Those Plotting to Derail Our Government Have Failed — Governor Adeleke
In a strongly worded and symbolically charged address to the Osun State Executive Council, Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to complete all major ongoing projects across key towns and rural communities in Osun State. Declaring that attempts to destabilize his government have ultimately failed, the governor emphasized resilience, divine providence, and public support as the pillars sustaining his administration.
Speaking during the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday evening, Governor Adeleke reviewed the trajectory of governance since assuming office and asserted that the state has overcome what he described as a calculated “siege” orchestrated by political detractors.
“They Plotted, But Our God Plotted for Us”
In a statement that has since generated widespread reactions across Osun’s political landscape, Governor Adeleke declared:
> “Those who plotted to derail our government have failed.”
The governor described sustained political and administrative pressure against his government but insisted that his administration has survived through faith, institutional focus, and the mandate freely given by the people of Osun State.
“They plotted but our God plotted for us. They were surprised that we survived the siege they laid on our government and people of Osun State. They are still in shock that our government is still standing by now,” he stated.
Observers note that the remarks reflect the broader political tensions that have characterized governance transitions in Osun State over the past decade, particularly following the closely contested 2022 governorship election. However, Governor Adeleke’s tone suggested confidence in the institutional stability of his administration and the sustainability of its development roadmap.
Upholding the Oath of Office and the Five-Point Agenda
Governor Adeleke emphasized that his administration remains firmly committed to the implementation of its Five-Point Agenda — a policy framework that covers infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, education, healthcare, and economic expansion.
According to him, measurable achievements have been recorded across sectors since the commencement of the agenda.
“Our team has succeeded where our detractors failed,” the governor said, underscoring what he described as visible progress in rebuilding towns and villages across the state.
He reiterated that his administration serves only one interest: the collective aspiration of Osun people for development.
“As the governor of this state, I serve only one interest — the aspiration of Osun people for development. Before God and man, we are upholding our oath of office by rebuilding our towns and villages and by addressing the needs of our people,” Adeleke affirmed.
Development analysts have pointed to ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation projects in key urban centers such as Osogbo, Ilesa, Ife, Ede, Ikirun, and Iwo as part of the administration’s push to reduce infrastructure deficits inherited from previous administrations.
“Osun Has Escaped the Siege of Under-Development”
In one of the most striking parts of his speech, Governor Adeleke declared that Osun State has escaped what he termed a “siege of under-development” and “infra-deficit.”
“Osun has escaped the siege — the siege of under-development, the burden of infra-deficit and previous anti-people posture by people elected to serve the public,” he said.
The governor acknowledged that challenges remain but expressed optimism that they would be overcome through public goodwill and divine guidance.
“The areas of challenges that remain, we will overcome by the grace of God and the huge goodwill and support of our people,” he noted.
This rhetoric aligns with the administration’s broader messaging strategy, which emphasizes inclusive governance, people-centered policies, and social accountability.
Implementation of Osun State Electricity Market Law
Beyond political rhetoric, the Executive Council meeting addressed substantive policy matters. One of the key discussions centered on the implementation of the Osun State Electricity Market Law.
The Council debated the operationalization of the law and directed the Commissioner for Energy to present a proposal for the establishment of a regulatory commission. The move is expected to align Osun with ongoing electricity sector reforms following Nigeria’s constitutional amendments that allow states to regulate and generate electricity independently of the federal grid.
Energy experts suggest that a state-level regulatory framework could attract private investment, boost independent power generation, and improve electricity supply in underserved communities within Osun.
The establishment of a regulatory commission would mark a significant institutional step toward decentralizing power supply management and addressing chronic electricity challenges affecting households and businesses.
Payroll Reform and SIFMIS Deployment
The Council also praised the implementation of payroll reforms under the current administration. Central to this reform is the seamless deployment of the State Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS), reportedly supported by the World Bank.
SIFMIS is designed to enhance transparency, eliminate ghost workers, and improve fiscal accountability in public service payroll management. The adoption of digital financial management systems is widely recognized as a best practice in public administration reform across Nigerian states.
In a significant decision, the Council reaffirmed its rejection of the Sally Tibbot staff audit report. While details of the audit remain politically sensitive, the rejection signals the administration’s position on prior workforce verification exercises conducted before the current government assumed office.
Public finance analysts argue that payroll reform remains critical to freeing up resources for capital projects, especially in states grappling with limited internally generated revenue and federal allocation volatility.
Recruitment of Teachers: March 1, 2026 Resumption Date
In the education sector, the Council fixed March 1, 2026, as the resumption date for the first batch of newly recruited teachers. The Commissioner for Education has been directed to ensure strict compliance with the timeline.
Education remains a cornerstone of Adeleke’s five-point development agenda. The recruitment of new teachers is expected to address staffing shortages in public primary and secondary schools across Osun State.
Stakeholders in the education sector have consistently emphasized the importance of reducing teacher-student ratios and revitalizing public schools to improve learning outcomes. By setting a definitive resumption date, the administration aims to demonstrate procedural efficiency and commitment to strengthening the state’s education system.
Revenue and Tax Reforms
The Commissioner for Finance presented reports on revenue and tax matters during the Council meeting. In response, the Council directed the Ministry of Finance and associated agencies to accelerate tax reforms and expand the state’s revenue base.
Osun State, like many subnational governments in Nigeria, faces fiscal constraints driven by fluctuating federal allocations and limited internally generated revenue (IGR). Strengthening tax administration, broadening the tax net, and improving compliance are seen as necessary measures to sustain capital expenditure and social programs.
The directive signals the administration’s recognition that long-term development goals must be backed by a sustainable fiscal strategy.
Traditional Council Matters and Paramount Rulers
On matters relating to traditional institutions, the Council established a five-man committee under the Secretary to the State Government. The committee has been tasked with reviewing allegations of encroachment and violations concerning the consenting authorities of eight paramount rulers in the state.
The objective is to propose modalities for correcting any established violations and preserving the integrity of traditional governance structures.
Osun State is historically rich in traditional institutions, including prominent royal stools with deep cultural and historical significance. Ensuring clarity and legality in matters affecting traditional authorities is crucial to maintaining social stability and respect for customary law.
Political Stability and Public Mandate
Governor Adeleke’s speech underscores a broader narrative of political endurance and institutional consolidation. Since assuming office, his administration has faced legal and political contestations, yet it continues to project stability and forward momentum.
“We have nothing, no power other than the Creator of heaven and earth as well as the good people of Osun who gave us a mandate to develop the state,” he stated.
By framing his governance approach around faith and popular mandate, Adeleke seeks to reinforce legitimacy and moral authority in the face of opposition.
Looking Ahead: Development as the Central Focus
As Osun State navigates economic realities, infrastructure demands, and political competition, Governor Adeleke’s address signals a strategic pivot toward consolidating achievements while accelerating reforms.
From electricity market reforms and payroll digitization to teacher recruitment and revenue expansion, the administration appears intent on institutional strengthening rather than mere political rhetoric.
Whether these initiatives will translate into long-term socioeconomic transformation remains a subject of public evaluation. However, the governor’s declaration that “those plotting to derail our government have failed” reflects confidence in his administration’s resilience.
For the people of Osun State, the ultimate measure of success will lie not in political declarations, but in visible improvements in roads, schools, hospitals, electricity supply, job opportunities, and overall quality of life.
As Governor Adeleke concluded, the administration is committed to overcoming remaining challenges “by the grace of God and the huge goodwill and support of our people.”
In the evolving political and developmental landscape of Osun State, that commitment now stands as both a promise and a test of governance.
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