As the 2019 elections draw nearer, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Oyo state, Seyi Makinde has assured the people of Ibarapa that he will never cede any part of land in their community for ranching but rather work in partnership with stakeholders to use it for private businesses that will benefit the generality of the people.
Makinde stated this on Saturday when the PDP campaign team visited the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola in his palace in Eruwa.
He was accompanied on the trip by the party’s state chairman and secretary, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha and Wasiu Adeleke and Youth leader, Adekola.
Others are Mr Femi Babalola, Chief Jacob Adetoro, Director General of the campaign team, Chief Bayo Lawal, Director of Protocol, Honourable Samuel Adejumo, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Dr Nureni Adeniran, PDP chairman, Ibarapa East, Adekunle Waheed among others.
Makinde said “Kabiyesi, I am standing before you, God and the people of this community to assure you that we have good intentions for Ibarapa land.
“We will not cede any piece of land in Ibarapa land for ranching in whatever form. I promise you that the government will only work with stakeholders in the community to allow private business operators who will add value to the community use your land for profitable operations.
“Also, we have done our findings on the dam that was built and supposed to supply water to Eruwa and its environs, we’ll revisit the dam to make sure it works.
“Our government will not promise what we will not do because we know the rate of unemployment in the state and situation of education we promise to uplift. Our government will also create wealth for economic survival in the state.”
At the palace with Makinde are also PDP’s senatorial candidate, Dr Kola Balogun, House of Representatives candidate for Ido/Ibarapa East, Mr Yemi Taiwo and House of Assembly candidate for Ibarapa East, Debo Ogundoyin.
Responding, Oba Adegbola commented that Oyo state is blessed with arrays of qualified and presentable personalities now seeking political offices across political parties in the state.
Oba Adegbola admonished Makinde not to behave like some politicians who make heavy promises but renege on them when they get to power, saying “If God grants your wish, our problems in this community mostly are lack of pipe borne water, electricity, roads, good hospital and development in all educational sectors.”
The traditional ruler also added that “we are suffering from nearly all developmental infrastructure in this area.”
He then urged PDP members to step up their campaign and monitor their votes, advising that “we can only pray but God crowns” just as he wishes the party’s team well in their tour.
Meanwhile, the party chairman, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha thanked the Eleruwa for hosting the camp.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune
