Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has initiated a statewide briefing aimed at addressing the ongoing controversies surrounding local government leadership in the state.
The governor made this announcement on Tuesday after a meeting with Bisi Akande, a former governor of the state and the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ibadan.
According to a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke is also set to meet with key leaders of thought in the state. On Thursday, he will hold a special briefing session with the State Council of Traditional Rulers to update them on the latest developments surrounding the local government issue.
The meeting with Akande, held at his residence in Ibadan, marked the beginning of the governor’s engagement with various stakeholders. Alongside top state officials, Governor Adeleke discussed a wide range of issues affecting both the state and the nation, with a particular focus on the local government crisis.
Regarding the local government matter, Governor Adeleke reiterated his commitment to the rule of law and stressed the need for all stakeholders to avoid actions that could result in violence or destruction. He urged all parties involved to return to court and present their arguments as a way of resolving the matter peacefully.
“We must avoid resorting to self-help to prevent further loss of lives and property,” the governor emphasized, reaffirming his commitment to resolving the controversy in a legal and peaceful manner.
On national political matters, the governor acknowledged Akande’s significant role in fostering political consensus and stabilizing national leadership, stating that Osun State remains proud of the elder statesman. Governor Adeleke also conveyed the state government’s support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the strong partnership between Osun State and the Federal Government across various sectors.
“We are here to pay homage to you as a father figure and to brief our leaders on recent developments in our state. Your relationship with the Adeleke family dates back to my late father, and I felt it was fitting to start this consultation with your visit,” the governor stated.
In his response, Akande commended the governor for the visit, acknowledging that despite political differences, the development was a positive step. He urged all parties to prioritize peace and the rule of law for the collective good of Osun State. Akande also condemned any form of violence in the name of politics, emphasizing that it was unacceptable and calling for respect for the rule of law.
The meeting, however, was met with criticism from the Osun APC. The opposition party accused Governor Adeleke of “running helter-skelter” and seeking favor from Chief Akande amid the ongoing political impasse in the state.
In a statement issued by Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, the party expressed surprise that Governor Adeleke would seek a meeting with Akande after the alleged killing of Remi Abass, one of the reinstated APC local government chairmen, by PDP thugs. The APC statement also questioned the governor’s sincerity and urged him to pursue his case through legal channels, specifically the Supreme Court, instead of seeking backdoor political solutions.
The statement read: “Governor Adeleke should not expect Chief Akande to support him after the tragic killing of our members. Pa Akande is a democrat, and no amount of under-the-table arrangements can make him act against the interests of his party.”
The APC further advised Governor Adeleke to work with the reinstated council chairmen and councillors to ensure that the people of Osun benefit from the dividends of democracy.
