Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has initiated a statewide briefing of key stakeholders over the ongoing controversies surrounding local government leadership in the state.
The governor disclosed this on Tuesday following a strategic meeting with former Osun State Governor and ex-All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, at his Ibadan residence.
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke’s visit to Chief Akande marked the beginning of his consultation tour, aimed at updating political and traditional leaders on the government’s stance regarding recent legal disputes over local government administration. The governor is also scheduled to hold a special briefing session with the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers on Thursday.
Accompanied by top state officials, Adeleke engaged Chief Akande in discussions on pressing state and national matters, reiterating his commitment to the rule of law in resolving the local government leadership crisis. He urged all parties to avoid resorting to self-help to prevent further loss of lives and property, emphasizing that legal avenues remain the best approach for addressing grievances.
Speaking on national politics, the governor lauded Chief Akande’s role in fostering political stability and consensus at the national level. He also reaffirmed Osun State’s strong partnership with the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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,” Adeleke stated. “Your relationship with the Adeleke family dates back to my late father. I chose to start this consultation with this visit.”
In response, Chief Akande commended the governor for the visit, describing the initiative as a welcome development despite their political differences. He urged all parties to uphold peace and respect the rule of law, emphasizing that political disputes should never escalate into violence.
However, the Osun APC has criticized Governor Adeleke’s visit, accusing him of seeking political favor from Chief Akande amid the ongoing local government crisis.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party condemned Adeleke for engaging in what it termed “a desperate search for a soft landing” following the recent legal battles. The APC also alleged that PDP thugs were responsible for the killing of Remi Abass, a reinstated APC local government chairman.
“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 him work against the interest of his party,” the statement read.
The party further questioned why the governor has not pursued legal redress at the Supreme Court following the Akure Court of Appeal verdict on February 10, 2025.
“If Governor Adeleke is convinced he has a genuine case, why is he afraid of approaching the Supreme Court for redress?” the APC queried.
The party also advised Adeleke to cooperate with the reinstated council chairmen and councillors to ensure the smooth delivery of democratic dividends across Osun State.
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