Reactions as Aregbesola’s allies attend Adeleke’s inauguration

Presence of the factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Rasaq Salinsile, whose group was backed by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, during the struggle for the Osun State leadership of the party, at the inauguration of Senator Ademola Adeleke as governor sparked reactions among members of the opposition party.

Although Salinsile was not introduced among the dignitaries that attended the event, but pictures taken at the event showing him sitting with other attendees hit the internet on Monday.

Another Aregbesola’s ally that attended the event was former Commissioner for Sports, Biyi Odunlade.

Some other members of ‘The Osun Progressives’, a faction in the Osun APC, also attended Adeleke’s inauguration and displayed pictures taken at the event on various social media pages on Monday.

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Many that commented on the pictures, however, expressed displeasure to the action of the APC members that attended the event.

Odunlade during an interview with The PUNCH on Monday confirmed his presence at the event, saying he attended as a senior citizen of the state and former member of the State Executive Council.

“I didn’t hide. I attended that programme as a citizen of Osun State. I also identified with the new change based on the fact that once a governor has been elected, he becomes governor for everybody. I didn’t attend as a TOP member. 

“I attended as a former Commissioner who was invited to attend the inauguration ceremony. I didn’t hide. If you look at the pictures, I took them with former cabinet members, we were together in Aregbesola’s cabinet. They are Dr. Wale Bolorunduro and Prof. Bukola Oyawoye,” Odunlade said.

Asked if the group would sanction those that attended the event, Lani Baderinwa, who is the Secretary of the APC faction supported by Aregbesola, told The PUNCH, “At our meeting if the matter comes up for discussion, then decision would be taken. I also saw some pictures.”

When contacted for comment, an aide to the former governor, Sunday Akere, expressed disappointed about the action of the APC members that attended the event.

Akere said, “It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in this situation. It is good that the enemies within are exposing themselves gradually. Initially, the argument of these people is that  the want to reorganise the party. 

“Even at the election, they refused to admit that they worked for the PDP, telling the whole world they didn’t do it. We know who the TOP leaders went there to represent. We are not surprised. But I want to assure you the party would adequately take care of the situation and respond to it this week.”