Dr. Khamis Olatunde Badmus, the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta, has expressed his strong disapproval of the alleged assassination attempt on Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Osogbo Eid praying ground on Wednesday.
The incident, suspected to be orchestrated by thugs hired by the opposition party in the state, has been deemed both outrageous and regrettable, according to the cleric.
The Osun state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party described the incident as an assassination attempt on the governor’s life, labeling it an ‘avoidable and unfortunate occurrence.
However, Dr. Badmus believes that this incident could have been prevented and should not have taken place.
The clash at the Osogbo Eid praying ground on Wednesday arose from a seating arrangement dispute between some of Governor Adeleke’s aides and Dr. Ajibola Basiru, a former spokesperson of the Senate.
Dr. Basiru, accompanied by prominent Osogbo indigenes, had arrived at the praying ground to partake in the Eid-el Kabir prayers. It was brought to his attention by individuals believed to be the governor’s aides that he was occupying the spot designated for Adeleke, and he was requested to move to the second row.
This instruction sparked a heated argument that nearly escalated into a physical altercation, but it was defused by the intervention of peacemakers who stepped in to restore order.
Unfortunately, Governor Adeleke, upon his arrival at the scene, was unable to partake in the Eid prayers due to the presence of heavily mobilized thugs. These individuals had strategically positioned themselves at the praying ground with the alleged intention of launching an assassination attack on the governor.
The governor’s sole intention was to worship alongside other Muslim faithful in the state capital to commemorate the 2023 Eid-el Kabir, as stated in a press release by the Osun State PDP.
In a statement released from his media office in Osogbo on Wednesday, Dr. Badmus issued an apology to the governor. He attributed the unfortunate misunderstanding to certain political opportunists in the town who orchestrated the conflict.
The statement read, “The incident was both avoidable and unfortunate.
“It was outrageous to say there was an assassination attempt on the Governor’s life.
“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.”
The statement further commended the Osun State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies for handling the matter with utmost maturity and professionalism.
“I commend 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.”
He advised the governor’s protocol office to always be on top of their game in securing the governor’s seat at events to forestall a repeat of Wednesday’s incident.
“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,” Badmus cautioned.
