2026: Osun Has Seen the Light And It Must Never Return to Darkness.

2026: Osun Has Seen the Light And It Must Never Return to Darkness.

By Engr Shakbab.

Osogbo, April 22, 2025.

As the political drums begin to beat once again across Osun State, and 2026 slowly draws near, the people must pause not to forget the past, but to weigh the present and protect their future. In the rich tapestry of our democracy, moments like these come rarely: when a leader, tried and tested, emerges not only as a symbol of hope, but as the very heartbeat of progress. Governor Ademola Adeleke is that leader.

They say in Yoruba, “Bi a bá rí irin tí ó dáa, a fi ọ̀pá mọ́ ọn pé” When we find a good iron, we mark it with our staff so we never lose it. Governor Adeleke has shown himself to be that iron strong, reliable, and useful to the people of Osun. His leadership has brought a breath of fresh air, his governance has restored dignity, and his compassion has reconnected government with the governed.

While others speak of power as entitlement, Adeleke has lived it as responsibility. Where others abandoned the people, he embraced them. Where others sowed division, he planted unity. Today, the people do not merely see a governor; they see a man who understands their language, their struggles, and their dreams.

Let us not be deceived by those who only remember the people during election seasons, those who once held power with an iron fist and gave the people crumbs in return. Osun APC had their time, and what did the people gain but unpaid dues, broken promises, and a governance that spoke over their heads rather than into their hearts?

It is said, “Ẹni tí a bá fi ìṣẹ́ ràn, kì í fi ọwọ́ òsì gbà á” He who has served us well should not be dismissed with the left hand. The choice before us is not between noise and silence, but between the past that failed us and the present that is building us.

Governor Adeleke has governed with humility and purpose. He walks not ahead of the people, nor behind them, but with them. He listens, he learns, and he leads. His name now echoes in the marketplaces, the classrooms, the farms, and the homes not because of slogans, but because of service.

This election will not be just about votes; it will be a referendum on truth versus deceit, care versus neglect, sincerity versus showmanship. Let those who once danced with the people and later danced on their hopes beware: the people are wiser now. They know that “Ìrètí lásán kì í jẹun ọmọ” Mere hope does not feed a child.

Governor Adeleke’s re-election is not a favor to him, it is a duty to ourselves. For in choosing him again, Osun is choosing to protect its future from those who once betrayed it.

Let no one be fooled. The opposition will come with words dressed in gold but filled with dust. They will say what they think the people want to hear, but the people have seen their handiwork before. Osun will not return to the days of darkness when power was a privilege for a few and progress was postponed indefinitely.

Let us rise each day, not only to praise Governor Adeleke, but to protect the legacy he is building. Let every conversation remind our brothers and sisters: “Àìmọ̀ kì í ṣe ìdààmú kí á má ṣe gbagbé ni” Ignorance is not the problem; forgetting is.

We remember. And because we remember, we must act.

Come 2026, let Osun State boldly declare: a good term deserves another.

Let us defend light against the shadows of the past.

Let us return a man who governs with his heart and walks with his people.

The journey continues. The future beckons.

Imole Till 2030, he is the people's choice, now and always.