Gov Adeleke Slams Calls for Emergency Rule in Osun, Accuses APC of Backdoor Power Grab
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed recent calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, describing them as a continuation of a failed plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to seize power through undemocratic means. The governor was reacting to appeals by some civil society groups for emergency rule following recent political developments in the state. Adeleke, however, described the groups as “faceless” and alleged that the calls were orchestrated by former governor Gboyega Oyetola and the APC’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. In a statement issued on Saturday in Osogbo, Adeleke accused the APC of being the major source of unrest in Osun, alleging that the party paralysed local government administration, mismanaged council funds, and illegally deployed security personnel. According to the governor, the former administration and its allies have become “the most hated political actors in Osun” due to their handling of local government affairs. “The APC seized local government funds, mismanaged the same, and forcefully occupied the councils, all in a bid to provoke violence and conflict. This is a deliberate strategy to create chaos and blame it on the Adeleke-led administration,” he said. Adeleke maintained that his government has continued to preserve peace in the state despite what he described as persistent provocation and illegality by APC-aligned actors. He said the call for emergency rule was born out of frustration after their alleged plans failed. “Osun APC has failed in its evil bid to destabilise the state, hence their resort to an open call for emergency declaration, for which there is no basis or justification,” he stated. The governor rejected attempts to blame his administration for the crisis, insisting that the instability stemmed from the illegal occupation of local government councils by APC-backed chairmen whose tenures had expired. He further accused the opposition party of hijacking local government funds in violation of financial regulations, adding that his administration had intervened to pay local government workers who were allegedly abandoned. Adeleke said his handling of the situation has earned commendations from various quarters, stressing that Osun has moved beyond the era of political violence. “No individual or group will be allowed to further disturb the peace of Osun State. Anybody found creating public mayhem will face the full wrath of the law,” he warned. The governor disclosed that he had directed the state Commissioner of Police to closely monitor the situation and prevent any attempt to plunge the state into conflict. He also called on the Inspector-General of Police to take note of developments in the state. Adeleke further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by calling former governor Oyetola to order, warning that the actions of the minister could tarnish the image of the Presidency. “Those seeking power should face the electorate. Political power is secured through the people; no backdoor access will work,” he added.
