The Concerned Youths of Oke-Ogun have issued a strong call for integrity in leadership as the region pushes for governorship candidates from Oke-Ogun across all major political parties.
According to the youth group in a statement, the slogan “Oke-Ogun Lokan,” once merely a rallying cry, is now seen as a potential reality, but concerns have emerged regarding the conduct of some traditional rulers.
The youths alleged that a faction of traditional leaders has compromised their values for personal gain, neglecting the best interests of Oke-Ogun.
“Some Obas are so greedy, while some other traditional rulers are men of integrity and honour.
“What do we have to say about some traditional rulers whose conscience have been bribed who would never consider the interests of Oke Ogun.”
“Reports suggested that certain rulers and known political figure have accepted bribes, prioritising their financial interests over the community’s welfare.”
”A recent gathering of these stakeholders in the house of an Oke Ogun politician allegedly involved lavish meals and cash inducements aimed at supporting his controversial governorship project.
What has the politician achieved, what impacts has he made on the lives of people of Oke Ogun?
Critics within the youth group have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of these traditional rulers in influencing electoral outcomes, pointing to the disappointing performance of some leaders during the recent 2023 elections.
They stated: “They can not make anyone win or lose election as they have lost their credibility,” emphasising that despite significant financial backing from top gubernatorial candidate in 2023, these rulers reportedly failed to deliver results.”
In response to these issues, the Concerned Youths of Oke-Ogun have declared their intention to reclaim their future, vowing not to be swayed by corrupt politicians and stakeholders.
They asserted in the statement: “Which Way Forward: Oke Ogun. Oke Ogun Lokan was a slogan rather than reality in the past years, but today, it has turned to reality. Governorship candidates must emerge from Oke Ogun in all major parties.”
However, how do we achieve this goal and objectives when some faction of kings in Oke Ogun are eating from the two sides of their mouth (jenibi Jelohun)?”
“Some Obas are so greedy, while some other traditional rulers are men of integrity and honour. What do we have to say about some traditional rulers whose conscience have been bribed, who would never consider the interests of Oke-Ogun. Who priorities their pockets at the detriment of the entire zone?”
” They cannot make anyone win or lose election as they have lost their credibility. It is evidently clear that anyone who pitched his tent toward them is planning to fail.”
“I see a future Oyo State Governor is coming from Oke Ogun. The youths of Oyo State, especially Oke-Ogun, have decided to take their future into their hands while refusing to be bought over by greedy politicians. It is now the turn of Oke-Ogun, but which way forward. Oke-Ogun must put the round pegs in round holes and put the square pegs in square holes: People of integrity and discipline are to be brought to governance.”
“People who genuinely love Oke Ogun beyond personal gain.Other youth are advised to use their movement to chase these corrupt politicians away, who have added nothing worthy of note to Nigerians or to the state which they represent.”