Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has warned that the people of the state will not succumb to impunity or any attempts to violate the constitution, as he condemned recent illegal hijack of local government funds and breaches of state finance laws.

Speaking at the inaugural outing of MINARET University in Ikirun on Thursday, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson for the governor, said: “Governor Adeleke declares firmly that Osun people won’t bow to impunity. His administration is committed to defending the rights of the citizenry and upholding the rule of law at all times.”

In a strongly worded address, Governor Adeleke recalled the political struggles of Nigeria’s first and second republics, asserting that Osun residents are too educated to be deceived, oppressed, or suppressed. “When darkness is thick, when brute force attempts to suppress legality, when impunity reigns supreme, genuine patriots remain unruffled. They stand by the Constitution and by God like the Olumo rock,” he said.

Governor Adeleke also highlighted the role of education in empowering citizens against tyranny. He noted that the South West has historically benefited from a highly literate population, referencing the legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Bola Ige, and his late brother, Isiaka Adeleke, in expanding access to education. “An educated populace cannot be deceived; they know the truth of governance. They assess their leaders daily and can differentiate liars from those genuinely serving the state,” the governor said.

The governor further outlined his administration’s achievements in the educational sector, including the launch of the University of Ilesa, strengthening polytechnics and colleges, and enhancing partnerships with private universities. He assured that Osun would continue to advance in scholarship and governance, saying: “Never shall Osun retrogress; the clock of advancement will continue to tick in our favour.”

The event, attended by prominent traditional rulers including the Aragbiji of Iragbiji and the Eesa of Ikirun, also featured remarks from the Chancellor of MINARET University, Olatoye Folorunso Azeez, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdul-Rahaman Oladele, who pledged the university’s commitment to advancing scholarship and national development.