Osun State residents are worried about the ongoing verbal spat between Governor Ademola Adeleke and Rauf Aregbesola, the state’s former governor and the current minister of interior.
Aregbesola allegedly threatened to remove Adeleke from office in the 2026 elections, sparking the dispute, which has since intensified.
On Monday, Governor Adeleke’s administration reacted angrily, accusing Aregbesola of bringing nothing but misery, debt, and devastation to Osun during his time in office (2010–2018).
Speaking on behalf of Governor Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed characterised Aregbesola’s tenure as the darkest chapter in Osun’s history, claiming that the former leader imposed wicked policies that resulted in semi-annual salary payments and a huge pension deficit.
The Omoluabi Progressives, Aregbesola’s political party, responded by defending the former governor’s track record and painting the loans as smart investments made during tough economic times.
The group claimed that the public’s response to Aregbesola’s recent return in Osogbo demonstrated unwavering support and affection. The changes, however, have baffled and surprised many of the Osun locals who spoke freely with Naijatrial.
Adeleke and Aregbesola’s escalating feud is something I never expected to witness. Before, they were quite close. Kehinde Ajani, an official in Ede’s government, expressed disbelief.
Another shopkeeper from Ilesa, Sherifat Adewumi, said, “It’s difficult to know who to believe.” Each side claims the other is correct about Osun’s recovery from the disaster. The general public and I are in the middle of this. Some people were angry because government was becoming too politicised.
Instead of serving the people, they’re both busy squandering energy on assaults and counterattacks. Paul Oloyede, a retiree from Osogbo who asserted he had waited for his underpaid payments for years, called it a diversion. Also, debates on Aregbesola’s legacy have flared up again due to the conflict.
The Omoluabi Progressives contended that a number of the debts were inherited and the projects implemented were assets with a long-term perspective, contradicting Adeleke’s claim that the government had settled N60 billion in pension debts and 28 months of unpaid salary.
Teaching in Ife, Adenike Olatunji recalled the difficulties endured during Aregbesola’s rule. Several months without full pay. True, though, that he also constructed roads and schools. There is no simple answer.
According to political analyst Steven Oladunjoye, the schism has the potential to alter the political climate in Osun in the run-up to the governorship race in 2026. He emphasised that this goes beyond resolving past disputes. A change in affiliations is clearly indicated by this.
Olabode Alamu, another local, urged the two leaders to calm down and get down to business.
Let us come together, not apart. Stakes are high for our future. As things get more publicised, we will be keeping a careful eye on developments. This disagreement brings up new concerns regarding commitment, heritage, and connections,” he stated.