The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has thrown his weight in support of the nomination of the immediate former governor of the state, Adegboyega Oyetola, as a ministerial nominee from the state.
This was disclosed by the senator representing Osun West senatorial district, Olalere Oyewunmi, during the screening of Oyetola at the senate on Friday.
Oyetola appeared before the Godswil Akpabio-led Senate for his screening on Friday, alongside the new National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Bashiru.
However, in what seems like a turn of events, Senator Olalere stated that Oyetola has the full support of the governor, noting that Governor Adeleke had directed the three senators of the Peoples Democratic Party from Osun state to support the former governor during his ministerial screening.
He said, “The three of us representing Osun state in this hallowed chamber met with the governor [Adeleke] yesterday (Thursday).
“The governor urged us to give the nominee [Oyetola] the full support to become the next minister from Osun State.
“The state is a young state yearning for development, and we believe he’s the right person.”
Senator Akpabio in a swift response, lauded Olalere’s speech as good for Nigeria’s democracy, noting that the red chamber is beyond any political bias.
“I think this is very good for Nigerian democracy when you hear the opposing party speak on behalf of a nominee from the majority party. That is why the Senate is different.
“We speak across party lines; we are not interested in parties once you come here,” Akpabio said.
The development was surprising because Governor Adeleke and his predecessor have been at loggerheads since July 16, 2022, the governorship election in the state, where Adeleke defeated the former governor.
Adeleke had consistently attacked his predecessor’s administration, and Oyetola’s camp had never stopped to defend its administration and also berate Adeleke for his alleged poor performance in office.
