Politics
2023: ‘It’s our turn’ – Lagelu PDP leaders, stalwarts demand house of reps slot, as Adeaga declares ambition
Leaders and party stalwarts in Lagelu Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday renewed their demand to further advance the ‘Lagelu lo kan’ (It’s Lagelu’s turn) political project, adding that it was the turn of the local government to produce the party’s Federal House of Representatives candidate.
The Oyo PDP leaders took the lead to Akinyele local government as Abideen Adetokunbo Adeaga officially declared ambition to contest the 2023 House of Representatives election on the platform of the ruling party in the state.
Adeaga, who is a successful UK based entrepreneur before returning home to Nigeria held several executive offices under the PDP Diaspora being a founding member of the party in Britain since the return of democracy in Nigeria in1999 while living in the United Kingdom (UK).
Speaking with newsmen shortly after his formal declaration at the PDP Local Government Party Secretariat, Akinyele, Ibadan on Monday December 20, Adeaga, who commended Governor Makinde for making the ruling party the toast of many politicians and prospective political aspirants said he is all out to serve his people with quality and sound representation at the green chamber of the National Assembly.
The House of Reps hopeful who was also accompanied by no fewer than eleven elected Councilors out of the fourteen in Lagelu Local Government went memory lane on how the political journey began upon arriving the UK some over 25 years ago with high hopes and expectations as a young Nigerian abroad. He noted that the passion driving his active involvement in politics was all about giving back to the people and bringing practical developments to Lagelu/Akinyele federal constituency.
“We are here today to formally declare my intention to contest the 2023 House of Reps to represent Lagelu/Akinyele federal constituency so that the era of docile or poor representation at the green chamber of the National Assembly can be brought to an end because my people certainly deserve so much more as a people with great history in this state.
“If you take a look at how joyful people are by yourself, you would know for sure that this is God’s mandate because you can see how happy and excited they are simply because I declared my intention to contest. Truly the voice of the people is the voice of God and we believe that with God on our side, this mission is an already accomplished one.
“Even though a lot of people have been expecting this for a long time I believe in God’s time and I believe that God’s time is now which is why God placed it on my heart to come out publicly and make this declaration to contest to represent my people at the National Assembly because they deserve nothing less than quality and sound representation.” Adeaga said.
Speaking on the leadership of the party in Oyo state and his trust in a free, fair, and transparent political process that will produce the party’s flagbearer come 2023, Adeaga praised Governor Makinde for his political style and approach to leadership stressing that the party remains supreme to any individual political ambition saying he will not at any point allow personal interest conflict with the party’s overall interest.
“The man at the helms of both Government and party’s affairs in Oyo state today, our able Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde is a man of the people. I know him to be a very trustworthy person, he will always stand by the truth and defend it to the end. He will never allow anyone to suffer injustice of any form so I feel safe and secured as a party man under his able leadership.
“He has been a victim of imposition himself and I know that he will not allow imposition of candidates in our party. I am a party man and I have been a party man under the PDP for a very long time even as the former PDP Public Relation Officer (PRO) southwest UK and also PDP Vice Chairman, UK and Iceland from way back before I finally decided to return home. So, It is PDP first, all others come second.” Adeaga added.
Speaking earlier, some of the PDP leaders from Lagelu who spoke while introducing Adeaga commended the political aspirant for being a committed party man to the core even while he was away in the UK. They noted that he has performed exceptionally well as a loyal and committed PDP member living in diaspora by always reaching out to the party in Lagelu all the time he was being called upon for supports and assistance.
They solicited for support from the leaders and elders of PDP in Akinyele to throw their weight behind Adeaga for the realization of his political aspiration stressing that a man who has done so much for the party in his private and personal capacity without any political ambition for many years deserves a reward for such noting that such political support will encourage others to emulate the act of showing commitment to the party even when no political ambition was attached.
The Chairman, PDP Akinyele Local Government, Engineer Akinsola Peter commended Adeaga, all the party leaders and other political bigwigs that accompanied the aspirant. He urged Adeaga to ensure he does the needful towards Akinyele as being done in Lagelu adding that the door of Akinyele is widely open for the aspirant’s political activities to all nooks and crannies of the local government.
In their separate remarks, PDP leaders in Akinyele commended Adeaga for taking the bull by the horns and bring the first person to officially declare his intention to contest for House of Reps on the platform of the party in Lagelu/Akinyele federal Constituency adding that the door of Akinyele is widely open for him to move around in pursuit of his political ambition.
Some of the leaders noted that for an aspirant to have been led by the array of political leaders, party stalwarts and no fewer than eleven elected Councilors out of the fourteen in Lagelu was a clear show of love and acceptance and assured that Akinyele is ready to work with Lagelu in unison to ensure whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer eventually emerges winner after the general election.
Other Akinyele leaders who spoke noted that it is in order for individuals to formally indicate their intentions to contest the 2023 election but caution against a rancorous reactions that may lead to needless controversies. The leaders maintained that Governor Seyi Makinde remains the overall leader of the party in the state and his position on party related issues must be factored into any form of consideration urging prospective aspirants to intensify prayers on their aspirations.
The party leaders from Akinyele however, urged Adeaga not to limit his largesse to Lagelu alone noting that the aspirant should ensure even distribution of opportunities and other benefits due to Akinyele as being provided for the people of Lagelu should be given to them in Akinyele while assuring that even though, there may be others with same political aspirations with Adeaga who are yet to declare their intentions officially, politics should be played with the spirit of sportsmanship.
Some of the leaders and elders present as the event include the Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Tpl Olayiwola, Olusegun Emmanuel, Elder Ajao, Ayobami Sunday, elder Kehinde Fabunmi (KENFAB), chief Adegoke, elder Odeyemi, and others notable party leaders.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.
An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.
However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.
He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.
Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.
He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”
The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.
He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.
Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.
“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.
Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.
The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.
Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.
But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.
“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.
He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.
The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.
“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.
Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.
He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.
The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.
The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.
He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.
Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”
While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.
According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”
He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.
Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.
Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.
Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.
Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”
He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”
The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.
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