Tag: Kunle Rasheed Adegoke

A governorship aspirant for the 2026 Osun State election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (SAN), popularly known as K-RAD has unveiled a visionary plan to reintroduce taxi services in major towns across Osun State as a key strategy to drive tourism and economic growth.

Adegoke outlined his commitment to revitalizing the state’s tourism sector by enhancing accessibility and mobility for visitors and residents during an engagement with party stakeholders in Ila Orangun.

“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”.

“By reintroducing efficient and affordable taxi services in major towns, we will make it easier for tourists to explore our heritage, boosting local businesses and creating jobs.

“Tourists won’t love to drive in Korope from Osogbo to Owalla dam to enjoy boat rides and birds watching, it has to be a comfortable ride in a taxi manned by cultured drivers that have been trained to market our lovely traditions and culture,” he further explained.

The initiative aims to establish a modern, reliable taxi system in key urban centers such as Osogbo, Ile-Ife, Ilesa, with plans to extend services to other towns.

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Adegoke emphasized that the taxi services will leverage technology, including mobile apps for booking and payments, to ensure convenience and safety for passengers.

“This is not just about transportation; it’s about creating a seamless experience for tourists while empowering our youth through job opportunities as drivers, dispatchers, and support staff,” he added.

Adegoke’s tourism-driven transportation plan aligns with his broader vision of economic revival, as outlined in his “Assured Future” blueprint. He highlighted that the reintroduction of taxi services will complement his strategies for agricultural revolution, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment.

While revealing his “Project Origin” to package Ile Ife as the cradle of Yoruba civilization 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,” he said.

Ahead of the primary election of the All Progressive Congress to select the party’s candidate for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, party leaders have declared their support for Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (SAN), popularly known as K-RAD.

During his visit to Boripe Local Government Area of the State, the APC Elders’ Caucus commended Adegoke’s loyalty and dedication to the party.

The Chairman of the Boripe APC Elders’ Caucus, Hon. Osuolale Bello praised Adegoke for his consistent commitment to the party’s unity, membership drive, growth and development.

The Boripe APC Elders also declared that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola had not endorsed any aspirant for the 2026 governorship election.

“Barrister Kunle Adegoke has demonstrated exemplary loyalty to the APC through his legal expertise, grassroots engagement, and steadfast support for the party’s vision. His contributions, including his role in defending the party’s interests in high-profile electoral cases, have been invaluable,” the lawyer said.

The elders highlighted Adegoke’s efforts in fostering unity among party members and his policy-driven approach to governance, as outlined in his engagements with APC leaders and stakeholders. They described him as a “utility aspirant” whose vision for economic revival, transparent governance, and infrastructure development aligns with the aspirations of Osun residents.

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Addressing speculations that have been rife in the past few months, Bello emphasized that Oyetola, a key leader of APC in Osun, remains neutral and focused on uniting the party to reclaim power from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2026.

“Alhaji Oyetola has made it clear that his priority is the APC’s victory, not the endorsement of any individual aspirant.

“He urged all aspirants to work together, avoid divisive tactics, and prioritize the party’s collective goal,” Bello stated, referencing Oyetola’s remarks at a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo.

Responding, Adegoke reaffirmed his support for Oyetola’s leadership and the APC’s mission to deliver good governance in Osun State. He called on all party members to remain united and mobilize for the upcoming Continuous Voters Registration exercise, describing it as a critical step toward ensuring electoral success in 2026.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and astute political activist, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2026 Osun State gubernatorial election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adegoke’s declaration comes amidst a flurry of political activities as the Independent National  Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, civil societies and other stakeholders prepare for the August 2026 Osun State gubernatorial election.

The Osun State election is seen by observers as a litmus test for the Nigerian political system, coming a year ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Popularly known as K-RAD, Adegoke is making a second bid for the APC’s ticket, following his participation in the 2018 APC primaries.

A native of Osogbo, Adegoke is well respected for his legal expertise and political and human rights activism within and outside the state.

Adegoke’s socio-political platform, “Tiwa N Tiwa L’Osun” emphasises economic revitalisation and socio-political development.

He has articulated a comprehensive blueprint (Assured Future) aimed at transforming Osun State’s critical sectors including economy, focusing on job creation, infrastructure development, and improved public services.

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He also underscored the importance of pragmatic solutions to the state’s challenges, moving beyond ethnic, bloc or regional considerations

Political observers said Adegoke stands shoulder high in the contest for the APC ticket citing his expertise, experience and activities within the APC, Osun State and the nation in general.

He is widely respected as a bridge-builder and had been lauded for his efforts to unify the APC in Osun State. During the 2018 primaries, his candidacy was seen as a bridge between the party’s factions, earning him the moniker “saviour” in certain circles.

His legal background and commitment to party ideals have positioned him as a respected figure capable of fostering cohesion within the APC.

As the 2026 election approaches, the APC’s ability to navigate internal dynamics and present a cohesive strategy will be crucial. Adegoke’s emphasis on competence and policy-driven leadership positions him as a candidate focused on substantive governance issues, potentially appealing to a broad electorate seeking effective solutions to the state’s challenges.

Observers said the coming months would be pivotal for the APC as it selects its gubernatorial candidate.

They argued that the party’s decision-making process would need to balance considerations of regional representation, candidate competence, and electoral viability to maximize its chances of success in the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

In the 2018 primaries, Adegoke, while raising concerns about certain anomalies, had chosen to remain faithful to the party’s decision, emphasizing his commitment to democratic principles and party loyalty and unity.

While K-RAD personally has been a consistent advocate of meritocracy, holding that leadership should be determined by competence and the ability to deliver good governance, rather than regional affiliations, his declaration has also deepened ongoing debate about APC’s zoning arrangements for the upcoming election.

Some party members have advocated for zoning the governorship ticket to Osun West to promote fairness and inclusivity.

Despite his stance against zoning, Adegoke’s Osogbo origin has sparked discussions about regional representation in Osun’s political landscape.

Some stakeholders argued that Osogbo, having not produced a governor since the state’s creation, deserves the opportunity.

However, others caution against concentrating power in one senatorial zone, suggesting that such a move could alienate other regions and impact the party’s electoral prospects.

Adegoke’s candidacy added to a growing list of APC aspirants vying for the governorship ticket. These included the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru (SRJ), Asiwaju Muniru Bola Oyebamiji  (AMBO); Senator Hassan Hussein; Iyiola Omisore; Dotun Babayemi and Senator Babajide Omoworare.

Political analysts said the growing list of eminent personalities contesting for the APC ticket presents a major challenge of managing these ambitions to prevent internal discord and ensure a united front in the August 16 2026 gubernatorial election.