By Omoniyi Alaba
Recent actions by Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state revealed new facts about his governance ideology and styles. The President of the Adeleke dynasty governs without partisan bias and seems more preoccupied with selecting the best within the context of due process in each governance decision.
It is interesting to report that the father of the recently pardoned fowl thief, Mr Olowookere is a strong member of the All Progressive Congress. What is shocking is that sources within the Government said the Governor got to know the political affiliation of the affected family only after the pardon was granted yesterday.
According to the source, “the Governor was only asking the legal team to look into how best to exercise his power of prerogative of mercy after the public outcry. He never for once asked where or which party the family belonged.
“When he was to sign, an aide suggested we check the political antecedents of the listed beneficiaries. The Governor waved it aside and said “I am the Governor for all.Osun people irrespective of political affiliations.
“Let us govern without bias based on politics”, he was quoted as saying.
When this morning, the Governor was informed that the said Mr Olowookere is an APC member, the Governor was quoted as affirming as follows: “ I am less concerned about his political party.
“What is most Important is that the family is happy. The man has a second chance. Same applies to families of those affected. I am of the strong view that political power must be exercised with all sense of fairness and equity”, the source quoted the Governor as saying.
Interestingly, this scenario played out in the appointment of the new Asaoni of Ora Igbomina. The Governor.did not interfere with the nomination process.
According to sources from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the Governor repeatedly directed Them to observe due process and ensure no one is left behind.
“We are surprised because the case of Asaoni was different. The new Asaoni Does not belong to the PDP. Yet, the Governor approved the file without any question.
“On the new Owa Obokun of Ijesha land, the Governor refused to intervene, telling all those calling him to allow due process to hold.
“Powerful forces pressed him to use fiat to impose. He refused. He told highly placed individuals that the Ijeshakingmakers must decide without his interference”, a top administration official narrated.
