As part of his efforts to promote adequate and efficient representation towards socio economic development, the lawmaker representing Oyo central senatorial district, Dr. Yunus Akintunde on Friday visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ọba Lekan Balogun.
Ọba Balogun, whose residential palace is domiciled in Alarere area of Lagelu local government, represented the district between 1999 and 2003.
Speaking on behalf of the monarch, the Ekeerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Amidu Ajibade noted that Akintunde has good faith. “Prior to his emergence, I organized a meeting in my house in which all the Baales in Oluyole Local Government attended, they appreciated and rallied around him. Akintunde is someone that is kindhearted. He knows what’s right because of his vast experience in politics. You are showing the capacity of becoming a Governor. Kabiyiesi said whatever you lay your hands upon it will surely come to pass. You have our support,” he assured.
In his remarks, Akintunde noted that, “Kabiesi, the whole of your life has been of service to humanity. The outflow, by our perception, is higher than the inflow, that means you spent from reserves due to the fact that you take care of people.This is not my first time coming here. I am not a visitor. Twenty-four years ago, we were the ones pasting the posters when our Kabiesi wanted to become a senator. I was part of his team. I also greet our High Chief, Amidu Ajibade, who worked for us when I was planning to become a senator. We are here to report to you regarding Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbmoso road which the Ibadan-Oyo section has been completed but needs rehabilitation while the 52km Oyo- Ogbomoso section of it has been supported by NNPC tax credit but not completed yet, and Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa road project in order to eradicate the inconveniences being experienced by Nigerians plying these roads. This is part of the reasons I am seeking the support of Olubadan in order to revitalize these projects and ensure they are completed.”
While addressing the press, the All Progressives Congress, APC, highlighted that “Kabiyesi is from Lagelu local government, he resides in Egbeda local government, both of which fall LGs within Oyo central senatorial district and if you want to talk about first class Oba, you mention the Olubadan. May God spare his life and live beyond our expectations. The palaces of Alaafin, Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, and Bashorun who represents the Alaafin of today fall within my senatorial district at the same time. The most significant thing is that Kabiesi was a senator and he has represented his people and served effectively. I need his wisdom, tutelage and direction. I need him to correct my errors and I have to be reporting back to him not only as Olubadan but as someone that has served in that capacity before. That’s why I decided that before I visit any Oba, I have to visit him first. Traditional rulers are the interface between those of us representing the people. If I want to address the people of Ibadan today, if Olubadan ordered that people should not come, they will not show up, same as Alaafin in Oyo. There’s a part of the issue we normally have, the communal issue is always there and the best way to rectify it is meeting the people by using the window of a traditional institution. It will complement my job. I have reported to him on Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso and Ilorin road; Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha and Akure road. Kabiesi has graciously approved my report that whenever I need his support from the traditional council they would be readily available.”
Speaking on the state of emergency on food security declared by the Federal Government Akintunde noted that it is not complex,” that’s why the President first addressed the issue of energy. If you don’t have energy security, it’s difficult to have food security. It’s very simple because you can’t ask people to produce and they can’t preserve their farm product. That’s why you see the issue of buy over, for instance, cassava is not selling again, let’s mop up garri from the market, let’s store it and release it when there is scarcity. That’s a way of addressing food security but it is complementary. You have to address energy poverty by the time you’re addressing food security as well. So energy security and food security go together and I am sure that that’s why the President first addressed the issue of energy and I want to advise further that the government should look towards providing subsidies on electricity especially on industrial and production sectors. It’s been done everywhere, in United Kingdom. For instance, if you’re producing and your consumption is 5,000 per month the government will approach you and request to pay 3,000 for you but not on domestic consumption but on industrial and commercial consumption.”
While expressing thanks to the monarch on behalf of the lawmaker, chairman of the APC in the senatorial district, Hon. Oyebamiji Joshua thanked the monarchs for their kind hospitality. “May your reign continue to witness more development.”
In attendance were Alhaji Abdurosheed Yinka Folarin, Hon. Abiola Ambali, Hon. Biliaminu Ogundele, Hon. Femi Akintunde, Alhaji Wasiu Koleoso, Hon. AbdulRasaq AbdulGaneey (Mr GRA), Alhaji Waheed Olawale, among others.