Osun governorship: Adeleke tackles Oyebamiji over economic blueprint

Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State has criticised the economic blueprint unveiled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the state’s governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, describing it as outdated, ill-conceived and detrimental to Osun State’s economic progress.

In a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said a review of the APC candidate’s proposals revealed “old school thinking” that contradicts modern development realities and risks reversing the gains already recorded under his administration.

Recall that Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 8, 2026 for the polls.

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According to the governor, Oyebamiji’s plan promotes capital flight and policies that would return Osun to an era where economic activities are tied to external centres, particularly Lagos, at the expense of local growth and empowerment.

The statement accused Oyebamiji of recycling policies already in operation, while lacking depth and originality. It also faulted his proposals on power and digital economy, noting that the Adeleke administration has already enacted an electricity law and rolled out digital reforms to position Osun as a technology hub.

The statement further criticised Oyebamiji’s reference to a blue economy strategy, citing what he described as poor performance during his tenure at the National Inland Waterways Authority.

The governor reaffirmed that Osun’s economy is on a sustainable growth path and warned that the state would not return to policies that undermine local prosperity.

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“Osun has moved forward in economic liberation, prosperity and sustainability. The state cannot afford to go backwards,” the governor added.

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