The bitter political war between Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has taken a fresh dimension as Gov. Aregbesola has lambasted his Ondo State counterpart over the beating of his commissioner, Mr. Bola Ilori recently in Akure.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his Ondo State Counterpart, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

Gov. Aregbesola’s media aide, Mr. Sola Fasure had issued a statement: “The statement credited to Hon. Yemi Olowolabi that ‘what happened is sad but avoidable. It is apparent the Osun delegates came prepared with thugs, charms, ammunition and cudgels to an event which was supposed to be an all-APC event’ was highly undiplomatic and not expected from a commissioner of that status.”

“This state of affairs was far from the truth as Olowolabi made people to believe. The Osun delegates simply went armed with their intellect to marshal the position of the state.”

“Why would a delegate go with dangerous objects to a conference on restructuring when Ondo and Osun are not at war or in confrontation over any issue?”

“Ilori represented the government and people of Osun. Therefore, he deserved to be accorded the courtesy and respect due to the state. He deserved to be protected by the government of Ondo State as well as security agencies at the venue of the conference.”

“All these safety measures were not put in place. Rather Hon. Ilori was exposed to attack by some top government official, who reportedly had axe to grind with Ilori over election matters in the state.”

“The attack on Ilori is barbaric and reprehensible, to say the least. It is no doubt an attack on the entire people and Government of Osun State, whom Ilori represented at the meeting. We condemn in strong terms this affront on the people and Government of Osun State, which the attack on our delegate signposted.”

For those who don’t know, Ilori was the Director General of the campaign organisation of Olusola Oke, Alliance for Democracy guber candidate in the last governorship election in Ondo State.