Dare Adeleke Attacks Arapaja, Accuses Him of Betraying Makinde, Targeting Adekanmbi

Dare Adeleke has launched a fierce verbal attack on Taofeeq Arapaja, accusing him of betraying Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and allegedly engaging in a campaign of calumny against the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Bimbo Adekanmbi.

Adeleke, in a strongly worded statement issued from Ibadan, described Arapaja’s alleged political conduct as a betrayal of the governor, whom he credited with helping to restore the former deputy governor’s political relevance.

He alleged that Makinde had extended significant support to Arapaja, including providing him with a house and vehicles, and questioned his decision to criticise the governor and his political associates.

The writer also accused Arapaja of making what he described as unfounded fraud allegations against individuals associated with Makinde’s political camp, insisting that those accused lacked access to the funds in question.

Adeleke argued that the allegations appeared politically motivated, suggesting that they were intended to undermine Adekanmbi’s reputation ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.

Describing Adekanmbi as a politician whose record should speak for itself, Adeleke accused Arapaja of attempting to discredit the APM governorship candidate through allegations he maintained were false.

He also raised questions about the relationship between a commissioner of finance and Joint Account Committee (JAC) allocations, challenging Arapaja’s position on the controversy.

Adeleke further criticised Arapaja’s references to the administration of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), questioning his authority to speak on behalf of the Ajimobi family.

The writer also revisited Arapaja’s political relationship with the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu, alleging that the former deputy governor had previously fallen out with his political mentor.

According to Adeleke, Makinde subsequently helped Arapaja regain political prominence, making his alleged criticism of the governor particularly troubling.

He concluded by calling on Arapaja to exercise restraint in his public statements, while questioning his credibility and political integrity.

The comments reflect the deepening political tensions surrounding the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, with Makinde’s political allies and opposition figures increasingly exchanging criticisms.

The allegations made by Adeleke have not been independently verified. Arapaja’s response was not included in the statement provided for this report.