Gov. Adeleke And University Of Ilesa: Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi Not An Antagonist

“Passion is something that’s more powerful than love. It’s something you are not willing to let go of….” - Anonymous.

Since the coming of the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke to the excitement and satiation of all Ijesa people, there has been a lot of miscommunications between the popular administration and some of Ijesa community leaders and stakeholders of the newly minted University of Ilesa. And miscommunication is not always tantamount to antagonism by any measure.

Some of the stakeholders were very concerned about the steps taken by our Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke regarding the Committee set up to examine possible lacunae that the previous administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola might have inadvertently left unfilled. There was nothing wrong with this kind of step. Government is a continuum. It was the right thing to do to put things in proper perspective, going forward.

This step by Gov. Adeleke was perceived by some as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the take-off of the University. There was apprehension. There were concerns. There were worries. All of these were legitimate among a people who are so anxious about the University’s take-off. The worries have turned out to be unfounded eventually.

Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi had penned series of letters since the advent of this administration, trying to convey these concerns among the Ijesa stakeholders to the new administration.

These series of letters are now tools in the hands of disgruntled political scallywags trying to foster a crisis between Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi and the administration of our dear Gov. Adeleke. The people of Osun waited for four years for this administration to come on board because we believed in it.

The administration has not done anything yet to disappoint us. It has not done anything that warranted any condemnation. Neither has the expressions of the concerns of Ijesa stakeholders by Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi been out of place.

In series of appearances on a couple of radio stations in Osun State in January, one had made attempts to foster understanding and debunked the assumptions of crisis that were unfounded, concerning the administration’s setting up of the Committee led by Prof. Taiwo Ashaolu on the University of Ilesa.

In fact, and indeed, it is my hope that His Excellency, Gov. Adeleke would see Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi as one of his best friends that wished the administration well. In a democracy, giving the leadership necessary feedback is a precious thing. The administration ought not to see Asiwaju Fasuyi’s actions as that of an antagonist but rather that of a friend who wants it to succeed.

There is a great need of and for cooperation between the Ijesa Community and the administration. It is in this atmosphere of cooperation that both parties would be edified and fulfilled.

We should not allow some enemies of progress to create unnecessary toxic atmosphere that would undermine the progress that has been made and would be made in Ijesa land concerning the University and other areas of development. This is a government desired by our people and it deserves our support on all fronts.

Asiwaju Fasuyi is a passionate patriot of Ijesa land and a leader without guile or chicanery. He is a leading light for our aspirations in Ijesa land. His passion should not be misconstrued as antagonism. He respects and regard this new administration from previous conversations.

Any attempt to set him against Professor Taiwo Ashaolu, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, or this administration of Gov. Ademola Adeleke, should not be allowed to be planted, not to speak of it germinating. They are friends and they get along very well. They understand what is at stake on this new University and the imperative to be successful. Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi and Prof. Ashaolu are both distinguished sons of Ijesa. And we are very proud of them.

His Excellency, Gov. Adeleke should have an open mind as the leader of the State. He should adorn the apparel of panoramic engagement with all sections of the State in general and in Ijesa land, particularly. Ijesa land is one of his strong constituencies. He should nurture the beautiful relationship further.

The people of Osun State have given the cognomen of “Imole,” to Gov. Adeleke. “Imole” means “Light.” And where “Light” subsists, darkness would naturally take a flight into oblivion. We all should be wary of agents of darkness and confusion. This new day in Ijesa land would not, should not and must not be uglified, regardless of our political persuasions. The Ijesa interest must be paramount in all our thoughts and actions.

Gov. Adeleke is a co-anchor in this endeavor, and we appreciate him too.

Thank you.
By Remi Oyeyemi