By Glasgow Kika
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| Apagun |
ABEOKUTA — The crisis within the Labour Party (LP) in Ogun State has reached a boiling point, with the party's legitimate leadership issuing a stark warning to the public, institutions, and its members: "any dealings with ousted former National Chairman Julius Abure and his expelled associate Abayomi Arabambi are fraught with significant legal and financial risks."
This alert comes in response to Arabambi's recent attempt to establish a parallel "caretaker committee" in Abeokuta, a move condemned by the legitimate executive, led by the Chairman, Apagun Olaolu Samuel. This action has been denounced as criminal impersonation and lacks any legal standing, as Samuel's leadership is recognized by the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Interim Executive Committee.
Supreme Court Ruling: Abure’s Authority Nullified
In a revealing and explosive interview on Fresh FM's "OSAN MONDAY Ayinla Egba's program, Apagun Olaolu Samuel underscored the severity of the crisis, emphasizing a landmark Supreme Court ruling from April 4, 2025, which invalidated Abure's claim to leadership. "Those aligned with Arabambi are loyal to a discredited figure; the Supreme Court has decisively sacked Abure," Samuel stated.
The ruling confirms that leadership is an internal party matter and dismantles any structure, appointments, or committees instituted by Abure as null and void. Hence, Abure should by now concern himself with the case of Perjury, Forgery and Criminal Conspiracy imminently hanging on his neck since 7th of March 2025 as issued by the Attorney General of the federation and the IGP should dust out the file to do the needful as in a normal clime.
Defining Legitimacy in Ogun LP
The situation has clarified the distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate leadership within the party:
- **Legitimate Leadership:** The Interim State Working Committee, led by Apagun Olaolu Samuel and recognized by national party authorities.
- **Illegitimate Actors:**
- **Julius Abure:** Ousted chairman with no legal authority.
- **Abayomi Arabambi:** Expelled member, currently unauthorized to engage in any party-related activities. "His expulsion from the Labour Party is final," affirmed Samuel.
Legal Actions on the Horizon
Samuel emphasized the commitment of the legitimate party to pursue continuous legal action against the imposters. "The South West leaders of the Labour Party might be provoked to seeking an injunction to prevent Abure and his appointees from misrepresenting themselves as party executives," he announced.
This expected injunction, alongside the Supreme Court ruling, aims to curtail the activities of these individuals, enabling law enforcement to intervene if necessary.
Public Advisory: Risks of Association
The interim leadership of Ogun State Labour Party has highlighted the severe repercussions for anyone—members, aspirants, or contractors—who engage with the Abure/Arabambi faction:
1. **Legal Nullity:** Any contracts or agreements made with them are void and unenforceable.
2. **Financial Risk:** Funds paid to this faction are at risk of loss, as the legitimate party will not honor these transactions.
3. **Political Consequences:** Aspirants engaging with this illegitimate group face disqualification and potential expulsion from the Labour Party.
4. **Criminal Liability:** Supporting individuals involved in impersonation can lead to criminal charges.
A Call for Vigilance
Apagun Olaolu Samuel urges:
- **The Public & Media:** Verify the authenticity of any party representatives, and regard all statements from Arabambi as fraudulent.
- **Security Agencies:** Remain alert to these activities to prevent public disturbances and investigate impersonation claims.
- **INEC & Government Entities:** Collaborate only with the recognized leadership by law as proclaimed through Supreme Court judgement in favour of Senator Nenadi Usman.
"The Labour Party in Ogun State remains united, focused on serving the people," concluded Apagun Olaolu Samuel. "We refuse to be swayed by the actions of those whose time has passed. The law is on our side, and our future is solidly grounded in legitimacy."
Glasgow Kika is the Publicity Secretary of Ogun State Labour Party
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