Kunle Adelabu
-As Devoted Disciples Of Asiwaju Basorun visit chair
The Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Omo’oba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), has appealed to his supporters and followers on the need to assist him in managing his emergence as the council chairman, following the intense politicking during the Local Government electioneering period.
Aroyewun, who acknowledged that he still feels disturbed and traumatized by the negative and unjust campaign against him, added that he has taken solace in the fact that God, at the end, vindicated him and credited the victory to leaders, stakeholders and the generality of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA residents that believed in him and give him their mandates.
The council boss made the appeal during the visit of the Devoted Disciples of Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun (DDAOB), led by Alhaji (Chief) Jamiu Olawale Abdullahi, the Chairman, Justice Forum (JF) in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA. He also said that the struggle that led to his emergence was all about the liberation of the people.
“I feel honoured to have people like you and others across our great party and the council as a whole with us during the struggle. Each and every one of you played crucial roles in my emergence because you believed in me and freedom for our people.
“The struggle that led to my emergence was not about me, rather, it was a fight against slavery and the liberation of ourselves. It was a just cause and we all did it together.
“Though, things may look very rough at the moment due to the situation that we met on the ground, but we shall overcome. In the next six months, the people of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA will see a serious turnaround because we are doing everything to put in place a workable system to serve our people better.
“My emergence taught me great lessons and revealed to me that people always recognize good deeds and reward such no matter what. We enjoy goodwill from people. People remembered what my late father did in this community while alive. They stood by us and they gave us their support in the face of many daunting challenges”.
Recounting his experience during the campaign, Aroyewun said that the opposition went to the extreme which, to him, was disturbing, especially how some of the leaders that supported him were treated.
“They actually went to the extreme during the campaign, and I am always disturbed each time I remember all that happened. But I can assure that I will never repay them with such extreme action, because I am better trained and brought up.
“The campaign of calumny; the posters that were pasted at ACME on the day of the primary elections and all around Igbogbo, were malicious, falsehood and deliberately done to assassinate my characters but God vindicated me as well as leaders and the generality of the people that are rooting for us, at the end of the day.
“At some point, I thought of pulling out because of the way Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun and Alhaji Bobomi were being treated. Our leaders were abused and harassed because of me and it wasn’t pleasing to me.
“But all that transpired during the period made me stronger and much more committed to ensure good governance and to be more circumspect. In the face of the daunting challenges, our leaders – Asiwaju Basorun, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, Rep. Babajimi Benson and Alhaji Bobomi among many others and every one of you that are here today, stood firmly by us. You gave us maximum support which we will never take for granted.
“We want to do better and our administration will practice an open -door policy. We will not deny anyone his or her due”, he assured them.
While stating the daunting challenges he has been facing, Omo’oba Aroyewun urged the group to manage their success and let go of the sad political experience in the recent past.
“It has not been easy for our administration but God is giving us strength through people that are coming to our aid and giving us necessary support. We are grateful to the Lagos State Government, and our amiable representative, Rep. Babajimi Benson and individuals that have been of immense support.
“I appeal to you all that we must manage our successes. I urge you to rededicate yourself to the unity of our party and that of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, and commit yourself to cooperating with others.
“Once we are united, we will be able to face any challenge together and build our dear council and make it prosperous for us all and generation yet unborn.
“I want to thank you for all that you faced and went through during the campaign but you must let go. I will also ask that you must continue your prayers for our administration because we need it more than before.
“I also want to urge you and the entire people of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, to be patient with us. I can assure that things will get better and you will be seeing the impacts of our administration soon.
“We will not deprive anybody and our doors shall be open to everybody. We will not disappoint you. We are here to bring succor to the people and embark on projects and programmes that will be of immense benefits to the generality of our people and that is what we are going to do”, Aroyewun assured his visitors.
The leader of the Devoted Disciples of Asiwaju Basorun, Alhaji Abdullahi, speaking on the purpose of the visit, congratulated the Chairman on his assumption of office, adding that as the group that produced him, they deemed it fit to also join numerous well – wishers that have been coming around to pay him visit.
“We thank God for today that we can come to this council to pay you a visit as our chairman. We thank God for the victory. The electioneering was tough but our members were focused and determined, that is why we achieved the success together.
“Since your emergence, the massive support, love and prayers have clearly shown that people love you and you reflect their desires. They have been coming around to felicitate with you and we also deemed it fit to pay you this official visit.
“As a group that played crucial roles in your emergence, we are here to congratulate you in office, pledge our full support and offer you prayers.
“We are happy for you and wish you a successful tenure”, the APC leader said.
Speaking earlier, Mr Samson Olakunehin introduced the group to the council chairman and also presented its objectives.
“As devoted disciples of Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, our objectives are to demonstrate unwavering loyalty and support to our leader and our Local Government Chairman, Hon. Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA). We aim to promote their vision, values and initiatives, while fostering a culture of dedication, hard work and community service.
“Our motive is driven by a deep sense of gratitude, respect, and admiration for Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun’s selfless leadership and Hon. Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun’s (HOA) tireless efforts to develop our community. We are committed to standing by our leaders, amplifying their impacts, and contributing to the growth and prosperity of our local government area”.
