By Kehinde Olusegun
Today marks exactly 33 years of the creation of Osun State by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, as part of a nationwide state creation exercise that led to the creation of nine new states including Osun, Abia, Enugu, Delta, Jigawa, Katsina, Kogi, Taraba, and Yobe.
The state was formed on August 27, 1991 from the southeast of Oyo State and has its capital as the city of Osogbo.
Osun is a state in southwestern Nigeria; bounded to the east by Ekiti and Ondo states for 84 km and for 78 km respectively, to the north by Kwara State for 73 km, to the south by Ogun State for 84 km and to the west by Oyo State, mostly across the River Osun. Named for the River Osun—a vital river which flows through the state.
Of the 36 states of Nigeria, Osun is the ninth smallest in area and 25th most populous state with an estimated population of about 4.7 million as of 2016.
Osun State is largely based around agriculture, mainly of cocoa, cassava, millet, maize, potato and yam crops. Other key industries are services, especially in urban areas, along with artisanal mining and livestock herding. Osun is home to several of Nigeria’s most famous landmarks, including the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University, one of Nigeria’s pre-eminent institutions of higher learning. The university is located in the ancient town of Ile-Ifẹ, an important early center of political and religious development for Yoruba culture. Other important cities and towns include the ancient kingdom-capitals of Ila Orangun, Iragbiji, Ada, Ikirun, Oke-Ila Orangun, Ipetu-Ijesha, Ijebu-Jesa, Erin Oke, Ipetumodu, Ede, Iwo, Ejigbo, Ibokun, Ode-Omu, Otan Ayegbaju, Ifetedo, Esa-Oke, Ilesa, Okuku, Otan-Ile and Igbajo. Osun State is additionally noted for having the second highest literacy rate in the country.
The State of Osun is home to a lot of tourist attractions based on its rich history and the cultural base of the Yoruba.
Tourist attractions in Osun includes; Osun River/ Osun-Osogbo Grove, which is a place considered as an heritage site. It is located along the Osun river and it is home to the goddess of fertility, Yemoja.
Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls is located in Erin-Ijesha. It is a tourist attraction located in Oriade local. The fall features seven floors.
The state has witnessed tremendous progress and achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development since 33 years of its inception.
From the development of our infrastructure to the empowerment of youths, preservation of our rich cultural heritage to the promotion of peace and security, Osun State has continued to evolve, becoming a model for other states in the Federation.
Here are the list of past and current (Military and Democratic) governors of the state since it’s creation:
Col Leo Segun Ajiborisha, first Military Administrator (MILAD) (Aug 1991 to Jan 1992)
His Excellency, Late Asiwaju Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke as first civilian Governor from Jan1992 to November 1993.
Col Abel F.K. Akale as MILAD from 27 Nov 1993-Dec 8, 1993
Col Anthony Udofia as MILAD from 9 Dec 1993-Aug 1996
Col Anthony Obi as MILAD from Aug 1996-Aug 1998
Col Theophilus Bamigboye as MILAD from Aug 1998- May 1999
Chief Adebisi Abdukareem Akande second civilian Governor from 29th May 1999- 29th May 2003.
Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola from 29th May 2003- 26th November 2010 was on his second term when the Court removed him
Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola from 26th Nov 2010 to Nov 26th 2018.
Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola Nov 27, 2018 to Nov 27, 2022.
His Excellency Asiwaju Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke from Nov 27, 2022 as the sixth executive Governor of our State.
As Osun celebrate this milestone with progress in infrastructural advancements, cultural preservation and economic and social growth under the current administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, SAHEL STANDARD Media envision a future where the State continues to shine as a beacon of culture, innovation, and opportunities.
Happy 33rd Anniversary, Osun State! Cheers to many more years of good governance.
