A Pressure Group from OKE-OGUN geopolitical zone of Oyo State, Oke-Ogun Project Forum, has challenged Gov Seyi Makinde to make a commitment to handing over to an Oke-Ogun indigene come 2027 and be assured of Oke-Ogun block- vote for his second-term bid.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday and signed by the Convener of the group ESV Ismail Bimpe Adewoyin , which according to him is a fallout of the gubernatorial debate between Gov Makinde and other opposition party candidates which took place in Ibadan yesterday.
The Group observed that all through the exercise; arguments seemed to revolve around one candidate from Ibadan waiting to succeed another one from Ibadan in 2027, ignoring the rights of others from the rest zones of the state, particularly Oke-Ogun region. This is unacceptable to the Group:
“Yesterday, Sunday, the 19th February, 2023 witnessed a superlative performance of Fresh FM Radio Station as the station, in conjunction with others across the state, organized a live debate for the major political parties’ gubernatorial candidates.
The PDP candidate and sitting governor – Engr Seyi Makinde, Accord Party’s Chief Adebayo Adelabu and APC candidate, Sen. Teslim Folarin were to appear for the debate but due to one reason or the other, only two candidates were on air.
The debate has come and gone, the jabs, the arguments and counter arguments by the participants was impressive. Both Gov Seyi Makinde and Chief Adebayo Adelabu spoke with maturity, facts and brotherliness which portends good prospects for our dear state.
However, both of them goofed and became selfish on the issue of successor. In their responses, the agenda is Ibadan and Ibadan only.
Where is the right of other sections of the state? The Okeogun, Ibarapa, Oyo and Ogbomoso geo-political zones? They too need to hold Executive political power and which we insist, has to rotate in 2027. Is Governorship in Oyo State meant for Ibadan indigenes only? When would another person from zones other than Ibadan have a taste of power in the state?
For equity, fairness and justice in an egalitarian society like ours to prevail, both Gov Seyi Makinde, Chief Adebayo Adelabu and any other likely aspirants from Ibadan should conceed 2027 and allow an Okeogun indigene to succeed whoever wins March 11, 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.
As incumbent governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde should be ready and prepared to support an Okeogun candidate for 2027 if only he wants our massive votes on March 11, 2023,” the statement said.
*Esv Ismail Adewoyin*
The Convener,
Okeogun Project Forum
