The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming House of Representatives bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Fólajimi Oyekunle, popularly known as “DON,” has addressed criticisms questioning his Ibadan indigenous status, stating emphatically that his roots are firmly planted in both the town and village of Ibadan.
Hon. Oyekunle made the clarification while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Ibadan, as critics continue to form false debates around his ancestral origin in the lead-up to the August 16th bye-election.
According to the PDP candidate, the controversy surrounding his Ibadan heritage is being deliberately fuelled by opposition elements, who, he claims, are desperate to derail his political momentum.
“I don’t understand why they are spreading rumours that I am not an Ibadan indigene,” Oyekunle said. “At first, I considered it a typical political tactic to discredit me, but it has now become necessary to set the record straight.”
He emphasized that his family lineage is rooted in Ibadan, both in the rural and urban settings, dismissing the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated.
“We all know that ancestry and lineage primarily determine indigeneity in Ibadan,” he said. “I can boldly say that my grandparents were from Ibadan. For anyone in doubt, I encourage them to visit Jagun Village in Olorunda, Lagelu Local Government Area, as well as Agbo Ile Jagun in Labiran, Ibadan North East Local Government. These are verifiable locations that confirm my claims.”
Oyekunle said it was laughable to hear some minority set of people to say he is not an Ibadan indigene, noting that his root as an Ibadan man is undebatable.
The one-time Oyo assembly lawmaker and immediate past Deputy Chief of Staff to Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde explained that he had deliberately refrained from responding to the controversy until now, to allow his critics the opportunity to investigate his background.
He called on the people of Ibadan North, his supporters, and the general public to remain focused and not be distracted by what he described as diversionary tactics.
“This is the time to rally together and focus on the task ahead. Our collective goal is victory on August 16, and we must not allow baseless distractions to derail our efforts,” he stated.
