Concerned group raises questions over Seun Osamaye’s youth mobilisation activities, alleged interference in APC women’s structure
A group identified as Concerned Ondo Youths has called on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to investigate the activities of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, over allegations of political overreach and interference in established party structures.
The group, in a statement signed by Betiku Olamide on its behalf, expressed concern over what it described as the commissioner’s increasing involvement in youth mobilisation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, arguing that such activities should not undermine the responsibilities of government officials and existing political structures.
According to the statement, Osamaye has reportedly been presenting herself as the Youth and Women’s Movement Coordinator for Asiwaju in Ondo State, a development the group said had raised questions about the respective roles of the Commissioner for Youths, the Senior Special Assistant on Youths and other relevant government offices.
While acknowledging that mobilising support for Tinubu and promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda were legitimate political activities, the group maintained that such engagements should be coordinated through the appropriate institutions and should not come at the expense of official responsibilities.
It questioned why youth mobilisation appeared to be concentrated around the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development when the state already had offices specifically mandated to handle youth affairs.
The group also alleged that Osamaye’s activities had extended to the affairs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Women’s Wing, which it said already had an established leadership and a network of women across the state’s 18 local government areas.
It claimed that the alleged emergence of a separate structure associated with the commissioner had created uncertainty among members of the party’s women’s leadership and could fuel avoidable internal divisions.
The statement warned against the emergence of parallel political structures capable of weakening established leadership, stressing that party unity and discipline were particularly important as preparations gathered momentum for the 2027 general elections.
The group further raised questions over reports that vehicles had been branded for youth mobilisation and that related activities were being organised under Osamaye’s leadership.
It urged the governor to clarify whether the arrangement had his approval or was an independent initiative, adding that the roles of the relevant government offices should be clearly defined to prevent institutional rivalry.
The statement stressed that its concerns were not intended to oppose the commissioner’s political participation but to ensure that such activities were conducted within a coordinated framework that respected existing structures.
“The concern is not about opposing any individual’s political ambition or contribution to the success of our party. Rather, it is about ensuring that established government structures are respected and that no office is allowed to overshadow or undermine another without a clear mandate,” the group said.
It urged Osamaye to focus adequately on her responsibilities to women, vulnerable groups and social development, while allowing the offices specifically established for youth affairs to perform their assigned functions.
The group also referred to alleged previous controversies involving the commissioner, including claims of disregarding a court order and organising a protest without the governor’s approval. It called for any such matters to be assessed on the basis of verifiable facts rather than political assumptions.
Describing the situation as a potential source of tension within the APC in Ondo State, the group appealed to Aiyedatiwa to intervene, clarify the mandates of the offices involved and ensure that all appointees operated within their assigned responsibilities.
It maintained that political mobilisation should be based on cooperation, inclusiveness and respect for established leadership rather than competition for influence.
“As we prepare for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027, we need unity, strategic coordination, and respect for every legitimate structure within the party and government,” the statement added.
The group called on the governor to ensure that the controversy did not undermine the party’s cohesion or distract government officials from their public responsibilities.
It concluded by urging the commissioner to recognise the demands of public office, stating that government appointments should be defined by service and accountability rather than political visibility.
There was no response from Osamaye or the Ondo State Government contained in the statement to the allegations raised by the group.
