The Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bolaji Akinola, has strongly rejected allegations linking the minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, to the recent violence in Osun State, describing the claims as politically motivated and without merit.
Akinola was responding to comments attributed to the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, who allegedly connected Oyetola to the unrest.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Akinola said the accusations were a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of the former Osun State governor, insisting that Oyetola had never been associated with violence or the sponsorship of thuggery throughout his political career.
According to him, the Speaker’s remarks were reckless and unfounded, raising serious concerns about his judgement.
“For making such a malicious and irresponsible allegation, Egbedun needs to have his head thoroughly examined to ascertain his mental state,” Akinola said.
He argued that Oyetola’s record in office reflected a commitment to peace, stability and lawful conduct, making the allegation difficult to reconcile with the minister’s public track record.
Akinola also accused Egbedun of previously leading thugs to disrupt a gathering organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, claiming that several people were assaulted and injured during the incident.
He called on the Speaker and Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop shielding criminal elements, saying such action was necessary to preserve the peace he said Oyetola worked to establish during his administration.
“How can a man who did not lift a finger in retaliation even when he was attacked during the EndSARS protests now be accused of orchestrating violence?” he asked.
Akinola further claimed that political observers were aware of individuals with a history of deploying non-state actors and extrajudicial means against opponents, stressing that such behaviour was inconsistent with Oyetola’s character and values.
The minister’s aide also condemned the killing of a teenager during the violence that erupted in Osun over the weekend, describing the death as tragic and deeply regrettable.
He conveyed Oyetola’s condolences to the victim’s family and urged the Nigeria Police Force to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations or social status.
Akinola emphasised the need for justice and called on security agencies to take decisive action to prevent further violence in the state.
