Osun APC Chieftain, Adeleke’s Spokesperson Trade Words Over Governor’s Successor
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Hon. Adelakun Adeoye, has cautioned residents of the town against what he described as misleading political promises allegedly being made by some politicians in the PDP/Accord alliance.
Adelakun claims that the PDP/Accord alliance had been going around promising that the governorship ticket would be handed over to Osogbo after the tenure of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
But spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed, in a swift reaction dismissed Adelakun’s claim, noting that the governor did not make future governorship ticket promises to different towns.
In a video circulating online, the APC chieftain said assurance that Osogbo would get the gubernatorial ticket after Adeleke amounted to “deceit of the highest order,” stressing that only the gullible would be swayed by the claims.
The Osogbo leader further alleged that the same group of politicians making the promise to Osogbo had also given similar assurances to people in Ile-Ife.
He questioned how the same governorship ticket could be promised to two different towns at the same time, noting that the situation suggests there may be no real intention to concede the ticket to either Osogbo or Ede.
Adelakun also spoke about what he described as a perceived sense of envy and resentment from Ede towards Osogbo, saying there was no justifiable reason for such sentiments.
He therefore urged the people of Osogbo to remain steadfast in their love and commitment to the town and not allow themselves to be manipulated by political actors whom he accused of selling out Osogbo to those harbouring resentment toward Osogboland for personal gain.
In his reaction, Rasheed described Adelakun’s statement as reckless and divisive and accused the APC chieftain of attempting to incite the people of Osogbo against their brothers and sisters in Ede.
He said “Ordinarily, such a baseless and politically motivated comment would not deserve any response, but the dangerous undertone of deliberately pitching one town against another compels us to set the record straight and caution against this destructive narrative.
“First, Governor Ademola Adeleke remains a Governor for all citizens and communities across Osun State, irrespective of political affiliation, town of origin, or ethnic sentiments. Since assuming office, the Governor has demonstrated through policies, appointments, and developmental projects that his administration is built on fairness, inclusiveness, and unity among all towns and communities in the state.
“It is therefore unfortunate that Hon. Adeoye Adelakun would resort to promoting an imaginary rivalry between Osogbo and Ede merely to score cheap political points. Such a narrative is not only false but also capable of creating unnecessary tension among peace-loving people who have coexisted for generations.
“The Adeleke-led administration has never, at any time, adopted a policy of division or political manipulation of towns. The suggestion that the Governor or leaders within the PDP/Accord alliance are making conflicting promises about future governorship tickets to different towns exists only in the imagination of those who have chosen misinformation as their political strategy”.
Mallam Olawale Rasheed therefore warn Hon. Adeoye Adelakun to desist from spreading narratives capable of disrupting the peaceful coexistence among communities in Osun State. Leadership demands responsibility, not reckless statements that could incite unnecessary distrust among our people.
“The people of Osogbo are enlightened enough to know that Governor Ademola Adeleke has shown love, respect, and commitment to the development of the state capital and every other part of Osun State through various ongoing projects and inclusive governance,” he added.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
