A political pressure group, Osun Democrats for Democracy, ODA, has responded to comments by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Osun State, saying the state government already operates in close partnership with federal agencies across several sectors.
In a statement issued on Sunday night by its General Secretary, Adesoji Adenrele, the group said contrary to the monarch’s position, Osun is not operating in isolation.
Oluwo, in his congratulatory message to the Governor advised him to align with the federal government so as not to be an isolated Governor, as Osun needs the federal government to bring more developments to cities, towns, and villages, not just the capital.
“I have strong hope that aligning with the federal government will accelerate and attract more dividends to Osun State and her people,” the monarch noted
But the group urged Oluwo to direct his counsel to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, whom it accused of blocking federal cooperation with the state government.
ODA stated that because the Oluwo is close to the minister, he is in a good position to raise the matter directly with him.
The group further alleged that several federal interventions that should have been channelled through the state government were instead directed through APC structures and some traditional rulers.
It cited examples including the distribution of the Renewed Hope Fund and humanitarian relief funds from the Federal Government, which it said were shared in some palaces across the state.
According to the group, “an alliance of APC politicians and some traditional rulers assisted in distributing the funds in their domains during political campaigns. It claimed this practice diverted support meant for state sectors into the campaign of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress.”
The statement defended Adeleke’s approach to grassroots engagement, noting that through initiatives such as ‘Ipade Imole’ and various local community projects, the administration has reached almost all sections of Osun.
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A political pressure group, Osun Democrats for Democracy, ODA, has responded to comments by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Osun State, saying the state government already operates in close partnership with federal agencies across several sectors.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its General Secretary, Adesoji Adenrele, a copy obtained on Monday morning, the group said contrary to the monarch’s position, Osun is not operating in isolation.
Oluwo, in his congratulatory message to the Governor, advised Adeleke to align with the federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, so as not to be an isolated Governor, as Osun needs the federal government to bring more developments to cities, towns, and villages, not just the capital.
“I have strong hope that aligning with the federal government will accelerate and attract more dividends to Osun State and her people,” the monarch noted
But the group urged Oluwo to direct his counsel to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, whom it accused of blocking federal cooperation with the state government.
ODA stated that because the Oluwo is close to the minister, he is in a good position to raise the matter directly with him.
The group further alleged that several federal interventions that should have been channelled through the state government were instead directed through APC structures and some traditional rulers.
It cited examples including the distribution of the Renewed Hope Fund and humanitarian relief funds from the Federal Government, which it said were shared in some palaces across the state.
According to the group, “an alliance of APC politicians and some traditional rulers assisted in distributing the funds in their domains during political campaigns. It claimed this practice diverted support meant for state sectors into the campaign of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress.”
The statement defended Adeleke’s approach to grassroots engagement, noting that through initiatives such as ‘Ipade Imole’ and various local community projects, the administration has reached almost all sections of Osun.
ODA said the governor’s focus has been on township and local infrastructure rather than direct cash sharing, describing it as a departure from past practices where few individuals controlled funds meant for communities.
The group added that the success of this approach was evident in the last election, where Iwo and 18 other local government areas voted for the governor’s re-election despite what it described as heavy vote buying.
ODA concluded by advising the Oluwo to counsel the Marine Minister to stop what it called the “illegal financial strangulation” of Osun State.
The group assured the monarch that the state is in safe hands, a position it said had been confirmed by the overwhelming mandate given to Governor Adeleke by Osun people.
ODA said the governor’s focus has been on township and local infrastructure rather than direct cash sharing, describing it as a departure from past practices where few individuals controlled funds meant for communities.
The group added that the success of this approach was evident in the last election, where Iwo and 18 other local government areas voted for the governor’s re-election despite what it described as heavy vote buying.
ODA concluded by advising the Oluwo to counsel the Marine Minister to stop what it called the “illegal financial strangulation” of Osun State.
The group assured the monarch that the state is in safe hands, a position it said had been confirmed by the overwhelming mandate given to Governor Adeleke by Osun people.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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