Osun APC suspends Aregbesola over anti-party activities, pending disciplinary report

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended former Governor Rauf Aregbesola over alleged anti-party activities.

This decision follows complaints filed by the Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee, prompting the State Executive Committee to take action against the former Minister of Interior.

Aregbesola’s suspension is pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations including factionalizing the party, creating parallel structures, collaborating with opposition parties, publicly criticizing party leaders, refusing to support party activities, and abstaining from voting for the party since 2019.

The State Executive Committee has formed a Disciplinary Committee to investigate these allegations and provide Aregbesola an opportunity to respond. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the SEC within 14 days.

In a letter addressed to the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, and National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, the Osun APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, and Secretary, Alao Kamoru, informed the national leadership of the decision.

The letter reads: “Resolution Suspending Rauf Aregbesola for Anti-Party Activities and Constituting a Disciplinary Committee.

“Following complaints of anti-party activities against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by the Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee, the State Executive Committee (SEC), after reviewing the allegations and in accordance with powers vested by Article 21(3)(vi)(c) of the party’s Constitution, hereby suspends Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola pending the outcome of an investigation.”

The Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee requested disciplinary action against Aregbesola, citing repeated actions harmful to the party.

In a letter signed by Party Chairman Hon. Fowowe Akinola Timothy and General Secretary Kehinde Ajayi, the committee stated, “We hereby formally request that the State Executive Committee instigate disciplinary action against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in accordance with Article 21 of APC’s constitution, for engaging in activities that are harmful to the party.”

Meanwhile, the disciplinary committee has asked Aregbesola to provide a formal explanation within 48 hours detailing why disciplinary actions should not be taken against him.

In a letter signed by Waheed Adediran, the Disciplinary Committee Secretary, the committee stated: “For clarity, the Disciplinary Committee, constituted by the State Working Committee pursuant to Article 21 of our Party’s Constitution, is investigating the following allegations against you:

• Creation of parallel organs within the party; factionalizing the party with splinter groups, including the Omoluabi Caucus (evidence of their recent activities in Iwo attached, 24/10/2024);
• Collaborating with opposition parties to undermine APC in the State, as admitted publicly at the Ataoja’s Palace on January 4, 2024, Osogbo;
• Public outbursts against party leaders, including President H.E. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Chief Bisi Akande, and H.E. Gboyega Oyetola;
• Refusal to support or participate in any party activities in the State;
• Refusal to vote for the party since the 2019 general elections.

“These actions contravene provisions of the Party’s Constitution. Therefore, in accordance with Article 21 of the APC Constitution and the resolution of the Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee, you are hereby requested to submit a formal explanation within 48 hours. Failure to respond may result in further actions in line with the Party’s Constitution.”

The Osun APC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining party discipline and urged members to avoid activities harmful to party unity and electoral success.