Adeleke to critics: Judge me by my records

Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Sunday dismissed criticisms of his leadership style, insisting that his administration has delivered tangible results across all sectors of the state in the last three years.

Speaking at the Iwude Ijesa Carnival in Ilesa, the governor said governance should be assessed by outcomes rather than optics, stressing that leadership is about positive impact on the lives of the people.

“Governance is not about stern-looking leaders parading corridors of power. Leadership is not and should not be a master–servant relationship,” Adeleke said, urging critics to judge his administration by its records, outputs and agenda.

The governor highlighted reforms in the mining sector, noting that his administration secured Osun State’s shareholding in the Segilola Gold Project, intensified the fight against illegal mining and commenced environmental clean-up across Ijesaland.

Adeleke also said the Ilesa Water Project, which he described as a centre of corruption under the previous administration, has been reviewed and repositioned, adding that anti-corruption measures have paved the way for its continuation through the Islamic Development Bank.

He listed the dualisation of Ereja Palace Junction to Brewery Junction and the establishment of the University of Ilesa as key achievements, noting that the institution now boasts close to 100 accredited courses with ongoing infrastructure expansion.

The governor further assured the Ijesa people of inclusive governance, citing the appointment of commissioners and senior aides from Ijesaland, while unveiling plans to boost commerce through improved transport connectivity, including rail links and an airport corridor within the district.

In a statement issued after the event, the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said the administration remains focused on performance-driven governance.

“Governor Adeleke has consistently maintained that leadership must be judged by measurable delivery across sectors. His records and reforms clearly demonstrate a commitment to inclusive development and sustainable growth in Osun State,” Rasheed said.