Akinyemi Defends Adeleke’s Development Strides, Urges Compliance With Electoral Law
Dr. Olajide Akinyemi, founder of Neubertosh Chemical and former national president of the Nigerian Association of MSMEs, has defended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s development record, saying his performance stands out compared to past military and civilian administrations in Osun State.
Akinyemi spoke in an interview with newsmen recently. He said his assessment was based on personal inspection of projects across the state.
He pointed to ongoing road construction, expressways, and new hospitals as evidence of progress under Adeleke. “I have been around the state and I have seen things for myself,” Akinyemi told reporters. He noted that the pace of work has remained steady despite economic challenges.
Akinyemi is founder of Neubertosh Chemical in Ofatedo and recently resigned as Chairman, Board of Trustees for the Forum of MSMEs in Nigeria at the Federal University of Science and Technology. He served as national president of the Nigerian Association of MSMEs, traveled with Nigerian presidents on over 12 occasions for economic matters, and was accredited by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar as a Nigerian advisor to the United Nations in New York.
On the state capital, Akinyemi said current projects are reshaping Osogbo. He stated that Osogbo “is being turned to a small London” because of the scale of infrastructure work being executed.
Addressing concerns over local government finances, Akinyemi argued that the continuation of projects despite reported salary delays shows “probity, honesty, and dedication to the job.” He described Adeleke as different from “typical politicians,” saying the governor “does not play games, does not lie, and does not deceive people.”
Responding to claims that development is concentrated in Ede, the governor’s hometown, Akinyemi rejected the criticism. He asked whether former governors Bisi Akande or Gboyega Oyetola concentrated development in Ila and Iragbiji respectively. “Leaders naturally develop their places of origin,” he said, while insisting that projects are also visible in Osogbo and other towns, including the proposed airport.
He described Ede as impressive after recent visits. “It looks as if I was in London,” he said, but maintained that development is spread across the state. He encouraged residents to visit other project sites for a broader view of the administration’s work.
Looking ahead to the next election, Akinyemi advised Adeleke to be wary of what he called the “antics of APC.” He charged the governor to ensure there is no tension or fighting in any polling unit on election day. He reminded Adeleke of provisions in the Electoral Act 2022, stating that the law requires suspension of voting in any polling unit where accreditation devices fail.
Akinyemi stressed that strict compliance with the Electoral Act is critical to credible polls. He said officials must be allowed to halt voting where the law requires, and urged Adeleke to sensitize party agents and supporters on the provision to avoid disputes and protect the integrity of results.