By Osaretin Osadebamwen
Governor Ademola Adeleke has disclosed plans to seek President Bola Tinubu’s intervention over deductions from Osun State’s local government funds, which he said amounted to about ₦400 billion over almost two years.
He said this in an interview on Sunday Politics after his victory has been announced in Oshogbo.
Adeleke said the financial burden had constrained his administration’s ability to complete some development projects, insisting that the state had been forced to operate under severe financial pressure.
He said some projects were already near completion but had been affected by the shortage of funds.
“I wish I had more money to fix a lot of things,” Adeleke said.
The governor argued that the deductions had created a situation that was difficult for any government to withstand. “No government can survive it,” he emphasized.
According to Adeleke, the financial challenge was particularly significant because his administration had continued to prioritise workers’ welfare and salary payments.
He said welfare remained a major component of his administration’s agenda and that the government had maintained its commitment to workers despite the financial constraints.
Adeleke said the state’s internally generated revenue had also improved, but maintaining salaries and other obligations continued to consume substantial resources.
He disclosed that he intended to raise the matter with President Tinubu now that the election was over, expressing hope that the Federal Government could help resolve the issue.
“I think when I see Mr. President, I will talk to him about it,” he said.
The governor also revealed that Tinubu had personally called him after the election to congratulate him on his victory.
Adeleke described the conversation as friendly, saying the President asked about the election before congratulating him.
He said he appreciated the President for the gesture and would seek an opportunity to discuss Osun’s financial challenges with him.
The governor maintained that the state’s financial difficulties had not stopped his administration from implementing projects and improving revenue generation.
He said the administration had continued to prioritise the welfare of residents while working to deliver infrastructure across the state.
Adeleke said his second term would provide an opportunity to address outstanding challenges and complete projects that had been affected by financial constraints.
