A gubernatorial hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Dr. Olusola Ayandele, has made a strong case for the better participation of traditional rulers in the administration of all tiers of government in the country.
Speaking during his courtesy visits to the palaces of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi (Ajagungbade) on Tuesday, Ayandele described the traditional institution, especially in Yorubaland, as very essential for social integration, cultural renaissance and national cohesion.
“Our Obas are usually products of royalty and nobility as epitomized by the Alaafin who is globally acknowledged as a repository of knowledge and wisdom. It is on this premise that we call for the amendment of the nation’s constitution to allow for better participation of this set of exceptionally endowed people in the general administration of the society.
“However, the desire to succeed Gov. Abiola Ajimobi in office in May 2019 is borne out of my conviction that Oyo State needed a competent and passionate person who would not only build on the solid foundation being laid by the present administration of the APC but also expand the scope of good governance to put our dear Pacesetters State in an unassailable lead among its contemporary.
In his reaction, Oba Adeyemi eulogized the Ibarapa-born aspirant for what he described as aggressive mobilization of relevant stakeholders for his pre-campaign activities. “I am impressed by the presentation you made here today as one could observe that you have good intention as well as fantastic ideas to run the state if you emerged the governor.”
At the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Ayandele disclosed his resolve to leave no stone unturned in the quest to harness all the resources available to facilitate rapid development of all parts of Oyo State without discrimination or sentiment. “Ogbomosoland and every other part of the state would witness rapid development in a matter of months if I am to become the governor in 2019.”
Oba Oyewumi, in his own response, prayed for the success of Ayandele and urged him to prioritize the welfare of the masses and justice for all regardless of any sentiment should he get the chance to be the governor as desired.
Dignitaries in the entourage of Dr. Olusola Ayandele during the Tuesday tour were his wife, Dr. Olayinka Ayandele, Hon. Olawale Odu, Chief Tony Ibidapo, Hon. Sola Fakorede, Hon. Ademola Ojo (former Oyo State Chairman), notable chieftains of the Oyo APC as well as members and supporters of the ruling party across the state.
