By Sesan Opadoyin
In a shocking revelation, the absence of Governor Ademola Adeleke from Osun State has stirred public outrage and sparked a war of words between state officials and political opponents. The Chief Press Secretary, Rasheed Olawale, and Commissioner for Information, Barr Kolapo Alimi , initially claimed the governor was on a short working visit to Europe to finalize business deals with foreign investors. However, emerging information suggests a different narrative, one shrouded in mystery and political implications.
The key figures involved in disseminating information include Rasheed Olawale, the Chief Press Secretary, and Hon Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information, both representing the absent governor. Chief Kola Olabisi, the director of media and information for the Osun APC, also plays a pivotal role in expressing dissent.
The controversy revolves around Governor Adeleke’s absence, initially presented as a working visit but allegedly involving a medical trip to Europe. The Osun APC, led by Chief Kola Olabisi, disputes this narrative, connecting the governor’s departure with financial accountability issues, specifically the alleged misappropriation of #130 billion.
The tension escalated on November 25, 2023, when a press statement was released by the Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Information, attempting to downplay the governor’s absence. This marked the beginning of public skepticism and opposition responses.
The drama unfolds in Osun State, with the Osun APC contesting the governor’s departure during a crucial period – his one-year celebration in office. Questions arise about the governor’s choice to seek medical treatment abroad rather than within the state’s healthcare facilities.
The underlying reasons for the controversy include the conflicting narratives surrounding the governor’s absence, the alleged financial discrepancies, and the public’s demand for transparency. The political implications of Governor Adeleke’s absence during a milestone celebration further add to the intrigue.
The Osun APC, through Chief Kola Olabisi, questions the timing of the governor’s absence, especially during a significant milestone in office. Allegations of financial mismanagement cast a shadow over Adeleke’s leadership, fueling the public’s demand for accountability.Citing Chapter 6, Part 2, Section 190 of the Nigerian Constitution, concerns are raised about the governor’s compliance with the protocol for temporary absence. The public insists on receiving up-to-date information about the governor’s health, emphasizing the need for transparency in line with constitutional provisions.Additionally, the revelation that Governor Adeleke chose to seek medical treatment abroad, despite his exposure to foreign healthcare systems during years spent in Atlanta and Europe, raises questions about his commitment to the state’s healthcare facilities. The call for part-time nurses within state hospitals, juxtaposed with the governor’s medical trip, further intensifies scrutiny.
As Osun State grapples with the absence of its executive governor, the controversy deepens, encompassing financial accountability, constitutional adherence, and the state of healthcare. The public’s right to know remains at the forefront, demanding transparency and factual information about Governor Adeleke’s whereabouts and health. The political landscape in Osun remains charged, with citizens eagerly awaiting resolution and clarity on the unfolding saga.
