By Kehinde Olusegun
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has called on the people of the state to continue to work together, regardless of their political, ethnics, and religion differences, to ensure that Osun State remains a state that future generations will be proud of.
Adeleke, who acknowledged the unwavering determination and commitment of the founding fathers stated that the heros and heroines have laid a foundation through their perseverance against all odds, and it is now up to everyone in the state to build upon it.
The Governor made the call on Tuesday during a colloquium organised to celebrate Osun at 33 in Osogbo, themed: The journey so far: Building a strong economy in the face of current challenges.
The State helmsman said he is committed to building on the foundation laid by his predecessors, adding that his administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of Osun people by ensuring that every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Adeleke also promised to work tirelessly to improve the infrastructure of the and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
In his words; “On this special occasion, we gather to honour and remember the sacrifices of those who led the struggle for the creation of Osun State. These visionary leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and activists worked with unwavering determination and commitment to ensure that our voices were heard and our aspirations recognized. Their perseverance, against all odds, laid the foundation upon which our state stands today.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to these heroes and heroines, some of whom are still with us, while others have passed on. Their legacy is the thriving, vibrant Osun State we are proud to call our own. As we commemorate this day, let us pledge to uphold the values they stood for—unity, progress, and development.
“We salute the heroes of our past—the visionaries, the activists, and the leaders who led the charge for the creation of Osun State. These men and women, from all walks of life, demonstrated extraordinary resilience in their pursuit of justice and equality. Their actions were fueled by a love for their people and a desire to build a state where progress, peace, and prosperity would reign supreme.
“Such names include leading traditional rulers like the late Ooni of ife, Oba Okuade Sijuwade,Owa Obokun of Ijesaland HRM Oba Adekunle Aromolaran; Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin; late Timi of Ede, Oba Tijani Oladokun Oyewusi; late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba oyewale Montanmi, late Orangun of ila, Oba Williams Ayeni Ariwajoye ii; late Aloko of iloko ijesa, Oba Olasore Oladele; late Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Moses Oyinlola and other prominent traditional rulers.
“Top bigwigs deserving of commendations include Chief Bola Ige (late), late Chief SM Afolabi, Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa (late); my father, Senator Raji Adeleke (late), Pa Samson Adeola Siyanbola, Chief Diran Fagbohungbe; Hon Dosu Oladipo ; Late Chief Abolade; Chief Kolawole Balogun, Chief Aiyelaagbe Laogun, Professor Olu Aina, Alhaji Rasheed Igbalaye, Chief Bisi Akande, Dr. Olu Alabi, Alhaji Tunde Badmus (TUNS), Chief Gunju Adesakin, Hon. Jonathan O. Awofisayo, General Alani Akinrinade, Engineer Tunde Ponle; my brother, the first executive governor of Osun state, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, Justice Adewale Thompson; Barrister Tunji Aboyade and many others. They stand tall in the annals of our history.
“However, as we reflect on our past, we must also look to the future. The challenges we face today require the same courage and determination that our forebears displayed. We must continue to work together, regardless of our political, ethnics, religion differences, to ensure that Osun State remains a beacon of hope and progress in Nigeria.
“As your Governor, I am committed to building on the foundation laid by our predecessors. My administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of our people, ensuring that every citizen of Osun State has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. We will also work tirelessly to improve our infrastructure and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“As we honour the memory of those who made this day possible, let us renew our commitment to the ideals they stood for—justice, equity, and progress. Let us work hand in hand to build a state that future generations will be proud of. The foundation has been laid, and it is now up to us to build upon it.
Adeleke expressed gratitude to the people of Osun State for their continued support and trust in his administration, promising to keep the flame of progress burning brightly by ensuring that the legacy of the founding fathers endures for generations to come.
Highlights of the event is the presentation of awards to some living and dead people who have contributed to the growth of Osun and cutting of the 33rd Anniversary cake.
Recipients of the award includes; Late Senator Raji Adeleke, Hon. J.O Awofisayo, Hon. Oladosu Oladipo, Late Rasheed Igbalaye, Late Oba Moses Oyinlola, Professor Olu Aina, Dr. Olu Alabi, Hon. M.A Laogun and others.
