₦airaland Forum

NEWS RELEASE
28/12/2022

Illegal Mining: Governor Adeleke Disbands Mining JTF, Orders Reconstitution

In his drive to clean up the solid mineral sector, Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate disbandment of the state's Mining Joint Taskforce (JTF).

The existing JTF is consequently directed to hand over all government vehicles and documents in their possession to the Solid Minerals Committee.

As a follow up to the disbandment, the State Governor has further issued instruction for the reconstitution of the JTF.


The State Governor had two weeks ago announced far reaching reform of the solid mineral sector which include stopping unauthorised mining, addressing challenges of mining related environmental degradation and ensuring Osun state get her due return from the sector.

Governor Adeleke had also set up a Solid Mineral Committee to look into activities of stakeholders within the sector with a view to put an end to revenue leakages, unauthorised appropriation of solid minerals and tackling increasing criminal activities around the mining communities.


" I consequently direct the Chairman of the Solid Mineral Committee to take neccesary steps to ensure seamless transition from the old to the new JTF. The new team when constituted must operate with utmost professionalism with zero tolerance for misconduct", Governor Adeleke directed.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

H.E @AAdeleke_01, It's 30 days as the Executive Governor of Osun state. The new dawn and fresh atmosphere as been radiating over the state and the good people of Osun were rejoicing and happy to have you as Governor.

Talking points
1. He has provided stability to troubled towns due to kingship tussle.

2. He has ensured transparency of state’s finance.

3. He has paid 2 months salary despite being in office for just 30 days.

4. He is plugging revenue leakages in key sectors of the state economy

5. He has effectively stabilize the state’s workforce etc.

NEWS RELEASE
23/12/2022

Osun Govt Directs Ex-Gov Oyetola, Other Appointees to Return Vehicles Worth N2.9billion

The Assets Recovery Panel of the Osun State Government has directed former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, his wife, Hajia Kafayat Oyetola and other former appointees to immediately return assorted vehicles valued at N2.9 billion presently illegally in their possession.

The former officials had gone away with various models of vehicles without any legal basis for such action. As at today, there is no law that authorised any elected or appointed officials to go with state vehicles after completing their tenure of office.

The Chairman of the Asset Recovery Committee, Dr BT Salami reported that due diligence has been conducted and the committee has concluded that the affected past officials should return government vehicles in their possession.

"This is the first batch of vehicles to be retrieved. We will soon come up with the second batch. All affected officials should return the vehicles in their possession immediately to avoid coercive procedures for recovery of State assets", the Committee Chairman said.

In the list of affected officials, Governor Oyetola alone has 11 vehicles ranging from Lexus Jeep, Toyota Prado jeeps and assorted models of costly vehicles. The wife, Mrs Kafayat also has in her possession several brand of governments vehicles which were taken away against provisions of the law.

Other former officials listed include immediate past SPECIAL Adviser on Security, former Chief Details, former Personal Assistant to the Governor, former special assistants to the Governor, former Senior special assistants, former special advisers, former local government caretaker chairmen and members, former board chairmen and members, former Chief of Staff, former Deputy Chief of Staff, former Deputy Governor , former Secretary to the State Government, former commissioners among others.

The former Deputy Governor has more than seven government vehicles in his custody contrary to the provisions of the law.

A serving Senator, Oriolowo is also directed to return to the Osun State Agricultural Development Programme five machines namely motor grader, buldozer, soil compactor machine among others.

All affected ex-officials are to urgently comply with the above request or risk enforcement procedures.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

Gov. Adeleke Reverses Osun State Polytechnic Tuition Fees.

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has approved the reversal of the school fees of Osun State Polytechnic Iree to the initial amount prior to July 2022 Governorship election.

It will be recalled that the tuition fees for fresh students was increased from #67,850 to #112,850 for students offering science related courses while those offering management related courses were asked to pay #97,300 from the initial #57,300.

The reversal was approved after the students union leadership of the institution called the attention of the Government to the increment and appealed for it to be reversed.

Thank you the Peoples Governor.

Imole Dee!!!!

Osun is Indebted to the Tune of N407.32 Billion - Governor Adeleke


I am pleased to welcome our royal majesties and fathers to this all important event. I called this meeting first to meet our royal fathers and to present to you the official debt profile of Osun state as at November 30th, 2022 as submitted to me by the Accountant General of Osun State.


