The Commissioner for Education in Osun State, Mr. Dipo Eluwole, has claimed that the political crisis in Rivers State, which prompted a State of Emergency declaration, pales in comparison to the local government turmoil in Osun, constituting less than 10 percent of its severity. Eluwole made this assertion during a teachers’ training program in Ede on Tuesday.

The commissioner further revealed that Governor Ademola Adeleke was overcome with emotion, weeping for 15 minutes before a meeting due to the unresolved local government crisis. This conflict, pitting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over control of council areas, has resulted in the Federal Government withholding council funds.

Eluwole urged teachers to pray for the state’s leaders, expressing concern over the situation. He remarked, “I used to say that Osun is peaceful. What happened in Rivers State is not up to 10 percent of Osun State’s if not that we imbibe the Omoluabi ethos during the crisis. So please, let us watch our leaders and pray for them, God will guide their feet from stumbling, they will not lead us astray.”

He added that the governor’s distress was evident, with a traditional ruler also shedding tears over the issue. Eluwole highlighted improvements in the education sector, noting that past challenges like vandalism, hooliganism, rape, and cultism in schools have been addressed. However, he acknowledged that a lack of funds has stalled infrastructural development, promising improvements as the state works to resolve the crisis.

Olamilekan Adigun, a Mass Communication graduate with extensive experience in journalism, emphasizes human interest stories and prioritizes accuracy in reporting.