Advancing APC’s Grassroots Strength : Community Visits, Defections, and Engagements
Earlier yesterday, I received a delegation of notable leaders from Ipesi-Akoko who were on a thank you visit to express their profound gratitude to Mr. Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for considering one of their own, Hon. Ojumu Benjamin for the position of Vice Chairman of Akoko South East Local Government.
On the delegation were Chief S.O. Ojumu, Chief Obamacare Ayekulehin, High Chief Olodeakara of Isalu, Chief Omiare of Iyara land, High Chief Olootota, Chief Gabriel Adeleke, High Chief M.B. Olowo, Prince Ajibola Lovely and Hon. Katola Kayode, the Chairman Abe Igi Youth Parliament, Alagbaka, Akure. An enlarged portrait of my humble self was presented by the delegation as a souvenir.
I later attended the burial of the mother of one of the chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akoko South East Local Government, Chief (Mrs.) Obafemi at Isua. I was accompanied by Hon. Bakare Samuel Segun, a former Chairman of Akoko South East; Hon. Reuben Oguntoye, a one-time Supervisor; Hon. Ojumu; Hon. (Mrs.) Oguntoye; Hon. Benson; Hon. Elerewe Ebenezer; the Chairman of the Forum of APC Ward Chairmen, Mr John Adeyemi; Ward 3 APC Chairman, Hon. Dotun Felix Agesin; Akoko South East Local Government APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Ayedogbon Ayodele; the Kola Grassroots Network (KGN) Women under the leadership of Hon. (Mrs.) Mabel, Akinyemi and others.
At the reception organized by the newly sworn in Akoko South East Vice Chairman, Hon. Ojumu in Ipesi-Akoko I was represented by Hon. (Elder) Olofin Ahmed (aka Baba Amen) who received defectors from opposition political parties on my behalf. Hon. Olofin Ahmed is the Chairman of Kola Grassroots Network (KGN). Amongst the defectors are several notable figures who pledged their allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the developmental strides of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the leadership qualities of Hon. Ojumu Benjamin. They include Hon. Olajide Atofarati, a former Supervisory Councillor and former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akoko South East and Mr. Ogedengbe Dele, the Councilorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the January 18, 2025 Local Government Elections. The event was marked by jubilation as party leaders and stakeholders welcomed the new members into the APC fold, reaffirming the party’s commitment to grassroots inclusivity and governance.
Hon Kolawole Gabriel Babatunde. FCIPA, ALBS.
