By Isaac Mission

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said his administration has paid more than N80 billion in inherited pension liabilities and cleared over two-thirds of outstanding half-salary arrears owed to workers in the state.

Adeleke made the disclosure on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, during a town hall meeting organised by Arise TV for candidates participating in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

The governor, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, used the forum to highlight what he described as some of the major achievements of his administration since assuming office in 2022.

According to Adeleke, resolving the financial obligations inherited from the previous administration was one of the most significant accomplishments of his government.

He said the debts, which included pension liabilities and accumulated half-salary arrears, were initially considered difficult to settle because of their size.

Adeleke, however, maintained that his administration was able to address the situation through what he described as political will and commitment to workers’ welfare.

«“The first job of a government is the welfare of the people. I fulfilled that responsibility,” the governor said.»

Adeleke highlights infrastructure projects

Beyond workers’ welfare, Adeleke listed several projects and programmes which he said his administration had delivered across the state.

Among them are about 350 kilometres of roads, three flyover bridges and six dualised roads.

He also said his administration rehabilitated more than 200 primary healthcare centres and 150 schools, while establishing the University of Ilesa.

Other achievements highlighted by the governor include the purchase of 31 tractors and the disbursement of nearly N2 billion in cooperative funds.

Adeleke also spoke about his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform on which he won the 2022 governorship election, to contest the forthcoming election under the Accord Party.

He described the decision as difficult, noting that he had a strong attachment to the PDP.

Governor alleges police bias

The governor also expressed concern over the conduct of security personnel ahead of Saturday’s election.

Adeleke alleged that members and supporters of the Accord Party had been arrested and detained by the police in the days leading up to the election.

He claimed that more than 60 party members were being held in different police facilities and alleged that several party supporters had been attacked.

According to him, he had formally raised the matter with President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

Adeleke called for security agencies to remain neutral and focus on protecting voters and maintaining peace during the election.

He said his administration wanted nothing beyond a free, fair and peaceful electoral process.

Adeleke speaks on EFCC action

The governor also addressed the recent freezing of some state government accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He said he appreciated the intervention of President Tinubu and expressed optimism that all political parties would be given a level playing field during the election.

Adeleke urged residents of Osun State to reject violence and allow voters to freely exercise their franchise on August 15.

The Osun governorship election is expected to be keenly contested as Adeleke seeks another term in office amid intense political activity across the state.