7th July, 2011
Pockets of protests and demonstrations were reported in some parts of Ogun State today over the constitution of caretaker committees for the local councils.
In Ijebu-Ode, a group of women demonstrated at the council secretariat at Iloro over the appointment of Mr. Raheem Sarumi, a member of Governor Amosun’s campaign organisation, as the chairman designate.
The party leaders had picked Olubukunola Onabanjo, a lawyer and daughter of former governor, Bisi Onabanjo for the position.
A similar protest was reported in Ijebu-Ife where Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s nominees contradicted the preference of the party lords.
While the party leaders preferred Dr. Osunsanya, medical doctor, Governor Amosun has cast his lot with Alhaji Musa Olatunde, a plank seller.
There was no furore over the chairmanship nominees in Odogbolu and Ijebu North.
In Odogbolu, Alhaji Wole Idris has been slated as chairman of the council, while in Ijebu North, Mr. Ogunlana has been nominated.
The protests in Ijebu East and Ijebu-Ode, according to observers, reflect a creeping political schism between Governor Amosun’s campaign organisation, SIACO and the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, led by Chief Olusegun Osoba.