruption under previous administrations. The Ilesa Water project, which he described as a “center of corruption under the previous government,” underwent a rigorous review. Anti-corruption measures implemented by his team have yielded positive outcomes.
“A project meant to provide water supply to the Ijesa people was turned into a channel of self-enrichment by some people from this land,” Adeleke lamented. He confirmed that the contract for the water project has been “cleaned up,” and the project is now poised to resume following processing by the Islamic Development Bank.
Beyond these specific interventions, Governor Adeleke pointed to numerous other infrastructure projects that have been executed across the state. He also made a poignant reference to the requests made by the late Adimula during his governorship campaign, stating, “By the grace of God, we have delivered and even exceeded the demands of our late father.”
A Call for Renewed Dedication and Progress
Governor Adeleke highlighted several key interventions specifically for the Ijesa region, including the establishment of the University of Ilesa and various road infrastructure projects.
He concluded his address with a powerful call to action, urging the people of Osun State to recommit themselves to their shared vision. “I call on you all to renew your dedication to our joint mission of taking our dear state to a new, greater height. We must not allow political and developmental setbacks to afflict us again,” he urged. His message underscored a commitment to sustained progress and a collective effort to secure a brighter future for Osun State.
