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S’west PDP Congress: ‘Learn to stand by the truth’, Makinde’s aide replies Fayose, others

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Former governor of Ekiti State, Mr.  Peter Ayodele Fayose, has been cautioned against making unguarded statements and spreading falsehood against the person of the Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, over the just-concluded South-West PDP zonal congress held in Osogbo.

The former governor, and a zonal chairmanship candidate, Dr. Eddy Eniola Olafeso, who earlier promised to abide by the outcome of the congress, have been quoted in the media making contrary statements in the past few days.

A statement by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, however, admonished the former governor and other leaders on the need to stand by the truth, be men of their words and give the necessary support to the new zonal chairman of the party, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja.

“We implore all stakeholders in the South-West PDP to accept the outcome of the Osogbo congress in good faith and join hands with other leaders to build a virile party that is ready to return the glory of the PDP in the zone,” the statement said.

The statement noted that Governor Makinde had already regarded the Osogbo zonal congress as a family matter, having declared that there would be neither a victor nor a vanquished, warning that Fayose and others should not take that liberty to blackmail him.

Adisa maintained that Governor Makinde remains open to the idea of collaborating and cooperating with all leaders to rebuild the PDP in the South-West zone, with a view to turning it into a winning party again.

The statement comes on the heels of press interviews by former Governor Fayose and Dr. Olafeso, which presented some distorted versions of the outcome of the Osogbo congress.

The statement added that it was unfair for any stakeholder to go to a national television to attack Makinde and impugn the integrity of the peaceful and transparent congress.
According to the governor’s aide, the allegations by Fayose and especially his reference to Governor Makinde as being ‘quiet but deadly’ were baseless, made in bad faith and should be discountenanced by all well-meaning individuals.

He also stated that it appears that those raising unfounded issues against the congress might be smarting from ‘failing in an art they thought they had perfected.’

The statement added that the orchestrated media blitzkrieg against Makinde is a misguided and untoward development, adding that those involved should desist from trying to tarnish the governor’s image.

The governor’s aide wondered why the former Ekiti governor, Dr. Olafeso and others are trying to impugn the integrity of the peaceful, transparent and fair congress, by citing developments unconnected with the congress.

He noted that the claim that some members of a Road Transport Union followed Governor Makinde to Osogbo was spurious and puerile.

Adisa added that the governor is a peace-loving man and that he should not be accused of something he knew nothing about.

He stated that any individual could have found his/her way to Osogbo and claim to have been in the governor’s convoy but that such claim should not be taken as sacred.
The media aide further wondered why despite the claims by Fayose and Olafeso, there was not a single case of violence or arrest of anyone loyal to Governor Makinde at the congress.

Adisa added that if some individuals decided to explore their freedom of movement and expression by travelling to Osogbo for sight-seeing and then made a video, which is deemed offensive, Fayose should have reported to the appropriate authorities instead of seeking to defame the character of Governor Makinde.

“The South-West PDP zonal congress held in Osogbo has come and gone and there is no doubt that it will go down the history lane as one of the most peaceful PDP congresses in the zone.

“The peaceful conduct of that congress, one must say, followed the body language and actions of the leader of the party in the zone, Governor Makinde, a man renowned for being a peaceful politician.

“Despite the desperation and provocations from the Fayose camp, the governor maintained his calm and guided the zone to a peaceful congress that has now produced worthy leaders for the party.

“The governor made it clear from the outset that the congress was about rebuilding and strengthening the South-West PDP and he worked hard to ensure that the party puts its best forward, as, according to him, whatever happened in that congress had ramifications for the national polity.

“Governor Makinde had equally described the congress as a family affair, promising to work with anyone who emerged winner, with the climax of the Monday, April 12, 2021, event being the eventual acceptance of Governor Makinde as the leader of the South-West PDP by former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.

