By Our Reporter
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday ramped up his re-election campaign by urging residents to turn out in large numbers for the August 15 governorship election, shortly after the resolution of the controversy surrounding the freezing of the state’s accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a development that had caused widespread political tension across the state.
Speaking while inaugurating the newly completed Oke-Fia Flyover in Osogbo, the governor described voting as the strongest pillar of democracy and appealed to eligible voters to cast their ballots peacefully. Thanking residents for their support since he assumed office, Adeleke said his administration had delivered visible infrastructure and social development projects despite recent political challenges. He assured the people that a second term would bring even more people-oriented programmes. “I thank the good people of Osun State for standing by this administration. Your support has encouraged us to deliver projects that are transforming our state. I urge you to come out in large numbers on election day and vote peacefully. If given another opportunity, we will do even more for our people,” he reportedly said.
The governor’s appearance marked a significant return to full-scale campaign activities following the controversy that erupted after the EFCC froze accounts linked to the state over allegations surrounding an alleged N13.7 billion ghost workers’ payroll. The action, which followed petitions by the Osun State APC Governorship Campaign Council, sparked outrage from the state government, opposition parties, civil society groups, and many residents, who argued that freezing the accounts close to the election could disrupt governance, delay salary payments, and undermine democratic processes. The allegations themselves have reportedly remained disputed, and investigations have been publicly called for by both political actors and anti-corruption advocates.
Reports that the accounts were subsequently unfrozen eased political tension, allowing the Adeleke administration to resume normal financial operations.
At the inauguration, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, represented by the Asiwaju of Osogboland, Justice Moshood Adeigbe (retd.), commended the governor for transforming the state capital through infrastructure development. He said the Oke-Fia Flyover would ease traffic congestion, beautify Osogbo, and stand as another landmark achievement of the Adeleke administration. “We appreciate Governor Adeleke for this magnificent edifice. Osogbo has witnessed significant infrastructural development under this administration, and this project is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the lives of the people,” he said.
The event drew traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, party supporters, and residents, many of whom described the flyover as one of the administration’s signature projects ahead of the governorship election.
With campaigns entering their final phase, Adeleke urged voters to reject violence, participate peacefully, and determine the state’s future through the ballot box.