By: Hon. Comrade James Onifade
Governor Ademola Adeleke continues to prove that leadership is more than words—it is about courage, transparency, and taking responsibility. During last night’s Eid al-Fitr celebrations at the Government House, he did more than greet citizens—he put Bola Oyebamiji, the APC governorship candidate, on notice: answer questions about your records of service or admit your failings.
“I notice Bola was questioned on 30 grounds over his services at Osun Investment Company, Finance Ministry and Inland Waterways. Curiously, close to three weeks after, the opposition candidate has kept mute. What is happening to accountability and transparency?” Adeleke asked, reminding all that a true leader faces scrutiny, not evades it.
It is telling that when Gov Ademola Adeleke himself was questioned about his administration, he responded quickly and with full details. Yet here we are, weeks later, and Oyebamiji remains silent. The governor’s message is clear: the people of Osun deserve answers. “Osun people deserve answers to those critical questions about Osun assets and its management while Bola was in charge. The people want answers to those dark points in state finance management while Bola was the finance commissioner. Why is he scared of coming clean?”
This is more than politics; it is a test of competence. Adeleke’s administration has been the most scrutinised in Osun’s recent history, yet he has never shied away from questions. “Some of the questions Mr Oyebamiji refused to answer confirm doubts about his competency for the governorship among the citizenry,” he said, exposing the weaknesses of a candidate who cannot account for his own record.
While Adeleke has presented a clear, forward-looking five-point agenda to take Osun to new heights, Oyebamiji is still scrambling for a plan to show the public. “While I have since unveiled my governance agenda, Bola is still grappling on what agenda to present to the public,” the governor observed. The contrast could not be starker: one leader with a proven record, and another with nothing to offer but silence.
Even more revealing is the gap between Adeleke’s achievements and the APC’s legacy. “While Osun state garners recognitions and commendation through nationally verified platforms and bodies, the opposition has nothing to show or campaign with except their legacies of anti-labour policies, huge infra deficit, low examination ratings, half salaries and unpaid pensions among others,” he said.
Adeleke’s record speaks louder than words: “The opposition candidate must be envious of our achievements namely; best state in the Southwest for health care access, one of the top nine states in budget transparency; movement from 33rd position under APC to number 7th in national examination rating; reduction of Osun debt stock by over 40 percent, reduction by 40 percent of state infra deficit from 80 percent in 2022; one of the 10 leading states in digital economy among others.” These are tangible results that have transformed lives and proven that Adeleke delivers where others fail.
While Governor Adeleke lays out his achievements and a clear plan for Osun, Bola Oyebamiji remains conspicuously silent. Weeks after questions were raised about his records of service at the Osun Investment Company, the Finance Ministry, and Inland Waterways, there has been no explanation, no defence, and no clarity from the APC candidate.
This silence is telling. Leadership is tested in how one accounts for past responsibilities, yet Oyebamiji has avoided scrutiny entirely. Where Adeleke responded quickly, transparently, and with evidence of performance, Oyebamiji leaves only doubts and unanswered questions. Osun people are left to wonder: why is he unwilling to come clean about his own record?
In politics, action and accountability speak louder than slogans. While Adeleke proves time and again that he delivers results, Oyebamiji’s evasiveness only reinforces concerns about competence, credibility, and readiness to lead.
At the end of the day, leadership is about trust, vision, and action. Governor Adeleke has answered questions, delivered tangible results, and presented a clear plan for the future of Osun. Oyebamiji, on the other hand, remains silent on his records of service, leaving citizens with serious doubts about his competence.
Osun deserves leaders who are accountable, transparent, and capable.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has proven he is that leader and the people are firmly with him, ready to support his vision for a better Osun.
E-signed: Hon Comrade James Onifade
Advocate for Good Governance and A Better Judicial System
