The Osun State Government has rejected a series of allegations raised by opposition elements ahead of the 2026 governorship election, describing 14 claims about the Adeleke administration’s projects, finances, security record and governance as false, misleading and politically motivated.
The government made its position known in a 14-point fact-check document issued as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election. It used the document to defend the administration’s record while challenging what it described as attempts by opposition groups to portray the government negatively before voters.
On infrastructure, the government dismissed claims questioning the quality of its projects, saying construction works being undertaken by the administration are handled by experienced professionals, including engineers certified by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). It added that projects are subjected to technical assessments and validation.
The administration also rejected allegations that major construction contracts were awarded to companies lacking the necessary expertise. According to the government, contractors engaged by the state passed due-diligence, procurement and due-process requirements and have qualified professionals working within their organisations.
Responding to criticism over the use of indigenous contractors instead of multinational construction companies, the government defended its local-content policy, saying it was deliberately designed to develop local businesses, retain public funds within Osun and create opportunities for indigenous professionals and construction workers.
The government also dismissed reports that newly constructed bridges had collapsed because of poor workmanship, describing such claims as opposition propaganda and alleged sabotage. It further disputed the description of one of the roads cited by the opposition, saying the project was constructed under the previous administration led by Adegboyega Oyetola and was located in Ile-Ife, not Modakeke.
Security was another major issue addressed in the government’s response. The administration rejected allegations that Governor Ademola Adeleke sponsors violence, insisting that the governor has repeatedly directed his supporters not to retaliate when attacked. The government also made counterclaims concerning alleged casualties, injuries and arrests involving supporters of the Accord Party.
On the allegation that Adeleke spent ₦92 billion on entertainment through the Governor’s Office over a three-year period, the government described the claim as false. It explained that the Governor’s Office contains eight agencies with separate budgetary headings and responsibilities, arguing that the entire allocation cannot be attributed personally to the governor or classified as entertainment expenditure.
The administration also responded to the controversy surrounding the Ido-Osun Airport, saying the facility was handed over to the Nigerian Air Force by the previous Oyetola administration as part of an arrangement involving an aviation city and training centre. The government maintained that the airport remains located at Odo-Osun.
It equally rejected accusations of pursuing an “Edenisation agenda”, saying its infrastructure programme was designed to cover communities and local governments across the state. The government cited projects in Ila-Orangun, Iwo, Ilesa, Ede and Ile-Ife as examples of projects executed under the second phase of its infrastructure programme.
Defending its financial performance, the administration argued that comparisons between current government revenue and expenditure and figures from the period before 2022 must take inflation and exchange-rate pressures into account. It claimed that the Adeleke administration had delivered 350 kilometres of roads, three flyovers, six dualised roads, 150 renovated schools and more than 200 renovated health centres, among other projects.
The government further dismissed suggestions that Governor Adeleke is not in control of the state, insisting that he remains constitutionally responsible for executive decisions. It also stated that neither the governor’s brother nor sister is a member of the Osun State Executive Council.
On the controversial tractor procurement programme, the administration explained that its original plan was to acquire more than 100 tractors in three phases. It said the first batch of 31 tractors had been purchased and deployed, while subsequent procurement was suspended because of financial constraints.
The government also defended its handling of workers employed during the previous administration. It argued that the appointments in question were made after the 2022 election and had not been concluded before the Oyetola administration left office.
On tuition at the University of Ilesa, the administration said the comparatively higher fees charged for medical and law programmes were linked to the specialised facilities, equipment and professional standards required for those courses. It nevertheless maintained that the university remains relatively affordable compared with similar institutions.
Finally, the government responded to criticism of Governor Adeleke’s public dancing, saying the governor views the act as an expression of gratitude to God. It maintained that his occasional dancing has no bearing on his responsibilities or commitment to governing the state.
The government’s latest response comes as the political contest in Osun intensifies, with the administration seeking to defend its record against criticism from opposition parties and persuade voters that its performance merits another mandate.
With the governorship election approaching, the competing political camps are expected to continue trading claims and counterclaims over infrastructure, security, public finances and governance. The credibility of those claims is likely to remain a major issue as voters prepare to decide the next governor of Osun State.
