In a bid to dispel recent rumors circulating on social media, Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has categorically denied that his principal ever begged or prostrated to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. The alleged incident was said to have taken place during a private meeting at the Oyo State lodge in Abuja over the weekend.
The relationship between the two governors had been perceived as strained, particularly concerning the zonal leadership of the party. Reports suggested that Governor Makinde rarely attended meetings hosted by Governor Adeleke in Osun State, fueling speculation of discord within the party.
However, in an official statement released on Monday, Rasheed refuted the claims as mere concocted lies, emphasizing that the meeting between the two leaders was open and cordial, with cameramen present throughout the interaction. The purpose of the visit was for Governor Adeleke to inspect the newly renovated Oyo State Government House, given that Osun State government was also in the process of renovating its own government house in Asokoro.
The meeting presented an opportunity for both leaders to address various issues related to party politics, including strengthening the Peoples Democratic Party’s presence within the South West zone. They also discussed filling the vacancy existing within the party’s zonal leadership.
Quoting Rasheed’s statement, he said, “At no point did Governor Adeleke have any private talk with his Oyo state counterpart. The interactions were in the open, and at no point did the question of begging and prostration arise, as there was nothing to plead and beg about. The venue was in the living room with a photo opportunity.”
He further clarified that there was no infighting within Governor Adeleke’s cabinet regarding the planned meeting or any disagreement about when and how to hold the zonal meeting. Rasheed attributed the spread of such false information to individuals seeking to exploit the lack of substantive leadership within the party in the zone.
Both Governors Adeleke and Makinde expressed their commitment to the party’s unity in the region during the meeting, and as a result, they have decided to convene an emergency zonal meeting later this week.
In light of these developments, the spokesperson urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the South West to disregard the fake news and focus on the upcoming zonal meeting. The meeting is seen as a crucial step towards relaunching the party with renewed leadership after recent internal challenges.
As the PDP in the South West gears up for this important gathering, the leaders are optimistic that the party will emerge stronger and more united than ever before, fostering better cooperation and understanding among its members.
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