Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has launched a statewide briefing of stakeholders regarding the recent controversies over local government leadership in the state.

Governor Adeleke disclosed this on Tuesday following a meeting with Chief Bisi Akande, a former governor of the state and former chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ibadan.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, made available to DAILY POST in Osogbo, the governor is also scheduled to visit and update key leaders of thought on the development in a special briefing session with the State Council of Traditional Rulers on Thursday.

Adeleke revealed that the meeting with the elder statesman at his Ibadan residence marked the beginning of the briefing programme.

Accompanied by top state officials, the governor also discussed pressing state and national issues with Chief Akande.

On the local government issue, Governor Adeleke outlined the state government’s stance on recent legal controversies and reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law in resolving the matter.

“There is a need for all stakeholders to avoid resorting to self-help to prevent further loss of lives and property,” he said.

He reiterated his earlier call for all parties to return to court to present their viewpoints.

On national politics, the governor appreciated Chief Akande’s role in fostering consensus and stabilising national leadership, stating that Osun State is proud of the elder statesman.

Governor Adeleke further conveyed the Osun State Government’s support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, informing Chief Akande that the state government enjoys a strong partnership with the Federal Government across various sectors.

“Our father, we are here to pay homage to you as my predecessor and as an elder statesman. I am also going around to brief our leaders on recent developments in our dear state.

“Your relationship with the Adeleke family dates back to my late father. I chose to start this consultation with this visit,” he stated.

In response, Chief Akande commended the governor for the visit, describing the development as a welcome one despite their political differences.

Chief Akande said he had listened to the delegation’s presentation and urged all parties to uphold peace and the rule of law for the collective benefit of the state.

The former governor emphasised that bloodshed in the name of politics is unacceptable, calling on all parties to respect the rule of law and avoid self-help.

Reacting to the Ibadan meeting, the Osun APC criticised Governor Adeleke for “running helter-skelter” and seeking a soft landing from Chief Akande regarding the prevailing political impasse in the state.

In a statement by Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, the party expressed surprise that Governor Adeleke could visit Chief Akande after PDP thugs allegedly killed Remi Abass, one of the reinstated APC local government chairmen.

The statement read: “We want to make it clear to Governor Adeleke and his associates that Pa Akande is a democrat, and no amount of under-the-table arrangements would make the former governor work against the interest of his party.

“Does Governor Adeleke expect Pa Akande to praise him for being instrumental in the killing of a chieftain and members of his party? We believe the governor should have knowledgeable political advisers who should guide him properly. If he truly seeks redress after the Akure verdict of 10th February 2025, the proper place to go is the Supreme Court.

“It is contradictory for a governor whose directive resulted in the killings of our members to think he can deceive the people through the back door. If Governor Adeleke is convinced he has a genuine case, why is he afraid of approaching the Supreme Court for redress?”

The party further advised Governor Adeleke to collaborate with the reinstated council chairmen and councillors to ensure the dividends of democracy reach every part of the state.

The speakership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly might be resolved soon as the intervention of heavyweights in the All Progressives Congress may be leading to a headway.

The impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa and the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, might be stepping aside for another lawmaker to lead the House, The TheNigerian learnt.

The development follows the intervention of the APC bigwigs, notably former governors of Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, namely Chief Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, respectively, among others.

The high-powered APC delegation was directed by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the political tension at the Lagos Assembly, following the inability of the Governance Advisory Council to find a solution.

The crisis began at the House on January 13, 2025, when about 36 lawmakers removed Obasa as speaker and replaced him with Meranda, the then-deputy speaker.

Over 90 per cent of the lawmakers accused the impeached speaker of poor leadership style, perpetual lateness to legislative sections and plenary, high-handedness and disregard for colleague lawmakers and the executive, especially the governor, abuse of office and privileges, intimidation and oppression of members, misappropriation, among others.

Obasa, who was away in Atlanta, United States, when he was removed, had since faulted his removal and insisted he was still the speaker, even as his colleagues in the House remained adamant.

