Olaide Ashafa
The immediate past Deputy Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, popularly known as BOA, left behind remarkable footprints in health, education, and security during his tenure in office. His leadership was defined by commitment, foresight, and resilience in addressing pressing challenges facing the state.
One of his landmark achievements came during the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. In a proactive move, the Osun State Government inaugurated a 15-man technical committee to mitigate the possible spread of the virus. The committee was inaugurated by Alabi at the Ministry of Health in Osogbo.
The technical committee was headed by the State’s Director of Public Health, Dr. Gbenga Adepoju, and was charged with designing strategies to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. Alabi’s decisive action positioned Osun as one of the first states to take preventive steps against COVID-19.
Beyond planning, Alabi, as Chairman of the Osun COVID-19 Taskforce, launched the distribution of protective materials to public schools across the state. This initiative provided teachers, pupils, and staff with preventive tools to safeguard their health and ensured learning continued safely despite the pandemic.
In the education sector, Alabi further distinguished himself by representing Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and Osun State on the five-man panel set up to resolve the lingering ownership and management crisis of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
As Chairman of the panel, Alabi played a central role in charting a new path for the institution. His leadership and negotiation skills were instrumental in ensuring that a lasting solution was put forward to end decades of disputes between Oyo and Osun States over LAUTECH.
Another critical area where Alabi made a lasting impact was security. He oversaw the inauguration of the Osun Security Network Agency and the Amotekun Corps Board, as well as the Independent Complaints Board, designed to further guarantee the safety of lives and property.
The creation of these security structures reflected Alabi’s commitment to complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies and building a stronger security architecture for Osun. His leadership in this regard strengthened community safety and boosted public confidence in government’s resolve to protect citizens.
The 15-member Osun Security Network and Amotekun Corps Board was chaired by General Ademola Aderibigbe (rtd.), with General Bashir Adewinbi serving as Corps Commander, Comrade Amitolu Shittu as Field Commander, Hassan Taiwo Agbelekale as Secretary and Legal Adviser, Mrs. Abiodun Ige as Special Adviser on Security, and Dr. Seyi Atanda representing the Security Trust Fund.
Other members included representatives of the State Commissioner of Police, the Director of DSS, the Commandant of NSCDC, and the Commander of ECC Ede. Also on the board were respected traditional rulers: the Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi; and the Olubosin of Ifetedo, Oba Akinola Akinrera. Community leaders Philips Olufemi Olubowale (CDA West), Elder James Oni (CDA East), and Bayo Oyekanmi (CDA Central) also played vital roles.
In addition, Alabi inaugurated the Independent Amotekun Complaints Board, a three-member body chaired by Justice Moshood Adeigbe (rtd.), with Mr. Bankole Awoyemi and Mrs. Ajibola Olaide Alade serving as members. The board was tasked with ensuring accountability and fairness in the activities of the Amotekun Corps.
These initiatives underscored Alabi’s vision for a safer, healthier, and more progressive Osun State. His leadership not only tackled immediate challenges but also laid enduring foundations for governance in health, education, and security.
Today, many political observers and citizens alike point to these achievements as evidence of Alabi’s competence, foresight, and capacity to deliver results. His tenure as Deputy Governor remains a reference point for effective and people-oriented leadership in Osun State.
Olaide Ashafa,
Ayedaade LG, Ode-Omu.