Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has shared why he is backing Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, instead of Governor Ademola Adeleke in Saturday’s election.
Oyinlola said he has no regrets about choosing Oyebamiji. He pointed out the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party and claimed Adeleke did not consult him before leaving the party for the Accord Party.
He also criticized Adeleke’s government for focusing major projects in Ede, which is the governor’s hometown.
Oyinlola spoke on a Channels Television program called Politics Today on Thursday. He said, “First, when the political party (Peoples Democratic Party) faced serious troubles at the national level, we knew it would affect us at the state level. So, we thought of a way out. That was why we looked for another platform for our candidate to run with.
“Though we started discussions with the governor and agreed to have a stakeholders’ meeting when they returned from Atlanta, that meeting never happened. We only saw on social media that the governor had resigned from our party and moved to the Accord Party.
“If we go back in history, the founding fathers of Osun State wanted equal development across the state. What we see under Governor Adeleke is different.
“Currently, the government has completed about 20 major projects across the senatorial districts. Out of the N362 billion spent, N260.5 billion went to Ede. When you favor your own area, it does not look good.”
On Adeleke’s claim that he bought him a car, Oyinlola said the vehicle was provided by the Osun State Government based on existing law. He stated, “That is far from the truth. It is sad that the governor continues to tell lies. The Osun State House of Assembly made a law that certain benefits will go to former governors. One of those benefits is a new vehicle every four years.
“I have not been part of the Osun State government for the last three years. Ademola did not give me the vehicle. It was the Osun State government. It is a law passed by the House of Assembly. For him to misinform people is unfortunate for the state’s chief executive. There are also other benefits, like my security, that he should handle. The police attached to me should be paid for, along with my cook and drivers.
“By God’s grace, I started buying cars when I was 21. When I went to the Government House, I had my entire convoy. Why would he suggest I went to beg? It is very sad. He should state the facts clearly. It is a law, it is my entitlement, and he still owes me three more vehicles.”
Oyinlola also mentioned the weakening of the PDP’s structure in Osun State as another reason for his support for Oyebamiji. He said, “The oil that keeps a political party running is regular meetings. Now, anything concerning the party has to happen in Ede. Our party headquarters in Osogbo has not held any meetings for a long time. That is how politicians can share ideas.”
Oyinlola believes backing Oyebamiji fits his political views. He recalled supporting former Governor Rauf Aregbesola shortly before an election after having issues with the PDP.
“Let’s get the facts right: I supported former Governor Rauf Aregbesola four days before the election because of what the PDP did to me. That changed everything. The PDP did not keep its agreement. As someone who served for 30 years in the Nigerian army, we do not rush to conclusions. You evaluate things and make decisions that lead to a positive outcome. I believe I have done that. I have no regrets at all.
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