Governor replaces aide accused of diverting Sallah rice
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Mr Ebenezer Ige as the Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society Engagement.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Saturday, said Ige’s appointment aligns with Adeleke’s commitment to robust and effective engagement with all stakeholders across the state.
“The appointment of Mr Ige Oluwasegun Ebenezer is in line with Governor Adeleke’s commitment to fostering robust partnerships with civil society organisations and ensuring effective engagement with all stakeholders across the state.
“Governor Adeleke has also directed that the suspension of the former SSA on Civil Society, Mr Adebisi Emmanuel, remains in effect. This directive stands pending the conclusion of the investigation into the allegations levelled against him.
“The Governor has reiterated his zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and corruption, emphasising that any individual found culpable will be dealt with according to the law,” the statement partly read.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Adeleke, on July 3, suspended Adebisi for undisclosed reasons and directed an investigation into the allegations against him.
Meanwhile, Adebisi, in a Facebook post earlier on the day of his suspension, described as false the allegation that he diverted 70 bags of rice meant for distribution to members of civil society groups in the state during the last Sallah festival.
Adebisi wrote: “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.”
