Prominent chieftains and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North West local government area in Oyo State have rejected the inauguration of Mr Olusola Adekanbi as the Chairman of the party in the local government area.
DAILY POST gathered that the APC Chairman in the state, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, had a few days ago, inaugurated chairmen of the party in some local government areas of the state.
But some APC chieftains in the local government area have kicked against the inauguration, describing it as imposition.
They affirmed Mr Rahmon Ojuolape as the Chairman of the party in the local government area.
The APC chieftains made these declarations in a protest letter signed by Alhaji Biodun Adeleye, Alhaji Jelili Asukuna, Apostle Dada, Chief Segun Adeleke, Hon. Tajudeen Adelabu, Hon. Z.O. Adeosun, Elder Obisesan, Hon. Bolanle Gbadamosi, Hon. Funke Olanrewaju, Hon. Remi Ajanaku, Chief Isiaka Agboola, Hon. Johnson Gbadegesin, Elder Soji Williams, Hon. Kemi Laleru, Hon. Fausat Alabi, Hon. Alhaja Akintola, Alhaja Funmilayo Olabode, Chief Mrs. Funmilayo Olanrewaju.
They noted that the congress which produced Ojuolape was conducted by Mr. Ajuwon Yusuff and Mr. Olaitan Petter and it was witnessed by representatives of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agents.
The letter reads “We, the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North West Local Government, are writing to express our strong rejection of the recently inaugurated local government chairman and executive members.
“The faction led by Alhaji Adewolu Oluokun has dominated party structures with less than 25% of party followers, nominating Alhaji Remi Sodiq as local government ambassador and securing 75% of ward ambassadors, despite most having served over 12 years, contradicting party principles of rotation and inclusivity.
“We allege that Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle is behind this minority dominance. At the local government congress, only one list emerged, producing Rahman Ojuolape as chairman and Tajudeen Salako as secretary. This list was submitted a day before the Congress, allegedly under Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle’s influence.
“The congress was conducted by Mr. Ajuwon Yusuff and Mr. Olaitan Petter, who received only one list. The exercise was witnessed by INEC and DSS officials. Issues persist in wards 2, 3, 4, 7, and 11, with two different lists generated. Instead of harmonizing the lists, the faction leaders favored the minority list, using Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle’s influence.
“We warn that failure to address this issue may lead to further party setbacks, suspension of wards 2, 3, 4, 7, and 11 meetings and activities, suspension of local government meetings and activities. We request a thorough investigation into the congress proceedings, intervention to resolve ward-level issues, fair representation and inclusivity in party structures”.
Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Mr Wasiu Olawale Sadare, when contacted, noted that he will investigate the matter.
Sadare noted that the party will take the necessary action on the allegations.
He said, “I have not heard it. I am hearing it for the first time. It is strange to me, but if you allow me to investigate the matter, I will find out what is happening there. Then the party can issue a release if the need arises”.
