From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

Senator Ademola Adeleke, yesterday, assumed office as the sixth elected governor of Osun State with a vow to correct injustices and address every corrupt acts perpetrated by the past administration.

Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) succeeded Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after he secured 403, 371 votes to defeat then incumbent governor who polled 375,027 votes.

Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, administered the oath of office on Adeleke and his deputy, Kola Adewusi, at the Osogbo Stadium.

In his inaugural address, Adeleke announced immediate return to the status quo of all fresh appointments, placements and other major decisions taken by the immediate past administration with effect from July 17.

He also ordered immediate establishment of a panel to review all appointments and major decisions of the immediate past administration.

He ordered the immediate freezing of all government accounts in banks and other financial institutions and the immediate establishment of a panel to carry out an inventory and recover all government assets.

Adeleke also ordered the reversal of the state slogan back to ‘State of the Living Spring’ where it was since its creation in 1991 before it was changed to ‘Land of the Virtue’ by former governor, Rauf Aregbesola in 2010.

He also ordered immediate reversal to the constitutionally recognised Osun State.

“All government insignia, correspondences and signages should henceforth reflect Osun state rather than the State of Osun which is unknown to the Nigerian constitution.

He said the directives would be backed up with appropriate Executive Orders adding that expectations of the workers, traders, artisans, farmers, business owners, students, pensioners, traditional and religious leaders and all residents of Osun State will be met.

Adeleke assured that as governor, he would meet Osun people’s expectations as the chief security officer. He said his administration would also demonstrate a high sense of urgency, transparency, justice and innovation to tackle and solve the problems of poverty, illiteracy, disease, and poor infrastructure in the state.

“I know that as a product of the collective will of you my people, there is a heavy weight of history on my shoulders and I accept the urgency of your expectations. The depth of your aspirations and your conviction in me to build a better state will not be misplaced.’’

He said all policies that were not favourable to the growth and effective local government administration would be reviewed in accordance with the law and assured labour unions of his administration’s willingness to protect workers’ interests and promote their welfare at all times.

The governor frowned at what he described as mass employment by the immediate past administration without financial backing.

He pleaded with workers to give him few weeks to review and sort out all “malicious actions and confusions’’ which the immediate past administration had created since July 17.

The governor also promised to fulfil his campaign promises.

The promises included welfare of workers and pensioners; boosting the state’s economy, home-grown infrastructure policy and people-focused policy on education.

Others were affordable healthcare, security, social welfare and agro-based industrialisation for wealth and job creation.

“I hereby extend a strong hand of fellowship to the other arms of government, the Legislature and the Judiciary.

“As a former lawmaker and a graduate of criminal justice, I appreciate the importance of collaboration between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.

“I call on all political parties to unite in the best interest of the state. Election is over. Now is the time for governance. We are open to fresh ideas in line with our manifesto.

“For the purpose of emphasis, I will be a governor for all Osun people regardless of differences in language, faith, political affiliation or any other considerations,’’ he said.

•Appoints SSG, CoS, CPS

Governor Adeleke has approved the appointment of Alhaji Kassim Akinleye as the the Chief of Staff, former chairman of Osogbo Local Government, Teslim Igbalaye as Secretary to the State Government and Mallam Rasheed Olawale as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

He said the appointment takes immediate effect.

Dignitaries at the inauguration included PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, his wife Titi, PDP National Chairman, Mr Iyiorcha Ayu, and former Senate president, Mr Bukola Saraki, Govs. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Udom Emmanuel, of Akwa Ibom, Ifeanyi  Okowa of Delta, Aminu Tambuwal of Kano, Douye Diri of Bayelsa.

Other still were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, former Ekiti governor, Ayodele Fayose, Tony Elumelu, and David Adeleke, aka Davido, among others.