…Say Gbolarumi cannot destabilise party in the state
Two prominent Ibadan Mogajis and chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have warned a former party member, Diran Odeyemi, to steer clear of the affairs of the party, describing his recent comments on the party’s internal matters as unnecessary and provocative.
The warning was issued by two prominent party stakeholders, Mogaji Abass Oloko and Mogaji Ademola Olasomi Oladosu, who also criticised former deputy governor of the state, Hazeem Gbolarumi, for what they described as actions capable of causing disharmony within the party.
Speaking in Ibadan on Saturday, the duo maintained that individuals who are no longer members of the PDP should refrain from interfering in its activities, stressing that the party remains united under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Oloko said Odeyemi lacked the moral standing to comment on issues concerning the PDP after his exit from the party.
“Diran Odeyemi should concentrate on his new political journey and allow the PDP to focus on strengthening its structures. It is inappropriate for someone who has left the party to keep meddling in its internal affairs,” he said.
The party chieftains also issued a strong warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urging him to steer clear of Oyo State politics.
According to them, political developments in Oyo State should be left to stakeholders and leaders within the state, noting that external interference would not be tolerated.
Oladosu said it was inappropriate for any political figure outside the state to attempt to influence or interfere in the internal dynamics of the Oyo PDP.
“Oyo State is not Rivers State, and our political decisions are determined by our people and our leaders here. We respect political leaders across the country, but nobody should attempt to dictate the direction of our party in Oyo State,” he said.
He added that Wike’s political influence, no matter how significant in his home state, does not extend to Oyo State.
“Nyesom Wike can only have a say in the politics of Rivers State where he comes from. Oyo State is not an extension of Rivers State, and our political structure is firmly rooted in the will of our people.“
“We advise him, with all due respect, to focus on issues concerning his state and his current national assignment, rather than getting involved in the political affairs of Oyo PDP.“
“Our party in this state is stable, organised and capable of managing its internal matters without outside interference,” Oladosu stated.
The chieftains also dismissed suggestions that the PDP in Oyo State could be destabilised by the activities of former deputy governor Hazeem Gbolarumi.
They insisted that the party in the state remains strong and cohesive, noting that no individual possesses the capacity to disrupt its structure or unity.
Oloko said while every member of the party is entitled to express opinions, attempts to create division or tension within the PDP would not succeed.
“Hazeem Gbolarumi does not have the capacity to destabilise the PDP in Oyo State. The party has a solid foundation built over the years and is strengthened by the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde and the collective commitment of loyal members across the state,” he said.
He added that the PDP in Oyo State is far bigger than the ambition or actions of any single individual.
“Our party is a large political family with well-established structures across all local governments and wards in the state. No individual, regardless of status, can single-handedly undermine or destabilise it,” he said.
Oloko further noted that it was disappointing that some individuals who had previously benefitted from the goodwill of Governor Makinde were now allegedly engaging in actions capable of causing tension within the party.
“It is unfortunate that some people who have benefitted immensely from the benevolence and inclusive leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde are now acting in ways that could create unnecessary discord. Such behaviour is not in the interest of the party,” he said.
Similarly, Oladosu cautioned against what he described as acts of betrayal within the party, urging members to remain loyal and committed to its collective goals.
“We advise anyone considering actions capable of causing division within the PDP to desist. The party has accommodated many interests over the years, and it is only fair for everyone to work towards sustaining the unity we currently enjoy,” he added.
The chieftains, therefore, called on party members to remain focused and committed to strengthening the PDP in Oyo State while ignoring what they described as distractions from political detractors.
