By John Dike, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke on Friday received a rousing welcome in Ife South Local Government Area as his re-election campaign train moved through Garage Olode, Ifetedo and other communities, with traditional rulers and community leaders throwing their weight behind his second-term bid.
The campaign witnessed the endorsement of the governor by the Olu of Awolowo, Oba Yekinni Olayemi Olasoji Omisore, the Olubosin of Ifetedo, Oba Akinola Oyetade Akinrera, alongside about 90 traditional rulers and 120 Baales, who commended the administration’s developmental projects across the state.
At the palace of the Olu of Awolowo, special prayers were offered for Governor Adeleke’s re-election by representatives of the three major religions, while the Olubosin of Ifetedo reaffirmed his loyalty to the governor and the Ooni of Ife, dismissing rumours suggesting otherwise.
Addressing supporters, Adeleke pledged to deepen rural development and expand infrastructure if re-elected, saying his administration had ensured that every local government benefitted from developmental projects.
“Wherever we go in Osun, our good work speaks for us. We touched every local government in terms of infrastructure and other deliverables. We will do more once re-elected,” the governor said.
During the visit, Adeleke commissioned a three-kilometre road in Ifetedo and assured residents of Garage Olode that his administration would address the community’s long-standing electricity challenges.
“Once we are re-elected, we will break the jinx of lack of power supply in this town. Our Ministry of Energy has done all the spade work,” he stated.
The governor also alleged that the diversion of local government funds had slowed his administration’s response in some sectors but maintained that his government had continued to execute major projects despite the challenges.
He further promised increased recruitment of medical personnel and teachers during a second term, saying improved healthcare and education would remain top priorities.
Adeleke also commissioned medical equipment donated to Ifetedo by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Yusuf Ali, describing the intervention as a boost to healthcare delivery in the area.
The campaign train included the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Director-General of the Campaign Organisation, Senator Lere Oyewumi; Deputy Director-General, Hon. Kolapo Alimi; Accord State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande; Chairman of the Campaign Publicity Committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam, and other party leaders.
At the rally, Ife South campaign coordinator, Hon. Sunday Bisi, announced that prominent APC chieftain Peter Ogundeji Apata, alongside Wasiu Atowo-Atomo, Elegunmeje and thousands of their supporters, would formally defect to the Accord Party next Wednesday.
According to Bisi, the planned defections underscore growing support for Governor Adeleke’s administration ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
