James Sowole in Abeokuta
Indigenes of Ogun State have restated their resolve to shield their heritage and be sure that the ‘Ogun for Ogun’ mandate of distinguished stakeholders within the state is actualised within the 2027 governorship election within the state.
They made this pledge of their separate remarks through the ward-to-ward excursions embarked upon by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oladipupo Adebutu, and his working mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, declaring their help for the candidates forward of the ballot.
Adebutu and Kolapo have previously weeks been touring wards throughout all of the native authorities areas in Ogun, mobilising indigenes and intimating them with their seven-point agenda tagged: ‘ITURA DE.’
Many grassroots dwellers who had been assembly Adebutu and Kolapo for the primary time had been excited to obtain the candidates to their communities as they welcomed them with fanfare.
Indigenes additionally had the chance of getting city corridor discussions with the PDP candidates the place they enumerated the challenges they’re going through of their varied communities.
They urged Adebutu to repair their deplorable roads and help farmers with seedlings and fashionable agricultural gear to allow them to produce meals in giant amount for the state.
Speaking at completely different ward engagements, stakeholders resolved to mobilise help for the ‘Ogun for Ogun’ mandate, stressing that: “It will be a slap on our dear state if a stranger is allowed to rule over us.”
At Alagada Ward, Obafemi Owode LGA, Mrs. Folasade Ogunye, a market chief, stated she was backing the ‘Ogun for Ogun’ motion as a result of indigenes perceive the pains of the grassroots.
She stated: “We, the ladies of Obafemi Owode, have suffered neglect. Our roads to the markets are unhealthy and our kids want jobs. We need somebody who grew up right here, who is aware of our language and our struggles.
“Apart from that, it would be a disservice to the memory of our heroes for an outsider to dictate the fortune of our people. That is why we have pledged to go from house to house to secure this mandate. It is about our pride as Ogun indigenes.”
At Alapakooni group in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state, some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), set some bunches of brooms ablaze, saying they determined to dump the get together as a result of they might not proceed to help a candidate who has not been ready to state his true id.
Tunde Akinola, a group youth coordinator at Alapakooni Ward, stated: “We decided to join this ward meeting today with our incoming governor Adebutu because we love our state and can’t trade it on the altar of politics. We want to follow the person we know and that will deliver.”
A stakeholder and farmer at Onidunu Ward, recognized as Deji Bamidele, stated: “In this group, farming is our life however we have now been left with cutlasses whereas different states use tractors. When Adebutu defined ITURA DE and the way agriculture shall be mechanised, we noticed hope.
“We are committing our farmers’ cooperative of over 300 members to this ‘Ogun for Ogun’ cause to ensure our land is governed by our own.”
At Owode Ward 3, Obafemi Owode LGA, Alhaja Sariyu Bankole, a retired instructor, stated her dedication was pushed by the necessity to shield Ogun’s political legacy.
“We cannot mortgage our heritage. Ogun State is the home of great leaders. Allowing non-indigenes to take over will erase our history. I have told all my former students and their parents in this ward that we must vote for our own. That is our covenant,” she said.
Similarly, in Ward 10, Sagamu LGA, Comrade Bayo Oduwole, a youth chief, stated the youth had been bored with being spectators.
“Courageous indigenes of this state have said we should not allow strangers to rule over us and we agree completely. The ‘Ogun for Ogun’ mandate is not about tribalism, it is about competence and belonging. We know Adebutu’s family history here. We know all that they have done. We know how compassionate Iya Sunnah has been. We will mobilise our youth with voter education and door-to-door campaigns to ensure victory,” he stated.
In his response, Adebutu thanked the indigenes for their heat reception and reaffirmed his dedication to the ‘Ogun for Ogun’ mandate.
“This tour has shown me that our people are yearning for true homegrown leadership. The ITURA DE agenda is not just a slogan, it is a social contract to restore dignity, fix our roads, empower our farmers, create jobs for our youth and return Ogun State to true glory. We are not just campaigning, we are listening, and we will deliver,” he stated.
Also talking, the Ogun PDP deputy governorship candidate, Yemi Kolapo, assured residents that their administration could be inclusive and grassroots-driven.
She stated: “What we have seen in all the wards we have visited is genuine love for Ogun State. As a mother and a daughter of this soil, I assure you that our government will prioritise women, children, education and primary healthcare. We will not disappoint you. This ‘Ogun for Ogun’ mandate is a mandate for all of us to save our state from dangerous intrusion.”
