The Governor-elect of Oyo State and gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Saturday election, Engineer Seyi Makinde has insisted that a lawmaker who was killed during the election, Hon. Temitope Olatoye and others who lost their lives, will not die in vain.
Makinde made this disclosure while speaking with journalists during a press conference he called to address the people of the state at his Ikolaba Ibadan residence on Monday.
The governor-elect, while speaking at the briefing which had in attendance other PDP stalwarts among whom are his Deputy, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, Senator-elect for Oyo South District, Dr. Kola Balogun, Alhaja Modinat Adedibu, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, condemned the spate of violence during the election.
He however insisted that Olatoye and others who lost their lives during the election will not die in vain.
Makinde, while describing his victory as the will of the people, likened it to Agbekoya struggle where the people revolted against high taxation and tariffs.
He said, “My good people of Oyo state, God does not act in a vacuum and he has made everything to perfection. And this is the reason why we are gathered here today. We give Him the Glory.
“The political struggle of the past few weeks by the people of Oyo state, particularly the elections which took place on Saturday leading to my being elected as your next Governor come May this year, reminds me of the Agbekoya struggle of 1968.
“I compare the two historical events because while the original Agbekoya struggle of 50 years ago was a peasant revolt that kicked against high taxation and tariffs, particularly of farmers by the powers that be, the Satruday’s voting pattern, clearly showed your dogged determination inspite of spirited efforts to frustrate you.
“The needless bloodletting, maiming and killings of members of parties which led to the death of a federal legislation, Hon. Temitope Olatoye and some others was an unfortunate stain on our democracy. I assure the families involved that they will not die in vain.
“In your valour you stood up against what you perceived to be the mismanagement of your common patrimony brought about collusion with forces outside our shores to fleece our treasury among other obvious misdemeanours.
“You elected me to fulfil your desire for a better life and God helping me, I will not disappoint you.
“You also made it easier for us by voting in majority of our legislators which means that we can push through without much ado, all our people-oriented policies particularly in critical sectors of education, health and job creation.”
Makinde, while speaking further, thanked those who contributed to the success among whom are: ex-governor Rasidi Ladoja, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin and Barrister Sharafadeen Alli.
He said, “The making of history is usually decided by wise men who volunteer to operate from behind the scene. High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Osi Olubadan and former Governor of Oyo state together with Senator Olufemi Lanlehin of the ADC, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli of the ZLP, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde of the SDP, Senator Monsurat Summonu and others who decided to relegate their own ambitions to support me for the greater good of the masses.
“Posterity will forever paint their names in gold. I must also not forget to mention the roles of our national leaders and all members of our great party, PDP. My gratitude are eternal.
“I thank you once again for entrusting me with your mandate. Thank you and God bless you all,” he said.
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