Timi Frank
Osun State is on the brink of political turmoil as clashes between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over local government control have reportedly turned violent, leading to casualties. Amid the growing unrest, former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Timi Frank, has accused the ruling party of deliberately fueling the crisis to justify imposing a state of emergency.
In a statement issued on Monday, Frank called on President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly and rein in Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola, whom he blames for the escalation.
“Their goal is clear—they want to destabilize Osun, provoke chaos, and push for a state of emergency because they know Governor Adeleke would win if elections were held today,” Frank stated.
The crisis stems from a controversial Court of Appeal ruling, which both parties have interpreted differently. While Governor Ademola Adeleke insists that security concerns prevent the return of sacked local government chairmen, Oyetola maintains that the court’s decision must be enforced. This standoff has led to violent confrontations between supporters of both parties.
The tension was further heightened when APC National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, publicly suggested that the Federal Government should declare a state of emergency in Osun to curb violence. Frank, however, sees this as part of a broader strategy to unseat Adeleke through unconstitutional means.
“Oyetola is using federal power to create chaos in Osun. The people must resist this attempt to hijack their democracy,” Frank declared.
He urged Osun residents to stand by Governor Adeleke, warning that allowing the crisis to spiral could set a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.
With the political atmosphere heating up, all eyes are on the Federal Government to see whether it will intervene to restore peace—or if Osun will slide further into crisis.