Political tensions in Osun State reached a boiling point on Tuesday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) engaged in a fierce war of words following Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visit to former governor Bisi Akande’s residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The closed-door meeting between Adeleke and Akande lasted about two hours and reportedly focused on the escalating crisis over the control of local government areas in the state. But the political fallout was immediate and heated.
The APC, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, slammed Adeleke’s visit, calling it an act of desperation. Olabisi accused the governor of seeking a “soft landing” from Akande amid the turmoil sparked by the reinstatement of local government officials elected during the October 15, 2022 polls.
“It was strange that Governor Adeleke and his cohorts could find their way to Pa Akande’s residence after thugs, acting on the governor’s body language, killed one of the reinstated local government chairmen of Akande’s party, Hon. Remi Abass, in Ikire and other members of the opposition in other parts of the state,” the statement read.
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The APC further warned Akande against any backdoor deals with Adeleke, insisting that the proper course of action following the Akure verdict of February 10, 2025, would be for the governor to take his case to the Supreme Court.
But the PDP swiftly hit back, praising Adeleke’s outreach to Akande as a sign of statesmanship and leadership acumen. In a statement signed by Osun PDP chairman Sunday Bisi, the party described the visit as a necessary step toward peace and reconciliation.
“We are not surprised by the vituperations of the vampire-driven elements within the Osun APC, who are bitter that their plot to destabilize Osun State has failed,” Bisi said.
He accused the APC of inciting violence, noting that six PDP members had lost their lives to attacks allegedly carried out by opposition thugs. Despite the violence, Bisi said Adeleke remained committed to fostering peace.
“‘Omo onilu ki fe kotu’—only a bastard rejoices in the destruction of his own home,” Bisi said, quoting a Yoruba proverb. “Governor Adeleke’s actions show wisdom and responsibility, unlike those who seek to set the state ablaze out of bitterness.”
The PDP reiterated its commitment to legal means in resolving the local government crisis and restoring peace. Bisi commended Adeleke’s consultations with political elders and urged him to continue engaging stakeholders across party lines.
Source: Ripples