The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against harassing other political parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the July 16 poll.
Oba Olanipekun, in a viral video yesterday, lost his temper while receiving the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and his campaign train. He warned that no APC member should intimidate his guests.
The monarch, who addressed his guests while sitting, however lost his and stood up in anger. He particularly addressed the alleged attack on his guests, led by Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Kazeem Oyewale known as ‘Asiri’. Oba Olanipekun installed Oyewale as Gbobaniyi of Osogbo land.
He said: “Anybody who wants to cause turbulence in Osogbo will not know peace of mind. Let Asiri Eniba know this fact, because you have been installed a chief, you cannot act with impunity in my community, I will take action to prevent violence in Osogbo.
“Oyetola and APC came to the palace, PDP did not disturb nor waylay them, tell them to be careful, it is the PDP that installed me as king. Leave me, let me talk…”
Publicity Director of the PDP Oladele Olabamiji accused the APC loyalists of attacking their supporters on their way to the Ataoja’s palace.
He said: “Whenever APC is involved in any kind of criminal act, they will always want to put up alibi, create scenes. Our campaign have been so lovely, no brigandage, what they want to present is the ugly scenario with which they were received when they entered into the palace of Ataoja, the last time the governor visited the place. They know Adeleke will always pull crowd and they don’t want that to happen.”
But Governor Oyetola’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Sunday Akere, refuted claims by the PDP.
“We are aware that the PDP created factions among the hoodlums working for them when they gave one group money at the detriment of the group that has been with them for long. No one does that and expects peace.
“Also, their governorship candidate openly declared fire for fire campaign mantra, and this is an attestation that they are ready to unleash violence on the masses.
“We, therefore, call on the security agencies to probe the said attack and curb the PDP violence against the masses before the July 16 poll,” he said.