…Denies Allegations by APC Ward Secretary
…Calls for Thorough Probe Into Social Media Clip
By Our Correspondent
The Chairman of the Riders and Owners of Motorcycles Organisation (ROMO), Ogun State Chapter, Dr. Rasaq Olusola Shotayo, popularly known as “Sholebo,” has dismissed allegations that he threatened the life of the Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Iju Ward, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Mr. Aleshinloye Owolabi.
Shotayo, in a statement personally signed on Saturday, described the allegation as false, misleading and politically motivated, insisting that a viral video being circulated on social media was deliberately manipulated to misrepresent his comments during a recent APC ward meeting held in the aftermath of the party’s presidential primary election.
According to the ROMO chairman, his remarks were made in good faith and stemmed from concerns over what he described as the declining state of party activities in Iju Ward, which he attributed to the alleged inactivity of the ward secretary.
He explained that his intervention was intended to draw attention to the challenges confronting the ward’s political structure, particularly issues of poor coordination and inadequate participation in party affairs.
Shotayo maintained that he merely echoed concerns already expressed by several APC members who, according to him, had become dissatisfied with the ward secretary’s alleged absence from party activities and failure to play active roles in key political engagements, including the recently concluded primaries.
He further claimed that some party members had openly called for the secretary’s removal, citing alleged non-performance and lack of commitment to party responsibilities.
The ROMO chairman, however, categorically denied making any threat against Owolabi or any other individual, stressing that his comments were strictly political and aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structure.
“My intervention was purely out of concern for the progress of our party in Iju Ward. I did not threaten anyone’s life, directly or indirectly. The video being circulated does not reflect the full context of my remarks,” he stated.
Shotayo added that he has always conducted his political activities peacefully and in accordance with democratic principles, emphasizing that he neither promotes nor condones violence.
He also expressed readiness to cooperate with security agencies in any investigation into the matter and called on relevant authorities to examine the source and circulation of the controversial video.
“I am not afraid of anyone, and I have nothing to hide. I am willing to invite security agencies to thoroughly investigate this matter so that the truth can be established,” he said.
While urging party members and the public to disregard what he described as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation, Shotayo reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity and the continued growth of the APC in Ogun State.
