Adeleke swears in new commissioners, asks them to think outside the box

Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, has asked the newly sworn-in commissioners in the state to think outside the box while solving problems in their ministries. 

Adeleke spoke on Wednesday during the oath-taking ceremony of the 25 commissioners in Osogbo, the state capital.

The governor urged the new cabinet members to join him in building the state to achieve the high expectations the people have of him.

Adeleke said there won’t be room for “solo actors” as he is a team player, adding that he will not condone corruption from any of the cabinet members.

“Our team of commissioners are, therefore, a product of stakeholders’ choices. It is important to affirm that my preoccupation throughout the process was a merit-based pathway,” he said.

“This passion of mine for putting together qualified hands was reflected in the template the party applied throughout.

“Now that the team is assembled, let me share a brief about my vision for the state.

“I seek a very responsive government that listens and satisfies the wishes of the people. So your goal must be real service to the people.

“I value honesty and integrity in public service. You must be above board. Corrupt conduct will be heavily sanctioned.

“I love thinking out of the box in governance. As political heads of your ministries, be very innovative. Generate and implement new ideas.

“In times of national economic emergency, I love achieving much with little resources. Be prudent and adopt measures that reduce the cost of projects and services.

“As we all know, I am a team player. There won’t be any room for solo actors in our cabinet.

“You must work as a team with a common goal to make a difference in the lives of our people.”

On November 27, 2022, Adeleke was sworn in as governor of the state after he defeated Gboyega Oyetola, then incumbent governor.

Two members of former governor Rauf Aregbesola’s cabinet— Kolapo Alimi and Biyi Odunlade — made Adeleke’s list.

Alimi served as the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, while Odunlade was commissioner for sports and youth.