Osun Reps Aspirant, Aremo Criticises Adeleke For Denying Youths Audience For Engagement, Giving Access For Entertainers

-Canvasses Votes For Oyebamiji

A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) and House of Representatives aspirant for Olohunda, Irepodun, Orolu Osogbo Federal Constituency, Aremo Taofeek Adegboyega Lateef Adelabu, has criticised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, over what he described as the government’s failure to provide audience to young people with development ideas while giving access to entertainers and social media personalities.

This is following the visit of social media entertainer, Habeeb Hamzat, to the Governor on March 21, 2026, a move that has continued to generate reactions among youths, entrepreneurs, and development advocates in the state.

In a statement titled “Governance Must Focus on Development, Not Political Popularity,” Adelabu, who served as Special Adviser to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, said the concern is not about the individual visitor but about government priorities and how access to leadership is granted.

He noted that many young people in Osun State working in agriculture, technology, education, small-scale manufacturing, creative industries, and business development have ideas that could create jobs and improve the state’s economy. Yet, despite repeated attempts through letters, proposals, and official channels, they have been unable to secure audience with the Governor.

“This is not about any individual personality. Every citizen has the right to visit a Governor. However, the issue here is about government priority, access to leadership and what truly matters in governance,” Adelabu said.

He said a concerned youth made it known that several young people with actionable development ideas have struggled to secure appointments with the Governor.

“A consortium of youths working on a project under a national coalition of civil society organisations led by a USAID-funded body submitted a letter requesting a meeting with the Governor on July 3, 2024, to present development ideas and youth-focused programmes for the state.

Before the letter was submitted, discussions were held with key government officials, including Mallam Olawale Rasheed, who gave approval and promised to facilitate the meeting.

Despite this, the group spent more than three months trying to secure an appointment, making repeated calls and follow-ups. By November 2024, they reportedly had to stop pursuing the appointment after all efforts proved unsuccessful.”

Adelabu said this shows a serious flaw in the system of access to leadership.

“People who want to discuss development, investment, employment and youth empowerment cannot get access, but entertainers and social media personalities can easily get an audience,” he said.

Adelabu said the situation creates the impression that some politicians prioritise their reelection over governance, suggesting that attention is sometimes given to entertainers who can influence young voters rather than youths capable of driving development.

“It appears that they believe entertainers and social media influencers can influence young people to vote for them, so they give them attention and access. Meanwhile, the youths who can influence development, create jobs, build businesses, attract investors and improve the economy are ignored,” he added.

He also talked about challenges facing the state, including rising youth unemployment, struggling small businesses, inadequate support for farmers, poor rural roads, and the need for improvement in schools and healthcare facilities.

Adelabu urged the government to focus on engaging young people with innovative ideas, business plans, and investment proposals that can drive economic growth and create jobs.

He said Government House should not only host political meetings and social visits but also be a place where development partners, investors, innovators, and entrepreneurs are welcomed to discuss actionable solutions.

“Leadership is not about the next election alone. Leadership is about the next generation. Leadership is about building an economy, creating jobs, supporting businesses, improving education and reducing poverty,” the statement said.

He, however, urged the residents of the state to support APC and its gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, imploring the electorate to cast their votes for APC.

According to the Osogbo born politician, Oyebamiji will use his wealth of experience to take the state to the greater heights, saying what Osun needs at this critical moment is a visionary leader who understands the yearnings of the people.