By Bilesanmi Abayomi
As the legal dispute between the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe, and his former Special Adviser on Boundary Matters, Ganiyu Olamiji Oyebanjo, popularly known as GOCO, heads to trial at the Igbosere Magistrate Court on August 7, 2026, prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kosofe have intensified calls for an amicable, out-of-court settlement.
The case, which revolves around allegations of theft of government documents, has continued to attract public attention and remains a significant point of concern within the local political landscape despite recent reconciliation efforts within the party.
Reacting to the court’s decision to fix a trial date, several APC stakeholders expressed worries that the prolonged legal battle could undermine the party’s unity and divert attention from governance and developmental priorities in Kosofe.
Comrade Lanre Balogun appealed to party leaders and stakeholders to embrace peace and reconciliation, stressing the need to put an end to the lingering disputes.
“I want to appeal that we tread on the path of peace and unity. Please, let these court cases in Kosofe be over with. Let us focus on progress and human capital development,” he said.
Similarly, Michael Adedoyin Adebowale argued that the disagreement should have been resolved through dialogue and mediation rather than through prolonged litigation. Moses Olatoye Orimoloye also called on the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) to intervene and help preserve unity within the party, describing APC members in Kosofe as one family.
The calls for mediation come against the backdrop of a recent reconciliation effort led by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who successfully brokered peace between the Executive Chairman of Kosofe and the aggrieved G3 councillors.
The intervention resulted in the release of official vehicles to the affected councillors, the resolution of issues surrounding the office of the Legislative Majority Leader, the payment of outstanding allowances, and the swearing-in of six outstanding executive cabinet members.
While that intervention helped restore stability within the local administration, stakeholders believe the Ogunlewe-GOCO dispute requires a similar approach to prevent further divisions within the party.
With the August 7 trial date drawing closer, pressure is mounting on party elders and leaders to explore political and reconciliatory mechanisms that could bring both parties to the negotiation table and avert a prolonged courtroom battle.
Many within the APC believe that resolving the matter amicably would not only strengthen party cohesion ahead of future political engagements but also allow leaders to concentrate on governance, development, and the collective interests of the people of Kosofe.