By Capital Watch Media
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 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.
The Osun PDP countering said Governor Adeleke’s visit to the elderstatesman iss a sign of statesmanship and a demonstration of leadership acumen.
In a statement by its chairman, Sunday Bisi, the party noted that, “We note with disdain the anger of the Osun APC over Governor Adeleke’s visit to Chief Akande. We are not surprised by the vituperations of the vampire-driven elements within the Osun APC, who are bitter that their plot to destabilize Osun State has failed.
“Governor Adeleke lost six of his party members to the cold hands of death, killed by bullets from APC thugs. Yet, as a leader with a deep sense of responsibility, he has launched consultations with state elders across party lines to rebuild peace and restore the rule of law.
“As our Governor and our party are made up of responsible men and women of this great state, we will not support setting it ablaze to satisfy the grievances of sore losers who were defeated in a free and fair election.
“As such, Mr. Governor is reaching out to all shades of opinion. His agenda, as it was before the crisis, remains to engage men and women of goodwill in salvaging the state from further conflict. Genuine democrats abide by the rule of law, and that is precisely what Governor Adeleke is advocating.
“The Governor and his party are embracing peace not out of weakness but as a demonstration of wisdom and political strength, reinforced by the massive goodwill we enjoy from the people. The people stand firmly with us, and we must protect them from political bandits and marauders who fear free and fair elections.
“Regarding the illegal occupation of local government secretariats, the party and its government are committed to using legal means to restore legitimately elected officials. We will not act like arsonists or pseudo-dictators who have lost all understanding of democracy.
“We commend Mr. Governor for this initiative and urge him to continue his consultations. We have a sacred duty to protect the state from anarchists who are dangerously intoxicated by a false sense of temporary power.”
