DOUBLE EDGE: A Mirror Reflection of Governor Adeleke’s Reign

 Governor Ademola Adeleke hails from a wealthy and influential family in Ede, Osun State. His father and brother both governed Osun at different times, and he came into office with both high expectations and deep skepticism trailing behind him.

As I write, I do so with an independent mind, without fear or favor. This is a balanced mirror, reflecting both the light and the shadows in the tenure of “the unusual governor” famed for his dancing flair.

THE BEGINNING: CAN ANYTHING GOOD COME FROM ‘JERUSALEM’?

When Adeleke assumed office on November 27, 2022, many asked if anything meaningful could emerge from his administration. His early days were marked by multiple Executive Orders, some necessary, some not, and some outright controversial.

Three years later, Adeleke’s administration has been eventful, polarizing, and in many cases, unpredictable. Major issues, from the siting of the state airport, to traditional institution crises, to teacher recruitment controversies, continue to define his leadership.

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE MIRROR

A likable personality

Yoruba would say “eni tí ó ní ẹran ifẹ̀ l’ara” ,Adeleke is naturally likable. It is difficult for the public to hate him, even when performance falls short.

Responsive to criticism

One of his strongest points is his responsiveness. When Insight Media Links highlighted the darkness across Osogbo, Ede, Ilesa, and Ile-Ife, Adeleke swiftly installed streetlights. Likewise, protests over the dusty Alekuwodo–Oke-Fia road moved him to act immediately.

When videos of the dilapidated Erin Ijesha Waterfalls went viral, he visited the site the next day.

Visible infrastructure

Road projects and infrastructural improvements in Ilesa, Osogbo, Ede, and Ile-Ife are noticeable. On security, despite the recent Ife incident, Amotekun Corps under Adeleke performed strongly. I rate him 56% on security.

Worker-friendly administration

Osun workers and pensioners will remember Adeleke’s prompt payments, clearing of inherited debts, and general welfare-focused policies. He even paid idle local government workers who embarked on a prolonged strike, an unconventional move that many still question, but one that earned him praise from labor groups.

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MIRROR

Failed promises

Many promises remain unfulfilled. Notably:

Iwo–Osogbo highway left to rot.

Contractors not mobilized, despite repeated assurances.

Recruitment of teachers remains undone after sacking Oyetola’s recruits.

Imole Youth Corps members, mostly unqualified, have downed tools due to poor welfare. Education under Adeleke is below average.

Lack of clear policy direction

Osun still lacks:

A credible transport policy

A reliable mass transit system

A proper housing policy, especially for students suffering in exorbitant accommodation markets.

Traditional institution controversies

Government interventions in Ikirun, Esa-Oke, Igbajo, and other towns have angered many residents. This remains one of the administration’s biggest setbacks.

Neglect of the State Assembly environment

It is almost impossible for a non-resident to locate Osun State House of Assembly—there is no visible signage.

The Assembly gate, removed at the start of Adeleke’s tenure, remains unrestored.

Lawmakers’ official quarters also remain abandoned.

A WORD ON HEALTH SECTOR

Primary Health Centre workers are doing excellently, and deserve commendation. What they need is infrastructural upgrade across many facilities I personally visited.

POLITICS AND THE FUTURE: A CROSSROAD FOR ADELEKE

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun is in internal turmoil, but my focus is on the governor’s political destiny.

From all available signs, Adeleke must complete all ongoing projects before his tenure ends if he hopes to retain any form of political honor.

But here is my honest observation:

If Adeleke contests in 2026, his second term will not carry the goodwill of the first.

Those chanting “Hosanna!” today may very well shout “Crucify him!” tomorrow.

Oyinlola and Oyetola left when the ovation was loudest.

Aregbesola’s legacy was damaged by his second term battles, half salaries and conflicts that overshadowed his excellent first term performance.

Adeleke has beautified Ede in a way no one expected for another 50 years. On that, he deserves applause.

FINAL ADVICE TO GOVERNOR ADELEKE

Sir, if you must preserve your honor, consider the following options:

1. Finish all ongoing projects within your first term.

2. Reconsider contesting for a second term in 2026.

3. Alternatively, pursue a Senatorial seat in Osun West.

Your first term goodwill will not survive a turbulent second term.

This is not prophecy, just honest, independent analysis.

•Adesoji Omosebi is the Publisher of SOJ WORLDWIDE ONLINE NEWS and former Chairman of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA), Osogbo, Osun State.