Former Governor of Osun State and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has dismissed allegations by Governor Ademola Adeleke that he is plotting to destabilise the state.
In a strongly-worded statement issued through his media office on Sunday, Oyetola urged Adeleke to respect the Appeal Court judgement that reinstated the sacked local government chairmen, instead of accusing him of instigating chaos.
Oyetola was reacting to claims made by Governor Adeleke during a World Press Conference, where the governor alleged that his predecessor was planning to use security agencies to create unrest over the controversial court ruling.
Adeleke accused Oyetola of orchestrating a plot to disrupt public order in Osun State following the Appeal Court’s decision to reinstate elected local council chairmen who were sacked by his administration.
Adeleke’s Allegations
Governor Adeleke, visibly displeased with the Appeal Court ruling, argued that the judgement could ignite tension in the state.
He accused Oyetola of attempting to exploit the situation by influencing security agencies to act against his government, thereby causing chaos.
“A former governor who claims to love peace should not be instigating lawlessness and anarchy in his state. This is a deliberate plan to disrupt our administration and create unnecessary tension,” Adeleke declared at the press conference.
Oyetola Fires Back
Oyetola, however, refuted the allegations, insisting that he is a man of peace who respects the judiciary and the rule of law.
“For the four years he governed Osun, he gave a good account of himself as a man of peace, a respecter of rule of law and one not given to violence. If he is given to violence, he would certainly have fought back violently in 2022 when was brazenly rigged out,” the statement from his media office read.
The minister further stressed that during his tenure, he maintained peace and did not resort to violence even when faced with political challenges.
Court Battle and Controversial Sackings
The controversy began when Governor Adeleke, shortly after taking office, sacked elected local government chairmen, citing irregularities in their election.
Oyetola and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), contested this action in court, arguing that the sackings were politically motivated and unconstitutional.
After a prolonged legal battle, the Appeal Court ruled in favour of the sacked chairmen, ordering their reinstatement.
The court’s decision sparked political tension in Osun, with supporters of the reinstated chairmen celebrating, while Adeleke’s camp expressed concerns about the potential implications.
Accusations of Political Manipulation
In his press conference, Governor Adeleke suggested that the court ruling was influenced by political pressure from Oyetola’s camp.
He alleged that Oyetola was using his influence as a federal minister to manipulate the judiciary and security agencies.
However, Oyetola dismissed these claims as baseless, insisting that his commitment to peace and respect for judicial decisions remains unwavering.
“How can such a man be accused of a destabilisation plot? I think anyone accusing Oyetola of violence needs to have his/her head properly examined,” his media office stated, adding that the allegations were a form of “cheap blackmail.”
Call for Rule of Law
Oyetola called on Governor Adeleke to respect the court’s verdict and cease what he described as a campaign of false accusations.
“The minister is further seizing this opportunity to appeal to his successor to respect the Appeal Court judgement, rather than resort to cheap blackmail, which has no place in law,” the statement read.
Political Tension in Osun
This exchange of accusations has heightened political tension in Osun State, as both leaders continue to trade words over the Appeal Court ruling.
The reinstatement of the local council chairmen is seen as a significant political setback for Adeleke, whose administration had appointed caretaker committees to replace the sacked officials.
Political analysts suggest that the controversy may be a prelude to a larger political battle between the two camps as they jostle for influence and control in the state.
Appeal for Peace
Despite the political tension, Oyetola maintained that he has no intention of causing unrest and urged his supporters to remain calm.
He called on security agencies to enforce the court’s judgement impartially and ensure the safety of all citizens.
“I am committed to peace and the rule of law. Any attempt to paint me otherwise is merely political propaganda,” Oyetola stated.
Looking Ahead
As the political drama continues to unfold, all eyes are on Governor Adeleke’s next move.
Will he comply with the court’s ruling and reinstate the sacked chairmen, or will the matter escalate into a more significant political conflict?
With tensions running high, the people of Osun State are hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The unfolding political saga is a test of leadership and respect for the rule of law, as both leaders grapple with the consequences of the controversial court verdict.
