The attention of the Opomulero Group has been drawn to the purported communiqué issued in the name of the Elders and Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owo Local Government.
Ordinarily, such a publication would not deserve a response. However, silence in the face of political intimidation and an attempt to rewrite the history of the APC in Owo could be misconstrued as acceptance.
Let it be stated unequivocally that the APC in Owo is not the private estate of any individual or clique. The party belongs to every loyal member who has laboured, sacrificed and contributed to its growth over the years. No individual has the constitutional, moral or political authority to declare himself or herself the sole custodian of the party or invalidate meetings attended by respected stakeholders simply because they were not the conveners.
It is unfortunate that, instead of focusing on strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 general election, some individuals have chosen to manufacture unnecessary leadership disputes capable of distracting the party from its collective responsibility.
The strategic meeting convened by Hon. Jumoke Ajasin Anifowose was a legitimate gathering of committed APC elders and stakeholders to review the affairs of the party, reaffirm support for Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and strengthen mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. No communiqué can invalidate that meeting or diminish its significance.
It must also be made clear that attendance at a local government leaders’ meeting is not compulsory for the Governor or the Deputy Governor. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, mni, remain leaders of the APC by virtue of their constitutional offices and commitment to the party. Their absence from any local meeting does not invalidate such a meeting or diminish their leadership within the APC.
Hon. Jumoke Ajasin Anifowose has continued to build on the enduring political legacy of the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin. She remains one of the foremost progressive leaders in Ondo State, having contested for the office of Governor on two occasions. Her years of service, political experience and unwavering commitment to progressive politics qualify her to convene strategic meetings for the advancement of the APC.
The meeting was also attended by Hon. Omowunmi Isaac, the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and the only serving Commissioner from Owo Local Government. Her presence further underscored the importance and credibility of the meeting, demonstrating that it was a genuine gathering of respected APC leaders and stakeholders committed to the unity and progress of the party.
The meeting was attended by the following respected APC leaders and stakeholders, among others:
- Hon. Jumoke Ajasin Anifowose – Chairperson
- Chief Abimbola Samuel – Secretary
- Chief Segun Ojo
- Chief Titus Olupitan
- Hon. Lad Ojomo
- Alhaji Sule Atiku
- Chief Semiyu Adigun
- Hon. Rotimi Okewo
- Princess Brown Olufunmilayo
- Hon. Tunde Owadimbola
- Chief Idowu Olakunori
- Senator Remi Okunrinboye
- Alhaji Jamiu Ekungba
- Chief Benji Oloye
- Chief Babs Olaluwoye
- Engr. Olu Aladenusi
- Chief Tokunbo Ajasin
- Chief Akin Bakare
- Pastor Gbenga Arajulu
- Barrister Femi Omosuwa
- Architect Tunde Imolehin
- Dr. Yemi Mahmoud
- Mr. Morakinyo Arigbede
- Mr. Wemimo Falana
- Hon. Ife Ajiwoye
- Hon. (Dr.) Femi Adekanbi
These distinguished leaders, together with many other party faithful in attendance, have made immense contributions to the growth, unity and electoral victories of the APC in Owo Local Government. Their sacrifices, commitment and political relevance cannot be dismissed by a handful of individuals seeking to monopolise the leadership of the party.
The Opomulero Group also wishes to reaffirm that leadership in the APC cannot be imposed on the people of Owo. While we acknowledge and respect the contributions of Pa T. S. Akinrinbola to the progressive family, leadership must always be earned through consultation, inclusiveness, credibility and the confidence of party members. The APC in Owo belongs to all loyal members, not to any individual or group seeking to monopolise its leadership.
It is also necessary to ask a few fundamental questions.
Who appointed this group as the exclusive Elders of the APC in Owo Local Government? Under which provision of the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were they vested with the authority to speak on behalf of every APC member in Owo Local Government?
If anyone claims that Pa T. S. Akinrinbola is the permanent or life leader of the APC in Owo, let them produce the official letter of appointment. The Constitution of the APC does not create the office of a permanent or life leader at the local government level. The APC is a democratic political party founded on consultation, inclusiveness, collective leadership and respect for the wishes of its members.
No leader occupies political leadership forever. Leadership in a democratic party is sustained by the confidence, acceptance and support of party members—not by self-appointment, self-serving communiqués or claims of perpetual authority.
It is equally important to ask another fundamental question:
Who, in the political history of Owo, has demonstrated greater commitment to democratic ideals than the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, whose progressive philosophy was built on consultation, inclusion, tolerance and respect for divergent opinions? His political legacy remains one of the strongest foundations of progressive politics in Ondo State. It is therefore ironic that some individuals now seek to exclude his daughter, Hon. Jumoke Ajasin Anifowose, and other respected APC stakeholders from participating in legitimate political engagements aimed at strengthening and uniting the party.
The APC is a democratic political party, not an exclusive association reserved for a privileged few. Leadership cannot be conferred through self-appointment, inherited by any individual or clique, or sustained through intimidation and politically motivated communiqués. Every generation of committed, credible and loyal party members has a responsibility to contribute to the growth, unity and electoral success of the APC.
No individual or group has the constitutional or moral authority to shut the door against genuine stakeholders or arrogate to themselves the exclusive right to determine who belongs in the progressive family. The future of the APC in Owo will continue to be secured through unity, consultation, inclusiveness and mutual respect—not through exclusion, political monopoly or claims of permanent authority.
Every political office has a constitutional or statutory tenure, unlike traditional stools which are governed by established customs and applicable laws. Political leadership is therefore temporary and subject to democratic processes. No leadership position is permanent, and no individual is bigger than the APC. Owo APC was built through the sacrifices, commitment and dedication of many distinguished leaders, elders, women, youths and loyal party members. It is therefore unacceptable for any individual or group to claim exclusive authority to determine who qualifies as a leader or stakeholder in the party.
The APC is a party founded on internal democracy, consultation and collective leadership. No one can claim perpetual authority over its affairs, and no generation of leaders has the exclusive right to determine the political future of Owo APC. The party belongs to every loyal member who believes in the progressive ideals upon which it was built.
The era of political monopoly is over. Owo APC belongs to all its members. Every genuine stakeholder has the constitutional right to participate in building and strengthening the party, and no clique can appropriate the collective heritage of the progressive family. History will always honour those who unite the APC through consultation, inclusion and respect for democratic values—not those who seek to divide the party through exclusion or claims of permanent authority.
The APC has always thrived on collective leadership, consultation and inclusiveness. Any attempt to reduce the party to the personal property of a few individuals is contrary to the ideals of the progressive family and capable of undermining the unity of the APC in Owo.
I therefore call on all APC members to reject every attempt to sow discord among party leaders. We must remain united behind Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, mni, respect every genuine stakeholder, and work collectively to deliver an overwhelming victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
History will always remember those who built the APC through sacrifice, loyalty and commitment—not those who seek to rewrite history through politically motivated communiqués.
Signed
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
Director General, Opomulero Group