“My status in the house? I strongly believe I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way and I will not contest it,” Obasa said while addressing newsmen on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

On Sunday, Osoba, Ambode, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and all the GAC members met at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina over the crisis, to find a lasting solution.

The TheNigerian gathered that the meeting lasted till around 7 pm. It was also learnt that the panel earlier met with the lawmakers.

A GAC member, Chief Muraina Taiwo, told The TheNigerian about the outcome of the meeting on Monday, noting that one of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West was being considered by the party leaders as the new Speaker.

“The issue will die down soon. Between now and the middle of next week, everything will become clearer. The APC leaders, including Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, came to mediate.

“They will go back to Abuja to brief our leader (Tinubu) how they feel about everything. They are suggesting to Speaker Obasa that he should step down and the other woman (Meranda) to also step down and they will bring in another new person. They are thinking of submitting a few names but all will land at the table of the leader.

“You know the House is working based on seniority, that is, if you’ve spent two years at the House, you’re qualified to hold a higher position than someone in first tenure. So they will go back to Abuja with seven names of the seniors in the House and from Lagos West,” he said.

The GAC member added, “The seven of them are ranking members in Lagos West. They are the ones whose names will be submitted to President Tinubu.”

It was also gathered that party leaders considered it politically and ethically appropriate not to select a speaker from Lagos Central, as it is the same senatorial zone as Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Eyes on Setonji

Details of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West have not been disclosed, but sources who spoke to our correspondent said David Setonji is being considered based on his experience and seniority.

A top source in the Lagos APC, when asked who is being considered as the new Speaker, said, “Setonji from Badagry is being considered among them. He is the one who is not like a first-timer among those in the West.”

Born in 1959, Setonji represents Badagry Constituency II and has been in the House since 2015. He is the current Chief Whip of the House, appointed by Meranda.

A master’s degree holder, Setonji is a former chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Lagos State chapter. He was previously a deputy chief whip.

Obasa may withdraw suit

Another top source in the Lagos APC who was privy to the meeting but did not want to be named confirmed to The TheNigerian on Monday that Meranda and Obasa would be asked to leave the position.

He also said that part of the resolutions being considered was for Obasa to withdraw the suit against the assembly and Meranda in court.

The TheNigerian reports that Obasa, who has since faulted his removal, has dragged the Assembly and Meranda before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, claiming that the lawmakers were wrong to have removed him when the Assembly was in recess.

The source, therefore, noted that since political solutions were being considered, it was likely that Obasa would withdraw the suit.

He said, “Meranda will step down, and Obasa will also step down. They will now pick someone else from Lagos West. Lagos West is the largest senatorial zone in Lagos. The lawmakers seem to have agreed, otherwise, there won’t be peace. Part of the understanding is that the case the man (Obasa) took to court, he will withdraw it as well.

“Whatever there is a legal solution for, there is also a political solution, so there will be compromises here and there.”

The source added, “Those who don’t want Obasa feel that they have won the battle anyway, and the man will never be their speaker again. So there is nothing they are fighting for again.

“Meranda, whom they put there, is just a child of circumstance. And since things have changed – the woman herself is not a power monger, she didn’t say she has to be there forever. It is hoped that in the next one week, the agreement will be reached.”

Party mediating – GAC

In an interview with our correspondent on Monday, the Chairman of GAC, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, said the party “is mediating.”

He said, “The party is mediating. At the appropriate time, we shall tell you the conclusion of the mediating panel. Wait until the report is ready.

“It’s a mediating process, it’s part of the responsibilities of the party when there are conflicts within the legislature or even within the members of the party for us to take our time and listen to all sides.”

Former governor of Oyo State, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has challenged the pioneer national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, to provide further information to the public on whatever he knows about the murder of former Attorney General of the Federation, Late Chief Bola Ige, SAN.

