TOP members clash over positions As Aregbesola, Salam, Hussein shun event

Violence broke out today at the venue of the parallel Congress, held by ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola loyalists, operating under the auspices of The Osun Progressives , TOP.

They were said to have clashed over the choice of their chairman.

Before now, the group had agreed to ensure that its chairman emerges from Osun East, since it is contemplating to produce a governorship candidate from Osun West.

But by yesterday, another group within the larger group met and announced Rasaq Salinsile as the chairman and Lani Baderinwa as Secretary.

The development angered another section of the group, which eyewitnesses say mobilised to disrupt the group’s Congress.

However, another version of the report noted that the disruption was caused by rival groups who engaged other over payment for the “assignment” they were recruited to carry out.

Meanwhile, prominent leaders of the group shunned the venue of the event.

Among them are: Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Najim Salam and former Osun West Senator, Mudashiru Hussein.

Although, it could not be ascertained why Aregbesola stayed away, it was gathered that Salam and Hussein stayed away in protest over the choice of Salinsile as chairman.

Salam is eyeing the governorship ticket of the group, since he is from Osun West. Hussein is also from Osun West and he is sympathetic to Salam’s ambition.