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Oyo LG agog as former PDP members, others rejoin party

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Amid fanfare and pageantry, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja on Tuesday led thousands of his teeming followers to rejoin the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan South East Local Government area.

The event, which took place at Christ Church Primary School, Odinjo, Ibadan, was well attended by the leaders of the PDP in the State.

The returnees, it would be recalled, had earlier joined the party at a mega rally organized by the PDP at Mapo Hall in March this yearbefore the coronavirus pandemic that led to the suspension of political and social gatherings in the State.

The event, which took place at Christ Church Primary School, Odinjo, Ibadan was well attended by the leaders of the party in the State.

Among those in attendance to welcome the returnees to the PDP fold were the former first Lady in Oyo State, Alhaja Mutiat Olayinka Ladoja, who represented the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde State. Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, Hon. Dare Adeleke, Alhaji Tiamiyu Abidikugu, party chairman in Ibadan South East Local Government, Engr Sulaimon Adesina and others.

Others included member of the federal House of representatives, Hon. Abass Agboworin, Hon. Rasaq Abdulahi, Hon. Segun Popoola, Hon. Yay Akinbile, Alhaji Gbade Adeleke, Mogaji Abass Oloko, Alhaji Dsuda Yusuff, Hon. Yemi Aderibigbe, special adviser to the Governor on local government and chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye, Special Adviser on Political Matters among others.

Ambassador Arapaja addressing the crowd

Addressing the crowd at the event, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja said that they took the decision to return to the party after a critical review of the present administration and with the obvious steady and development being experienced in the State, they are left with no other option than to return to the PDP. He declared his full support for Engr Seyi Makinde’s re election for second term in 2023, stressing that Makinde deserves full support of all and sundry for second term in office.

He added that the PDP has a party has brought a new paradigm shift in the governance of the State in the area of road infrastructure, free education for students, health care delivery, prompt payment of workers’ salaries on or before the 25th of every month, payment of backlog of pension for retired civil servants and other initiatives which have brought succour to many residents in the State.

He appealed to members at the gathering to embrace true and genuine reconciliation in the party.

According to him, reconciliation is very important in the party. The governor realizes this that is why he set up a reconciliation committee headed by Chief Saka Balogun.There must not be any faction or group whatsoever. We are back again in PDP. We are grassroot politicians. The opposition will never return to power in Oyo State. We must unite and mobilize others to the party to achieve this.”

(R-L) Ex- Oyo first lady, Alhaja Mutiat Olayinka Ladoja, PDP state Secretary, Mr Wasiu Adeleke, state chairman, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha and Amb. Taofeek Arapaja at the event.

Other returnees at the gathering included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, Hon. Fatai Adesina, Hon. Dele Ojo, Hon. Adedoja Ekolo and Hon. Sunday Babatunde. Hon. Deji Aboderin, APC candidate for Ibadan South East/North East in 2019 election and Hon. Yinka Omikunle from Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

While welcoming the returning and new members at the gathering, the Chairman of the party inIbadan South East Local Government, Engr Sulaimon Adesina, described Arapaja and other returnees as heavyweight and great political asset to the party, and therefore, advising them to work more for uplifting the party in the State.

In their goodwill messages, Hon. Dare Adeleke, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha and others specifically described the event as home coming for the returnees, said that they have further swelled the ranks of the party to become an indomitable force in the State.

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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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