Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, escaped a plane incident, his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed, yesterday.

Alleging sabotage, Rasheed revealed there were strong indications that both engines of the aircraft were tampered with before boarding.

Reports had it that Adeleke and some of his aides on September 5, 2023, escaped an air crash. It was further reported that Adeleke was on board when a private jet owned by his elder brother and billionaire businessman, Adedeji Adeleke, caught fire at take-off point, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Rasheed said: “The highly technically equipped aircraft was well maintained with the best technical crew and was never an unused platform where birds could build nests. Contrary to the claim by the hanger owner that birds’ nests caused the incident, birds’ nests are made with straws not wires, as in this case.”

According to him, “the near fatal incident was averted shortly after boarding, and less than two minutes after commencement of taxiing on the tarmac. An early warning noise from the engines immediately prompted the pilots to direct evacuation of the passengers. Everything happened within five minutes.

“Early reports from internal investigation indicated sabotage. But the authorities, locally and internationally, are still investigating the incident. We, however, want to assure the public that Governor Adeleke and his aides are safe and there was no injury or any outward explosion on the plane.”

He added: “The governor expressed deep appreciation to well wishers and supporters who have been calling since the report of the incident. Mr. Governor is hale and hearty.”