The Ogoga-in-Council in Ikere-Ekiti has declared its support for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye, ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State.
At a meeting organized by the council at the palace of the Ogoga in Ikere The council stated that it remained committed to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye, while stating that it had not appointed any member to represent the council at the welcome rally for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Wole Oluyede.
It said that reports suggesting that some Ikere leaders attended PDP rallies or meetings on behalf of the community were misleading and should be disregarded.
The council explained that no individual was authorized to represent Ikere at any political gathering organized by the PDP, stating further that no member of the council was appointed to represent them at any forum or meeting organized by PDP candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede.
It noted that Ikere indigenes had benefitted from several high ranking federal appointments under the President Bola Tinubu led administration, describing the development as inclusive and commendable and adding that ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Ikere-Ilawe Road and improved healthcare abd education sector reflected the developmental strides of the current government.
It further stated that it appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and benevolence towards Ekiti State.
The traditional institution said that it had also thrown its weight behind the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye, describing her as a proud daughter and worthy representative of Ikere Kingdom.
The council maintained that the only official position it had taken recently was on the zoning of the House of Representatives seat, which it said was non-partisan and explained that the position was aimed at ensuring fairness to Ikere Constituency 1 and not driven by political considerations.
While expressing concern over the activities of some individuals allegedly operating under the name of the Ikere Council of Elders for political purposes, the Ogoga in council warned that such actions were capable of tarnishing the image and unity of Ikere Kingdom.
It thereafter suspended the Ikere Council of Elders till after the forthcoming election to avoid misrepresentation about certain political positions and to avoid the breakdown or order in the town.
The council said it had deliberated on the matter and found the actions of those individuals to be contrary to the purpose for which the elders’ body was established.
It stated that the Ikere Elders Council was created to promote unity and development, but had deviated from its mandate, necessitating decisive action.
The statement was endorsed by the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Dr. Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado, alongside High Chief Ayeni Olajide (Ologotun Ikere), High Chief Olufemi Babatola (Sapetu Ikere), Chief James Alonge (Sao Ikere), High Chief Kayode Omodara, and the Asoju Oba of Ikere Kingdom, Chief Akin Afuye.