Osun Governor Adeleke Launches Health Insurance for Royal Fathers, Highlights 200 PHC Upgrades

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday, enumerated his administration's accomplishments within the health sector, noting the refurbishment of over 200 Primary Health Care Centres across the state since assuming office. Speaking in Osogbo during the inauguration of the newly completed Osun Health Insurance Multipurpose Hall, Governor Adeleke also symbolically presented complimentary health insurance cards to the state's traditional rulers, marking the official commencement of the scheme.

Adeleke stated that the event underscores his government's dedication to broadening access to quality and affordable healthcare for residents. He reiterated a commitment to wider healthcare availability, affirming, “The free enrolment initiative is another bold step by our administration to ensure that traditional rulers and their queens enjoy access. We are determined to provide qualitative healthcare services without financial hardship, in line with the government’s people-centred health policy.”

The Governor further highlighted his administration's achievements across various sectors, including the construction of over 300 kilometers of roads, the renovation of more than 200 primary healthcare centers, and the rehabilitation of over 150 schools. He also mentioned ongoing efforts in salary and pension payments, almost N2 billion allocated for cooperative financing, provision of new tractors and farm inputs for farmers, and the development of a five-star stadium. “Our administration has done well; we deserve to be re-elected,” Governor Adeleke declared.

Earlier, Dr. Rasaq Akindele, the Executive Secretary of the Osun Health Insurance Agency, detailed numerous state government-funded initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare quality for residents through the agency. Dr. Akindele described the initiative as a “strategic milestone worthy of mention,” explaining that the free health insurance for traditional rulers and their spouses extends beyond mere coverage.

He elaborated, “It is a deliberate strategy to deepen community ownership and acceptance of the Scheme. Across our State, Royal Fathers are the custodians of our culture, the gatekeepers of our communities and trusted voices whose influence transcends social, political and religious divides.” By including them in the scheme, Akindele noted, the government not only acknowledges their crucial role in community development but also empowers them to advocate for social health insurance at the grassroots level. He added that their personal positive experiences with the scheme would foster confidence among their subjects, encourage voluntary enrollment, and reinforce the message that health insurance provides a reliable and sustainable pathway to quality healthcare.

According to The PUNCH, the Osun Health Insurance Agency had already initiated plans to enroll traditional rulers and their spouses into the State Health Insurance Scheme, following Governor Ademola Adeleke’s approval. The agency emphasized that this initiative reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for all Osun State residents, irrespective of their social standing or background.

Speaking on the development via the state’s X handle, OHIS Executive Secretary, Rasaq Akindele, confirmed that the agency had put all necessary arrangements in place for a smooth enrollment process across the state. He announced that agency officials would commence visits to traditional rulers’ palaces starting Wednesday, May 20, 2026, for registration and enrollment, with the exercise expected to run for two weeks.