Ladoja stated this on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State, while responding to the claim made by Akande, a one-time governor of Osun State, during a podcast show hosted by renowned radio presenter, Edmund Obilo.

Akande had claimed during the interview with Obilo that the late former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina, instituted a case on the murder of Bola Ige but Ladoja withdrew the case from the court.

The elder statesman insisted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo-led government was responsible for the killing of Bola Ige without giving further details.

But, speaking to journalists at his residence in Ibadan on Monday, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland maintained that Akande lied against him, challenging the APC chieftain to go public with details of any information he has over the death of Bola Ige.

“I don’t have any hidden knowledge about the death of Chief Bola Ige. I had no problem with Bola Ige.

“Maybe Chief Bisi Akande wants to sell his book. I don’t know. There is no correlation between by election and the death of Ige.

“He should come out and tell the public instead of maligning my image. But, all options are open. As Otun Olubadan, I am no more a politician,” Ladoja stated.

A former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, has raised fresh concerns about the unresolved assassination of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, asserting that former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, may have vital information regarding the murder.

In an explosive interview with the ace broadcaster, Edmund Obilo, in Ibadan, which was released at the weekend, Akande lamented that key figures who might have shed more light on the case, including a former Oyo State governor, Lam Adesina, had died.

“There are many things that die with people. I know Lam Adesina went to court over the matter, and I also know his successor, (Rashidi) Ladoja withdrew the case. Ask Ladoja, he would know more about Bola Ige’s death.

“I was the Chief Security Officer of Osun State at the time, not Oyo State. Lam Adesina was the Chief Security Officer of Oyo State and he went to court and the governor that took over from him, Ladoja, withdrew the case from court. He might be able to tell you more. I believe he has more information on Bola Ige’s death,” Akande said.

He regretted that Lam Adesina told him many things which he may not be able to disclose.

“Because there are many things you don’t want to tell the public. I don’t want to tell anybody. Now Bola Ige is dead and Lam Adesina too is dead, so who will be my witness? Nobody.

“I know Lam Adesina went to court on the matter and Ladoja withdrew the case from court. Ask Ladoja, he would know more about Bola Ige’s death,” he insisted.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Ige as Minister of Mines and Power, between 1999 and 2000 and when he was not able to make significant improvements to the service provided by the monopolistic National Electric Power Authority, Ige was redeployed as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation between 2000 and 2001.

The former minister was assassinated on December 23, 2001, at his Ibadan, Oyo State residence.

Akande claimed that Bola Ige, being a chieftain of the opposition Alliance for Democracy, regretted joining the Obasanjo’s Peoples Democratic Party’s administration, describing it as a “kiss of death.”

When asked whether it was a mistake for Ige to have joined Obasanjo’s administration, Akande disagreed, stating that the decision was a collective one made by Afenifere and the Alliance for Democracy.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a mistake. We supported him in joining the government, I mean the Afenifere and the Alliance for Democracy.

“We met under the leadership of (Ayo) Fasanmi in AD. We met under the leadership of Abraham Adesanya in Afenifere and we asked Bola Ige to join the government. Abraham Adesanya asked that we discussed the matter in the AD and we met under Fasanmi, the chairman of AD in the South-West and by acclamation, we asked Bola Ige to join the government.

“We supported him in joining the government. We met under the leadership of Ayo Fasanmi in AD and Abraham Adesanya in Afenifere, and we asked Bola Ige to join. It was a unanimous decision.”

Akande said when Obasanjo came to power, he wanted to form a Government of National Unity, a government of every party available and, therefore, consulted Ige to join him.

“Obasanjo met Bola Ige and asked him to join his government. Ige asked Obasanjo to tell his party. Before Obasanjo would inform the party, Ige himself had told the party and we debated it and asked him to go and join.

“If anything so happens, we are all responsible. It was a joint decision. We held a meeting at Ijebu-Igbo, and we were unanimous, asking him to go. We held another meeting at AD and by acclamation, we asked him to go and join.

