AMBO’s Visit to Iwo: Promising Rebuilding of Mosque is A Reflection of Misplaced Priorities

AMBO’s Visit to Iwo: Promising Rebuilding of Mosque is A Reflection of Misplaced Priorities

By Comrade Abdul-Jeleel Samakin Abiodun

The recent visit of the APC governorship candidate, Munirudeen Oyebamiji (popularly called AMUBO), to Iwo has generated intense political conversation across Osun State. For many residents, the outing did not project the depth, clarity, or policy direction expected from someone seeking to govern a state as strategic and politically conscious as Osun.

At a time when Nigerians are battling inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and infrastructural decay, the people of Osun expect bold, measurable, and people-focused policy plans as we are witnessing under Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Governance is not about symbolism; it is about solving real problems.

It is therefore unsurprising that many citizens condemned the emphasis placed on reconstructing or renovating a mosque as part of a projected agenda of APC Governorship candidate. While religious institutions are important within communities, voters are increasingly asking: Is this the priority of a state yearning for more economic growth, youth employment, road dualization, healthcare access, and industrial expansion?

The reactions from Iwo residents on Facebook were not only direct but politically instructive. One commenter described the proposal to rebuild mosque as:

“A dangerous lack of ideas. In this modern era, when our people are crying for infrastructure, jobs, and economic growth, presenting the rebuilding of a mosque as a development plan is unacceptable. Governance requires vision, not religious tokenism.”

Another resident asked a fundamental governance question:

“How is this going to benefit the average Iwo citizen that has no affiliation with the religion? How is construction of a worship centre a developmental project that government should be concerned about?”

These comments reflect a politically awakened electorate. Iwo is not a town defined by a single religious identity, it is home to Muslims, Christians, and traditional worshippers. The development needs of the town cut across faith lines: roads, jobs, water works, healthcare facilities, education, and industrial investment as it is being witness under the current IMOLE administration.

One reaction from Facebook stated:

“Any gubernatorial candidate campaigning in Iwo should be reminded of the backwardness in terms of infrastructure, health and education, and be reminded of abandoned projects by Oyetola’s led administration such as Water Works, OSADEP, Reality Radio-Vision… In conclusion, Iwo–Osogbo expressway should be prioritized.”

The message is clear: the people want economic and infrastructural transformation; not religious gestures packaged as governance.

In contrast, some commentators argue that the current administration by Governor Ademola Adeleke has focused on tangible development across Osun State. Several commenters referenced what they described as visible progress under the present government, with one stating:

“A failed attempt to distract the massive development Iwo is witnessing under the present Government.”

Another declared confidently:

“No Iwo son or daughter will believe this, as the little time HE Sen Ademola Adeleke has spent as Governor proves to us that the APC are mere liars and propagandists over Iwo development.”

These sentiments point out a broader political reality: the electorate is comparing records. Between 2018 and 2022, many believe that key projects were either stalled or abandoned. Now, voters are scrutinizing whether the APC’s new promises align with past performance.

One striking comment captured the mood:

“If you are serious about redeveloping religious building, start now. You don’t need to wait till you become Governor. Religion is a personal thing.”

This statement highlights a critical distinction; governance is about public goods and inclusive development. Religious buildings, while important socially, do not replace industrial parks, youth empowerment schemes, agricultural support, digital innovation hubs, or quality healthcare systems.

Politically, the 2026 election is shaping into a contest between continuity and reversal. For many in Iwo and across Osun, the question is simple: Who offers structured economic plans, transparent governance, and people-oriented infrastructure delivery?

The majority of the masses who are in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke maintain that the state is already on a development trajectory and that sustaining momentum is preferable to returning to what they describe as “tested and failed” APC leadership.

The Facebook reactions demonstrate one undeniable fact; Osun voters are no longer passive. They are asking hard questions. They are demanding results. And they are increasingly unwilling to exchange long-term development for short-term political symbolism.

As 2026 approaches, the people of Osun will ultimately decide whether their future lies in continuity under Governor Ademola Adeleke or in returning to an opposition that must convincingly explain not just what it promises but what it failed to deliver when previously entrusted with power.