Former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Oyo state, Akeem Olatunji has commended Governor Seyi Makinde over his appointments of elders in the party into the newly constituted Oyo State Elders’ Council and the Oyo State Advisory Council.
This was as Olatunji, who is the PDP chairmanship candidate in Oluyole ahead of the forthcoming 2024 local government election in the state described the move as strategic and laudable for the party.
Olatunji disclosed this on Monday morning noting that the party still maintains its unity while waxing stronger as a political family. He described Makinde’s appointment as putting round pegs in round holes.
Recall that Governor Makinde had last week announced composition of Oyo state Elders Council as well as Oyo state Advisory Council with notable politicians of impeccable characters within the party drawn from all the geopolitical zones of the state.
A statement credited to Makinde in a statement by his chief press secretary, Pastor Sulaimon Olanrewaju last week quoted the governor as saying the duo of former Chief of Staff to Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Dr Saka Balogun and former Minister of Power and Steel, Elder Wole Oyelese will serve as chairman and co-chairman of the State Elders’ Council, respectively.
Other members of the Elders’ Council include former Deputy Governor of the state, Engr Hameed Gbadamosi, former First Lady, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja and Chief Jacob Adetoro.
Others are Chief Sunday Ogunlade, Ambassador Ronke Adefope, Chief Nureni Akanbi and Chief Ademola Eyinade.
The letter added that the State Advisory Council will be chaired by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN.
Members of the Advisory Council include the former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Senator Hosea Agboola, Senator Gbenga Babalola, Oyo State SDP Governorship Candidate for the 2023 election, Barrister Michael Lana, former AD Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon Babatunde Oduyoye and Senator Kamarudeen Adedibu.
Olatunji also Congratulates Senator Hosea Agboola and his committee members on their appointments by the governor saying it was a strategic move that symbolizes due recognition of the critical roles elders play in the overall cohesion of both party and government.
Other notable members of the committee include, Secretary: Miss Lolade Ajibola, Hon Babs Oduyoye (Ibadan Main City), Hon Busari Olayemi (Ibadan Less City, Hon Funmilayo Orisadeyi (Ibarapa Zone), Chief Oyebisi llaka (Oyo Zone), Hon Simon Oyeleke (Ogbomoso Zone), Hon Rafiu Adekunle (Oke-ogun 2), Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi
(Chief of Staff to the Governor), Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro and (Oyo State PDP Chairman), Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke
(Oyo State PDP Secretary).
Olatunji equally congratulates Professor Ayo Ogunkunle, who has been appointed as the Chairman, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, and wished him a successful tenure in office.
“Governor Seyi Makinde is a grand master of the game as far as knowing what decision to take at the right time was concerned.
He is an extremely gifted leader in terms of thoughtfulness and pragmatism and that’s why we’re very blessed in Oyo state to have such a man leading us.
“He has again displayed that special skill with the composition of two very important Councils; Elders and State Advisory Councils and actively engaging our elders, our ‘babas and mama’ in Oyo state PDP in order for them to bring their wealth of experience at both party and government levels to bear in the growth process of Oyo state PDP and the the Makinde led administration.
“For many of us who are core political disciples of GSM, we believe there’s alot for us to learn this great leader who has singlehandedly revolutionized the political landscape in the entire south western Nigeria PDP.
A leader who embodies greatness and humility at the same time like Governor Seyi Makinde is worthy of understudying and we will continue to learn from him.” Olatunji said.