The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke for hosting a program while innocent lives were being lost in the ongoing communal conflict between the Ifon and Ilobu communities. The party also cautioned the governor to refrain from causing embarrassment to the people of the state through his actions and inactions.
According to a statement issued by the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, in Osogbo, the handling of the Ipade Imole program on Thursday was deemed unrefined by the party. The APC further alleged that Governor Adeleke’s conduct demonstrated his ill-preparedness and lack of the essential qualities required to govern the state effectively.
The party contended that Governor Adeleke exhibited a lack of empathy and questioned his apparent comfort in hosting such a program while a communal conflict was ongoing just a short distance away from the venue. The party criticized the governor for trivializing serious matters and suggested that his performance at the program lacked substance.
In response, the Osun Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Sunday Bisi, described the current state of the opposition party as painful and shameful. He advised the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, to refrain from consistently embarrassing the state with his misguided opinions about governance.
Bisi defended Governor Adeleke’s actions, stating that his empathy and commitment to addressing the concerns of the affected communities demonstrated compassionate leadership. He suggested that such levels of compassion and understanding should be expected from political leaders. Bisi criticized the APC for its inability to adapt to its role as an opposition party, which, in his view, has left the party struggling to effectively engage with the public and highlighted the embarrassment this has caused.
Bisi also pointed out that the APC’s history of leading the state for 12 years has not translated into effective engagement as a constructive opposition. He stated that attempting to engage with the public after a prolonged period in power only amplifies their lack of direction and leadership.