With just days to the Osun State governorship election, former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and other prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figures in the state have thrown their support behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).
Oyinlola led other PDP leaders, including former Secretary to the Osun State Government Fatai Akinade Akinbade, former PDP South-West Deputy National Chairman Tajudeen Oladipo, former Minister of Police Affairs Adesiyan, and former Deputy Governor Titi Laoye Ponle, in backing the APC candidate.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Oyinlola clarified that they had not left the PDP but decided to support Oyebamiji in the interest of inclusiveness and what they described as the future of Osun State.
The former governor said the group had worked hard to establish the current administration but later became disappointed by what he described as a lack of inclusiveness.
“We don’t want a government of exclusion, we want a government where every Osun indigene can say, ‘This government belongs to me.’”
Oyinlola urged residents to support Oyebamiji, saying the APC candidate would provide good governance and accountability.
“Our responsibility as leaders is to make decisions that will protect the future of our people,” he said.
Oyebamiji thanked the PDP leaders for their support and promised to establish an inclusive administration that would carry all stakeholders along.
Osun Commissioner Regains Freedom
Meanwhile, the Osun State Commissioner for Environment, Mayowa Adejoorin, has regained his freedom after being detained by the state police command over a shooting incident during an APC rally in Ilesa.
Adejoorin was arrested on Saturday following sporadic shootings during a street rally in the Isokun area, which reportedly left four people injured.
The police said the commissioner was arrested at the scene and detained in connection with the incident.
The development triggered accusations between the APC and Accord Party, with both sides blaming each other for the disruption and shootings.
The Imole Campaign Council spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, accused the APC of being responsible, while the AMBO Campaign Organisation’s Director of Media, Remi Omowaye, alleged that the perpetrators were members of the Amotekun security outfit working for the Accord Party.
Olajengbesi had called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to order the release of Accord Party members detained by the police, including Adejoorin.
News of the commissioner’s release sparked celebrations in his hometown of Ikinyinwa-Ijesa, with residents expressing relief over his return.
A resident, Jude Arowolo, welcomed the development and expressed gratitude following Adejoorin’s release.
The development comes as political parties intensify their campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the Osun governorship election this weekend.
Source: Reported statements from the political parties and Osun State Police Command.
