The Osun Civil Society Coalition, OCSC, has asked the state government to clarify whether Governor Ademola Adeleke formally transmitted the powers and functions of his office to Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi following his departure from Nigeria for a vacation in Europe.
The coalition made the demand in a statement signed on Tuesday by its Chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal, and Secretary, Comrade Olowu Emmanuel, after Adeleke announced that he had travelled abroad for a holiday during which he would also undergo medical examinations.
The group said it did not object to the Governor taking time away from office, acknowledging that he was constitutionally entitled to proceed on vacation. However, it argued that his absence raised a separate question about whether the constitutional procedure governing a Governor’s temporary inability to perform official functions had been followed.
The coalition specifically cited Section 190(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, which provides for a Governor to formally notify the Speaker of the State House of Assembly in writing when proceeding on vacation or when otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office.
According to the group, the provision is important because it establishes the constitutional framework for the Deputy Governor to perform the functions of Governor during the Governor’s absence. OCSC therefore said the issue should not be left to assumptions or informal administrative arrangements.
The coalition called on the Osun State Government to publicly confirm whether Adeleke had transmitted the required written declaration to the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly before or after leaving the country.
“If such a declaration has been transmitted, the government should make this fact known to the people of Osun and indicate when the transmission was made,” the coalition said.
It argued that making the information public would provide clarity over the status of executive authority while Adeleke remains outside Nigeria and would demonstrate adherence to constitutional accountability.
The group further stated that if the required notification had not been made, the government should take immediate steps to complete the process. It gave the government a 48-hour deadline, insisting that there should be no uncertainty about who is constitutionally responsible for exercising executive authority during the Governor’s absence.
“Our position is clear. It is a straightforward demand for strict adherence to the Constitution and the preservation of constitutional order,” the coalition said.
OCSC also appealed to the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly to ensure that the constitutional requirement was respected and that members of the public were properly informed about the status of executive authority during Adeleke’s absence.
The coalition maintained that residents had a right to know who was exercising executive powers at any given time, particularly when the elected Governor was outside the country. It said constitutional procedures should take precedence over assumptions, informal arrangements or administrative convenience.
While wishing Adeleke a peaceful vacation and successful medical examinations, the coalition said personal goodwill toward the Governor should not be allowed to override constitutional obligations.
“The Constitution must be obeyed and the necessary action should be taken within 48 hours,” it concluded.
Osun Civil Society Demands Clarity Over Adeleke’s Absence, Deputy’s Constitutional Role
