In a candid and passionate reflection, Comrade Yekeen Adio TenTen, a public affairs analyst and a native of Iwo, has raised critical concerns over the direction and priorities of the current administration in Osun State, particularly as they affect the people of Iwo.
In his opinion article titled “Is Governance in Osun State Citizen-Centric?”, TenTen questions whether the Adeleke-led administration is truly listening to the people it governs. According to him, governance without regular citizen engagement and feedback is fundamentally flawed.
“From lawmakers to the governor, there appears to be a disconnect between the government and the governed,” he wrote. “Empowerment schemes built around grinding machines and sewing machines do not reflect the real needs of our people.”
While he acknowledged recent government efforts, including the flag-off of the 3.6 km Odo-Ori to Post Office Road dualisation and a few meters of township road commissioned in Iwo, TenTen expressed disbelief at the government’s failure to prioritize the Iwo–Osogbo, Iwo–Ejigbo, Iwo–Gbongan, and Iwo–Oyo roads, which he described as vital economic lifelines.
“What is more intriguing is that the Governor, who also doubles as the Commissioner for Works, had to traverse the same deplorable Iwo–Osogbo road to flag off a 3.6 km township project. That, in itself, tells a story,” he wrote.
He also criticized the decision to halt the Iwo–Osogbo road project earlier initiated by the previous administration in partnership with the Oyo State Government and awarded to Peculiar Ultimate Concern Ltd. According to him, rather than build on existing efforts, the current government seems more focused on surface-level projects that do little to address Iwo’s most pressing infrastructural concerns.
TenTen didn’t stop at roads. He also highlighted the deteriorating state of the Iwo General Hospital, describing it as a “mere primary health facility” that no longer meets the needs of the people.
Amid his criticisms, he took a moment to commend the royal father of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, for consistently advocating for the town’s development. In particular, he applauded the Oluwo’s proposal to convert Reality Radiovision into a School of Journalism and his open call to improve the hospital’s facilities.
“We hope these efforts yield positive results,” he concluded.
Comrade Yekeen Adio TenTen’s message resonates with many indigenes of Iwo who feel that symbolic projects cannot replace real, impactful development. As the state government continues its term, citizens like TenTen are urging leaders to listen more—and act better.