Adeleke unveils second-term plans, vows to transform Osun into industrial hub

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke

Adeleke unveils second-term plans, vows to transform Osun into industrial hub

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has unveiled his plans for his second term, promising to transform the state from a predominantly civil service state into an industrial and investment hub.

Adeleke made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Sunday, days after securing re-election in the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election.

The governor said industrialisation would be one of the central priorities of his second administration, as he seeks to attract investors, create jobs and expand economic opportunities across the state.

“I am tired of hearing Osun State as a civil service state. I want to make sure I move it to an industrial state where investors will come in,” Adeleke said.

He identified the development of a free trade zone and the state’s industrialisation programme as key components of his strategy to attract businesses and stimulate economic growth.

Adeleke also listed the completion of the Osun airport project and further infrastructure development among the major priorities for his second term.

The governor expressed confidence that the projects would be completed within the next four years, adding that increasing interest from people returning to Osun and prospective investors indicated growing confidence in the state.

He said his ultimate ambition was to leave behind a legacy that would make Osun a reference point for other Nigerian states.

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“I would like to be remembered that when Governor Ademola Adeleke came as a governor, he left a legacy of making Osun State a reference point that other states can look up to,” he said.

Beyond economic development, Adeleke said his second term would focus on political reconciliation and inclusive governance following a highly contested election.

The governor said he would establish a reconciliation committee to bring political actors and residents together and create an avenue for people across party lines to contribute ideas to the development of Osun.

He extended a “hand of fellowship” to his former opponent, Bola Oyebamiji, saying he was prepared to consider any useful proposals from the APC candidate.

“If you have any ideas, put them on the table. If the idea is good, I am going to utilise it,” Adeleke said.

The governor also expressed willingness to work with Oyebamiji and former governor Gboyega Oyetola, despite their membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where such cooperation would benefit Osun and support the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Adeleke further declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, saying he would “go all out” for the President.

He denied having any agreement with Tinubu linked to the Osun governorship election, insisting that his decision to support the President was based on his own political considerations.

Adeleke said he also wanted the Federal Government to sustain infrastructure development in the South-West, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of federal roads linking the region to other parts of Nigeria.

The governor ruled out returning to the APC, saying such a move was not part of his current political plans.

“As I’m talking to you, I’m not even thinking about that. It’s not on my agenda. But that doesn’t mean that I cannot support Mr President,” he said.

Adeleke also said he had directed the Osun State Attorney-General to withdraw a legal matter involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the decision as part of efforts to reduce political tensions.

He said President Tinubu’s personal intervention had helped ease some of the tensions between the state government and the Federal Government.

On allegations that some of his associates were being detained or questioned by the EFCC, Adeleke said his lawyers had been instructed to intervene.

He maintained that his associates had nothing to hide but criticised what he described as continued questioning and intimidation.

The governor also defended his public image as a politician known for dancing, saying dancing was simply his hobby and did not interfere with his responsibilities as governor.

“My hobby is dancing. I have loved dancing right from when I was little, so that doesn’t stop me from doing my job. And my job speaks for itself,” he said.

Adeleke attributed his re-election victory to the confidence voters had developed in his administration, saying he had fulfilled many of the promises made during his first campaign.

“Of all the things that I promised them I would do, I kept my promises. I have been tested and trusted,” he said.

The governor also called for peace following the political tension and violence reported in parts of Osun ahead of the election.

He said he instructed his supporters not to retaliate when campaign materials were destroyed, arguing that political differences should not be allowed to damage the state’s social fabric.

“I’m a very peaceful person. I told my people that they should not retaliate. They destroyed my posters all over. I told my people not to touch their people. Just leave them alone,” Adeleke said.

He added that political power ultimately belonged to the people and should not be pursued through intimidation or violence.

Adeleke also embraced the “Bulldozer” nickname associated with his campaign, saying it reflected his political strength and ability to overcome obstacles.

Asked whom he would thank for his election victory, the governor credited God, recalling that he also emerged victorious in the 2022 election.

“I have a God that never fails. I praise Him all the time,” he said.

With his second term secured, Adeleke now faces the challenge of turning his promises into measurable results, particularly in industrialisation, infrastructure, investment, job creation and economic development.

His pledge to move Osun beyond its traditional civil service identity and establish it as an industrial and investment destination is expected to be a defining test of his second administration.