By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mayor Dele Oshinowo, has reacted to a viral video and reports detailing an altercation at the palace of the Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, describing the circulating narratives as “grossly misleading” and “sensationally doctored.”
In an official statement titled “Setting the Record Straight” issued by his office, the chairman alleged that the incident was a provoked confrontation instigated by Kehinde Ladega, the younger brother of the traditional ruler, and not a case of misconduct on his part.
According to the statement, the visit to the palace was a formal political courtesy call as part of pre-election engagements, involving the introduction of local All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates to traditional leaders. The delegation was led by Mayor Oshinowo and included APC stakeholders, chairmanship candidate Hon. Tola Oyedele-Abubakar, and her running mate, Hon. Yomi Ganiyu.
Trouble reportedly began when Mr. Kehinde Ladega attempted to deny entry to key members of the delegation, including the local party chairman and the campaign director-general. The chairman’s office described Ladega’s actions as “a blatant power play” that undermined both party structure and democratic principles.
The statement further alleged that during attempts to de-escalate the tension, Mayor Oshinowo was physically assaulted by Mr. Ladega, who allegedly slapped the chairman and shoved the APC chairmanship candidate against a wall. The entire incident reportedly occurred in full view of the monarch, who was said to have remained silent throughout.
“This was not an act of bravado but an attempt to maintain decorum during an official visit,” the statement read. “Kehinde Ladega has no official role, yet he continues to parade himself as a gatekeeper of the palace, harassing public officials with impunity.”
The chairman’s office also accused Ladega of releasing a selectively edited CCTV clip of the incident in a bid to manipulate public perception and malign Mayor Oshinowo’s reputation.
This is not the first time tensions between the duo have come to light. The statement cited a 2024 incident during a project inspection at the Agboyi Bridge, where Mr. Ladega was allegedly involved in a similar confrontation.
“Silence breeds impunity,” the statement declared, accusing the palace of enabling a “pattern of harassment” by failing to take action against Mr. Ladega’s conduct.
Describing Ladega as a “man hiding behind his brother’s throne,” the council called on the public to see beyond “media manipulation and personal vendettas,” and to focus on governance outcomes.
“Mayor Oshinowo’s administration has delivered more development to Agboyi-Ketu than any previous government,” the statement noted, warning against attempts to discredit performance-driven leadership through political mischief.
As of press time, efforts to reach Hon. Muyideen Olatunji Yusuf, Personal Assistant to the Olu of Agboyi, and Hon. Ibrahim Oladega for comments were unsuccessful.