Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has revealed that he blocked political godfathers from siphoning state funds, ensuring financial prudence and improved revenue generation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Adeleke discussed his administration’s journey over the past two years, highlighting challenges, achievements, and financial reforms.
Reflecting on his electoral victory, Adeleke emphasized the difficulties of defeating an incumbent in Nigeria. He stated that he was cheated in 2018 and that everyone knew he won the election, but he moved on and prepared himself.
He described his victory as a “street victory,” noting that many doubted his ability to govern, labeling him the “dancing senator” who would spend his time partying. However, he said he remained focused on his plans and immediately took action upon being sworn in.
Adeleke disclosed that upon assuming office, he met a financial crisis, with Osun State owing nearly ₦60 billion in debt. Instead of probing past administrations, he chose to focus on governance, adding that the Government House was looted before his arrival out of anger over his victory. He said his administration recorded and revealed the extent of the looting but decided against pursuing recovery efforts, choosing instead to move forward with governance.
To address the state’s financial constraints, Adeleke prioritized revenue generation by blocking financial leakages and preventing undue interference from political godfathers. He explained that his government improved the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) system, blocking unnecessary spending and eliminating external influence on state funds. He emphasized that he owed no political debts because no one financed his campaign, allowing him to govern without external pressure.
On infrastructure development, Adeleke said he had focused on road construction and electricity supply. He launched a ₦100 billion infrastructure plan, which many doubted could be executed. However, he said that within two years, his government had delivered about 150 kilometers of roads across Osogbo and other cities. He stressed that no town was left untouched, with at least 1.5 kilometers of road projects in each community. He also highlighted the installation of streetlights, which he said had beautified towns and improved security at night.
Speaking on revenue expansion, Adeleke said his administration revived Osun’s mining sector, which had been neglected by previous governments. He disclosed that the state now has a shareholder license for mining, a first in Osun’s history, and that he would soon meet the Minister of Solid Mineral Resources, Dele Alake, to collect the license officially. He described this as a new revenue stream that would boost the state’s finances.
Adeleke also addressed the issue of security votes, stating that he does not misuse the funds allocated for security.
He explained that he does not personally collect the funds but leaves them untouched except in cases of security challenges, maintaining that transparency is key in governance.
