Recent developments surrounding the ADC ticket for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency have generated genuine concern among loyal party members and committed stakeholders.
On behalf of the Media Team of Oba Ilukan, Mr Dotun Ogunbodede, we wish to state unequivocally: Our silence must not be misconstrued as weakness. We have consciously chosen restraint, peace, and party unity. In strict compliance with the directive of our principal, we have refrained from public escalation.
Hon Bello Adam, popularly known as Oba Ilukan, remains a loyal party man who upholds unity and due process. Nonetheless, the sequence of events necessitates that we place certain facts on record for the consideration of the national and state leadership of the party.
The facts are clear to all discerning observers. What has transpired bears the hallmarks of a predetermined outcome rather than a merit-driven selection. Democracy cannot be reduced to imposition, wherein those who contributed little are favoured, while those who invested time, resources, and credibility are excluded on tenuous technical grounds. The electorate and bona fide members of ADC in Owo/Ose merit a better process.
This statement also serves as a firm warning to the party leadership and to all persons behind the circulation of derogatory remarks intended to tarnish the reputation of our principal, Hon Bello Adam. We will not tolerate further verbal assaults or denigration of his character. We urge an immediate cessation of such conduct.
Let it be known: any subsequent derogatory statement against our principal will compel us to engage in sustained media discourse of a superlative, uncompromising nature. We advise all parties to desist from attacking him. Oba Ilukan is a man of peace with no association with violence. However, if violence is condoned, the Media Team will respond in kind.
We further advise the party leadership to concentrate on the substantive objective: victory at the general election. Imposition, in our view, does not advance the party’s interest. As a Media Team, we shall continue to observe developments closely. The verdict of the electorate at the polls will ultimately affirm the candidate imposed on the people of Owo/Ose Federal Constituency.
We nonetheless extend our best wishes to the ADC candidate for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency. Our commitment to supporting the party’s presidential candidate and to advancing good governance remains steadfast. Our loyalty to ADC at the national level is unwavering.
Let it be known to the national and state leadership: Oba Ilukan is not a peripheral political actor who can be disregarded with impunity. He is a man of substance, with deep roots in the constituency and authentic support among the people. The beneficiary of the ticket, awarded without contest, may not yet fully grasp the weight of responsibility or the expectations of the electorate and party faithful.
We shall monitor events in the constituency with keen interest. Time will distinguish between transient influence and genuine connection to the people.
The interests of the people of Owo/Ose must not be sacrificed to imposed preferences.
We urge the leadership to take due cognisance of the sentiments of true stakeholders and to ensure that future selection processes reflect the core principles of democracy. Oba Ilukan and his supporters remain focussed on the broader national objective while remaining vigilant over developments at home.
Signed:
Oba Ilukan Media Force (OMF)
