Osun

Osun Speaker Accuses Oyetola Of Using Ministerial Influence To Destabilise State

BySodiq Lawal

PublishedFebruary 11, 2025

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, has alleged the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, of using his position to instigate unrest in the state following the Appeal Court judgment on the sacked local government chairmen.

Egbedun, in a statement on Monday, alleged that Oyetola, a former governor of the state, is exploiting his ministerial position and close ties to President Bola Tinubu to manipulate security agencies in a bid to cause political instability

The Speaker warned that Osun would not be plunged into chaos, stressing that there was no legal backing for the reinstatement of the sacked council chairmen.

He urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure that security operatives remain neutral and resist undue pressure from powerful political figures.

“It is evident that Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola is using his position as a minister and his connections to the presidency to manipulate the security architecture of Osun State. This is a dangerous move that could throw our state into crisis. We will not allow it,” Egbedun stated.

He reiterated that the Appeal Court did not reinstate the local government officials, adding that the judgment delivered on January 13, 2025, upheld an earlier ruling by the Osogbo Federal High Court, which removed them from office on November 30, 2022.

“The Appeal Court did not issue any directive reinstating these chairmen. The judgment reaffirmed an earlier decision that declared their so-called election illegal. Any attempt to forcefully take over the local government offices is an invitation to anarchy,” he added.

Egbedun further accused Oyetola of attempting to replicate the crisis that recently engulfed Rivers State, where political clashes led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

He warned that Osun would not be turned into a battleground for political interests.

“The tragedy in Rivers State should serve as a lesson to all. We will not allow Osun to be dragged into similar chaos. The peace and stability of our state remain our utmost priority,” he said.

The Speaker’s remarks come amidst reports of tension in some parts of the state, as supporters of the APC celebrate the Appeal Court verdict.

However, Egbedun maintained that the ruling did not favour the sacked chairmen and accused the opposition of misrepresenting the court’s decision to incite violence.

He called on the IGP to act swiftly, urging security agencies to stand firm against any attempt to disrupt the peace of Osun State.

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Meanwhile, the APC has denied the allegations, describing the Speaker’s claims as baseless and an attempt to discredit the party’s legitimate victory.

In a swift reaction, the opposition dismissed the Speaker’s accusations, describing them as a desperate attempt to manipulate public opinion and cover up the failings of the PDP-led administration.

The party’s Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, in a statement, insisted that the Appeal Court judgment was a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

He accused the Speaker of being partisan and failing to uphold the integrity of his office.

“It is laughable that the Speaker, instead of respecting the decision of the court, is making unfounded allegations against a former governor who has always maintained peace. Oyetola has no hand in any crisis. The problem here is that the PDP government is afraid of the law and due process,” the statement read.

The APC maintained that the local government chairmen and councillors were duly elected and that their removal by Governor Adeleke’s administration was unlawful. The party accused the state government of hypocrisy, stating that the PDP only acknowledges the judiciary when rulings favour them.

“Why is it that whenever the PDP wins a case, they say justice has prevailed, but when it goes against them, they cry foul and start making baseless allegations? This is pure desperation,” the APC added.

The party further accused the Adeleke-led government of running Osun State with disregard for the constitution, insisting that the reinstated council bosses would resume their duties as affirmed by the Appeal Court.

However, Speaker Egbedun maintained that the government would not recognise any illegal takeover of the local government offices.

He warned that any attempt to forcefully reinstate the sacked chairmen would be resisted.

“We will not allow lawlessness in Osun. The people must be aware that this so-called reinstatement is a distortion of the actual judgment. Let it be clear: no chairmen have been reinstated, and any attempt to break the law will be met with appropriate action,” he declared.

Sodiq Lawal

Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.