​From 35 Ambulances to Less Than 10: The Slow Death of Osun’s Emergency Services Under Adeleke By Adebayo Adedeji

The Osun State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, popularly known as O’AMBULANCE, is in shambles. It is in a coma. It is in a near-dead situation. This once-life-saving agency---strategically domiciled in the Office of the Governor for strict monitoring and operational effectiveness because of its critical importance to citizens’ wellbeing---is now bleeding profusely. And this tragedy persists despite the huge budgetary allocations consumed by the Office of the Governor of Osun State.

By 2025, the Office of Governor Ademola Adeleke had gulped ₦92 billion. Shockingly, barely ₦434 million of this amount, representing a ridiculous 0.47% of the total spending, was devoted to emergency medical response as at 2025. This is not just negligence, it is a moral failure. 

Upon assuming office in November 2022, the Adeleke government inherited no fewer than 35 serviceable ambulances, backed by a robust response system widely rated as one of the best in Nigeria. Today, the reverse is the case. The number of functional ambulances has dwindled drastically, response time has collapsed and staff morale has plummeted. Less than 10 ambulances are reportedly in good condition.

In OSOGBO ZONE, only two ambulances are said to be in good working condition for daytime operations: these are stationed at Aregbe and Freedom Park. Dele YesSir ambulance operates only at night, with severely limited fuel. During the day, some staff abandon their duty posts by 3:00 pm due to lack of fuel.

In IWO ZONE, only the Iwo Unit is in good condition. Olaoluwa and Ayedire ambulances have been reportedly abandoned in a mechanic workshop in Ede for several months.

In IKIRE ZONE, only the Naira & Kobo Unit is operational. Gbongon Junction Unit, Irewole Local Government Unit, and Isokan Local Government Unit are no longer functioning, according to sources. 

In ILESA ZONE, only one ambulance is said to be in good condition. But oftentimes, its operation is impacted on account of lack of fuel.

It was learnt that staff members are often assembled at Imo Maternity, Ilesa, while others are routinely absent due to operational frustration.

In IFE ZONE, only one ambulance is available and sources confirmed it rarely has fuel, rendering it unreliable in emergencies.

In EDE ZONE, only two ambulances are stationed there and are barely operational, functioning mainly because of the Governor’s presence.

All other ambulances in the state are reportedly packed and allowed to rot away in mechanic workshops in Ede.

This is the grim state of emergency medical care in Osun State today: a system designed to save lives now gasping for breath. While billions are spent at the seat of power, citizens bleed on highways, in homes, and in maternity wards---waiting for ambulances that never arrive.

The APC Governorship Candidate in the forthcoming election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) has promised to pay adequate attention to emergency services. His administration will buy more ambulances and prioritize welfare of emergency service providers. Emergency and ambulance services are a critical part of any healthcare system. AMBO will not pay lip service to this important need of the people.

• ADEDEJI, a media practitioner, is Secretary Media and Publicity Committee as well as Team Lead Digital Media Committee, Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council