Re: “Osun 2026: Enough of the Deceit, Ile-Ife Rejects Governor Adeleke’s Empty Promises” – A Response to Misinformation and Political Posturing
By: OLAREWAJU EMMANUEL GBENGA
It is with a sense of responsibility and deep concern for the truth that I respond to the politically charged and factually distorted article written by Mr. Salam Mustapha, known as ASMOF. While every citizen has a right to critique governance, it is dangerous and disingenuous to deliberately manipulate facts in the name of political rhetoric.
First, let us deal with the misleading statistics and claims regarding road construction. The claim that Governor Adeleke has constructed “only 3 kilometres of road” in Ile-Ife is false and lazy propaganda. The ongoing comprehensive rehabilitation of major roads in Ife, including the Lagere Flyover Project, is a testament to the Governor’s commitment to modernizing the city. Though still under construction, the flyover represents the first of its kind in the region, aimed at easing traffic congestion and boosting commercial activity. This isn’t a mere “gesture”; it’s a transformative project that previous administrations only talked about but never dared to begin.
In contrast to the notion of favoritism towards Ede, what Governor Adeleke’s critics fail to mention is that development under his administration is spread across Osun State, including Ife, Ilesa, Ikirun, Iwo, Ejigbo, and other towns. The 54 kilometres of road in Ede also serve broader strategic purposes, connecting neighbouring communities and facilitating economic movement. Good governance isn’t about starving one community to serve another. It’s about a comprehensive, phased approach to state-wide infrastructure development.
Let’s also address the misleading comments about Iremo road and litigation. Indeed, there are legal and bureaucratic delays concerning certain federal roads, but Governor Adeleke has shown initiative by working with federal authorities to unlock these impasses. His approach is legal, respectful of institutional boundaries, and focused on long-term solutions, not the short-term populism that characterized some past governments.
Mr. Mustapha also conveniently downplays the strategic improvements in education, healthcare, digital innovation, and youth employment across Osun State. Under Governor Adeleke, Osun has launched one of the most ambitious ICT development plans in its history, including the digital economy initiative that is training thousands of young people in tech skills. In the health sector, multiple primary health centres have been rehabilitated, and the Adeleke administration has initiated free medical outreach programs that directly benefit rural and urban residents alike.
Regarding the deputy governor from Ife, it is disappointing to see how some critics expect political representation to be transactional.
A deputy governor is not a tribal ambassador but part of a united leadership team. That said, the presence of an Ife son in such a position ensures that the town has a strong voice in the highest levels of decision-making—and there is visible evidence of Ife’s inclusion in the current administration’s agenda.
It is also important to caution against the language of division and resentment. The people of Ile-Ife are not beggars waiting for political handouts. They are proud contributors to Osun’s greatness and deserve to be spoken to with respect, not manipulated through emotions and falsehoods. Suggesting that Ife has been “deliberately neglected” is not only unfair, it is an insult to the professionals, stakeholders, civil servants, and political leaders from Ife who are working daily within the Adeleke administration for the good of all.
Finally, as we approach the 2026 elections, let us elevate the discourse. Let us compare records, not resort to cheap blackmail. Let us analyze policies, not manufacture outrage. Ile-Ife is not forgotten. History will remember those who built with honesty, not those who destroyed with bitterness.
Olarewaju Emmanuel Gbenga PKA IMMACULATE
Write from ile ife Okerewe ward 2
18th May, 2025
