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OPINION: Emergence of Adelabu And Fences Around Him Part II

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AS news continue to filter in regarding the recently conducted All Progressives Congress, (APC) guber primary election in Oyo state, which produced the immediate past Deputy Governor, Operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), Mr Bayo Adelabu; his religious background, however demands proper clarification ahead of the forthcoming polls.

Checks unearthed that the Pace Setter’s state housed Muslims, Christians and Traditional worshipers, thus the need for proper religious identity in regards of governorship election.

Many believed that Bayo Adelabu was a converted Christian, until the ‘sudden’ addition of ‘Abdulwaheed’ to his name purposely for election.

According to a family source, the religious identity of Adelabu is nebulous.

Relying on the press statement I obtained from the Peoples’ Awareness Initiatives (PAI) under the aegis of Muslim Community, Oyo State issued recently, the group expressed its sympathetic pleasure on account of Chief Adelabu’s victory at the primary poll.

The statement stated that Muslims in the state are at cross road orchestrated by the sullenness and cloudy nature of Bayo Adelabu’s religious identity.

The group argued that Chief Adelabu has hitherto bizarrely conceived to be a Muslim by introducing himself as ‘Abdul Waheed’ while he was declaring his ambition to run for the most exalted seat in the state, observing that being a Muslim transcends mere name bearing.

The statement stressed that “Muslims in Oyo state would be more pleased and assuaged provided that Chief Adelabu can take further practical steps to prove that he is really a Muslim just like all of us are expecting him to be one.

“This persuasion is not only necessary but highly imperative as keeping us (Muslims) in such a dingy and grimy scenario as far as his true religious faith is concerned signals shrewd practise on the part of Chief Adelabu which (without mincing word) would be obnoxious and insupportable.

“The need for Chief Adelabu to practically prove his religious faith as a true Muslim is very vital as such actions determine who his running mate would be, Muslim or Christian?

“The importance of this persuasion is to arouse the consciousness of the so-called king makers to the attendant repercussion of this uncleared religious identity for the Oyo State APC in a general election. In fact, this call does not only beneficial to the Muslims but also to the Christians in the state”, its continued.

Interestingly, if peradventure, Chief Adelabu happens to be a Muslim, will it be justificatory and balanced to have Muslim deputy. will CAN accept it?, the statement questioned.

On the other hand, if he turned to be a Christian, will it be fair and balanced to choose a Christian deputy for him (Christian -Christian ticket?, the statement observed further.

This clamour, as reliably gathered was simply to avert the lopsidedness in political office bearing as well as religious imbroglio on both sides since religion issue is very key in our political affairs and history considering the heterogenous nature of Nigerian state.

Furthermore, it is germane to add that some APC sympathisers in the state who are also conscious of their religions are seriously enmeshed in a quagmire over this indecipherable religion identity of Adelabu.

The press statement, howey urged, Bayo Adelabu to as a matter of urgency clarify his ‘true religious identity’.

“We, as Muslims in the state would be greatly happy if Chief Adelabu can thoroughly identify himself with Islam and as a practising Muslim since this will not only put to rest the lingering controversy, but also afforded him the opportunity to be counted among the inmates of Al-Janah (Paradise).

“At this juncture, we wish to state unequivocally clear that this persuasion and vociferation do not in anyway mean any form of endorsement nor indicates any support for the candidature of Chief Adelabu while we stand resolute with our principles and policies as far as lending our supports to any candidate is concerned.

“We stand with competence and credibility while religious issue is also sacrosanct”, the statement concluded.

Aside this, there are many untold stories about the Governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebayo Adekola Adelabu

 

Ademola Bakare writes from Ibadan

To be continued

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

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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.

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

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

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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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