Osun News Network

30/09/2026

21/09/2026

OSUN GOVERNMENT INITIATES RECONSTRUCTION OF COLLAPSED IWO BRIDGE

The Osun State Ministry of Works has begun an immediate on-site evaluation of the collapsed Kuti-Panada-Aiba Bridge in Iwo after heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding that left the structure impassable.

On Monday, an inspection team headed by the Director of Highways, Engr. Moruf Ojebode, visited the site as part of the state government’s swift response to the incident.

The officials were received by Hon. Mudashiru Lukman (L&K), the House of Representatives member for the Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency, who joined them in examining the scale of the damage and its impact on local residents and road users.

During the visit, Engr. Ojebode linked the bridge’s failure, among other causes, to blocked waterways resulting from indiscriminate refuse dumping. He urged residents to stop disposing of waste into drainage channels and waterways.

Ojebode underscored the importance of greater community responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure, stressing that government action alone cannot permanently solve problems created by practices that obstruct natural and artificial water channels. He explained that the inspection followed a directive from the state government instructing the Ministry of Works to assess the situation promptly and determine the appropriate engineering solution. He assured residents that the government would deploy the required resources for the bridge’s reconstruction.

He further pledged that the relevant authorities would complete the necessary technical evaluation and begin restoring access to the area as quickly as possible.

Ojebode added that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke remains dedicated to infrastructure development and the protection of vital public assets, with road and bridge rehabilitation ranking among its key priorities across Osun State.

Following the inspection of the collapsed bridge, Hon. Lukman accompanied the ministry team to review other major waterways and bridge sites in Iwo, including Aiba-Oke-Odo, Yafoye, Mogaji-Mogaji/Isokan Road, the Kara area, Oyo Road, and Feesu/Agbowo Road, among others.

The broader assessment sought to identify vulnerable locations where heavy rainfall and restricted water flow could threaten roads, bridges, and nearby communities.

L&K thanked the Osun State Government for its rapid response and for deploying technical personnel to Iwo soon after the incident. He appealed to residents, traders, and other stakeholders to support government efforts by keeping drainage channels and waterways clear of refuse and other materials that impede water flow.

The Ministry of Works also advised residents to exercise caution near the affected sites and to cooperate with officials as the assessment and intervention work progresses.

21/09/2026

Osun Assembly Starts Review of Park Management Bill, Aims to Curb Thuggery and Revenue Losses

The Osun State House of Assembly has begun deliberating on the Osun State Park Management System Bill, 2026. This private member’s bill was introduced by Hon. Abiola Ibrahim, Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Transport.

The legislation aims to create a full park management framework supervised by the Ministry of Works and Transportation.

A central feature is the creation of a single, unified ticketing system for motor parks statewide. This is intended to spread out ticketing responsibilities and make revenue collection more open and accountable.

The bill also sets out a 70/30 revenue split, under which the state government would receive 70 per cent while park management would retain 30 per cent. In addition, it seeks to tackle thuggery, violence and other disruptive acts that interfere with transport and commercial activities in the parks.

During the debate, Hon. Lawrence Adeoti, who represents Ife South Constituency, observed that the measure would help seal gaps in tax collection and encourage greater accountability and competence when park managers are appointed. He further called for a digital park management system to boost transparency and reduce the risk of violence.

Hon. Taofeek Olayiwola, member for Ede South, backed the bill. He pointed out that a well-regulated park system could help stop the kind of violence that frequently follows elections.

Chief Whip Hon. Olawale Akerele stated that the proposed law would supply a proper legal basis for running motor parks effectively. Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi, representing Obokun Constituency, noted that transport is a significant source of internally generated revenue and that the bill would allow Osun to gain more from the sector.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun indicated his support for the bill after weighing its potential benefits if it becomes law.

Separately, the Osun State Mass Education Agency Bill, 2024, was referred to the House Committee on Education for additional scrutiny and is due to return to the floor within two weeks. The Assembly then adjourned until 22 September 2026.

04/09/2026

FG Renews Drive for Integrated Transport System as 19th National Council Opens in Abuja

The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to developing an integrated transportation system that will effectively connect road, rail, water and other modes of transportation across the country.

The commitment was made as stakeholders in the transportation sector converged on Abuja for the 19th National Council on Transportation, a four-day meeting being held at the National Judicial Institute.

The council is themed, “Developing Effective Transportation System for Nigeria: The Role of Integrated Transportation.”

Declaring the council open, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation and Chairman of the Council’s Technical Session, Mr. Olufunso Adebiyi, stressed the need for Nigeria to develop alternative and interconnected transportation modes to reduce the pressure on the nation’s road infrastructure.

He noted that the dominance of road transportation had placed enormous pressure on existing road infrastructure, making an integrated approach essential to achieving a more efficient, safe and sustainable transportation system.

