The minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has fired back at Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, denying any involvement in the recent attacks in the state.
He called for a thorough investigation into the incidents.
In a statement issued by his special adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola dismissed allegations linking him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the violence, describing them as false, misleading and politically motivated.
He accused Governor Adeleke of engaging in incessant blackmail and spreading unverified claims to shift attention away from the real perpetrators of the attacks.
“He should stop blackmailing me and deceiving the public with false accusations. The people know the truth, and no amount of propaganda can change it,” the Minister stated.
Oyetola maintained that the APC and its supporters have consistently been unfairly accused without evidence, insisting that such claims are aimed at undermining the party’s growing support in the state ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
He condemned the recent attacks on APC members as “deeply unfortunate and unacceptable in a democracy,” stressing that political competition must never degenerate into violence or intimidation.
The Minister further alleged that the governor has been “weaponising insecurity for political gain,” warning that such actions would not deter the APC.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to urgently investigate the incidents and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, while guaranteeing the safety of all political actors in the state.
Oyetola also expressed sympathy with victims of the attacks, reiterating that democracy must be anchored on peace, fairness, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
