•Oluwo of Iwoland predicts second term for Osun Governor

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has attributed the achievements recorded by his administration in 2023 to divine guidance, saying his government's recorded successes trumped the expectations of his political opponents.

This is as the paramount ruler of Iwoland, Oba (Dr) Adewale Akanbi (Telu 1), has declared the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Adeleke, will be re-elected for a second term in office.

The traditional ruler made this emphatic statement at the Inter-religious service held at the state secretariat to usher in the government and the state into the new year.

Governor Adeleke in his remarks at the service disclosed this on Tuesday at the inter-religion service held at the State Secretariat to usher in the government and the people into the new year.

The Governor, who acknowledged the hand of God Almighty in overcoming challenges in the early days of his administration, said: “Directly experienced divine guidance in making state decisions, which count for the remarkable success attained so far.

“My dear people of faith, I have personal confessions to make. In the last one year, I directly experienced divine guidance in making state decisions. On several occasions, God almighty was my instructor in deciding on key issues. When I told you I govern with the fear of God, It is not a joke. Our leadership is a product of divine plan and manifestation,” he noted.

“The signs are everywhere even for our political opponents to see. I will share some of the examples for you all. When I assumed the governorship of our dear state, many serious problems existed. Such issues appeared to have defied all solutions. My predecessor deliberately added petrol to the fire by laying several bobby traps before he left office. Nobody expects solutions from us. The thoughts of detractors was the expectation of failure.

“But because we have a God who does not fail his beloved ones, doors open where none exist. The governance space witnessed policy innovations and implementation which provide answers to knotty state policy questions. Because we have a God who props up his favoured and chosen ones, our government successfully reset the button of the state public service, frontally addressed workers' welfare, put a smile on the faces of pensioners, restored local governance, implemented infra agenda and set the tone for sustainable governance.

“Through God and people of goodwill, we succeeded where opponents never gave us a chance. We break jinx in critical areas and prove that Osun people can experience good governance despite all odds. Our government has manifested what many denied – that a God led administration is a condition for successful leadership in state governance.”

Governor Adeleke appreciated workers and the people of Osun state for the support for his administration, urging them “to continue to maintain cohesion, love and support for your government under my leadership. Let us continue to seek the face of God across the faiths for the success of our collective project.

“To our royal fathers and religious leaders, God is answering your prayers over me and my team. Do not relent in your prayers and guidance for us.

“As I noted in my new year message, we have grand ambition to take Osun to greater heights. I trust that with God and people, we shall achieve our lofty goals and agenda for our dear state.”

While giving his remark at the event, the Oluwo of Iwoland said: “We appreciate the Governor for the commendable job being done in the state. They're all applaudable.

“Governor Adeleke is the driver of the Osun government, and by this, it is imperative for everyone regardless of political divides in the state to continue to support the administration to succeed.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke, I'm declaring on behalf of other traditional rulers in the state that we're fully in support of your government and its continuation for a second term in office,” the Oluwo of Iwoland declared at the event.

The monarch thereafter pleads for better welfare for the traditional institution in the state even while acknowledging that the Governor has been doing his best for the institution so far.

Prayers were offered for the progress of the state, economic advancement, peace, tranquility, political stability, security, and divine wisdom for the Governor in continuing to govern the state.

The Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, SSG, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, Speaker of the State Assembly, Honourable Adewale Egbedun, the Deputy Minority leader of the Senate, Akogun Lere Oyewumi, the State PDP Chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi, Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, Timi of Ede, Orangun of Ila and Ataoja of Osogbo, are among other notable traditional rulers at the event including political functionaries.

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