Gov Adeleke dismisses APC call for Chief of Staff’s resignation
Osun Governor Rejects Resignation Demands for Chief of Staff
Osogbo, Nigeria — Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed demands from the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the resignation of his Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye.
In a statement released Saturday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke characterized the APC’s call as a “melancholic tantrum,” suggesting that the opposition party is expressing frustration over its declining political influence.
The APC issued its request on Friday, citing alleged connections between Akinleye and a reported N13.7 billion payroll fraud. This prompted the governor’s office to defend Akinleye’s role as Chief of Staff.
Rasheed stated that the APC appears “largely overwhelmed and in political depression” and reiterated Akinleye’s effectiveness in his role, noting his contributions to the administration and the recognition it has received both domestically and internationally.
“Akinleye has demonstrated an acute mastery of governance processes and has served as a consensus builder committed to due process,” Rasheed remarked. He further emphasized that both the governor and Akinleye are recognized as visionaries working to ensure good governance in Osun State.
The spokesperson also claimed that Akinleye acted as a “strong gatekeeper,” preventing potential fraud in state dealings. “No amount of blackmail will undermine the reputation for integrity and service that the Chief of Staff has built over the years,” Rasheed asserted.
Additionally, he stated that Governor Adeleke enjoys an approval rating exceeding 80 percent, in contrast to an alleged disapproval rate of over 85 percent for the APC in the state.
“The frustrations from the Osun APC are understandable,” he noted. “Where the opposition failed, the governor succeeded bountifully.” Rasheed attributed electoral challenges faced by the APC to its previous governance record, particularly in local government fund management.
