Adeleke’s gyration and hunger: Osun’s agricultural struggles behind the budget rhetoric

Osun State’s agricultural initiatives, despite budget increases, fail to curb soaring food prices, raising concerns about the gap between government rhetoric and on-the-ground realities

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n 2024, Osun State under Governor Ademola Adeleke rolled out new agricultural initiatives, brandishing an increased budget as a major step toward food self-sufficiency.

Also read: NNPP, PDP clash over Governor Adeleke’s leadership ahead of 2026 Osun election

But by March 2024, the same state recorded the highest food price inflation in the Southwest, peaking at 33.32%, outpacing Ekiti and Oyo States.

Despite the administration’s public celebration of schemes like the Imole Agropreneur Project and new farming equipment distribution, these efforts have yet to produce meaningful results on the ground.

Critics and observers noted that these projects lacked scale and reach, making no tangible effect in food availability or affordability for ordinary citizens.

The high inflation rate only reflected a deeper problem – Osun’s agriculture sector is underperforming despite the governor’s claims.

Experts point to inadequate support for farmers, the rising cost of inputs, and poor execution of announced programmes.

The disconnect between government announcements and market realities suggests that the agricultural budget, though increased in 2025, still falls short of what is required to create real impact.

According to a 2025 analysis by BusinessDay, Osun remains one of the lowest-spending states on agriculture relative to its needs.

“Governor Adeleke’s gyration over allocations has done little to feed the people or stabilise food prices.”

This means that although more money was earmarked, the overall size and management of the agricultural economy remain too weak to lift the state out of dependency and food insecurity.

In a state historically rooted in agriculture, the irony is stark: budgets have grown, but so has hunger.

Governor Adeleke’s gyration over allocations has done little to feed the people or stabilise food prices. It is becoming obvious that the governor can’t not dance himself out of his inability to provide quality leadership.

For Osun to truly become self-sufficient, the state must shift from announcements to action; and from political optics to farmer-focused investment.

As food prices soar and households tighten their belts, the loudest statement remains on dinner tables across Osun; they are emptier than ever.

Also read: Senator Mudashiru Husain’s bold agenda to unseat Ademola Adeleke in Osun

The good people of Osun must shop for the emancipator as we move towards another election year in 2026 for our people to truly heave a sigh of relief that Irorun de!