An Osun-based civil society organisation, The Osun Masterminds, TOM, has called on the State Government to shift its attention from political activities to effective governance, urging the administration to prioritise infrastructure, employment, healthcare and grassroots development.
The organisation made the call in its October 2026 State of the State address delivered by its Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, on Saturday.
Oyedokun-Alli said the gubernatorial election cycle had ended, stressing that residents should begin to experience the benefits of governance rather than continued political campaigns and partisan disagreements.
“The people of Osun did not vote for perpetual politicking; they voted for development, employment, security, and infrastructural transformation,” it stated.
The group identified inadequate school infrastructure, shortages of drugs and personnel in primary healthcare centres, rising youth unemployment and restrictions on local government administration as major challenges requiring urgent attention.
It urged the state government to ensure that public funds were directed towards projects with measurable benefits, adding that it would continue to demand accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
On security, the organisation expressed concern over reported cases of kidnapping along major interstate routes as the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach, particularly the Kabba-Lokoja-Abuja highway.
"Travellers and transport operators had raised concerns about armed criminal groups allegedly abducting passengers and demanding ransoms. The situation could undermine the safety of people travelling for the yuletide festivities.
"We call on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Army and local security structures to establish coordinated, intelligence-led operations along identified high-risk routes.
"Security agencies must ensure visible and sustained patrols before the peak travel period," it said.
The organisation also condemned the alleged attack on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti on October 30, 2026, describing the incident as an assault on democratic participation and freedom of expression.
It called on the Inspector-General of Police, DSS and other relevant agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure their prosecution. “Perpetrators of the October 30 attack in Ekiti must be fished out and brought to open justice immediately,” it said.
On infrastructure, the group criticised the condition of several internal roads in Osogbo, identifying the Dele-Yes-Sir/Oke-Fia axis, Olaiya/Ogo-Oluwa corridor and MDS/Oja-Oba/Ilesa Garage network as areas requiring urgent rehabilitation.
It said the deteriorating roads had increased the difficulties faced by motorists, commuters and business owners, citing potholes, failed asphalt, drainage problems and erosion. The organisation urged the state government to declare a state of emergency on township roads in Osogbo and implement comprehensive rehabilitation projects.
The group also raised concerns over the condition of federal highways linking the South-West with other parts of the country, particularly the Ekiti-Kogi-Lokoja-Abuja highway and Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa-Egbe corridors.
According to the organisation, the affected routes had become increasingly difficult for motorists and commercial transport operators, with damaged road sections contributing to accidents, traffic disruptions and economic losses. It called on the Federal Ministry of Works and relevant agencies to intervene urgently.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Osun Masterminds urged political parties and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns, tolerance and respect for the rule of law, warning against political violence and intimidation of opposition figures.
It also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups, political actors and security agencies to promote national unity, transparency and peaceful political participation.
“Let us build a culture of robust intellectual debate rather than physical violence,” the organisation said, reiterating its commitment to holding public officeholders accountable.
2027: Osun Masterminds demand governance, better roads, security ahead of general elections