Osun monarch declares support for Oyebamiji, promises APC overwhelming votes
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Dr Adetoyese Oyeniyi, on Tuesday declared support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji, assuring him of overwhelming votes from Gbongan and neighbouring communities ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Oba Oyeniyi made the declaration when the APC campaign train visited Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government Area. He expressed confidence in Oyebamiji’s ability to govern the state and pledged the support of traditional rulers, chiefs and residents of the constituency.
The monarch said Gbongan had maintained a consistent voting pattern in previous elections, recalling that the constituency voted for former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and later stood firmly behind former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
“Since voting began in this constituency, we have never lagged behind. We voted for Aregbesola, and we all came together. We also voted for my leader, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, and stood united behind him. Even when some constituencies disappointed Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, this constituency remained firm in its support,” he said.
The traditional ruler, who said Gbongan and its environs had about 27,000 votes, urged residents to support Oyebamiji and appealed to the APC candidate not to forget the constituency if elected governor.
“So, I want to appeal to my people to cast their votes for Oyebamiji. We have seen his antecedents. We won’t mislead you. If we tell you where to go, ensure you go there. You won’t regret it. So, I congratulate our incoming governor. But don’t forget our agreement after becoming governor,” he said.
In his remarks, Oyebamiji said good governance and security would be his top priorities. He criticised the Adeleke administration, alleging that there were no visible state government projects in the area despite increased monthly allocations to the state.
The APC candidate said, “The least monthly allocation Osun State has received since Governor Adeleke assumed office is ₦16 billion. Anyone can verify this. Before we left office, we recruited teachers. Governor Adeleke later disengaged them. When he decided to recruit another batch, applicants were reportedly made to pay ₦3,500 for application forms. Out of 1,000 appointment letters issued, about 870 were allegedly given to indigenes of Ede”.
