Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday dismissed rumours of his defection, declaring that he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and is “going nowhere.”
The governor made the statement after flagging off the dualisation of the 3.5km Ila township road in Ila-Orangun, reaffirming his dedication to serving the people of the state.
“I am glad that we are here today to flag off the dualization of the Ila township road project despite the lingering uncertainties in the nation. I have vowed to my God and the good people of the State that I am committed to serving them, and I will never be distracted from my vow to serve the people of the State,” he said.
Governor Adeleke noted that his administration has completed the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and renovation of over 175 kilometres of roads, with several dualisation and flyover projects at various stages of completion across Osun.
Later, during the flag-off of the dualisation of the Ikirun-Ila-Odo express road in Ikirun, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development.
“It is believed that the completion of the dualization of Osogbo-Ikirun-Inisha-Okuku-Ijabe and finally Ila Odo, which is the boundary town with our neighbouring Kwara State, a total length of 39km, is of paramount importance to this administration, and I am committed to the completion of this project by the grace of God.”
“The second phase, which we are flagging off today, is almost the same length as what was completed in 12 years. By the grace of God, we intend to deliver this project within 12 months.”
“Our gathering here to witness the materialisation of a new era is not an accident of history. We are all programmed by Almighty God to be what we have been, what we are and what we will be in future,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bola Oyebamiji, Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority and a governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, urged party supporters to remain calm over rumours of Governor Adeleke’s defection to the APC.
Oyebamiji, who spoke during a visit to the Ijesa-North federal constituency, claimed that Osun residents would reject Adeleke’s re-election bid due to alleged mismanagement of state resources. He stated that despite receiving over 300% more allocations in the last 30 months, the Adeleke administration had little to show for it.
“Though our leader, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, is coming to tell you everything as regards the defection rumour of Governor Ademola Adeleke into our revered party – APC, he sent me to tell you that there is no cause for alarm. He asked me to let you know that there is nothing to fear. Our leaders are in charge and no reason to panic. The leaders are in control. No one will reap the fruit of your labour.”
“As regards the councils’ imbroglio, our Minister is doing excellently well to ensure that justice prevails no matter whose ox is gored. Our councils are in the control of our elected chairmen and councillors and by the grace of God, they will be in the control till we return to government in 2026,” Oyebamiji said.
The APC chieftain expressed confidence in the party’s leadership and assured supporters that the elected local government officials would remain in office until the APC reclaims power in 2026.
