Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has said his major priority in his second term will be to transform the state from a predominantly civil service state into an industrialised state capable of attracting major investments.
Adeleke stated this while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Sunday, following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
The governor said he was determined to change the narrative about Osun being regarded as a civil service state, stressing that industrialisation would form a major part of his second-term agenda.
“I am tired of hearing Osun State as a civil service state. I want to make sure I move it to an industrial state where investors will come in,” he said.
Adeleke identified the development of a free trade zone and the state’s industrialisation programme as key components of his plan to attract investors and create economic opportunities for residents.
He also listed the completion of the state airport and expansion of infrastructure among his priorities for the next four years.
The governor expressed confidence that the projects would be completed during his second term, adding that more people were already returning to Osun and showing interest in investing in the state.
Adeleke said his ultimate goal was to leave behind a legacy that would make Osun a reference point for other states.
“I would like to be remembered that when Governor Ademola Adeleke came as a governor, he left a legacy of making Osun State a reference point that other states can look up to and say, ‘Look, go to Osun State, go and see how they do it,’” he said.
The governor’s comments came shortly after he defeated the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the August 15 governorship election.
Speaking on the political atmosphere after the election, Adeleke said he would pursue reconciliation and work with people across party lines to develop the state.
He said he would establish a reconciliation committee to bring the people together and invite even his political opponents to contribute ideas towards the development of Osun.
“I preach peace. Let us forget what has happened. Democracy is all about that. Once the election is over, I am now a governor for everybody, not for my party,” Adeleke said.
He extended what he described as a “hand of fellowship” to Oyebamiji, saying he was willing to consider any useful ideas from his former opponent.
“I am extending my hand of fellowship. Come on down, talk to me. If you have any ideas, put them on the table. If the idea is good, I am going to utilise it,” he said.
Adeleke also said he was willing to work with Oyebamiji and former governor Gboyega Oyetola despite their membership of the APC, particularly in support of President Bola Tinubu.
“As long as I am doing it for Mr President, I won’t mind. I will work with them,” he said.
The governor, however, ruled out returning to the APC, saying such a move was not on his agenda.
“As I’m talking to you, I’m not even thinking about that. It’s not on my agenda. But that doesn’t mean that I cannot support Mr President,” he said.
Adeleke also declared his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, saying he would “go all out” for the President.
He dismissed suggestions that his support was based on an agreement connected to the Osun governorship election.
“No, I never reached any agreement with Mr President,” Adeleke said.
According to him, his support was partly based on Tinubu’s status as a Yoruba man from the Southwest and his desire for the Federal Government to continue its infrastructure development in the region.
“My support is just based on the fact that he is a Yoruba man and he is from the Southwest. And I believe that all the federal roads that he has started, I want to encourage him not to forget the Southwest too, because all our federal roads link us to other regions,” he said.
Adeleke also said Tinubu should be given another opportunity to consolidate his reforms.
The governor further disclosed that he had directed the state Attorney-General to withdraw a legal matter involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the move as part of efforts to move beyond political battles.
“I’ve instructed my Attorney-General to drop it. Mr President has done well. He called me. What more do I want?” he said.
He also said President Tinubu’s personal engagement with him had helped to ease tensions.
On allegations that some of his supporters were being detained, Adeleke said his lawyers had been directed to intervene.
He maintained that his associates had nothing to hide, describing the continued questioning by the EFCC as a distraction and intimidation.
The governor, however, suggested that the President might not be aware of some of the actions being taken by federal agencies, noting that Tinubu had a lot of responsibilities.
Adeleke also addressed criticism of his public image as a dancing governor, saying dancing was simply his hobby and had no effect on his ability to govern.
“My hobby is dancing. I have loved dancing right from when I was little, so that doesn’t stop me from doing my job. And my job speaks for itself,” he said.
He attributed his re-election to the confidence voters had developed in his administration after fulfilling what he described as his campaign promises.
“Of all the things that I promised them I would do, I kept my promises. I have been tested and trusted,” he said.
The governor also called for peace following the violence and political tension that preceded the election.
He said he had instructed his supporters not to retaliate when campaign materials were destroyed, stressing that political disagreements should not be allowed to destroy the state’s social fabric.
“I’m a very peaceful person. I told my people that they should not retaliate. They destroyed my posters all over. I told my people not to touch their people. Just leave them alone,” he said.
Adeleke said political power ultimately belonged to the people and not to intimidation or violence.
He also embraced the “Bulldozer” nickname following his victory, explaining that it represented his political strength and ability to overcome obstacles.
Asked whom he would thank for his victory, Adeleke attributed it to God.
“I have a God that never fails. I praise Him all the time,” he said, adding that the same God who gave him victory in 2022 had also helped him secure a second term.
