Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed claims that he criticized the Supreme Court regarding the ongoing local government crisis in the state.

 

In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor clarified that he was not present at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) event where the alleged comments were made. Adeleke was represented by his Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, and did not make the remarks attributed to him in the controversial report.

 

According to Rasheed, the commissioner’s comments were misinterpreted. He explained that Alimi only urged the NBA to be more proactive in defending judges subjected to political blackmail and never directed any criticism toward the Supreme Court.

 

“The commissioner specifically referenced a press conference held by some chieftains of the opposition APC in Osun State, where baseless allegations were made against a High Court judge regarding a case that has not yet been heard,” the statement read.

 

“He condemned the attempt to blackmail the judiciary and called on the NBA to take a stand in defense of the judge’s integrity.”

 

Rasheed emphasized that Governor Adeleke holds the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, in the highest regard and would never sanction any attack or public criticism of such a revered institution.

 

“Governor Adeleke reaffirms his unwavering faith in the judiciary, particularly in relation to the current legal disputes surrounding the Osun local governments, which involve multiple political parties,” he stated.

 

Describing the news report as false and misleading, the governor’s office urged the judiciary and the public to disregard it.

 

The statement concluded by noting Governor Adeleke’s appreciation for the award conferred on him by the NBA, and his continued commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting good governance in Osun State.