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Special Assistant to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Youth and Sport, Afeez Bolaji a.k.a Repete, has debunked claims that the governor endorsed the candidacy of Hon Femi Gbajabiamila for the Speakership position in the House of Representatives ahead of the inauguration of the ninth Assembly.
According to Repete, Ajimobi, in the meeting he had on Monday met with six of the APC Rep members-elect at his Oluyole residence in Ibadan, only advised the lawmakers to toe the party line without mentioning any candidate’s name.
Repete, who is the APC Deputy National Youth Leader explained that the promoter of the story, Hon Akeem Adeyemi, quoted Ajimobi out of context. Hon Adeyemi who represents Atiba/Afijio,/oyo East/Oyo West Federal constituency is the South West Cordinator of Hon Femi Gbajabiamila for Speaker Campaign.
Repete said in a statement: “In as much as the National Leadership of the party is yet to zone the position of the speakership to any zone in the country, we are very optimistic that if eventually it is zoned to the southwest, Oyo State will never be pushed aside as we have two qualified persons vying for the position of speakership from the state.
“Nothing is wrong if Hon. Akeem Adeyemi being the southwest coordinator of Hon. Gbajabiamila declared his support for him but he should not drag the name of our leader into his personal ambition. He has the constitutional power to do so but he has no power to speak and address the press on behalf of our leader.
“We shall not trade our right and struggle for just chairman of house committee. We are resolute and nothing shall discourage us while encouraging Hon. Odebunmi Segun representing OgoOluwa Surulere and Hon. Jide Olatunbosun representing Saki East,West and Atisbo not to be discouraged by the antics and tactics of the few.
“As we await the official declaration from the governor as regards the issue of speakership, I urge all our honourable- elect to stand and defend Oyo agenda”