Osun 2026: Adekilekun Family Disowns APC Defection, Backs Adeleke

The Adekilekun family of Ede in Osun State has distanced itself from reports that the dynasty had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and endorsed the governorship ambition of the party’s candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

In a statement issued and signed by the Head of the Family, Emeritus Prof. Olaide Abass; Chairman of the Family, Alhaji Amuda Aransi; alongside several other family elders and prominent members, including Hon. Maaruf Ayofe and Prof. Lukuman Jimoda, leaders of the family described the reported defection as a misrepresentation of facts, insisting that only a section of the family was involved in the political move.

The family dissociated itself from the action of the children of the late Alhaji Hamed Tijani Adekilekun, saying they lacked the mandate to speak on behalf of the entire Adekilekun dynasty.

According to the statement, the purported defection did not reflect the position of the larger family, which it said remained committed to the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“It is remarkably unremarkable that the children of Alhaji Ahmed Tijani published their so-called defections to stigmatize Prof. Lukuman Jimoda, Hon. Maaruf Ayofe and other appointees that they would be sacked by the Governor. They had earlier hoped that Governor Adeleke would choose within them for replacements,” the statement read.

The family described Ayofe as “a personal person to Mr Governor with a lot of experience onshore and offshore,” while stating that Jimoda was being envied because of his “wisdom, clarity of thought, administrative sagacity and scholarly virtues.”

“While we acknowledge the fact that infinitesimal of our brothers within the family defected to A.P.C yesterday, it does not in any way represent our overall interest. The Adekilekun family of Edeland cannot support anyone or group of people who are blind to the development, progress and growth currently enjoyed under this administration of His Excellency,” the statement added.

“The Adekilekun family of Edeland cannot support anyone or group of people who are blind to the development, progress and growth currently enjoyed under this administration.

We assure Your Excellency that members of the Adekilekun family will cast our votes for you come August 15, 2026,” the statement added in part.

The family expressed appreciation to Adeleke for appointing several of its members into key positions in government, including commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants and permanent secretaries.