Adeleke seeks peaceful resolution to LG crisis, visits Chief Bisi Akande

…as APC slams governor’s move

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke has launched a statewide stakeholders’ consultation to address the ongoing local government leadership crisis in Osun State, seeking guidance from elder statesmen and key leaders.

In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke on Tuesday visited former Governor of Osun State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, at his residence in Ibadan. During the visit, he explained the state government’s position on the local government issue and reiterated his commitment to resolving the matter through legal means.

He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to avoid resorting to self-help, which could lead to further loss of lives and property, urging all parties to return to court to express their viewpoints.

Adeleke commended Chief Akande’s role in fostering consensus and stabilizing national leadership, stating that Osun State is proud of the elder statesman. He also conveyed the state government’s support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the strong partnership between the state and federal governments across all sectors.

In his response, Chief Akande praised the governor for the visit and condemned bloodshed in the name of politics. He urged all parties to submit to the rule of law and refrain from self-help.

The stakeholders’ consultation is expected to continue with a special briefing session with the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers on Thursday.

However, the Osun State chapter of the APC has criticized the governor’s visit to Chief Akande, describing it as a “political pilgrimage” aimed at securing a “soft landing” in the ongoing political crisis.

In a statement, the APC’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, accused the governor of being complicit in the killing of one of the reinstated local government chairmen, Hon. Remi Abass, in Ikire, along with other opposition members. The party advised Adeleke to seek redress at the Supreme Court rather than turning to Chief Akande for intervention.