Iwo Residents Share Their Thoughts on Government Ahead of Osun Election

As the Osun State governorship election approaches on 15 August, residents of Iwo, a busy town in the state, have shared their views on the achievements and shortcomings of Governor Ademola Adeleke during his nearly four-year term.

The upcoming election will see fourteen political parties and candidates competing, as confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Interviews with various Iwo residents, including drivers, traders, retired civil servants, and health workers, show how Governor Adeleke’s administration has affected the town and what promises remain unfulfilled.

These residents also highlighted the key issues they care about and their hopes for the next administration as election day nears.

Many residents noted that the development in Iwo has mostly focused on building and fixing roads.

On 5 July 2026, Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson for Governor Adeleke, mentioned several road projects in Iwo.

These projects include the Araromi-Panada-Kuti Road, the Osogbo Junction-Ajigbaagun Road, the Feesu-Agbowo Road, the Ile-Amin-Jagun Ode Road, and the Post Office-Muniare-Oke Bode/Okefa Road.

He also highlighted the dualisation of the Odo Ori-Adeke Road and the reconstruction of the Adeke Bridge. Rasheed also mentioned plans to upgrade the old Samosta Farms for agricultural investment, which will involve the community.

While the main road dualisation project continues, the completed sections have made parts of Iwo look more developed.

But how do the people of Iwo see this government? What do they expect from the next administration as they prepare to vote?

Adijat Ali, a trader and retired civil servant with 33 years of experience, shared her thoughts on the current administration.

She has worked under different leaders, including Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola. She noted that the current government pays full salaries, unlike the previous administrations that paid half.

Ali also praised the government for what she called “cooperative benefits,” which helped her set up her business.

However, she is worried about her unpaid pension and hopes the next government will ensure retired workers get their gratuities and pensions.

Though she prefers not to take sides, she hopes the best candidate for the people wins the election.

A university student from Iwo, Adesanjo Idowu, recognized the government’s road projects as a positive step.

He said, “He has tried his best so far, especially with the road project in Iwo. I give him kudos for that. However, when it comes to students’ welfare and benefits, he failed woefully.”

Idowu wants the government to provide bursaries and benefits to all eligible students, not just a select few.

Another resident, Abayomi Idowu, also acknowledged the government’s development work, especially the roads.

He believes better roads can boost business and improve Iwo’s visibility. He urged the government to finish the ongoing dualisation project.

He also pointed out that the peaceful atmosphere in Iwo has allowed people to go about their activities without fear.

“When the town is peaceful, everybody will be able to carry out their activities without fear,” he said.

Idowu called for a fair election process and urged security agencies and electoral officials to perform their duties without bias.

Alayande Rasheed, a teacher at United Methodist Government School, mentioned the current government’s good handling of teachers’ welfare.

He noted the regular payment of salaries and timely promotions as positive changes he has seen.

However, he pointed out challenges like inadequate staffing and poor facilities.

He said, for example, the fence of his school was damaged during the road dualisation and has not been fixed, leaving the school vulnerable to vandalism.

For Musa Ajidawura, a bus driver, the improved roads have made transportation easier.

He said the road projects, especially the dualisation, have allowed drivers to move around more easily than before.

Ajidawura also mentioned the reorganization of the drivers’ association, which the government unified under one group.

But he called for more support for drivers and transport workers, suggesting that the government could help those needing vehicles by allowing them to pay in instalments.

In the health sector, an official at Mosinola Primary Healthcare Centre, who wished to stay anonymous, mentioned improvements like renovations and new facilities for pregnant women.

She also noted regular funding from the state government and the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS).

However, she pointed out ongoing issues like a shortage of drugs, insufficient lab space, and not enough staff at the health center.

As the election gets closer, Iwo residents’ views show their expectations go beyond political promises.

While some see improvements in roads, workers’ welfare, education, and health, they also highlight areas needing attention, like pensions, student welfare, school facilities, and support for transport workers.

They want progress to continue and for the government to address the issues affecting the town and its residents.