Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that Nigerians are living through a period of “renewed agony” rather than the Renewed Hope promised during the 2023 general elections.

Naijaonpoint reports that Oyinlola made the remarks while speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

The retired army general, who served as governor from May 29, 2003, to November 26, 2010, expressed deep concern over the direction of the country, accusing the Tinubu-led government of bad governance and economic mismanagement.

Assessing the state of the nation under the current administration, Oyinlola said the realities on the ground sharply contrast with the promises made by President Tinubu on the campaign trail.

“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 listed rising poverty, worsening insecurity, and the soaring cost of living as indicators that the government is failing the people.

“We have a very bad economy, bad security, and hard-biting poverty. The common man cannot afford basic medication,” he lamented.

He further described the national situation as one marked by religious tension, terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and a lack of meaningful government intervention.

“What we have is renewed agony, not renewed hope,” the former Governor declared.

‘It Was Strategic, Not Ideological’ – Oyinlola Speaks On Adeleke’s Endorsement

Reacting to the recent endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyinlola admitted awareness of the decision but distanced himself from its intent.

“Yes, I am aware of the endorsement, and I won’t deny it. But it was a strategic political move, not necessarily a sign of ideological alignment or trust,” he explained.

The endorsement had emerged after a PDP stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Oke-Fia, Osogbo, where Governor Adeleke and party leaders publicly threw their weight behind the President’s second-term ambition.

Naijaonpoint reports that Oyinlola’s comments add to the growing chorus of voices expressing dissatisfaction with the Tinubu-led government, particularly over the removal of fuel subsidies, the naira’s instability, and the economic challenges confronting millions of Nigerians.

His remarks come amid mounting public debate over the direction of the country’s governance, with many critics insisting that the current administration is falling short of expectations.