Bukunmi Lawal
But for mother luck, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Youth leader in Ogun State, Al-hassan Bukola Ashimolowo, would have been killed by yet unknown assailants suspected to be political thugs working for the ruling party in the state.
The incident occurred when people suspected to be supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC), stormed the premises of Isabo Magistrate court, venue of Ogun Governorship election Petition Tribunal, wielding dangerous weapons and attacked members and supporters of the PDP.
Recalled that, the Supreme court on 19th of January 2024 delivered judgement declaring the APC governorship candidate as the winner of 2023 governorship in the state.
The attackers prevented those who wanted to enter the court premises to witness Tribunal sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, which commence hearing of the petition filed by the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Al-hassan, a father of three children: Al-hassan Moyosore Oladipupo, Al-hassan Daniel Mofiyinfoluwa and Al-hassan Peter Inioluwa through his wife, Mrs Al-hassan Abosede Oyindamola, had attempted to enter the court through the entrance gate but he and hundreds of his people were, however, prevented from gaining access into the court premises as security operatives laboured to push back the surging crowd.
Armed security operatives, comprising the police, Department of State Service (DSS) and Civil Defence dispersed the party supporters and the road leading to the court was also blocked, preventing vehicular movement on Isabo-Kuto Road.
A witness said some of the PDP members and leaders, including Al-hassan Bukola Ashimolowo, however, tried again to enter the court to witness the Tribunal proceedings but people wielding canes and dangerous weapons stopped them and in the ensuing argument, Al-hassan, a PDP Youth leader from Abeokuta South Local Government Area of the state manhandled, attacked and beaten by the hoodlums suspected to be supporters of the ruling party.
Also, a former Governorship Aspirant of PDP, Chief Segun Showunmi was attacked when he attempted to enter the court premises claiming to be a major stakeholder and ought to be in court to witness the Tribunal proceedings.
As if that was not enough, the attackers the following day attacked Al-hassan’s wife and sons while they were returning from the market and poured some liquid substance on them but while others docked in good time when they saw the strange substance thrown at them, Daniel was not lucky – the liquid substance poured on his leg.
According to the witness, Daniel was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Idi – Aba, Abeokuta where he spent two weeks at the Specialist hospital receiving treatment before he was discharged.
