2026: My top priority is revamping Osun tourism — APC aspirant

An aspirant for the 2026 Osun governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, SAN, has stated that revamping the state’s tourism sector and reinforcing Ile Ife as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation and spiritual capital are some of the things he would do when elected as governor.

The senior lawyer said this during a recent engagement with party stakeholders in Ila Orangun.

Adegoke stated that Osun is blessed with some of the best tourist sites in the country, as well as being respected for being the home of one of the oldest civilisations in Africa.

According to him, one of the best ways to develop a state is through the tourism sector, which attracts thousands of people within and outside the country. This, in turn, he said, opens up opportunities for commerce, entertainment, and other forms of creative and business endeavours that make a state thrive.

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“Osun State is a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, from the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove to the Erin Ijesha and Ayankunugba Waterfalls and Oranmiyan Grove in Ile Ife,” he said.

The governorship aspirant emphasised that his commitment to the state is his motivation for brainstorming innovative means of ensuring that the people enjoy creative leadership and governance that bring development and growth for all.

Adegoke added that his tourism agenda for the state will be people- and technology-driven in ways that will leverage mobile apps and other related innovations for convenience and safety.

“This is not just about tourism and transportation; it is also about empowering our youth through job opportunities in the tourism and other related sectors,” he added.

While revealing his ‘Project Origin’ to reinforce Ile Ife as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation and spiritual capital, he said, “Tourism is a low-hanging fruit for Osun’s economic diversification. By improving access to our cultural landmarks, we will attract more visitors, stimulate local commerce, and reduce reliance on federal allocations.”

On the other hand, he noted that developing the tourism sector is only a part of his plan for the state. He added that the bigger picture and projects he has for the state are equally developmental and will be announced in the coming days.

APC leaders and stakeholders commended Adegoke’s commitment to the party and his leadership agenda for the Osun people.

Dr Obawale, former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the State, likened Adegoke’s Project Origin to the Karele Oodua project he developed while in office.

Obawale described the plan as “a game-changer for Osun’s tourism potential,” noting that it demonstrates Adegoke’s forward-thinking leadership.

Hon Femi Fakeye, who represented Ila/Boluwaduro/Ifedayo Federal Constituency of Osun State in the 7th, 8th, and 9th Assemblies, urged the senior lawyer to be steadfast in propagating his governance strategy across the state.

Adegoke urged residents and party members to support his candidacy, emphasising his commitment to transparent governance and pragmatic solutions that will develop the state.

“Together, we can build an Osun where tourism thrives through wealth creation and opportunities for all,” he said.