Alleged Assassination Attempt On Governor Adeleke’s Life Outrageous – Asiwaju Musulumi

Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Dr. Khamis Olatunde-Badmus has described as outrageous the allegation that there was assassination attempt on the life of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State following a commotion that ensued on Wednesday at the Eid ground in Osogbo.

Olatunde-Badmus in a statement few hours ago blamed political jobbers for what he described as misunderstanding that occurred at the Osogbo central Eid ground incident that prevented Governor Ademola Adeleke from observing the Eid ul kabir 2- rakat prayer along with the muslim ummah.

Earlier on Wednesday, Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, reportedly left the Osogbo Eid prayer ground in anger after he failed to observe the two raka’at prayers over security breaches that occurred following seating arrangement at the prayer ground, involving Senator Ajibola Basiru.

Senator Ajibola Basiru in a Channels Television Politics today programme dismissed the claim that he attempted to assassinate Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Mallam Olawale Rasheed had in a statement titled: “After Escaping Assassination Attempt, Governor Adeleke Appeals for Calm, Says “I’m Safe” alleged that there was assassination attempt on the life of the governor at the Osogbo Eid praying ground.

The governor’s spokesperson statement reads in quote:

The Governor in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, thanked God for preserving him and his team, directing law enforcement agents to arrest culprits behind the incident.

“My good people of Osun, I appeal for calm and urge us to continue to celebrate the Sallah festival in peace. I am safe by the special grace of God”, the statement quoted the Governor as saying.

“I have directed security agencies to arrest those behind the incident and get them to face the wrath of the law. The Commissioner of Police has been directed to arrest those involved no matter how highly placed.

The State Government had meanwhile condemned the orchestrated attacks on the Governor by stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress at the praying ground. Members of the public will recall an earlier security alert on an evil plot to destabilize the peace and stability of Osun state.

The government particularly notes with shock and surprise the role played by former Senator Ajibola Bashiru who took over the space reserved for the Governor at the prayer ground. All efforts to get the former Senator to vacate the space proved abortive.

PDP members who agitated for respect for the office of the Governor were beaten up. It was a scene of chaos 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.

For the second time, the Governor attempted to enter the praying field but the encirclement by armed thugs was already visible. It was at that point that the Governor had to leave the praying ground.

The Governor is now safely at home receiving guests and leaders from all walks of life.

But the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Dr. Khamis Olatunde-Badmus described the assassination allegation as outrageous and blamed political jobbers for the misunderstanding that occurred at the Osogbo central Eid ground.

Olatunde-Badmus however apologised to the Governor on behalf of the community over what he described as unfortunate incident.

Olatunde-Badmus stated this in a statement issued and made available by his media office in Osogbo on Wednesday.

According to Olatunde-Badmus, the incident occurred over the order of protocol when a few politicians who arrived the prayer venue ahead of the Governor insisted that the immediate past senator for the Osun Central District, Dr Ajibola Bashir must shift from where he sat.

Asiwaju Badmus, described the incident as both avoidable and unfortunate. He also stated that a few political jobbers in the town fueled the misunderstanding that needed not have arisen.

He said “it was outrageous to say there was an assassination attempt on Governor’s life”, adding that journalists and bloggers should be sure of their facts before publishing.

Asiwaju Musulumi however commended the State Commissioner of Police, State Director of DSS and the Special Adviser on Security to the State Governor for their mature handling of the matter.

Olatunde-Badmus said that, “since campaigns are over and governance proper has commenced, the governor should be left alone to concentrate on administration and impactful service delivery to the people”.

Olatunde-Badmus stressed that it is important for the office of the protocol of the Governor to take charge of the governor’s sitting arrangement at events rather than leaving such delicate assignment in the hands of favour seeking politicians.