The Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso South Local Government, Hon Timothy Oyedokun has rejected his purported suspension and that of his Vice Chairman by members of the Legislative Council, describing the move as an act of illegality orchestrated by political opportunists and self-appointed power brokers to truncate the mandate given by the people.
In a strongly-worded official statement on Tuesday, the Chairman said he had been reliably informed weeks ago of desperate moves to undermine his administration, stressing that political realignment is a democratic right and that even Governor Seyi Makinde realigned his affiliation without losing his seat, so it is hypocritical to use political differences as justification to forcefully remove an elected chairman.
“On the Alleged Illegal Suspension of the Executive Chairman and Vice Chairman of Ogbomoso South Local Government
“The unfolding act of illegality being circulated by certain members of the Legislative Arm of Ogbomoso South Local Government, who purportedly claim to have suspended me and my Vice Chairman, did not come to me as a surprise. I had been reliably informed, weeks ago, of desperate moves by some individuals to undermine our administration, sabotage democratic principles and truncate the mandate freely given to us by the good people of Ogbomoso South.
“Let me make it abundantly clear that political alignment and realignment are fundamental democratic rights. They are neither crimes nor grounds for political persecution. His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, has exercised his political rights and realigned his political affiliation without being stripped of his constitutional position as Governor of Oyo State. It is therefore hypocritical for anyone to suggest that political differences or changes in political allegiance should become a justification for circumventing due process or attempting to forcefully remove an elected local government chairman.
“I am not unaware of the activities of political opportunists and self-appointed power brokers who have allegedly been working tirelessly to ensure my removal through questionable means, particularly where legitimate and lawful avenues have failed. Their desperation, however, cannot supersede the Constitution, the rule of law or the democratic will of the people.
“My loyalty and commitment to the present government in Oyo State have been tested on several occasions, particularly following the departure of my political leader from the government. Despite the political developments and changing circumstances, I continued to discharge my responsibilities with commitment, dedication and utmost respect for the government and the people I represent. Sadly, the same loyalty and commitment that I have demonstrated in service are now being exploited by certain individuals as an opportunity to perpetrate political injustice against me.
“I have consistently reminded those involved that public office is not a personal possession, nor is it a platform for settling political scores. It is a sacred responsibility entrusted to us by the people. I swore an oath to serve the residents and indigenes of Ogbomoso South, and that oath remains binding on my conscience. I will not abandon that responsibility because of political intimidation, threats or the ambitions of individuals who believe that power can be acquired through backdoor arrangements.
“It is evident that the entire development carries a political undertone. However, politics must never be allowed to destroy the institutions of democracy. No individual, group or faction, irrespective of its political influence, is above the law. The Constitution and relevant laws governing local government administration must remain the guiding principles for every action taken by public office holders.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I remain the duly elected Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso South Local Government, and my Vice Chairman remains in office. No purported resolution or political declaration can automatically confer constitutional authority on individuals to remove elected office holders outside the procedures established by law.
“I therefore issue a strong warning to everyone involved in this calculated attempt to destabilise Ogbomoso South: desist from actions capable of plunging our local government into unnecessary political crisis. Do not mistake restraint for weakness, loyalty for surrender or respect for government institutions for an inability to defend the mandate entrusted to us.
“The mandate of Ogbomoso South belongs to its people, not to political opportunists, desperate power seekers or self-appointed custodians of political authority. I will continue to stand firmly on the side of the law, democracy and the people.
“Our administration was elected by the people, and we shall remain committed to the people until the lawful expiration of our tenure. No amount of political intimidation or manufactured illegality will make me surrender a mandate that does not belong to me personally but to the good people of Ogbomoso South.”
God bless Ogbomoso South Local Government.
