Osun APC, Adeleke’s aide trade words over birthday greeting

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The 65th birthday of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, sparked a heated exchange between the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Governor’s spokesperson, with both sides trading accusations over governance in the state.

While extending birthday wishes to the Governor, the APC described his administration as a “monumental failure.” In a swift response, the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said the APC was still haunted by its own failures during its 2018–2022 tenure, and therefore blind to the current “world-acclaimed” governance under Adeleke in the past two years.

In a statement signed by the APC Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party urged the Governor to improve governance for the “visibly deprived” people of Osun. It noted that since Adeleke assumed office over two years ago, residents had seen little of the dividends of democracy.

The statement read in part: “We wonder if the ‘Birthday Boy’ is not bothered that since he assumed leadership, the proverbial birds have not cried like birds, and the plight of the rats remains unchanged. As a caring political party constitutionally mandated to keep your government in check for the people’s interest, we celebrate your special day. We hope this new year prompts a rethink and redirection of some of your policies that have become the albatross of your administration.”

In response, Rasheed described the APC’s tenure as a “monumental disaster,” saying the party had resorted to lies and disinformation on the Governor’s birthday.

“From November 2022 to date, the story of Osun has changed for the better,” he said. “Through his five-point agenda, Governor Adeleke has delivered on workers’ welfare, infrastructure, sports, healthcare, empowerment, debt reduction, education, and the completion of abandoned projects.”

He added, “The National Examination Council recently ranked Osun seventh, up from 33rd under the APC. The Debt Management Office also confirmed a 40% reduction in the state’s debt under Adeleke. Are these not signs of good governance and clear progress?”