Concerned Citizens Petition Police, DSS Over Alleged Vandalism of Adeleke’s Legacy Projects in Osun

By Omidiran Seun

A group of concerned citizens has petitioned the Osun State Police Command and the Department of State Services, DSS, over the alleged vandalism of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s legacy projects, including the Lameco Flyover in Osogbo and the attempted damage of the 11-span Lagere Flyover in Ile-Ife.

In a statement, the National Coordinator of the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, Modakeke, Osun State, Apesin Abiodun Adegoke, condemned those responsible for the alleged damage to the newly constructed flyover in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

If confirmed, the alleged acts would represent a direct assault on public infrastructure, the rule of law and the collective interest of the people of Osun State.

Osun State is widely believed to have experienced a slowdown in infrastructural development during the last four years of the previous APC administration led by former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. That perception was a major factor in the 2022 governorship election that ushered in Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke.

In under three years, the Adeleke administration has undertaken massive infrastructural transformation across the state, including the construction of three major flyovers — two in Osogbo and the historic 11-span flyover at Lagere in Ile-Ife, described as the first of its kind in the ancient cradle of the Yoruba race. The administration has also constructed and rehabilitated several dual carriageways in Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Iwo, Ede, Osogbo, Ikirun and Ila-Orangun.

It is therefore worrisome that these critical public assets are now reportedly under attack. According to reports, residents of Ile-Ife foiled an attempt to damage the Lagere Flyover, while visible marks suspected to be from gunshots and scattered debris at the Lameco Flyover have sparked public apprehension.

These reports call for a thorough, impartial and professional investigation to establish the truth and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full wrath of the law.

Public infrastructure is built with taxpayers’ money for the benefit of all, regardless of political affiliation, and must not be turned into a target for political vendetta or sabotage.

Adegoke called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and other relevant security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, investigate the allegations and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He also appealed to the good people of Osun State to remain peaceful, vigilant and resolute in protecting public property, while continuing to support sustainable development in the state.

“Politics must remain a contest of ideas and superior policies, not a platform for destroying public assets meant for present and future generations,” he said.