Ekiti police deny recognising ADC faction

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ekiti State Police Command has denied reports that it recognised the faction of the African Democratic Congress led by Ilesanmi Omolayo as the authentic leadership of the party in the state.

The command described the report circulating on social media as false and misleading, saying it did not reflect the position of the Commissioner of Police, CP Michael Falade.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said in a statement issued Wednesday that the two factions had separately petitioned the command over the party’s leadership crisis and the alleged occupation of its secretariat.

According to the statement, the Omolayo-led faction petitioned the commissioner on August 25, while the faction led by Dr. Bamidele Ekunola submitted its petition the following day.

Abutu said both groups were subsequently invited by the State Intelligence Department to meet with Falade on Monday, Aug. 31, where their grievances were heard and discussed in the interest of peace and fairness.

He said the commissioner advised the factions to avoid actions capable of causing a breakdown of law and order and to seek legal remedies through the courts where necessary.

The PPRO added that representatives of both factions expressed satisfaction with the meeting, signed undertakings to maintain peace and agreed to consult their respective state and national leaders toward resolving the dispute.

The command reiterated that the police remained apolitical and impartial, urging the public to disregard the alleged endorsement and refrain from circulating unverified information capable of heightening tension in the state.