Governor Ademola Adeleke
By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has explained why his administration and political associates endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reelection in the 2027 presidential poll.
He described the endorsement as a moral, strategic and development-driven decision aimed at protecting the interests of Osun State and the Yoruba race at large.
Adeleke made the remarks on Sunday while speaking with journalists after inspecting the ongoing reconstruction work on the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa Expressway.
He said President Tinubu remains a son, father and leader of Yoruba land who deserves support beyond political affiliations and partisan considerations.
His words, “I am the governor of the ancestral birthplace of Mr President. How can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him? I need no persuasion to act as I have declared repeatedly, our endorsement of Mr President.”
The governor added that Osun people remain proud and privileged to have one of their illustrious sons occupying the highest political office in the country.
“How many governors are as lucky as me? Well, my brother, Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State will claim to be luckier. But we in Osun State count ourselves lucky and privileged to have one of our illustrious sons and father at the helm of affairs of Nigeria,”.
He stressed that his support for President Tinubu transcends party politics, insisting that development, regional progress and unity should remain paramount considerations for leaders.
Adeleke expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of work being carried out on the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa Expressway project, describing it as one of the major infrastructure projects capable of boosting economic activities and improving transportation within Osun State and neighbouring states.
“I am elated at the speed and quality of work. The reconstruction will further widen and ease access to major centres of Osun State and complement my administration’s accelerated infrastructure deliveries across towns and villages,” the governor noted.
He also disclosed that his administration had rehabilitated several federal roads across the state since assuming office in 2022.
According to him, more than 300 kilometres of state roads have equally been reconstructed under his administration as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and economic development across Osun communities.
“Our administration has also rehabilitated a number of federal roads from 2022 to date. At the state level, over 300 kilometres of state roads have been reconstructed. We are hoping Mr President will soon authorise payment of refund for those rehabilitated federal roads,” he said.
The governor further appreciated President Tinubu for approving the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo Road as well as the Gbongan-Akoda Road.
He disclosed that his administration would continue to engage the Federal Government on additional road projects beneficial to the people of the state.
“We however again convey our appreciation to Mr President for the approval of reconstruction of Ibadan-Iwo Road-Osogbo as well as Gbongan-Akoda Road. I hope to write to Mr President to further approve the Osogbo-Ilesa Road for reconstruction,” Adeleke added.
The governor also used the opportunity to speak on the forthcoming political activities in the state, insisting that democracy and the will of the people must prevail at all times.
He accused some political actors of attempting to create tension within the state, warning against actions capable of tarnishing the image of President Tinubu in Osun State.
“As a governor of the president’s ancestral state, we will not allow selfish politicians such as the president’s cousin, Adegboyega Oyetola, to tarnish the image of Mr President in Osun State. With God and the people, democracy shall triumph on August 15,” he declared.
Governor Adeleke maintained that President Tinubu has consistently advocated for free, fair and credible elections across the country.
According to him, the Osun State Government would ensure that all democratic processes within the state are conducted peacefully and lawfully.
“Mr President has repeatedly advocated free and fair elections. As a government, we will deploy all means within the law to ensure free and fair election on August 15 and beyond. We know and believe the President means well for Osun State,” the governor stated.
Political observers believe the endorsement may further reshape political alignments within Osun State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor’s remarks have also generated reactions among political stakeholders, with many interpreting the endorsement as a move aimed at strengthening cooperation between Osun State and the Federal Government.
Residents and stakeholders across the state have continued to express interest in the ongoing federal road projects, noting that improved road infrastructure would significantly boost trade, transportation, economic activities and regional connectivity.
The Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa Expressway remains one of the strategic road projects connecting major economic corridors in the South-West region.
Many commuters and business owners have long called for the rehabilitation of the road due to its importance to commercial activities and interstate transportation.
Governor Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, democratic governance and peaceful political engagement across Osun State.
