Osun: Controversy Trails  Adeleke’s Appointment Of Nephew, Aregbesola’s Ally As Board Chairmen

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has remained defiant despite criticism from Islamic Group, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, the All Progressives Congress, APC and other Groups over his nomination of his Nephew, Tunji Adeleke (Jnr), former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola’s allies and some other persons for positions in his Government.

He appointed Tunji Adeleke, his nephew and late Osun State governor, Isiaka Adeleke, son and the Chairman of the defunct Rauf Aregbesola’s faction, The Osun Progressives, TOP, of the All Progressives Congress in the State, Rasaq Salinsile, as Board Chairmen by  Thursday, 20th July, 2023.

Adeleke (Jnr) was named Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, while Salinsile, was named Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission.

A statement by the spokesperson to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, also listed ex-National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, Prof. Wale Oladipo, as the Chairman, Osun State University Governing Council, while ex-PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Diran Odeyemi, was named the Chairman, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke.

Others listed as Chairmen of State Statutory Boards are: Mr. Gbenga Onigbogi, University of Ilesa, Mr. Diran Ayanbeku, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Mr Peter Babalola, Osun State College of Education, Ila, Senator Kola Ogunwale, Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa.

Also listed are; Dr Kingsley Akinroye, chairman, State Hospital Management Board, Mr. Ibukun Fadipe, chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Muyiwa Oloso, Chairman, Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Taju Adisa, Primary Healthcare Board, Alhaji Maruf Ishola, Chairman, Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Mr. Funso Ishola, chairman, Pilgrims Welfare Board (Christian Wing).

Dr Muyiwa Oladimeji was listed as the Chairman, Osun Health Insurance Agency, Mr. Niyi Owolade, as Chairman, Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Mr. Ebenezer Ebenco, was named Chairman, Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Akanfe Atidade, chairman, Housing Loans Board, Mr. Kolade Adeleke, Chairman, Osun Tourism Board, and Mr. Sola Adewumi, as Chairman, Osun Internal Revenue Service.

Rasheed’s statement which  announced the appointments reads, “Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has approved the appointment of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Non-statutory Boards in the State.

“The fresh appointments came a day after the Governor performed the swearing-in ceremony for 25 Commissioners and three Permanent Secretaries. The appointments take immediate effect.”

Following this development, a Group under the aegis of Center For Positive Change and Progression, CPCP, has called on Governor Adeleke to review the appointment as the State is not a Family property.

President of the Group, Femi Precious Adams, said that Governor Adeleke has failed to put the right peg in the right hole following this appointment which is questionable.

“Osun State is not a family owner State, you putting your nephew in such sensitive position is questionable. We are also informed that he is planing to appoint his Late Brother’s Wife as Commissioner Will not be acceptable.

“We query this appointment and urge the Governor to do a review for the betterment of the State and its people”, he stated.