The crisis in the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democracy is far from being resolved as a former deputy chief whip at the Nigerian Senate, Senator Hosea Ayoola Agboola has berated the chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha over his comments on Chief Eddy Olafeso.
Alleluyah as the former lawmaker is popularly called, in a press conference, explained that “accusing the zonal chairman (South West), Chief Eddy Olafeso of connivance and passing a vote of no confidence on him is as strange as it is unfair, and appear that they are merely looking for a scape goat.”
Agboola, who was flanked by Alhaji Azeem Gbolarumi, former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Moruf Atilola, Prince Dotun Oyelade and Honourable Dare Adeleke, while addressing some Journalists in Ibadan, the state capital yesterday said the faction could not deny the fact that they are part of the harmonisation exercise, thus lamented why they are playing game with reality.
He disclosed that “majority of party members are satisfied with the decision to fairly harmonise the state exco and give kudos for the painstaking manner it has resolved the issue so that the party can move forward and face the challenges of the coming elections in Oyo state. The issue of harmonised state executive was inherited from The national caretaker executive committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi who, in an Interview Granted Nation Newspaper of Tuesday 27th Of February 2018, revealed that ” In Oyo State, the party is harmonised since Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Seyi Makinde came in. Of course they have their differences at congress but they too have agreed to harmonise where they have differences at congress”. This statement came at the right time to vindicate us and has affirmed that harmonisation has come to stay.”
Agboola then led other members of the group to express their support for Olafeso, and passed a vote of confidence on him as they described him as a worthy leader in the zone, adding that the statement was meant “to put the record straight and to emphasise the need to embrace peaceful resolution that will bring about all-inclusive and vibrant party that will change the political landscape of Oyo State in 2019 with our victory at the polls.
“With all the emphases at our disposal and the unity of purpose as exhibited by the Abuja declaration, we hereby pass a vote of confidence on the zonal chairman and admonish him to continue with his good work knowing fully well that he equally enjoys the backing of the national leadership. We also rebuke the Kunmi Mustapha faction for openly criticising the national body for performing its legitimate function.”
