Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Friday strongly rejected claims by All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji that the state’s health system is “moribund”. Adeleke called the statement baseless and pointed to renovations, new equipment and regional awards as evidence of progress under his administration.
The exchange marks the first major public clash between the two politicians ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Oyebamiji made the original remark during his acceptance speech after emerging as the APC consensus candidate for the 2026 election.
“The health system in Osun State is currently moribund; we intend to revitalise it, thereby reducing the need for medical tourism,” Oyebamiji said. He added, “The welfare of the populace and communal peace and progress are paramount to our party, as they foster an environment where opportunity abounds and innovation flourishes.”
Adeleke responded through a statement signed by his spokesperson, Rasheed Olawale.
The governor described Oyebamiji’s comment as “a baseless disinformation attempt” that only widened the opposition candidate’s isolation from the public.
“It is like the opposition candidate is living in another world because Osun today, and from 2024, is number one across the South West in the area of provision of primary health care,” Adeleke said in the statement. “When the Ikire man was in government, Osun was nowhere within the 10 digits.”
Adeleke’s administration listed several achievements in the health sector. More than 200 primary health centres have been renovated, with a second phase currently underway. Hospitals received modern operating equipment, digital diagnostic devices, CPAP machines, genotype machines and digital X-ray printers.
The state also established renal dialysis services through a public-private partnership, installed air conditioners in clinical areas, created a theatre pharmacy and began construction of a 10-bed intensive care unit.
On staff welfare, the government approved the Medical Residency Training Fund—the first state teaching hospital in Nigeria to implement it—along with new hazard allowances, accoutrement allowances, a 50 per cent tax waiver on call duty and shift allowances, and one-for-one replacement of doctors.
Previously unconfirmed staff from the 2012 and 2013 batches were regularised, promotion exercises were completed for nurses and other workers, and allowances for contract staff and visiting consultants were increased.
Adeleke contrasted these steps with the previous APC administration, in which he said Oyebamiji played a key role.
“Under the previous government, the APC candidate was part of the committee that mismanaged the 20 million dollar World Bank grant meant for renovation of primary health care centres,” the governor stated. “Osun won’t return to the days of insensitive leaders.”
He noted that Osun won the South-West zonal category of the national Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge in both 2024 and 2025.
Adeleke concluded, “Mr Oyebamiji should be ashamed of the sordid records of a government under which he was a key player.”
