In a scathing critique of the current administration, a former deputy governor and governorship hopeful in Osun State has raised the alarm over what he describes as a severe neglect of fundamental public sectors.
Allegations of Critical Sector Failure
Chief Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, who served as deputy governor and is now an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, submitted his nomination forms at the party's national secretariat in Abuja on Monday, 1 December 2025. He used the occasion to launch a direct attack on the performance of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Alabi asserted that while the state government might point to visible infrastructure like roads and bridges, the core areas of education and healthcare have been left to deteriorate. He framed this as a clear demonstration of a lack of commitment to the welfare of Osun's citizens.
Education in a State of Crisis
The former deputy governor provided specific figures to back his claims on education. He recalled that during his previous administration, they employed 2,500 teachers, which only partially filled a massive shortage of 7,500 educators.
"Yet, after three years, Adeleke’s government has not employed a single teacher," Alabi stated emphatically. He warned that this policy, or lack thereof, is directly denying thousands of young people in Osun the quality education they are entitled to receive.
Healthcare System Leaves Citizens Vulnerable
Alabi extended his criticism to the healthcare sector, describing its continued neglect as a major risk to vulnerable populations. He argued that a failing health system undermines the overall development and prosperity of the state.
"Education and health are the backbone of a prosperous society, yet these sectors remain neglected under the current leadership," he said. He added that true progress is impossible when people are systematically deprived of such essential services.
Stalled Projects and Empty Promises
Beyond social services, Alabi highlighted stalled infrastructure projects as another failure of the Adeleke administration. He pointed out that development agreements signed with neighbouring states have seen no completion three years into the governor's tenure.
According to him, this inertia not only hampers economic growth but also robs local communities of critical social and economic benefits that such projects would bring.
He also decried a widespread lack of systematic empowerment programmes for citizens, particularly targeting the youth and market traders who form the backbone of the local economy.
A Blueprint for a New Osun
Outlining his own vision, Alabi promised that if elected, his administration would launch targeted initiatives to stimulate the economy and support entrepreneurship.
These include the Osun Youth Innovation Fund and the Osun Market Money micro-credit scheme. These programmes are designed to provide grants, training, and crucial financial support to empower young innovators and small business owners.
He emphasised that his government would be built on the pillars of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, vowing to serve the people's interests above political maneuvering.
"My mission is to restore education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to the people, ensuring that no one is left behind," Alabi concluded, defining leadership by tangible improvements in citizens' lives.
Omisore Joins the Fray, Criticises "Dancing Governor"
In a related development, another leading APC governorship aspirant, Senator Iyiola Omisore, also criticised Governor Adeleke's approach to leadership after submitting his forms in Abuja.
Omisore insisted that Osun State requires a more serious, experienced, and visionary leader, arguing that governance is a solemn responsibility. He took a clear jab at Governor Adeleke's public persona, which often includes dancing at events.
"Osun does not deserve a dancing governor," Omisore stated bluntly. He stressed that public office demands depth, discipline, and focus, qualities he implied are lacking in the current administration's theatrical style.
