Governor Ademola Adeleke has made headlines by appointing Mr. Ebenezer Ige as the new Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society Engagement. This move is supposedly part of Adeleke’s grand plan to boost collaboration with civil society organizations and keep communication lines open across the state.
A statement from Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, makes it clear that this appointment is a big deal. Rasheed touted Ige’s new role as a key piece in Adeleke’s strategy to ensure “robust and effective” interaction with stakeholders. Meanwhile, former SSA on Civil Society, Mr. Adebisi Emmanuel, remains suspended as an investigation into some serious allegations against him drags on.
The Governor’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct was emphasized in the statement, with a firm promise that any proven wrongdoers will face the full force of the law.
Earlier, PUNCH Online revealed that Adebisi was suspended on July 3rd for undisclosed reasons, sparking rumors and speculation. In a Facebook post, Adebisi vehemently denied accusations of diverting 70 bags of rice meant for civil society groups during the Sallah festival. He dismissed these allegations as false and politically motivated, accusing his critics of spreading baseless claims.
Adebisi’s post defended his record, asserting that he remains committed to his duties and challenging anyone with evidence against him to come forward. His response suggests a contentious battle is brewing over the nature of his suspension and the broader implications for civil society engagement in Osun State.
“It has come to my attention that recent reports circulating in the media regarding me, Comrade Adebisi Emmanuel, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Civil Societies, are misleading and untrue.
“The claims suggesting that I, Emmanuel Adebisi, have been suspended and removed from a WhatsApp group are categorically false.
“I continue to serve diligently in my capacity as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Osun State, with unwavering commitment to my responsibilities.
“Any insinuation of my involvement in misconduct, particularly relating to the alleged diversion of 70 bags of rice intended for Osun civil societies during the Eid-el-Kabir festival, is entirely baseless and without merit. It is the handiwork of bitter political foes, and I challenge anyone with facts on this matter to bring them forward.”
