The Osun State chapter of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke for reportedly leaving the country without publicly disclosing his absence or formally transferring power to his deputy. The opposition party, in a Tuesday statement, expressed concerns over governance gaps and demanded clarity about who has been leading the southwestern Nigerian state during the governor’s two-week absence.
Signed by APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi, the statement condemned the governor’s “unannounced departure” as “abnormal,” alleging Adeleke had remained silent since his alleged recent attempt to defect to the APC failed. The party questioned whether Adeleke followed constitutional protocols to empower Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi as acting leader. “Disappearing without notifying citizens or the legislature raises suspicions about transparency. Who is running Osun State?” the APC asked, noting public speculation about Adeleke’s whereabouts in markets, transit hubs, and online forums.
Governor Adeleke’s office swiftly responded, with spokesperson Olawale Rasheed confirming the governor traveled to the United States for the wedding of his nephew, Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, widely known as Davido. Rasheed dismissed the APC’s criticism as “political mischief,” emphasizing that the governor had not taken an official vacation since assuming office in November 2022. “He departed via a family private jet days ago to celebrate this joyous occasion and will return shortly to resume duties,” the spokesperson stated.
The governor’s team clarified that Adeleke remains in regular communication with Deputy Governor Adewusi, who oversees daily operations. Rasheed extended an unusual olive branch to the APC, inviting members to “share in the family’s joy” by attending Davido’s wedding celebrations in person or virtually. The statement stressed Adeleke’s commitment to cutting his trip short to address “crucial state functions,” though no specifics about his return date were provided.
The dispute highlights tensions in Osun State, where the APC has consistently challenged Adeleke’s administration since he won the 2022 gubernatorial election on the platform of the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Legal experts note that Nigerian law requires governors to formally notify state legislatures when transferring power to deputies during extended absences, though adherence varies across regions. Analysts suggest the conflict underscores broader debates about political accountability and procedural transparency in Nigeria’s decentralized governance system.
