Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has responded to critics of his administration, urging them to assess his leadership based on his performance over the past three years, while maintaining that his government has delivered effective governance across all sectors of the state.
Speaking at the Iwude Ijesha Carnival held in Ilesa on Sunday, Governor Adeleke dismissed criticisms of his leadership style, stressing that governance is not about projecting a stern image or dominating corridors of power, declaring that “Leadership is not and should not be a master–servant relationship.”
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor was quoted as saying: “Governance is about making a direct positive impact on the lives of the people. 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. Those are the best globally accepted parameters to measure leadership.
“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.”
Governor Adeleke, while congratulating the Ijesa people on the celebration of Iwude Day, explained that his administration conducted extensive assessments of the developmental challenges confronting Ijeshaland in 2022, noting that “the late Owa listed some areas while many Ijesa elite and intellectuals availed us a lot of materials.”
He said that upon assuming office in late 2022, Ijesaland was subjected to widespread exploitation without accountability, alleging that the land suffered “an inglorious rape of the land actively aided by the government of the time.”
According to the governor, environmental degradation resulting from illegal mining had become so severe that underground water sources across Ijesaland were declared contaminated.
He added that illegal mining was not the only issue, as revenue generated from the sector was diverted into private hands instead of being paid into the state treasury.
Governor Adeleke stated that his administration initiated comprehensive reforms in the mining sector, noting that Osun State’s equity in the Segilola Gold Project is now protected.
He said sustained efforts are ongoing to combat illegal mining, while environmental remediation has become a continuous process under his government.
The governor further disclosed that his administration launched a river clean-up project handled by qualified professionals to address environmental damage.
Addressing the Ilesa Water Project, Adeleke said it had previously been riddled with corruption under the former administration but was reviewed, leading to the introduction of anti-corruption measures that yielded positive outcomes.
He lamented that a project originally designed to provide potable water to Ijesa communities had been turned into an avenue for personal enrichment by a few individuals from the area.
According to him, the contract for the water project has now been sanitised, and the project is set to resume after due processing by the Islamic Development Bank.
Beyond the numerous infrastructure projects executed across Ijesaland, the governor recalled that the late Adimula made two specific requests during his campaign for the governorship, which he said his administration has not only fulfilled but surpassed.
He said the first request was the dualisation of the Ereja Palace Junction to the Brewery Junction, which has been completed, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights.
The second request, according to Adeleke, was the establishment of the University of Ilesa, which he said has now become a reality following strict adherence to due process and the support of well-meaning individuals.
He explained that local content was prioritised with the appointment of a seasoned Ijesa academic as Vice-Chancellor, while the Chairman of the Governing Council is also an indigene of Ijesaland.
Governor Adeleke revealed that the University of Ilesa currently has close to 100 accredited courses, adding that his administration is upgrading and expanding internal infrastructure to create a conducive learning environment.
He further stated that Ijesa indigenes occupy significant positions within his government, noting that commissioners overseeing agriculture, environment, health, local governments, and cooperative empowerment all hail from Ijesaland.
He added that several advisers and senior appointees from the area are serving as agents of change, representing both Ijesaland and the broader interests of Osun State.
According to the governor, Ijesa people remain central to the administration.
Describing Ilesa as a land of entrepreneurs, Adeleke referenced notable business families such as the Omole dynasty, while affirming his government’s commitment to promoting commerce and industry in the area.
He said his administration is partnering with the Palace of the Adimula on a comprehensive industrialisation agenda, aimed at accelerating economic development.
Governor Adeleke noted that the monarch is contributing his experience, contacts, and resources through a renewed public-private partnership designed to fast-track industrial growth in Ijesaland.
