All is not well with supporters of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State. And it cannot be disconnected with appointment and 2019 elections.
Following the change of name of Ajumose Coalition Movement, ACM, founded by erstwhile caretaker chairman of Ibadan North West local government, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun to Itesiwaju-Oyo Coalition Movement, ICMN another group-Ajumose Legacy Forum, ALF, has come out to disclaim the group.
A statement signed by ALF chairman, Chief M.K.O Laoye described ACM as ‘one of its affiliate groups’, adding that ”as the umbrella body for all pro-Ajimobi socio-political groups within and outside Nigeria, we, Ajumose Legacy Forum (ALF), are strongly denying any connection whatsoever with the troubled affiliate group, which purportedly changed its name in a calculated attempt to oppose the government of the day in Oyo State.
The statement added that “we keenly observed that some few former caretaker chairmen under the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi are discontented over the change of batons in the administration of their respective local government areas, hence, the reason for their action. We know all along that their supposed loyalty to Senator Abiola Ajimobi was doubtful as they have always been known as desperate power-seekers and all-government-in-power is their second nature.”
But in a swift reaction, Olatubosun has described the statement as laughable, saying that “ALF should continue to deceive itself.” He said that how can a group that has over 158 associations be an affiliate of a ‘breakaway’ group.
Laoye continued: ”Therefore, we authoritatively say that Ajumose Legacy Forum is intact and 100% loyal not only to the masses-oriented agenda of our leader, Senator Abiola Ajimobi but also to our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC). Our socio-political group has been at the forefront of Mr. Governor’s political activities prior to the 2007 general elections and we remain steadfast till today, despite its metamorphoses.
“The Ajumose Legacy Forum will always be proud of Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s administration’s giant strides. It’s visible even to the blind and audible to the deaf that Governor Ajimobi has performed excellently in his almost 7 years reign. He has showcased brilliant performances in the areas of peace and security, infrastructure and urban renewal, industrialisation, excellent health care services, agricultural revolution, improving Internal Generated Revenue, employment and empowerment of youths and women, and among others. To this end, we shall always stand with the architect of modern Oyo State, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, even after his tenure because his legacies must not die.
Olatubosun, who was once a publicity secretary and later secretary of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the state said that: “the change of name from Ajumose Coalition Movement to Itesiwaju-Oyo Coalition Movement was borne of nothing but “as parts of our strategic measures ahead of the forthcoming electioneering process and betterment of the rank and file of the group.”
He said the group, comprising of over 158 varying professional, religious, associations,market men and women, pressure and other bodies, is not against the administration of Ajimobi, urging ALF, which he described as ‘a faction of SENACO group’ to solve its internal problem and not pokenose into what does not concern its members.
“Where were they when the group, under my leadership as chairman of the contact and mobilisation committee of Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s governorship projects, for two consecutive elections, played major parts in the 2011 defeat of the incumbent and breaking of jinx of the governor and our party
“Why are they jittery about our plan to sensitise and mobilise about one million people of the state and also serve as campaigners of new dawn of good governance in the next general elections especially in Oyo State?
“I am of the firm belief that they would soon fizzle out when the time comes. Governor Ajimobi cannot be deceived by political merchants who lost in their respective local government in the 2011 and 2015 elections, he said.