“One is, therefore, surprised that less than 48 hours after that acceptance and the commitment to work with Governor Makinde to build the party, the former governor is masterminding an assault against Governor Makinde over the peaceful congress in which the latter made it clear that there would be ‘no victor, no vanquished’.

“One can see the ungodly pattern Makinde’s critics are following by trying to build a false narrative around the congress with a view to rubbishing it.

“It should, therefore, come as a surprise to the public that the same camp that claimed that it had conceded defeat and was ready to work with Arapaja, is now engaging in media warfare against the governor.

“In the morning of Wednesday, Mr. Eddy Olafeso was on national TV to lay the foundation for what would be a sustained effort to tarnish the image of the governor. By evening, the cycle was completed by Mr. Fayose, who also appeared on the same medium.

“This has proven that false alarm and deliberate falsehood are being deployed to rubbish an otherwise peaceful congress.

“While we would not like to join issues with Mr. Fayose and those who contested against Ambassador Arapaja, over the outcome of the congress, we would like to caution that no one should attempt to impugn the personality of Governor Makinde, a peace-loving individual, who has never got anything by violence. The peaceful conduct of his campaign while running for office as governor of Oyo State is an attestation to this fact.

“Therefore, going on air to say that Governor Makinde is “quiet but deadly” is not only unstatesmanlike, it is also unguarded, malicious and wicked.

“We make bold to say that while those who lost the election at the congress are allowed to rue their loss despite the assurance by Governor Makinde that there will be no winner or loser, it is expedient that they guard their utterances and avoid any descent into the gutter.”

 

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APC knocks Makinde over UN probe call on Oriire abductions

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings, abductions and rescue of 46 victims in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as “shameful, shocking and unbecoming of a leader.”

The opposition party accused the governor of politicising insecurity and attempting to internationalise what it called a domestic security challenge.

Makinde, while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the attacks and rescue operation were “grave and unusual.”

The governor’s position came days after he alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his alleged 2027 presidential ambition.

But in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the governor’s position was a demonstration of “ineptitude, cluelessness and grandstanding.”

The party urged Makinde to be “circumspect, decorous and statesman-like” as he prepares to complete his tenure.

It alleged that insecurity had worsened in Oyo State under the present administration, claiming the state had become the worst affected by banditry in Southern Nigeria.

The APC also criticised the governor’s appeal to the United Nations, arguing that Article 2(7) of the UN Charter discourages external interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
According to the party, rather than calling for an international investigation, the governor should focus on addressing the security challenges confronting residents of the state.

The opposition party further challenged Makinde to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to local government funds, the Bodija explosion relief fund, surveillance aircraft procurement, airport and stadium upgrade projects, among other transactions.

The APC, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the APC’s latest claims

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2027: Bunvic Has Edge in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Reps Race – Agbomojo

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A political observer and public affairs commentator in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Oladejo Ezekiel Agbomojo, has said former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, popularly known as Bunvic, is currently better positioned than other aspirants to reclaim the Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election.

Agbomojo, who is from Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, stressed that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his position was based on his independent assessment of the political atmosphere in the constituency and feedback gathered from residents, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Speaking on political developments ahead of the 2027 general election, Agbomojo said Bunvic’s experience, grassroots acceptance and long-standing relationship with the people had given him an advantage over other aspirants seeking to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

According to him, the former lawmaker’s previous tenure in the Green Chamber provided him with the legislative experience and understanding required to address the developmental needs of the constituency.

He also identified Bunvic’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of his major political strengths, expressing optimism that such ties could facilitate the attraction of more federal projects, appointments and developmental opportunities to Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency if elected.

Agbomojo further commended Yeyeluwa Toyin Odebunmi, wife of the APC candidate, describing her as a compassionate woman whose humanitarian interventions have continued to earn admiration across the constituency and beyond.

He said her empowerment and outreach programmes have impacted women, youths, students and other vulnerable groups in different communities, adding that her activities have complemented her husband’s political efforts and further strengthened his acceptance among the electorate.

