••• Says I am an Independent Stakeholder, Not an Accolyte
Prominent Kwara South Political Stakeholder and Chairman of Orisun Igbomina, Chief Gbenga Awoyale has issued a comprehensive rejoinder to debunk what he describes as “falsehoods and deliberate misrepresentations” regarding his political affiliations and conduct at the recent APC National Convention in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Sunday and made available to 9japarrot, Chief Awoyale addressed the viral publication titled “LAF Disclaimer Falls Apart Amid Contradictions and Ground Realities,” labeling the claims as a malicious attempt to malign his reputation.
The rejoinder obtained by 9japarrot media reads in full;
“My attention has been drawn to a publication titled “LAF Disclaimer Falls Apart Amid Contradictions and Ground Realities”, which is replete with falsehoods, conjectures, and deliberate misrepresentations of my person and role in recent political developments.
First and foremost, I wish to categorically state that I am not the Director-General or any official of the Lekan Adewoye (LAF) Campaign Structure, contrary to the claims being circulated. My support for Prince Lekan Adewoye is purely brotherhood-driven, rooted in our shared origin from Arandun. It is neither institutional nor administrative in nature, and any attempt to portray it otherwise is both misleading and dishonest.
I must also clarify that I have never been an acolyte or appendage of any politician. I am, and have always been, an independent-minded stakeholder in Irepodun Local Government Area and the wider Kwara South Senatorial District. My engagement in politics is firmly anchored in the pursuit of development, equity, and progress for our people. This commitment dates back many years and informed the establishment of Orisun Igbomina, a platform for which I had the privilege of chairing.
Through this position, I have consistently engaged with aspirants, candidates, and officeholders across party lines, offering counsel and contributing to conversations that advance the interests of our region. And these, have yielded so many indelible developments across many communities and towns within Irepodun LG.
On the issue of the alleged scuffle at the APC Convention in Abuja, I state unequivocally that such claims are baseless and unfounded. What transpired was a legitimate grievance arising from the manipulation of the official delegate list. The authentic list approved from Abuja clearly contained my name as number 67 among the 12 delegates from our local government. It is therefore deeply troubling that the list was later altered by certain elements, with legitimate names replaced by individuals including Raheem Adedoyin and Thomas Adewumi, among others.
The situation was further aggravated when materials meant for duly accredited delegates, including official Ankara fabrics and identification tags, were handed over to these substitute individuals. Our protest at the venue was therefore lawful, peaceful, and justified, as we demanded recognition in line with the authentic list. At no point did I engage in any form of physical altercation. I challenge anyone with contrary evidence to present it publicly.
It is unfortunate that individuals such as Raheem Adedoyin (Oloriewe), Thomas Adewumi Oko, and the SSA New Media to the Kwara State Governor, Yinka Fafoluyi Solace ( an individual controversially laying claim to a community within our local government), have continued to fuel discord and destabilise the political environment in Irepodun. It is even more surprising that individuals of notable stature and accomplishments would allow themselves to be influenced in a manner that undermines their standing and the peace of our political space.
Let me reiterate that my commitment remains unwavering to the growth, unity, and sustainable development of Irepodun and the entire Kwara South. I strongly advocate for peaceful political coexistence, mutual respect, and adherence to due process in all party affairs.
Attempts to malign my reputation or distort facts will not deter me from standing for truth, justice, and the collective interest of our people.