Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Ahead of the 2019 polls, traditional rulers in Ogun West senatorial district, comprising Yewa-Awori in Ogun State, have endorsed the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, to succeed the incumbent Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
The monarchs, who gave their endorsement, on Wednesday, at the Yewa Traditional Council meeting held, in Ilaro, where Isiaka was officially presented to them, unanimously declared that the ADC governorship candidate remained the “perfect candidate” to actualise the long time aspiration of Ogun West to produce governor since 1976 when Ogun was created.
The Council meeting, presided over by the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, was equally attended by traditional rulers across the five local government areas in the senatorial district.
While taking turns to offer royal blessing and prayers to Isiaka, the traditional rulers who noted that Isiaka is contesting for the governorship for the third consecutive time, added that he emerged as the “consensus candidate” of the senatorial district by divine intervention.
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According to them, Ogun West are now wiser and determined to speak with their votes in 2019 and expressed optimism that a governor of Yewa-Awori extraction will address the marginalisation and neglect of the area in terms of development over the years.
In his remark, Oba Olugbenle, said the people were ready to entrust their future in the hands of a competent and capable candidate.
The paramount ruler noted that Isiaka’s political journey in the state had been divinely arranged, adding that God was involved in his current efforts.
“Your journey is one that God has blessed. God has done His own to ensure your acceptability; the people must also do their part. The people of Yewa-Awori will be happy to have their own as the next governor,” the monarch added.
Speaking earlier, Isiaka, otherwise known as GNI, said he was at the meeting to formally notify the monarchs of his desire to contest the governorship for the third time and solicit their cooperation and support.
He noted that having emerged third and second in previous gubernatorial elections in the state, he was confident of victory in the next governorship in 2019.
“As governor of Ogun State, I will make you proud. We believe that Ogun State has a lot of potentials and we are determined to bring all of this together and harness them. We shall run a good government.
“When we started this process, we heard what some people were saying about our decision. Some people would even say where will I get the money to contest? But I want to assure you that this time around, it is God’s project and he will put us there. Therefore, I need your prayers and support,” he stated.
Isiaka, therefore, promised to focus on education, health, human capital and infrastructural development, if elected as governor next year.
The candidate was accompanied on the visit by the ADC state chairman, Dr Gbolade Osinowo, Director-General of his campaign, Engr Tony Ojeshina, renowned historian, Prof. Anthony Asiwaju, and several party chieftains from the state’s three senatorial districts.