Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has urged President Bola Tinubu to uphold the rule of law by directing security agencies to ignore any unlawful orders from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola.
Addressing a news conference at the Government House in Osogbo, Adeleke warned that such illegal directives could lead to chaos in the state.
Adeleke Accuses Oyetola of Inciting Unrest
The governor alleged that Oyetola, a nephew to President Tinubu, alongside some individuals, is attempting to destabilize the state by directing sacked local government chairmen to return to office following last week’s Court of Appeal ruling in Akure.
Describing Tinubu as a firm believer in the rule of law, Adeleke expressed confidence that the President would not support any action that could trigger violence.
“I know, as a matter of fact, that Mr. President will never authorize a dictatorial violation of the constitution, irrespective of who is involved. It is crucial to add that Mr. President will never support any action that is capable of generating bloodbath and bloodshed.”
He stressed that his administration would not recognize any attempt to forcibly reclaim local government offices unless through a judicial process or a democratic election.
Security Agencies Warned Against Illegal Orders
Adeleke called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strictly adhere to the law and resist pressures to enforce illegality.
“I regret to inform Mr. President and the public that Mr. Gboyega Oyetola has concluded an arrangement to cause mayhem in Osun State starting tomorrow (Monday). He is issuing illegal directives to security operatives to enforce illegality simply because he is the nephew of Mr. President.”
The governor accused Oyetola of using the President’s name to manipulate security agencies, warning that such actions could endanger lives.
Legal Standing on Sacked Chairmen
Addressing claims that Adeleke issued an executive order to sack the local government chairmen, the governor clarified that their removal was finalized before he assumed office.
Echoing this stance, Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwole Jimi-Bada, insisted that the dismissed chairmen remain legally sacked and advised the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to seek redress in court if they object.
The press briefing was attended by key members of the state government, including Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo.
