Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has strongly criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that Nigerians are living through “renewed agony” rather than the “Renewed Hope” promised during the 2023 presidential campaign.
Oyinlola, a retired Nigerian Army general who served as governor from May 2003 to November 2010, made the remarks on Tuesday while appearing on Frontline, a current affairs programme aired on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu. The interview was monitored by NEW DAILY PRIIME in Abeokuta.
Assessing the current state of the nation, Oyinlola expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Tinubu-led government, accusing it of failing to fulfil its campaign promises and exacerbating hardship across the country.
“When he was campaigning, he promised a Renewed Hope. What we are seeing now is nothing short of bad governance. The economy is in terrible shape, and it’s affecting every Nigerian,” he said.
Oyinlola did not hold back in his critique, citing the deteriorating economy, rising poverty, insecurity, and declining quality of life as clear evidence of the administration’s shortcomings.
“We have a very bad economy, bad security, and hard-biting poverty. The common man cannot afford basic medication. We are also plagued by religious tension, war, banditry, terrorism, and insurgency. What we have is renewed agony, not renewed hope,” he declared.
His comments come just a week after the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, along with the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership, endorsed President Tinubu for re-election in 2027. The endorsement followed a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Oke-Fia, Osogbo.
While Oyinlola acknowledged the endorsement and did not disassociate himself from it, he described the move as strategic rather than ideological. He clarified that the endorsement was not necessarily a vote of confidence in Tinubu’s policies or performance.
“It was a political strategy, not a declaration of ideological alignment or trust,” Oyinlola explained.
The former governor’s remarks reflect growing discontent among Nigerians amid worsening economic and security challenges, despite promises of reform and revitalisation by the current administration.
As political discussions around the 2027 general elections begin to surface, Oyinlola’s comments are expected to fuel further debate about the performance and direction of the Tinubu government.
