The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has launched a blistering attack on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its key figures, Minister of Power Oloye Adebayo Adelabu and Oyo APC, and it’s controversial candidate in the forthcoming August 16 by election in the state Wale Olatunji, branding them a disgrace to Ibadanland and an insult to the revered legacy of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige I.
In a statement signed by the party’s Acting Publicity Secretary, Mr. Micheal Ogunsina, the PDP said it suspended its Ibadan North Local Government campaign rally scheduled for Friday, August 8, as a mark of respect for the late monarch, whose burial took place the same day.
“PDP is a party that honours the legacies of our heroes. The Olubadan devoted his entire life to serving Ibadan, Oyo State, and Nigeria. It is only fitting that we honour him, unlike the APC whose conduct was a national embarrassment,” Ogunsina declared.
The PDP condemned the APC’s decision to proceed with its campaign flag-off at Bodija Market on the day of the burial, calling it a shameless display of desperation and a total disregard for Ibadan’s traditions.
“The burial date was fixed weeks ago. Yet, APC in their usual dishonourable fashion went ahead with their campaign, even fabricating a lie that the governor stopped them from using the venue. This is the height of political recklessness,” the statement read.
Ogunsina blasted Minister Adelabu for shunning the burial rites in his own childhood neighbourhood to attend political meetings, accusing him of abandoning the traditional etiquette expected of an Ibadan chief.
“For a son of Ibadan and a chief to ignore such a significant cultural moment is shameful. Adelabu and Murphy’s APC have reduced themselves to a pack of political jobbers, disrespecting our traditions and insulting the people they claim to serve,” the PDP spokesperson said.
He urged residents of Ibadan North and across Oyo State to reject the APC at the polls, reminding them that the party was soundly defeated in the last House of Representatives election.
“Olubadan’s spirit will haunt them. They were losers then, and they will be losers again. The people of Ibadanland will not reward disrespect, desperation, and dishonour,” Ogunsina concluded.