“So if asking Bola Ige to join Obasanjo was a mistake, it’s a mistake of the Yoruba AD and Afenifere.”

Akande debunked claims that Chief Ayo Adebanjo was the acting chairman of the AD at the time, insisting that Fasanmi held that position.

He also pointed out that Adebanjo opposed Ige’s decision to join the government but had no supporters.

Responding to the idea that Bola Ige had aligned with political adversaries of Obafemi Awolowo, Akande dismissed such notions by citing his own political journey.

“Buhari sent me to prison, and I’m now in the APC with him. There are no permanent enemies in politics. We are in politics to win elections.”

The pioneer/interim National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress recalled a conversation where Ige confided in him about resigning.

“One evening, he just called me and said, ‘I’m going to resign from this government.’ I said, ‘Please sir, I will come back to you’. I called his friend, Oluwole Rotimi. He asked me to advise him (Ige) not to resign because if he does, he’s likely going to die.

“I called Uncle (Ige) back and begged him not to resign. He said he had talked to Wole Soyinka and Bola Tinubu and both of them had asked him to resign. I asked him not to resign. I then said, ‘You can go to Obasanjo, tell him what you are angry about and tell him that if he doesn’t want you again, this is your letter.’

“He actually did so. Obasanjo asked what he wanted him to do and they both agreed. When he was leaving, Obasanjo said ‘Don’t give that letter to the press, give it to me’ and he dropped the letter. Ige told me himself. It was later after that he was moved to the Ministry of Justice,” Akande said.

He emphasised that Ige’s murder was politically motivated.

“He was killed in anticipation of what he might become in the future. It was a state murder. The government killed him. The government can kill anybody,” he said.

He noted that Oyo State, not Osun State, was the jurisdiction of the crime.

“I was the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, not Oyo. Lam Adesina was in charge in Oyo, and he took the case to court. But when Rashidi Ladoja became governor, he withdrew the case. He might know more than I do.”

He accused the Obasanjo administration of showing little interest in solving the murder.

Akande said if Ige ever trusted Obasanjo, he did at his peril, adding that “since Ige was resigning from his government, I think Obasanjo stopped trusting him.

“Obasanjo wasn’t keen on investigating who killed Bola Ige, but was interested in the stability of himself in power and possible continuance.”

Regarding the attack on Ige before his murder, in which his cap was publicly removed, Akande admitted he did not know the perpetrators.

“I wasn’t in the country at the time, but Ige told me about it. I advised him to focus on writing his memoir instead of attending social events. Unfortunately, he never got the chance.”

When asked about Ige’s political ambitions, Akande said he did not believe Ige was interested in the Presidency at the time of his death but was focused on ensuring someone from AD contested.

 When contacted at about 12 pm on Sunday, Ladoja’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, asked our correspondent to call back at 6pm for his reaction.

However, when called back at 6 pm, Oloko said, “I will get back to you as soon as I have his response to the issue at hand.”

On his part, Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, neither picked up the calls placed to his mobile line on Sunday nor responded to a WhatsApp message.

Former governor of Osun State, Bisi Akande, has revealed that former President Muhammadu Buhari wasn’t comfortable having his Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, go head-to-head with President Bola Tinubu for the sole presidential ticket at the 2022 primaries of the All Progressives Congress.

The pioneer national chairman of the APC disclosed this on a podcast anchored by a popular broadcaster, Edmund Obilo.

Akande recalled that the former VP did not step down for Tinubu, despite efforts to avoid bitterness among Yoruba contenders.

When asked if Buhari opposed Tinubu’s candidacy, Akande shook his head.

“He didn’t tell me so,” he said. “I asked him many questions, including whether he instigated Osinbajo to contest against Tinubu. He said no and explained that, in his culture, when your mentor is interested in a position, you don’t contest with him.”

In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, Tinubu polled 1,271 votes to clinch the party’s ticket.

