Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has rejected recent calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, describing the appeals as part of what he called a failed attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reclaim power through unconstitutional means.
Reacting to demands by some civil society groups for emergency rule, Adeleke labelled the groups as “faceless” and alleged that the move was being orchestrated by former governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Osogbo, the governor accused the APC of fueling unrest in the state through actions at the local government level. He alleged that the opposition party had disrupted council administration, mismanaged local government funds, and unlawfully deployed security personnel.
According to Adeleke, the situation at the councils was a deliberate strategy to create instability and shift blame to his administration.
“The APC seized local government funds, mismanaged them, and forcefully occupied the councils, all in a bid to provoke violence and conflict. This is a calculated attempt to create chaos and blame it on the Adeleke-led government,” he said.
Adeleke maintained that his administration has continued to prioritize peace despite what he described as persistent confrontations and illegal actions by APC-aligned figures.
He argued that the push for emergency rule stemmed from frustration after alleged attempts to destabilize the state failed.
“Osun APC has failed in its bid to destabilize the state, hence their resort to calls for emergency declaration, for which there is no basis,” the governor stated.
The governor further contended that the crisis originated from the alleged illegal occupation of local government councils by APC-backed chairmen whose tenures had expired. He accused the party of diverting council funds in violation of financial regulations, adding that his government had intervened to pay affected local government workers.
Adeleke warned that no individual or group would be allowed to disrupt public peace in the state, stressing that anyone found inciting violence would face legal consequences.
He disclosed that he had directed the Commissioner of Police to closely monitor the situation and prevent any breakdown of law and order, while also urging the Inspector-General of Police to pay attention to developments in Osun.
The governor also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution former governor Oyetola, noting that such actions could negatively affect the image of the Presidency.
“Those seeking power should go through the electorate. Political power is secured through the people, not through backdoor arrangements,” Adeleke added.
