OSUN 2026: Yoruba Diaspora Group In South Africa Endorses Governor Adeleke’s Leadership
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN — THE President of the Association of Yoruba in Diaspora South Africa (AYIDSA), Dr. Olusola Agbeniyi, has endorsed the development agenda of Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State.
The endorsement followed a high-level, three-hour closed-door meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa, where both leaders discussed governance, diaspora engagement, and investment opportunities. Governor Adeleke was in the South African city to participate in the Investing in African Mining Indaba, held from February 9 to 12.
According to a statement issued by AYIDSA’s Media Unit, Dr. Agbeniyi commended the governor for what he described as a rapid socio-economic transformation in Osun State since the inception of his administration.
He specifically referenced the “Imole Osun” (Light of Osun) vision, noting that its developmental impact is visible even to indigenes living abroad.
During the meeting, the AYIDSA President highlighted key achievements of the Adeleke administration, including ongoing large-scale infrastructural development spread across the state’s three senatorial districts, regular payment of salaries and pensions, and the clearance of inherited debt backlogs from previous administrations.
Agbeniyi also praised the government’s drive to attract investors into Osun’s growing economy, describing the investment climate as increasingly competitive and diaspora-friendly.
Speaking on healthcare development, he expressed delight over the recent donation of a ₦34 billion research hospital by renowned philanthropist Folorunso Alakija, describing the gesture as evidence of the administration’s success in fostering strategic public-private partnerships.
The AYIDSA President further noted Osun’s rising profile in public health delivery, referencing the state’s recognition by the World Health Organization as the best-performing state in Primary Health Care provision in South-West Nigeria for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025. The recognition came with a combined cash award of $1 million, earmarked for continued healthcare improvements.
Expressing admiration for Adeleke’s fiscal management, Agbeniyi remarked that the governor had recorded “extraordinary results” despite Osun being among states with relatively lower federal allocations.
“If Nigeria had just ten leaders like Governor Ademola Adeleke, the country would be in a far better state than it is today. He has proven that with transparency and passion, even a state with modest resources can lead the way in development,” he said.
In his response, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and global partnerships that would benefit Osun residents.
He commended AYIDSA executives and members for promoting Yoruba language and cultural heritage in South Africa, particularly through initiatives such as the annual Yoruba Heritage Day celebration and the propagation of Omoluabi values.
The governor urged members of the diaspora group to remain worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and continue contributing to the development of their home communities and the nation at large.