"Adeleke Is God's Gift to Osun, Oyetola Knows Nothing About the State" — Omisore Ally, Ojo Williams

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

Former Chairman of Obokun Local Government and ex-Acting Chairman of the Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Ojo Williams, has explained the reasons behind his recent resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deep-seated grievances within the party and what he described as unfair treatment of key stakeholders.

Speaking on a radio programme aired on Uniq FM 103.1, Ilesa, on Monday, the former council boss, a close ally of former Deputy Governor of Osun State and former APC National Secretary, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, said his decision to leave the ruling party was informed by growing dissatisfaction with its internal affairs and leadership structure.

The Otun Owa of Imesi-Ile recalled the events surrounding the 2018 Osun governorship election, stating that he was among the first individuals contacted by then-Governor-elect Gboyega Oyetola's camp during the election crisis.

According to him, former Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi reached out to him to facilitate discussions with Omisore and secure his support following the inconclusive governorship election before the intervention of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ojo-Williams said Omisore eventually backed the APC, a move he believes was instrumental to Oyetola's victory in the rerun election.

Expressing disappointment over subsequent developments within the party, he criticized the disqualification of Omisore and six other aspirants, including Dotun Babayemi, K-RAD and Kunle Ogunbiyi, from participating in the APC governorship primary election.

He alleged that the exclusion was orchestrated by former Governor Oyetola, whom he accused of opposing Omisore's political ambition.

"There are deeper issues within the APC, and the primary election only exposed them," he said.

Ojo-Williams also faulted the party's process for selecting candidates for the 2027 National Assembly and State Assembly elections, describing it as undemocratic.

He further referenced remarks previously attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who criticized Oyetola's connection to Osun State and accused him of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of the state.

Speaking on his future political direction, Ojo-Williams said his primary objective remains the development of Osun State.

He argued that several elder statesmen and political leaders, including the late Chief Bola Ige, former Governor Bisi Akande, Elder Akinfehinwa, Mr. Babatope and former Minister Erelu Olusola Obada, shared a common vision for Osun's development before, according to him, it was disrupted by APC leadership.

The Imesi-Ile-born politician predicted a difficult electoral battle for the APC in the August 15 governorship election, expressing confidence that opposition forces would mount a formidable challenge against the party.

He also launched a fresh attack on Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, claiming the former governor lacked deep political roots and understanding of Osun State politics.

The former chairman argued that Oyetola's political rise was largely facilitated by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who appointed him Chief of Staff before his eventual emergence as governor.

Asked whether more defections from the APC should be expected, Williams hinted at major political realignments in the state, saying "what is coming is far bigger than what is currently on ground."

Drawing parallels with the political movement that brought former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola to power, Ojo-Williams said a similar coalition of influential stakeholders was already taking shape ahead of future elections.

He also endorsed Oyinlola's recent assessment of Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing the governor as "the best Osun has had" and insisting that the achievements of the current administration were visible across the state.

Ojo-Williams praised the Adeleke family, describing them as "God's gift to Osun State" and comparing their political influence to that of the Kennedy family in the United States.

According to him, the Adeleke family played a crucial role in preventing what he described as continued political domination by Oyetola.

He concluded by declaring his readiness to support Governor Adeleke politically, regardless of the platform chosen for future contests, adding that his group was aligning with the governor through the Accord Party.

The comments are expected to further intensify political discussions in Osun State as parties and stakeholders begin strategic preparations ahead of the 2026 governorship election and subsequent electoral contests.