The political landscape in Osun State witnessed a heated exchange between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

 

On Tuesday, following Governor Ademola Adeleke's visit to former Governor Bisi Akande at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The two leaders engaged in discussions concerning the ongoing disputes over the governance of local government areas in the state during a closed-door meeting that lasted approximately two hours.

In response to this meeting, APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi issued a statement criticizing Adeleke for seeking Akande's counsel, particularly in light of recent violence that resulted in the deaths of party members during the turmoil that ensued after the officials elected in the local government elections on October 15, 2022, assumed office.

Olabisi expressed disapproval of Adeleke's actions, suggesting that the governor was essentially appealing to Akande for assistance in navigating the current political impasse involving the reinstated council chairmen and councillors.

The statement further noted, “It is perplexing that Governor Adeleke and his associates would visit Pa Akande’s home after the PDP's supporters, seemingly encouraged by the governor's demeanor, were responsible for the murder of Hon Remi Abass, a reinstated local government council chairman affiliated with Chief Akande, along with other opposition members across the state just days prior.”

The APC emphasized that Pa Akande is a committed democrat and that no clandestine agreements would compel the former governor to act against the interests of his party. They questioned whether Governor Adeleke expected Akande to commend him for his role in the violence against party officials.

The APC concluded by suggesting that Governor Adeleke should be advised by his political advisors to pursue legitimate avenues for redress, particularly through the Supreme Court, following the Akure verdict dated February 10, 2025.

The APC has urged Adeleke to collaborate with the reinstated council chairmen and councillors to ensure that the benefits of democracy are distributed throughout the state.

In response to this development, the Osun PDP praised Adeleke for initiating his statewide consultations with a visit to Akande.

In a statement issued by its Osun State chairman, Sunday Bisi, the PDP characterized Adeleke’s visit to Akande as indicative of ‘statesmanship and a display of leadership skill.’

Bisi further expressed, “We take note with disapproval of the Osun APC's outrage regarding Governor Adeleke’s visit to Chief Akande. The vitriol from the elements within the Osun APC, driven by bitterness over their failed attempts to destabilize Osun State, comes as no surprise.

“Governor Adeleke has mourned the loss of six party members, who fell victim to violence instigated by APC thugs. Nevertheless, as a leader with a profound sense of duty, he has initiated consultations with state elders across various political affiliations to foster peace and restore the rule of law.

The Yoruba proverb, ‘Omo onilu ki fe kotu,’ aptly reflects Governor Adeleke’s approach. Only a misguided individual would take pleasure in the recent violence perpetrated by factions within the APC. Our Governor and our party consist of responsible individuals committed to this great state, and we will not endorse actions that would incite chaos to appease the grievances of those who lost in a fair election.”

The Osun PDP chairman stated that Adeleke’s intention prior to the disputes over council control was to engage individuals of goodwill in efforts to prevent further conflict in Osun.

“True democrats uphold the rule of law, which is exactly what Governor Adeleke is championing. The governor and his party are pursuing peace not from a position of weakness, but as a testament to their wisdom and political fortitude.”