Concerned Oyo Youths accuse Chief Adebayo Adelabu of divisive conduct and disrespect towards APC leaders and the Olubadan

A coalition known as Concerned Oyo Youths has criticised former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, over alleged divisive conduct and disrespect towards traditional and political leaders in Oyo State.

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The group made the remarks in a statement issued after a meeting held in Ibadan on Wednesday evening.

According to the statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Mr Damola Agbaje, Chief Adelabu has allegedly engaged in actions capable of weakening unity within the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State.

Concerned Oyo Youths alleged that supporters of the former minister made derogatory remarks against senior APC leaders during a sponsored endorsement event held in his local government area.

The group also claimed that supporters at the event showed disrespect towards the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

The statement further accused Chief Adelabu of promoting division within the APC since obtaining the party’s nomination form.

“Since obtaining the APC nomination form, Chief Adelabu’s actions have consistently fostered division within the party, reflecting an attitude of ‘if it is not me, the party must scatter’,” the statement read.

The coalition also referenced Chief Adelabu’s defection to the Accord Party during the 2023 elections, alleging that he campaigned against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the time.

Concerned Oyo Youths urged the former minister to focus on presenting a clear campaign agenda and account for his stewardship while serving as Minister of Power.

The group recalled the prolonged power outage at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, describing the situation as devastating.

“As a group, we will not support Chief Adelabu’s ambition. While serving as Minister of Power, we formally reached out to him regarding the over 100-day power outage at the University College Hospital, yet he failed to intervene,” the statement added.

The youths also questioned Chief Adelabu’s recent association with political structures linked to the late former governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and Senator Teslim Folarin.

The coalition described the move as an attempt to create fresh tension within the party ahead of future political contests.

Mr Agbaje stated that the group would support any candidate endorsed by party elders for the forthcoming election, provided the candidate is not Chief Adelabu.

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The development adds another dramatic layer to growing political conversations within the Oyo State chapter of the APC.