Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has received the endorsement of a leading Yoruba diaspora group in South Africa following a strategic engagement in Cape Town.
The President of the Association of Yoruba in Diaspora South Africa (AYIDSA), Dr. Olusola Agbeniyi, declared support for the governor’s administration after a three-hour closed-door meeting held during Adeleke’s visit to attend the Investing in African Mining Indaba from February 9 to 12.
In a statement released by AYIDSA’s Media Unit, Dr. Agbeniyi praised what he described as visible socio-economic progress in Osun State under the governor’s “Imole Osun” development agenda. He said members of the diaspora have observed tangible improvements in infrastructure, governance and public service delivery since Adeleke assumed office.
Among the achievements highlighted were ongoing infrastructure projects across the state’s three senatorial districts, regular payment of salaries and pensions, and efforts to offset inherited debt obligations. The AYIDSA president also commended the administration’s push to attract investors into Osun’s economy, particularly in the mining and agricultural sectors.
Dr. Agbeniyi further applauded the recent N34 billion research hospital donation by philanthropist Folorunso Alakija, describing it as a sign of growing private-sector confidence in the state’s leadership.
He also referenced Osun’s recognition by the World Health Organization as the best-performing state in primary healthcare delivery in South-West Nigeria for 2024 and 2025, an achievement that reportedly attracted a combined $1 million reward to support healthcare improvements.
According to Dr. Agbeniyi, the governor’s performance is particularly notable given Osun’s relatively modest federal allocation. “He has demonstrated that prudent management and transparency can yield meaningful development,” he said, adding that leadership of such quality could significantly improve Nigeria’s overall trajectory.
Responding, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation for the diaspora group’s support and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive development across Osun State. He praised AYIDSA for promoting Yoruba language and culture abroad, especially through initiatives such as the annual Yoruba Heritage Day celebration and the preservation of Omoluabi values.
The governor encouraged members of the association to remain worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and to continue contributing to the growth of their communities back home.
The Cape Town engagement formed part of Adeleke’s broader investment drive, aimed at positioning Osun State as an attractive destination for international mining and agricultural partnerships.
