2015: Resolve Ogun APC crisis, monarch charges Amosun

From James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

As 2015 general elections approach, the Olu of Afowowa-Sogade in Ewekoro local government area of Ogun State, Oba Mufutau Olatunji Hamzat has called on stalwarts of the the All Progressives Congress (APC) especially the state governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun to reconcile his political differences with former governor Olusegun Osoba.

The traditional ruler who bared his mind during interacting an interaction the traditional rulers had with the governor after the inauguration of the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo as the new Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas,  said the reconciliation between the two leaders was imperative to prevent the ruling APC from losing the state in next year’s general elections.Oba Hamzat used the opportunity to advise the governor to extend democratic dividends to rural areas of the state by citing more people oriented projects in the areas so that those people living in the rural communities of the state will have something to benefit from the government.

While expressing satisfaction with Amosun’s achievements in the last three years, the monarch observed that those performance was not enough to guarantee the governor’s re-election.

The royal father said he was worried about the outcome of the Ekiti State governorship election where Governor Kayode Fayemi lost to the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ayo Fayose.

“When the results of the Ekiti election were announced, I was shocked and had to visit Governor Fayemi in Ekiti. We spoke one-on-one and he said he was surprised about the election too. But what I learnt was that people said the governor was too disconnected from the grassroots”, Hamzat said.

“This brings me to the issue of Ogun State. You have performed excellently, no doubt. But there is one big problem which is the crisis in APC. People are calling and asking us: ‘what are you doing about Ogun State? Don’t let PDP take over.’ That crisis is festering and is going on and on. I read some of the comments about Osoba. What is your party doing to resolve the crisis before it is too late?

“Your performance alone cannot do the work. All of you must be united. If you have to go to sleep at it is very dangerous. The two of you must give and take; there is no question of one of you taking everything. I don’t think there is need for anybody to come round and begin to beg you. The two of you are matured leaders and you must sit down and resolve your crisis.”

In his remarks, Amosun assured that everything possible would be done to end the lingering crisis in the state APC.