By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on security agencies to investigate the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Ibukun Fadipe, popularly known as IBK, over an alleged plot to arm political thugs ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.
In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, the APC urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite Fadipe for questioning over what it described as a plan to rig the forthcoming election through violent means.
The party alleged that Fadipe recently convened a secret meeting where about 30 suspected hoodlums and cult members were allegedly given cash ranging between ₦500,000 and ₦1 million each to procure arms and ammunition ahead of the election.
The statement named some of those reportedly present at the meeting .
The APC further alleged that the group was coordinated by an alleged cult leader, and a member of the State House of Assembly representing Ilesa-West State Constituency.
The party claimed that the alleged mobilisation of thugs may already have manifested in a recent attack in Ede, where it said hoodlums disrupted an APC gathering during the flag-off ceremony of a multi-purpose shopping complex in the town.
According to the APC, the incident created tension and heightened fears that certain elements within the state government might be preparing the ground for violence ahead of the governorship poll.
The opposition party also called on the police to reopen a 2010 murder case allegedly linked to Fadipe.
The case involves the death of Otunba Raheem Ade Komolafe, a former chairman of DHL and a prominent chieftain of the defunct Action Congress, as well as that of Hon. Agboola Obadare.
The APC alleged that Komolafe died from injuries sustained during an assault allegedly carried out by Fadipe and his associates at a time when he served as chairman of the Ilesa-West Local Government Area.
It further claimed that following the incident, Fadipe reportedly went into hiding before he was later arrested by law enforcement authorities.
Although he was subsequently arraigned in court, the party alleged that the case later took a political turn and was eventually abandoned.
The APC also urged the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser and the DSS to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the case.
It expressed concern over alleged revelations that some government documents, including an international passport and immigration entry and exit stamps, may have been manipulated in a bid to shield the SUBEB chairman from prosecution.
The party warned that the allegations should not be ignored, especially as Osun State prepares for a crucial governorship election.
The APC also criticised the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, accusing it of losing credibility and resorting to desperate measures to retain power.
According to the party, residents of the state are dissatisfied with the current administration and are looking forward to the August 15 election as an opportunity to vote for a change in leadership.
The APC therefore called on security agencies to act swiftly to prevent any attempt to instigate violence and to ensure that the forthcoming election is peaceful, credible and transparent.
