Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has dismissed the allegation made by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, linking the minister to recent violence in the state.
Describing the allegation as mischievous, malicious, and politically motivated, Akinola said the claim was a desperate and wicked attempt to tarnish the reputation of Oyetola, a statesman whose record in public office, he said, remains unblemished by violence or the sponsorship of thuggery.
He further stated that Egbedun’s comments were so reckless and unfounded that they called into question his state of mind.
“For making such a malicious and irresponsible allegation, Egbedun needs to have his head thoroughly examined to ascertain his mental state,” Akinola said.
According to him, only a person lacking sound judgement could accuse Oyetola of involvement in violence, considering the former governor’s track record of promoting peace, stability, and lawful conduct throughout his four-year administration in Osun State.
“It is on record that, as Speaker, Egbedun led thugs to attack a gathering organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during which several individuals were assaulted and injured,” he alleged.
“We urge both Egbedun and Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop providing cover for criminal elements. That is the only way to preserve and sustain the peace that Oyetola bequeathed to Osun State four years ago.
“How can a man who did not lift a finger in retaliation even when he was attacked during the #EndSARS protests now be accused of orchestrating violence?
“Egbedun knows those who have a history of deploying non-state actors and extrajudicial means to intimidate and attack perceived political opponents. Such conduct is completely alien to the person, character, and values of His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola.”
Akinola also condemned the killing of a teenager during the violence that occurred in Osun over the weekend, describing the incident as tragic and deeply regrettable.
He conveyed the minister’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and called on the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that all those responsible for the crime are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice, regardless of their social or political status.
He stressed that justice must be served and urged security agencies to act decisively to prevent a recurrence of such violence in the state.
