A crisis seems to be brewing within the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Oluwole Oke, a member of the House of Representatives for Ijesa North Federal Constituency, has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of neglecting the people of Ijesa North since his election in 2022.
Oke, a fifth-term lawmaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, took to Facebook on Sunday, December 8 evening to express his frustration.
In a post titled “Ijesa North People Are Not Stupid,” Oke criticised the governor for what he described as a lack of meaningful development in the region, which comprises the Obokun and Oriade local governments.
The lawmaker, who has represented the area for several years, pointed to past administrations, including that of Chief Bisi Akande, who he credited with fixing roads, and Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s tenure, which saw the establishment of a university in the region.
He also referenced federal projects initiated during the presidencies of Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, such as the Armed Forces Games Village and Armed Forces Physical Education Institute in Esa Oke, and the Air Safety Training Institute in Ipetu Ijesa.
Oke acknowledged the contributions of former Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola, citing their development projects, including the Bola Ige Mechatronics Institute in Esa Oke and strategic appointments of Ijesa natives to key roles.
However, the lawmaker expressed discontent with the current administration, stating that Adeleke’s government had delivered minimal development to his constituency.
According to Oke, the only visible impact has been the construction of a 1.5-kilometre road in both Obokun and Oriade local governments.
“The only thing I have seen is 1.5 km of road in each local government, and that’s it,” Oke lamented.
“No significant development, no key appointments for Ijesa North people.”
He also highlighted the electoral importance of Ipetu Ijesa, which he stated is home to over 10,000 voters spread across 54 villages.
Oke warned that the Ijesa North region is crucial to winning any election in the state, urging the governor and his allies to take the concerns of the people seriously.
Oke went on to criticise some younger politicians in the region, accusing them of pandering to the governor for personal gain.
“For our upcoming young politicians who are playing eye service to Governor Adeleke, I pity you. Ijesa North people will speak, and they will speak louder at the appropriate time,” he asserted.
“I have won elections five times through the support of my people, and I will not be silenced.”
In a direct address to Governor Adeleke, Oke urged the governor to correct his governance style, noting that Sunday Bisi, the state party chairman, is from Ijesa land, and thus has an opportunity to address these concerns.
“I won’t keep quiet,” Oke declared.
“We must get what belongs to us.”
In response to Oke’s criticisms, a joint statement was issued by three of Governor Adeleke’s commissioners: Bayo Ogungbangbe (Cooperatives and Empowerment), Mayowa Adejorin (Environment), and Tola Faseru (Agriculture).
The commissioners rejected Oke’s claims, calling them “baseless” and accusing him of misrepresenting the facts.
The statement emphasised the governor’s achievements in Oke’s constituency, including the appointment of three commissioners and 15 other political appointees. It also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the 1.5-kilometre road project, the renovation of 13 primary health centres, and the construction of classrooms in over eight schools across Oriade and Obokun local governments. Additionally, the administration’s Ward-Based Cooperatives initiative was praised for benefiting all 22 wards in Ijesa North.
“We urge Hon. Wole Oke to refrain from actions and statements that could potentially mislead our constituents and disrupt the unity of purpose needed for further progress,” the commissioners concluded.
This disagreement within the Osun PDP is likely to intensify as the state prepares for future elections, with the political landscape of Ijesa North emerging as a key battleground.
