I have delivered across all sectors, says Adeleke at Iwude Ijesa festival

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said his administration has delivered on its campaign promises across all sectors of the state, urging critics to assess his leadership based on verifiable records rather than style.

Speaking on Sunday at the 2025 Iwude Ijesa Festival in Ilesa, the governor challenged detractors to judge his performance by the tangible impact of his policies over the last three years, insisting that good governance is measured by results, not theatrics.

Adeleke, who fired back at critics questioning his style of governance, said leadership should not be reduced to appearances or authoritarian posturing.

“Governance is not about stern-looking leaders parading the corridors of power. Leadership is not and should not be a master–servant relationship,” he said.

“Governance is about making a direct and 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. That is the globally accepted parameter for measuring leadership.

“My people, I have delivered across sectors in the last three years. I have 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 added, to loud applause.

Felicitating with the Ijesa people on the occasion of the Iwude Day celebration, Adeleke said his administration conducted extensive due diligence on the developmental challenges facing Ijesaland shortly before assuming office in 2022.

He recalled that the late Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland had outlined key concerns, while Ijesa elites and intellectuals also provided valuable documentation to guide the new government.

“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,” Adeleke said.

He noted that illegal mining had caused severe environmental degradation, polluting underground water sources across Ijesaland, while revenues from the sector were diverted into private pockets instead of the state treasury.

“Our administration launched a comprehensive mining sector reform. Today, Osun’s shareholding in the Segilola Gold Project is secured. A concerted war is being waged against illegal mining, and environmental cleanup has become a continuous exercise,” he said.

According to the governor, the state also initiated a river cleanup project, managed by tested professionals, to address long-standing environmental damage.

Adeleke further disclosed that the Ilesa Water Project, which he described as a centre of corruption under the previous administration, had been reviewed and sanitised.

“A project meant to provide water for Ijesa people was turned into a channel of self-enrichment by some individuals. Today, the contract has been cleaned up, and the project is set to continue after due processing by the Islamic Development Bank,” he said.

Beyond infrastructure, the governor recalled two major requests made by the late Owa Obokun during his campaign for the governorship, saying his administration had fulfilled and exceeded both.

“The first was the dualisation of the Ereja Palace Junction to Brewery Junction. We have completed the dualisation and installed solar streetlights. The second was the establishment of the University of Ilesa. Today, the University of Ilesa is a reality,” Adeleke said.

He added that the institution now has close to 100 accredited courses, with ongoing upgrades and expansion of internal infrastructure to ensure a conducive learning environment.

Adeleke also highlighted the inclusion of Ijesa indigenes in key positions within his government, noting that commissioners for agriculture, environment, health, local government and cooperative empowerment hail from Ijesaland.

“Several advisers and senior appointees are also from this great land. They are change agents, proudly representing the interests of Ijesaland and Osun State at large. Ijesa people are at the heart of our government,” he said.

Describing Ilesa as a land of entrepreneurs, the governor said his administration was partnering with the palace of the Owa Obokun on a holistic industrialisation agenda through a renewed public-private partnership.

“Our royal father is making his wealth of experience, contacts and resources available to fast-track industrial development in this land of entrepreneurs,” Adeleke said.

Looking ahead, the governor revealed plans to enhance transport connectivity to boost trade and commerce in Ijesaland, disclosing that the proposed Osun airport would have a component located within the area.

He also expressed optimism that linking Ilesa and Ile-Ife to the national railway line within Osun State was achievable in the near future.

“When combined with a nearby international cargo airport, Osun East Senatorial District will thrive as an industrial hub for Osun State,” he said.

Adeleke concluded by urging Ijesa monarchs, chiefs and elites to remain committed to the collective mission of advancing the state.

“We must not allow political and developmental setbacks to afflict us again,” he said.