You Put Us in a Political Quagmire ~ Oyinlola Confronts Adeleke Over Secret Defection Plans
Tension reached a boiling point within Osun State’s political circle on Thursday, July 10, 2025, when former Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola openly confronted Governor Ademola Adeleke over his clandestine defection plot to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a reckless move that has plunged the state and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into a “political quagmire.”
The dramatic episode unfolded during a high-level strategic meeting convened by Governor Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo. In attendance were respected political heavyweights including Prince Oyinlola, elder statesman Dr. Olu Alabi, Oluomo Tajudeen Ladipo, Osun PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi, and select members of the PDP State Executive Council. Reports also suggest that nine of Adeleke’s commissioners are allegedly already fraternizing with the APC , a claim yet to be officially denied.
Governor Adeleke, who has been under mounting criticism following rumors of his imminent defection, reportedly admitted his struggles to secure a direct audience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to credible insider sources, the governor confessed during the meeting that attempts are now being made to use Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to reach legal heavyweight Lateef Fagbemi SAN — a known confidant of the President — to facilitate his defection bid. However, all efforts have so far proved futile.
While other participants at the meeting reportedly sat in stunned silence, it was only Prince Oyinlola who confronted the governor head-on.
Have you been assured of an automatic governorship ticket in APC?” Oyinlola asked pointedly.
Governor Adeleke’s response was a disheartening “No.”
The elder statesman pressed further: “How many senatorial, House of Reps, or State Assembly tickets have been negotiated or secured in your name?” The governor, again, admitted that “none have been discussed.”
The atmosphere, according to witnesses, turned visibly awkward as attendees expressed disappointment and shock over the governor’s apparent lack of political foresight and preparedness.
Things took a nosedive when the fate of PDP-elected local government chairmen and councillors was brought up. The governor’s response was simply: “It’s complicated.”
But what drew the ire of many in the room was the controversial press release issued by the governor’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, which alleged that “President Tinubu is appealing to Governor Adeleke and the PDP to defect.” When confronted on the authenticity of the claim, Governor Adeleke reportedly broke down in tears, failing to offer a coherent explanation.
POLITICAL COMMENTARY: A GOVERNOR IN FREEFALL
On Channels TV’s “Politics Today” segment aired on July 16, 2025, former National Secretary of the APC, Otunba Senator Iyiola Omisore, didn’t hold back his criticism:
In all my political life, I have never seen a situation where a sitting Governor is running from pillar to post, begging and pressuring the opposition party to accept him. Politics is local. No one climbs a tree from the top. Governor Adeleke should know where to start.”
The developments raise serious questions about political loyalty, the future of Osun PDP, and the governor’s credibility. Political analysts have noted that this miscalculated move could fracture Adeleke’s base and weaken his prospects ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
As of press time, neither the Presidency nor the APC National Secretariat has commented on the alleged overtures made by Governor Adeleke. Meanwhile, Osun PDP stakeholders are reportedly planning an emergency caucus meeting to reassess the direction of the party amid this unfolding drama.
By Osupa Arankaye
Osogbo, July 17, 2025
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