The political landscape in Oluyole Federal Constituency has recorded a significant development as traditional worshippers under the leadership of Oloye Ifarinu Ifasola, Akoda Awo Oluyole, formally endorsed Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Olatunji, alongside other candidates of the Accord Progressive Movement (APM) ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The endorsement, described by the traditionalists as a strategic political decision, was reached during a gathering of prominent Isese practitioners and community stakeholders in Oluyole.
The group also announced the adoption of the APM as its preferred political platform, citing what it described as the party’s ideals of growth, productivity, inclusiveness and prosperity.
Explaining the decision, the traditional worshippers said their support for Olatunji was informed by his demonstrated commitment to their welfare, as well as the support and assistance they had received from him and the administration of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
They maintained that the time had come to reciprocate the gestures by mobilising their members and supporters behind Olatunji and other APM candidates at the polls.
The traditionalists particularly identified the cassava depicted in the APM logo as a powerful symbol of productivity, growth and economic prosperity, saying its symbolism resonates with their aspirations for a more inclusive and prosperous society.
They pledged to deploy their networks across Oluyole to mobilise support for the APM, while describing Olatunji as a political leader who had shown genuine interest in the welfare of traditional worshippers and demonstrated a clear vision for the development of the federal constituency.
Responding to the endorsement, Olatunji expressed gratitude to the Isese community for the confidence reposed in him and the APM candidates.
He attributed his political philosophy to the mentorship and leadership example of Governor Makinde, whom he said had transformed governance standards in Oyo State while nurturing a new generation of political leaders committed to public service.
According to him, public office should be regarded as a responsibility to the people rather than an avenue for personal privilege.
Olatunji reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, promising to sustain policies that would broaden access to opportunities, empowerment and development across Oluyole.
The endorsement ceremony attracted notable APM stakeholders, including the party’s Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Nasiru Hamzat; former Oyo State House of Assembly member representing Oluyole, Hon. Lukman Salawu; former Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Kehinde Abore; Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Oyewale Mosunmola; Director of Education, Mrs. Ajao; and Alhaji Ogunrin.
Ward chairmen, local government executives, party leaders, traditional members and other supporters also attended the gathering.
Prominent traditional worshippers present included Oloye Akinola Oladeji, Alaga Isegun; Oloye Orisa Bunmi, Iya Gbogbo Isese; Oloye Olalekan Afuye, Aseju Ogboni; Omitoogun Ekundayo, Iyalaje Isese; Ifamuyiwa Onifade, Iyanifa Awo Oluyole; Adegoke Taiwo, Iya Egbe Eleriko; Ifatola Ifalola, Alaga Isokan Isese; Ifatogun Odejinmi, Iya Osun; Ifalola Adebayo, Asoju Isegun Akorede; Odejinmi Ifatoke, Iya Ijo; Ojetunde Sanpona, Olori Eleegun; and Ifamodupe Bolarinwa, Akorin Ijo.
The endorsement is expected to add momentum to the APM’s political mobilisation in Oluyole, with the traditional worshippers signalling their readiness to translate their declared support into grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.
