Security agencies in Osun State have been put on high alert this Sunday following heated exchanges between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state administration over purported plans for protests targeting commercial bank branches across the state.
The disagreement centers on the APC’s assertions that pensioners were preparing demonstrations at United Bank for Africa (UBA) branches in reaction to controversies over federal disbursements to local government councils.
The state’s opposition party, in a statement issued by Kola Olabisi, its Director of Media and Information, said that the protests were politically driven and encouraged authorities to act ahead of time.
In a statement issued in Osogbo, the APC urged the state administration to formally disassociate itself from an orchestrated attempt to incite civil unrest.
The party stated that intelligence available to it indicated that the protests could begin as early as Monday.
According to the Australian Democratic Party, “the alleged demonstrations were linked to the ongoing dispute over the direct payment of federal allocations to reinstated local government chairmen and councillors.”
The party insisted that the case had already been heard in court and that street protests were unnecessary.
“The problem of local government allocations is a legal one, and any attempt to take it to the streets risks jeopardising public safety. We call on the police to maintain law and order,” the statement read.
The opposition party warned older residents not to be dragged into actions that could endanger them, and that senior folks should not be exploited as instruments in politically charged rallies with unpredictable effects.
The Osun State Government responded quickly, dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated.
In a response, the governor’s spokesperson, Molawale Rasheed, dismissed the charges as false alarms designed to divert public attention away from larger governance challenges.
“The administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke does not support protests or agitations. Citizens are aware of their rights and can express their issues within the legal framework without government intervention,” Rasheed stated.
The state government emphasised its adherence to due process and the rule of law, stating that it had continuously advocated calm despite rising political tensions.
He emphasised that neither the governor nor any members of his family were involved in the demonstrations, accusing the APC of attempting to politicise workers’ and pensioners’ issues.
“The people of Osun are discerning and will not be misled by narratives designed to create fear,” added the leader.
The administration also urged security agents to be watchful, not against peaceful expression, but against any attempt to use public gatherings for violence.
“Security operatives should prevent any group from hijacking legitimate concerns to cause instability,” according to a spokeswoman.