2023: Ex-Oyo Assembly chief whip, Lafisoye declares interest in house of representatives seat

Indeed,  it was a jubilation galore at Ejioku in Lagelu Local Government area as the former Chief Whip in the 8th Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede officially declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat.

Olafisoye, popularly addressed  as ‘Lafi’ by his admirers, who aspires to represent Lagelu/Akinyele Federal constituency in 2023 made his declaration at the All Progressives Congress (APC) party secretariat office, Ejioku, on Thursday in the presence of all the party leaders in the state, and all the local governments and wards party executives in the federal constituency.

In his remarks at the event, the Oyo Central Senatorial Chairman of APC, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji (a.k.a. Atiku) declared that the issue about who will get the party ticket for the Lagelu /Akinyele federal constituency has already been settled because the incumbent represntative of the constituency, Sir Akintola Oluokun, who hails from Akinyele Local Government has certified that the ticket should be given to Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede from Lagelu Local Government following his decision not to re-contest again.

According to him, “history is being written with what is happening here today because we have cause to thank God that the issue of House of Representatives ticket for Lagelu/Akinyele federal constituency has been settled. The present occupant of the position, Hon (Sir)  Akintola Oluokun has certified the person to whom the ticket shall be given following his decision not to re-contest again. He has endorsed that the ticket be given to Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede who has surrendered his life and left it on the altar to be slaughtered for the party. I am also aware that all the leaders, elders, and party executives at Lagelu and Akinyele local government areas have thrown their weight behind his candidacy.

“I am saying this to let others know that there is a reward for everything and to let them know that no aspirant will be sidelined as each of them shall be rewarded with whatever is due to them at the appropriate time. The present leadership of APC in Oyo state will not impose any candidate against the popular wish of the people and will not allow any external influence to determine for us in selecting candidates for any elective positions. This is an assurance from the party Chairman, Hon. Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu”, Oyebamiji assured.

Declaring his ambition, Hon. Olafisoye said he is in the race to make use of his experience to make meaningful contributions to the state and national development as a legislator so as to attract monumental projects targeting at developing the Lagelu/ Akinyele federal Constituency from the federal government and to bring dividends of democracy to the door step of the people.

Tagged “Ilerioluwa 2023”, Lafisoye who hails from Ile Oba Isale Lalupon in Lagelu Local Government, expressed optimism of clinching the APC ticket to represent the party at the election.

He enjoined other party faithful to rally round his candidacy so as to ameliorate the sufferings of the people through effective representation at the National Assembly.

His words, “I am in the race for Federal House of Representatives because I want to make use of my experience in politics. I have been in this game of politics since 1998 having served as council chairman for Lagelu Local Government and as Oyo State House of Assembly member for four years, I have good record as a politician and all the necessary experiences needed to run and win.

“Look at the crowd of people who gathered here today from the two local governments to show their support.  All the leaders and executive members from the said two local governments are here with us not only to witness my declaration but also to identify with my ambition. This is an affirmation of my acceptability by them and I won’t take their support for granted after the election”, he said.

Other leaders and party executives from the two local governments that spoke at the event, Hon. D.A. Lawal, Madam Abodunwa Abosede, Madam Lateefat Olayinka Jayeoba, Mrs Felicia Bukola, Chief Mrs Akinpelu Olufunke, Elder Amoo, Hon. Ambali Abiola, Professor Adeyemo Oyewo and others all testified that Olafisoye is the best when talking about complete grassroot politician that the party can field for the House of Representatives election in 2023 if it desires to win the election.

Representatives of Team Senator Teslim Folarin, members of Omoluabi Frontiers Group by Chief Yemi Aderibigbe in Lagelu/Akinyele local governments, members of Hausa community in Lagelu/Akinyele, Hon Shina Alabi, Hon. Apapa Adeleke, Hon. Charles Olalekan Odunade, Hon. Abiodun Adedeji, Hon. Taofeek Arowomole, Hon. Aransi Akibu, Hon. M.N. Lawal, Hon. Kehinde Adeleke, Hon. Femi Akintunde, Hon. Wale Bello, Femi Akinyemi were among the leaders present at the ceremony.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of letter of expression of interest to contest presented by Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede separately to the party chairmen in both Akinyele and Lagelu local governments, Hon. Awoyoola Fatai Sunday and Engr. Akinbode Emmanuel which was read on their behalf by Hon. Gbenga Adekanmbi, party Secretary in Lagelu Local Government area.