All Progressives Congress (APC) members from Oke-Ogun 1’s four local government areas have reaffirmed their unwavering faith in the power of their party to triumph resoundingly in the upcoming general elections in 2023, but they have also urged party leaders at the state level to ensure justice, equity, and fairness in resolving their complaints.
The stakeholders who gathered in Okeho, the seat of Kajola Local Government, urged the party leaders to consider issues affecting them while taking into account the unique characteristics of the Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola, and Iwajowa Federal Constituency as well as its voting power.
They noted that over time, the federal constituency has consistently sided with the progressives and as such deserves all the recognition possible.
In his opening remarks, Committee Chairman Senator Olufemi Lanlehin urged attendees to maintain their composure, reminding them that no matter how difficult the situation, there would always be windows of opportunity for redress or reconciliation.
As a result, he urged them to remain loyal to the party and the Committee, which had made a decision to change its mind after receiving briefings on events in the federal constituency.
In his speech, Hon. John Olaleru, a candidate for the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola and Iwajowa House of Representatives seat, listed the issues facing the federal constituency and urged the progressive camp’s leadership to develop the practice of rewarding loyalty, particularly for a district like theirs that has consistently supported progressive politics. Furthermore, he urged the Reconciliation Committee to recognize that, even if working in the federal constituency is challenging, it is possible when equity, fairness, and justice are the guiding principles.
Other aspirants who graced the session included Barrister Leke Oladeji, Hon. Mutiu Hamzat, Hon. Ademola Surajudeen, Chief (Mrs.) Abigail Gbolasire, Hon. Adegoke Thomas, Hon. Silas Adelere, Hon. Babajide Akinlotan, Alh. Bello Ademola and Hon. Felix Ige. Candidates who attended included Hon. Azeez Musibau (Action) for Kajola State Constituency and Barrister Johnson Eriyalesun for Iwajowa State Constituency.
Hon. Mojere Kabir Olatunji, a party veteran from the Iseyin Local Government, called for a comprehensive restructuring of the party at all levels to ensure victory in 2023. He urged the Reconciliation Committee to make sure it reaches the grassroots, which makes up the majority of the party membership, to ensure the success of its task.
Alongside the Committee Chairman, members of the Reconciliation Committee present in the session were the Committee’s Secretary, who’s also the State Secretary of the APC, Alh. Tajudeen Olanite, Pastor Wale Adepoju, Baba E.O. Olaoye, Engr. Dayo Lawal, Alh. Bukola Badmus, Chief Sunday Ajadi Abeebo, Alh. Akin Akande, Chief (Mrs.) Funke Olayanju, Dr. (Mrs.) Adepeju Esan and Hon. Abass Akande.
Others included Hon. Wahab Oguntayo, Chief Lanre Oke, Pastor Akin Oke, Pa Suara Ogunyemi, Alh. Kareem Adebayo, Alh. Ayinla Kakako, Hon. Afeez Bolaji Repete and Hon. Gaphar Ojetola who anchored the session.
Oke-Ogun 1 leaders of the APC present at the session included Hon. Ademola Ayoola, Hon. Amuda Jimoh, Hon. Kayode Adeniji, Hon. Sallam Saliu, Hon. Oyediran Olayanju, Mr. Timothy Aderounmu and Alhaja Taibat Obagero. Also in attendance were Hon. John Oniosun, Hon. Kazeem Kolawole, Hon. Adeniran Yussuf, Hon. Tirimisiyu Alarape and Com. T.O. Ewebiyi.
In his closing remarks, Committee Chairman Senator Olufemi Lanlehin promised fairness and justice in the performance of his duties and announced that the Reconciliation Committee would continue to be divided into smaller committees in order to be able to fully address all issues with respect to the unique challenges of each area.
The Reconciliation Committee’s condolence visit to the Palace of the Aseyin in memory of Oba AbdulGaniy Adekunle Salawudeen, Ajinase Oloogunebi I, who passed away last Sunday, concluded the tour of the federal constituency.
The Committee, which commiserated with the family of the departed monarch was received by the Olori Agba, Olori Kehinde Salawudeen and other family members, as prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Aseyin were held in both Christian and Islamic traditions, while the Committee Chairman, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin signed the condolence register.