‘We need an urgent stakeholders’ meeting’
Efon political leaders have rejected moves by Ekiti State Physical Planning Commissioner Karounwi Oladapo to impose a chairmanship candidate on the local government on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) without consultation with the stakeholders.
Expressing surprise at the attempted personalisation of power and influence, they urged Governor Biodun Oyebanji to pay attention to the brewing nomination crisis in Efon local government ahead of the council polls.
Karounwi, an APC stalwart, was said to have arranged for the controversial endorsement of an aspirant, Ifetade Ola, without consultation with other party leaders, including Chief Joseph Alake, stakeholders’ leader; Prof. Adio Folayan, former Agriculture commissioner, Elder Odunayo Ategbero, former local government chairman and commissioner, Victor Kolade, former special adviser, Chief Joel Omoniyi, former council chairman, and Bode Adetunji, former council chairman.
Also, other commiited party chieftains – Chief Bode Olayinka and Chief Dele Jeje, respected chieftains and community leaders; Olaitan Olayinka, a retired federal civil servant, and Afolabi Ige, a lawyer and businessman, dissociated themselves from the imposition.
A community leader, Ajiroba Patrick Ojo, who condemned the brewing hulaballoo, urged Oyebanji to call the commissioner to order.
In a statement titled: ‘When men dare to play God,’ called for a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the political crisis.
Ojo, former President of the umbrella township association, Efon Development League (EDL), said it is important to prevent chaos and instability in the lical government.
The statement read, “For over a week now, we have been following the activities of certain party men and women in the political land space of our local government. I have personally been reading with interest the several media posts of our dear Hon Commissioner, Mr Karounwi, his boastful assertions and his claim of been the singular authority to choose for Efon Alaaye, who and who represents us without any regard or consultation with the Efon traditional council, Efon Development League, Efon stakeholders and the majority of APC leaders.
“Having consulted widely and generally with several notable leaders and people of our kingdom, I, Ajiroba of Efon Alaaye, in my capacity, wish to advise Commissioner Karounwi to tread softly.
“This current attitude of his only tends to throw our dear community into chaos and instability. Not a single known and recognised political heavyweight in APC has supported any of his spurious claims. From Chief Alake, Chief Jeje, Chief Olayinka, Prof Adio Folayan, Chief Omoniyi, Elder Ategbero, Engineer Skiddo, Victor Kolade, Olaitan Olayinka, Afolabi Ige and several other party leaders and their followers, none has has shown any sign of support for this sole candidate of Hon. Karounwi.
“Their cold silence, the silence of the traditional council and the rest of us the good people of Efon Alaaye, show our discontent and disapproval for this arrogance and undemocratic attitude.
“The constant and irresponsible attitude of picking our third eleven to represent us should stop forthwith. We will forever remember that this same attitude of rebellion led Efon to loosing a Federal Government College during the Teacher Training College episode a few decades ago.
“My dear people of Efon, we would be calling a meeting of all Efon Alaaye stakeholders shortly. Our respect, love and support remains forever undiluted and strong for our Omoluabi Governor BAO. Those presently misrepresenting his government will surely be put to shame eventually.”
But the commissioner fired back, saying that Ojo should let him be.
Oladapo said in a statement, “I read with rude shock about your outbursts and unnecessary defamation of my characters through your post to various Efon social media platforms.
“I am only taking your write-up and propose next move with philosophical calmness and understanding knowing fully that you are not a practicing politician.
“With due respect Sir, you are free to form your own opposition party without insulting or tarnishing my long built reputations in my party APC.
“As one of the APC political leaders in Efon Alaaye Local Government and Ekiti State, I am entitled to play my role based on my party dictates. I don’t think I have ever interfere in any areas of your own choosing careers. Let everybody maintain his or her own lane with respect for individuals.
“Election time is still far and we have alot of opposition parties e.g. PDP, LP, AAC, etc. from where concerned citizens of Efon can showcase their own preferred candidates for LG elections without causing disharmony. Please, let me be sir.”
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