Connect with us

Politics

2023: Ultimate search for new Oyo APC chairman

Published

on

Despite various efforts aimed at reconciling aggrieved members and thereafter build a formidable party to reclaim power in 2023, the intrigues surrounding who emerges as the next Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state chapter appear to be deepening.

Interestingly, a powerful Bloc within the party, in conjunction with some members of the Caretaker Committee-led by Chief Akin Oke, are clandestinely appeared ready to determine who succeed the Ogbomoso born politician.

No doubt, there is a big ultimate search for the party’s new chairman to succeed Chief Akin Oke, as major stakeholders appeared desperate.

The APC ward and local government congresses in the state have exposed the desperation of some gladiators as they tried to outsmart and compromised the processes.

Though these gladiators pretended to show concern as an indivisible political family with a common goal to return to the Agodi Government House, but their actions and body languages, as witnessed during the recent concluded ward and local government congresses proved otherwise.

Chief Akin Oke, having been in the saddle for almost 11 years, the party’s stakeholders in the state saw the need for a change of baton, thus making major gladiators to continuously engaging, sensitizing other stakeholders and members of the party in all the geopolitical zones comprising Ibadan, Ibarapa , Oke-Ogun, Oyo among others on how they should vote responsibly in the forthcoming state congress.

Mega Icon Magazine learnt that the gladiators may not agree on  consensus arrangement which may further hindered the party to successfully present its State Executives as some are united in the quest to break political barriers.

Speaking incognito, one of the highly revered stakeholders in the Oyo APC told our correspondent that there are growing agitations over zoning within the party, as groups decided to commence the search for a credible replacement for the outgoing chairman, whose tenure broke the second term jinx in the state and produced the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Meanwhile, some elders of the APC in 10 local government councils in Oke-Ogun area of the state had earlier endorsed an aspirant from the zone as their choice candidate for the governorship ticket in 2023.

They also resolved not to vie for the chairmanship position of the APC in the forthcoming congress of the party.

The stakeholders further argued that Oyo North Senatorial District has produced the Chairman of the party for the past 10 years in the person of Chief Oke, adding that it is the turn of other Senatorial zones to produce the Chairman of the party.

However logical the argument may sound, the APC leader, who confided in Mega Icon Magazine insisted that the old order is likely to persist as the pattern of power scheming in the state may be a replica of what it was historically.

Having sensed the danger ahead of Saturday’s state congress, the APC leaders in Oyo state  arrived at a zoning template for the state executive committee – a dramatic turn of events , which has lessened desperation among major governorship contenders.

Although, it was rumoured that some stakeholders in the party have tipped Ibadan candidates for the governorship ticket, just as they are working tirelessly to achieve their political agenda.

However, among others, the leaders, had resolved that all elective positions, especially governor, deputy governor and Senators in 2023 are open to all the 33 local government areas of the state.

Also, at the meeting held at the Ibadan residence of former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, leaders of the party agreed that Oke-Ogun Zone 1 will produce the next state Chairman.

At the meeting, which had in attendance, Caretaker Chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke; former deputy governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake; Chief Samuel Adegbiji Adekola, C.A Ajibade, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, B.A Ajibade; former speaker and serving minority leader of Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Asimiyu Alarape; Chief Kunle Sanda, Chief Timothy Alarape Jolaoso and Mogaji Banji Olorode, resolved that Ibarapa zone is to produce the next state deputy Chairman while the state Secretary is to emerge from the Oyo zone.

Despite assurances given by the leaders, power game is now more obvious in the Oyo APC ahead of tomorrow’s state congress as the gladiators viewed the zoning template as a political strategy to pave way for an Ibadan governorship candidate to emerge.

In the last 48 hours, some Oke-Ogun candidates whose names keep popping up for the Oyo APC chairmanship seat, according to our checks, included the former Chairman of TESCOM, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi .

Interestingly, a few months ago, the Oke-Ogun APC elders resolved in Ilero, Kajola Local Government, after a stakeholders meeting presided over by Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi at his Ilero residence not to vie for the chairmanship position of the APC in the state among other resolutions.

Also, the stakeholders, at the meeting reportedly endorsed an Oke-Ogun indigene as their preferred governorship candidate.

However, frequent mentioning of former Oyo TESCOM boss, as likely successor to Oke, may be a clog to the decision to zone governorship ticket to Oke-ogun.

Sources further hinted that another name being considered for the post is Chief Goke Oyetunji, a former Senatorial Chairman of the APC in Oyo North; while some stakeholders are scheming for a former scribe of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state, Hon. Dele Akinleye.

Continuing, Comrade Raheem Oyebisi, former Olorunsogo local government chairman, also have a prospect of succeeding Chief Oke

Interesting times lie ahead as the Oyo state chapter of the APC will tomorrow, Saturday, 16th October, 2021  elect its new state executive officers, a significant political hurdle that will either mar or make the party, especially in its quest to returning to the Agodi Government House in 2023.

Comments

Politics

APC Secretariat Violence: Oyo Lawmaker Denies Assault, Alleges Smear Campaign

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Politics

Oyo Reps Member Denies Assault, Dares APC Chieftain to Prove ‘Hospitalisation’ Claim

Published

on

‎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.

Continue Reading

Politics

2027: Oseni kicks off Oyo South Senate bid, rallies support for one million Tinubu votes

Published

on

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.

 

 

Continue Reading

Advertisement

Entertainment

Advertisement

MegaIcon Magazine Facebook Page

Advertisement

MEGAICON TV

Advertisement

Trending