The APC national leader defeated 13 other aspirants, including Osinbajo, to emerge as the APC flag-bearer at the end of the Special National Convention of the party in Abuja.

His other opponents included Rotimi Amaechi, ex-governor David Umuahi, Senator Ahmad Yarima, Dr Ahmed Lawal, ex-governor Yahaya Bello and the late Ogbonnaya Onu.

Others were  Chukwuemeka Nwajuba, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Tein Jack-Rich and former Governor Ben Ayade.

The race began with 23 aspirants, but nine withdrew shortly before the commencement of voting at the convention.

They included Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohnenye, Dr Felix Nicholas, former Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, former Speaker Dimeji Bankole, Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa, Senator Ken Nnamani and Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

Akande however concluded by acknowledging Tinubu’s growth as a political strategist.

The former governor also touched on the relationship between Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, revealing that he played a key role in Osinbajo’s nomination as vice president.

He said, “In 2011, Tinubu was discussing with Buhari about replacing Bakare with someone. I told Tinubu, ‘I’m going to recommend Osinbajo, and I did.”

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed the former governor of Osun State, Bisi Akande, over his allegation that the 2020 #EndSARS protest across Nigeria was orchestrated by the Obi’s supporters, otherwise known as Obidients,  to derail the ambition of the current President, Bola Tinubu.

Obi and the Obidient Movement described Akande’s narrative as an attempt to rewrite history, adding that it was insensitive to the memory of #EndSARS victims, particularly those who lost their lives.

The nationwide #EndSARS protest, which lasted between October 7 and 20, began with the demand for the disbandment of the notorious police wing called Special Anti-Robbery Squad but soon snowballed into a demand for good governance.

There were confrontations between protesters and security agents, particularly in Lagos State, where soldiers allegedly opened fire on defenceless protesters at the Lekki Tollgate.

In a recent podcast anchored by a popular broadcaster, Edmund Obilo, Akande claimed that the #EndSARS protest was orchestrated by Obidients to stop Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

According to him, the movement was well funded with foreign donations.

“The Obidients were behind the #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu). I said the Obidients, I didn’t say Obi.

“They came from America to do the #EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party. They couldn’t form a party. It was well planned and organised with a lot of money from America,” the octogenarian asserted.

But in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, tackled Akande, describing his claims as misleading and insensitive to the people who died during the protest.

He said, “The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive. It is unfortunate Akande would suggest that the Obidient Movement was behind the #EndSARS protests, and even more astonishing that he would imply it was orchestrated to prevent a particular individual from becoming President.

“Well, let me be clear: the movement is a grassroots phenomenon that emerged organically, driven by the passion and dedication of Nigerians who are committed to creating a better future for our country. It’s a movement that transcends partisan politics and is focused on promoting good governance, accountability, and inclusive development.

“The #EndSARS protests, on the other hand, were a spontaneous response to the widespread discontent and frustration among Nigerian youth regarding issues of police brutality, corruption, and economic inequality. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people, who are demanding a more just and equitable society.

“To conflate these two distinct phenomena is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the millions of Nigerians who are genuinely committed to creating positive change. We urge former governor Akande to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that can only serve to further polarise our society.”

Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa,  described Akande’s narrative as an insult to the memory of all #EndSARS victims, particularly those who lost their lives.

He said, “The Obidient movement outright rejects the baseless and revisionist claim by former Governor Bisi Akande. His false narrative is not only an insult to the memory of the young Nigerians who lost their lives in the fight against police brutality but also a desperate attempt to rewrite history and shift blame for the government’s failures.

“#EndSARS was a decentralised, youth-led movement demanding an end to police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and systemic oppression in Nigeria. It was not about politics, nor was it about any single individual’s presidential ambition.

“Rather than engaging in revisionist propaganda, we urge Akande and his associates to focus on addressing the real issues facing Nigerians today — economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and bad governance. The people are suffering, and no amount of misinformation or historical distortion will change that reality.”