A member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Olu Alabi, has stated that the widely discussed “Osogbo Agenda,” aimed at producing an Osun State Governor from Osogbo, should wait until the incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke, completes two terms in office.
Alabi made this remark during an interview on Rave FM, monitored by The Point in Osogbo on Monday.
As an indigene of Osogbo, Alabi acknowledged that some residents of the state capital have been advocating for an Osogbo native to occupy the governorship seat, citing the fact that the ancient city has never produced a governor. However, he stressed that the timing is not yet right for the agenda to gain traction.
Reflecting on his own experience, Alabi recalled his attempt to secure the governorship in 1999, noting that he received fewer votes in Osogbo compared to other towns.
Alabi, one of the founding members of the PDP, urged proponents of the Osogbo Agenda to exercise patience and allow Adeleke to complete his second term before pushing for their cause.
“I was the first person from Osogbo to contest for the governorship, but I remember the votes I got. Even the Ijesa people supported me more than my own people in Osogbo,” he said. “Yes, there is an Osogbo Agenda, but we should allow Adeleke to finish his second term first.”
The veteran politician admitted he initially did not support Adeleke’s 2022 governorship bid, doubting the governor’s capacity to deliver. However, he expressed surprise at Adeleke’s performance, which he said exceeded his expectations and earned his support.
“I did not support Adeleke because I thought he would not perform, but his achievements changed my mind. He will get a second term. Ademola Adeleke is here to reform Osun, not to destroy it,” Alabi affirmed.
Highlighting some of Adeleke’s achievements, Alabi remarked, “When you see Osogbo at night, you would think you are in New York.”
He also called on President Bola Tinubu to avoid interfering in the upcoming Osun governorship election, warning that any attempt to manipulate the process would be firmly resisted by the people of the state.
Referencing Tinubu’s influence, Alabi said, “Don’t try the Edo formula with us; Osun is different. Tinubu should not torment us. Osun is not a state you can pocket.”
