The Elders Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ogun State Chapter has called for the release of Gafar Asaolu, Personal Assistant to the Governorship Candidate of the party in 2023 election, Ladi Adebutu.
The PDP Elders, in a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by Otunba Robert Adenaike (Chairman) and Boye Adesina (Assistant Secretary) said the detention of Asaolu by the police without trial is a breach of his freedom and fundamental rights without any prescribed charges.
Asaolu was arrested by the police following alleged political violence which occurred in Iperu town, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State during the recently concluded local government election in the state.
The sstatement reads:
‘The attention of the Elders council of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Ogun State chapter has been drawn to the arrest and detention of Mr Gafar Asaolu, member of Ogun State PDP and personal assistant to the gubernatorial flag bearer of the PDP in 2023 election Hon Oladipupo Adebutu.
‘We are rightly informed that Mr Asaolu has been in Police custody in the police headquarters, Eleweran about seven (7) days ago. We demand to know the offence committed by this harmless and gentle man who we know has no history of violence.
‘Gafar Asaolu unlawful detention without trial is a breach of his freedom and fundamental rights without any prescribed charges. As the Elders council members of the PDP in Ogun State, the police authority in the state should not by its action create the impressions that it is acting on the instruction of the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who had previously prompted the DSS and the Police to arrest and detain Asaolu Principal, Hon Oladipupo Adebutu.
‘The elders council members attest to Gafar Asaolu’s character as a complete gentleman who hardly could be found in an environment of violence. We implore the police authority in Ogun State to act professionally and not succumb to the political emotions of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
‘We also call on the Ogun State Commissioner of Police CP Abiodun Alamutu to intervene in this matter by releasing Mr GAFAR ASAOLU or charge him to court if the police has any convincing evidence of his offence. “
