Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has launched a strong attack on his predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, branding his eight-year administration as the “worst in Osun’s history.” The sharp criticism followed Aregbesola’s weekend remarks where he declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would unseat the Adeleke-led government in 2026.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke accused Aregbesola of overseeing widespread hardship and financial mismanagement. He cited policies such as the controversial half salary regime, mismanagement of pension funds, and the withholding of cooperative deductions as examples of the suffering imposed on civil servants during Aregbesola’s tenure. Adeleke also disclosed that his administration has so far cleared 28 months of unpaid half salaries and nearly ₦60 billion in pension debts inherited from his predecessor’s administration.
Describing Aregbesola as out of touch with the people’s realities, Adeleke warned that the 2026 election would serve as a “payback” for the hardship inflicted on Osun residents. He insisted that voters would reject what he called “the dark days” of Aregbesola’s rule. The exchange marks an early escalation in political tensions ahead of the next governorship race in the state.