An alternative to Oyetola is suicidal to the future of our state, says Osun monarchs 

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Traditional rulers in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, led by Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Fadipe and Oluresi of Iresi, Oba Sikiru Adeseun, have said that the modest achievements of Governor Gboyega Oyetola had earned him a second term in office.

The royal fathers who said this while the governor took his campaign team to the local government warned that any attempt by the electorate to decide otherwise would be suicidal to the future of Osun.

This was as the governor stated that his campaign strategy would remain issue-based and development-oriented in order to build on the successes made thus far and set the State on a road of socioeconomic renewal.

Oba Fadipe, speaking in his palace where other traditional rulers from across the council gathered, said the governor’s indelible impressions would speak for his re-election since, according to him, he has performed creditably well in transforming the State.

According to Oba Fadipe, Oyetola’s government has been tested and trusted, saying that he is qualified for a second term so that he can lead the state to enviable heights.

He said: “Please continue with your good works. We are satisfied with what God has made you to 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 an all-inclusive and people-oriented governance.

“You are a calm, cool, collected and calculative man who has been silently achieving great things and squeezing water out of solid rocks. 

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

“You have proved that it is only an empty barrel that makes noise. Your campaign slogan is speaking for 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 integrity personified in you. We have seen Omoluabi ethos par excellence in you, 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”.

On his own part, Oluresi of Iresi, Oba Adeseun, who corroborated the Owa, commended the governor for keeping his campaign promises to the people of the state, stating he had justified the people’s mandate.

He said the good works of Oyetola are clear testimony to the fact that the governor deserves a second term, and that to him, seeking an alternative is suicide for the State’s future.

“You have demonstrated good intentions in all you do, and you have been tested, trusted and you are worthy of re-election for second term. Just ride on, we have confidence in you and firm belief that you will win and get re-elected. To us, you have done excellently well, and as traditional rulers, what you have done particularly for traditional rulers in Osun, no one or no Governor has done it 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 to us 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, in actual sense, we are all political animals. You are our choice and choice of the people of Osun. An alternative to you is suicidal to the future of our great State, the monarch said

Addressing the mammoth crowd of 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 campaign and election are not about violence.

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

He appealed to APC members not to panic just as he called on 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 venue of the campaign yesterday. I am appealing to the people to remain calm and unperturbed as we are doing 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 not help anyone 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 said.

The campaign rally also witnessed the defection of some politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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

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

Akinboladun who is 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 saying the task of governance could not be left in the hands of a breastfeeding toddler.

“It is wrong for anyone to leave Osun 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 socioeconomic and infrastructural development and made indelible imprints and legacies that are too big for a toddler to consolidate,” he added.