The Osun Renaissance Project (TORP), a non-partisan platform of concerned citizens, has released its August 2024 reflections on the state of Osun, highlighting concerns over the upcoming Local Government election, autonomy, and agriculture.
According to the report, the group has been monitoring the events leading up to the February 22, 2025, Local Government election and has noted with dismay the rumored imposition of candidates across local governments, leading to resistance from members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
TORP has appealed to the Osun State Government and the PDP to ensure fairness and equity in the conduct of their intra-party affairs and the election itself.
“It is thus pertinent to appeal to the powers that be, both in the PDP-led Government and Osun PDP as a party, to ensure fairness and equity in both the conduct of their intra-party affairs ahead of the Local Government Elections, the LG governance should not be based on crude imposition, thuggery and intimidation of eligible aspirants.
“Aware of the opposition, APC’s resolve to also participate in the LG election, we are compelled to appeal to both major political parties to ensure that there is maintainance of law and order before, during and after the LG Elections.
The group has also called on the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
“We appeal to the Chairmsn of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Barr. Hasim Abioye and his commission to ensure that the local government election is free, fair and credible.
Additionally, TORP has expressed concerns over the debate on Local Government autonomy, citing insinuations that governors are attempting to impose loyal chairmen who would return allocations to the state government.
The group has also criticized the Osun State Government’s commitment to agriculture, citing a meager budget allocation of 1.39% for the Ministry of Agriculture in 2024. TORP has called for innovative agricultural development policies to boost food production and ensure food security.
TORP has urged the Osun State Government to consider their reflections as a partner in progress and to take their concerns in good faith.
