By Hon. Comrade James Onifade 
…Hon Comrade James Onifade hails Osun State Governor for Redefining Leadership Through Action and Results
In an era where political leadership often falls short of public expectations, Governor Ademola Adeleke stands as a refreshing exception, a leader whose actions speak louder than rhetoric, whose commitment to the people transcends political grandstanding.
At Sunday’s Iwude Ijesha carnival in Ilesa, the governor didn’t just address his critics; he demolished their arguments with an impressive catalog of achievements that few can dispute. His message was clear and powerful: judge me by my results, not by unfair perceptions or political mischief.
A Governor Who Understands True Leadership
“Leadership is not and should not be a master-servant relationship,” Governor Adeleke proclaimed to thunderous applause. “Governance is about making a direct positive impact on the lives of the people.”
These aren’t empty words. In just three years, this administration has touched every sector of Osun society, delivering tangible benefits across all federal constituencies. While naysayers waste time criticizing his approachable style, Governor Adeleke has been busy transforming lives and communities.
When Governor Adeleke assumed office in late 2022, Ijesaland was suffering under the weight of systematic plunder. The previous administration had turned a blind eye or worse, actively participated in the inglorious exploitation of the region’s resources.
Illegal mining had ravaged the land so severely that underground water across Ijesaland was declared polluted. Mining revenues that should have benefited the people were flowing into private pockets. It was environmental and economic rape of the worst kind.
Governor Adeleke acted decisively. His mining sector reform has secured Osun’s shareholding in the Segilola Gold Project, launched a sustained war on illegal mining, and initiated continuous environmental cleanup. A professional river cleanup project is now restoring what was nearly destroyed.
Delivering on Sacred Promises
When the late Owa Adimula made two requests during the governor’s campaign, many thought they were merely political promises that would fade after election day. Governor Adeleke proved the cynics wrong.
The dualisation of the road from Ereja palace junction to brewery junction? Completed, with solar street lights installed. The University of Ilesa? Not only established but thriving with close to 100 accredited courses, led by accomplished Ijesa scholars.
These aren’t just infrastructure projects, they represent a governor who keeps his word, who honors the wishes of traditional leaders, and who understands that promises made must be promises kept.
The Ilesa Water project stands as a testament to Governor Adeleke’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption. What the previous administration had turned into “a center of corruption” and “a channel of self-enrichment” has been thoroughly cleaned up. Anti-corruption measures have yielded positive results, and the project is now properly positioned to deliver water to Ijesa people, processed through the Islamic Development Bank.
This is governance with integrity, rooting out the rot and ensuring that public projects serve public interests, not private greed.
A Vision for Industrial Greatness
Governor Adeleke isn’t just fixing past problems; he’s building a prosperous future. His blueprint for Ijesaland includes:
• An upcoming airport with connections to the region, boosting commerce and trade
• Potential railway links between Ilesa and Ile-Ife connecting to the national network, providing freight haulage opportunities
• Public-private partnerships with the Palace of Adimula for holistic industrialization
• Transformation of Osun East senatorial district into an industrial hub
This is visionary leadership that recognizes Ijesaland’s entrepreneurial heritage and creates the infrastructure for business to flourish.
Empowering Local Representation
Critics who claim the governor ignores Ijesaland should examine the facts. Commissioners for agriculture, environment, health, local governments, and cooperative empowerment all hail from the region. Numerous advisers and senior appointees proudly represent Ijesa interests.
“Ijesa people are at the heart of our government,” the governor declared and the evidence supports this claim.
Why the Critics Are Wrong
Those who mock Governor Adeleke’s approachable, people-centered style fundamentally misunderstand what leadership requires in the 21st century. The days of aloof, stern-faced politicians who treat citizens as subjects are over. Modern governance demands accessibility, empathy, and genuine connection with the people.
The governor’s critics offer nothing but negativity and outdated notions of how leaders should behave.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke delivers roads, universities, environmental restoration, anti-corruption reforms, and economic opportunities.
The choice is clear: empty criticism or tangible results.
A Call for Unity and Progress
In closing his address, Governor Adeleke called on all Osun citizens to “renew your dedication to our joint mission of taking our dear state to a new, greater height. We must not allow political and developmental setbacks to afflict us again.”
This is the voice of a leader who has proven his capacity, demonstrated his commitment, and earned the right to continue his transformational work. Governor Adeleke’s three-year record speaks for itself. While critics talk, he acts. While they complain, he delivers. While they cling to old ideas about leadership, he redefines it for a new generation.
Osun State is blessed to have a governor who measures his success not by applause from political elites, but by positive changes in citizens’ lives. That is leadership worth celebrating.
The facts are clear, the results are undeniable, and the choice for Osun’s future has never been more obvious. Governor Ademola Adeleke is a leader who delivers and that’s exactly what the people deserve.
E-signed: Hon Comrade James Onifade
An Advocate for Good Governance and A Better Judicial System
Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin