31/10/2025
Editorial: Osun Tourism, The Forgotten Promise in Adeleke’s Agenda
When Governor Ademola Adeleke was campaigning for office, he spoke passionately about transforming Osun State into a major tourist destination, he promised to revive historic sites, develop local attractions, and make Osun the cultural heartbeat of Nigeria, but nearly three years into his administration, that promise seems to have been quietly abandoned.
To be fair, the governor has done well in other areas. His focus on roads, and infrastructure deserves some commendation, many communities now have better access routes and improved facilities. However, concerns about the quality and sustainability of some of these projects continue to stir public debate.
Even so, it’s clear that Governor Adeleke has shown real commitment to physical development and that effort should be acknowledged.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of tourism, despite Osun’s rich cultural and natural heritage from the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove to Erin-Ijesa Waterfalls and countless traditional festivals there has been little visible progress.
No major investment, no concrete development plan, and no serious attempt to market the state as a tourism hub, the excitement that once surrounded Adeleke’s campaign promise to “make Osun a tourist attraction” has faded into silence.
The Ministry of Tourism has been almost invisible, the commissioner seems more occupied with attending coronations and social Owambe events than driving meaningful policy or development, the Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism is hardly seen or heard from, leaving a vacuum where leadership and initiative should be.
Then there is Laide Bakare, the actress appointed as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Entertainment, Arts, Culture, and Tourism, her appointment initially sparked both controversy and optimism many hoped her experience in the entertainment industry would help project Osun’s creative and cultural image. Sadly, that expectation has not been met, instead of results, her public controversies have only dragged the government and the Governor’s name into unnecessary distractions, with nothing tangible to show from her office.
Osun is too rich in culture and history to have its tourism sector treated as an afterthought, the state has everything sacred sites, festivals, craftsmanship, and vibrant traditions to become a leading cultural destination in Nigeria and even beyond.
What’s missing is focused leadership, clear planning, and the political will to make it happen.
Governor Adeleke still has time to change the story, if his administration channels even half the energy it puts into infrastructure into tourism, Osun could become the cultural jewel of the southwest and increase IGR.
The governor must demand more from those entrusted with promoting culture and tourism because at the moment, the sector is simply asleep.
Osun deserves better, tourism deserves attention not neglect.
Cc:
Hon. Abiodun Bankole Ojo-Fafa,
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism;
Hon. Adeleke Taiwo, Chairman of the State Tourism Board; and Mrs. Ajayi, General Manager of the Tourist Board.
- Osogbo Updates
