Dare Adeleke has accused former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taofeek Arapaja, of betraying Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, while faulting his alleged smear campaign against the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Bimbo Adekanmbi.
Adeleke, in a strongly worded statement issued from Ibadan, criticised Arapaja’s political conduct, alleging that the former deputy governor had turned against Makinde despite the support and opportunities he allegedly received from the governor.
He also accused Arapaja of making what he described as false allegations of fraud against Adekanmbi and other individuals, insisting that the claims were questionable because those accused allegedly lacked access to the funds in question.
The statement, which featured sharp criticism of Arapaja’s political affiliations and public comments, further questioned his references to the administration of the late former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Adeleke argued that Arapaja’s comments raised questions about his knowledge of the issues he was discussing, particularly the relationship between a commissioner of finance and Joint Account Committee (JAC) allocations.
He also questioned Arapaja’s authority to speak on behalf of the Ajimobi family, recalling the political differences that reportedly existed between Arapaja and some prominent figures in the state during previous administrations.
According to Adeleke, Makinde had offered Arapaja political support at a time when his political fortunes were low, making his alleged criticism of the governor particularly objectionable.
He further alleged that Arapaja was attempting to undermine Adekanmbi’s political standing through allegations that he described as a campaign of calumny.
Adeleke maintained that Adekanmbi should be judged on his record and public service credentials rather than what he characterised as politically motivated accusations.
The statement also referenced former deputy governor Sarafa Alli, who, according to Adeleke, had indicated his intention to seek legal redress over the issues raised.
Adeleke advised Arapaja to exercise restraint in his public comments and called on him to substantiate his allegations rather than engage in personal attacks against political opponents.
The statement reflects the intensifying political exchanges among key actors in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections, as rival political camps position themselves for the forthcoming electoral contest.
The allegations and characterisations contained in Adeleke’s statement represent his position on the matter. The claims against Arapaja and the allegations concerning Adekanmbi have not been independently verified for this report, and Arapaja’s response was not included in the statement provided.
