Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised concerns over the increasing politicisation of federal projects, saying it undermines intergovernmental cooperation in the Southwest region.
He stressed that states not governed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) are disproportionately affected, which impacts governance and regional development.
Adeleke’s position was conveyed through his deputy, Kola Adewusi, during the second day of the Southwest Stakeholders’ Dialogue Meeting held in Akure, Ondo State. The event was organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission in partnership with Afenifere.
According to Adewusi, many federal initiatives are now routed through party structures rather than state institutions, sidelining official agencies and weakening governance. “Nominations and access to federal initiatives are now controlled by political organisations, while duly‑constituted state agencies are deliberately sidelined. The rule of law has been replaced with the rule of the thumb,” he said.
He warned that such partisan approaches at the federal‑state level threaten national unity, democracy, and peace. Adewusi cited issues in security management and local government operations in Osun as examples where federal interference, guided by political motives, has been observed.
The governor also highlighted Osun State’s unique position in the region, noting that despite its historical significance, it faces challenges from unwarranted political hostilities that hinder development. He urged for fair access to federal projects and adherence to cooperative federalism principles.
In the summit, Akin Onigbinde, chairman of the Southwest Summit Steering Committee, described the gathering as “a new chapter in the annals of democratic governance of the Southwest region.” He recommended that such summits be institutionalised within the governors’ cabinets to ensure continuity and effectiveness.
