Tensions are rising in Osun State following a war of words between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over a court ruling that reinstated local government officials previously removed under the APC administration.
At a press conference on Sunday, Governor Adeleke accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of working with security agencies to enforce the court’s order. He described the move as an attempt to destabilize the state, alleging that Oyetola’s influence over President Bola Tinubu was being used to fuel unrest.
“I called this press conference to alert the national and global audience about a deliberate plot to create chaos and anarchy in Osun State,” Adeleke stated. “I invite you all to expose a fascist, anti-democratic agenda designed to enforce a non-existent court judgment on our local governments.”
Adeleke contended that the court ruling lacked a consequential directive and could not override an earlier judgment that had already led to the removal of the officials before he assumed office. “The bone of contention is the brazen effrontery to reinstate council chairmen sacked by a subsisting court judgment using a different court decision, which has no consequential order,” he explained.
Urging national intervention, Adeleke insisted that President Tinubu would not support unconstitutional actions. “Before this situation escalates, I call on the Federal Government, the judiciary, and the public to intervene,” he urged.
In response, Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi dismissed Adeleke’s claims, calling them an attempt to evade legal processes. “Adeleke should know that blackmail or sentiment will not change the court’s decision,” Olabisi said. “Oyetola has not instructed anyone, including security chiefs, on how to do their job.”
Olabisi stressed that the reinstated local government officials were legally entitled to their positions. “The court has spoken, and those affected by Adeleke’s actions have been left out in the cold for too long. Now that justice has been served, Oyetola is committed to ensuring the ruling is implemented,” he added.