Ikirun, the headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State on Tuesday went agog as hundreds of eminent politicians in the local government area formally declared for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at an event attended by a tumultuous crowd of people majorly made up of politicians.
The venue of the event; Holy Trinity Secondary School located at Oke-afo in the heart of Ikirun was filled to capacity as people, especially loyalists and members of the PDP from all the twelve wards of the local government stormed the venue.
Prominent among those who joined the PDP at the well attended political event were Hon Ibrahim Lukman Adekunle who officially declared for the PDP and as Ambassador Philips Ojo, the former YPP Candidate for the House of Assembly in Ifelodun state constituency in the last general election who defected to the party (PDP).
Others are Hon Lawal Muideen Owoseni, the son of Late Pa Lawal Owoseni, the former leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun Central Senatorial district, Baba Sabale, who was the former APC leader in ward 07, High Chief Balogun of Ikirun land, who was the former APC chieftain in ward 01 alongside their teeming supporters.
The supporters of those who joined and others that defected to the party spread across all the 12 wards of Ifelodun Local Government Area and they were all assured of a viable place in the party.
Eminent politicians including erudite leaders of the PDP in the state and top government functionaries who graced the occasion include the state Governor, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke who was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye and other members of the State Executive Council.
Others are the state chairman of the PDP, Hon Sunday Bisi, the state secretary of the party, Hon Bola Ajao, members of the State Working Committee of the party, members of the State House of Assembly and all the leaders of the party in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The former chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) who was also the immediate past chairman, caretaker management committee of Ifelodun Local Government Area Otunba (Hon) Sarafadeen Abiodun Awotunde played host to all the guests at the event.
Receiving the new members, the state chairman of the party, Hon Sunday Bisi who presented the party’s flag to the new members assured them of equal rights and privileges in the party, saying there will not be preferential treatment in the party, neither will there be discrimination against the new entrants into the party.
Hon Bisi informed the crowd that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke has done much for the state and still prepared to do more for the state, saying that the good works of the governor spread across all the nooks and crannies of the state.
He said the door of the PDP is still opened to all and sundry who believe in good governance and development of Osun State, stressing that the party is ready to welcome other people into its fold.
Also, the Governor who spoke through his deputy Prince Kola Adewusi assured that the dividends of democracy which his government is sharing across the state will continue as he’s determined to ensure the overall development of the state.
He assured that his government will not derail in it’s duties and responsibilities as a responsible and responsive government with the core values of service above self and development of the state.
Speaking, Hon Lukman Adekunle said his decision to join the PDP was hinged on the good governance and service delivery of the present PDP led government in the state, assuring of his loyalty and that of his supporters for the overall development of the party in the state and the country at large.
He promised to use his resources and connection to bring about progress and development for the party.
Highlights of the well attended political function include musical entertainment by muji maestro king (Dr) Saheed Osupa and different shows among others.
