••• As Irewolede Axis Stakeholders Meet to Forge Unity, Cooperation and Development
Chief (Hon.) Segun Olaoye, the Babalaje of Oro Kingdom and Chairman of the Oluwasegun Olaoye Foundation, on Sunday officially declared his interest to contest for the Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Irepodun and Isin Federal House of Representatives seat in the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made during a high-profile Irewolede Axis of Irepodun LG Stakeholders meeting he convened at the Image Garden, Esie, with a strong focus on fostering unity and collective development in the axis.
In his address, Chief Olaoye stressed that the gathering was not driven by personal ambition, but by a commitment to the shared dream they all hold for the growth, peace, and progress of the communities.
“Our strength lies in our collective will to work together and in our commitment to one another as brothers and sisters striving for a common goal” He added.
“When we stand united, no challenge can defeat us. That is why I want to appeal to every one of us, let us put aside personal interests, political differences, and every form of division. Let us embrace the spirit of oneness, cooperation, and understanding.” the APC Chieftain further added.
The philanthropist highlighted that unity is the foundation for meaningful development, which would enable the communities to lift the youths out of unemployment, support women, empower traders, and strengthen communities, this, he noted, is the core mission of the Oluwasegun Olaoye Foundation.
The meeting drew key political and community figures, including: Hon. Rasheedat Kazeem, Irepodun APC Chairwoman, Chief Raheem Adedoyin, Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom and APC Stalwart, Hon. Abolude Funmilayo, Irepodun LG Vice Chairman, Hon. Muritala Omogoye, Speaker of the Irepodun Local Government Council, Hon. Ben Duntoye, former Commissioner for Information and Youth Development in Kwara State, Chief Mrs. (Dr) Opawoye Oluwatoyin, APC National Ex-Officio, Prof Bashir, among others.
Speaking, Hon. Odeyemi Samuel Adebayo, DG of the Oluwasegun Olaoye Foundation, charged Irewolede stakeholders to embrace unity, stating that having someone within the axis assumes a top portfolio would benefit the people.
He added that God specifically used Chief Oluwasegun Olaoye (Babalaje of Oro Kingdom) to convene the noble gathering, citing similar meetings that occurred in the past for Oro I and II.
Odeyemi explained that the gathering was crucial to solidify the strong ties and unity among the people of the Irewolede Axis, which is of paramount importance to enable everyone to speak with one voice, emphasizing that the Unity of Irewolede is very important and therefore, anyone with political ambition should be encouraged to participate.
The Irepodun Development Officer, Hon. Felix Awodiji, in his remarks, added that no ward is politically docile, stating that zoning has greatly helped in ensuring everyone gets a fair share of everything.
He lauded the Convener for the initiative, noting that for development to continue smoothly, there is a need to advocate for greater unity within the axis.
Awodiji further stated that more of such meetings and gatherings should be encouraged to continuously achieve the axis’s set goals and focus, adding that the axis has credible and eligible candidates to vie for any political portfolio.
A notable contribution came from Hon. Cyril Olusegun Agbara, who called for the need for Irewolede to become a Local Government on its own. He encouraged the stakeholders to use the forthcoming town hall meeting for the federal constituency to agitate for the creation of Irewolede LG.
Cyril charged stakeholders to make use of the opportunity of the forthcoming town hall meeting for the federal constituency to make their submissions and agitate for what they want.
He concluded that whether the meeting convened by Chief Oluwasegun Olaoye was for political ambition or not, doesn’t matter; what was most important is that he has succeeded in bringing all stakeholders together, and for that, he should be commended.
On her part, Hon. Kazeem Rasheedat, the Irepodun APC Chairwoman, charged prospective aspirants to respect political leaders and stakeholders, urging them not to degrade themselves by jettisoning them for people in another far Local Government.
Chief Raheem Adedoyin (Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom) lauded Chief Olaoye for the initiative, noting that the move was a significant step in the axis’ political dispensation.
He encouraged the delegates to maintain continuous engagement with their councilors.
Oloriewe also acknowledged the administration of Governor AbdulRazaq, citing the first road construction in the state starting from Oro in the Irewolede Axis as evidence of the dividends of democracy.
Stakeholders unanimously agreed that more such gatherings should be encouraged to ensure they remain united and focused on their common goals.
