The traditional rulers in Iwo Federal Constituency of Osun State on Monday openly endorsed Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for second term.
They urged the citizens and residents of Iwo Federal Constituency in particular and Osun in general to re-elect the Governor in the next governorship election in the State.
The monarchs, under aegis of ‘Ayiwola Network of Kings’ comprised of Iwo, Ayedire and Ola-Oluwa Local Government Areas, also declared their unalloyed support for the Oyetola’s administration which they said has done convincingly well in the last three years.
The traditional rulers made the endorsement in a communique issued at a special programme, held at Iwo Local Government Secretariat, Iwo, Osun State.
The seventeen royal fathers under the umbrella of Ayiwola Network of Kings that signed the communique were: Alajagba of Ajagba Oba Muraina Adigun Odetunde; Olowu of Telemu, Oba Modojutola Ajiboye; Olowu of Ilemowu, Oba Sikiru Omoyeni; Ologburo of Ogburo, Oba Asimiyu Agboluaje; Onisara of Feesu, Oba Alamu Moshood Oparonke; Adatan of Asa, Oba Akinyode Akinmoyero; Olu of Ile-Ogo, Oba Kilani Olasanka Falade; Onisaaji of Isaji, Oba Sabitu Akinade Alade; Olu of Ilota, Oba Akano Ipadeola; Oloja of Agberire, Oba Jacob Alajide; Oori of Olori, Oba Musibawu Akinloye; Asero of Isero, Oba Adigun Joseph; Agbodowu of Foritaje, Oba Oyeniyi Amoo; Olu of Akinleye, Oba Abiodun Taofeek; Onigege of Igege, Oba Kazeem Adio; Awara of Iwara, Oba Timothy Adetunji Oyebamiji and Oloke of Obamoro, Oba Tajudeen Adewale Ayofe.
Reading the communique on behalf of the monarchs, the Oloja Agberire, Oba Jacob Oyetunde Alajide who is the Chairman, Ayiwola Network of Kings, said the resolve to endorse the Governor for second term was in appreciation of his monumental achievements in the last three years.
The monarch who noted that the traditional rulers were very apolitical as expected of them, said the resolution made was in the interest of progress and development of the Federal Constituency which didn’t negate the fairness of their positions.
Oba Alajide added that the public endorsement of Oyetola’s candidature would strengthen continuity of good governance as consolidated and as well pave the way for the long time agitations of Iwo people to produce next Governor after the eight years of Oyetola.
“We the Obas, ‘Ayiwola Network of Kings’ from Iwo, Ayedire and Ola-Oluwa Local Governments, resolved to endorse the re-election of Adegboyega Oyetola for second term as Governor of Osun.
“The resolution is taken in appreciation of good governance despite the financial constraints. No doubt, Oyetola’s sense of understanding, human management and his regard for traditional rulers in the State is unprecedented.
“We hereby advise all eligible voters from Iwo Federal Constituency to support the re-election of Oyetola as Governor of the State of Osun in the next governorship election.
“The support will give our Federal Constituency an opportunity after the completion of his second term in office. This will be in appreciation of his contributions and approval of the only Federal Government impact on education as reflected in the location of Federal College of Education in Iwo,” the monarchs added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Hon. Debo Badru, commended the monarchs for their unflinching support and cooperation to the Administration of Governor Oyetola.
He lauded the confidence and courage of the monarchs as demonstrated in their collective decision to endorse the Governor for second term saying “this is an affirmation that Governor Oyetola has done excellently well and still doing great for Osun people.”
Badru who represented Governor Oyetola at the occasion, said the Governor was committed to ensuring total completion of Osogbo/Iwo road and other socioeconomic and infrastructure developments in Iwo Federal Constituency in particular and the State in general.
“We have made history today. A fantastic history that has never happened in the history of Iwo-land because this is the first time that our Kings will come together and endorse a sitting Governor for re-election. It is a big history. As we all know, Iwo happens to be the political centre of Yoruba people and it leads why others follow in politics.
“So, the coming together of our monarchs today to openly endorse Oyetola for second term is a great blessing for Osun and Mr Governor himself.
“The monarch’s resolution shows the capability and the achievements of Governor Oyetola. This is a further confirmation that indeed, he has done well and he is still doing well. And this is still a challenge to our Governor to do more for our people in Iwoland.
“The message has been sent already and it is time for us to work in unison and support the Governor. This will ginger us as citizens of Osun and residents of Iwoland that this is the direction. Our traditional rulers have spoken and God has spoken, the direction has been given to follow,” he added.
In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Dr. Amidu Tadese; Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Hon. Munini Adekunle; Secretary, Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Kamorudeen Alao, Veteran Journalist Alhaji Liadi Tella among others hailed the traditional rulers for the bold step taken to endorse the Governor for second term, saying this would set good agenda and noble direction for the people of Iwoland in particular and Osun in general.