…Olukare, Owa-Ale Bless Aiyedatiwa
Sam Philip
In a couple of days to the off-circle gubernatorial election in Ondo State, three chieftains of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) with their followers defected to All Progressives Congress(APC) on Saturday.
The chieftains, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, are Stephen Olemija, a former House of Representatives member for Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency, Lekan Bada, former Chairman of Akoko North-East and candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the last House of Reps by-election in the constituency and another notable PDP leader, Momoh Mufu, also known as Apongan, on Saturday dumped PDP for APC and were received into the party by the Governor Aiyedatiwa.
The defectors declared their support for Governor Aiyedatiwa.
The governor was at Ikare Akoko and Akoko North-East local government communities on Saturday.
Aiyedatiwa, who was accompanied by his deputy and running mate, Dr. Olayide Adelami, visited Iboropa, Akunnu and Ikare Akoko, where he addressed the residents and had interface with traditional rulers.
He noted that he was received by a large crowd as a result of the positive impact his administration has made in the state.
At Ikare Akoko, headquarters of the local government, Governor Aiyedatiwa visited the palace of Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh, who gave him his blessing.
He also received the blessing of the Owa-Ale of Iyometa Ikare, Oba Adeleke Adegbite, when he visisted him in his palace.
Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the role the monarchs played in his emergence as the APC standard bearer, attributing his victory in the party’s primaries to the prayers and support of the monarchs.
While responding to the requests of the royal fathers, the Governor assured them that the requests would be incorporated into the 2025 budget, stressing the government’s responsibility to ensure equitable development across the state.
He, therefore, assured that if elected, his administration would redouble efforts to prioritise the welfare of every citizen in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said: “I am truly humbled by the incredible show of support from the people of Ikare. Your commitment to our vision for a better Ondo State fills me with immense pride.
“Ikare has always been a beacon of progress, and your loyalty reassures us that our efforts are being recognised and valued.”
He, however, reeled out some of his administration’s accomplishments, such as improvements in infrastructure, agriculture and education.
“We have achieved so much together, from upgrading our roads to enhancing agriculture and investing in our schools, but our work is far from over.
“With your continued support on November 16, we can deliver even more transformation and development,” the Governor said.