A fresh political storm is brewing in Osun State following a strongly worded press statement by the Imole Campaign Council, which has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate, Benjamin Adereti, of showing open disregard for traditional institutions after his comments on the Ile-Ife flyover project.
At the center of the controversy is the Lagere Flyover in Ile-Ife, a major infrastructure project under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke. The project, widely described by stakeholders as a strategic intervention, is designed to ease traffic congestion at the busy Lagere junction—an economic nerve center that connects several communities across Ifeland.
According to the statement signed by Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council expressed “serious exception” to what it described as a reckless and disrespectful outburst by Adereti, who allegedly dismissed the flyover project as misplaced and merely symbolic.
The council emphasized that Adereti’s remarks not only undermine the state government’s development efforts but also indirectly contradict the position of the revered Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, who had publicly commended the project. The monarch, widely regarded as a custodian of Yoruba culture and a unifying figure, reportedly praised the initiative as both timely and essential for improving mobility, boosting commerce, and supporting urban expansion in the ancient city.
For many observers, the Ooni’s endorsement reflects the broader significance of the project beyond politics. Ile-Ife, often described as the cradle of Yoruba civilization, holds deep historical and cultural importance. As such, any major infrastructure development within the city is typically viewed through both economic and cultural lenses.
The Imole Campaign Council argued that Adereti’s comments represent more than routine political opposition. Rather, it described them as a “blatant display of disregard” for one of the most respected traditional institutions in Yorubaland. The council warned that such rhetoric risks eroding the longstanding relationship between political leadership and traditional authority structures.
Adding to its criticism, the council pointed to what it called a “disturbing pattern” within the Osun APC. It referenced a recent incident involving Adebayo Adeleke, also known as Banik, who was allegedly seen addressing the Akire of Ikire in a manner widely condemned as condescending. According to the council, these incidents collectively suggest a deeper issue of cultural insensitivity within the party.
The statement stressed that traditional rulers in Nigeria are far more than ceremonial figures. They play critical roles as custodians of history, culture, and communal stability. In many communities, they also serve as intermediaries between the government and the people, making their support or opposition to policies particularly influential.
“Any political group that cannot accord due respect to our royal fathers cannot be trusted with leadership,” the statement asserted, urging residents of Osun State to carefully assess the attitudes and values of those seeking public office.
On the other hand, the council used the opportunity to reaffirm the governance approach of Governor Adeleke, highlighting his administration’s commitment to inclusive development. It noted that projects such as the Ile-Ife flyover are not conceived in isolation but are products of consultation with stakeholders, including community leaders and traditional institutions.
Infrastructure development, particularly in rapidly growing urban centers, has become a key focus for many state governments across Nigeria. Experts note that flyovers and road expansions can significantly reduce travel time, enhance economic productivity, and attract investment when properly executed.
However, beyond the technical and economic benefits, the Ile-Ife flyover has now become a symbol of a larger political and cultural debate—one that touches on respect for heritage, the role of traditional rulers in modern governance, and the tone of political discourse.
As political activities intensify ahead of future elections in Osun State, this controversy underscores the حساس balance between criticism and cultural sensitivity. While opposition remains a cornerstone of democratic practice, stakeholders continue to emphasize that it must be exercised within the bounds of respect for institutions that predate modern political systems.
For now, the unfolding situation has captured public attention, with many watching closely to see how both the APC and the state government navigate the growing tension.
One thing is clear: in Osun’s evolving political landscape, respect for tradition remains a powerful force—one that no serious contender can afford to ignore.
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