IBUKUNOLUWA KING-OKUNEYE
The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated the State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola for allegedly using threats and coercion against traditional rulers and monarchs in the state.
The party described as deplorable, the display of thuggery and violence unleashed in a bid to stop them from visiting the traditional rulers in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Akindele Adekunle, Chairman of Caretaker Transition Committee, Osun State, on Wednesday in Osogbo.
The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, Larooye II had on Tuesday threatened that he will lay a curse on any individual or politician who aims to disrupt the peace of the town before, during and after the forthcoming Osun gubernatorial election.
The angry outburst of the Osogbo monarch had followed the unexpected attack on the campaign train of Ademola Adeleke, the PDP gubernatorial candidate during a visit to the Ataoja’s palace.
The party, which alleged that the governor and his agents have been attacking PDP members and their campaign billboards, explained that the PDP had not retaliated because of its commitment to a peaceful election.
PDP stated that it had taken steps to alert security agencies of the ugly trend, adding that it was necessary as the police should be considered neutral and supportive of law and order during the election.
The statement added that “the APC has moved from attacking PDP members and billboards to these unwarranted attacks on the palace of the revered monarch which is a sacrilegious intrusion by Oyetola’s men, an insult on the entire people of Osogbo and a gross disrespect for traditional institutions and values of Yorubaland.
“Instead of apologising to the traditional ruler for his orchestrated assault on Osogbo traditional institutions, the Governor’s henchmen have been threatening fire and brimstone with some of them calling for the dethronement of the traditional ruler. This is simply an abuse of power and further testimony of the low-status Oyetola accords traditional rulers in his government.
“As we warn against any move to punish any traditional ruler who decided to stay as the father of all irrespective of political affiliation, we commend our courageous traditional rulers across the state for standing for truth and wellbeing of their people.”
The party, while supporting the position of Oba Larooye against violence in any form, reiterated its commitment to peace.
It added that it would not tolerate any form of witch-hunt of the Ataoja, or any monarch in the State for canvassing against violence in the election
It also held that the monarch was in order in preaching against violence in the election.
In a press briefing conveyed at the Ataoja’s palace on Wednesday, Oba Laaroye II stated that his statement on Tuesday during the visitation of the PDP gubernatorial campaign team over the disruption of the peaceful atmosphere of Osogbo by some individuals was misinterpreted and misconstrued.
The royal father, who emphasised that he remained the father of all, denied declaring support for Senator Ademola Adeleke, the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP.
“I want to state that more political parties will pay a visit to my royal palace ahead of the July 16 gubernatorial election and I will not condone any act of violence from any political party against another,” he said.
