- Safiu Kehinde
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has on Saturday took President Bola Tinubu back to memory lane as he reminded him of his outburst during his 2023 Presidential campaign in the state.
Abiodun recalled the incident while speaking at the reception organised in Abeokuta, the state’s capital to welcome Tinubu to the state before the commencement of projects inauguration.
Addressing the President and other political dignitaries, Abiodun informed Tinubu that the podium he is using to deliver his speech is the same podium where the President made the famous Emilokan (It is my turn) declaration.
He also reminded Tinubu of his outrage against him during the event with statement birthing the Eleyi Okanlomo title given to him by the public.
“Mr. President, may I remind you also that this is the stage where you prophesied Emilokan. You gave me the title Eleyi Okanlomo and also called me Oyibo po.” Abiodun said before demanding the presentation of the gift prepared for the President.
Tinubu had in reaction burst into laughter over the revived memory.
Recall that Tinubu had on the 3rd of June 2022, mad what many of his supporters considered a prophetic declaration in Abeokuta.
Beyond just declaration, the Emilokan (It is my turn) statement was reportedly borne out of Tinubu’s frustration by an alleged “Aso Rock cabal” who were against his quest secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential ticket and succeed the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
There was also this fierce contest and divide in the southwest as some members and delegates canvassed for the emergence of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as the party’s flagbearer for the 2023 election.
At the meeting with the APC Southwest delegates, Tinubu apparently responded to his traducers.
Speaking in Yoruba, the President disclosed being instrumental to the installation of President Buhari after he had failed thrice in his bid for the Aso Rock Villa.
He thereafter declared his interest in the presidency, stamping his declaration with the Emilokan statement.
“It is my time. I’m educated. I’m experienced. I have been serving people for a long time. Bring me the presidency, it is my turn,” Tinubu had said.
Meanwhile, the President also threw shade as Abiodun ho he suspected to be backing the candidacy of Osinabajo.
Addressing the governor, a visibly enraged Tinubu described him as Eleyi Dapo (This one called Dapo) as he recounted his contribution to his emergence as the state governor.
The Emilokan statement would go ahead to become a social media trend which lasted form months and was also used as part of Tinubu’s campaign messages.