IFO — The Ifo Unity Vanguard has backed the vote of confidence passed on Akeem Oluwanisola and Solomon Abraham as Chairman and Youth Leader of APC Ibogun Ward in Ifo LGA. The group also rejected a disciplinary committee it said was set up by the Oluomo Solidarity Forum, OSF.
In a statement signed by its members, the Vanguard said it represents all political groups in Ifo aside from OSF. It commended the ward’s decision and called for peace, not conflict, in Ibogun Ward.
The group urged Ogun APC State Caucus led by Governor Dapo Abiodun to call former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo to caution his supporters. The Vanguard claimed some actions from OSF members suggested unnecessary confrontation.
According to a statement made available to Journalists on Tuesday,the group stated that this is the first time since 2010 that a leader not affiliated with the Senator Ibikunle Amosun/OSF bloc holds office in Ifo Constituency I. It said political participation in the area between 2010 and 2019 was largely limited to SIA/OSF members.
The Vanguard alleged that the matter involving Chief Joju Fadairo was being used as a pretext to target the ward chairman and youth leader. It described the move as an attempt to regain dominance across wards in Ifo Constituency I.
The statement reads further "We respectfully call on the State Caucus, under the leadership of our father and leader, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, to urge former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo to rein in his supporters, whose actions are increasingly suggestive of unnecessary confrontation.
"It is important to note that this is the first instance since 2010 that a non–Senator Ibikunle Amosun (SIA)/OSF-affiliated individual has occupied a leadership position in Ifo Constituency 1. For years, we endured political exclusion with patience and loyalty to the party. Between 2010 and 2019, prior to the emergence of our current leadership, political participation and opportunity in Ifo Constituency 1 were largely restricted to members of the SIA/OSF bloc.
"Now that we can thrive under the inclusive policy of His Excellency, it is regrettable that those, who exercised total control for years, appear unwilling to accept this fractional change. The attempt to use the matter involving Chief Joju Fadairo as a pretext to target the Ward Chairman and Youth Leader is, in our view, a calculated effort to regain dominance across all wards in Ifo Constituency 1, albeit through the back door.
"If principle and fairness were the true objective, similar calls would have been made regarding their own preferred State House of Assembly aspirant—later appointed Special Adviser—who also enjoyed Chief Joju Fadairo’s endorsement and support, to the extent that Chief Joju presented him to the Governor. But thanks to the vision of His Excellency, the OSF would have presented Assembly representation for the fifth consecutive time after Oluomo’s four terms.
"While we hold no resentment toward anyone’s political progress, we can no longer remain silent in the face of continued intimidation. The outcome of the last Assembly election should have demonstrated clearly that leadership cannot be imposed indefinitely yet we doubt if any lessons have been learnt therefrom. That is why we seek the peace and not conflict at this crucial time, in the overall interest of our dear party and candidates. The people of Ibogun have made their choice! They chose Akeem Oluwanisola after 17 years of political marginalization. We expect the OSF to respect this choice"
The group reaffirmed loyalty to Governor Abiodun, incoming Governor Senator Olamilekan Adeola, and APC leadership. The group said its goal is unity and stability in the party.
The statement was signed by members of Ifo Unity Vanguard, Ifo Constituency I:
Hon Sesan Okewunmi, (Obadina Group)
Hon Suraju Oyedele (Chief Derin Group)
Fola Onifade, frpa (Mandate Group)
Hon Wemimo Owolabi (Chief Derin Group)
Hon Nuru Matanmi (Democrat Group)
Hon Sikiru Abdulrahman (Osoba Group)
Chief Yahya Ogundele (Osoko Group)
Hon Juwon Gbadebo (Chief Derin Group)
Chief Akeem Fajimi (Osoba Group)
Aare Femi Shoyoola (Osoko Group)
Hon Ibrahim Fadauntan (Mandate Group)
Hon Kehinde Bello(Democrat Group)
Hon Ibrahim Adisa (Fatoki Group)
Hon Seyi Olutayo (Mandate Group)
Hon Wale Craig (Fatoki Group)
Hon Deji Obadina (Obadina Group)
Hon Wale Sorungbe (Fatoki Group)
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