Some chiefs under the auspices of Egba Traditional Council in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State have thrown their weight behind Adekunle Akinlade, the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Ogun state, saying their belief in rebuilding mission of Governor Ibikunle Amosun must be sustained.
The Ologun/Olorogun Egba chiefs recently made the pledge when Akinlade and Allied People’s Movement (APM) paid a courtesy call on the chiefs at Ake Palace in Abeokuta, saying Egba chiefs of Abeokuta in Ogun Central Senatorial District where Amosun hails from, would not betray Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his preferred governorship candidate when elections come.
Speaking on behalf of the Egba high chiefs, the Balogun of Egbaland, Sikirulai Atobatele, said thag sons and daughters of Egbaland would vote for Akinlade to ensure that all ongoing developmental projects for which Governor Amosun had started across Abeokuta and Ogun State are not abandoned.
According to Atobatele, Akinlade is the preferred candidate of Governor Amosun, adding that Akinlade would ensure the completion of all ongoing projects in Egbaland.
He alleged thag some politicians were fighting Governor Amosun because of his determination to develop Egbaland, which is the state capital; adding that Egbas would not betray Amosun who was fighting their course.
“People are fighting Amosun because he developed Egbaland. For that reason, we won’t betray him. He has done well for Egbaland and we know you are the only one who will ensure these projects are not abandoned.
“We will vote for you because you are the candidate of Amosun, our son. Many candidates have been coming here and many will still come. Fear not, we won’t let you down. The chiefs you see here are what we make up Ogun Central and this is where we have the highest number of votes. We will vote for you.
“Go back home and speak to your people in Ogun West. Egbas are already with you,” Atobatele said.
He also advised Akinlade to complete all ongoing projects in the state, especially in Egbaland, just as he begged Akinlade: “Please, don’t abandon all these projects started by Amosun. We don’t want abandoned projects in Egbaland. Please, do us proud when you get there. Some are already saying we, Egba, will remain stagnant for another eight years when they take over. They will not get there by God’s grace. You will get there by God’s grace.
Also, the Olubara of Ibara, Oba Jacob Omolade has declared to support the candidacy of Adekunle Akinlade of the APM to become the next governor of Ogun state, urging all his chiefs as well as Ibara indigenes in Abeokuta to join him in voting for Akinlade.
While describing Akinlade as his beloved son and he would stand by Akinlade until he becomes the next governor of Ogun state, come May 29, 2019.
He lauded the steadfastness of Governor Amosun in ensuring an Ogun West man takes over from him in 2019; saying that Ogun West would forever be grateful to him for standing up against the powers that be in his party – All Progressives Congress, (APC).
The traditional ruler however, appealed to Akinlade to continue the good work of Amosun when he takes over, while he also advised him to open all rural roads across the state.
RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta
