The political atmosphere in Osun State has tightened following a recent endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid by the Aree of Iree, His Royal Majesty Oba Muritala Omotayo Oyelakin, Oyekun III. The endorsement, which took place during a formal courtesy visit to the Governor, has sparked sharp criticism from leadership circles within the All Progressives Congress (APC).


The Core of the Contention


The Aree of Iree, whose town is the home of prominent APC chieftain Adebayo Banik, publicly threw his support behind Governor Adeleke on July 4, 2026. The monarch cited the administration’s visible infrastructure development—specifically the rehabilitation of Iree Township roads and the critical Iree-Ada Road—as the primary drivers for the endorsement. He framed the support as a community-driven decision based on performance and equitable distribution of projects across the state.


However, APC stakeholders have reacted with skepticism, dismissing the significance of the event. While the state's political climate remains fluid, APC leaders have indicated that such royal endorsements do not necessarily reflect the true political will of the electorate. Critics within the party have characterized the move as an attempt to create an illusion of widespread support for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) administration, despite ongoing debates regarding governance and party loyalty.


A Pattern of Rivalry


This disagreement over the Iree endorsement is the latest chapter in a broader, ongoing friction between the PDP state government and the APC opposition. The political discourse in Osun has been characterized by intense rhetoric, with both parties accusing the other of various forms of political manipulation.


Recent weeks have seen heightened tensions, including:


  • Defection Rumors: The PDP has been forced to publicly deny speculation that Governor Adeleke intended to defect to the APC, a move aimed at curbing internal and external instability.
  • Security Concerns: Both parties have traded accusations regarding political violence and the intimidation of opponents, with the Governor recently engaging in high-level talks with the Inspector General of Police to curb the activity of political thugs.
  • Battle for Influence: The contest for traditional and community support remains a central strategy for both parties as they look toward future electoral cycles.