Osun 2022: Traditional Rulers endorse Governor Oyetola for second term

The traditional rulers in the Osun State Council have reaffirmed their unflinching support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship candidate, Adegboyega Oyetola, saying they would do all within their powers to get him re-elected in the forthcoming governorship election.

They did this while the campaign train of Governor Oyetola was moved to Boluwaduro Local Government Area,

The traditional rulers led by the Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Fadipe, and the Oluresi of Iresi, Oba Sikiru Adeseun, said the modest achievements of the governor had earned him a second term, insisting that any attempt for the State to decide otherwise would be suicidal to the future of Osun.

The governor maintained that his campaign strategy would continue to be issue-based and development-driven to consolidate the gains recorded so far and set the State on the path of socio-economic rejuvenation.

Speaking in his palace where other traditional rulers across the Council assembled, Oba Fadipe said the indelible imprints of the governor would speak for his re-election as, according to him, the governor has performed creditably well to transform the State.

OBA FADIPE’S REMARK

Oba Fadipe, who described the administration of Governor Oyetola as unprecedented, said he has been tested and trusted and is therefore qualified for a second term so that he can take the State to enviable heights.

He said: “Please continue with your good works. We are satisfied with what God has made you do within three and a half years. You have convinced us beyond reasonable doubt and done so much beyond expectations.

“Your style of governance is unique. You have been running all-inclusive and people-oriented governance.

“You are a calm, cool, collected, and calculative man who has silently achieved great things and squeezed the water out of solid rocks. 

“We know what is limited to the State in terms of resources, but despite this apparent reality, your government has not disappointed us or left anyone in doubt of your capacity to achieve greatness with little.

“You have proved that only an empty barrel makes noise. Your campaign slogan is speaking to you already. That is why your achievement knows no bounds. 

“As traditional rulers, we are good assessors. We have assessed your achievements, and we are satisfied with all you have done.

“We have seen that you are integrity personified. You possess the Omoluabi ethos par excellence, and your calmness and integrity have endeared you to many.

“I am appealing to you all to support him wholeheartedly because he deserves to be re-elected.”

OBA ADESEUN LAUDS GOVERNOR OYETOLA

Corroborating the Oluresi of Iresi, Oba Sikiru Adeseun lauded the governor for being faithful to his electoral promises made to the people of the State, saying he has justified the people’s mandate.

Oba Adeseun said the governor’s good works are clear testimonies to the fact that the governor merits a second term.

“You have shown good intentions in all you do, and you have been tested, trusted, and worthy of re-election for a second term.

“Ride on. We have confidence in you and believe that you will win and get re-elected.

“To us, you have done excellently well. As traditional rulers, what you have done, particularly for traditional rulers in Osun, no one or no governor has done in the history of this State.

“Your achievement has surpassed what we have experienced in the past. We don’t know where you have been getting money to run the affairs of the State. You have proved that you are a financial wizard and an economy expert. You have done beyond expectations. We will do all within our power to get you returned. 

“Though we are expected to be apolitical, we are all political animals in the real sense. You are our choice and the choice of the people of Osun. An alternative to you is suicidal to the future of our great State,” the monarch added.

GOVERNOR OYETOLA PROMISES TO IMPROVE ON PAST ACHIEVEMENTS

Addressing the mammoth crowd of the party loyalists at St. Thomas, Otan-Ayegbaju, the campaign venue, Governor Oyetola promised to consolidate his modest achievements and improve on them in his second term.

He warned members of the opposition parties to be cautious, saying campaigns and elections are not about violence.

Governor Oyetola, who expressed surprise at the attack on the members of the press and loyalists of the party shortly after his campaign at Gbongan yesterday, said it was unfortunate that the opposition had resulted in violence.

He appealed to the party members not to panic, just as he called on the security operatives to go after the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“I am surprised at the attack that occurred shortly after I left the campaign venue yesterday. I am appealing to the people to remain calm and undisturbed as we do everything possible to maintain peace and order.

“We have charged the security agencies to go after the perpetrators. Osun is known for peace, and we will continue to maintain that status no matter what.

“Violence will help no one or take anyone anywhere. I have been tested and trusted. We are sure of victory, and in a free and fair contest, I will win by the grace of God,” Oyetola added.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mr. Kolawole Akinboladun said the modest achievements of Governor Oyetola were the reasons for the defection from PDP to APC.

He said the defectors are notable personalities across the nooks and crannies of the Boluwaduro Local Government and that they are ready to do everything to re-elect Governor Oyetola for a second term.

Akinboladun, from Ward 4 in Boluwaduro Local Government Area, said no effort would be spared to campaign massively for the governor in their respective domains.

Earlier, the Director-General, Oyetola Campaign Council, Senator Ajibola Basiru, urged the people of the State to vote massively for Governor Oyetola.

He said, “It is wrong for anyone to leave Osun’s governance in the hands of a breastfeeding child.

“Governor Oyetola has, within three and a half years of his administration, built a solid foundation, set Osun on the path of socio-economic and infrastructural development and made indelible imprints and legacies that are too big for a toddler to consolidate,” he affirmed.

 

PR/Suzan O.