Osun people will head to the polls on August 15 to make a defining choice—either to elect a new governor after the four-year tenure of the incumbent, Ademola Adeleke, or to retain the dance-loving governor, for another four-year stint. For nearly four years, the people have had ample opportunity to assess Adeleke’s performance and seem not to be impressed with his touch. They are disappointed that Adeleke has not fulfilled the promises contained in his five-point agenda.
He pledged to clear all outstanding half-salary arrears inherited from the Rauf Aregbesola administration within six months. Yet, despite Osun experiencing unprecedented revenue inflows, exceeding one trillion naira (including local government allocations appropriated up to January 2025 by the state government), not even half of these arrears has been settled in over three years.
The administration also promised to release N5 billion in 2025 to offset part of the pension backlog. Not a kobo was paid towards that commitment. Meanwhile, reports indicate that about N43 billion was spent by governor to wine and dine in the same 2025 when the government played ostrich to the welfare of the pensioners.
Governor Adeleke equally promised to sustain the car loan scheme introduced by the Adegboyega Oyetola administration, but the programme was discontinued immediately after he assumed office. For four years, workers have had no access to such support.
On infrastructure, the governor vowed to surpass the record of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the government is yet to deliver a 20km road project comparable to the Ede-Ara-Ejigbo road completed by the Oyetola administration.
Adeleke also promised five flyovers in Lameco, Okefia, Ile-Ife, Owode-Ede and Ikirun—none of which has been delivered.
In education, the promise of people-focused policies has given way to rising financial burdens. School fees have increased multiple times within three years. In state-owned institutions like Osun State University and University of Ilesa, fees now run as high as N1.5 million per session.
The promise of affordable healthcare has also come under scrutiny. The cost of drugs has surged in our hospitalized as government has commercialized healthcare and seen the key sector of people’s living as a source of IGR. Procedures such as caesarean sections (CS) for pregnant women in state hospitals now cost up to N500,000, exceeding what obtains in many private hospitals in the state.
On security, despite significant security votes running to about N10 billion, not a single new security vehicle has been procured in nearly four years. In agriculture, the much-publicised agro-industrial agenda appears yet to translate into tangible results. Of the 114 tractors touted to have been procured by the government, only 31 have reportedly been presented, raising questions about delivery, commitment and accountability. Today, Osun ranks among states with the highest food prices in the country, highest in the whole of South-west.
In contrast, many Osun people see the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), as the right choice to succeed Adeleke.
A former Commissioner for Finance, under whose leadership, from 2018-2022, over N97 billion of inherited debt was repaid while salaries and pensions were consistently paid, AMBO represents a blend of financial discipline and administrative competence. He promises to bring fresh direction to governance in Osun.
Here are some compelling reasons Osun people are routing to vote Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Proven Financial Expertise. AMBO is not a trial-and-error candidate. With a solid banking career that began in 1988, he understands finance at a deep, professional level. His ability to manage resources efficiently positions him to stabilize Osun’s economy and ensure prudent use of public funds. He will take initiatives on governance without genuflecting to his brother in Lagos or his sister in Ede as we have experienced under the current administration in the state.
Tested Public Administrator. Since 2012, Oyebamiji has served in key government roles, demonstrating competence and reliability. His experience in public administration means he understands how government works and how to deliver results without unnecessary delays. In his last role as the MD/CEO of a federal agency, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), he brought the attention of the government and of the public to the key and important agency, providing the right leadership and infrastructure to reduce accident and death on Nigeria’s waterways by 72% in just two years in the saddles.
Clean and Credible Record. From his banking days through his years in public service, AMBO has maintained a reputation for integrity. At a time when trust in leadership matters, his clean record stands as a strong assurance of accountability. He will not buy 31 tractors and claim that he has bought 114 tractors as Governor Adeleke has lied to the people.
He Ended the Half-Salary Era Which Started in June 2015. As Commissioner for Finance, starting from May 2017, Oyebamiji played a key role in resolving the painful issue of half salaries that affected workers in Osun. His financial discipline and strategic planning helped restore stability and confidence among civil servants.
Workers’ Welfare Champion. Under his watch, Osun was able to implement the national minimum wage and also fund one of the best salary structures for doctors in 2019. He also ensured implemention of car loan to civil servants, a good gesture which the current administration has not been able to replicate. This shows his commitment to workers’ welfare and his ability to back promises with resources.
Humble, Accessible, and a Listening Leader. AMBO is widely known for his humility and friendly approach to issues. He is not distant from the people: he listens, engages and responds. This listening culture will ensure inclusive governance where citizens’ voices matter.
A Transformative Blueprint for Osun. His soon-to-be-unveiled blueprint focuses on agriculture and industrialization, sectors that can truly transform Osun’s economy. Mechanized farming and agro-industrial development will create thousands of jobs and boost internally generated revenue. More attention will be on commercializing and creating big wealth from sorghum farming.
Focus on Power and Industrial Growth. With electricity now on the concurrent list, AMBO plans to invest in power generation and distribution at the state level. This will significantly boost manufacturing, attract investors and reduce unemployment. AMBO is planning to light out Osun State, real deal.
Modern Transport System Through Regional Collaboration. His administration will prioritize massive public transportation by partnering with other South-West states already investing heavily in transport infrastructure. This will ease movement, improve commerce, and enhance quality of life. He will not act like the current governor who spent N92 billion to eat and drink in 3 years but has failed to buy a single modern bus for the use of the public.
Alignment with the Federal Government for Faster Development. With the All Progressives Congress (APC) controlling the federal government, electing AMBO will create synergy that attracts more federal projects, reduces political friction and accelerates development. His emergence will bring the needed solution to the Local Government crisis. The lingering local government crisis in Osun has slowed development at the grassroots.
A vote for Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is a vote for competence, integrity, and people-centered governance. With his financial expertise, administrative experience and clear development agenda, Osun stands to gain stability, growth and renewed prosperity. People have realized this, hence their resolve to back the Ikire-born philanthropist and financial guru to become next Osun governor.
