The reported endorsement, by some mogajis, of Mr Joseph Tegbe, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 senatorial election has been disclaimed by the Ibadan Mogajis Association.
Some mogajis from the five local government areas in the Ibadan metropolis were reported to have endorsed Tegbe as their preferred candidate from Oyo South Senatorial District.
However, the mogajis, under the aegis of the Association of Ibadan Mogajis, distanced themselves from the purported endorsement, declaring that they did not single out any of the contestants as the candidate of their choice.
President of the association, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, in a statement, on Tuesday, said all the mogajis are rather in support of all the candidates contesting for various positions who are indigenes of Ibadan.
Mogaji Ariori acknowledged Tegbe as a member of the association, but added that the mogajis have not endorsed the PDP candidate as their choice for the senatorial election.
“Our attention has been called to a rumour making around that we have endorsed Joseph Tegbe. Tegbe met us when the meeting was going on. The meeting was not purposely called for his endorsement.
“The true reflections of what transpired during the meeting between some Ibadan mogajis and Mogaji Joseph Tegbe has clearly confirmed that there was never an endorsement but a mere meeting and soliciting for electoral supports.
“All the personalities at the meeting, including me (Mogaji Ariori) and the host, Mogaji Abass Oloko, refute the reported endorsement.
“Mogaji Joseph Tegbe is a prominent son of the soil and mogaji. He has equal right just like any other sons and daughters of the soil.
“The mogajis and any other groups can choose to meet any of our aspirants or candidates and listen to their request, but endorsement is far from the discussions.
“This issues has generated a lot of furore. We advise all our distinguished patriots, most especially mogajis, to steer clear of anything that could divide us.
“We deserve to be more united under His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Lekan Balogun Alli Okunmade UI, much more than ever,” the statement read.
Recall that Mr Joseph Tegbe was said to have been endorsed by the mogajis at a meeting held at the Olunde residence of Mogaji Abass Oloko.
The mogajis were reported to have described Tegbe as a likeable and eminent personality who has elevated thousands of downtrodden in Ibadan and Oyo State from poverty to prosperity.
