…all the allegations are ‘village politics’ – Adesina
….I am a bonafide indigene of Orile-Imo – Olakunle
A Socio-Cultural cum Development Association, in Orile-Imo, in the Obafemi Owode Local Government area of Ogun State, ‘Imo Descendants Association (IDA)’, has accused the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Works, Engr. Akeem Adesina of land grabbing and extortion in the community.
The community, also accused Adesina of conniving with one Chief Olalekan Olakunle, who is the Asiwaju of Orile Imo, of selling the community land to foreigners without the approval of the appropriate consent in the town.
The association made the allegations, during a conference, held at the Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta, the state Capital.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chairman of IDA, Oluwaseyi Abolade Lemo said the community has been under siege of conspirators that had been oppressing them on community land.
The association also accused the Imo Traditional Council of extortion in an attempt to fill the vacant stool of the Olu of Orile-Imo, that became vacant following the demise of the former monarch of the community.
Specifically, Lemo accused the Imo Traditional Council under the leadership of Adesina, of unwholesome practices, in the processes that would lead to the selection of new Olu of Orile Imo.
He said, “the issue of Obaship in Orile lmo has witnessed an unprecedented extortion of the candidates by the lmo traditional council.
“As the selling of forms to the intending candidates is ongoing at various times, new candidates are being sponsored into the race by the council members by the day. ln like manner, candidates are being arm twisted to part with various sum of money at different times by the different camps within the council.
“Evidences abound of some of the candidates bribing them with motor vehicle. These and various flagrant violations of ethics of leadership and nation building of which Egba people are noted for and also being emphasized by our amiable Governor, Dapo Abiodun and Egba traditional leadership; Oba Dr. Michael Aremu Gbadebo; has made the issue of Obaship in the community an intractable, open ended business venture as designed by lmo traditional council.
On his part, the General Secretary of IDA, Mr. Kehinde Adeoso alleged that Chief Olakunle Joseph, who is a contestant to the vacant stool of Orile-Imo, is not an indigene of the community.
He said, findings revealed that “Olakunle Joseph from Ijesha in Osun State.”
The group called on Governor Abiodun and Oba Gbadebo, to wade into the matter raised to avoid the issue of Orile-Imo Obaship, being turned into business venture.
Reacting to the allegations, both Adesina and Olakunle, denied the accusations.
Adesina described the allegations as “village politics”.
On his part, Olakunle dismissed the claim that he is not an indigene of Orile-Imo.
He said, “I am Imo by birth, born and brought up in Logbara Orile-Imo, Obafemi/Owode local government area of Ogun State, to the family of Olojede Olakunle Lisa’s compound in Abeokuta South local government of the State.
“I am a full blooded Egba person from Orile Imo, in Egbaland. All my parents and progenitors are from Imo, and there is no place I know, work or live in except Orile Imo. I have been at the frontline of the development of the town, and God’s willing, I will not relent in doing so.
“Their accusations and name calling are nothing but tissues of lies concorted to disparage my name and Odofin of Imo, Chief Akeem Adesina.
“What I would have expected these so called IDA people to do is to come out clear and tell us their grievances. Is it the selling of lands to the Chinese, which is a lie that is their problem, or the Obaship issue which the process is still ongoing or what.
“Let me reiterate that the Odofin of Imo, Chief Adesina has nothing to do with any illegality in Imo township at all. He has a name to protect. He cannot stoop so low and continue to pursue crumbs on the ground when all he is working for is to ensure the development of Imo township”.
“Also I Asiwaju Olakunle Olukunle Joseph will continue to work for the progress and development of Orile Imo and the entire Imo township without minding whose ox is gored. My vision is to see Imo develop to a more industrial hub of the State and Nigeria on general”.
