Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has launched a statewide briefing of stakeholders regarding the recent controversies over local government leadership in the state.
Governor Adeleke disclosed this on Tuesday following a meeting with Chief Bisi Akande, a former governor of the state and former chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ibadan.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, made available to DAILY POST in Osogbo, the governor is also scheduled to visit and update key leaders of thought on the development in a special briefing session with the State Council of Traditional Rulers on Thursday.
Adeleke revealed that the meeting with the elder statesman at his Ibadan residence marked the beginning of the briefing programme.
Accompanied by top state officials, the governor also discussed pressing state and national issues with Chief Akande.
On the local government issue, Governor Adeleke outlined the state government’s stance on recent legal controversies and reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law in resolving the matter.
“There is a need for all stakeholders to avoid resorting to self-help to prevent further loss of lives and property,” he said.
He reiterated his earlier call for all parties to return to court to present their viewpoints.
On national politics, the governor appreciated Chief Akande’s role in fostering consensus and stabilising national leadership, stating that Osun State is proud of the elder statesman.
Governor Adeleke further conveyed the Osun State Government’s support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, informing Chief Akande that the state government enjoys a strong partnership 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 going around to brief our leaders on recent developments in our dear state.
“Your relationship with the Adeleke family dates back to my late father. I chose to start this consultation with this visit,” he stated.
In response, Chief Akande commended the governor for the visit, describing the development as a welcome one despite their political differences.
Chief Akande said he had listened to the delegation’s presentation and urged all parties to uphold peace and the rule of law for the collective benefit of the state.
The former governor emphasised that bloodshed in the name of politics is unacceptable, calling on all parties to respect the rule of law and avoid self-help.
Reacting to the Ibadan meeting, the Osun APC criticised Governor Adeleke for “running helter-skelter” and seeking a soft landing from Chief Akande regarding the prevailing political impasse in the state.
In a statement by Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, the party expressed surprise that Governor Adeleke could visit Chief Akande after PDP thugs allegedly killed Remi Abass, one of the reinstated APC local government chairmen.
The statement read: “We want to make it clear to Governor Adeleke and his associates that Pa Akande is a democrat, and no amount of under-the-table arrangements would make the former governor work against the interest of his party.
“Does Governor Adeleke expect Pa Akande to praise him for being instrumental in the killing of a chieftain and members of his party? We believe the governor should have knowledgeable political advisers who should guide him properly. If he truly seeks redress after the Akure verdict of 10th February 2025, the proper place to go is the Supreme Court.
“It is contradictory for a governor whose directive resulted in the killings of our members to think he can deceive the people through the back door. If Governor Adeleke is convinced he has a genuine case, why is he afraid of approaching the Supreme Court for redress?”
The party further advised Governor Adeleke to collaborate with the reinstated council chairmen and councillors to ensure the dividends of democracy reach every part of the state.
(Daily Post)
