Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State resumed on the dancefloor last weekend not minding the sober mood of the state following the devastation and loss of human lives caused by the flood recorded in the Ikire part of the state.
As the flood victims waited in vain for promised state intervention and support, Governor Adeleke was several kilometres away in Lagos State where he attended weddings and other social events to fraternize joyfully with socialites, friends and associates.
At one of the celebrations, specifically the wedding of Alhaji Lukman Adewale Yekini (aka Luyek) and Alhaja Alimat Shadiyat Asake, Governor Adeleke took to the dance floor to the amusement of guests and other onlookers.
But the people of Ikire had no such luxury of amusement nor did their harrowing circumstance permit them to dance in celebration. Those who managed to escape with their lives were left counting their loss as the flood swept away their properties, shelter, and loved ones.
The state’s emergency services and the environmental department, which ordinarily ought to anticipate the tragedy and implement preventive measures to lessen the impact, were caught flatfooted and have since failed to respond effectively to offer relief to grieving victims.
“Nothing has come so far. Not palliative or any form of care. We are completely on our own, with no support from the state government,” one of the victims who requested anonymity for fear of retribution told PODIUM REPORTERS.
She said, “This type of flood has never happened before. We have waited tirelessly for something to come from the state government. Though we heard that an announcement was made, nothing has come.”
The flood and its poor management by the Osun State government marks another low point of the Adeleke administration. It comes amid roiling controversy over the formation of the state’s cabinet, a development widely perceived as an affirmation of the suspicion that the Adeleke family is bent on executing a state capture through the governor.
At least five confirmed members of the Adeleke family were appointed to sensitive senior government positions and ministries despite lacking the profile and experience to serve in the positions.