By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

|

Tension has flared up in Osun State over the newly unveiled N159 billion infrastructure development plan, accusing a administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke failing to deliver on a prior N100 billion pledge.

The opposition party described the latest initiative as another round of deception by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government, alleging that key projects under the previous infra plan have either stalled or been abandoned.

In a statement signed by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Mr Olabisi Mogaji, the APC recalled that Governor Adeleke had in October last year promised to embark on a N100 billion infrastructure drive without borrowing. At the time, he pledged to complete five major flyovers by the end of 2024.

However, Mogaji noted that the flyover projects in Okefia, Lameco, and Ile-Ife have failed to meet set timelines and now face the risk of abandonment. He added that work is yet to commence on similar projects at Ikirun and Owode, casting doubts on the feasibility of the governor’s fresh N159 billion plan.

“Osun State deserves better,” Mogaji said. “It is time for the government to prioritise essential sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and rural road infrastructure, rather than embarking on grandiose projects that may not be completed.

“The state should take a cue from more organised capitals like Ilorin and Ibadan that boast of efficient road networks and traffic systems.

“The government’s inability to deliver on the earlier N100 billion plan raises serious concerns about its capacity to manage and implement the new N159 billion proposal.”

The APC further accused the governor of playing politics with security recruitment, alleging that the recent engagement of 1,000 Amotekun operatives was a ploy to empower PDP loyalists.

“Credible checks have revealed that most of the recruits are political thugs attached to state functionaries and influential PDP leaders, including their spouses and children. This is a disservice to the security architecture of the state,” the statement added.

The party also questioned why the governor has not reinstated the 1,500 teachers employed by his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola—now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy—nor replaced the 20,000 disengaged OYES corps members and thousands of health workers.

PDP Fires Back

Reacting, the Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the APC’s criticisms as unfounded and unfortunate, maintaining that the administration is on course with its infrastructure drive.

According to him, the first phase of the plan is already 70 to 80 percent completed across various sectors, with visible progress on multiple fronts.

“It is only enemies of the people that will deny the massive infrastructural transformation taking place across Osun. Work has never stopped at the Oke Fia and Lameco flyovers, and the pace of work is increasing by the day,” Rasheed said.

He cited the ongoing progress of the Ile-Ife flyover and the completed dualisation projects in Ilesa and Osogbo as evidence of Adeleke’s commitment.

“The Oke Gada bridge is 90 percent done. The Ilesa Garage-Stadium roundabout is completed and commissioned. The Akoda-Oke Gada dualisation is also fully executed,” he stated.

He further disclosed that over 200 primary health centres had been upgraded, more than 100 schools rehabilitated, and 150km of roads—both urban and rural—constructed under the first phase.

Rasheed explained that some projects such as the Abere and Ikirun flyovers were shelved in favour of alternatives preferred by the communities.

“Governor Adeleke is a people-centric leader who listens to the voices of his people. Unlike the APC, this government has matched words with action,” he asserted.

He also claimed that the Adeleke administration has reduced the state’s infrastructure deficit by over 45 percent, addressing the challenges inherited from the previous government.

“The second phase of N159 billion is carefully designed to meet the pressing needs of communities across the state in areas including education, health, and roads. The Governor remains resolute in his commitment to delivering on all fronts,” Rasheed concluded.