Makinde, Dangote, Ooni for Adeleke’s chieftaincy conferment
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, said his experience in government has revealed to him that Nigeria is a complex country.
He, however, noted that the nation is not as difficult to govern as being believed in some quarters.
Obasanjo spoke while commissioning a VIP Lodge completed by Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration at the Osun State Government House in Osogbo.
The project was started by the immediate past APC.
Addressing Adeleke, the elder statesman lauded the governor for his achievements since assumption, describing him as a “dancing performing governor.”
He said Nigeria would not be difficult to govern once there are men and women of character, integrity, honesty and hard work.
Obasanjo encouraged Adeleke not to relent in his efforts at transforming Osun.
The Owu chief stated: “Some people once despised you (Adeleke) that you are a dancer, but I said only happy people dance, you are my dancing partner.
“What I have heard and seen since three days ago I have been here, if there is doubt in anybody that you are working, call the person to come and see.
“If you remember that at one time I phoned you, I said don’t leave dancing, but as you are dancing, ensure you are working.”
He further told the governor whom he had danced with while making his remarks that, “If I say that I don’t know what happened before you get to government, it is a lie. But you did something last week Sunday, by calling leaders of your party, it was my party but am not participating in party politics again.
“ I am happy that he called them for deliberation. Senator Olu Alabi is here, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola… we should bring everyone on board; it is the best. I have talked to two out of three of them. It is a good move, which is not only good for the party but also for the state and the country.
“You said government is a continuum in your word and that all the abandoned projects you are working on them. God will make it good for you. Anywhere we meet, we would dance and rejoice, if anybody wants to abuse us, they should go ahead.”
Obasanjo advised the governor to always set his priorities right in the area of project award and execution.
In his remarks, Adeleke said the inauguration was a testament to his administration’s efforts at salvaging public funds and assets.
Also, Obasanjo and other prominent Nigerians, including Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, will be in Adeleke’s hometown today to witness the conferment of Asiwaju of Edeland title on him by the Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal in recognition of his achievements in the town and Osun at large.
Chairman, Central Planning Committee of Senator Ademola Adeleke at 64 and Installation as Asiwaju of Ede Land, Senator Kamorudeen Olalere Oyewumi, made the announcement at a press conference in Ede yesterday.
The conferment coincides with the governor’s 64th birthday. He said: “Osun is ready to host the world tomorrow (Monday) in Ede and by extension, the entire state,” adding that the chieftaincy title is a way of appreciating Adeleke’s giant strides.
