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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
There is confusion within the rank and file of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) following the disqualification of Barrister Niyi Ajewole, who is contesting against the incumbent President-General, Prince Yemisi Adeaga, by the electoral committee for the election.
Ajewole’s disqualification, according to a reliable source within CCII, was allegedly orchestrated by Adeaga, who wanted to seek re-election unopposed.
The source questioned the independence of the electoral committee in discharging its duty, adding that CCII BoT lacked the power to find an affiliate club or member guilty.
“Is this not a flagrant show of desperation by Prince Adeaga? He is deploying all the do or die strategies to remain in office so as to cover all his corrupt tracks as exposed.
“It is unfortunate that the respected ones among the BoT have allowed themselves to be hoodwinked and dragged into a messy plot.
“Prince Adeaga has shown the despotic, desperado and monstrous side of himself to the whole world and he should be prepared to stand the heat.
“The election, which was initially slated to 7th of April was shifted to 14th of April. Adeaga, who is the incumbent CCII President-General colluded with the BoT and disqualified Barrister Ajewole; the reason for the disqualification was baseless.
“The committee said two exco must not come from a single club. Ajewole is contesting from Oluyole Elite Social Club, same club as the incumbent CCII Secretary General. Are they contesting in the same election year?
“They have no reason to disqualify anybody, BoT lacked the power to recommend the disqualification of any candidate.
“The electoral committee has completed screening of candidates over a month ago and they have shortlisted names of contestants. So, at what stage did they reversed their decision and disqualified a candidate?
“The postponement of the election for a month is also an aberration of the highest order,” the source said.