Osun APC suspends Aregbesola over alleged anti-party activities
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State has suspended the former Governor, Rauf Aregbesola over alleged anti-party activities in the state.
The suspension, in a letter dated 22nd of October, 2024 addressed to APC National Chairman, Abdullah Ganduje and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru was made available to journalists on Tuesday.
The letter signed by the state party Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal and State Secretary, Alao Kamoru notified the National leaders about the state decision over the anti-party activities levelled against Aregbesola by the llesa East Local Government Executive Committee.
According to the letter, “Following complaints of Anti-Party Activities leveled against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by the llesa East Local Government Executive Committee, the State Executive Committee (SEC) after reviewing the allegations and in accordance with the powers vested in it by article 21(3) (vi) (c) of the party’s Constitution, hereby suspends Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from the party pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations by a Disciplinary Committee
“The State Executive Committee has constituted a Disciplinary Committee to investigate and provide Ogbeni Aregbesola with the opportunity to respond to the allegations of activities deemed to be in violation of Article 21 (2) of the party’s Constitution, particularly relating to anti-party activities that undermine the collective interests of the APC levelled against him as follows:
“Factionalisation of the party with the creation of splinter groups the Omoluabi Caucus; Creation of parallel organs within the party; Working with opposition parties to undermine the APC in the State an open admission made at the Ataoja’s Palace, Osogbo.
“Public outbursts against the leaders of the party, including Mr. President, H.E. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Chief Bisi Akande and H.E. Gboyega Oyetola, among others; Refusal to show up or support any party activities in the State; and vi) Refusal to vote for the party since after the 2019 general elections.
“The Committee is to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to State Executive Committee within 14 days from the date of this resolution.
“The Disciplinary Committee, pursuant to Article 21 (3), will formally communicate this resolution to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and inform him of his right to appear before it to defend himself against the allegations,” the letter added.
Meanwhile, the Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) had earlier written a letter requesting for disciplinary action against Aregbesola over anti-party activities.
The letter signed by the Ilesa East Local Government, APC Chairman and Secretary, Hon. Fowowe Timothy, and Kehinde Ajayi respectfully,
“At a meeting of the Local Government Executive Committee held on the 21th day of October 2024, the issues of Ogboni Aregbesola’s anti-party activities were raised and discussed. It was resolved that Ogboni Rauf Aregbesola has consistently engaged in actions that undermine the interest of the APC at both local and State level,” the letter added.
However, the Disciplinary Committee of the party has given Aregbesola 48 hours to respond to the allegations of anti-party activities levelled against him by llesa East local government.
According to the secretary of Disciplinary Committee Comrade Waheed Adediran, “Therefore, and in accordance with Article 21 of the APC Constitution and the resolution of the Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee (the Complainant), you are hereby requested to submit a formal explanation of why disciplinary actions should not be taken against you within 48 hours of receipt of this letter.”
