The recent court case involving Honorable Tajudeen Sulu Oloje, a former PDP commissioner and chieftain of Oloje Ward in Ilorin West Local Government, has raised more questions than answers. The case, which accuses Sulu Oloje of mobilizing thugs to disrupt the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally on September 19th, 2024, has sparked widespread controversy, with deeper community and political undertones coming to light.
Honorable Tajudeen Sulu Oloje, a respected stakeholder in the Oloje community, was charged following allegations that he orchestrated the chaos at the APC rally ahead of the September 21st local government elections. The incident, which unfolded at Oloje Ward, led the APC to formally lodge a complaint with the Police Headquarters in Ilorin, citing concerns over public safety and electoral interference. The case quickly escalated to the Magistrate Court in Ilorin, with community members, political actors, and the general public closely monitoring the developments.
However, recent findings from Kwara Express reveal hidden complexities in the case that suggest a broader family and political dispute may be at play. On September 24th, 2024, a letter of withdrawal from the complainant, Hon. Busari Jimoh, was submitted to the Magistrate Court. The intention was to withdraw the case against Sulu Oloje, but the letter was rejected. Curiously, the withdrawal request bore the signature of Sulaiman Saadu Sulu, a brother of the alleged sponsor of the disruption, further complicating the matter.
According to inside sources, it was actually Alhaji Ganiy Sulu, another family member, who was supposed to sign the letter of withdrawal. However, due to his nature of employment, he was unable to personally submit the letter. He reportedly instructed Sulaiman Saadu Sulu to sign on his behalf, leading to confusion over the legitimacy of the withdrawal request. This discrepancy has fueled speculation about internal family dynamics influencing the case.
It is important for the public to understand that neither Honourable Kale Oloje nor APC stakeholders in Oloje are responsible for Hon. Sulu Oloje’s continued trial. The case has become entangled in a web of family disagreements and political maneuvering, rather than being a straightforward legal proceeding against a political rival.
Community Intervention
Given the communal nature of the dispute, local elders initially called upon APC stakeholders to retract the complaint, seeking a peaceful resolution. The APC complied and withdrew their accusations, but the Sulu family ultimately declined to follow through with the withdrawal. This refusal has deepened tensions within the community and raised concerns about the influence of personal vendettas and internal family strife in what should have been a resolved matter.
The case of Hon. Tajudeen Sulu Oloje not only exposes the political rivalries at play in Oloje Ward but also highlights the complexities of community politics in Ilorin West. With local elections looming, the implications of this court case will likely resonate throughout the political landscape, potentially shaping future alliances and power dynamics.
As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether justice will prevail or if hidden truths will continue to cloud the narrative surrounding Hon. Sulu Oloje’s trial. What is clear, however, is that the community’s unity is at stake, and any resolution must address both the political and personal factors influencing this ongoing saga.
