Elders, leaders and stakeholders of Ila-Orangun have called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to extend the same re-election privilege granted to four National Assembly members from Osun State to the Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Senator Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi Ajagunla.
The demand was contained in a press statement read on behalf of the stakeholders by the Obaafa of Ila, Adegboyega Buraimo, who expressed concern over what the group described as unequal treatment of the lawmaker within the party.
The stakeholders recalled that the people of Ila-Orangun played a significant role in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition, noting that they mobilised massively for the APC under the leadership of former Osun State Governor and elder statesman, Chief Bisi Akande.
According to the group, the loyalty and sacrifices of the people of Ila-Orangun contributed to the success of the progressive movement that produced President Tinubu.
They commended the President for his leadership qualities, commitment to justice and reputation for rewarding loyalty, expressing confidence that his legacy would continue to be anchored on fairness and equity.
The stakeholders, however, expressed concern over what they described as a departure from the spirit of fairness and understanding that guided the integration of Senator Ajagunla and other National Assembly members into the APC.
They noted that Senator Ajagunla left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the APC in what they described as a good-faith effort to strengthen the ruling party and reconnect Osun Central with the government at the centre.
The group stated that the senator, alongside four other National Assembly members from Osun State, had indicated interest in seeking re-election to continue their legislative duties and constituency development efforts.
According to the statement, while the four other lawmakers have secured return tickets under the APC platform, Senator Ajagunla has allegedly been subjected to a different process despite existing understandings within the party.
The stakeholders questioned why a different standard should apply to one lawmaker when others in a similar position had reportedly been accommodated.
They maintained that Senator Ajagunla had distinguished himself through grassroots mobilisation, education initiatives, youth empowerment programmes, community development projects and efforts aimed at strengthening the APC across Osun Central.
The group added that their concern was not limited to the senator alone but also reflected growing apprehension among the people of Ila-Orangun over what they described as a perception of marginalisation despite the town’s longstanding contributions to the progressive movement.
They urged the party leadership in Osun State, under the stewardship of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, to reflect on the implications of departing from agreements and arrangements that promote trust, unity and loyalty within the APC.
The stakeholders appealed to the party to uphold fairness by extending to Senator Ajagunla the same consideration granted to the four other National Assembly members, insisting that equal treatment would strengthen party unity and enhance the APC’s electoral prospects.