Governor Adeleke’s PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Odo-Otin and the shameless visit of the Olunisa to the Governor: All Because of Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, the Oluomo of Inisa.
Recently, the former BOT member and former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, along with some political giants in the PDP in Osun State and thousands of people, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This has been a highly discussed event in Osun State and Nigeria at large. It is notable when political figures with a large following decamp from the ruling party to the opposition in the state.
This political tsunami that rocked the ruling party has made the Governor and the party leadership restless, striving to fill the void ahead of the upcoming elections.
During his trip to Odo-Otin Local Government, where he held a political stakeholders’ meeting for the PDP, the Governor visited Inisa, the hometown of Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun. There, he made new promises that he couldn’t fulfill before the Oluomo of the town defected to the APC.
Shamelessly, they pushed our Kabiesi, the Olunisa, and his chiefs to embark on a non-profitable visit to the Governor at the government house to support him and the ruling party. This is contrary to the expected neutrality of traditional leaders, who should serve as unifying figures above the political fray in the town.
This action by the Olunisa in council, led by our Kabiesi, the Olunisa himself, has raised several concerns that should not be overlooked. Our Kabiesi and his chiefs are well-positioned to directly address and advocate for the people’s needs without succumbing to the political dictates of the ruling party and disowning their own noble son.
Let me remind our Kabiesi and the chiefs that community cohesion relies on respect for diverse opinions and political pluralism. The diversity of political opinions and affiliations is essential for the vibrancy and dynamism of every democratic society. However, this action of the solidarity visit or whatever it is called by our Kabiesi and his chiefs, taken ostensibly in response to Oyedokun’s defection from the PDP to the APC, goes against the role of traditional leadership in political matters and the principles of democracy.
The Oluomo of Inisa, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, has been a dynamic and iconic figure for the land, always standing for the development of Inisa. He is an advocate of peace and progress. His pedigree and hard work transcend political polarization. He has spent his entire life promoting the goodness of Inisa.
Even in the 90s, when the political scenario was tough and rough, he came back home to galvanize unity and bridge divides. He curbed all partisan actors that exacerbated vices then.
It is very humiliating for all sons and daughters of Inisa that out of all the Kabiesis (kings) from the nook and cranny of Osun State whose sons also defected to the APC, none paid a solidarity visit to the Governor except the Olunisa and his chiefs. What a shame. They have forgotten that government is meant for only four years; it is soldier go, soldier come. Nobody knows who and which party will be there after the next election in two years.
A former Governorship aspirant in the PDP, Ọmọọba Dotun Babayemi, defected to the APC, and his Kabiesi, the Olufi of Gbongan, didn’t visit the Governor for solidarity.
A Governorship candidate of the Accord Party in 2022, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, also defected to the APC, and his Kabiesi, the Olu of Ileogbo, did not show up for solidarity with the Governor.
Other prominent personalities with their thousands of followers, such as Barrister Kehinde Adesiyan, Erelu Olutoyin Popoola, Chief Adelani Ajanaku, Engr. Adetoye Ogungboyega, and Hon. Adekunbi Tajudeen, just to mention a few, are from various towns in the state. None of their Kabiesis visited the Governor for solidarity.
On the other hand, the Olunisa in council’s action might be seen as a strategic move to secure favor, resources, and development for the town. However, this is far from the truth and sets a dangerous precedent for governance and accountability.
The fundamental role of traditional leaders is to act as impartial custodians of their communities, providing moral and cultural guidance without being swayed by political allegiances. Therefore, our Kabiesi, the Olunisa, should work on fostering unity, strengthening the social fabric of Inisa, embracing mutual respect, and being optimistic.
Inisa has been a progressive town for many years and shall remain so. The All Progressives Congress shall continue to have an edge, especially with a political juggernaut of the land having joined the party.
With Baba Oyedokun and other notable stakeholders in Inisa, it is always a goal inside the net.
