Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke has reacted to the ugly incident erupted at the Osogbo Eid praying ground, on Wednesday morning.
Adeleke had abruptly left the prayer ground after a heated altercation between his aides and Senator Ajibola Basiru, former Senate spokesperson, over seating arrangements.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke expressed gratitude to God for his safety and that of his team. He further directed law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for the incident.
The statement quoted theGovernor as saying, “My fellow Osun citizens, I appeal for calm and urge everyone to continue celebrating the Sallah festival in peace. By the special grace of God, I am safe.”
“I have instructed security agencies to arrest the individuals behind the incident and ensure they face the full consequences of the law. The Commissioner of Police has received the directive to apprehend the culprits, regardless of their status or position.”
The State Government has also strongly condemned the orchestrated attacks launched by members of the All Progressives Congress against the Governor at the praying ground.
“The public may recall a previous security alert concerning a malicious plot to disrupt the peace and stability of Osun State,” the statement said.
It added, “The government is particularly appalled by the actions of former Senator Ajibola Bashiru, who occupied the space reserved for the Governor at the prayer ground. Despite efforts to persuade him to vacate the area, he remained defiant,” the statement noted.
“Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who advocated for respect for the Governor’s office were subjected to physical assault. The scene became chaotic by the time the Governor arrived for the prayer.”
“The government was even more shocked that thugs armed to the teeth were spotted all over the praying ground with security information that they were imported to eliminate the Governor and key government functionaries.
“The Governor who arrived at the venue hoping to observe the Eid prayers was practically surrounded by armed thugs, prompting security men to ferry the Governor into his jeep.
The statement revealed that the Governor attempted to enter the praying field, but the encirclement by armed thugs made it impossible, leading to his departure from the scene.
