Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed allegations made by The Osun Masterminds (TOM), a coalition of civil society groups, accusing his administration of abandoning governance ahead of the 2026 governorship race.
The organisation, in its November State-of-the-State briefing delivered by Executive Director Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, claimed the state government has shifted its focus toward political interests rather than public service. Oyedokun-Alli argued that governance has suffered noticeably, insisting the governor has become less visible as political activities for next year gain momentum.
He also faulted the slow pace of teacher recruitment, referring to the prolonged delay as an unfulfilled promise. TOM further expressed worry over what it described as instability within the Osun Amotekun Corps, saying the unit’s reduced capacity comes at a time when security challenges across the country are on the rise.
Although the group acknowledged that 2026 is an election year, it stressed that the government must continue to perform its duties until the very end. “It is unacceptable to sacrifice governance on the altar of political expediency,” TOM stated, calling on public office holders to remain committed to the responsibilities they are paid to carry out.
In a response issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke rejected the accusations, alleging that TOM is sponsored by the APC and motivated by hidden agendas. Rasheed also accused Prof. Oyedokun-Alli of misrepresenting the truth, claiming his political aspirations—including a failed attempt to join the South West Development Commission—had influenced his views.
“Governance in Osun is running seamlessly, and those obsessed with 2026 politics are the sponsors and patrons of TOM,” the statement read.
He further stated that no level of propaganda or misleading narratives would persuade citizens to revisit what he described as a difficult past, urging residents to be cautious of groups using civic platforms for personal interests.