Adeleke, Oyetola disagree once more about the handover procedure

OGBO — Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the former governor of Osun State, accused his successor, Governor Ademola Adeleke, of refusing to meet with his administration’s handover team yesterday.

Adeleke appointed a transition committee to work with the Oyetola administration, but the committee, led by Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji, claimed that the Oyetola team refused to cooperate.

However, Oyetola, through his spokesman, Ismail Omipidan, stated that a team led by the former governor’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles Akinola, had written to Adeleke’s team requesting a meeting, but the team declined.

Adeleke declined to meet with us.

Omipidan revealed that the team formed by former Governor Oyetola attempted to meet with Governor Adeleke’s transition committee on November 23, but the team was told to hand over to the most senior civil servant in service.

A letter titled ‘Presentation of hand-over report’, dated November 27 and addressed to Governor Adeleke, is signed by the former Secretary to the State Government, Oluwole Oyebamiji, and reads: “I bring you warm greetings from the Government and the good people of Osun.”

“Further to my correspondence dated November 23rd 2022 and referenced SSG.165/Vol.IV/757, I write to inform you that His Excellency has formed the Government Transition Committee.” Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has completed the compilation of a comprehensive Hand-Over Report to help the incoming Administration transition smoothly.

“As a result, please find attached a copy of the Report for your information and further action.”

“Please accept Mr Governor’s best wishes and warm regards.”

Adeleke’s Transition C’ttee chair is a joke.

Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji, Chairman of Governor Adeleke’s Transition Committee, described Oyetola as a liar, saying the administration had refused to respond to a letter sent to them for over two months.

“They are liars,” Oladimeji said. We wrote to them over two months ago, but there was no response, and then on Friday, the weekend they were to leave, they told us that they would meet us at 2 p.m.

“How does a transition committee get together by 2 p.m. to exchange documents and ask questions?” We informed them that it is a handover note and that they should deliver it to the most senior civil servants.”

The government orders Oyetola’s aides to return government property within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, the state government has ordered former Oyetola appointed officials to return any government property they have in their possession within 48 hours.

The directive, according to Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, was issued in response to the large-scale diversion of government assets by top officials of the previous administration.

“Several official vehicles are missing,” according to the statement, “while official records show that two-thirds of former state officials left with a fleet of cars in their office.” Anyone who refuses to comply with the directive will face the full force of the law.”

The APC accuses the Osun government of being disorganized.

However, in a swift response, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State demanded that the PDP-led government be specific about its allegations of asset stripping so that he knows what he is responding to.

“You set up a panel on this same asset matter yesterday,” said APC Director of Operations Sunday Akere. Is it true that another committee has been formed in the Governor’s office? They must be specific, and we will respond accordingly.”

The Osun Assembly orders the continuation of the LG administration.

Following the Executive Orders of local government administrations, the Osun State House of Assembly insisted yesterday on maintaining the status quo on the issue.

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Alabi, the Speaker stated that the House of Assembly’s position was purely legal and did not in any way oppose the executive branch of government.

“On the issue of LG administration, Mr Owoeye informed the plenary of a notice of appeal against the decision of a Federal High Court judgment served on the 7th Assembly,” the statement reads.

“The House thus resolves that the issue of Local Government administration be left to the courts of law, ordering a status quo on all Local Government administration until all legal means have been exhausted.”

Be fair to everyone—OSUN TRADITIONALISTS

Meanwhile, the Traditional Religion Worshippers of Osun State, TRAWSO, urged the Governor yesterday to be fair to all religious groups in the state, praying that his reign will be marked by peace and harmony.

In a statement issued by its Chairman, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, the traditionalists said, “It is our prayer that your tenure will be marked by religious harmony, tolerance of one another, and, above all, a demonstration of equity and fairness to all.”

“Our advice is to continue the good work of previous administrations while reviewing and consulting widely on other areas before making changes.”

“The name IMOLE must manifest, and your Ori will always guide you to shine the searchlight and find the correct path.”

‘Some people believe

‘You will fail.’

Similarly, a renowned clergyman, Apostle Lawrence Bamilaw, warned Governor Adeleke yesterday to focus on providing good governance to the people because some people expect him to fail.

“Governor Adeleke needs to surprise the opposition and his supporters with his performance if he wants to make headway in governance,” Bamilaw told reporters.

“No one expected him to be Governor of the state; therefore, he should try to surprise the people of Osun with quality performance.” You must surprise them because some people have said you cannot perform. Focus on your agenda because the expectations are high.”