Stop Inciting Osogbo Against Ede, Adeleke’s Spokesperson Warns APC Chieftain

The Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has condemned what he described as a reckless and divisive statement allegedly made by an Osogbo-born APC chieftain, Adeoye Adelakun, warning him against promoting narratives capable of creating disunity among communities in the state.

Rasheed accused Adelakun of attempting to incite the people of Osogbo against those of Ede for what he termed cheap political advantage.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the governor’s aide said although the comment might ordinarily not deserve a response, the “dangerous undertone of pitching one town against another” made it necessary for the government to set the record straight.

According to him, Governor Ademola Adeleke remains committed to governing the state fairly and inclusively, irrespective of political affiliation or town of origin.

He stressed that since assuming office, the governor has demonstrated through his policies, appointments and developmental projects that his administration is anchored on unity, fairness and balanced development across Osun State.

Rasheed described as unfortunate the attempt to create what he called an imaginary rivalry between Osogbo and Ede, noting that such a narrative is not only false but also capable of creating unnecessary tension among communities that have coexisted peacefully for generations.

He further dismissed claims that the Adeleke-led administration or leaders within the PDP/Accord alliance were making conflicting promises regarding future governorship tickets to different towns, describing the allegation as a fabrication designed for political propaganda.

“The administration of Governor Adeleke has never adopted a policy of division or political manipulation of towns. Politics should not be reduced to the dangerous act of turning communities against one another,” the statement read.

Rasheed noted that Osogbo and Ede share long-standing historical, cultural and social ties, warning that no responsible leader should attempt to damage such relationships for political gain.

He added that the people of Osogbo are well aware of the governor’s commitment to the development of the state capital and other parts of Osun through various ongoing projects and programmes.

The governor’s spokesman therefore urged Adelakun to desist from spreading narratives capable of undermining the peaceful coexistence among communities in the state.

He emphasised that leadership requires responsibility and restraint, stressing that Osun State belongs to all its people and should not be divided along town lines for selfish political interests.

Rasheed maintained that unity, peace and development remain the guiding principles of the Adeleke administration.