- Seeks Upturn of Suspension, Expulsion of Omoluabi Progressives, Caucus Leaders
- We Are Not Behind The Suit – Caucus
An alleged member of Omoluabi Progressives Osun, a Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Tutu Olanrewaju has asked the Osogbo Judicial Division of the Osun State High Court to reverse the suspension and expulsion of members of the party, loyal to the former Governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
OSUN DEFENDER recalls that no fewer than 86 (eighty-six) members of the party loyal to Ogbeni Aregbesola were in August suspended and expelled by the party under the circumstances of ‘anti-party activities,’ due to the loss of the party in the last three major elections in the state.
It was gathered that the suit N0:HOS/M.508/2023, was brought before the Court in pursuant to sections 6(6a-c) and 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,as amended and Sections 53-58 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law(ACJL) of Osun State 2018.
Olanrewaju is asking the court to restrain the state party Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, from preventing members of the caucus from accessing the party’s secretariat at Gbongan Road, Osogbo, pending the determination of the suit.
Findings, however, revealed that neither the plaintiff, Tutu Olanrewaju, nor his legal representative, Barrister O. Popoola are either members of the Omoluabi Progressives Osun caucus.
In a statement, the Secretary, Omoluabi Progressives Caucus, Lani Baderinwa dissociated the caucus from the legal action.
Baderinwa noted that the caucus is exploring the internal mechanisms of the party to resolve internal disputes, which he said the caucus will explore to the end.
He urged members of the caucus to be wary of those who may want to use Omoluabi Progressives Caucus to further disrupt the ongoing efforts at resolving the crisis within the party.
The statement reads: “Omoluabi Progressives Caucus categorically disassociates itself from the mentioned court case. As an integral part of our democratic and political processes, we are committed to upholding the values and principles of the APC, including the exploration of internal mechanisms for conflict resolution.
“At this time, the Caucus is diligently pursuing all avenues provided by the constitution of our great party to address internal disputes. We firmly believe that these established processes are capable of resolving any issues within our party, and we remain fully committed to utilizing these mechanisms to that end.
“The Caucus wishes to emphasize that we have no knowledge or connection with the so-called court action initiated by Mr. Tutu Olanrewaju. To be clear, Mr. Olanrewaju does not represent the collective will or actions of the Omoluabi Progressives Caucus.
“We urge all genuine members of our Caucus to be vigilant and not allow themselves to be used by any fifth columnists seeking to disrupt our ongoing efforts to resolve the current crisis within the Osun APC. “We believe that unity and collaboration among our members are vital in this endeavour, and we encourage all members to stand together and work harmoniously for the betterment of our party.
“The Omoluabi Progressives Caucus remains focused on our primary goal: to contribute to the progress, development and restructuring of the APC in Osun State back to its winning ways. We are committed to the principles of transparency, unity, and internal conflict resolution, and we remain resolute in our determination to achieve these aims.
“Members of the Press are advised to please contact the Secretary of the Omoluabi Progressives Caucus, Mr. Lani Baderiwa, for further inquiries or clarifications,” the statement stressed.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
