The Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Osun State chapter, has criticised the installation of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the Asiwaju of Ede.
The party also labeled it as an abuse of power and a conflict of interest.
In a statement signed by the party’s chairman, Wale Adebayo, he lamented that such actions could set a bad precedent, conflict of interest, and potential nepotism.
Governor Adeleke is set to be installed as the Asiwaju of Ede land by the Timi of Ede land, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal.
Also, the event is being used to mark the 64th birthday anniversary of the governor.
According to reports, the previous holder of the chieftaincy title was the governor’s late elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who was the first executive governor of Osun State and three term senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, between 2003 and 2007 and 2014 to 2017 before his demise.
According to Adebayo, “Governor Adeleke’s decision to accept a chieftaincy title on a Monday morning is highly concerning and raises serious questions about his priorities as the state’s leader.
“By prioritising a ceremonial event over his official duties at the start of the workweek, Governor Adeleke is sending a troubling message that personal prestige and ceremonial honours are more important than the welfare and progress of the people he is supposed to serve.
“This action suggests a lack of urgency and commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Osun State, and may undermine the trust and confidence of the people in his leadership. It also sets a poor example for other public officials and reinforces a culture of self-serving leadership, rather than one that prioritizes the public good.
“It raises questions about Governor Adeleke’s priorities and whether he is truly focused on delivering good governance and meaningful progress for the people of Osun State, or if he is more interested in personal aggrandizement and ceremonial honours.
“The people of Osun State deserve a leader who is fully committed to their welfare and progress, and who prioritizes their needs above personal interests.
“This sets a dangerous precedent that could erode public trust and faith in the state’s leadership.
“Furthermore, the governor’s decision may embolden other public officials to prioritize their own personal prestige and self-aggrandisement over the critical work of serving the people. This would be an unacceptable dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the public’s confidence.
“Governor Adeleke must reconsider this course of action and demonstrate an unwavering focus on the urgent matters of governance.
“The people of this state deserve a leader who will put their needs first, not one distracted by ceremonial honours. We urge the governor to recalibrate his priorities and dedicate himself fully to the duties of his office.
“Specifically, the APM is concerned that future governors may seek similar titles, creating a culture of seeking personal honours rather than focusing on governance.
“A governor holding a chieftaincy title may create a conflict of loyalty, where their responsibilities to the state may be compromised by their new traditional obligations.”
Adebayo added that the governor’s frequent trips abroad were personal and not in the best interest of Osun State.
“His frequent travels outside the state are for personal reasons, such as attending parties, rather than for official business or development opportunities for Osun State.
“As the chief executive of the state, his primary responsibility is to serve the people of Osun State and work towards its development and progress.
“If his travels are not focused on achieving these goals, but rather on personal indulgences, we view it as dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people of Osun State.
“It is imperative that he maintains a high ethical standard and separates political and traditional institutions to ensure good governance and accountability,” the statement added.