With high sense of responsibility, I am reporting to our people through our traditional rulers, the total debt profile inherited by my administration from Governor Oyetola's administration.

This event is in pursuance of my pledge to Osun people to be transparent and run an open government.

My administration inherited eight outstanding loan facilities, apart from salaries and pension debts, from Governor Oyetola's administration. The repayment period ranges from 16 months to about 28 years, as follows:

1. Budget Support Facility:
• Outstanding Balance: N51.8 Billion

• Monthly repayment: N154.9m

• Repayable Period Outstanding:
335 months = 27 years 9 months

2. Salary Bail Out Loan:

• Outstanding Balance: N38.8 Billion

• Monthly Repayment: N232.77m

• Repayable Period Outstanding:

•167 Months = 13 years 9months

3. Restructured Commercial Bank Loans:

• Outstanding Balance: N158.77 Billion

• Monthly Repayment: N1.14 Billion

• Repayable Period Outstanding:
139 Months = 11years 6 months.

4. Excess Crude Account (ECA) Loan:
• Outstanding Balance: N14.48 Billion

• Monthly Repayment: N89.97m

• Repayable Period Outstanding:
161 Months = 13 years 4 months

5.CBN Infrastructure Loan:
• Outstanding Balance: N9.2 Billion

• Monthly Repayment: N44.98m

• Repayable Period Outstanding:

205 months = 17 years 1 month

6. FGN Intervention Loan:
• Outstanding Balance:
N1.7Billion

• Monthly Repayment:
N100m

• Repayable Period Outstanding:
17 months

7. FGN Bridge Finance Facility: N18.04 Billion

A large portion of this particular loan was taken after July 16th, 2022 election which Governor Oyetola lost.

No information on the Repayment terms.

Not one kobo of this loan was left in Government Coffers, when the Deputy Governor and I resumed work on Monday 29th November 2022. And no explanation on how the loan was expended.


8. Foreign loans: $86.2m
No information on the Repayment Terms.


My good people of Osun state, the total loan stock as at today is N331.32 Billion.

If the N76 billion debt on salaries and pension are added, the state is indebted to the tune of N407.32 Billion . The amount owed contractors is yet to be determined.


The only Fund in government coffers, as at Monday 29th November, was for November 2022 Salary. Otherwise, the state treasury was empty.

As your Governor, I will ask questions on your behalf. And will demand for answers.

Governor Oyetola must explain how the N331 Billion borrowed in the name of Osun State was expended, with no obvious infrastructural development to justify this huge debt.

Governor Oyetola must explain how the N18 Billion Bridge Loan taken after he lost the election on July 16, 2022, was expended.

Governor Oyetola must also explain why Osun state is owing salaries & pension to the tune of N76 Billion after collecting a N50 Billion Salary Bail Out Loan from the Federal Government

The Creditors, especially the Commercial Banks must explain why various loans were given to an administration beyond its 4 year tenure. 28 years is equivalent to the tenure of at least four Governors. A child that is born today would have earned a PhD at 28 years of age. This is nothing but mortgaging the future of Osun State with nothing to show for it. This is definitely not acceptable.

I will update you accordingly, as we progress.

Find attached to my speech the attachments directly from the state's Accountant General


●.HE Senator Ademola Adeleke,
Executive Governor of Osun State delivered this address at a meeting Osun State Traditional Rulers on December 15th at Osogbo, Osun State Capital.

NEWS RELEASE / PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
14/12/2022

Governor Adeleke Suspends Operators of State Mining Licences

In furtherance of his bid to reform the state's Solid Mineral Sector, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed immediate suspension of all mining firms operating the state's mining licences.

All operators are to report to the Committee on Assets Verification and Recovery chaired by Dr B.T Salami with copies of their Memorandum of Understanding which governs their relationship with the state government.

In a public announcement from the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, Governor Adeleke reiterated his resolve to recover all fund owed Osun state and stop the reaping of state assets from mining to revenue collection.

The suspension of the operators is to remain in force until the conclusion of the ongoing review of the MOU between the state as the owner of the licences and the operators.

