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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 expressed sadness over the security situation in the state.
The candidate promised that his administration would ensure radical restructuring and a comprehensive upgrade of the state’s internal security to effectively tackle security challenges in the state if he becomes governor.
Oluyede made the pledge during his campaign tour across communities in Ekiti North Senatorial District, where he also promised to integrate traditional rulers into the state’s security architecture, citing their closeness to the grassroots and their understanding of local security dynamics.
The campaign tour witnessed a massive turnout and strong endorsements from party faithful, traditional rulers and residents in Eda Oniyo, Iye-Ekiti and Otun-Ekiti, as the PDP candidate accused the incumbent APC-led administration of failing to protect lives and provide basic infrastructure for the people.
At the palace of HRM, Oba Julius Awolola, the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Oluyede thanked the monarch and residents for the warm reception accorded to the PDP delegation despite the prevailing security concerns in the area.
Addressing the gathering, the PDP candidate expressed deep concern over the recent kidnapping incidents in the community, describing the government’s response as insensitive and inadequate.
“It is the duty of any responsible government to protect the lives of its citizens. Ekiti that used to be a safe state is gradually becoming a haven for bandits and kidnappers and the current government has decided not to take any action to address it.
“When a government collects billions of naira as security votes and communities still experience repeated kidnappings and violent attacks, then it becomes clear that urgent political decisions must be taken to rescue the people from insensitive leadership.
“We will make use of technology innovations and we will also involve our royal fathers in security matters because our traditional institutions have always played critical roles in protecting communities before the current wave of insecurity,” Oluyede stated.
The campaign train later moved to Iye-Ekiti, also in Ilejemeje Local Government, where thousands of PDP supporters trooped out to receive the party’s candidate and his entourage.
Speaking during the rally, a PDP chieftain, Hon. Duro Faseyi, urged residents to support the PDP in the forthcoming election, insisting that the party had a proven record of development across Ekiti State.
“I said before Kabiyesi that no government can challenge the PDP in terms of developmental projects facilitated to Iye-Ekiti and other communities.
“We can boldly point to projects executed under the PDP administration. Ekiti people truly enjoyed democratic dividends during our years in government, and this is the time to return the state to that glorious era. We have presented the right candidate in Dr Wole Oluyede.”
At the palace of HRM, Oba Jonathan Agboola Adeleye, the Oniye of Iye-Ekiti, Oluyede again criticised the APC administration, accusing it of neglecting rural communities despite huge federal allocations accruing to the state.
The PDP flag bearer lamented the worsening insecurity, poor road infrastructure, unemployment and economic hardship confronting residents across the state.
“This area is gradually becoming a haven for kidnappers, yet the state government appears unconcerned.
“In the last three years, Ekiti State has received over one trillion naira in allocations, yet our roads remain in terrible condition, electricity supply is poor, there are no jobs for our youths, potable water is lacking and hunger is ravaging the land.”
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He assured the people in the community of empowerment programmes, economic support initiatives and rural development policies under a PDP-led administration.
“But by the grace of God and through the power of your votes, we will send this incapable government packing. If they bring money during the election, collect it because it belongs to you, but vote for competence and development,” he added.
At Otun-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area, the campaign team visited the palace of the Oore of Otun, HRM, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, where the PDP deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Deji Ogunsakin, appealed to traditional rulers to support the party’s mission to rescue the state.
Ogunsakin lamented the deteriorating security situation in farming communities, noting that many farmers could no longer access their farmlands due to fear of attacks and abductions.
“We are tired of the present situation and we need your support to change the direction of governance in Ekiti State.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, but the current administration has failed in that regard. What happened in Eda Oniyo is a clear indication that the government has lost touch with the realities facing the people.”
He maintained that the PDP was prepared to provide competent leadership capable of restoring public confidence, reviving agriculture, fixing rural roads and creating sustainable jobs for youths.
Speaking at the Oore of Otun’s palace, Oluyede said his visit was primarily to seek royal blessings and prayers ahead of the election, while reiterating his commitment to all-round development if elected governor.
“I did not come here merely to campaign but to seek your prayers and support so that we can succeed in rebuilding Ekiti State.
“Politics should serve as a platform for delivering the dividends of democracy to every community. I have over 40 years of professional medical experience and more than a decade of active political involvement. We understand the challenges confronting our people and we are prepared to tackle them head-on.”
Responding, the Oore of Otun, Oba Adeagbo, urged politicians to prioritise good governance and the welfare of citizens above personal interests.
The monarch noted that while traditional rulers remain apolitical, they have a responsibility to pray for leaders and advocate for development that directly impacts the people.
“Politics is challenging because it brings together different kinds of people, but Ekiti is blessed with credible and intellectually sound individuals who can provide quality leadership,” the monarch said.
“What we desire is for the dividends of democracy to spread across communities. The gap between the rich and the poor is becoming too wide and people are suffering.”
The royal father also charged political leaders to emulate the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whom he described as a symbol of prudent management and visionary leadership.
“We do not need empty promises. We need leaders who will change the narrative and govern with integrity. Traditional rulers are closer to the people and we understand their pains. When you get to office, please do well for the people,” the monarch prayed.
The palace meeting was attended by several prominent traditional rulers from neighbouring communities, including the Onigogo of Igogo, Oba Sunday Adewumi; the Olosan of Osan, Oba Bamidele Jimoh Tajudeen; the Onikun, Oba David Olatunde; the Owa of Osun, Oba Joseph Adeleke Adeleye; the Elepe of Epe, Oba M.O. Atolagbe; the Aroniko of Iro, Oba James Ajiboye Omotoso; the Onirare of Irare, Oba Julius Adebowale Olukayode, among others.
Also present was the Secretary of the Traditional Council, Mr John Olabode Ogidiolu.
