Adeleke Commissions 10.4km Ife North Road

Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, has commissioned the 10.4-kilometre Edunabon–Tonkere Road in Ife North Local Government Area, describing the project as part of his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and boosting economic activities across the state.

A statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the road project ended more than four decades of neglect and restored a critical transport link connecting communities in the area.

Following the commissioning, Adeleke held a town hall meeting with traditional rulers from Ife North Local Government Area.

Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu commended the governor for fulfilling his promise to rehabilitate the road.

“When you came and made this promise to us, no one believed you would accomplish what you have done for us today,” the monarch said.

Addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Ipetumodu ahead of the August 15 governorship election, Adeleke urged residents not to be intimidated, insisting that the outcome of the poll would be determined by the people’s votes.

“We know that Osun belongs to us. You must be bold, be fearless, and nothing will happen to you,” he said.

The governor also called on security agencies and other stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s democratic process and ensure a peaceful election.

“Nigeria must be ready to defend democracy. If we truly want to practise democracy, then we must practise it the right way. Police officers who have children of their own are escorting APC thugs to attack and kill people. It is not that we are afraid, but we are deliberately choosing peace.

“They do not want us to vote, but we will use our votes to chase them out of Osun completely. Do not be intimidated or afraid,” Adeleke stated.

Expressing confidence in his re-election bid, the governor declared that victory was certain.

“I know we have already won, and by August 15, we will be celebrating,” he said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Akinyode Oyewusi, said Adeleke’s administration had earned the support of residents through its infrastructural projects.

According to him, the government has completed 18.2 kilometres of roads in Ife North within two years, improving connectivity and stimulating economic activities.

He described the Edunabon–Tonkere Road as one of the administration’s landmark achievements, noting that it restored a major transport corridor abandoned for nearly four decades.

Oyewusi also highlighted the completion of the 3.3-kilometre Akinlalu Junction–Akinlalu Town Road and the 1.5-kilometre Yakooyo–Magistrate Court Road, including the spur to Itamerin, saying the projects had improved accessibility and reduced travel time.

He added that work was ongoing on the 3.3-kilometre Market Square–Tollgate Road in Ipetumodu, assuring residents that the state government would continue to invest in road infrastructure and other development projects.

The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, also joined the governor at the rally after his release from police custody.

Osun residents are expected to vote in the governorship election on August 15, with 14 political parties fielding candidates.