Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A political pressure group, Oke Ogun Movement Agenda (OMA), on Thursday, appealed to two traditional leaders in Oyo State to see all gubernatorial candidates as their sons and daughters, rather than fanning chord of disunity among political and religious leaders.
The group, in a statement made available to newsmen by its Coordinator, Khalifa Adamu Yusuf, said it has been watching developments across Oke Ogun, especially the recent antics of the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi, and Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, ahead of the rescheduled gubernatorial election on Saturday, March 18.
According to Yusuf, for weeks, both Olugbon and Okere have shown that they are for the reelection bid of Governor Seyi Makinde.
“We agree that Kabiyesis have inalienable rights to support any candidate of their choice, but they must be seen to play fatherly roles as custodians of the tradition and our people, nay the electorate and candidates across political parties.
“More worrisome is the Olugbon’s unhealthy praise singing of the governor on a popular Ibadan radio station on Thursday, March 9, 2023.
“Kabiyesi, for several minutes showered encomiums on the governor and literally became governor’s spokesperson, eulogising his performance in superlative terms and calling for Makinde’s continuity in office.
“The Olugbon should take a break and have a rethink because if the outcome does not favour Makinde, which we know will happen in matter of days, what would the people remember him for should he continue with this unguarded and unpopular praise singing of the governor that has lost face value with the people of the state?
“The Okere is going from house to house in Saki and asking people to vote the governor. He even employed the use of subtle threats and religious sentiments in governor’s favour.
“Is it true that Okere is backing the governor’s non-challant attitude towards enthroning new Alaafin, Aseyin and Soun of Ogbomosoland with a view of clinching his long time ambition of being appointed as the Permanent Chairman of the Oyo State Obas and Chiefs?
“These Kabiyesis are out on selfish adventures. They are both on Governor Makinde’s special salary and allowances’ pay roll. They don’t have people’s interest at heart, rather their selfish interests in pursuit of more wealth and luxuries. They must have a rethink before it is too late. A word is enough for the wise.
“On behalf of all of us in Oke Ogun Movement Agenda, I am appealing to the people of this area, and by extension other zones of the state to elect a tested politician, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin whose manifestos are in sync with great emancipation of our people and better lives for the downtrodden masses and not for some cabals and selfish elites,” Yusuf said.
