Adeleke Slams Aregbesola Over 2026 Threats, Says Osun Won’t Return to “Dark Days”
Osun state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has fired back at former governor Rauf Aregbesola over reported threats to unseat him in 2026, accusing Aregbesola of leaving behind a legacy of debt, hardship, and unfinished projects during his tenure.
In a statement issued on Monday through his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described Aregbesola’s administration as “the worst in Osun history,” marked by half-salary payments to workers, misuse of pension funds, and incomplete infrastructure projects.
“The empty boast of Mr. Aregbesola about 2026 is a symptom of a troubled mind haunted by the pains and suffering he inflicted on millions of Osun people.
A man who should be remorseful and tender public apologies for his years of maladministration has the audacity to threaten Governor Adeleke, who is clearing the mess left behind,” the statement read.
Governor Adeleke’s administration claims it has so far paid 28 months of half-salaries owed to civil servants and cleared nearly ₦60 billion in pension debt inherited from the Aregbesola era.
The statement noted that Adeleke has undertaken significant infrastructure development without resorting to new loans, reducing Osun’s debt burden by 40 percent as confirmed by the Debt Management Office.
“Within less than three years, Governor Adeleke has surpassed the government delivery of the eight years of Mr. Aregbesola without borrowing a kobo for infrastructure projects,” Rasheed said.
Specific achievements listed by Adeleke’s camp include the construction of about 200 kilometers of roads, rehabilitation of over 200 schools and health centers, free health insurance for more than 30,000 pensioners, and completion of previously abandoned projects at Osun State University. Adeleke’s administration also cited progress on major road dualization and flyover projects in Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Osogbo, and Iwo.
Rasheed further alleged that under Aregbesola, many pensioners died due to unpaid entitlements, and the state was plunged into “unsustainable debt” that continues to affect its finances.
“Our people are smart enough to know that the worst era for Osun State is that of Mr. Aregbesola,” the statement said. “No voter in Osun is ready for a return to the dark days.”
The statement warned that 2026 would be “payback time” for Aregbesola and his allies, insisting that Osun residents remain supportive of Adeleke’s “people-first” policies and governance style.