Governor Ademola Adeleke has answered critics of his administration and challenged them to judge him by his records as a governor in the last three years, affirming that he has delivered good governance across all sectors of Osun society.

Addressing Iwude Ijesha carnival at Ilesa on Sunday, Governor Adeleke who fired back at critics who questioned his style of governance asserted that governance is not about stern looking leaders parading corridors of power, declaring “leadership is not and should not be a master–servant relationship.

“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. That is 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”, the governor posited amidst rising applause.

The governor who felicitated with the Ijesa people on the occasion of the Iwude day said his team conducted due diligence on the basic developmental challenges facing Ijeshaland in 2022, explaining that “the late Owa listed some areas while many Ijesa elite and intellectuals availed us a lot of materials.

“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. Environmental degradation caused by illegal mining was so pervasive that the underground water across Ijesaland was declared polluted. Illegal mining was not just the challenge; the revenue flow from the mining sector was then to private pockets rather than the state treasury.

“Our administration launched a mining sector reform. Today, Osun shareholding within the Segilola Gold Project is secured. Concerted war is being waged on illegal mining. Environmental cleaning up is now a continuous exercise. We launched a river clean up project manned by tested professionals.

“The Ilesa Water project, which was a centre of corruption under the previous government, was reviewed and anti-corruption measures yielded positive results. A project meant to provide water supply to Ijesa people was turned into a channel of self-enrichment by some people from this land. Today, the contract for the water project has been cleaned up and the project is set to continue after processing by the Islamic Development Bank.

“Beyond several infrastructure projects already executed across this great land, the late Adimula made two requests from me when I was campaigning for the governorship. By the grace of God, we have delivered and even exceeded the demands of our late father.

“The first demand was the dualization of Ereja palace junction to brewery junction. We have completed the dualization. Solar street lights are installed. The second demand was for the University of Ilesa. With application of due process and support of men and women of goodwill, University of Ilesa is now a reality. We ensured local content by appointing an experienced Ijesa academian as the Vice Chancellor. We also ensured that the Chairman of the governing council is another proud Ijesa man.

“Today, the University of Ilesa has close to 100 accredited courses. Our government is upgrading and expanding internal infrastructure to ensure a conducive learning environment.

“Our government has a huge dose of Ijesa appointees in key areas of responsibilities. The commissioners for agriculture, environment, health, local governments and cooperative empowerment are from Ijesaland. Several advisers and other senior appointees were appointed from this great land. They are change agents, proudly representing the interest of Ijesaland and the state at large. Ijesa people are at the heart of our government.

“Ilesa is a land of entrepreneurs. How can we forget the thriving entrepreneurs like the Omole dynasty. In pursuit of the business which Ijesa people are best known for, we are partnering with the Palace of Adimula on a holistic industrialization agenda. Our imperial majesty is making his wealth of experience, contacts and resources available to the government in a renewed public-private partnership. This is to fast-track the industrial development of this great land of entrepreneurs.

“I have a beautiful blueprint to take Ijesaland and her people to new heights. We have innovative ideas never dreamt of in the past. As a trade and commerce-dominated people, transport connectivity is a major need of Ijesa people. I am happy to report that Osun's upcoming airport has a leg in an area of Ijesaland. This will boost commerce and enhance trade.

“In the near future and in partnership with Ijesa sons and daughters, linking Ilesa and Ile Ife with the national railway line within Osun state is a strong possibility. This will provide freight haulage opportunities for enterprising and industrious Ijesa people. When combined with a nearby international cargo airport, the Osun East senatorial district will thrive as an industrial hub for Osun state,” the governor told Ijesa monarchs, chiefs and elites.

“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,” the governor rounded up the address.

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