Osun Governor Accuses Predecessor of Federal Interference Ahead of Election

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, of using his family ties to President Bola Tinubu to interfere with the state's governance and destabilize the political environment ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The allegations, made during a televised town hall meeting in Osogbo on Tuesday, come as tensions escalate between the ruling Accord Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress in the final days of campaigning.

Adeleke claimed that Oyetola, who now serves as Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has been leveraging his relationship with the President to exert pressure on federal institutions. The governor specifically alleged that Oyetola was responsible for the recent freezing of the state government's account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. "I am sure he told EFCC to freeze our account, that Mr. President said it should be frozen," Adeleke stated. He added that the situation changed after President Tinubu personally contacted him, expressing shock and embarrassment over the incident.

The governor further asserted that Oyetola has not recovered from his defeat in the 2022 election,...