Osun Governor Criticizes Predecessor for Withdrawing Support Ahead of Election

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has publicly criticized former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, accusing him of repeatedly undermining his political aspirations. The criticism comes as Adeleke seeks a second term in office ahead of the upcoming governorship election.

Adeleke detailed Oyinlola's alleged opposition, claiming it began when he first ran for the Senate in 2007. He further alleged that Oyinlola did not support him during the 2018 and 2022 governorship elections, even backing a rival candidate in 2022. "In 2022, he did not support me. He went to go and bring the secretary to the state government, Akinbad," Adeleke stated during a televised town hall program.

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In 2022, he did not support me. He went to go and bring the secretary to the state government, Akinbad.

The governor's remarks follow Oyinlola's recent withdrawal of support for Adeleke's re-election bid. Oyinlola, along with other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders, announced their endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. They cited a perceived lack of inclusiveness in Adeleke's administration as the reason for their decision.

Despite the shift in allegiance, Oyinlola maintained that he and his group remain PDP members, choosing to support Oyebamiji based on their conviction that Osun requires a different direction. However, Adeleke dismissed Oyinlola's political influence, mockingly pointing to the low votes his endorsed candidate received in past elections. Adeleke also recounted a past instance where Oyinlola sought reconciliation after Adeleke's 2022 victory, even receiving a new car from the governor, only to change his political stance again.

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Oh, don’t let us fight. Don’t let us do this. I said, ‘Okay, no problem, because I have a forgiving spirit.’ He complained to me…he doesn’t have a car, and I gave him a new car. He collected a new car, and he