July 20, 2025 by and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, says there is  no cause for alarm over likely defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke to All Progressives Congress(APC).

Oyebamiji, a leading gubernatorial aspirant during his continuous consultation at Obokun and Oriade Local Government Areas of Ijesa-North Federal Constituency yesterday, noted that the leadership of the party is in control of the situation.

Addressing his supporters, Oyebamiji reiterated the party’s commitment to return Osun to progressive government come 2026, assuring that nothing can destabilise the structure already built.

He said, “though our leader, Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola is coming to tell you everything as regards the defection rumour of the current Governor, Ademola Adeleke, into our revered party – APC, he sent me to tell you that there is no cause for alarm. He asked me to let you know that there is nothing to fear about. Our leaders are in charge and no reason to panic. The leaders are in control. No one will reap the fruit of your labour.

“As regards the councils’ imbroglio, our Minister is doing excellently well to ensure that justice prevails no matter whose ox is gored. Our councils are in the control of our elected chairmen and councillors and by the grace of God they will be in the control till we return to government come 2026”, he added.

He pledged to build on the good legacies of the progressive governments, particularly the monumental strides made by the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Earlier, the former Secretary of the party during the administration of Chief Bisi Akande, Hon. Tunji Adesokun applauded Oyebamiji’s tremendous contributions to the growth, development and progress of the party thus far, describing him the “head that the cap fits.”

Meanwhile, the state governor, Ademola Adeleke has described the actions of the opposition as petty politicking, vowing that he will not be swayed by desperate attempts to stop his rigorous service to the people.

The governor made the remark while disclosing his intention to flag off the dualisation of Ila-Orangun township and second phase of dualisation of Osogbo/Ikirun/Ila-Odo Kwara State Boundary road.

Speaking  through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke noted that “I remained undistracted by unsubstantiated statements on national television by some politicians, particularly a failed governorship candidate. The said politician and few others have said all sorts of things which are at variance with the reality and facts of our achievements in the infrastructure sector across Osun state.

“These misrepresentations and misinformation have only strengthened my resolve to push ahead with the all-inclusive infrastructure upgrade and delivery of good governance in our dear state.”

Rasheed noted that Adeleke flaunted several awards on infrastructure revolution, health sector excellence, new examination performance rating, digital economy innovation, agricultural mechanisation, sport sector reforms, business sector enhancement, water sector upgrade and artisanal cooperative empowerment.

“The latest national table on states fiscal transparency for 2025 first quarter places Osun in number 5 position out of 36 states. Our administration is transparent, accountable, and compliant with due process requirements.

“Our critics are worried by our extraordinary performance within less than three years, hence their resorts to name calling, blackmail and libelous allegations. We will not get distracted by petty politicking and desperate attempts to stop our rigorous service to the people.”

“In continuation of our pact and promises to the people, our people of Ila Orangun, Ifelodun, and Odo Otin local governments will host me next week. I will be flagging off the dualisation of Ila Orangun township road as well as the second phase of Osogbo-Ikirun -Okuku highway dualisation. 

“Myself and my team remain focused and undistracted. I commend Osun people for their support and unwavering commitment to good governance as represented by our government”, the governor told the visiting elders.”

The governor’s hope of strengthening his support base ahead of the 2026 election suffered a setback yesterday as two senators from the state formally resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

They are: Senator Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi (Osun Central) and Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (Osun East).

The development is contained in letters written to that effect and addressed to their PDP ward chairmen respectively.

While Fadeyi’s letter, dated June 12th 2025 was addressed to the Chairman of PDP in Ward 3, Oke-Ejigbo Ila-Orangun, Osun State, that of Fadahunsi also dated June 12, 2025, was addressed to the Ward Chairman of PDP in Ward 4, Obokun Local Government Area, Osun State.

According to Fadeyi, he resigned due to division in the party at the national level.

Fadeyi’s letter reads in part: “I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my Membership of the

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.

“Irreconcilable differences and irreparable division that have emerged and court cases and counter court cases in the last three years which have created faction in the party at the National level.

“This was concluded after consultation and engagement with my political associates, family and friends.”

Fadahunsi also stated similar reasons for his action.

He said: “I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my Membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect, due to the irreparable, irreconcilable differences and protracted legal battles that have bedeviled the party at the National level after the 2023 general elections.

“This was concluded after consultation and engagement with my political associates, family and friends.”

Investigations revealed that the Senator representing Osun West, Olalere Oyewumi, would also dump the PDP any moment.