All operators are to report to the committee on Monday by 12pm.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

Press Statement
12/12/2022

Governor Adeleke Unveils Revenue And Solid Mineral Sector Reforms

• After 25 Years, Segilola Gold Has Not Paid A Dime To Osun Govt

• Revenue Agents Earn More Than The State Government

• Mining Companies Not Paying For Environmental Damages– Gov

• 25 Years Derivation Payments Must Be Recovered From Segilola Company And Others

• Control Post Licences Suspended

• I Will Recover Every Penny Owed Osun–Governor Adeleke

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Monday unveiled a comprehensive reforms of the revenue and solid mineral sector of the state government with far-reaching directives affecting mining companies and revenue generating agencies and stakeholders.

Inaugurating two separate committees, namely revenue and solid minerals, Governor Adeleke issued several directives to block revenue leakages; increase internally generated revenues; recover unpaid solid minerals payments from Segilola and other companies; halt illegal mining; review the operation of Osun State Internal Revenue Service; suspend control post licences; orders new terms of engagements for revenue collecting agents; orders review of licencing conditions for logging related permits; and vow to ensure mining companies pay for environmental pollution and degradation.

The Governor who decried the situation whereby revenue collectors are earning more than the state government, directed that henceforth all revenue generated must go into the coffers of the state after which decision will be taken on the percentage to be paid to collectors.

While further lamenting huge revenue loss, Governor Adeleke wondered why Segilola gold company has never paid a dime to the Osun State Government for the past 25 years that it has been mining gold in the state.

In the words of the Governor, "Osun state according to extant laws is entitled to 13 percent derivation from every ounce of gold extracted from our gold and other solid mineral fields. Segilola and other operating companies are expected by law to pay Osun state 13 percent derivation on the value of gold and other solid minerals produced in the last 25 years.

"Till date, we have no record of any payment made by Segilola and other mining companies to Osun state. My administration is determined to recover every penny owed Osun state by companies operating in Osun gold fields.

"Osun state has been subjected to intense environmental degradation arising from activities of mining companies. River Osun has been polluted and our people are dying as related sicknesses are spreading. These are sad realities which none of the mining companies has raised a finger to address. My administration will insist on the companies paying for the cleaning up of our rivers and environment. Segilola and other companies operating in our state should take note that cleaning up of our environment is going to be a continous exercise and the resulting expenditure is to be borne by the companies. I will not allow Osun people to continue to be exposed to polluted river water and the state to be so cheated.

"My administration is conducting an audit of Osun assets in the mining sector. All state mining licences already diverted to private possession must be fully recovered. All illegal mining activities must stop immediately. Henceforth, all illegal mining syndicates will be arrested and prosecuted", the Governor posited.

On the revenue side, Governor Adeleke vowed to stop huge leakages in revenue collection, which he blamed on corrupt practices, unfavourable revenue collection terms and outright inefficiencies in the revenue collection processes.

Speaking further, the Governor noted that "My administration will not condone a situation whereby revenue agents are earning more than the state. All revenue inflow must go to the Coffers of the state. We must then decide what will be the collection fees to be paid to the revenue agents. Consequently, all revenue agents operating on behalf of the state must report to the committee immediately for new terms of engagement.

"I have reports of extensive illegal logging of precious woods without permit from the state government. Consequently, all logging permits such as hammer and concession permits are hereby suspended pending review by the committee.

"My administration is in possession of report detailing low revenue returns and corrupt practices across the Control posts. Consequently, all consultants manning the control posts and collecting haulage revenue are hereby suspended pending review by the revenue committee.

"Furthermore, I direct this committee to review the following category of permits payments namely Control post/border checkpoints haulage; plantation or forest reserve concession allocation permit; sawmill permit and renewal; flinch sawn evacuation permit; timber and logs permit; hammering permit or release permit; motor-saw permit; forest reserve access permit and Tungya farming system allocation permit.

"My administration is directing a review of the Osun State Internal Revenue Service. The committee is therefore expected to review the operations of the agency and submit appropriate recommendations to increase internally generated revenue by substantial percentage", the Governor affirmed.

Responding on behalf of the Committee members, the Chairman of the Solid Minerals Committee, Mr. Samuel Oyedokun assured the Governor of their total commitments to the execution of the mandate given to the two committees.

"We totally share the passion and commitment of His Excellency for transparency and accountability in the management of Osun mineral assets and revenue inflows. We promise to commence operations immediately and ensure the fulfilment of His Excellency's various directives," he noted.

Each of the committee has 14 members. The Chairman of the Revenue Committee is Mr. Sola Adewumi while the Secretary is Mr. Hamsat Solanke. The Chairman of the Solid Minerals Committee is Mr. Samuel Oyedokun with Barrister Hashim Abioye as the Secretary.

