In a shocking turn of events at the Eid prayer ground in Oke-Baale, Osogbo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has labeled the alleged assassination attempt on Governor Ademola Adeleke as an act of executive rascality. The party claims that the incident, which led to chaos during the prayer session, was orchestrated by Governor Adeleke and his political hoodlums.
According to a statement released by Tajudeen Lawal, the party’s Chairman, and shared by Kola Olabisi, the Director of Media and Information, the APC expressed its dismay over the incident and accused Governor Adeleke of plotting the disturbance. The party claimed that the governor issued an executive order to forcefully remove Alhaji Badmus and Senator Bashiru from their seats, leading to a commotion that engulfed the scene.
The statement further alleged that Governor Adeleke, who hails from Ede, ordered the police to arrest Alhaji Badmus and Bashiru. Additionally, it was reported that the governor left the scene before the beginning of the Eid-El-Kabir prayers and ordered the closure of the entrance gate to facilitate the arrest. The locals of Osogbo, however, resisted the arrest, resulting in a chaotic scene.
Contrary to reports suggesting an assassination attempt on the governor, the APC highlighted that Governor Adeleke did not even step out of his official vehicle throughout the duration of the crisis. This fact, according to the party, contradicts the claims made by those reporting the incident as an assassination attempt.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke, through his Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, released a statement calling for calm. The governor thanked God for preserving him and his team, and he directed the state Commissioner of Police and law enforcement agents to apprehend the culprits behind the incident. Governor Adeleke expressed shock at the role played by former Senator Ajibola Bashiru, who allegedly occupied the space reserved for the governor at the prayer ground and refused to vacate it despite efforts to persuade him.
The governor’s statement highlighted that members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who advocated for respect for the office of the governor were subjected to violence. Furthermore, it claimed that armed thugs were present at the praying ground, allegedly imported to eliminate the governor and key government functionaries. The chaotic situation led to security personnel escorting the governor into his vehicle for safety, as he made unsuccessful attempts to enter the prayer area.
With tensions running high, the state Commissioner of Police has been urged to launch a thorough investigation into the incident.
