The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised concerns over the prolonged absence of Governor Ademola Adeleke from the state, accusing him of leaving his post without officially informing the public or transferring power to his deputy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party described the governor’s departure as “abnormal,” questioning who had been overseeing the affairs of the state in his absence and accusing Adeleke of abandoning his constitutional responsibilities.
According to the APC, internal checks revealed that the governor left the state quietly about two weeks ago. The party further alleged that his unannounced exit came after unsuccessful attempts to defect to the APC.
“There is a growing unease among citizens, who are asking, in whispers and in public spaces, where their governor has been for the past two weeks,” the statement read. “It is unacceptable for the governor of an entire state to disappear without explanation, especially without formally transmitting power to the deputy governor as mandated by the constitution.”
The statement, signed by the APC’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, emphasized that Adeleke owed the people of Osun State transparency, particularly regarding his whereabouts and who was currently in charge of government functions. Adeleke’s Camp Responds
Responding swiftly to the APC’s claims, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the allegations as “pure political mischief.”
Rasheed clarified that the governor was in the United States attending the wedding of his nephew, internationally acclaimed musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.
He added that the trip was a short private visit, noting that Governor Adeleke had not taken any official vacation since assuming office in November 2022.
According to Rasheed, the governor remained in active communication with his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, who is currently supervising the administration’s day-to-day affairs.
“Governor Adeleke left Nigeria via the family’s private jet a few days ago for a family event—the wedding of global music icon Davido,”
Rasheed said.“In the spirit of goodwill, His Excellency is extending an open invitation to the opposition to join the celebration, either physically in the United States or virtually.”
He assured the public that the governor remains in touch with state matters and continues to fulfill his responsibilities even Constitutional Debate Reignited .
The incident has sparked renewed debate over the constitutional requirement for governors to formally delegate authority during periods of absence.
While Adeleke’s team insists that the governor is actively engaged and in touch with his deputy, the APC maintains that due process demands an official transmission of power to avoid a governance vacuum.
Adeleke’s Camp Responds
Responding swiftly to the APC’s claims, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the allegations as “pure political mischief.”
Rasheed clarified that the governor was in the United States attending the wedding of his nephew, internationally acclaimed musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.
He added that the trip was a short private visit, noting that Governor Adeleke had not taken any official vacation since assuming office in November 2022.
According to Rasheed, the governor remained in active communication with his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, who is currently supervising the administration’s day-to-day affairs.
“Governor Adeleke left Nigeria via the family’s private jet a few days ago for a family event—the wedding of global music icon Davido,”
Rasheed said.“In the spirit of goodwill, His Excellency is extending an open invitation to the opposition to join the celebration, either physically in the United States or virtually.”
He assured the public that the governor remains in touch with state matters and continues to fulfill his responsibilities even abroad.
Constitutional Debate ReignitedThe incident has sparked renewed debate over the constitutional requirement for governors to formally delegate authority during periods of absence. While Adeleke’s team insists that the governor is actively engaged and in touch with his deputy, the APC maintains that due process demands an official transmission of power to avoid a governance vacuum.
