Gov. Adeleke's sudden focus on infrastructure needs in Ijesa North raises serious questions - Oluwole Oke

By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo 

Hon. Oluwole Oke, representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, has said that Governor Ademola Adeleke's sudden focus on the infrastructure needs in Ijesa North Federal Constituency raises serious questions.

The lawmaker, in a statement on Saturday signed by Senior Media Aide, Media and Public Communication Unit, Omolebi-Sunday Tunde, said the Ere-Ilahun bridge recently awarded by Governor Adeleke had collapsed nearly two years ago.

The statement read apart, "The recent outburst credited to Ademola Adeleke against Hon. Wole Oke, signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, is, at best, a demonstration of astonishing illiteracy in governance and, at worst, a troubling inability to comprehend the workings of government."

"The Governor’s remarks betray an almost unvarnished misunderstanding of public administration, particularly the doctrine of separation of powers and the constitutional roles assigned to each tier of government. His commentary suggests a whack understanding of what the executive arm is mandated to do with the budgets at its disposal and what responsibilities fall within the legislative sphere."

"Governance is not conducted on social media platforms or through emotionally charged press releases; it is anchored on constitutional clarity, fiscal responsibility, and institutional collaboration. When those entrusted with executive authority confuse legislative oversight with executive execution, it exposes a dangerous knowledge gap that weakens public confidence."

"While executive absenteeism has defined governance in Ijesa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Wole Oke has repeatedly stepped in to cushion the effects of state neglect by the same governor that is now running around to his imminent loss at the poll."

"The Governor’s sudden awakening to infrastructure needs in Oriade/Obokun, especially the Ere-Ilahun bridge, raises serious questions. The bridge and adjoining road collapsed nearly two years ago and were captured in the state’s 2025 budget cycle; this is 2026 anyway!"

"For nearly two years, residents endured hardship, economic setbacks, and dangerous commuting conditions. Traders suffered losses, students risked their safety, and mobility within the axis was severely constrained, yet the silence from the state executive was deafening."

"Upon learning that Hon. Oke dispatched a technical team and sought state collaboration for palliative measures, the state government rushed to announce contractor mobilisation by the member representing the Obokun state constituency, Hon. Adewumi Irekandu."

"Nearly two years later, nothing meaningful happened. Now, with election fever thick in the air, the administration suddenly remembers the same road and bridge. We can smell Greek gifts when we see one."

"The Governor should honestly tell the people: How many roads in Ede have been initiated and completed since the bridge collapse? Why does development appear concentrated where political convenience resides? Indeed, blood is thicker than water!"

"Public resources must never be deployed as instruments of political favouritism. Development should be balanced, strategic, and inclusive, not selective and reactionary."

"As we speak, the road facing the main entrance to the Bola Ige House in Abeere is receiving emergency attention, reportedly split among multiple contractors in a race against time, a clear sign of political panic and fear of electoral rejection,'' the statement read.