Adeleke Criticises Oyinlola Over Withdrawal of Support Ahead of Osun Election
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has criticised one of his predecessors, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, over his decision to withdraw support for his re-election bid ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Adeleke, who is seeking a second term, accused the former governor of repeatedly opposing his political ambitions over the years.
The governor made the comments on Tuesday during an Arise TV town hall programme held ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
According to Adeleke, Oyinlola did not support his political ambitions when he contested for the Senate in 2007 and later opposed him during the 2018 and 2022 governorship elections.
Adeleke also recalled the disputed 2018 election, claiming that Oyinlola did not support his bid despite comments made by former President Muhammadu Buhari concerning the election.
He further alleged that Oyinlola worked against him in the 2022 governorship race by supporting Fatai Akinbade, who was then Secretary to the Osun State Government.
“In 2022, he did not support me. He went to go and bring the Secretary to the State Government, Akinbade,” Adeleke said.
Oyinlola Switches Support
The governor’s comments came after Oyinlola changed his position ahead of Saturday’s election.
The former governor had initially supported Adeleke’s re-election bid but withdrew his backing on Sunday and aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
Oyinlola and other PDP stakeholders announced their support for Oyebamiji at a political gathering, citing what they described as a lack of inclusiveness in Adeleke’s administration.
However, Oyinlola maintained that he and members of his group had not left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said they remained members of the party but had decided to support Oyebamiji because they believed Osun needed a different direction.
Adeleke Dismisses Oyinlola’s Influence
Adeleke also played down Oyinlola’s political influence, arguing that the former governor’s support had not translated into significant electoral strength in the past.
He said Oyinlola approached him after the 2022 election seeking reconciliation, which he accepted because, according to him, he was willing to forgive political opponents.
The governor also claimed that Oyinlola told him he did not have a car, after which he gave the former governor a new vehicle.
Adeleke alleged that despite the gesture, Oyinlola later changed his political position and declined to support his administration.
“Immediately I won, he came back to me. Say, ‘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 defected to another party,” Adeleke said.
The governor dismissed the former governor’s latest political alignment as having little impact on his re-election prospects.
“He’s a paperweight. I’m not worried about him. That’s not going to affect anything,” Adeleke said.
The exchange comes just days before Osun voters head to the polls to elect a governor. Adeleke is seeking another term, while Oyebamiji is among the major challengers in the 14-party contest.
