By John Dike, Osogbo
The opposition All Progressives Congress in Osun State on Wednesday fired back at Governor Ademola Adeleke over the allegation that it sponsored the series of political violence that rocked the state recently.
Adeleke had accused that party’s candidate in the August 15 governorship election, Mr Bola Oyebamiji and the Marine and Blue Economy minister who is also a former governor of the state, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, of sponsoring the violence.
The governor is also contesting the coming election on the platform of Accord Party for the renewal of his tenure.
But the state’s chapter of the APC counter-accused the governor of promoting political violence to secure a second term in office, insisting that such tactics would not guarantee victory at the polls.
In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, the APC alleged that disturbances recorded in parts of the state following its “Walk-To-Win” political exercise in the Ife Federal Constituency were orchestrated by supporters of the governor.
It claimed that the incidents reflected what it described as growing desperation within the Adeleke administration ahead of the governorship election.
The APC also faulted the governor’s recent comments against the Osun State Commissioner of Police, whom Adeleke had accused of failing to cooperate with his administration in addressing security challenges.
According to the party, public criticism of the police leadership by the governor was inappropriate and capable of undermining public confidence in security institutions.
“It was surprising to see the governor publicly accusing the Commissioner of Police of non-cooperation. Such comments raise concerns about the relationship between the state government and security agencies responsible for maintaining law and order,” the statement read.
The APC further alleged that some individuals wanted by security agencies were being protected within government circles and challenged the governor to address the allegations.
The party accused the administration of presiding over an atmosphere of insecurity and political tension in the state, alleging that several violent incidents recorded in different communities since 2022 involved persons linked to the ruling political structure.
It also referenced the killing of the reinstated Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Hon. Remi Abass, and other incidents of political violence, urging security agencies to ensure that ongoing investigations are diligently pursued.
It maintained that it remained committed to democratic principles and peaceful political engagement, stressing that electoral victory should be determined through the ballot box rather than violence or intimidation.
While expressing confidence in the chances of its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), the party said Osun voters were eager for a change in leadership and would demonstrate that through the electoral process.
The party further accused the Adeleke administration of poor governance, policy inconsistency and failure to meet public expectations, arguing that the state needed a new direction.
The party levelled the allegations barely 24 hours after Governor Adeleke accused opposition elements of sponsoring attacks and violence in parts of the state.
Addressing journalists during an emergency press briefing in Osogbo on Tuesday, Adeleke alleged that political thugs loyal to the opposition APC attacked residents in Ile-Ife, Ede and Osogbo, leaving several people injured.
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The governor specifically accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, and the APC governorship candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, of sponsoring the attacks.
Adeleke warned that violence and intimidation would not translate into electoral victory and cautioned against actions capable of destabilising the state.
The governor also appealed to President Bola Tinubu and security chiefs to intervene and prevent a breakdown of law and order in Osun State.
According to him, attempts to create unrest in the state could be part of a wider agenda to trigger a political crisis and justify extraordinary measures capable of disrupting the democratic process.