The council brings together the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, transportation commissioners and other government officials, transport agencies, professional bodies, operators, academics and development partners.

Key issues being deliberated upon include the establishment of standardised bus terminals across the country, beginning with six pilot terminals equipped with waiting areas, security posts, vehicle inspection and maintenance facilities, restrooms and other essential amenities.

The council is also considering the development of a Smart National Transport Data Bank to provide reliable data on drivers, vehicles, licences, number plates, transport workers and passengers, with the objective of strengthening road safety, regulation and accountability within the sector.

Another major area of focus is the expansion of rail and light-rail systems, while promoting greater connectivity between road, rail and water transportation.

The council is equally expected to promote the adoption of the newly approved and unveiled National Land Transport Policy at the state level.

Meanwhile, the Forum of Transportation Commissioners also made presentations at the event, with states reviewing their progress in implementing resolutions reached at previous National Councils on Transportation.

In its presentation, the Osun State delegation highlighted the state’s implementation of three out of the four resolutions of the 18th National Council on Transportation relating to state-level responsibilities.

The Osun presentation demonstrated the state’s efforts toward translating national transportation resolutions into practical measures at the state level.

The 19th National Council on Transportation is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, address emerging challenges and strengthen collaboration among the Federal Government, states and other stakeholders towards building an efficient and integrated transportation system for Nigeria.

27/08/2026

Election Violence Relief Committee Holds First Meeting, Urges Victims to Come Forward

The Election Violence Relief Committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, held its inaugural meeting on Thursday and called on victims of election-related violence to submit their cases for consideration.

Egbedun welcomed members of the newly constituted committee and thanked them for accepting the assignment at what he described as a critical moment in the state’s history. He characterised the committee’s work as both humanitarian and sensitive, stressing that its mandate is to listen to victims, verify genuine claims and ensure that appropriate relief reaches those who suffered losses.
“The Committee will discharge its responsibilities fairly, transparently and without prejudice,” Egbedun said. “Every submission will be treated with utmost seriousness, and decisions will be guided by facts, fairness and compassion.”

He noted that a number of complaints have already been received and collated, adding that the committee remains open to further submissions. Egbedun specifically appealed to people still receiving treatment in hospitals for injuries sustained during election-related incidents to come forward, preferably through relatives or representatives.

The committee, he said, would liaise with the relevant hospitals to confirm the condition of victims and ensure they receive necessary medical attention. He also assured victims, their families and the hospitals involved that the government remains committed to covering the approved cost of treatment.

Egbedun expressed appreciation to the Adeleke Dynasty for its intervention on behalf of children who lost parents or benefactors during the recent violence. He disclosed that the Dynasty, through the Springtime Development Foundation, has decided to sponsor scholarships for the children of those who died.

He described the initiative as “a remarkable demonstration of humanity, compassion and commitment to the welfare of vulnerable families,” noting that education remains one of the most enduring ways to honour the memory of the deceased and give their children hope and dignity.

“As Chairman of the Election Violence Relief Committee, I commend this initiative and assure the Adeleke Dynasty and the Springtime Development Foundation of the Committee’s appreciation and support in ensuring that the gesture reaches the intended beneficiaries transparently and effectively,” he said.

Egbedun reiterated the committee’s determination that genuine victims will not be overlooked and that the relief process will remain credible, transparent and responsive. He wished members a successful start to their assignment and prayed for continued peace and wellbeing in Osun State.

27/08/2026

Osun @35: Adeleke Pledges Inclusive, Fair ,People-Centred Administration

As Osun State marks its 35th anniversary, Governor Ademola Adeleke has pledged to sustain an inclusive, fair and people-centred administration while consolidating the achievements recorded by his government.

Adeleke made the commitment in a state broadcast marking the anniversary, assuring residents that his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure development, the digital economy, sports, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare.

He said youths, women and students would remain key beneficiaries of government programmes, while efforts would be intensified to promote industrialisation without compromising workers' welfare. He also promised greater attention to rural integrated development, ease of doing business, wealth creation and anti-poverty initiatives.

The governor further pledged to implement his renewed five-point agenda in line with due process, procurement regulations and best practices in project ex*****on. He said the government would refine its local content policy and deepen financial inclusion through cooperative sector financing.

Adeleke also acknowledged the pains and sacrifices experienced by residents, particularly during the recently concluded governorship election, which resulted in his securing another four-year mandate. He commiserated with families who lost loved ones and assured them that the sacrifices of those killed or injured would not be in vain.

He commended Osun residents for their commitment to democracy and the rule of law, particularly their decision to heed his call not to resort to violence despite provocations and attacks. The governor also praised voters for turning out in large numbers to exercise their franchise and for standing by their votes amid the reported tension and violence, just as he urged residents to remain law-abiding and refrain from reprisal attacks.

