The Igbo Residents In Ibadan Association has admonished former Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, to stop dissipating energy on destroying Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, but rather channel his intellect and energy to the development of his own state.
The association, consisting of staunch supporters of the Oyo State governor, gave the admonition while addressing a press conference in Ibadan, on Saturday.
Addressing newsmen, the spokesperson of the association, Barrister Udo Ofurenna, said the press conference was convened to address recent political developments and provocative statements capable of disturbing the peace and progress of Oyo State.
He further said the Association of Igbo Residents in Ibadan consisted of committed supporters of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
He described present administration in the state as a government that has continued to demonstrate purposeful leadership, inclusiveness, and genuine commitment to development.
“We have watched with concern the recent comments and activities allegedly linked to former Ayo Fayose, which appear designed to create unnecessary tension in Oyo State and distract the present administration from its developmental agenda.
“It is deeply unfortunate that an individual with no constitutional responsibility in Oyo State has chosen to interfere in matters that do not concern him, while attempting to import political quarrels from outside the state into our peaceful environment.
“We are particularly disturbed by allegations that he is working in alliance with Nyesom Wike and others to destabilise Oyo State and undermine Governor Makinde through controversies surrounding the revered Olubadan Stool.
“Let it be made clear that the Olubadan institution is sacred, respected, and central to the identity of Ibadanland. It must never be dragged into partisan politics or used as a tool for selfish ambitions.
“We therefore condemn any attempt by any political actor, no matter how highly placed, to exploit traditional institutions in pursuit of personal relevance or political revenge,” he said.
Barrister Ofurenna also said it was ironic that individuals whose public records remained controversial now seek to present themselves as defenders of democracy, morality, and good governance.
“Nigerians have not forgotten the many allegations, disputes, and controversies that trailed Fayose’s years in office in Ekiti State.
“Such a record does not confer moral authority to lecture others or interfere in a state that is progressing steadily.
“Rather than meddling in Oyo affairs, those with unresolved political baggage should focus on rebuilding their credibility and restoring trust where they come from.
“Fayose should limit himself to his state. He should direct his intellect and energy to the development of Ekiti State.
“Fayose is a rabble-rouser. He should bother himself with happenings in his state, instead of dabbling into who succeeds Makinde in Oyo which is quite a distance to Ekiti where he was once impeached as a governor,” he added.
Speaking further, the spokesperson of the association said: “Also, Fayose was seen in a video on the day of their National Convention in Abuja, he made utterances that Makinde is heading towards perdition.
“This prophet of doom he has turned himself into should be taken to his home state and not the government and the good people of Oyo State.
“Secondly, when he visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland a few days ago, he insulted the person of the first citizen of Oyo State describing him as inconsistent and a gambler and unable to who to handover to.
“Our question is, is the procedure of nominating a gubernatorial candidate of a party different from what the Electoral Act stated?
“We know that the Electoral Act is clear and unequivocal that candidates will either emerge via consensus or direct primaries.
“What is Fayose trying to infer that the governor should go against the electoral act to please the rabble rouser or follow the legal means of allowing his successor to emerge.
“What is the problem of Ayo Fayose on who is to succeed Makinde in Oyo State?
“He has no voting rights in Oyo; he’s not from Oyo State. He should rather go to his state and nominate who will succeed his governor.
“The alleged impeachment plot against our performing governor in Oyo State is a distraction and unholy wish of the person who asserted that the governor is heading towards perdition.
“Governor Makinde is unlike those who were impeached in their states because of corruption and crimes perpetrated by the rabble-rouser and his state into nightmare for the innocent citizens,” he said.
The spokesperson of the Igbo Residents In Ibadan Association declared that Governor Makinde has earned the confidence of the people of Oyo State through visible projects, transparent leadership, and people-oriented governance.
“Across roads, schools, healthcare delivery, agriculture, investment climate, and worker welfare, this administration has shown seriousness of purpose and a commitment to sustainable progress.
“Under Governor Makinde, Oyo State has also enjoyed relative peace, religious harmony, and ethnic inclusion, making the state a model of coexistence for all Nigerians, including the large Igbo community resident here.
“As law-abiding residents and stakeholders in the prosperity of this state, we will not fold our arms and watch external forces sow division where unity has been carefully nurtured.
“We therefore urge all citizens of Oyo State to remain calm, vigilant, and focused on the bigger picture of development, refusing to be distracted by noise, propaganda, or politically motivated rumours,” the spokesperson of the Igbo Residents In Ibadan Association added.
He, however, called on leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prevail on members whose reckless utterances, he said, were capable of deepening internal tensions and weakening the party ahead of future political engagements.
“Politics should be about ideas, service, and progress not blackmail, manufactured crises, or attempts to hijack functioning institutions for selfish ends,” he added.
The leader of the Igbo Residents In Ibadan Association also appealed to traditional and political leaders in Oyo State to continue to protect the peace of the state and reject any outsider seeking to manipulate our internal affairs for personal gain.
“Let it be known that the people of Ibadan and the wider Oyo State are politically conscious, peace-loving, and development-driven.
“Attempts to import political battles from other states will fail because our people can clearly distinguish performance from propaganda,” he added.
Concluding, the Igbo Residents In Ibadan Association reaffirmed its unwavering support for Governor ‘Seyi Makinde and his administration.
“We stand for peace, unity, and progress. Oyo State belongs to its people, and no amount of political mischief will derail the journey toward greater prosperity,” Barrister Ofurenna added.
Other speakers at the press conference, including Ukachi Clement, Ogochukwu Ogbonna, John Idoko, Valentine Chukwu and Kingsley Ike, also affirmed the support and loyalty of the Igbo Residents In Ibadan Association to the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde administration.
They all stated that the support of the association to Governor Makinde stemmed from what he had done for the Igbo community and his steady policies on the continuous growth and development of the state.
