The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, has called on the people of Kwara South Senatorial District to put aside political differences and unite for the progress and development of the region.
Ajiboye, who holds the traditional title of Muwagun of Oro Kingdom, made the appeal in a statement titled “Unity of Purpose in Kwara South—Most Desirable,” stressing that the time has come for all sub-groups — Igbomina, Ibolo, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Oke Ero, Offa, and Oyun — to work together in pursuit of common political and developmental goals.
He noted that internal divisions have long hindered the region’s political strength and access to adequate representation at both state and federal levels.
“This is not the time to allow dissenting voices to divide us. Our unity of purpose is most required now. We need to close ranks and come together to foster substantial unity that will make us politically formidable. Without unity, we cannot demand what we believe is our right,” he said.
Reacting to the controversy surrounding a recent video allegedly misrepresenting Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru’s comments about the Igbomina people, Ajiboye urged all parties to accept the Senator’s clarification and move on in the interest of peace.
He cited electoral statistics from the last general election to show that the Igbomina bloc performed strongly, contrary to the impression created by mischief-makers.
“For record purposes. Oyun and Offa in the last election polled 16,533 and 23,531 votes respectively, totalling 40,064, while Irepodun and Ifelodun polled 23,160 and 29,500 votes respectively, making a total of 52,660 votes. This figure does not even include results from Oke-Ero and Ekiti Local Governments,” he said.
Ajiboye emphasized that Senator Ashiru, who attended Esie Iludun Grammar School — an Igbomina-based institution — remains a friend of the Igbomina people and could not have intended to disparage them.
“Let us believe that he was quoted out of context and be magnanimous enough to overlook minor political missteps. If we see every issue as an affront, we risk becoming implosively divided and unable to pursue the collective good of our people,” he warned.
