Your Tenure “Worst in Osun History,” Governor Adeleke Rebukes Aregbesola
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has publicly denounced his predecessor, former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, labeling his eight-year administration “the worst in Osun history.” The criticism comes in response to Aregbesola’s recent declaration that his political party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), would displace the Adeleke-led government in the 2026 gubernatorial election.
In a statement released by Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke’s spokesperson, on Monday, the incumbent governor accused Aregbesola of leaving a legacy of hardship and debt. He criticized the administration for introducing controversial half‑salary payments, misapplying contributory pension funds, withholding cooperative deductions, and launching incomplete and inflated projects—most notably including the “Opon Imo” tablet initiative.
“The empty boast of Mr. Aregbesola about 2026 is a symptom of a troubled mind…haunted by the suffering he inflicted on millions of Osun people through his evil policies and programmes,” the statement asserted.
Adeleke highlighted that his administration has now cleared 28 months’ worth of half-salaries and settled approximately ₦60 billion in pension arrears—a situation he attributes to the financial strain left by the Aregbesola era . He also noted that debt owed by the state under Aregbesola has reportedly been reduced by 40%, citing data from the Debt Management Office.
Listing recent achievements, Adeleke emphasized investments in infrastructure and social welfare, including the construction of about 200 km of roads, the rehabilitation of more than 200 schools and healthcare centres, the inclusion of over 30,000 pensioners in a health insurance scheme, and the facilitation of critical surgeries for over 60,000 residents.
Describing Aregbesola as “a shrew who doesn’t realize he’s smelling,” Adeleke warned that the 2026 election will serve as a referendum—“a payback year”—for the former governor’s policies, urging Osun voters to reject a return to what he described as the “dark days” of Aregbesola’s tenure.
