…as Oluwo blesses APC candidate
Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has criticised the absence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, at Thursday’s Peace Accord signing ceremony in Osogbo, describing it as a disappointing development ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Accord, in a statement issued by its state chairman, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande, said Oyebamiji’s absence sent an “unfortunate message” about the APC’s commitment to peaceful electioneering.
Akande alleged that the APC’s deputy governorship candidate arrived only after the Peace Accord had been signed and the event had virtually ended, diminishing the significance of the exercise.
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He argued that the APC’s conduct had reinforced concerns about the party’s commitment to peaceful campaigns and urged voters to note what he described as the contrasting attitudes displayed by political parties participating in the election.
According to him, the Peace Accord was designed to secure the commitment of governorship candidates and political parties to a peaceful, credible and violence-free election, stressing that no political engagement should have taken precedence over the event.
Akande noted that the ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including a former Head of State, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other eminent Nigerians, all of whom gathered to advocate peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.
He described the Peace Accord as more than a ceremonial event, saying it represented a public commitment by political actors to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electoral process.
The Accord chairman also commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for personally attending the ceremony alongside the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council and other party leaders.
According to him, the governor’s presence demonstrated the administration’s commitment to ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
The Accord Party reaffirmed its commitment to the Peace Accord and urged all political stakeholders to conduct their campaigns peacefully, respect the rule of law and work towards a violence-free governorship election.
Oluwo blesses APC candidate
Meanwhile, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has offered prayers and royal blessings for the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, during the party’s campaign rally in Iwo.
The monarch expressed confidence that God would grant Oyebamiji success in the August 15 governorship election.
According to the traditional ruler, the APC candidate had presented his vision for Osun State and outlined his development plans for Iwo and other parts of the state.
“I have blessed him with the grace God has given me. The rest is left to Almighty God, and I believe He will answer his prayers,” the monarch said.
Addressing supporters at the rally, Oyebamiji promised to permanently resolve the long-running boundary dispute between communities in Osun and neighbouring Oyo State.
He said his administration would work with relevant authorities in both states to find a lasting solution that would restore peace and prevent future conflicts.
The APC candidate also pledged to complete the ongoing road project in Iwo and ensure adequate compensation for residents whose properties were demolished during the construction.
According to him, some affected property owners were not fairly compensated, and his administration would review such cases to ensure justice.
Oyebamiji further promised to rehabilitate access and linking roads across Iwo while assuring residents that the projects would be executed with minimal disruption.
He also pledged to maintain a cordial relationship with traditional institutions and pursue inclusive governance, assuring that no part of Osun State would be marginalised in the distribution of projects and government resources.
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