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Insecurity: Be more proactive, Oyo APC Chieftain, Oyegoke urges Makinde
A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Pastor Oyewale Oyegoke has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to take urgent steps to end the alarming insecurity in the state.
Pastor Oyegoke, who lamented the increasing rate of criminal activities in Oyo state, also implored the governor to put in place modalities that will address the activities of the hoodlums and criminals disrupting the peace of the state.
He made the plea recently while featuring on Fresh FM’s Cross Fire in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. He described as intolerable, the current wanton destruction of human lives and properties in the state.
The legal practitioner, however urged Governor Makinde to be more proactive and pragmatic in his approach to solving problems , especially security issues.
He said: “I want to emphasize on two Issues, proactiveness and pragmatism.
I want to emphasize that the meaning of proactiveness is taking control of a situation before it happens. Now we have lived in this country for a very long time and we are familiar with Bokoharam insurgency, banditry, cattle rustling and others. I expected when Mr. Governor stepped into the shoe of a big man would be ready or he would have a kind of plan on ground to address all these issues .
“This is not the first time that the issue of insecurity is happening in Oyo state, of course we may not have perfect information here but when we put forward all the circumstantial evidences together, we would see that Mr. Governor has not been proactive enough.
“The pragmatism aspect is that the issues, even when they arise, he has not been responding with practical steps. The governance is so weak , the leadership is so weak, we can see the evidences of a failing state. Now we could have learn from other governors before, we could have even learn from the experiences in Oyo state, these things are not strange.
“I could remember when the one million boys were burning houses here and there in 2015 or 2016 thereabout, Mr. Governor, the late Ajimobi went to the scene , walking round with his entourage talking to the victims, showing empathy for them, that’s pragmatism. Not only that, he launched a lot of security outfits to help himself out and we could see what follow after .
“Governor Seyi Makinde has not led well, he has failed in his leadership, he has failed in the oath of office he took to protect lives and property. He’s the Chief Security Officer of this state and the whole thing has degenerated under his watch”, Oyegoke alleged.
Justifying his submissions, he further observed: “one thing I have noticed is that communication is the life wire of organization’s relationship. When you needed the votes of these people you know how you reached out to them. As a matter of fact, there was a day when we were preparing for election that I got a direct call from him (Governor Makinde), I wouldn’t know how he did it and he called many people as well when he was seeking for votes.
“This time around, he has abandoned these people , he has no local connection with them. I could remember the last two weeks he visited them, some chiefs and Baales wanted to say something , they were telling him that they were coming to see him in camera, that means they have not been talking. And I want to tell you that as a passionate Oyo state citizen on several occasions too I have actually try to communicate Mr. Governor, of course he’s my governor too. I will send him some sensitive information, there’s no day he has acknowledged any of these information .
“The former governor, Ajimobi before he even knew me personally I have also communicated him on several occasions and he will reply. On two to three occasions he has directed people to invite me to his office without even knowing if I’m APC member or not, that is proactiveness. You don’t build fortresses around yourself as a leader, if you think you can protect yourself by building fortresses around yourself, is actually the crowd that are meant to be your protection not the fortresses you are building.
“So in that aspect, he has lost it because he lost direct connection with the people that voted him into power. There could have been a lot of information dropping at his doorstep , especially as a governor because there are several means and mediums through which information reach out to them, but it has not been opened.
“That’s the governor that even said that he couldn’t pick up the call of his mum before the late woman passed on, so we can understand that is his nature and that has to change because we can’t continue to be a snobby, it won’t happen”, he continued.
Oyegoke stressed the need for the state government to strengthen its political will collaboratively with the security agencies to put off the ugly situation before it is too late.
He, thereafter advised the governor to establish a strategic relationship with the police, saying that he ought to have a sense of control over them.
According to him, “Oyo state is a controllable environment and there are somethings you can do within your power in the state as a governor to address the issue of insecurity and we should stop taking alibi that it is national problem. We can separate the national aspect of it, the banditry, and others from the local cultists that are fighting here and there.
“He takes decision (s) so late, and that is what I am talking about proactiveness. Even after the #ENDSARS, what has he done? He went to the IGP and has the Police been effective enough, the police that are shooting his own Amotekun on the leg? There is no relationship and there should be connection. He has not done enough that’s what we are saying. We are only telling him to be proactive and save some lives more.
“You will always need the police , though they are controlled from the federal but you’re the one that is servicing them through some means, and you should have a sense of control.
“So, it is not about I did this and that but a strategic relationship management”, the APC chieftain submitted
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo South Senatorial District have endorsed a member of the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni, as their consensus candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Alice Hall, Ibadan, with party leaders, stakeholders, local government chairmen and state executive members from the nine local government areas in attendance.
The councils represented at the meeting are Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-East, Ibadan South-West, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North and Ido.
The stakeholders expressed satisfaction with Oseni’s aspiration, describing it as timely, credible and anchored on tested leadership and grassroots appeal.
Those present at the meeting included Chief Timothy Jolaoso (Ibarapa East); Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe (Ido); Chief Abdulrauf Bello (Ido); Alhaji Muili Oluokun (Ibadan North-West); Alhaji Mufutau Adisa (Ibadan South-East); Alhaji Bello Oladeji (Ibadan North); Prince Gbade Lana (Ibadan North-East); Engr. Olatunji (Ibadan South-West); Comrade Wale Gbadamosi (Ibarapa North); and Alhaja Moji Adetona (Ibarapa Central).
Other party officials in attendance were the senatorial chairman, Alhaji Mojeed Adebayo; the secretary, Fatai Adesina; Welfare Officer, Sunday Babalola; Deputy Women Leader, Alhaja Fatimah Hassan; Auditor, Alhaja Tinu Adigun; Youth Leader, Lekan Adebayo; Ex-Officio member, Kola Amoo; Treasurer, Lateef Ajiboye; and Senatorial Youth Leader, Olalekan Olowe.
A chieftain of the party in Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Shina Alabi, moved the motion for the lawmaker’s endorsement, which was seconded and unanimously adopted by the stakeholders.
Alabi said Oseni’s decision to abide by President Bola Tinubu’s directive to step down his governorship ambition for the senatorial race underscored his loyalty and commitment to party unity.
He said, “Hon. Oseni has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of the people. His leadership style is inclusive, responsive and development-driven. We are convinced that his emergence as the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District will strengthen the party’s chances and guarantee effective representation.”
He also urged party members to remain united and rally behind credible aspirants with proven capacity and electoral value.
In his remarks, Hon. Aderemi Oseni said his decision to pursue the senatorial seat followed the presidential directives, noting that he accepted the decision in the interest of party cohesion, progress and stability. He recalled that he had earlier prepared for the Oyo South senatorial race in the 2023 general elections, having already purchased the nomination and expression of interest forms as part of an arrangement reached, before stepping down following appeals by party leaders.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the party must close ranks to reclaim political dominance in the senatorial district.
According to him, “There is a huge task ahead, especially with several House of Representatives seats in the district currently held by the opposition. We must work together, mobilise effectively and secure victory for our party and leader, President Bola Tinubu”.
Oseni thanked party leaders and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him and assured them of his commitment to advancing the interests of Oyo South Senatorial District.
The meeting also had representatives from all nine local government areas, with about 10 leaders from each council in attendance.
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.
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