The Council of traditional rulers known as Obas and Baales representing different domains and communities across the 10 wards in Oluyole, have made a historic decision by unanimously endorsing Akeem Olatunji as next executive chairman ahead of the forthcoming Local Government election in Oyo state.
Olatunji is the chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oluyole local government in the coming April 27 Council Poll in Oyo state.
The traditional rulers and leaders made the public endorsement of Olatunji yesterday at the New Garage area of Oluyole, Ibadan.
Spokesman of the Oluyole Council of Obas and Baales in Oluyole, Alayunre of Idi-Ayunre, Oba Muritala Salami Olumini made the declaration of endorsement yesterday on behalf of the two other Obas; Oba Yekini Latunde, Oni-Latunde of Latunde and Oba Tiamiyu Ladipo, Alaba Nla of Abanla as well as the Baales.
Recall that Olatunji’s chairmanship candidacy has continued to secure endorsements after endorsements from stakeholders including politicians, community, traditional and religious leaders as well as interest groups and trade associations across the 10 wards in Oluyole, following what they described as exemplifying the typical Yoruba ‘omoluabi’ ethos.
According to Oba Olumini, the endorsement was a significant development in Oluyole political landscape which clearly signals a show of unity and support for Olatunji’s leadership abilities within the council.
Known for his integrity, diplomacy and politics devoid of bitterness and acrimony as well as his dedication to promoting the cultural heritage and values of their respective communities, Oba Olumini said Olatunji has gained the respect and admiration of the traditional rulers over time.
His track record of promoting collaboration and achieving positive outcomes in his previous engagements as the Spokesman of the ruling party in Oyo state has further solidified his reputation as a capable leader, the Alayunre of Idi-Ayunre stated.
The traditional rulers and baales while lamenting the bureaucracy in government that has continued to limit meaningful engagements with the office of the executive chairman however, urged Olatunji, after being elected to see to their welfare and ensure that they get their due recognition and entitlements as and when due.
In his words: “We all know Obas and Baales are the closest to the people at the grassroots, Akeem Olatunji is our illustrious son and we love him passionately that’s why we’re here to publicly endorse him before everyone today.
“All the baales in Oluyole are over 50 and we assure you that we will all work for Olatunji’s election victory.”
In his remarks, Olatunji, who expressed appreciation to the council of Obas and baales said the momentum being enjoyed by his campaign organization and the party was due to their unflinching support and vowed not to let them down if elected.
He equally expressed gratitude to the Oluyole Council of Obas and Baales for adopting and endorsing him alongside the 10 PDP Councilorship candidates assuring that the the executive-legislative synergy that has culminated into tremendous milestone achievements at the state level would also be engendered in the local government for sustainable development.
Going down memory lane, Olatunji recalled how his passion for grassroots development compelled him to expend personal resources to embark on some renovation projects at separate intervals in the local government which also include rehabilitation of block of dilapidated classrooms in Olomi Community Primary School.
He maintained that as a core political disciple and follower of Governor Seyi Makinde, he remains duty bound to replicate the good governance that has transcended across all the geopolitical zones of Oyo state in Oluyole local government.
He added that he would love to be remembered in Oluyole as a chairman who became a direct replica of Governor Makinde at the local government level and engineering physical developments that directly improve on the well-being of people at the grassroots as well as their socio-economic development.
Olatunji particularly expressed gratitude to Otunba Seye Famojuro who he described as his political guardian angel who has continued to give him all the needed backings and support to grow politically as well as his success at the forthcoming local government election.
“Whatever one does genuinely without deception is what actually lasts just as my leader and mentor, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde is doing at the state level, and I can assure you today that I do not take your support for granted and I will not let you down on this unprecedented show of support for me and my party, the PDP.
“I will ensure that we hit the ground running immediately from the first minute of assuming office as the executive chairman of Oluyole local government and strive hard to place Oluyole and her good people at an enviable height among other local governments.” Olatunji said.
Other traditional leaders at the event include Baale Oleyo, Baale Olomi, Baale Omi Fatokun, Baale Olonde Ige, Baale Agbamu, Baale, Baale Alata and all other Baales in Oluyole Local Government.
In company of Olatunji at the event are the Oluyole PDP Chairman, Alh Mukaila Adegbola, Campaign Council Director General, Architect Salaam Azeez, Chairman of the Campaign Council, Hon Fatai Ogunrin, Oluyole LG Secretary, Hon Azeez Babalola, and other PDP Leaders.