The list of the Committee members are as follows:

SOLID MINERALS COMMITTEE

1. Samuel Oyedokun– Chairman
2. Bola Ojofeitumi– Vice Chairman
3. Barrister Hashim Abioye– Secretary
4. Prof Lukman Jumoda
5. Engr. Ajeigbe Seun
6. Hon Kolapo Alimi
7. Mrs Felicia Adeniran
8. Mrs Omolade Iyabo Adiamo
9. Akin Odejobi
10. Hon Lukman Ijiwoye
11. Alhaji Gani Ola-Oluwa
12. Hon. Dada Ajibola
13. Mr Mutiu Kareem
14. Mr Alaba Popoola

REVENUE COMMITTEE

1. Sola Adewumi– Chairman
2. Hamsat Solanke– Secretary
3. Nasiru Oladele Ismaila
4. Hon Emiola Fakeye
5. Akosile Anike Stella
6. Sarafa Awotunde
7. Mr Ebenezer Adeniji
8. Hon Mayowa Adejorin
9. Hon Ojuolape Ayegbaju
10. Ayepola Taiwo
11. Hon Taofeek Olatunji Amobi
12. Akinyo Akintoye Akinmade
13. Mr. Toba Alalade
14. Mr. Festus Ademola Adeyemo

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor of Osun State

Press Statement
06/12/2022

Governor Ademola Adeleke Promises a New Lease of Life for Osun Workers

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has projected a new lease of life for workers in the state, reiterating his administration's commitment to ensure an improved situation for civil servants in the state.

Governor Adeleke said this on Tuesday at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina, at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, assuring the workers of better days under him.

He promised to govern Osun state with the fear of God and ensure that no one is denied his or her entitled benefits, calling on workers in the state to be his administration's partner in taking Osun state to a greater height.

"You are going to have it good under me," Governor Adeleke assured the ecstatic workers, urging them to be a bit patient with his administration to get things in order.

The Governor who expressed optimism in the workers giving the new Head of Service the necessary support, admonished civil servants to compliment the administration in its goal to transform Osun state.

"You will all agree that I made a fantastic choice. From what I can see,from how enthusiastic you are, I am sure you will all cooperate with him," he noted.

"There is time for everything, and when it is time for work, you should all face your work. Get to your office early and do your work. I will make sure everybody smile but you must do your work."

Governor Adeleke noted that payment of salary for workers in the state had already commenced, adding that he will not disappoint the workers and people of the state.

"All MDAs have complied with my directive to submit their salary schedules and I have just signed the instruction for the immediate payment of salaries. Workers are to start receiving their salaries. I know you love me and I love you too."

In his brief speech, the new Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina, said the service under him will ensure professionalism and ethics that defines their work, assuring workers to promote their interests.

He pledged the cooperation of the state's workforce to the Adeleke administration, saying the civil service as an important institution will work with the government to deliver benefits for Osun people.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor of Osun State

Press Statement
02/12/2022

Osun Deputy Governor's Lodge was Looted, State Govt Insists

Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the former Deputy Governor of Osun state where he claimed nothing was missing in the Deputy Governor's lodge. We want to insist that the lodge was not only looted but the pillaging was extensive.

We have a documentary proof of the state of the lodge as at the time of inauguration. From the main house to the service flats, the place was stripped of all fittings and other movable items. The video in our possession was detailed and physical inspection has confirmed the ransacking of the house.

The defence of the former Deputy Governor is spurious and against the reality on ground. We urge him to take responsibility as the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi spoke from factual reports which can be verified by a visit to the lodge.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

President Biden Message: Consul General Presents US Seal to Adeleke, Signal New Partnership between Osun and the US


The incoming Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has received a message of partnership from the United States President, Joe Biden signalling a development partnership deal between the incoming administration and the United States government.

The American team was led by the Consular General, William Stevens. The team pledged to assist Osun state in education, agriculture, health, security, technology and capacity training across the sectors including student exchange.

The Consul General while presenting President Biden's message said the United States appreciates Senator Adeleke's serious commitment to public service and nation building, noting that the US regards the Governor-elect as a public figure deserving of support in his strive to help his citizens.


Senator Adeleke had hosted the Consular General and his team during which period he reiterated his five point agenda, the platform on which he was elected during the July 16 governorship election.

