Osun State Logo Competition and Adeleke’s Promise-and-fail Agenda

By Musefiu Kolawole Afolabi

THIS morning, I was at a vendor stand of Mr Chukwudi at Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, to pick up newspapers when I overheard some lively discussions. The conversation centered around Governor Ademola Adeleke’s performance in Osun State, with some critics questioning his ability to effectively govern and manage politics.

Some of the concerns raised by the analysts at the vendor stand included the governor’s alleged lack of knowledge about the government he’s heading, relying on others to dictate his actions. They also mentioned that important government correspondence is often written by a single individual, a Mallam Olawale Rasheed, notorious for circulating half-truths and misinformation, after his contents have been reviewed by the governor’s siblings.

One analyst expressed fears about the governor’s handling of funds, alleging that he is conducting affairs of the government without transparency, awarding large projects to contractors with questionable backgrounds and to lackeys with zero technical experience.

One of the speakers said, ” the man ehn, Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, don make free billions in Osun O dis time wey Tinubu dey share Subsidy money to states and LGs like bonanza. Even we hear say na big big project worth billions im dey do without transparency with contractors of no professional background or traceable profile for CAC website. Na God go save Osun.”

In 2001, I decided to steer clear of debating politics with the vendor stand regulars, who seem to have better information about happenings in all parts of the country than everyone else. So, I picked up my newspapers instead and headed home, only to recall a thought-provoking article on social media by Simeon Ayoola, a fellow Ife North local, titled ‘A CALL TO ACTION: FULFILLING PROMISES TO OSUN’S YOUTH’, addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke. I reconsidered engaging with the content, especially after overhearing concerns about Governor Adeleke’s awful performance.

The Osun State logo competition, referenced in the piece, has taken a disappointing turn, highlighting concerns about Adeleke’s administration. Simeon Ayoola, a LAUTECH Fine Arts graduate and first runner-up in the competition, expressed frustration in his write-up
Despite the state government’s promise to reward the top three designers, including Ayoola, Mogaji Bolaji Abdullah, and Busari Tola, there has been no follow-up or recognition in over four months.

In April, the state government had said, “…as Government’s rebranding efforts continue….Prizes for the top three designers will be unveiled in a couple of days, while the designers themselves will be formally hosted by relevant offices of government.”

This lack of fulfillment is particularly alarming considering the government’s insane expenditure on the Governor’s maintenance, about ₦30 billion in less than two years. The failure to appreciate the talents of Osun’s young individuals, who showcased their skills and patriotism, raises questions about the government’s priorities.

The logo competition was launched after the initial design faced public backlash.