Osun: ‘I have no choice but to succeed’ – Adeleke tells ‘bitter’ critics

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reiterated his commitment to the delivery of quality governance and fulfilling his campaign promises to the people of the state.

Adeleke stated this while addressing journalists in Lagos on Sunday after delivering a mini-lecture at the 7th Memorial Anniversary Lecture in honor of St. Moses Orimolade, the founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke noted that his administration’s dedication to prioritizing public interest and delivering effective governance has overwhelmed the opposition.

While assuring that his government is focused on solving both major and minor service delivery challenges across various sectors, he added that he has employed a combination of large-scale initiatives and smaller interventions to serve the people’s best interests.

He said, “We remain committed to the people and our governance agenda, hence our achievements in infrastructure, health, the digital economy, agriculture, commerce and industry, climate change, education, sports, and workers’ welfare, among others. By God’s grace and with the support of the people, we have accomplished a great deal.

“To my critics, I empathize with them. When someone succeeds where you have failed, it’s natural to feel envious or bitter. But I urge them to prioritize public interest over personal agendas. As for me, I have no choice but to succeed,” he added.

Adeleke mentioned that the opposition struggles to comprehend how his administration has achieved so much in such a short time, leading them to resort to spreading fake news, personal attacks, and even condemning his praises for worshiping the Almighty, the giver of power and life.

Earlier, while addressing the theme of the lecture, ‘The Role of the Church in the Delivery of Good Governance,’ Adeleke called on religious institutions to consistently speak truth to power, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement with political leaders.

He said, “Silence from the church and clerics in general is not an option. Religious leaders must speak loudly about free and fair elections, the dignity of all human beings, the supremacy of the public good over private interests, respect for the Constitution, adherence to the rule of law, and equality of all citizens before the law.

“As a sitting governor, I firmly believe clerics should advocate against what hinders good governance, such as autocracy, dictatorship, arbitrariness, the culture of impunity, self-perpetuation in office, suppression of opposition, corruption, and the failure to meet the aspirations of the people.

“Only a divinely guided leader can deliver good governance, restore public trust in politics, avoid self-enrichment, resolve societal poverty, and uphold the rule of law.”