Osun Crisis: Governor Adeleke Must Stop Blackmailing Asiwaju Oyetola — MP Wole Oke

Osogbo, Osun State — The ongoing local government crisis in Osun State has drawn sharp criticism from MP Wole Oke, who has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of “blackmailing” Asiwaju Gboyega Oyetola and undermining the rule of law.

In a statement on Monday, Oke, a former PDP member involved in earlier consultations, said the current crisis is self-inflicted and rooted in “unnecessary confrontations and flawed legal strategies” by the PDP.

“The foundation of this crisis was the confrontation with the Osun State Chief Judge and the decision to approach the Federal High Court, instead of the court with jurisdiction over local government elections,” Oke said. “Federal and human-rights arguments had no place in what was essentially a local electoral matter.”

Although the PDP initially won at the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal overturned the judgment on 10 February 2025, reinstating the APC local government council officials. Following this ruling, Governor Adeleke sought advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who reportedly advised against holding local government elections due to the absence of a vacancy.

According to Oke, this advice was ignored. He also claimed that his recommendations to the Governor and other party leaders—to apply for a Stay of Execution and appeal to the Supreme Court, or allow OSIEC to schedule fresh elections after the council’s tenure ends—were also rejected.

Oke argued that Adeleke’s recent actions, including accusations against Asiwaju Oyetola and the involvement of external institutions, are misleading and unfair.

“The lawful options are clear,” he said. “Work with the reinstated council officials or allow them to operate until their tenure expires. Anything else deepens instability in Osun State.”

Oke concluded that leadership demands respect for the law, not defiance, warning that continued political maneuvering could further undermine governance in the state

Signed:

Hon. Wole Oke, MP

House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria