Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke says he holds regular security meetings with relevant agencies to protect lives and property in the state, as political tensions rise ahead of the governorship election.
Adeleke made this known at the ARISE NEWS Town Hall Meeting in Osun State, where he defended his administration’s handling of security and responded to allegations of intimidation and federal interference ahead of the poll.
The governor said Osun had remained peaceful under his administration until political activities surrounding the election intensified.
According to him, his administration has strengthened the state’s security architecture through the Amotekun corps, including the recruitment and training of more than 1,500 personnel.
He said the personnel were trained by retired military and police officers and deployed to their respective local government areas because of their knowledge of the communities.
Adeleke added that he continues to engage security agencies through regular meetings to ensure the state remains safe.
“I do regular security meeting all the time to make sure that Osun is safe.”
The governor also denied allegations that he ordered the increased presence of military and other security personnel across the state ahead of the election.
“I did not militarise. I don’t have that capacity. I am not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”
Adeleke said the Federal Government was responsible for the deployment of federal security agencies, adding that the increased presence could be linked to concerns over violence and the need to protect lives and property.
He urged residents and his supporters to remain peaceful during the election, stressing that voters should not respond to provocation at polling units.
On former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Adeleke dismissed suggestions that his predecessor was responsible for his political challenges, saying Oyetola was not on the ballot in the forthcoming election.
He described himself as a “civilised democrat” and said he maintained friendships with politicians across party lines.
“This same Oyetola, he’s not on the ballot. He’s not on the ballot. Leave that alone.”
Adeleke also accused Oyetola and other opposition figures of attempting to influence the election through political proxies, alleging that the APC had internal divisions over its choice of candidate.
He questioned why several aspirants were allegedly disqualified from the APC primary process despite earlier assurances that the party would allow them to contest.
The governor also criticised the previous APC administration over salary and pension arrears, claiming his government had paid a significant portion of inherited obligations.
He said his administration had paid billions of naira to pensioners and workers while also providing healthcare support.
Boluwatife Enome
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