By John Dike, Osogbo
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 7, Esa-Oke, has distanced itself and the Director-General of the Osun APC Campaign Council, Hon. Wole Oke, from the circumstances surrounding the death of Ajayi Rogba, warning against attempts to politicise the tragic incident.
Addressing journalists on Friday, the Ward Chairman, Prof. Siji Olamiju, described Rogba’s death as a painful loss to the Esa-Oke community and extended condolences to his family.
“The death of a young man should never become an opportunity for political point-scoring or propaganda,” Olamiju said, stressing that exploiting the incident for political purposes was insensitive to the bereaved family and could hinder the pursuit of justice.
He expressed concern over what he described as attempts by some political actors to link the incident to politics before the conclusion of police investigations, insisting that only a thorough, impartial and professional probe could establish the true circumstances surrounding the death.
Olamiju maintained that neither the APC nor Hon. Wole Oke had any connection with the incident, describing allegations suggesting otherwise as “baseless, politically motivated and unsupported by any credible evidence.”
He called on Governor Ademola Adeleke and other public office holders to allow security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference or premature conclusions.
The APC also urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to conduct a comprehensive, transparent and unbiased investigation by pursuing every credible lead.
According to him, investigators should invite all individuals whose testimonies may assist in uncovering the truth, including Erebe, Dele Ajayi, Barr. Idowu Akinshola, Abuga, Muri, Mewo White, and any other persons considered relevant by the authorities.
He stressed that no one should be exempted from lawful investigation and that no individual should be presumed guilty without due process.
Olamiju acknowledged that differing accounts of the incident had emerged within the community but insisted that only the outcome of a credible investigation should determine the actual cause and circumstances of Rogba’s death.
He appealed to residents of Esa-Oke and the general public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and cooperate fully with security agencies handling the investigation.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to the rule of law, justice and accountability, Olamiju said anyone found culpable after a lawful and impartial investigation should face the full weight of the law, regardless of political affiliation or social status.
He concluded by urging all political stakeholders to honour the memory of the deceased by allowing truth, justice and due process to prevail over politics and unfounded accusations.
