Osun Masterminds Calls For Accountability, Criticizes Governance Shortfalls In 2024

Civil society group, The Osun Masterminds has criticized governance lapses in Osun State and Nigeria, calling for improved accountability and responsible leadership as the year 2024 draws to a close.

Speaking at the final State of the State Address for the year, the group’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, outlined pressing issues tackled in the past year and highlighted ongoing concerns.

The group raised concerns about the Osun State House of Assembly’s lack of financial accountability.

He noted that despite spending over ₦2.3 billion in nine months, major projects such as the Gate House and Assembly Quarters remain incomplete, noting that efforts to obtain a breakdown of expenditures from Speaker Adewale Egbedun’s office have gone unanswered.

“We ask again today, what is the Osun State House of Assembly spending money on?” Oyedokun-Alli challenged.

The group commended the state’s initial plans to revamp technical colleges but noted the absence of tangible progress.

“What has happened to the promises made earlier this year?” they questioned, urging the government to prioritize its commitments.

“The relocation of the MKO Abiola Airport project from Ido-Osun to Ede has also come under scrutiny.

While reports suggest the Federal Government has canceled the relocation, the state government has yet to issue an official statement”.

“The people of Osun deserve clarity on the fate of the airport project after so many resources have been expended,” the group insisted.

The Osun State Government’s recent actions concerning the judiciary, including plans to investigate a court judgment, were described as “reckless.”

The group cautioned against undermining judicial independence and urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to respect the separation of powers.

“We worry that this continuing trend of Executive recklessness will lead Osun into a dark abyss of lawlessness,” Oyedokun-Alli warned.

Turning to national concerns, the group acknowledged a slight drop in fuel prices but emphasized that current rates remain unaffordable for many Nigerians.

It urged the Federal Government to act decisively to ease the economic hardship that has led to incidents such as fatal stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

“These tragedies underscore the severity of the hardship in Nigeria and demand urgent action from the President,” the group said.

Despite the challenges, The Osun Masterminds expressed optimism for the future, calling on all stakeholders to work collaboratively for a better 2025.

“As the year ends, we hope that our contributions and those of other concerned citizens will lead to meaningful change,” He concluded.