Adeleke Defends Record on Projects, State Police, Ede Airport at Arise Town Hall

By Omidiran Seun 

Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has defended his administration’s performance ahead of the August 15 governorship election, insisting that his government has delivered on infrastructure, healthcare and other key sectors.

Speaking at the Arise News Osun Governorship Town Hall held in Osogbo, Adeleke responded to criticisms that his administration has executed substandard projects and concentrated development in his hometown, Ede.

On road infrastructure, the governor said his administration has constructed and rehabilitated about 350 kilometres of roads across the state, including roads abandoned for decades. 

He listed the Otoyinbatu-Iresi road, abandoned for about 45 years, and the Tokere road, neglected for about 25 years, among the projects completed.

He dismissed claims of substandard work, saying all projects are supervised by certified engineers and subjected to independent inspections. 

He challenged critics to present reports from qualified engineers to back their allegations, adding that he personally visits sites to monitor quality.

Adeleke said his government has also rehabilitated and upgraded about 200 primary healthcare centres, equipping them with boreholes, solar-powered electricity and other facilities, while installing solar streetlights in several communities in Osogbo and other areas to boost security and economic activities.

On security, the governor declared support for the creation of state police, while acknowledging concerns that governors could abuse the system. He said he would not interfere with police operations and would uphold the rule of law.

“If anyone commits an offence, including my own family member, the law should take its course. I believe in state police, properly trained and allowed to do their job professionally,” he said.

Reacting to criticisms that his administration focuses on entertainment, Adeleke said his love for music and dance has not affected governance.

“There is time for entertainment and time for serious governance. Our projects across the state speak for themselves,” he said, accusing opponents of engaging in propaganda and intimidation.

On allegations of favouritism towards Ede, often described by critics as the “Ede-isation” of Osun, the governor said Ede remains part of Osun State and should not be denied development because it is his hometown.

“I am not a pastor; I am a politician, and I will ensure that my town also benefits from government projects,” he said, while insisting that other parts of the state have not been neglected.

Addressing the controversy over the proposed airport project, Adeleke said the decision to locate it in Ede was based on technical advice, not politics. He noted that the existing facility previously referred to as an airport was not functional and had been handed over to the Nigerian Air Force as a training ground by his predecessor.

According to him, experts were commissioned to assess various locations, including areas around Obafemi, before Ede was recommended as the most suitable site.

The governor urged residents to judge his administration by its performance and pledged to continue development across all parts of the state if re-elected.