While thanking the western embassies for their keen interest in successful transition of power in Osun state, the Governor-elect promised to establish direct partnership with international development agencies, noting that "Osun state needs all the support to fast track her developmental plans.


"We seek collaboration. We seek partnership with USAID, DFID, JICA and other donor partners. Our leadership will be pro-development", Senator Adeleke reassured.

He told his guests that is ready for governance as he has firmed up his five point agenda, adding "I am ready to lead Osun to a new height.


" I will work hard to improve the education and health sector while taken care of infrastructures, roads, water and others. We will boost state economy and develop tourism industry and enhance the tech space. We intend to embark on an agro-industrial programme to create jobs and wealth.

" I will forge close partnership with the United States Government to achieve strong performance in my five point agenda. We will open our hands to partnership in education, technology, health, women, youth, digital economy and others", Senator Adeleke noted.

Responding, the Consul General said the team was in Osun state as a continuation of the strong interest of the United States government in Nigerian democratic growth and development.

While welcoming the hands of fellowship and partnership from the Governor-elect, the Consul General promised to continue the democratic support to Nigeria to hold and sustain a tradition of successful election and stable governance.



The Consul General was accompanied by the Public Affairs Officer, Joseph Kruzich; Assistant Regional Security Officer, Jay Miller; Information Specialist, Temitayo Famutimi;
Cultural Specialist, Ibrahim Aliyu; and Protocol Assistant, Mary-Anne Onwuchekwa.



Top leaders of PDP at the event include the State Caretaker Chairman, Dr Adekunle Akindele, Yeye Modupe Adeleke-Sani, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye and Dr B.T Salami. The event was coordinated by Rev Bunmi Jenyo.


E-Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Governor-elect

US, Osun to Partner on Agric,Tech Space, Others - Adeleke

The incoming Osun state Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke has concluded a development partnership deal with the US government after an interactive meeting with the American Consular General, William Stevens on Wednesday. Senator Adeleke had hosted the Consular General and his team during which period he reiterated his five point agenda, the platform on which he was elected during the July 16 governorship election.

While thanking the western embassies for their keen interest in successful transition of power in Osun state, the Governor-elect promised to establish direct partnership with international development agencies, noting that "Osun state needs all the support to fast track her developmental plans.

"We seek collaboration. We seek partnership with USAID, DFID, JICA and other donor partners. Our leadership will be pro-development", Senator Adeleke reassured.He told his guests that is ready for governance as he has firmed up his five point agenda, adding "I am ready to lead Osun to a new height.

" I will work hard to improve the education and health sector while taken care of infrastructures, roads, water and others. We will boost state economy and develop tourism industry and enhance the tech space. We intend to embark on an agro-industrial programme to create jobs and wealth.

" I will forge close partnership with the United States Government to achieve strong performance in my five point agenda. We will open our hands to partnership in education, technology, health, women, youth, digital economy and others", Senator Adeleke noted. Responding, the Consul General said the team was in Osun state as a continuation of the strong interest of the United States government in Nigerian democratic growth and development.

While welcoming the hands of fellowship and partnership from the Governor-elect, the Consul General promised to continue the democratic support to Nigeria to hold and sustain a tradition of successful election and stable governance. The Consul General was accompanied by the Public Affairs Officer, Joseph Kruzich; Assistant Regional Security Officer, Jay Miller; Information Specialist, Temitayo Famutimi;
Cultural Specialist, Ibrahim Aliyu; and Protocol Assistant, Mary-Anne Onwuchekwa.

Top leaders of PDP at the event include the State Caretaker Chairman, Dr Adekunle Akindele, Yeye Modupe Adeleke-Sani, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye and Dr B.T Salami. The event was coordinated by Rev Bunmi Jenyo.

E-Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Governor-elect

Osun Alert!

The Dir. of Finance and HLAs summoned to a meeting today to sign for the looting of the SURE-P fund through Zenith Bank Plc by the outgoing governor to be released should be very careful.

All public funds belonging to the people shall be monitored and evaluated ⚠️ ⛔️

Exposed: Oyetola Administration Plots to Divert N2.7b LG Sure-P Allocation

• Threatens LG Heads of Administration/ Directors of Finance for Cooperation

• PDP to LG Directors: EFCC will Nab You if...


