Follow Us on Google
From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Dr Wole Oluyede, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, has restated that it is the turn of the southern district to produce the next governor of the state.
Lamenting that the South has been marginalised over the years, Oluyede said, for the sake of equity and fairness, as an indigene from the southern extraction, he should be supported to become the next governor to balance the political equation in the state.
Oluyede, a native of Ikere-Ekiti and from Ekiti South Senatorial District, said it was time for the number one position to be ceded to the zone, noting he is eminently qualified for the job.
Since the inception of democratic rule in 1999, the governorship position has rotated between Ekiti Central and Ekiti North Senatorial Districts, while the South was confined to only the deputy governorship slot.
Oluyede stated these at his country home, Ikere-Ekiti, during a campaign visit to the town, when he paid separate courtesy visits to the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, and the Olukere of Ikere-Ekiti, HRM Oba Ganiyu Ayodele Obasoyin, at their palaces, where he expressed confidence that the people of the town will play a decisive role in the forthcoming poll.
Speaking at the Ogoga’s palace, Oluyede said the current administration in the state has performed below the expectations of the people, hence his decision to contest for the position.
He disclosed that his ambition was driven by a desire to provide purposeful leadership and unlock the developmental potential of Ekiti State. According to him, Ikere, the second-largest local government area after Ado-Ekiti, had contributed immensely to the growth and development of the state and deserved an opportunity to occupy the highest political office in the state.
“If Governor Biodun Oyebanji had not performed poorly despite the huge monthly allocations to the state there won’t be need for me to contest against this administration. We have seen his capacity and what he has been able to bring to the table. There is no justification for all the allocations received in almost four years in office. If we say they should go, I don’t think it is a bad thing.
“The Governor and his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, have spent almost four years overseeing the affairs of the state. If the deputy, who is from Ikere decided to support an Ikere indigene to become the governor, I don’t think that is too much because when she decided to become the deputy governor I did not in any way oppose her decision.
“We know how they are playing the political game in this state. If they say it is until 2030 before it will be the turn of Ikere to produce the governor, they are telling a very big lie. They don’t willingly give out such a position or serve somebody in politics. You take it by force. Ikere people are saying they no longer want deputy governorship position. The marginalisation of the South since 1999 must end. Now it is my turn. It is our turn in Ikere to produce the next governor.
“They have done all they could in terms of frustrating my efforts. They fought with our people. They threatened them. Whether they like it or not, it is our very turn to produce the next governor.”
At the Ogoga’s palace, the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Ojo Ayodeji, who hails from Ikere-Ekiti, publicly endorsed Oluyede’s ambition. Ojo said he had consulted widely before deciding to support the PDP candidate, stressing that Ikere should unite behind a common goal of producing the next governor of Ekiti State.
The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti offered prayers for Oluyede and the success of the election. The monarch prayed for a peaceful election devoid of violence and casualties and asked God to guide all political leaders.
He further prayed for the continued progress, peace, and prosperity of Ikere Kingdom and Ekiti State as a whole.
Other News
The campaign train later proceeded to the palace of the Olukere to also visit the monarch.
Speaking at the Olukere’s palace, the governorship hopeful said, “I won’t be part of those who will cause or instigate crisis in Ikere.
“I, Wole Oluyede, one of Ikere’s illustrious children is contesting in this election. And I believe the time and our turn has come to produce the next governor, so, we must work together to ensure we achieve victory.
“And like I have always promised that I will not disappoint Ikere and the entire people of Ekiti. I will keep to my campaign promises and ensure that every resident enjoys the dividends of democracy and impacts of good governance.”
The Olukere of Ikere-Ekiti, in his remarks, also offered prayers for Oluyede, adding he will continue to support the Ikere agenda.
He appealed for unity among residents and urged them to continue to support the peace and development of the community.
He emphasised that the progress of Ikere should remain a collective responsibility and tasked political actors to place the interest of the town above personal considerations.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Deji Ogunsakin, described Oluyede as the most qualified candidate in the race and urged residents to unite behind his ambition.
According to him, the PDP remains committed to addressing insecurity, unemployment, and other pressing challenges confronting the state.
Ogunsakin also told the monarchs that Oluyede had continued to enjoy growing acceptance across Ekiti State, adding that traditional rulers and stakeholders from different communities had offered prayers and support for his candidacy.
He assured the people that Ikere would not be neglected under a PDP administration.
The visit attracted a massive crowd, including party people and supporters who thronged the streets and joined the campaign train to the palaces of the monarchs and the campaign venue, chanting solidarity songs and pledging their support for the PDP candidate.
At the campaign ground, Oluyede promised to tackle kidnapping and other forms of criminal activities, create employment opportunities for youths, and improve the welfare of residents, among others, if elected.
He urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the election, noting that the future of the state rests in the hands of the electorate.
