Prince Adebayo Adeleke Banik, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Osun State, has berated Governor Ademola Adeleke over his alleged disregard for Islamic tenets, accusing him of being a Christian disguising as a Muslim for political gain during the election.
Speaking at the 8th edition of the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) Media Parley themed “Digging into Politics, Governance and Dividends,” Banik said it was shameful that a sitting governor, who claims to be Muslim, was caught in a viral video sitting cross-legged during prayers.
“It is a rape on Islam. A governor who claims to be a Muslim doesn’t know that his forehead must touch the ground when he prays? This is a big disgrace. We’ve seen him dancing in celestial churches. The Muslim community sees and notes everything,” Banik stated.
“Governor Adeleke allegedly pretended to be a Muslim during his election campaign to avoid being labeled as part of a ‘Christian-Christian ticket’. However, he has never genuinely portrayed himself as a Muslim and is reportedly a Christian who prioritized political gain over authenticity
He further accused Adeleke of hypocrisy, arguing that religion is only used as a political card during elections but disregarded in governance.
“Hold Adeleke Responsible If Anything Happens to Any Journalist”
Banik alleged there are plans by the state government to stifle dissent and media freedom, warning that if any journalist is attacked or harmed, the public should hold Governor Adeleke accountable.
“If any harm comes to Osun journalists, Adeleke will be held accountable. You’re simply reporting statements from political parties, not expressing your own opinions, and shouldn’t face attacks for doing your job,” he said. He urged journalists to stand firm against intimidation and maintain their commitment to objective reporting.
Banik raised concerns about rising insecurity across various communities in Osun State. He referenced incidents in:
Ebedi, where hoodlums were seen openly wielding AK-47 rifles.
Esa Oke, where he claimed police officers were killed during a communal clash allegedly involving a non-indigene king.
Ido-Osun, where an airport project was controversially moved to Ede, Adeleke’s hometown, without proper consultation.
Ifon-Erin-Osun, where he said communal clashes have occurred eight times under Adeleke’s watch.
He lamented that despite these crises, the governor has reportedly refused to meet with traditional rulers of the affected communities, instead delegating an Amotekun officer to represent him.
“Adeleke refused to sit with the kings. That’s a failure in governance capacity. How can you be a governor and not meet your traditional rulers in time of crisis?”
On the Death of Hon. Remi Abass and Alleged Kangaroo Election
Banik also linked the murder of Irewole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Remi Abass, to political violence spurred by the PDP’s resistance to the Appeal Court ruling which reinstated elected council chairmen from the Oyetola era.
He condemned what he called a “kangaroo election” conducted by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), describing it as illegal and manipulated.
“That election was nothing but a PDP-induced kangaroo show.”
