Adeleke Reaffirms Commitment to Infrastructure Development in Ikirun

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustained infrastructural development in Ikirun, as traditional leaders in the town commended his role in restoring peace and reviving development after years of neglect.

The Eesa of Ikirunland and Head of the Akirun-in-Council, High Chief Kareem Adetoyese, while receiving the governor, lamented what he described as neglect and political mismanagement of the town by a previous administration, which he said plunged Ikirun into violence and underdevelopment.

In a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke was said to have visited Ikirun on condolence visits to the families of the late Head of Ikirun princes, Dr Ismahil Adeyemi; the Asiwaju of Ikirunland, DIG Lawal Kasali (rtd); and the Chief Imam of Ikirunland, Sheikh Yunus Balogun.

Welcoming the governor, High Chief Adetoyese praised Adeleke for restoring peace to Ikirun and reversing years of infrastructural decay.

“Your Excellency, we appreciate these condolence visits, which further demonstrate your love for Ikirun since assuming office,” he said. “You saved Ikirun from violence and underdevelopment. We cannot forget how the previous administration relegated our town and denied us opportunities.”

He recalled that the politicisation of the Ikirun kingship crisis by the former government led to violence and loss of lives in mid-2022, forcing him into exile for several months.

“The town was set ablaze through politicised kingship matters. Your executive order saved us. There were casualties before you came in. Many died during the fracas, but you rescued Ikirun from premeditated violence and killings,” he added.

The Eesa further commended Adeleke for restoring Ikirun’s status as a strategic town in Osun North-East and reviving critical infrastructure projects, particularly the Osogbo–Ikirun road.

“A former governor bypassed Ikirun and routed the road through the back of his town. You came and restored our pride by taking up the neglected Osogbo–Ikirun road and extending its dualisation to the Kwara border. In recognition of your good works, we have resolved to support you for a second term,” he declared.

At the residences of the late DIG Lawal Kasali and Sheikh Yunus Balogun, family members expressed gratitude to the governor for his consistent support for Ikirun and recalled the strong bond between the deceased and Adeleke in efforts to develop the town.

At the home of the late Chief Imam, a religious lecture by Sheikh AbdulBasit Katibi Bello (Aponle Anobi) turned into a prayer session for the success and re-election of the governor.

Responding during the visits, Adeleke described his affection for Ikirun as part of his broader vision to spread development across Osun State.

“I thank the Eesa, the Akirun-in-Council, families and residents for the warm reception. I am glad that our intervention restored peace and brought development to Ikirun,” the governor said. “Our government is guided by balance and equity in project implementation.

“I am proud that I did not take the road through the back door but through the major expressway. We are determined to complete the dualisation of the Osogbo–Ikirun–Okuku–Kwara border road. Ikirun has been accorded its due honour, pride and respect.”

Governor Adeleke also directed the Ministry of Works to assess the condition of the Akirun Palace and the Inisha Junction Road for rehabilitation. He further instructed the ministry to address the structural and drainage challenges facing the Ikirun Central Mosque with a view to carrying out necessary repairs.