The visit of Akinwole Akinwale, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to Sunday Dare, minister of youths and sports development, was personal and not political.
Last night, the picture of the Ogbomoso-born politicians had circulated on social media and news platforms. In some of the reports, it was said that Wolekanle had visited the All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain to solicit his support for ‘Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State ahead of the poll.
But an aide of the minister, who spoke on his behalf, said that his boss, being Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland, can receive any Ogbomoso or Oyo citizen in his country home.
“The visit of Hon. Akinwale Akinwole to Chief Sunday Dare, the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development and The Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland hit the airwaves earlier today.
“Political detractors went rife with contorted views on the political affiliation of Chief Sunday Dare. For any avoidance of doubt, Chief Sunday Dare remains a bonafide and committed member of The APC.
“The news angles deployed by lazy bloggers suggested that the Honorable Minister is hobnobbing with Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, against the All Progressives Congress (APC) which the Minister belongs to, this is apparently a brazen lie.
“While the media framing and contour of the picture taken during Wolekanle’s visit is laughable, it also shows the intellectual incapacity of the people who have become channels of spreading the news without any reasonable interrogation or proper verification.
“For the avoidance of doubts, Chief Sunday Dare as the Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland can freely attend to pressing matters concerning the growth of his hometown, Ogbomoso.
“And as a high ranking chief, his doors are and would always be open to all the sons and daughters of the town.
“The details of Wolekanle’s visit does not in any way suggest political intentions.
“It is understood that the media is being marshaled against the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) chances in the state, as seen in the tactical deployment of false New reports being strategically released to demoralize members of the party,” he said.
The Minister advises Members of Oyo APC to remain vigilant and discerning in these crucial days leading to the polls.
