By Seun Ibiyemi
The Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, has dismissed allegations linking the minister, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to the recent violence in Osun State, describing the claims as malicious, politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish the former governor’s reputation.
Akinola was reacting to comments reportedly made by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, who allegedly linked Oyetola to the unrest that occurred in parts of the state over the weekend.
According to Akinola, the allegations were baseless and inconsistent with Oyetola’s record as governor of Osun State, where he said the minister maintained peace, stability and adherence to the rule of law throughout his administration.
He accused the Speaker of making reckless and unfounded statements, arguing that Oyetola has never been associated with violence or the sponsorship of political thuggery.
Akinola further alleged that Egbedun himself had previously been involved in incidents of political violence, claiming that the Speaker once led thugs to disrupt a gathering organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), resulting in injuries to several participants.
He urged both Egbedun and Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop shielding criminal elements and instead work towards preserving the peace and stability that, according to him, Oyetola established during his tenure as governor.
The minister’s aide also questioned the logic behind accusing Oyetola of orchestrating violence, noting that the former governor did not retaliate even when he was attacked during the EndSARS protests.
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“Such conduct is completely alien to the person, character and values of His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola,” Akinola said.
Meanwhile, Akinola condemned the killing of a teenager during the violence in Osun State, describing the incident as tragic and deeply regrettable.
He conveyed Oyetola’s condolences to the bereaved family and called on the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that all those responsible for the crime are identified, arrested and prosecuted, regardless of their political affiliation or social status.
Akinola stressed the need for justice to be served and urged security agencies to take decisive action to prevent a recurrence of violence in the state.
