Osun governor, former Senator in war of words

The former spokesperson of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ajibola Basiru and the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke have disagreed on allegations that the former imported Policemen into the state to foment trouble.

This as Senator Basiru has reacted to the statement issued by the Governor's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed asking the Inspector General of Police to arrest the Senator for planning unrest in the state.

The Senator who reacted through a press statement on Monday in osogbo said he did not believe any serious government or its spokesman would release such as a press statement.

“My attention has been drawn to a press statement with creaming headline “Call Ajibola Bashiru to Order, Gov Adeleke Tasks IGP” purportedly signed by one Mallam Olawale Rasheed. In the said statement, the governor was said to have alleged that I have imported 'some unauthorized policemen into Osun to create confusion, mayhem and destabilise the peace and stability of the state' and that the Inspector General of Police to order the immediate withdrawal of such policemen.

“I do not believe any serious government or its spokesman will spew such rubbish as a press statement but in case journalists confirm that was released by the governor’s spokesperson my reactions are:

"That I sympathize with Osun people for allowing comedians to get close to the government house in Osogbo. They are obviously jittery already that our party, the APC, will kick out their incompetent government in 2026. Obviously, illiteracy is a disease! The accusations by the governor are ridiculous, baseless and could only come from such unserious quarters.

"If indeed, Jackson Adeleke is concerned with the peace of the state, he should immediately hand over the Police declared criminals that he is harbouring at the Country home in Ede.

"If the intention of Adeleke and his minions is to harass or intimidate me, they are embarking of a failed venture.

"I have instructed my lawyers to consider possible legal action against the said Mallam Rasheed Olawale for defamation of character.”

Early on Monday, the state governor through a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed declared Basirue a direct threat to the peace of the state.

Rasheed in the statement said the ex-lawmaker had submitted names of top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the state government to the police so as to cause instability and tension in Osun.

"We urgently bring to the attention of the Inspector General of Police, the State Commissioner of Police and the general public that former Senator Ajibola Bashiru has imported some unauthorized policemen into Osun state to create confusion, mayhem and destabilise the peace and stability of the state.

"The former Senator is reported to have submitted a list of top leaders of the People’s Democratic Party and Osun state government for arrest on trumped up charges. We reliably gathered that the Osogbo born politician is personally coordinating the team in gross violation of extant laws and practice of law enforcement.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police to order the immediate withdrawal of such policemen as their invitation under the control of a politician constitutes a grave threat to the peace and stability of Osun state. We urge the Commissioner of Police to urgently look into the matter before a breach of peace across the state.

"We use this medium to inform Osun people that the said Senator is today a direct threat to the peace of the state. At a time when the state is witnessing a return to good governance, it is reprehensible for any stakeholder to decide to create mayhem and instability.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke hereby restates his resolve to tackle this matter headlong and ensure that no individual no matter how highly placed is allowed to plunge the state into conflict.”




FI