Political Tension in Osun: Governor Adeleke Rejects APC’s Demand for Chief of Staff’s Resignation

 

The political climate in Osun State has intensified following a firm stance taken by Governor Ademola Adeleke. In a statement released on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Governor officially dismissed calls from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) for the resignation of his Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Akinleye. The rejection marks a significant moment in the ongoing power struggle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC as both sides gear up for the next electoral cycle.

​The controversy erupted following allegations leveled by the APC regarding administrative conduct and political maneuvers within the Government House. However, Governor Adeleke has characterized these demands as "distractive," "baseless," and a "clumsy attempt" to destabilize an administration that he claims is making unprecedented strides in infrastructure and civil service welfare.

​The Bone of Contention: Why the APC Wants Akinleye Out

​The Osun State chapter of the APC had earlier issued a press release demanding that Kazeem Akinleye step down from his role. The opposition cited concerns over "due process" and alleged that the Chief of Staff’s office had overstepped its bounds in the management of state resources and political appointments.

​According to the APC, the resignation was necessary to allow for an independent investigation into certain administrative decisions made over the last fiscal year. They argued that the integrity of the Adeleke administration was at stake and that Akinleye’s continued presence in office was a hindrance to transparency.

​Adeleke Strikes Back: "The APC is Daydreaming"

​In a swift rebuttal through his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke made it clear that he retains absolute confidence in his Chief of Staff. The Governor described Akinleye as a "pivot of the administration’s success" and a dedicated public servant who has implemented the Governor’s five-point agenda with precision.

​"The APC is simply daydreaming," the statement read. "They are terrified by the massive popularity of this administration and the visible developmental projects across the three senatorial districts. Calling for the resignation of a high-performing official like Hon. Akinleye is a sign of a frustrated opposition looking for a crack where none exists."

​The Governor emphasized that the appointment and retention of his cabinet members are his prerogative, guided by performance metrics rather than the "whims of a defeated party."

​The Strategic Role of the Chief of Staff

​In the Nigerian political system, the Chief of Staff (CoS) is often referred to as the "engine room" of the executive. They manage the Governor's schedule, oversee the activities of other political appointees, and act as a gatekeeper for policy implementation.

​By targeting Kazeem Akinleye, political analysts suggest that the APC is attempting to disrupt the coordination of the Adeleke administration. Akinleye is widely regarded as a grassroots mobilizer and a key link between the Governor’s office and the local government structures in Osun. His removal would likely create a temporary vacuum in the government’s operational efficiency—a result the opposition would find beneficial as the 2026/2027 political calendar heats up.

​Governance Amidst Political Noise

​Despite the back-and-forth, Governor Adeleke has urged the people of Osun to ignore the "political noise" and focus on the tangible results of his administration. He highlighted recent achievements, including:

• ​Road Infrastructure: The ongoing construction of flyovers and dualized roads across major towns.
• ​Worker Welfare: The regular payment of salaries and the clearance of inherited pension arrears.
• ​Health and Education: The renovation of primary healthcare centers and the provision of instructional materials to public schools.

​The Governor maintained that his administration remains "unfazed and focused," and that no amount of external pressure would force him to sacrifice competent hands on the altar of partisan politics.

​Conclusion: A United Front in Osun PDP

​This recent development reinforces the unity within the Osun PDP leadership. By standing firmly behind Kazeem Akinleye, Governor Adeleke is sending a message that his team is impenetrable to opposition tactics. As the APC continues to play its role as the watchdog, the Adeleke administration seems determined to ride the wave of its current momentum, keeping its "engine room" intact and its eyes on the 2026/2027 prize.