By Engr Shakbab
Enough is enough. It is time to call a spade a spade. What is happening in Osun State is not politics; it is criminality, sponsored from the top, and it is strangling democracy in broad daylight.
Let the whole world see this: for nearly a year, local government secretariats in Osun have been under illegal occupation. These are not elected officials; they are court-sacked imposters. Their election was nullified, yet they sit there, guarded by the Nigerian Police, allegedly on the direct orders of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. This is an open rape of the rule of law.
Governor Ademola Adeleke conducted fresh, lawful elections. But Gboyega Oyetola and his APC faction have chosen brute force over ballots. They are holding our grassroots governance hostage. This is the despicable face of the Osun APC, a party that believes power is seized, not earned.
The economic terrorism is even more vile. Over N130 Billion belonging to Osun’s local governments is being withheld. This money is for primary school teachers, nurses, local workers, and retirees. By withholding it, Oyetola and his cohorts are intentionally starving these innocent people. It is a calculated act of cruelty.
How deep does the rot go? Look at United Bank for Africa (UBA). How can a bank of its stature illegally open accounts for these imposters and divert public funds? It is pure fraud. They would never dare break laws in New York or London but do so here in Nigeria for Oyetola shows the level of impunity we are dealing with.
While our teachers suffer, these illegal occupants are reportedly paid millions from these same accounts. They feast on money meant for the public good. It is morally repugnant and shows the utter heartlessness of those behind this scheme.
Their goal is transparent: to provoke violence, cause chaos, and manufacture a reason for an undemocratic takeover. They boast about it online, confident in their protection. This is not a political strategy; it is a threat to our very peace.
This is a direct attack on Nigerian democracy. If this criminal enterprise can succeed in Osun, no state is safe. We must see Gboyega Oyetola and the actors in this drama for what they are: enemies of constitutional order.
Governor Adeleke has shown restraint, even borrowing to pay workers these illegal occupants have abandoned. But restraint is not weakness. It is time for citizens, the media, and the international community to speak. Silence is complicity.
We call on every human rights organization, every believer in democracy, and every Nigerian who values justice to look at Osun. See the evil machinations of Gboyega Oyetola and the Osun APC. They are a threat to the very idea of lawful governance.
To the people of Osun, the line is clear. On one side, a government is trying to work for you amidst sabotage. On the other hand, a cabal led by Oyetola, stealing your money and occupying your offices by force. Your anger is justified. Your condemnation must be loud and unceasing.
Let it be known: we see the evil people behind this. Their names are documented. Their actions are condemned. History will judge them harshly for this assault on our people.
This illegality must stop. The world is watching. Osun rejects criminality. Osun rejects the APC’s brand of lawless oppression. Never again shall such evil be allowed to flourish here.
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Shakirullai Babatunde Adeniran (Engr Shakbab)
Special Assistant to the Governor On Media (Community Communications)