Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has commissioned the 10.4-kilometre Edunabon–Tonkere Road in Ife North Local Government Area, describing the project as a major step towards improving infrastructure and boosting economic activities in the area.

A statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the road project ended over four decades of neglect and restored a vital transport link connecting communities in the local government.

Following the inauguration, Adeleke held a town hall meeting with traditional rulers across Ife North LGA.

Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu commended the governor for fulfilling his promise to complete the road project.

“When you came and made this promise to us, no one believed you would accomplish what you have done for us today,” the monarch said.

Addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Ipetumodu ahead of the August 15 governorship election, Adeleke urged residents not to be intimidated by threats or violence.

“We know that Osun belongs to us. You must be bold, be fearless, and nothing will happen to you,” the governor said.

He also called on security agencies and other stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and ensure a peaceful election.

“Nigeria must be ready to defend democracy. If we truly want to practise democracy, then we must practise it the right way. Police officers who have children of their own are escorting APC thugs to attack and kill people. It is not that we are afraid, but we are deliberately choosing peace.

“They do not want us to vote, but we will use our votes to chase them out of Osun completely. Do not be intimidated or afraid,” Adeleke stated.

Expressing confidence in his re-election bid, the governor said, “I know we have already won, and by August 15, we will be celebrating.”

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Akinyode Oyewusi, said the Adeleke administration had completed 18.2 kilometres of roads across Ife North in the last two years.

He described the Edunabon–Tonkere Road as one of the administration’s landmark projects, saying it had restored a critical transport corridor and enhanced the movement of people and goods.

Oyewusi added that the government had also completed the 3.3-kilometre Akinlalu Junction–Akinlalu Town Road and the 1.5-kilometre Yakooyo–Magistrate Court Road, while construction was ongoing on the 3.3-kilometre Market Square–Tollgate Road in Ipetumodu.

He assured residents that more infrastructure projects would be delivered across the state.

The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, who was recently released from police custody, also joined the governor during the visit to Ipetumodu.

Residents of Osun State are expected to elect a governor on August 15, with 14 political parties participating in the election.