An aide to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly criticized Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his recent verbal assault on the minister. The aide framed the governor's comments as a clear sign of panic and political desperation.
Panic Over a United Opposition
In a statement released on Wednesday, Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to Minister Adelabu, stated that Governor Makinde's outburst was driven by insecurity. Tunji argued that the governor's political fortunes are declining as the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State becomes more united and purpose-driven.
"Governor Makinde's outburst is a projection of his own insecurities," Tunji declared. He explained that the political arithmetic which previously favored Makinde has collapsed. The APC, once divided and exploited by the governor for electoral gain, is now consolidating around influential figures like Chief Adelabu, Senator Teslim Folarin, and Florence Ajimobi.
Defections and a Failing Political Structure
Tunji highlighted that Makinde's anxiety is compounded by the growing influence of Adelabu, whom the governor had previously underestimated. He claimed that key allies of Governor Makinde are now shifting their allegiance to Adelabu's camp.
Notable figures mentioned include Senator Hosea Agboola (Halleluyah), described as Makinde's political benefactor, and the immediate past Commissioner for Works, Professor Raphael Afonja. Tunji asserted that while Makinde boasts of organisational skills, his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is rapidly disintegrating.
"Credible leaders, local government chairmen, and grassroots stakeholders are defecting en masse to the APC," he said. "They are abandoning a failing 'organiser' for the robust platform represented by Chief Adelabu."
Lingering Resentment and Questions of Capacity
The aide also suggested that a personal slight underpins the governor's political anxiety. He recalled that Makinde was embarrassed when his ministerial nominee was rejected by the Presidency in favor of Adelabu. "That moment was a clear verdict on competence and value," Tunji stated.
On the subject of capability, Tunji vigorously defended Adelabu's credentials. He outlined the minister's strong academic background and extensive career spanning senior roles at Standard Chartered Bank, First Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and now as a Federal Minister. He also noted Adelabu's pioneering private investments in Oyo State's real estate and hospitality sectors.
Tunji concluded by urging Governor Makinde to focus on governing Oyo State. He pointed to issues like rising insecurity, kidnappings in Ibadan, increasing debt, and a lack of tangible development as more pressing concerns than name-calling.
"Chief Adelabu remains focused on his national responsibilities and the mission to reposition Oyo State, undistracted by the fading echoes of a nervous governor," the statement concluded.
