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Opinion: Iwo Deserves More Development, APC Should Stop the Propaganda
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Opinion:Iwo Deserves More Development, APC Should Stop the Propaganda
Public discourse should be driven by facts, not propaganda. Our judgments should be based on evidence, not emotions, and the interests of the people must always come before partisan politics.
Recently, some supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been circulating a statement allegedly made by Governor Ademola Adeleke that “Iwo is like a big village because there was no development there.” The statement is now being used as a political tool to mislead some residents of Iwo and create unnecessary controversy.
However, beyond the politics and the propaganda, it is important to examine the reality on the ground.
Iwo is not just another town in Osun State. It is the foremost town in Osun West Senatorial District, just as Osogbo serves as the leading town in Osun Central and Ile-Ife occupies a similar position in Osun East. As major political, cultural, and historical centres, these towns deserve infrastructure and development that reflect their importance and strategic status.
When Iwo is compared with Osogbo and Ile-Ife, it becomes easier to understand why many people have consistently demanded greater government attention for the town.
Osogbo, as the state capital, benefits from significant infrastructure, government institutions, improved road networks, educational facilities, and thriving commercial activities.
Likewise, Ile-Ife is home to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, the Ooni’s Palace, numerous federal institutions, major tourism attractions, and several landmark development projects.
For many years, Iwo did not enjoy a level of development comparable to its significance, population, and contribution to the state. Therefore, if the current administration is bringing major projects such as road dualisation and other infrastructure interventions to Iwo, such efforts should be welcomed and appreciated rather than politicised.
If Governor Ademola Adeleke indeed expressed concern about the level of development in Iwo, particularly as the hometown of his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, and subsequently decided to address those concerns through tangible projects, that should be viewed as an example of responsive leadership.
As the Yoruba people say:
“Ojú tí ọ̀rẹ́ mi ò rí, ojú kò tì mí; Olúwa rè kò ní ojú tì ní.”
This proverb reminds us that when help eventually comes, it should be appreciated rather than rejected because of political considerations.
The critical question before the people is simple: Has development come to Iwo?
If the answer is yes, then the assessment of the government should be based on visible results and measurable progress.
Some critics have also referenced the Osun State General Hospital in Iwo as evidence that little or no improvement has taken place. However, many residents have testified to notable improvements in healthcare service delivery. Medical personnel are available, healthcare services have improved, and free surgeries have reportedly been conducted for conditions such as hernia and appendicitis. While there may still be room for further improvement, it is only fair to acknowledge progress where progress exists.
No government is perfect, and meaningful development does not happen overnight. What matters is whether there is measurable movement from where we were yesterday to where we are today.
The people of Iwo deserve development.
The people of Osun West deserve development.
The people of Osun State deserve development.
The projects delivered so far under the current administration deserve recognition and appreciation.
Imole, thank you for the projects delivered so far.
IMOLE 4+4.
Signed:
Hon. Ayinde Afeez Amubieya
