Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that he blocked political godfathers from exploiting the state’s resources, emphasizing his commitment to financial prudence and development.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Adeleke highlighted his achievements in office over the past two years, despite skepticism surrounding his leadership.
Reflecting on his controversial 2018 electoral loss, he described his eventual 2022 victory as a testament to divine timing. “It is not easy to defeat an incumbent in Africa, especially in Nigeria, but I did,” he said, adding that critics underestimated him due to his public persona as the ‘dancing senator.’
Upon assuming office, Adeleke said he prioritized infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to aid farmers in transporting their goods. He noted that his administration had successfully executed a ₦100 billion infrastructure plan, completing 150 kilometers of roads and several bridges across the state.
Addressing the state’s financial situation, the governor revealed that Osun inherited a debt of nearly ₦60 billion, which he has been steadily reducing through improved tax collection and a crackdown on financial leakages. He asserted that his administration is self-sufficient, having run without reliance on political financiers.
Adeleke also disclosed his efforts to revive Osun’s mining sector, securing a shareholder license to generate additional revenue for the state.
On security votes, he stated: “I don’t collect it; it’s there. I only use it when there’s a security challenge.”
The governor reaffirmed his dedication to transparent governance and economic reform, positioning Osun as a model of fiscal discipline and infrastructural development.
