By Odunola Akinbode
SOME members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilobu on Thursday besieged the residence of Chief Sola Akinwumi, the Chairman of APC Elders Caucus in the State of Osun, to protest alleged plan to return former Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Council, Mr. Abayomi Oyedeji as Caretaker Chairman.
The protesting APC members alleged Akinwumi of influencing Oyedeji’s return, against the wish of majority leaders and members of the party and Ilobu stakeholders.
According to the APC members, Oyedeji had served twice: first, as a nine-month Caretaker and later for three years as elected Chairman of the council, saying that he does not deserve to be returned for the third term.
The protesters converged on St. Paul’s Grammar School, from where they marched to Akinwumi’s contryhome at Kuelu Area, Ilobu around 8am.
Chanting political songs dominated with ‘Abayomi Must Go’, the aggrieved APC members warned against imposition of a candidate, as it could lead to anti-party activities from faithful party members.
Speaking at Akinwumi’s house, the Chairman of Ward Chairmen of APC in the local government, Comrade Ganiyu Wasiu, said all the party chairmen in the town and community leaders have unanimously rejected Oyedeji’s choice because of his underperformance.
Wasiu said since the party leaders and stakeholders in Ilobu were not pleased with Oyedeji, it would amount to working against the party and town if somebody is making case for his return, as Akinwumi was being alleged.
Another chieftain of the party, Mr. Yusuf Adebowale from Ward 7, Ilobu, said they embarked on the protest to register their displeasure on the reported move by Akinwumi to influence Oyedeji’s return, describing such plan as inimical to the unity and progress of the APC.
According to Adebowale, the protest was peaceful and instructive as Governor Adegboyega Oyetola would be aware that imposing a candidate on members of the party in the local government will not go down well with them.
However, Akinwumi while addressing the protesters said the protest was unnecessary as they could have sent delegation to him, stating that he is a man of the people and would do whatever they want.
The former Secretary to the State Government assured the aggrieved APC members that he would do their bidding.
