Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has come under fire from the All Progressives Congress (APC) over his visit to the party’s national leader, Chief Bisi Akande. The visit comes as Osun grapples with a contentious local government leadership crisis.
Adeleke met with Akande behind closed doors for two hours at his Ibadan residence on Tuesday. According to his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the visit was part of a broader consultation with key stakeholders regarding the local government leadership controversy.
Governor’s Delegation and Political Consultations
Accompanying Adeleke were top state officials, including his Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Speaker of the State Assembly, and Commissioners for Justice and Information. The governor is also scheduled to brief the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers on Thursday.
During the meeting, Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and emphasized the state government’s collaboration with the Federal Government across various sectors.
“Our father, we are here to pay homage to you as my predecessor and as an elder statesman. I am also briefing our leaders on recent developments in our dear state. Your relationship with the Adeleke family dates back to my late father, so I chose to start this consultation with you,” Adeleke stated.
In response, Chief Akande acknowledged the governor’s briefing and stressed the need for peace and adherence to the rule of law to ensure the state’s progress.
APC Rejects Visit, Calls It Political Gimmick
However, the APC has dismissed the visit as a desperate attempt by Adeleke to seek a “soft landing” amid the controversy surrounding the reinstated local government chairmen and councillors.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party maintained that Akande is a staunch democrat who would not compromise his party’s interests.
“There are knowledgeable political advisers around Governor Adeleke who should have informed him that the proper avenue for redress following the Akure verdict of February 10, 2025, is the Supreme Court,” the statement read.
APC Accuses Adeleke of Deception
The APC further accused Adeleke of attempting to deceive the public, particularly after what it described as his administration’s role in past violence against its members.
“Our advice to Governor Adeleke is simple: instead of political maneuvering, he should work with the reinstated council chairmen and councillors to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every part of the state,” the party stated.
Osun’s Political Tension Escalates
The local government leadership dispute continues to fuel a heated political battle in Osun, with the APC and Adeleke’s administration locked in a war of words. As both sides stand firm on their positions, the crisis remains unresolved, leaving uncertainty over the state’s governance at the grassroots level.
