Political leaders in Efon have rejected alleged moves by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Karounwi Oladapo, to impose a chairmanship candidate on the local government under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress without consultation with stakeholders.
The leaders expressed surprise over what they described as an attempt to personalise political power and influence, and called on Governor Biodun Oyebanji to urgently address the emerging nomination crisis in Efon Local Government ahead of the forthcoming council elections.
Oladapo, a prominent APC figure, was accused of orchestrating the controversial endorsement of an aspirant, Ifetade Ola, without engaging other party leaders, according to Daily Post.
Those reportedly sidelined include Chief Joseph Alake, the stakeholders’ leader; Prof. Adio Folayan, former Commissioner for Agriculture; Elder Odunayo Ategbero, former local government chairman and commissioner; Victor Kolade, former special adviser; Chief Joel Omoniyi, former council chairman; and Bode Adetunji, also a former council chairman.
Other committed party chieftains, including Chief Bode Olayinka and Chief Dele Jeje, described as respected leaders and community figures, as well as Olaitan Olayinka, a retired federal civil servant, and Afolabi Ige, a lawyer and businessman, were also said to have dissociated themselves from the alleged imposition.
A community leader, Ajiroba Patrick Ojo, condemned the unfolding controversy and urged Governor Oyebanji to caution the commissioner.
In a statement titled ‘When men dare to play God’, Ojo called for an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to address the political tension in the local government. Ojo, a former President of the Efon Development League (EDL), said such a step was necessary to prevent chaos and instability in the area.
The statement read, “For over a week now, we have been following the activities of certain party men and women in the political land space of our local government. I have personally been reading with interest the several media posts of our dear Hon Commissioner, Mr Karounwi, his boastful assertions and his claim of been the singular authority to choose for Efon Alaaye, who and who represents us without any regard or consultation with the Efon traditional council, Efon Development League, Efon stakeholders and the majority of APC leaders.
“Having consulted widely and generally with several notable leaders and people of our kingdom, I, Ajiroba of Efon Alaaye, in my capacity, wish to advise Commissioner Karounwi to tread softly.
“This current attitude of his only tends to throw our dear community into chaos and instability. Not a single known and recognised political heavyweight in APC has supported any of his spurious claims. From Chief Alake, Chief Jeje, Chief Olayinka, Prof Adio Folayan, Chief Omoniyi, Elder Ategbero, Engineer Skiddo, Victor Kolade, Olaitan Olayinka, Afolabi Ige and several other party leaders and their followers, none has has shown any sign of support for this sole candidate of Hon. Karounwi.
“Their cold silence, the silence of the traditional council and the rest of us the good people of Efon Alaaye, show our discontent and disapproval for this arrogance and undemocratic attitude.
“The constant and irresponsible attitude of picking our third eleven to represent us should stop forthwith. We will forever remember that this same attitude of rebellion led Efon to loosing a Federal Government College during the Teacher Training College episode a few decades ago.
“My dear people of Efon, we would be calling a meeting of all Efon Alaaye stakeholders shortly. Our respect, love and support remains forever undiluted and strong for our Omoluabi Governor BAO. Those presently misrepresenting his government will surely be put to shame eventually.”
However, the commissioner responded, dismissing the criticism and advising Ojo to refrain from further attacks.
Oladapo said in a statement, “I read with rude shock about your outbursts and unnecessary defamation of my characters through your post to various Efon social media platforms.
“I am only taking your write-up and propose next move with philosophical calmness and understanding knowing fully that you are not a practicing politician.
“With due respect Sir, you are free to form your own opposition party without insulting or tarnishing my long built reputations in my party APC.
“As one of the APC political leaders in Efon Alaaye Local Government and Ekiti State, I am entitled to play my role based on my party dictates. I don’t think I have ever interfere in any areas of your own choosing careers. Let everybody maintain his or her own lane with respect for individuals.
“Election time is still far and we have alot of opposition parties e.g. PDP, LP, AAC, etc. from where concerned citizens of Efon can showcase their own preferred candidates for LG elections without causing disharmony. Please, let me be sir.”
