- Akinterinwa, Mato, others drum support as Gov tours Oke-Igbo, Bamikemo, Ile-Oluji
The campaign tour of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State hit Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area on Wednesday, with the Governor engaging with the stakeholders of major communities and addressing crowds of supporters.
At Ile-Oluji, the Jegun Olu-Ekun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Olufaderin Adetimehin, expressed confidence that Governor Aiyedatiwa would win the election as he has been divinely chosen to lead the state.
The monarch commended the governor for his remarkable achievements across all sectors in the state and pledged the unwavering support of the people in the council area.
“When the election results are announced, Your Excellency, you will see that our promises are not empty words,” the monarch assured.
Oba Adetimehin also highlighted the major challenges of the community, including a shortage of electricity supply and illegal mining activities.
In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the monarch for the warm reception and urged him to replicate the same level of support as during the primary election to ensure a resounding victory for the APC in November.
Addressing the community’s concerns, the Governor assured the gathering that his administration was actively tackling illegal mining, adding that his government would address other issues as they arise, within the limits of available resources.
At Oke-Igbo, the Regent of the community, Princess Olusola Olufunke Babajide, who presented the community’s needs, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his leadership style within the short period since he assumed office and commended him for appointing indigenes of the area into his administration.
Responding, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated his commitment to the development of Oke-Igbo and all parts of Ondo State.
“Your Royal Highness, I deeply appreciate your prayers and words of encouragement. I also thank you for the clear articulation of your community’s needs. Rest assured, every request will be given the attention it deserves,” the Governor said.
At Bamikemo, the headquarters of Ile-Oluji West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Isaac Iluyomade Abiola, the Akemo of Bamikemo land, spoke on behalf of all the traditional rulers in the area, thanking the Governor for the creation of the LCDA.
The Akemo noted that without the establishment of the LCDA, the area would have continued to face significant developmental challenges.
In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa recalled the initial legal challenges faced by the LCDAs and reiterated his firm resolve in ensuring they were established and operational in order to bring governance closer to the people.
Addressing infrastructure concerns, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the people that rural-urban road projects would soon reach the council area, emphasising his administration’s commitment to delivering sustainable development.
The Governor listed some of his administration’s achievements and pledged that all outstanding development projects would be completed.
During the tour, former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa and a chieftain of the APC, Mathew Oyerinmade (MATO) canvassed the support of the people of the council area for the Governor.
While speaking, Hon. Festus Adefiranye, the Member representing Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his outstanding performance since assuming office. He highlighted the governor’s efforts in governance, describing them as impactful and praiseworthy.
The federal lawmaker assured the governor that the constituency remains firmly aligned with his election bid, expressing confidence that the APC will secure a decisive victory in the coming gubernatorial election.