Governor Adeleke Hails Osun Electorate as Pillar of Governance, Bags Honorary Doctorate at Adeleke University

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described the people of Osun as his greatest strength, declaring that the electorate’s unwavering support has been pivotal to his administration’s successes since assuming office nearly three years ago. He made the remarks on Sunday during the combined 11th undergraduate and 7th postgraduate convocation ceremonies of Adeleke University, Ede, where he was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree.

Addressing a packed audience comprising graduates, dignitaries, university staff, and parents, Governor Adeleke spoke passionately about his commitment to serving the people of Osun State. He credited the public for entrusting him with the mandate to lead and pledged to remain accountable to them at all times.

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“The People Are the Ultimate Determinant of Power” – Adeleke

The governor, beaming with pride and humility, acknowledged the affection and loyalty he has received from the people of Osun since he began his tenure. In his words, “Osun people have been our strength, and they continue to be our strength. As in every true democracy, the people are the ultimate determinant of power.”

Adeleke stressed the significance of electoral empowerment, reiterating that in a democracy, leadership should always emanate from the will of the people. “The power of voters to enthrone leaders through the ballot has been our greatest asset. We belong to the people, and we acknowledge the love and deep affection from every corner of Osun State,” he said.

Achievements Rooted in Sacrifice and Innovation

Reflecting on his performance in office over the past three years, Adeleke said that his administration has exceeded expectations through hard work, innovation, and a relentless focus on people-centered governance.

“We innovate, we sacrifice, and we think out of the box to positively transform several sectors of our society,” he explained. “Our waking and sleeping agenda has been and will always be people’s welfare and aspirations.”

From improving healthcare delivery and expanding education access, to rehabilitating infrastructure and boosting local economies, Adeleke stated that each policy decision has been guided by the principle of putting the people first.

His acceptance of the honorary doctorate degree was marked not only by gratitude but also by a renewed promise to deepen his service to the state. He noted that the recognition served as further motivation to do more for Osun.

Celebrating Academic Excellence

While the day celebrated the governor’s honorary accolade, it was also a milestone for 1,133 graduates, who were conferred with degrees from the university’s six faculties and the College of Postgraduate Studies.

Prof Solomon Adebola, Vice-Chancellor of Adeleke University, shared details of the graduating class and lauded their accomplishments. “For the first time in the history of our university, two students have emerged as the best graduating undergraduate students with a perfect CGPA of 5.00,” he announced.

The honorees, Jeg Tigwog from the Department of Languages and Literary Studies and Awotayo Taiwo Samuel from the Department of Political Science, were praised for their academic excellence and dedication.

For the postgraduate honours, Oyewolo Musefiu Omotosho from the Department of Civil Engineering was named the best overall Master’s graduate with a Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of 82.75. The best PhD graduate, Jeffrey-Ebhomenmen Blessing Okojie, from the Department of Religious Studies, achieved a CWA of 78.49.

Prof Adebola urged all graduates to uphold the values of discipline, excellence, and service as they move forward into various sectors of the workforce. “You are equipped not only with knowledge but with the moral compass to navigate and transform the world,” he told them.

Pro-Chancellor Deji Adeleke Decries Electoral Fraud

In a sobering moment during the convocation, Dr Deji Adeleke, the Pro-Chancellor of Adeleke University and elder brother to the governor, lamented the persistent issue of electoral fraud in Nigeria. He argued that manipulation of the democratic process diminishes the power of citizens and undermines national progress.

“The will of the people is too often trampled upon through rigged elections, and this undermines the very foundation of our democracy,” Dr Adeleke warned. “It is a scourge that must be addressed if Nigeria is to realize its full economic and political potential.”

He called for a renewed commitment to electoral integrity and urged political leaders to respect the voice of the people.

Governor Adeleke concluded his remarks with a message of hope and unity, encouraging graduates to contribute meaningfully to society and uphold the values instilled in them during their time at Adeleke University.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our graduates. You represent the future of this nation, and I am confident that the knowledge and values imparted here will guide you toward greatness,” he said.

The convocation ended on a celebratory note, with graduates, faculty, and guests taking part in music, photography, and shared expressions of joy—a true reflection of a ceremony steeped in achievement and promise for the future.