Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has directed the caretaker chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Gboyega Famodun, to discontinue the suit instituted against the loyalists of his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola.

The party caretaker secretary, Hon Rasaq Salinsile; ex-APC chair Elder Adelowo Adebiyi; Ex-commissioner for Works and Transports, Engr. Kazeem Salami; ex-Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Special Needs, Biyi Odunlade; former Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation, Barr. Gbenga Akano as well as Alaba Popoola and Azeez Adekunle were arraigned on three- count of conspiracy and assault on Monday.

They were dragged before Magistrate Dr Olusegun Ayilara, sitting in Osogbo by the police.

Ayilara granted them bail after they all pleaded not guilty to the alleged offences with N5million and self-recognition.

He adjourned the matter to September 24, 2021 for mention.

Oyetola directed Famodun, who is one of the complainants in the matter, to withdraw the case against chieftains who allegedly invaded the party secretariat with armed thugs.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ismail Omipidan, stated: “The Governor, who was away when the incident occurred had, in the wake of the crisis, directed security operatives to take charge of the party secretariat to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, just as he had also condemned what he termed the “unruly behaviour” exhibited by some aggrieved members of the party at the APC Secretariat in Osogbo. No sane society would condone any act of lawlessness.

“However, upon his return to the State on Monday, Oyetola summoned an emergency meeting of the party stakeholders and insisted that as members of the same family, whatever differences that existed could be resolved without necessarily resorting to litigation.

“To this end, he has directed the party chairman in the state to withdraw the complaints and take necessary measures to discontinue the matter,” he said.

The Governor, who sympathised with individuals who sustained injuries during the said invasion, further condemned the invasion and appealed to party members not to resort to self-help to the extent of invading the party secretariat with armed thugs whenever there are disagreements among them.

(The Nation)