We bring to the attention of anti-corruption agencies, traditional rulers and transparency organisations the ongoing pillaging of Osun assets and fund, the latest being the ongoing desperate push by the Oyetola Administration to divert the N2.7 billion latest Sure-P allocation to local governments in Osun state.

We are at pain to report that for the past three days top officials of the outgoing administration have launched the most brazen assault on local government treasury demanding each local governments return their share of the Sure-P allocation under very corruptive circumstances.

The public may want to know that the local government with the least allocation is about N76 million naira with average of N80 million naira for most local governments. Records available to us revealed that local officials initially resisted the request but were warned of dire consequences of disobeying the order from the state's ministry of Local Government.

We gathered that due to sustained resistance, each local government was then directed to return N25 million naira each and cover it up with fictitious expenditure, a directive many top local officials are afraid to comply.

Reports showed that Heads of local government administration and Directors of Finance were then summoned to Osogbo on Monday with direct warning to cooperate or risk being removed from office. We gathered this pressure is still ongoing as at the time of filling this report.


We strongly alert Heads of Local Administration and Directors of Finance that we are closely monitoring the situation and we are determined to ensure that any official who collaborated to divert the Sure-P fund and other local government fund is handed over to the EFCC.

Any local government director who partake in fund diversion will not only face career disruption but will be diligently prosecuted by the relevant government agencies.

If you succumb to illegal pressure, we will set anti-corruption agencies after you.

We appeal to our traditional rulers to take active interest in this unfolding drama. Our royal fathers should interrogate the planned pillaging and intervene to stop the looting of our common patrimony.

We once again reassure the general public that from November 27 of this month , all appointed and elected officials will account for the state assets and resources in their care. The incoming administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke will demand and ensure accountability from those who diverted state assets in the last few months.

E-Signed
Dr Akindele Adekunle,
State Caretaker Chairman,
Osun State PDP

Press Release
06/11/2022

Osun PDP Directs Adagunodo to Withdraw Court Case, Threatens to Report Judge to NJC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun state has directed its former state chairman, Hon Soji Adagunodo to immediately withdraw the belated court case on Osun PDP chairmanship tussle, warning that the case has been hijacked by the All Progressive Congress(APC).

In a strongly worded statement, the party also alerted the public of surreptitious agenda by Mr Gboyega Oyetola to influence the judiciary on the matter in a bid to truncate the swearing in of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the Governor of Osun State on November 27th, 2022.

The PDP which threatened all constitutional steps to actualise November 27 handover date warned of its readiness to petition the National Judicial Council on the apparent unprofessional conduct of the presiding judge, especially in the last sitting on the case.

In the statement signed by the State Caretaker Chairman of the party, Dr Adekunle Akindele, the PDP posited that Hon Adagunodo has been cleared by the National Executive Committee of the PDP on some allegations during his party chairmanship and should therefore withdraw the case without further delay.

The party had gathered on good authority that Hon Adagunodo claimed he was not issued an official letter of clearance by the party's NEC, hence his continuation of the court processes.

The statement however noted that the NEC clearance was the reason Adagunodo was able to contest and emerge as the South West National Vice Chairmanship of the PDP, adding that there is no further political or legal basis for non-withdrawal of the suit.

While justifying calls for the withdrawal of the suit, the PDP called the attention of the Vice Chairman South West to fact that the case has emerged as the main tool of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to attempt disruption of November 27th, 2022 swearing in ceremony.

To avoid becoming part of the plot to scuttle the will of Osun people and to prove that he is indeed not available for the APC reactionary agenda, Hon Adagunodo should urgently kick-start the process of case withdrawal, the statement posited.

The party further warned that failure to close the case will confirm allegations and alleged grand coalition among the APC, Hon Adagunodo and a section of the judiciary to throw Osun into a constitutional crisis, a development the party vowed to legally resist.

The statement hinted that it has set machinery in motion to petition the NJC over the conduct of the presiding judge as his conduct at the last sitting echoed the boast on social media by Mr Oyetola's supporters that November 27th, 2022 will not hold.

"We are compiling all the observed unprofessional activities on this particular matter and we will duly approach the NJC. We want to strongly advice the state judicial leadership to be sensitive to the conduct of some of its officials. The judiciary should not allow itself to be used against the will of Osun people", the statement concluded.

E-Signed
Dr Akindele Adekunle,
State Caretaker Chairman,
Osun State PDP.

Picture of the year