The crisis surrounding local government administration in Osun State has escalated into a war of words between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), following Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visit to former Governor Bisi Akande in Ibadan.
Governor Adeleke’s visit to the elder statesman on Monday was reportedly aimed at seeking political consultation over the ongoing conflict regarding control of local government councils in the state.
The closed-door meeting, which lasted for about two hours, has since sparked heated reactions from both political camps.
In a strongly worded statement, Osun APC, through its spokesperson Kola Olabisi, condemned Adeleke’s move, describing it as an act of desperation.
Olabisi alleged that Adeleke’s visit was a bid to seek a soft landing amid the political turmoil triggered by the reinstatement of council chairmen elected during the controversial October 15, 2022, local government elections.
The opposition party accused the governor of hypocrisy, claiming that PDP thugs, allegedly acting on Adeleke’s instructions, were responsible for the recent killing of an APC local government chairman, Hon. Remi Abass, in Ikire, alongside other party members in different parts of the state.
“It is strange that Governor Adeleke and his associates would visit Chief Akande after their party’s thugs, emboldened by the governor’s body language, orchestrated violent attacks that led to the deaths of APC members,” the statement read.
The APC further asserted that Chief Akande, as a committed democrat, would not betray his party’s interests, warning Adeleke that any attempt at political maneuvering through backdoor negotiations would be futile.
The party also advised the governor to challenge the legal disputes surrounding the local government crisis in the Supreme Court rather than seeking informal resolutions.
However, in a counter-statement, the Osun PDP, through its chairman, Sunday Bisi, commended Governor Adeleke’s move, describing it as a demonstration of statesmanship and political wisdom.
Bisi dismissed APC’s criticism as the ranting of “sore losers” who were bitter over their failed attempts to destabilize the state.
He accused the opposition party of fueling violence, claiming that six PDP members had been killed in attacks allegedly orchestrated by APC loyalists.
“Despite losing six of his party members to politically motivated attacks, Governor Adeleke has chosen the path of peace by engaging state elders across party lines to restore stability and the rule of law,” Bisi stated.
The PDP insisted that Adeleke’s approach was guided by a commitment to democratic principles and governance.
It further accused the APC of attempting to illegally occupy local government secretariats, vowing that the government would use lawful means to reinstate legitimately elected officials.
“Genuine democrats abide by the rule of law, and that is exactly what Governor Adeleke is advocating. His decision to embrace peace is not out of weakness but a reflection of political strength and the overwhelming goodwill he enjoys from the people,” Bisi added.
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