Bad Leadership Is Osun’s Biggest Problem, Says Senator Fadahunsi
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has blamed the state’s underdevelopment on years of poor leadership, saying despite its abundant natural and human resources, Osun has remained poor because successive governments failed to harness its enormous potential.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, July 28, on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Osun State APC National Campaign Council Committee and Sub-Committee, Fadahunsi said the forthcoming governorship election offers the people an opportunity to elect leaders capable of transforming the state.
According to the senator, Osun ranks among Nigeria’s richest states in terms of mineral deposits, agricultural potential and human resources, but has failed to translate these advantages into economic prosperity.
“Osun is a very rich state, one of the richest in Nigeria in terms of its natural resources and human potential, but unfortunately, the state remains poor,” he said. “Government should not be treated as a family business. We need leadership that will take responsibility and harness the resources of the state for the benefit of the people.”
Fadahunsi lamented the poor state of infrastructure across the state, noting that Osun still lacks critical facilities, including an airport, while many communities continue to suffer from inadequate water supply, poor road networks and insufficient support for agriculture.
He also decried the failure to effectively utilize the state’s vast mineral wealth, warning that illegal mining has continued to devastate the environment through polluted rivers and degraded farmlands without delivering meaningful benefits to residents.
“The people of Osun are not benefiting enough. Instead, we are left with environmental degradation and destroyed farmlands,” he said, stressing the need for leadership that understands the economy, agriculture, mining and environmental management.
The lawmaker maintained that the state needs a competent and compassionate leader who understands governance and prioritizes the welfare of the people over political showmanship.
“We need a leader who knows what he is doing, who understands governance and will not turn government into a performance or entertainment,” he stated.
On insecurity and allegations of political violence, Fadahunsi urged authorities to ensure that no one is above the law, insisting that all allegations of criminal conduct should be investigated thoroughly and prosecuted where necessary.
He also called for greater civic awareness, urging residents to hold elected officials accountable for the delivery of essential services, including roads, markets, water supply and other local government responsibilities.
As the governorship election approaches, the senator appealed to Osun residents to come out in large numbers to vote, saying the state’s future depends on electing leaders who can unlock its vast resources for sustainable development.
“Osun has the resources, the people and the potential. What we need is the right leadership to put everything together,” Fadahunsi said. “This is the time for Osun people to decide the kind of leadership they want and the future they want for their state.”
