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Says Speaker Offered Reps Ticket, Money, Under APC
- Safiu Kehinde
The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, has revealed alleged plot against the state’s governor, Seyi Makinde, by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, and Florence Ajimobi, wife of late former Oyo governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
Oyekola made this known in a statement issued on his official X handle on Tuesday.
The lawmaker representing Atiba State Constituency disclosed how Oba Ladoja and Ajimobi had attempted to pitch the Oyo Assembly Speaker and governorship aspirant, Adebo Ogundoyin, against Makinde.
According to Oyekola, Ogundoyin had at the lawmakers’ meeting held at the Governor’s House on Monday confessed being invited by the Olubadan having earlier paid a visit to the monarch to seek support for his governorship ambition.
The Oyo Speaker, who was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleged that Oba Ladoja offered to secure the House of Representatives ticket for him under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Arising from the said meeting, it was discovered that some agents of disunity are working to set the Oyo State House of Assembly against the Governor and the Government of Oyo State.
“It was revealed that the Rt. Hon. Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin was invited by the Olubadan of Ibadanland after he (the Speaker) had earlier gone to seek the Kabiyesi’s support for his governorship ambition.
“According to the Speaker, the Olubadan advised him and offered to secure the House of Representatives ticket for him under the APC, along with the necessary funds to prosecute the election.” Oyekola wrote.
While the Speaker claimed to have rejected the offer, he would again alleged being approached by Florence Ajimobi with same offer as well as monetary inducement.
Ogundoyin, according to the statement by Oyekola, again rejected the offer.
“The Speaker stated that he declined the offer. The Speaker further disclosed that he was again invited by the former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, on the same subject matter. He said he was offered money but declined and did not collect anything from them.” The Oyo Assembly Chief Whip wrote.
Meanwhile, Oyekola reaffirmed his loyalty and support for Makinde.
He disassociated himself from the plot involving the Speaker as he claimed he was never invited to the meeting with Olubadan and Ajimobi.
“I, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State.
“I was never invited, never consulted, and was not part of any such meetings or arrangements. I cannot and will not be disloyal to my boss, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
“I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Seyi Makinde, his government, and his party.
“I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State. I vote for peace in Oyo State at all times. “Omo Oko ni mi, Emi kii se omo ale Oyo State” The Chief Whip added.