A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dare Adeleke, has accused former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, of betraying Governor Seyi Makinde, while faulting his alleged smear campaign against the governor and the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Bimbo Adekanmbi.
Adeleke, in a strongly worded statement issued in Ibadan, accused Arapaja of ingratitude, alleging that Makinde helped restore his political relevance after a period of declining fortunes.
He claimed that Arapaja had benefited from the governor’s generosity, including accommodation and vehicles, but had now turned against him.
Adeleke expressed disappointment over what he described as Arapaja’s alleged campaign of calumny, falsehood and unsubstantiated allegations against Makinde and Adekanmbi.
He also criticised Arapaja’s reported allegations of fraud, arguing that those being accused lacked access to the funds in question.
According to Adeleke, the controversy surrounding the Joint Account Committee (JAC) allocations raised questions about the roles and responsibilities of the officials being accused.
He specifically questioned whether a commissioner for finance had any direct responsibility for JAC allocations, insisting that the allegations required proper scrutiny.
Adeleke also referenced former Deputy Governor Barrister Sarafa Alli’s reported decision to seek legal redress over the allegations, challenging Arapaja to substantiate his claims.
The PDP chieftain further faulted 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 former governor’s family.
He alleged that Arapaja had previously fallen out with influential political figures, including the late PDP chieftain, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, before Makinde allegedly helped him regain political relevance.
Adeleke maintained that Arapaja’s recent political activities were aimed at undermining Makinde and Adekanmbi, whom he described as a credible leader with a record of public service.
He urged Arapaja to substantiate his allegations rather than engage in what he characterised as personal attacks and political mudslinging.
The statement comes amid growing political exchanges in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with rival camps trading accusations over governance, financial accountability and political loyalty.
