Olajengbesi Withdraws Remarks Against Gov Okpebholo

Lawyer and public commentator Pelumi Olajengbesi has withdrawn his earlier remarks about Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, which he said may have appeared disrespectful to the governor.

Olajengbesi, who was the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council for Ademola Adeleke’s re-election, clarified in a post on X after criticism of his earlier comments about Okpebholo’s conduct during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.

He said although he believed the governor’s conduct during the election was “very uncharitable”, he considered the election over and called for a more respectful approach going forward.

Olajengbesi advised Okpebholo to allow his media aides to speak more on his behalf and reduce the activities of what he described as “two overzealous cheerleaders” around him.

He noted that several prominent Nigerians and respected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were present in Osun State during the election and worked extensively for the party without publicly disrespecting Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

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“A lot of eminent Nigerians and respected members of the APC were in Osun State. Many worked even harder than Governor Monday Okpebholo for their party, yet none publicly disrespected Governor Ademola Adeleke or diminished the dignity of his office,” he said.

Olajengbesi said he was therefore withdrawing any of his previous statements that could be interpreted as insulting or disrespectful to the Edo governor.

“I therefore withdraw any statement that may have appeared unduly insulting or disrespectful,” he said.

He stressed that political differences should not prevent people from respecting public institutions and the offices held by public officials.

Olajengbesi also urged Edo residents to continue holding the governor accountable, describing such oversight as a responsibility of citizens in a democracy.

“I equally encourage the good people of Edo State to continue to hold their Governor accountable. That is the responsibility of citizens in every democracy,” he added.