Yewa-Awori Group Endorses Otegbeye, Charges Olu of Ilaro, Olota to Support Ogun West Agenda in 2023
Yewa-Awori Indigenes under the umbrella of Ogun West Grassroots Alliance (OWGA) have thrown their weight behind Barr. Biyi Otegbeye, the gubernatorial Candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2023 general elections. OWGA is a movement of patriotic sons and daughters of Yewa-Awori land – from various social and political predispositions – who are concerned about the socio-economic and political growth of Yewa-Awori land and are at the vanguard of promoting its complete emancipation within the larger Ogun State growth vision.
At a press conference addressed by the group on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, which was attended by a staff of NigerianEcho; its Convener, Omooba Bolaji Adeniji noted that Ogun West Senatorial District which comprises Yewa-Awori people has not produced the Governor of the State since its creation in 1976.
” A well-advertised fact has been the failure of our senatorial district to produce the Governor of the state since its creation in 1976. Many agitation and concerted efforts have been ventured over the years to attain this ultimate political ascendancy, although to no avail. We salute the past efforts of our forebears, some who are long gone and the contemporary players in the political class that have pushed the frontiers of the dream and sustained its validity.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is important to stress that this movement is not pushing yet another agitation to press home the demand for the enthronement or anointment of an Ogun Westerner to be the Governor of the state in 2023, after all, power is never served on a platter; but rather, we are pushing a global Ogun State progressive and developmental agenda through the prism of our senatorial district.”, Adeniji noted.
The group took a swipe at Governor Dapo Abiodun for neglecting Yewa-Awori land. Adeniji said the group took a cursory look at the existential realities within Ogun State, conducted extensive interrogation of the developmental trajectory of all its component units, vis-à-vis the opportunities, available resources and abiding potentials within. OWGA is of the firm opinion that there exists the opportunity for a better deal for the people of Ogun State and Yewa-Awori as a subset.
“We have taken cognizance of the tepid efforts but showy claims of the current administration with regards to its attempt to pursue equity and fairness in the distribution of governance offering to the constituent parts of the State; but a sincere inquest indicates that those posturing are largely flaunted and brimming with yawning gaps. Without equivocation, Ogun West deserves a better deal than it is getting at this time”, Adeniji said.
Adeniji said OWGA observed an attempt to harass Ogun West out of genuine gubernatorial contestation in 2023; and unjustifiably so. He said that the plot is being pushed by some of their people in the district, ostensibly in pursuit of their own self-seeking understanding of what constitutes the best time for Ogun West to produce the Governor. He said it was clearly an erroneous claim that they should jettison the current electoral cycle and wait four more years before venturing again.
“Some questions that ought to shake up their minds are when is the auspicious time and where has it been agreed that the Ijebus and Egbas will fold their arms for Yew-Awori to sail through unchallenged in 2027? Are these people still hoping on the exhausted strategy of waiting for an incumbent to do a monarchical transfer of power to an Ogun West person in 2027? If that works, one of ours, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Hon. Adekunle Akinlade would have emerged governor in either of 2011 and 2019 respectively; when they were backed by outgoing incumbents. Conversely too, the likes of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Prince Dapo Abiodun would not have been Governors if they did not move against the tide at the times they submitted to context.
“OWGA is today gratified that despite the subterfuge and machinations to deny ourselves yet again, another opportunity have been created both for Ogun West and the State in whole – to have choices before them in the next five months; and among these choices is the Gubernatorial Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, a veritable and illustrious Son of Ilaro Yewaland. The principles of participatory democracy is for the people to have competitive choices to expend their electoral license on and choose a leader who will utilise that given sovereign power to enhance the welfare of the citizenry and create opportunities for them to achieve their potentials as a people under God.
“Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, popularly known as “BOT” in the political field comes with irrefutable historical and family pedigree, sterling educational attainments, enviable professional achievements and a shining career in the private sector spanning several decades with good records as footnotes. Importantly, BOT comes with untainted character, unblemished integrity and a personification of forthrightness and excellence in all sphere of life. He is also experienced politically and well networked having previously contested for House of Representatives and Senate seats in previous elections; even though the passion to take a shot at the top job has always been expressed since 2011.
“We are also satisfied that though BOT is contesting as a candidate of Yewa-Awori extraction, but he is a pan-Ogun State emancipator and unifier with a weight of responsibility to come and offer credible leadership alternative to the status quo through his suite of programmes that has been dubbed “Building Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow” for all citizens of the state, those that are alive today and the future generation.
“Without prejudice to their personalities, Barrister Biyi Otegbeye (BOT) is the new deal and towers above his competitors on the gubernatorial field today and that can be supported with facts that are unimpeachable. We hereby unanimously ENDORSE him to be the next Governor of Ogun State from May 29th, 2023. However, we use this medium to call on him to stretch his hands across to stakeholders from Egba, Ijebu and Remo; so that they can join hands with him to make this dream a reality. The interest of every constituent part of the state must be protected in the incoming administration; and that must begin with how he holds them all from now and jointly navigate to victory.
” Significantly, we hereby call on HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu Ilaro and paramount Ruler of Yewaland; and also, HRM Oba (Prof) Adeyemi Obalanlege, Olota of Ota and Council Head of Awori Monarchs – to rally their colleagues, chiefs and subjects – to support their son BOT; for there is no better time than now when only one Ogun Westerner is on the ballot to be so elected.
“We likewise call on the Ogun West political class and the electorate in their diversities to reconsider extant loyalties and situations in different political parties and convey a global support across all divides towards the realization of our forlorn aspiration in 2023. There is no better time than now and we do not have to defer till many years’ time (with no guarantees), what we can strive to achieve today.
“Similarly, one of the Holy books talked about the power of unity; when the people of Babylon were trying to build a tower to reach Heaven. It said in parts, “Behold, the people are one, and they have all one language; and now nothing that will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do”. This means Ogun West People from Ota to Imasayi, Joga, Ilaro, Imeko, Iwoye, Agbara, Tube, Maun, Ilobi, Ado-Odo, Oja-Odan, Eggua, Ejila-Awori, Agosasa, Igbogila, Igbesa and several other towns – must now speak with one voice and unanimously vote for Barrister Biyi Otegbeye.” , Adeniji concluded
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