He also attributed Bunvic’s growing political advantage to what he described as renewed unity within the APC.

According to him, the cordial relationship between Bunvic and respected party leaders, including Senator Ayo Adeseun, as well as the emergence of the APC deputy governorship candidate from Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency, had further boosted the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

Describing Bunvic as one of the most accessible and generous politicians in the Ogbomoso zone, Agbomojo said the former lawmaker had remained close to the people and consistently demonstrated a willingness to support individuals and communities whenever the opportunity arose. He added that his interactions with residents across the constituency indicated a growing belief that Bunvic deserved another opportunity to represent them at the Green Chamber.

“I am not speaking as an APC member because I am not one. This is simply my personal opinion based on what I have observed and the views I have heard from many people across Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa,” he said.

“From my interactions with residents, many believe Bunvic has the experience, the political connections and the grassroots support needed to represent the constituency effectively once again,” he added.

While expressing confidence in Bunvic’s chances, Agbomojo urged the former lawmaker to place greater emphasis on tackling youth unemployment if elected. He acknowledged Bunvic’s previous empowerment initiatives but maintained that sustainable job creation should remain one of his major priorities.

“Hon. Bunvic has done well in supporting young people through different empowerment initiatives, and I acknowledge those efforts. However, I want him to place even greater emphasis on employment generation because many of our youths are still searching for jobs. Creating sustainable employment opportunities should remain one of his major priorities if elected,” he said.

Agbomojo also called for increased Federal Government presence in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency through the establishment of more federal institutions, infrastructure projects and programmes capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. He said attracting more federal projects would not only improve residents’ standard of living but also create opportunities for young people and local businesses.

“I strongly believe Hon. Bunvic has what it takes to attract meaningful federal projects because of his experience, his relationships within government and his understanding of the needs of our people. What Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency needs now is greater federal presence, improved infrastructure and more employment opportunities for our youths,” he stressed  while maintaining that his views were entirely personal.

He, however, said the electorate would have the final say, urging political actors to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns that would promote the development and prosperity of Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency.

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Oyo: Makinde presents staff of office to new Alakufo of Akufo

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The Oyo State Government on Friday presented the staff and instruments of office to the new Alakufo of Akufo in Ido Local Government Area,  Engr. Lamidi Taoreed Ayankojo Adefisoye.

The presentation, held at the Ido Local Government Secretariat, followed the approval of Adefisoye’s appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde.

A memo dated June 24, 2026, from the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, titled “Re: Filling of Vacant Stool of Alakufo,” conveyed the governor’s approval.

The memo, with reference number CB141/152/4T/119 and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Kola Abiola, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, stated that the appointment took effect from October 23, 2023.

It read in part, “I am directed to inform you with great pleasure that His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, has graciously approved your appointment as the Alakufo of Akufo with effect from October 23, 2023.”

The staff of office was presented to the monarch by the Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Aderemi Adeojo, alongside Abiola, who represented the state government.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Head of Local Government Administration in Ido, Alhaji Sarafadeen; the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the council, Mr Adelu; the head of the Adefisoye family, Mogaji Nurudeen Adegbola Adefisoye; the head of the Okekegan family of Akufo, Asiwaju Tunde Black; and Alhaji AbdulAzeez AbdulSalam.

Speaking after receiving the staff of office, Adefisoye expressed appreciation to Makinde, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, and the Ido Local Government chairman for their support.

He also thanked the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the selection process.

The monarch expressed gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for their support throughout the process.

He pledged to work closely with the state and local governments while promoting peace and development in the community.

Adefisoye promised to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, investment, security, transportation, and the preservation of Akufo’s cultural heritage.

He called on indigenes of the community, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of efforts aimed at accelerating the development of the town.

“I accept this honour with humility and a deep commitment to serve. This is not my vision alone; it is our collective mission. I invite all sons and daughters of Akufo, at home and abroad, to join hands with me in building a peaceful, united and prosperous community for future generations,” he said.

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