Osun PDP, APC disagree over delay in Adeleke’s cabinet

The All Progressives Congress in Osun State has described as unacceptable the refusal of Governor Ademola Adeleke to appoint his commissioners more than five months after he assumed office.

The spokesperson for the APC in the state, Mr Kola Olabisi, in an interview with our correspondent alleged that internal squabbles within the PDP were causing the delay in constituting the cabinet. He said he sympathised with the people of the state over the delay, noting that not having a cabinet was having a negative effect on governance.

He said, “We are not surprised because Adeleke does not know what to do. The inter-party squabble he is contending with is a child’s play compared to what is happening within his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

“I sympathise with the people of the state. They can see that there is no cabinet. Only the governor, the Chief of Staff and the Secretary to the State Government are those running the government. This is not in the best interest of the state.”

Adeleke had after assuming office on Sunday, November 27, 2022 made some key appointments.

He appointed an ex-chairman of Osogbo Local Government Area, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, as the Secretary to the State Government, while a former Chairman of Ede North Local Government Area, Mr Kazeem Akinleye, was named the Chief of Staff to the governor.

Adeleke also appointed Olawale Rasheed as his spokesperson.

The delay in appointing commissioners has continued to generate mixed reactions among PDP members in the state. Some had linked the delay to the fear of implosion that could follow such appointments.

The development was linked to the composition of the current House of Assembly where the All Progressives Congress has 23 lawmakers and the PDP has three.

Meanwhile, credible sources told our correspondent that the governor might wait for the inauguration of the incoming House of Assembly, which would have 25 out of 26 members, so as to have his commissioner-nominees screened with ease.

Some party sources also said the governor wanted the Supreme Court to rule on the petition filed by the APC candidate and former governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, over the July 14, 2022 governorship election.

A party leader from Osun Central Senatorial District, who preferred anonymity, said some of those who would make the cabinet knew themselves already.

He said further, “The party was simply avoiding an implosion, especially when we had elections ahead. Now that elections are over, the picture is becoming clearer. Some of those that will take up positions in the cabinet are getting to know where they may serve.”

Asked why the governor had yet to form his cabinet, Rasheed said efforts were on to constitute a cabinet of professionals with grass roots credentials.

He said further, “Efforts are on to put the cabinet in place. The selection process is ongoing and it is going to be a cabinet of professionals with deep grass roots credentials.

“Governor Adeleke is also promising the people that he will ensure that the right people are selected and posted to the right places that match their expertise.”