Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have bickered over a push for economic sanctions and a visa ban against the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, the APC’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and Senator Francis Fadahunsi.

Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, urged the United Kingdom (UK) delegation, led by its Senior Political Advisor, Wale Adebajo, to consider sanctions and a visa ban against the trio and some leaders of the APC for actively promoting violence through their cronies, which he claimed resulted in recent killings and gun attacks in the state.

Also listed in the visa ban proposal are the lawmaker representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, and the Director-General of the APC Campaign Council, Wole Oke.

The governor said that his call for sanctions and a visa ban followed an alleged fresh killing of an Accord Party (AP) member in Ijebu-Jesa.

The governor accused the APC leaders of fostering violence, restating his previous call on the security agencies to arrest any suspect regardless of political affiliations.

However, while responding, the APC’s Director of Media and Information in the state, Kola Olabisi, yesterday, accused Adeleke of being the real promoter of violence, saying that the UK should disregard his advocacy for sanctions against the opposition leaders.

Olabisi, who accused Adeleke of misinforming the British government, said the development exposed him as someone who had failed to learn good governance since his over three-year uneventful administration.

“Why did the governor, who is desperate for re-election, fail to inform the visiting delegation of the British Government how some of his aides are now standing trial in an Abuja court over the killing of our chieftain and former Chairman of Irewole Local Council, Remi Abass, over a year ago?” he said.
MEANWHILE, the APC has set tomorrow for the official start of its governorship campaign rally in the ancient town of Ile-Ife, the hometown of its deputy gubernatorial candidate, Kayode Adereti.

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity Committee of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Remi Omowaiye, noted that “the flagship event marks the launch of a robust and issues-based campaign aimed at delivering sustainable development, economic growth, and structural advancement across the state.

“Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, has been strategically chosen to host this momentous flag-off to honour its rich cultural heritage and pivotal political significance.”

“The party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), will use this platform to unveil a comprehensive manifesto designed to address key sectors, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agricultural reform, youth empowerment, among others.

“The Osun APC invites all progressive-minded citizens, supporters, and the public to join us in this historic movement. The party assures all attendees of maximum security and a peaceful event.”