Key Points
- Adeleke’s foreign trip raises governance concerns.
- APC accuses Osun governor of neglecting duty.
- State government defends trip as official and necessary.
Following a heated dispute between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over his extended absence from the state, Osun State’s political landscape has become turbulent.
The APC has criticized Adeleke, who is now on a two-week overseas trip, for allegedly stepping out from his gubernatorial responsibilities at a time when state government is becoming increasingly problematic.
The governor’s team maintains that the trip is entirely official and is intended to explore international alliances and draw in investment. At a time when Osun residents expect active leadership, the opposition party, however, views his departure as a breach of duty.
The APC claims that state obligations have been neglected
In an announcement signed by Tajudeen Lawal, the party’s spokeswoman, the Osun APC denounced the governor’s absence as “irresponsible” and “self-serving,” claiming that he left the state in a state of confusion.
The party asserts that Adeleke’s travel was opaque and that the public was not given a clear explanation of authority delegation.
They also claimed that the governor has previously left the nation on fictitious pretexts, pointing to what they described as a “pattern of absentee governance” that they say has become a feature of his administration.
The state administration claims that the trip is beneficial to Osun
According to a report by the Punch news, the government of Osun State retaliated, arguing that Adeleke’s international journey was essential to the advancement of the state. High-level discussions with possible investors and development partners were part of the trip, according to Olawale Rasheed, special adviser to the governor on media.
Rasheed said that government activities are proceeding successfully without Adeleke, dismissing the APC’s assertions as “deliberate misinformation.” According to him, the executive council and deputy governor have received thorough training and are ready to take action.
Adeleke’s trip abroad exacerbates already existing problems
This most recent altercation highlights a larger conflict between Osun’s opposition APC and ruling PDP, as both parties aim to control the political narrative. Although Adeleke may have had strategic reasons for traveling abroad, some contend that her frequent absences from public life give the wrong impression.
Perception is just as important to many locals as performance, and the absence of the governor in the midst of urgent state problems has increased popular annoyance.
By portraying Adeleke’s actions as either visionary leadership or misguided objectives, both parties seem to be playing a long game, laying the groundwork for future conflicts before elections even come around.
