Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate freezing of Osun State’s accounts in banks and in other financial institutions.
The governor who was sworn in by Justice Adepele Ojo at the Osogbo City Stadium also directed an immediate return to the status quo of all appointments, placements and other major decisions taken by his predecessor Gboyega Oyetola from July 17, the day after the governorship election in the state.
Adeleke said a panel would be set up to conduct an inventory of government assets and recover those in the wrong hands.
He also ordered an immediate reversal to the constitutionally-recognised name of the state as Osun State from the former “State of Osun” introduced by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
“All government insignia, correspondences and signages should henceforth reflect Osun State, rather than State of Osun, which is unknown to the Nigerian Constitution.
“Under my watch as the governor of Osun, I will boldly correct all past injustices, corrupt acts or policies by any previous administration, which are against the collective interest of our people,’’ he said.
Adeleke assured that all directives he gave on Sunday would be backed with appropriate executive orders.
He said his administration would also demonstrate a high sense of urgency, transparency, justice and innovation to tackle and solve the problems of poverty, illiteracy, disease, and poor infrastructure in the state.
“I know that as a product of the collective will of you my people, there is a heavy weight of history on my shoulders and I accept the urgency of your expectations.
“The depth of your aspirations and your conviction in me to build a better state will not be misplaced,” he said.
Adeleke said that all policies that were not favourable to the growth and effective local government administration would be reviewed in accordance with the law.
He assured labour unions in the state of his administration’s willingness to protect workers’ interests and to promote their welfare at all times, adding that he would be labour-friendly.
The governor frowned at what he described as mass employment by the immediate past administration without financial backing.
“For the purpose of emphasis, I will be a governor for all Osun people regardless of differences in language, faith, political affiliation or any other considerations,” he said.
