Politics

  A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party in Oyo State, Chief Olayinka Segelu Akintola Oladimeji, has written an open letter to Governor Seyi Makinde, reaffirming his loyalty to the governor while lamenting what he described as a lack of recognition despite years of political support and contributions to the party. In the letter, Oladimeji said his support for Makinde’s administration had never been motivated by personal gain but by his commitment to the progress and development of the state. “I write at this important moment to reaffirm my unflinching personal loyalty and respect for you as the Executive Governor of Oyo State. My support for your leadership has never been driven by personal gain or expectations of reward,” he said. He added that his commitment to the governor and the party was rooted in his concern for the stability and development of the state. “Rather, my commitment has always been motivated by my deep concern for the progress, stability, and development of our dear state, Oyo State,” he stated. Oladimeji noted that he had consistently contributed to the growth of the party and supported Makinde during election campaigns and other political activities. According to him, during the 2018/2019 gubernatorial election that brought Makinde to power, he donated a campaign bus to support the campaign. “For instance, during your first gubernatorial campaign in 2018/2019, I personally donated a campaign bus in support of your emergence as governor,” he said. He added that he also supported the governor’s re-election bid in the 2022/2023 governorship election by facilitating the branding of three campaign vehicles. “During your second campaign in 2022/2023, I also facilitated the branding of three campaign vehicles to further support your re-election bid,” he said. Oladimeji further stated that he extended support to elected officials during the 2024 local government elections in Lagelu Local Government Area. “In addition, during the 2024 Local Government elections, I extended similar support to all elected officials in Lagelu Local Government Area, including every councillor,” he said. Despite these contributions, the PDP chieftain said he had not received any meaningful recognition. “However, it is also important for me to reflect honestly on the journey so far. Despite these sacrifices and contributions, I have not enjoyed any meaningful recognition or the dividends that often follow such sustained commitment,” he said. Oladimeji also recalled earlier political discussions regarding his aspiration to represent the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, stating that the support he had hoped for did not materialise. “From earlier engagements during the period when Chief Bisi Ilaka served as Chief of Staff, to subsequent political discussions surrounding my aspiration for the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, the support I had hoped for did not materialize,” he said. The party chieftain also appealed to the governor to immortalise his late father, Olusegun Moses Akintola Oladimeji, whom he described as a committed political figure who paid a heavy price for his political beliefs. “I also made sincere appeals for the immortalization of my late father’s name in recognition of his sacrifices and contributions to the party and the people of Oyo State,” he said. He recalled that his father suffered humiliation during the early years of Nigeria’s democratic journey. “While serving as the Oyo State Party Chairman in the early years of our democratic struggle, he was publicly attacked and stripped naked by thugs at the Premier Hotel around 2001/2002 simply because he stood firmly for the party and the principles he believed in,” he said. Oladimeji added that the late politician was later assassinated while serving as a member of the House of Representatives. “Years later, on September 14, 2007, he was brutally assassinated in his constituency office at Ejioku in Lagelu Local Government Area while serving the people as a Member of the Federal House of Representatives,” he said. According to him, such sacrifices should not be forgotten in the political history of the state. “These painful sacrifices remind us that politics must never forget those who paid dearly to build its foundation,” he said. Despite his concerns, Oladimeji reaffirmed his loyalty to Makinde and his commitment to the development of Oyo State. “Despite the disappointments and setbacks along the way, I continue to choose the path of loyalty, patience, and faith in God, believing firmly that history and the people will always remember those who served with sincerity, courage, and sacrifice,” he said.