A civil society group, The Osun Masterminds, has condemned a recent statement made by Kazeem Akinleye, the Chief of Staff to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.
Akinleye, speaking at a public forum in Ede on Saturday, declared that the Peoples Democratic Party would use all available means to ensure Adeleke’s victory in the 2026 governorship election.
He further warned members of the All Progressives Congress in the town who might not support Adeleke to relocate to Cotonou in the Republic of Benin.
Akinleye also stated that any native or resident of Ede who did not appreciate the development brought to the town by Adeleke was unworthy of remaining in the area during the 2026 election period.
The statement has drawn strong criticism from civil society. During a question and answer session at TOM’s December 2024 State of the State address in Osogbo, a member, Wole Oladapo, described the remarks as inciting and potentially destabilizing. He warned that such statements could lead to anarchy and emphasized that no individual, regardless of their position, has the right to force others to leave their place of residence. Oladapo pointed out that the Nigerian constitution guarantees the right for citizens to live anywhere in the country.
Oladapo further cautioned politicians to avoid inflaming tensions as the state prepares for the 2026 election. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace in Osun State, particularly after recent improvements in security. He expressed concern that Akinleye’s comments could disrupt the state’s current tranquility, calling on all political figures to prioritize peace and refrain from actions or statements that could destabilize the state.
He said, “No Nigerian, no matter how highly placed has the power to threaten another Nigerian and force them to leave where they are domiciled while the constitution guarantees them the right to live anywhere in the country as a citizen
“We condemn the threat by the Chief of Staff to the Osun State Governor during a PDP ward meeting in Ede on Saturday.”
“We are sounding this note of warning as we go into the year 2025, a year before the 2026 gubernatorial election in the state that we do not want anybody that will heat up the polity.
“We have been enjoying some relative peace ever since some miscreants have been taken away from the state and we expect that this peace and tranquility will be enjoyed till the election holds in 2026.
“The statement from the chief of staff is capable of hitting up the polity and causing anarchy, it is capable of disturbing the peace which we currently enjoy.
“We condemn it outrightly and we want to sound a nite of warning across to everyone; citizens, public office holders, political officers holders in whatever political party that the peace and tranquility we enjoy in Osun State is non negotiable and is sacrosanct and we will not trade it for anything either utterances or actions by anyone under whatever outcome as we go into the new year.”
In response, the APC in Osun State expressed dismay over the remarks, calling it shameful for a senior official like Akinleye to incite violence ahead of the 2026 election. Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, stated that Akinleye’s comments were embarrassing and a disgrace to democratic principles, which allow individuals the freedom to choose their political affiliations. The APC also urged the state’s Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Security to investigate Akinleye’s comments and take appropriate legal action, according to Daily Post.
Governor Adeleke, defending his Chief of Staff, issued a statement through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissing any claims of threats or violence. He emphasized that there was no need for threats, given the significant support his administration enjoys in the state. Adeleke, known for his peaceful nature, noted that he did not resort to violence even when he was allegedly robbed of victory in 2018. He also stated that Akinleye, a well-regarded peace-loving strategist, had worked peacefully to achieve the APC’s defeat in previous elections.
He said, “At no time did the Governor or the Chief of Staff threaten violence as there is no reason to do so in view of the incredible level of support and goodwill the current administration is enjoying in Osun state.”
The governor called on security agencies to ignore the claims raised by the APC, reiterating that the state government and its officials have consistently advocated for free, fair elections and the protection of citizens’ votes.
