Adeleke freezes Osun bank accounts

As the sixth executive governor of Osun, Sen. Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took the oath of office on Sunday in Osogbo.

He commanded the state’s accounts in banks and other financial institutions to be immediately frozen.

At the Osogbo City Stadium, Adeleke received the oath of office from Justice Adepele Ojo, the chief judge of Osun.

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

Gboyega Oyetola, a former APC governor, was succeeded by Adeleke.

All appointments, placements, and other significant decisions made by Oyetola’s administration starting on July 17, the day after the state’s governorship election, were to be immediately returned to the status quo ante.

Adeleke stated that a panel would be established to inventory government property and recover any that were in the wrong hands.

The governor mandated an immediate change from the former “State of Osun” to the officially recognized name of the state, Osun State.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the state’s previous governor and current interior minister, renamed 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 promised that all of the instructions he gave on Sunday would be supported by the necessary executive orders.

Adeleke promised that as governor, he would uphold the expectations of the Osun people as the state’s chief security officer.

He promised that his administration would approach and address the issues of poverty, illiteracy, disease, and inadequate infrastructure in the state with a strong sense of urgency, transparency, justice, and innovation.

“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.

According to Adeleke, all policies that were detrimental to local government administration and growth would be reviewed in accordance with the law.

He promised the state’s labor unions that his administration would always be willing to protect workers’ interests and advance their welfare, adding that he would be labor-friendly.

The governor expressed disapproval of what he called the previous administration’s widespread, unsupported employment.

He begged employees to be patient while he reviewed and resolved all “malicious actions and confusions” that the previous administration had brought about since July 17.

Also promising to keep his campaign promises, the governor.

The pledges covered the welfare of employees and pensioners, as well as the growth of the state’s economy, homegrown infrastructure plans, and people-centered educational initiatives.

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

“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.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), dignitaries at the inauguration included governors of the states of Edo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, Kano, and Bayelsa, Aminu Tambuwal.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate, his wife Titi, Mr. Iyiorcha Ayu, the party’s national chairman, and Mr. Bukola Saraki, the former president of the Senate, were also present.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the former governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, Tony Elumelu, David Adeleke, aka Davido, and others were also present. (NAN)

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