An Osun-based civil society, The Osun Masterminds, TOM, has criticized the state government for neglecting governance while focusing more on the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

The Society, speaking through its Executive Director, Wasiu Oyedokun-Allí, mentioned in this month’s edition of the State of the State address that public office holders are drifting away from their primary assignments, with more attention being paid to the 2026 election in the State.

“While 2026 is indeed the Governorship election year, governance must progress smoothly until the last day of this administration, whether it wins a second term or not. It is unacceptable to sacrifice governance on the altar of political expediency and we call on all government actors to prioritize the public service for which they are paid salaries and other emoluments,” he said.

TOM also decried the alleged disregard of the Court of Appeal ruling and the opinion of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, by the State Government with regard to local government administration.

The Society also called on the State Government to resolve the power struggle at local governments throughout the state, noting that this crisis is impeding local government progress.

Oyedokun- Alli said: “We call on all men and women of good conscience to prevail on the Osun State Government to end this needless crisis that it has plunged the State into and allow the rule of law prevail. We are all people of Osun State, whether of the APC or PDP, and we must co-habit in peace.”

The group further charged the State Government to expedite action towards resuscitating the Technical Colleges across the state, adding that this will fill in the huge skill acquisition gap in the State.

Speaking on national security, TOM urged President Bola Tinubu to restructure security by kicking out incompetent personnel and providing incentives for hardworking ones.

Oyedokun-Alli noted that securing the lives and properties of the citizens should be important than anything in the election.