Governor Accuses Opposition of Sabotaging Osun State Development
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has accused the opposition of deliberately withholding the state’s allocation to hinder the completion of critical projects by his administration. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to pushing forward with all ongoing initiatives.
During a visit to inspect the Lagere Flyover Bridge and other infrastructure projects in Ile-Ife, the governor expressed frustration over what he described as an “ongoing onslaught” by the opposition. He stated, “We are less than three years into our administration, and almost a year of that time has been consumed by deliberate efforts to disrupt Osun’s development through the blocking of funding and destabilization plots.”
The governor emphasized that nearly N100 billion of Osun’s funds have been unjustly withheld, aiming to stop key projects such as the Ile-Ife flyover, Ilesa township dualisation, Iwo township road dualisation, and others. He criticized the opposition for using politics to delay much-needed progress, saying, “They have chosen to play politics with the urgent need of our people to exit decades of underdevelopment.”
Commitment to Completion
The governor assured the people of Osun that their government will not allow the opposition’s plans to succeed. “Our government will complete all ongoing major projects,” he declared. “We will not succumb to dark forces hell-bent on blocking Osun’s development.”
He also urged contractors and officials to remain diligent in their work, warning that non-performing contracts would be terminated. “I task them to show commitment to delivering on the awarded contracts,” he said. “I expect those contractors to maintain presence and ensure memorability of the roads while the contract lasts.”
Additionally, the Ministry of Works was instructed to strengthen its monitoring of ongoing projects and provide regular updates to the public. “Project implementation reports should henceforth be issued on a monthly basis,” he added.
Infrastructure as Economic Driver
The governor justified the infrastructure upgrades in Ile-Ife and other towns, stating that improved infrastructure is essential for economic growth. He criticized previous administrations for neglecting Ile-Ife, which he described as the cultural capital of the Yoruba people.
“Ile-Ife deserves the best roads and other infrastructure,” he said. “Our infrastructure projects are designed to transform the state into an economic hub and a tourism capital of the South-West.”
The Ile-Ife Flyover, which is nearing completion, is seen as a strategic project that connects Osun West, Ijesaland, and Ondo State through Garage Olode. The governor highlighted its importance in creating an economic hub.
Tourism and Cultural Significance
Beyond economic development, the governor emphasized the tourism potential of Ile-Ife. “Ile-Ife occupies a prime place in our creative economy agenda,” he said. “The cradle of the Yoruba nation deserves a massive infrastructure upgrade to support our vision of a cultural capital attracting multibillion-dollar tourism opportunities.”
He also pointed out that several internal roads in Ile-Ife have been reconstructed, including the Iredunmi–Oke Ijan Road, Oriyangi–St. John’s Road, Manchester–Igboya Road, and others. These projects, he said, are examples of equity in governance.
A New Era of Development
The governor rejected the legacy of abandoned projects and misused funds, stating, “Osun money must serve the Osun people.” He highlighted the administration’s commitment to ensuring that state funds are used for the benefit of the people.
“We have broken the jinx by launching and realising this upgrading of our cultural capital,” he said. “Some critics with low governance ambition dared us and declared that Ile-Ife needed no flyover bridge. We ask: why do you hate Ile-Ife so much?”
The governor concluded by reaffirming his administration’s dedication to the development of Osun State, emphasizing that the people’s aspirations will be fulfilled.
