LAGOS—TWO promi nent sons of Ekiti State, Commodore Joseph Olofinmoyin and Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo at the weekend disagreed on how to resolve the political imbroglio presently tearing Ekiti State apart.
While the former Military Governor of Ogun State, Olofinmoyin urged the sons and daughters of the state to support the present Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration in resolving the socio-political crisis facing the state, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo argued that he and others who shared same views would only support any government in the state , provided it runs policies that appeal to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the state.
Both of them spoke at the occasion of the 2004 dinner and investiture of “Life Achievement Award” of the retired Anglican Bishop, Most Rt. Rev. Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, by the “Ekiti Parapo”, a social group at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Former Health Secretary and Chairman of Juli pharmacy, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi who is also the President of the group, expressed hope that the problems confronting the state would soon be a thing of the past.
Delivering his key note address, Commodore Olofinmoyin said: “ Most of us are concerned about what is happening in Ekiti State now while our people are suffering in poverty. Whether we like it or not, the best way of getting our people out of this is to work with any government in the state at any particular time. We need to offer our advice and support for the development of the state.”
He therefore, urged every son and daughter of the state, especially those dignitaries present at the occasion, to come together in resolving the problems in the state.
In his reaction, Otunba Adebayo jokingly said Com. Olofinmoyin was speaking on behalf of the military he represented while he (Adebayo) would speak as a politician to speak the mind of the people.
Adebayo said: “After the 2003 election, though everybody knew that the PDP did not win the elections in the state, but it is the Lord that did everything. Immediately after the elections, I resolved to work with my successor but things worked the other way. However, I will continue to work and cooperate with whoever is in authority in the state, provided he works in the interest of the people.”
“I am an Ekiti son proper, I will continue to fight to correct whoever or the authority that is not doing well in the state. I will not stop fighting the wrongs done by any government in the state.”
