Osun Governor Adeleke Blames Opposition for Withheld Funds, Defends Ile-Ife Projects

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has strongly justified his administration’s commitment to significant infrastructure upgrades in Ile-Ife and other major towns, declaring improved infrastructure as crucial for fast-tracking the state’s economic development.

Dependable NG reports that speaking in Ile-Ife on Wednesday during an inspection of the Lagere Flyover Bridge and other ongoing projects, Governor Adeleke described the ancient city as the cultural capital of the Yoruba people, which he insisted deserves the highest quality of road and infrastructure development. He vehemently criticised previous administrations for neglecting Ile-Ife and abandoning several vital projects in the area, stressing that his government is determined to completely change that narrative of underdevelopment.

Furthermore, the Governor accused the opposition of deliberately withholding local government allocations meant for Osun State in an attempt to frustrate the completion of critical projects. He vowed that this action would not deter his administration from its goal. “I am elated to see rapid progress already recorded in our unprecedented moves to modernise and upgrade Ile Ife,” Governor Adeleke stated, adding, “We must think big, aim very high and deliver the best infrastructure and services to our people.”

He pointed to the near-completion status of the Ile-Ife Flyover, noting that the project has shamed critics who had previously questioned its necessity and even the possibility of fund diversion. The Governor directly challenged the critics, asking: “Why do you hate Ile Ife so much? Why must it remain under perpetual underdevelopment?” Governor Adeleke concluded by highlighting that the flyover is strategically positioned at the economic hub of Osun East, facilitating trade, tourism, and connectivity between the state’s western and eastern parts, and neighbouring Ondo State. He affirmed, “Our mantra of state money for state development is manifesting in Ile Ife, Ilesa, Osogbo, Ede, Ila Orangun, Iwo and other towns.”