As the local government crisis in Osun State deepens, the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, has revealed that Governor Ademola Adeleke broke down in tears during a recent cabinet meeting over the situation.
Speaking at a Digital Literacy Training session for teachers in Ede, Eluwole disclosed that the governor wept uncontrollably for about 15 minutes and was unable to begin the meeting until he was comforted by his aides.
The crisis stems from a recent Appeal Court ruling that reinstated sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) local government officials, a decision strongly contested by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The political tension has since triggered the suspension of local government allocations by the federal government since February 2025, plunging the state into financial strain.
“There was peace before, but now there’s unrest,” Eluwole lamented. “I didn’t sleep until 2AM, left the Government House at 11PM, and was making calls all night. There’s a serious problem at hand.”
The commissioner described the emotional toll on the governor and other stakeholders, including traditional rulers. “On Saturday, the governor wept for 15 minutes before he could speak. They had to pacify him. Where is Nigeria headed?”
He also spoke about the progress made in Osun’s education sector, contrasting it with previous years marred by vandalism, cultism, and other social vices in schools. “Now, Osun’s education system is one to be proud of,” he said.
Eluwole, however, noted that the ongoing crisis has affected development projects, especially in education. “If not for what has happened since February, we would have made more provisions in schools. That funding is now being used to pay salaries — for primary school teachers, local government workers, health workers, and traditional rulers. Everyone is receiving their pay as scheduled, but we can’t hire more teachers.”
He concluded with a call for prayers and support: “Let us pray for Osun State and Governor Adeleke. He truly means well for the state.”
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