He disclosed that his administration had established a Commission of Inquiry into the election violence, which would receive memoranda from victims and affected residents, identify the causes of the violence and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. The governor also announced the establishment of an election victim compensation fund headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, to cushion the effects of the recent violence.

He however appealed for continued cooperation from the people, promising to work harder to deliver good governance and not disappoint them.

It would be recalled that Osun State was created on August 27, 1991 under the administration of the then military president, Ibrahim Babangida together with other 8 states, bringing Nigeria's number of states from 21 to 30.

24/08/2026

Osun Government Constitutes Election Violence Victims Committee

Governor Ademola Adeleke has constituted a Committee on Election Violence Victims to verify claims of persons affected by election-related violence and oversee the disbursement of the ₦500 million Election Violence Victims Relief Endowment Fund provided by the State Government.

The committee, which is chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, is expected to undertake a transparent and credible verification process to establish genuine claims and ensure that relief reaches deserving victims.

The membership of the committee is as follows:

1. Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun — Chairman
2. Mrs Eniola Omotoso — Member
3. Mr Emmanuel Ologun — Representative of Civil Society Organisations, Member
4. Alhaja Balkiss Akinleye — Member
5. Nominee of the Nigeria Police Force — Member
6. Alhaji Moshood Suleiman (Ministry of Information) — Member
7. Moses Faremi Esq (Ministry of Justice) - Member
8. . Nominee of the Department of State Services (DSS) — Member
9. Hon. Yemi Lawal — Member
10. Mr Sola Sonibare, Executive Secretary, Osun Investment Promotion Agency — Secretary

The committee is mandated to receive and verify petitions, claims and supporting evidence submitted by victims; determine the eligibility of claimants; and recommend appropriate relief to verified victims in accordance with the guidelines approved by the State Government.

The State Government said the initiative underscores Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke's commitment to supporting citizens who suffered losses, injuries, displacement or other forms of hardship as a result of election-related violence.

The Government therefore enjoined all affected persons with genuine claims to cooperate with the committee by providing accurate information and relevant evidence necessary for the verification process.

The committee is expected to ensure that the ₦500 million relief fund is administered transparently, fairly and strictly for the benefit of verified victims.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

23/08/2026

Osun State Government Warns Against Disruption of Public Peace

●Says All Actors Should Unite for State Reconciliation

The Osun State Government has warned against any disruption of public peace by any group or individuals, declaring that it is time for post-election reconciliation and peace-building.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the state government noted with condolences to victims of the pre-election tensions and violence and called for state healing and avoidance of a return to conflict in the post - election space.

The government also noted the immediate post- election disruptions in some areas of the state and urged all residents and citizens of the state to allow restoration of peaceful co- existence and rule based interactions among all sectors of the society.

The government is particularly disturbed by reports of plans by some stakeholders to ignite fresh rounds of crisis across local government councils and motor parks across the state.

This plan, if true, should stop immediately in the interest of public peace. Osun needs peace for development, not violence in politics.

The Osun election has been won and lost. Mr President and Mr Governor had engaged on a peaceful way forward. Any push towards violence represents an affront on the Presidency and the Nigerian constitution.

The government calls on security agencies to enforce return to rule of law by ensuring release of political detainees and an end to perceived partisan policing especially on local government and motor park management.

We call on all political actors to speak and act peacefully. Osun should be in a period of healing and building. We must not allow a relapse into the pre-election era of killings and violence.

Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment,

20/08/2026

Any democrat, anybody in the political environment who cannot celebrate the joy of a free and fair election does not deserve the laughter and happiness of democracy, President Tinubu tells Governor Adeleke.

19/08/2026

Adeleke, Deputy Receive Certificates of Return After Osun Re-election

Following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Osun State governorship election held on Saturday, August 15, Governor Ademola Adeleke has received his Certificate of Return after securing re-election for another four-year term.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented the certificates to Adeleke and his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, at a ceremony held at the Commission’s state headquarters in Osogbo.

Speaking after receiving the certificate, Adeleke expressed appreciation to INEC, security agencies and the people of Osun State for their support and participation in the election. He acknowledged the challenges recorded during the electoral process, including threats and killings.

The governor said his administration belongs to all residents of the state irrespective of political affiliation. He also declared that he had forgiven those who offended him, urging his political opponents to put the election behind them and work together for the development of Osun.

Adeleke further promised to support the families of people who lost their lives during the electoral process, particularly through educational scholarships that would enable their children to attend tertiary institutions.

He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to continue to uphold democratic principles and create an environment where democracy can thrive in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, said elections remained the legitimate means through which citizens choose their leaders. She commended security agencies, INEC officials, journalists, voters and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful conduct of the election.

Babalola acknowledged the challenges encountered during the electoral process, assuring that the Commission would examine them and seek better ways of addressing such issues in future elections. She urged Adeleke to reciprocate the mandate given to him by the electorate through good governance, while calling on Osun residents to support the incoming administration.