Governor Adeleke Accuses Minister Oyetola of Orchestrating Political Violence

Political tensions in Osun State have intensified ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with Ademola Adeleke accusing his predecessor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation and violence. During a rally in Olorunda, Adeleke appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, alleging that federal agencies have trampled on constitutional rights through police raids and the arrest of over 60 Accord Party members, who are reportedly being detained in Abuja without charges.

Senator Lere Oyewumi, leading the Imole Campaign Council, claimed seven party members were killed and more than 20 injured in recent attacks. Adeleke further linked this political pressure to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's recent decision to freeze Osun State Government bank accounts, asserting that such actions threaten the rule of law.

The All Progressives Congress rejected these allegations, with Director-General Wole Oke accusing the governor of politicizing security concerns and falsely claiming that the federal government withheld local government allocations. The APC countered that more than 30 of its own members have been killed by thugs aligned with the Accord administration since 2022, stating that Adeleke should prepare to accept the election verdict with dignity.