Reactions have trailed the decision of the new governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to distance himself from this year's Go-A-Fishing Christmas Programme held in Ada, Boripe Local Government Area of the state on Friday, 23rd December, 2022, inspite formal invitation by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Osun Region 3).
The Annual programme is designed by the Redeemed Christian Church of God to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and share the Gospel with communities and cities.
In December 24, 2013 when the programme was held in Ede, Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the then governor of the state, was in attendance alongside key government functionaries.
Similarly, in December 2021 when another edition of the programme was held, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the church's General Overseer, was welcomed graciously by high powered government delegation led by the First Lady of the state then, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola and the former deputy governor, Mr Benedict Alabi. Others were Secretary to the State Government Prince Wole Oyebanji, Chief of Staff to the Governor Dr Charles Akinola, APC State Chairman Prince Gboyega Famodun and several members of the the State Exco.
However, in this year's edition, reverse is the case as Governor Adeleke was not only conspicuously absent, he did not send any senior government official to represent him.
Sources said the renowned and respected preacher was snubbed by Adeleke because he did not support his emergence as Osun governor.
Adeleke, according to the sources, misconstrued Pastor Adeboye's closeness to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola as proof of his contempt to his person.
A source within the government who would not like his name mentioned disclosed to this reporter that Adeleke was advised by his close associates to honour the invitation nothwithstanding his reservation towards the Ijesha-born pastor, but the Governor rebuffed saying he would only extend love to those who supported his governorship aspiration.
To conceal his intention and avoid backlash from fans of the great revivalist, the source confirmed that Adeleke hurriedly arranged a Lagos trip and jetted out of the state ahead of the Ada crusade under the pretext of going for Christmas break.
Meanwhile, many RCCG members interviewed after the programme on Friday expressed their displeasure over the humiliation meted out to their spiritual father.
"Governor Ademola Adeleke is supposed to be father to all, irrespective of their religious, social and political class and bias," a visibly angry member submitted.