- Governor Adeleke met with Chief Akande in Ibadan to discuss the escalating local government crisis in Osun
- The meeting focused on seeking a legal resolution, with Adeleke urging the APC to pursue peaceful channels
- APC criticised the visit, accusing the governor of seeking a political solution amidst the violence over reinstated officials
Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, held a crucial meeting on Tuesday, March 4, with former interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, at Akande’s Ibadan residence.
The talks centred on the ongoing and increasingly violent dispute over control of local government areas in the state.
Governor Adeleke was joined by top state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye; Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye; Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun; Commissioner for Commerce, Bunmi Jenyo; and the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi.
The local government crisis in Osun State, which pits the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the opposition APC, has escalated into violent clashes, with reports indicating that at least six people have been killed.
The tensions have primarily arisen from a dispute over the reinstatement of local government chairmen and councillors, with both parties accusing each other of fomenting unrest.
After an initial meeting with his delegation, Governor Adeleke and Chief Akande retreated for a private discussion that lasted approximately two hours.
Photos from the meeting quickly went viral on social media, sparking diverse reactions, with many interpreting the gathering as an effort towards finding a political resolution to the ongoing crisis.
In a statement, Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information, explained that the governor sought Akande’s counsel to brief him on the legal complexities surrounding the dispute.
According to Alimi, Adeleke emphasised that as a peace-loving leader, he expected the APC to pursue legal avenues to resolve the issue, rather than resorting to violence which could exacerbate the already tense situation.
“The governor deemed it necessary to inform Baba Akande about the developments in the state, particularly the judicial rulings and their interpretations. He made it clear that the APC should seek legal redress, as self-help and violence would only lead to more deaths,” Alimi stated.
The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, echoed this sentiment, reiterating that the Adeleke administration remained committed to the rule of law and called on all stakeholders to avoid any actions that could escalate the conflict.
APC condemns meeting, says governor wants "soft landing"
However, the APC quickly condemned Adeleke’s visit. A statement issued by APC spokesman Kola Olabisi claimed that the governor was attempting to secure a “soft landing” for the reinstated local government officials, who the party argues were illegally removed by the state government.
The APC further criticised Adeleke for allegedly not addressing the violence that has plagued the state, pointing to the killing of one of their local government chairmen, Hon. Remi Abass, in Ikire, and several other party members across Osun.
The party contended that the visit to Akande was politically motivated and suggested that the governor was attempting to negotiate with the elder statesman to stabilise his position.
“It is shocking that Governor Adeleke would visit Chief Akande after PDP-backed thugs, under his administration’s watch, killed one of our reinstated local government chairmen, Hon. Remi Abass, in Ikire, We are confident that Pa Akande, as a seasoned democrat, will not compromise the interests of his party.” the APC statement read.
The APC also rejected the idea of political negotiations, stressing that the Supreme Court was the correct forum to address grievances following the February 10, 2025 ruling by the Akure Court of Appeal.
PDP defends governor, accuses APC of fomenting chaos
In contrast, the PDP has lauded Governor Adeleke for taking the initiative to engage in peaceful consultations. The party dismissed the APC’s criticisms, claiming that the opposition party was dismayed by the failure of its efforts to destabilise the state.
According to Sunday Bisi, the Chairman of Osun PDP, the governor’s decision to pursue peace rather than revenge in the face of violent provocations speaks to his political maturity and commitment to the welfare of the people.
He also condemned the APC for allegedly encouraging the illegal occupation of local government offices by reinstated officials, which he said only fuelled instability in the state.
“Governor Adeleke lost six of his party members to violence instigated by APC thugs. Yet, he has chosen to prioritise peace and consultation rather than revenge, This is a testament to his leadership and responsibility. The PDP believes in the rule of law and peaceful governance, unlike the APC, which thrives on chaos.” Bisi said in a statement.
Ozekhome calls for fresh elections to resolve Osun LG crisis
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Professor Mike Ozekhome called for fresh elections in Osun State to resolve the ongoing local government crisis and avoid further violence.
Ozekhome urged all political parties to prepare for fair elections, stressing the importance of respecting court decisions and playing clean politics.
