The Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bolaji Akinola, has dismissed allegations by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, linking the minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, to the recent violence in Osun State, describing the claims as malicious and politically motivated.

In a statement, Akinola said the allegation was a desperate attempt to tarnish the reputation of Oyetola, whom he described as a statesman with an unblemished record that had never been associated with violence or the sponsorship of thuggery.

In a statement on Tuesday, he said the Speaker’s comments were reckless and unfounded, adding that they raised questions about his judgement.

“For making such a malicious and irresponsible allegation, Egbedun needs to have his head thoroughly examined to ascertain his mental state,” Akinola said.

According to him, only someone lacking sound judgement could accuse the former Osun governor of involvement in violence, given what he described as Oyetola’s record of promoting peace, stability and lawful conduct during his four years in office.

Akinola further accused Egbedun of previously leading thugs to attack a gathering organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, alleging that several people were assaulted and injured during the incident.

He urged Egbedun and Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop shielding criminal elements, saying this was necessary to sustain the peace he claimed Oyetola established in the state.

“How can a man who did not lift a finger in retaliation even when he was attacked during the EndSARS protests now be accused of orchestrating violence?” he asked.

He added that those familiar with the political landscape knew individuals with a history of using non-state actors and extrajudicial means against opponents, insisting that such conduct was contrary to Oyetola’s character and values.

Akinola also condemned the killing of a teenager during the violence that occurred in the state over the weekend, describing the incident as tragic and regrettable.

He conveyed the minister’s condolences to the bereaved family and called on the Nigeria Police Force to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible, irrespective of their social or political standing.

He stressed the need for justice and urged security agencies to act decisively to prevent a recurrence of violence in the state.