By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

Dr Bolaji Akinola, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has criticised Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun over “his frequent foreign travels.”

Akinola, in a statement on Thursday, said the governor had neglected governance and was pursuing social engagements.

He accused Adeleke of abandoning his mandate and squandering public resources on trips unrelated to development.

According to him, the governor spent more than 180 days outside Osun in 2025.

He said the trips neither attracted investments nor created partnerships to benefit the state.

Akinola described the financial implications as heavy, alleging billions were spent on private jets and luxury travels.

“Gov. Adeleke has essentially become a tourist in his own state.

“He embarked on at least six personal visits to the United States in 2025 alone, mostly to party. He was also in the Caribbeans to party.

“This is not governance; this is a betrayal of public trust,” Akinola said.

The aide added that the governor rarely stayed a full week in Osogbo, the state capital, even when in Nigeria.

He said the pattern disrupted policy implementation and effective coordination of state affairs.

Akinola lamented that residents had little to show despite increased federal allocations.

“Despite the historic surge in federal allocations over the past three years, there is a painful lack of infrastructure or social services to show,” he said.

The aide claimed education was in bad state in the state with many public schools lacking teachers in certain subjects.

He added that healthcare services had collapsed in several communities, leaving vulnerable residents without adequate care.

Akinola urged citizens to remain vigilant and demand accountable leadership.

He expressed confidence that residents would make their voices heard in the next political cycle.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyetola is the immediate past governor of the state and Osun is preparing for another governorship election in August 2026.

Gov. Adeleke is seeking reelection. (NAN)

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