OSOGBO — Governor Ademola Adeleke has openly thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term ambition, insisting that no political battle in Osun should be used to “fight” the President or damage his image ahead of 2027.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing Ibadan–Ile Ife–Ilesa Expressway reconstruction on Sunday, Adeleke described Tinubu as “our son, father and leader,” saying supporting the President goes beyond party politics and is now a “moral obligation” for Osun and the Yoruba people.
In what many observers see as a direct political jab at Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, Adeleke accused “selfish politicians” of allegedly trying to tarnish President Tinubu’s image in Osun for personal political interests.
“As governor of the President’s ancestral state, we will not allow selfish politicians such as the President’s cousin, Gboyega Oyetola, to tarnish the image of Mr President in Osun State,” Adeleke declared.
The governor further stated that Osun people consider themselves “privileged” to have Tinubu in power, stressing that he needed “no persuasion” before endorsing the President for re-election.
“How can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him?” Adeleke asked.
The governor also linked his endorsement to ongoing federal infrastructure projects, particularly the reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ile Ife–Ilesa Expressway, which he praised for its speed and quality.
Adeleke revealed that his administration is also expecting refunds from the Federal Government over federal roads rehabilitated by Osun State since 2022, while appealing for presidential approval for the reconstruction of the Osogbo–Ilesa Road.
The Osun governor additionally vowed that his administration would ensure a “free and fair election” during the August 15 political contest in the state, insisting that President Tinubu believes in democratic processes.
The statement was signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the Osun State Governor.
