Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has rejected claims by The Osun Masterminds, TOM, a coalition of civil society organisations, accusing his administration of neglecting governance ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The group, in its November State-of-the-State address delivered by its Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, alleged that the government had abandoned key responsibilities in pursuit of political advantage.
According to Oyedokun-Alli, governance in the state has suffered significant setbacks, with the governor barely seen or heard as preparations for next year’s election intensify.
He also criticised the stalled recruitment of teachers, describing the delay as a failed promise tossed to the wind.
The group further raised concerns over what it called a leadership crisis within the Osun Amotekun Corps, arguing that the security outfit’s reduced functionality comes at a dangerous time given rising insecurity nationwide.
While acknowledging that 2026 is an election year, TOM insisted that the administration must continue to deliver on its mandate until its final day in office.
“It is unacceptable to sacrifice governance on the altar of political expediency,” the group said, urging state officials to prioritise the public service for which they are paid.
Responding through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke dismissed the allegations, describing TOM as a group funded by the APC and driven by ulterior motives.
Rasheed accused Prof. Oyedokun-Alli of distorting facts, claiming his recent political ambitions, including an unsuccessful bid to join the South West Development Commission, had compromised his objectivity.
“Governance in Osun is running seamlessly, and those obsessed with 2026 politics are the sponsors and patrons of TOM,” the statement said.
He added that no amount of propaganda or disjointed narratives would convince Osun residents to return to what he called a painful past, urging citizens to remain vigilant against groups using civic platforms as tools for personal gain.