Sen. Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was sworn in as Osun State’s sixth executive governor on Sunday in Osogbo. He immediately ordered that the state’s accounts in banks and other financial institutions be frozen.
Justice Adepele Ojo, Chief Judge of Osun, administered Adeleke’s oath of office at the Osogbo City Stadium. Earlier, Justice Ojo swore in Adeleke’s deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi, to the oath of allegiance. Adeleke took over for former All Progressives Congress Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
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He ordered an immediate return to the status quo ante of all appointments, placements, and other major decisions made by Oyetola’s administration beginning July 17, the day after the state’s governorship election.
Adeleke stated that a panel would be formed to inventory government assets and recover those that have fallen into the wrong hands.
The governor ordered an immediate change to the state’s constitutionally recognized name, Osun State, from the former “State of Osun.”
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the state’s previous governor and now Minister of Interior, changed the name from Osun State to the 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.
Adeleke promised that all directives he issued on Sunday would be accompanied by appropriate executive orders. Adeleke assured the people of Osun that as the state’s Chief Security Officer, he would live up to their expectations.
He also stated that his administration would act with a sense of urgency, transparency, justice, and innovation to address and solve the state’s problems of poverty, illiteracy, disease, and poor infrastructure.
“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 stated that all policies detrimental to growth and effective local government administration would be reviewed in accordance with the law.
He assured labour unions that his administration would always protect workers’ interests and promote their welfare and that he would be labour-friendly. The governor frowned on what he called the previous administration’s mass hiring without financial backing.
He pleaded with workers to give him a few weeks to review and sort out all “malicious actions and confusions” created by the previous administration since July 17. The governor also promised to follow through on his campaign promises.
The promises included worker and pensioner welfare, boosting the state’s economy, home-grown infrastructure policy, and a people-focused education policy. Others included affordable healthcare, security, social welfare, and agro-based industrialization to create wealth and jobs.
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“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. The 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.
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