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The Ondo State Police Command yesterday stopped a rally organised to celebrate the re-election of Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The rally was organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo Central Senatorial District.
Excited party loyalists stormed the Arcade Ground in Adegbemile, Akure, the take-off point for the rally, around 7am, but battle-ready policemen, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kunle Akinwale, ordered them to move the rally to the APC secretariat.
He said: “The command will not entertain any public procession, either political or whatever. You should confine yourself to your party secretariat”.
Akinwale said the directive was in light of the nation’s security challenge.
Addressing a crowd at the party’s secretariat, APC Vice-Chairman in the senatorial district, Prince Adegboyega Adedipe said: “We expected the disruption of the rally. We know we are dealing with adult minors, but people are determined to ensure a positive change, both in Ondo and at the centre in Abuja.
“We thank God for what happened in Osun State. That is why we are celebrating Aregbesola. We are a matured party and we know light will overcome darkness soon in Ondo State”.
The Chairman, Planning Committee for the rally, Otunba Olubunmi Alo, hailed members for turning out largely for the event.
Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo said the rally was halted to prevent a breach of the peace.