Oriontimes Environmental News | June 24, 2026
Osun's Urban Future Depends on Planning, Compliance and Modernization, Says Governor's Aide
Adeleke Needs More Time to Deepen Osun's Transformation, Rural Development Next Frontier — Babarinde
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Mr. Funmiso Babarinde, has defended the administration's record on infrastructure and urban development, insisting that the governor has delivered transformative projects across Osun State and requires more time to consolidate the gains already achieved.
Babarinde made the remarks during the 11th Media Parley organized by the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA), themed "Exploring Politics, Governance and Representation."
Speaking on the challenges of urban planning and development, he noted that many communities across the state evolved from unplanned settlements, making redevelopment a complex task for any government.
According to him, urbanization extends beyond road construction and involves careful planning, environmental preservation, utility management, and compliance with building regulations.
"Most of our communities originated from unplanned terrains. Re-planning already existing traditional communities has always been a herculean task for any government. In many advanced countries, authorities often choose modernization while preserving historical structures for tourism purposes rather than demolishing them," he said.
Babarinde highlighted ongoing efforts by the Adeleke administration to improve urban infrastructure, citing developments in Government Reserved Areas (GRAs), Oroki Estate, Oranmiyan Housing Estate, Elizabeth Housing Estate, and emerging residential layouts around Osogbo.
He stressed the importance of preserving designated green areas and enforcing building regulations, noting that proper urban development requires adherence to approved planning standards.
"There are portions of land reserved as green areas in every properly planned community. Urbanization is not just about erecting structures; it includes approved plumbing systems, electricity installations, drainage networks, and other essential infrastructure. Unfortunately, many people fail to comply with building regulations," he added.
The governor's aide also rejected claims that Governor Adeleke's developmental focus has been concentrated in Ede, arguing that major projects have been spread across different parts of the state.
He cited road projects in Ila, Iwo, Ilesa, Ife, Osogbo, and several rural communities, including Edun-Abon and Tonkere, as evidence of the administration's statewide approach to development.
"When people talk about Ede, they often ignore the massive projects executed in other towns. The road from the palace to Bureau Junction in Ilesa is not in Ede. The flyover in Ife is not in Ede. The Oke-Fia flyover in Osogbo is not in Ede. Roads constructed in Ila, Iwo and other communities are not in Ede. People should not become intoxicated by the narrative that the governor is only developing Ede," he stated.
Babarinde further argued that it would be unfair to compare the achievements of an administration that has spent less than four years in office with governments that had longer tenures.
He maintained that Governor Adeleke has laid a solid foundation for sustainable development and deserves another term to expand the scope of his interventions across the state.
"Let's not compare someone who has spent less than four years in office with administrations that had much longer periods. He has done a lot and needs more time to do even more. The agitations from various communities are genuine, and government appreciates those concerns," he said.
Looking ahead, the governor's aide disclosed that rural development would occupy a prominent place in the administration's future agenda, adding that challenges arising from the local government crisis had slowed some interventions.
"In the next four years, rural development will be a major focus. People should also remember the issues surrounding local government administration. With time, these challenges will be resolved, and more development will reach our rural communities," Babarinde concluded.


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