Date: 2016-11-25

The pioneer chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Barrister Kunle Sulyman on Wednesday described the action of the embattled Iyiola Oyedepo as a frustrated reaction to the crisis adding that he (Oyedepo) has decided to take the ongoing crisis in the party to another level.

In a telephone chat from Abuja, Sulyman said the national leadership of the party has been brief over the issue adding that the latest development has not foreclosed reconciliation efforts going on in the party.

Fagbemi was arraigned in court penultimate week after he was summoned by the police over his taking over of the party secretariat located at Asa Dam road following after he was reported by Oyedepo.

Sulyman was not in court when the case was heard. Speaking on the issue, Sulyman said his absence initially was because he was not invited and adding that he will in court in the next adjourned date of 14 December, 2016.

"Oyedepo's allegation cannot be substantiated in any case. We have briefed the national body about it because I am speaking to you from Abuja. The action is that antics of Sheriff faction across the country and we are handling the situation the way it should be handed.

"I was not in court the last time because I was not around and was not invited. Even now, although I have heard, I have not been and I will make myself amiable before the adjourned date.

"It just a normal case and there was no order that we should no longer used the secretariat. We are still holding meetings there regularly.

"Oyedepo has decided to take the fight to another level... I've told them we will meet in court on the adjourned date, it's the fight of the party's liberation Sulyman also condemned Oyedepo's comments that him and some other elders in the Fagbemi led-faction broke into the party structure, saying he couldn't have broken into building which he had contributed his money to rent.

He said the building belongs to every single member of the party and not a selected few, stressing that whoever want to go into the building for party activities should not be denied by anyone.

"I and my friends contributed N2m to acquire the building, that makes me part of the rightful occupants. Senator Sulyman Ajadi gave N3m and Jani Ibrahim N5m among others. This is a party we’ve all laboured for and nobody can deny us from using it.."

Recall that this medium had reported the taking over of the party secretariat by the Fagbemi led-faction of the party on the 31st of last month. The action had further heightened the crisis in the party as Oyedepo led executives had challenged and petitioned the action before the Criminal and Investigative Department (CID) of the state police command.

The case was adjourned to 14th December while the accused persons (Fagbemi group) were given bail on the sum of N100.000 each and two sureties in like sum.