The All Progressives Congress, APC, has expelled Rauf Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, over alleged anti-party activities.

Aregbesola, who was a two-term governor of Osun State had been having a running battle with the Osun chapter of the APC in recent times.

The disagreement with the APC led him into forming a factional group within the party, known as The Osun Progressive (TOP) which later mutated into the Omoluabi Caucus.

A letter from the APC leadership seen by newsmen on Wednesday officially confirmed Aregbesola’s expulsion.

The letter, titled “Allegations of Anti-Party Activities – Conveyance of State Exco Decision to You,” accused him of breaching Article 21 of the party’s constitution, which outlines disciplinary measures for members.

The letter read in part, “At the end of the investigation, the State Executive Committee (SEC) considered the report of the Disciplinary Committee. Having carefully reviewed the findings and recommendations, the SEC resolved to approve your immediate expulsion from the APC.

The decision was predicated on clear evidence of your actions, which undermined the unity and integrity of the party. As a result, you are no longer a member of the APC and must refrain from holding yourself out as one or acting on behalf of the party in any capacity.”

More details to come…..

The Chinmaya Foundation, an international organisation promoting peace and harmony, has honoured Rtn. Victor Ojelabi, CEO of Freelart Limited and publisher of Freelanews, with the Personality of the Year Award 2024.

The award, part of the Honorary Awards for Excellent Personalities of the World, was announced during the foundation’s 15th anniversary celebration in India.

At the first phase of the international Zoom and Google conference, 21 outstanding individuals from various countries received the Personality of the Year Award 2024.

Additionally, 100 women were honoured among 91,386 contestants from different countries in categories such as dance, acting, painting, and creative arts competitions.

Dr. Chinmaya Dash, founder and international chairman of the foundation, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to uniting 215 countries through cultural exchange, fostering peace, harmony, goodwill, and human development.

Victor Ojelabi is a seasoned mass communicator and a graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic, now Lagos State University of Technology.

He began his media career under the mentorship of Niyi Akinsiju, publisher of Fortune & Class magazine, and has since worked with top-tier Nigerian publications such as Marketing Edge, Brand Communicator, Global Excellence, M2, and Metronews as a writer and creative executive.

With over a decade of experience in media, he is also the CEO of Freelart Limited, a Lagos-based creative and media consultancy firm specialising in web design, public relations, printing, and IT consultancy.

Freelart Limited is also the convener of TheFLEAwards, an initiative aimed at promoting leadership excellence with a focus on sustainable impact in society.

Ojelabi’s recognition by the Chinmaya Foundation further reinforces his contributions to the media industry and his commitment to fostering positive change.

The former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; the Chairman of an Ibadan-based broadcasting station, Oriyomi Hamzat; and the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Abdulahib Fasasi, appeared again on Monday before the Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The trio face four counts, bordering on conspiracy, murder, manslaughter, and negligence, in connection with the deaths of 35 children during a stampede at a Christmas funfair held on December 18, 2024.

Previously, they were held on a Golden charge by the same court but were granted bail on legal grounds after their counsel argued that a holden charge is neither recognised nor valid under Nigerian law.

The case, slated for mention on Monday, was adjourned by the Chief Magistrate until March 24, 2025.

Speaking with journalists, Hamzat’s counsel, Dapo Akinosi, explained: “The matter today was actually slated for mention because when they were arraigned initially, it was on a holden charge, which is not recognised by our law. They were remanded in prison as a result of that charge.

“We subsequently applied to the High Court, where bail was granted to the defendants. Legal advice has now been issued, and the proper information has been filed against them. However, they are yet to be served with the information.

“Today, we came to court so that the charge here could be withdrawn. Since their plea has not yet been taken at the High Court, we requested a longer adjournment to allow proper proceedings, including plea-taking at the High Court, before the case can be concluded at the Magistrate Court.”