By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun State, Hon. Adewale Adebayo, has criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration for allegedly undermining the infrastructural developments established by his predecessors.

The party chairman made this statement while addressing journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday.

He stated that there is an urgent need for Governor Adeleke to continue maintaining the infrastructure from previous administrations, adding that governance is a continuous process.

“There is an urgent need for us, as a party, to inform the residents of Osun State that the current administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s style of governance might result in the state losing key infrastructure projects initiated and completed by previous governments, due to its vindictive and destructive approach to governing the state.

“Our attention has been drawn to the alarming neglect of critical infrastructure projects, particularly the Ola-Iya flyover, which was initiated and completed by the previous administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

“This project was designed to enhance the development and well-being of the citizens of Osun State by easing traffic congestion and improving road safety in the heart of Osogbo.”

According to the APM chairman, despite the significance of this key infrastructure, it has been largely ignored by the current administration, leading to concerns about its long-term viability.

“When the project was completed, it featured various aesthetic elements, including two fountains, lighting on the fish-shaped structure on the bridge, four mini green gardens with flowers barricaded by decorative metal fences, street lights, and a good sound system.

“Unfortunately, since the Adeleke administration took office in 2022, these features have been neglected.

“The engines powering the fountains have been removed, and the sound system that enlivened the area in the evenings has been taken away. Vandals are plundering the metal barricades around the green areas, and the greenery itself is not being maintained, leading to the overgrowth of weeds and the presence of reptiles in the heart of Osogbo, where the project is located.

“The current administration has also withdrawn the security operatives who used to guard the area, exposing the facilities to further vandalism in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to ensure the project’s failure.”

He revealed that while the government is constructing a similar bridge at Oke-Fia, the Ola-Iya flyover, funded by the state’s resources, is being neglected.

According to Adebayo, the mega schools initiated by the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola administration, which were built to improve educational standards and provide quality learning environments for Osun students, have also been sidelined by the current government.

“Amidst these neglects, it is essential to question the rationale behind launching a ₦100 billion infrastructure initiative while key infrastructure from previous administrations is being abandoned to fail through a vindictive approach.”

“We, therefore, call on Governor Ademola Adeleke to reconsider his approach to infrastructure development in Osun State.

“We urge the government to prioritize the completion, maintenance, and utilization of these projects for the benefit of the people of Osun.

“A state’s development cannot be measured by new projects alone but by the sustained and inclusive growth of all sectors, built on the foundations laid by previous administrations.”

“For the sake of the longevity of the Ola-Iya flyover, we recommend that it be barricaded to restrict heavy trucks and trailers, allowing only light vehicles to use it, just as other states have done with similar projects.”

“Osun State deserves a government that fosters continuity and sustainability in its developmental agenda, and we implore the Adeleke administration to live up to this responsibility.”