It is necessary to address the recent outburst by Hon. Wole Oke, who, in his characteristic manner, has resorted to public manipulation and self-serving narratives under the guise of advocating for Ijesa North. Everyone in Ijesa North already knows that Hon. Oke is uncertain about where he belongs in the political landscape—whether he is for the PDP or the APC. Only an innocent individual unfamiliar with Hon. Wole Oke’s manipulative tendencies and insatiable appetite for power would be surprised by his statement.
Hon. Wole Oke’s penchant for placing personal interests above collective progress is well-documented. His latest outburst is not a reflection of genuine concern for the people of Ijesa North but an attempt to advance his political agenda and secure relevance ahead of future elections. If his intention is to cross carpet to another political platform, as many suspect, he should boldly make that move now rather than hide behind baseless accusations.
1. Distorting Facts for Self-Interest
Hon. Oke’s assertion that Governor Ademola Adeleke has neglected Ijesa North is not only misleading but a gross distortion of reality. The Adeleke administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to equitable governance and inclusive development across Osun State, including in Obokun and Oriade constituencies.
The list of completed and ongoing projects in these constituencies speaks volumes:
In Oriade Local Government:
• Schools: Repair and renovation works have been carried out at Apoti Community Grammar School, Apoti, All Saints’ Primary School, Dagbaja, and Ere Ijesa High School, Ere. New blocks of classrooms were constructed at Surajudeen Primary School, Owena Ijesa, and Community Primary School, Kajola Adedeji.
• Healthcare: PHCs in Erin Ijesha, Erin Oke, and Ira Ikeji have been upgraded and renovated to enhance access to quality healthcare.
• Roads: The Itamerin Junction-Oke Agunla-Bishop’s Court Road in Ipetu Ijesa has been rehabilitated to improve connectivity.
In Obokun Local Government:
• Schools: New blocks of classrooms were constructed at Methodist Primary School, Hare, while motorized deep wells were installed at St. Paul Primary School, Ilase, and Methodist Primary School, Iregun.
• Healthcare: PHCs in Ajedun, Imesi Ile, and Ilare have undergone significant upgrades and renovations.
• Roads: Major road projects include the construction of Odowo-Ayetoro Junction-Oja Tuntun-Igbajo/Imesi Ile Road and Oke Oye-Oke Ita Road with spurs to Ogodogbo and Temidire Road in Ibokun.
These projects reflect the administration’s deliberate efforts to enhance education, healthcare, and infrastructure across the region. Leadership requires honesty and selflessness, not inflammatory rhetoric aimed at misleading the public.
2. Appointments and Representation
Contrary to Hon. Oke’s insinuations, Ijesa North has received significant representation in the current administration. Governor Ademola Adeleke has ensured a fair and balanced distribution of appointments across all zones in Osun State. Ijesa North, in particular, has benefited from three commissioners, along with advisers, a board chairman, and other appointees.
The entitlement mentality displayed by Hon. Oke is unbecoming of a leader and serves only to expose his desperation for undue influence.
3. Manipulative Tendencies
Hon. Wole Oke’s history of manipulating situations for personal gain is no secret. His latest antics are consistent with his established pattern of undermining collective progress whenever his personal demands are not met. It is time for the people of Ijesa North and Osun State to see through this self-centered agenda and prioritize unity and development over political theatrics.
Conclusion
I urge Hon. Oke to focus on meaningful contributions to the development of his constituency instead of peddling falsehoods and creating unnecessary distractions. If his intention is to pursue his political ambitions elsewhere, he should have the courage to do so openly rather than undermine the current administration’s efforts to deliver inclusive governance.
The people of Ijesa North deserve better than being pawns in the political games of an individual driven by selfish motives. Let us all remain focused on progress, unity, and the collective good of Osun State.