The political atmosphere in Odeda Local Government has become increasingly charged following a fierce reaction from the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Hon. Oyekunle Adebayo JP Oba, over what he described as a “fraudulent and illegal adoption” allegedly orchestrated by a faction of Apex leaders within the ruling political structure.
In a strongly worded statement made available to journalists, the SLG dismissed the purported consensus arrangement as a desperate move by “fearful political minorities and serial losers” who are allegedly attempting to manipulate the process ahead of the forthcoming party primaries.
Hon. Oyekunle declared unequivocally that no amount of backroom negotiations, secret endorsements, or premature celebrations could override the will of the majority of party members and grassroots stakeholders across Odeda.
According to him, the so-called unanimous adoption lacks legitimacy, credibility, and legal standing, insisting that the process was founded on “false consensus, political intimidation, and desperation by individuals who are terrified of open and transparent primaries.”
He maintained that the political reality on ground remains unchanged, stressing that Elemide continues to enjoy overwhelming popularity, strong grassroots acceptance, and formidable political structures across the local government.
“The minority can never overpower the majority,” the SLG stated emphatically. “What they are calling adoption is nothing but a fake naming ceremony that will eventually collapse under the weight of truth, legality, and the people’s will.”
Hon. Oyekunle further insisted that the real Apex leaders and party faithful in Odeda would ultimately determine the outcome of the primaries through a democratic and transparent process, not through imposition or political conspiracy.
The SLG also anchored his position on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), particularly Sections 84(9) and 84(10), which regulate the process of consensus candidacy within political parties.
He explained that under Section 84(9), consensus adoption can only be valid if all cleared aspirants voluntarily provide written consent agreeing to step down in favour of a single candidate. Without such unanimous and documented agreement, he argued, any purported adoption remains null, void, and legally indefensible.
Citing Section 84(10), Hon. Oyekunle noted that where total written consent is absent, political parties are constitutionally compelled to conduct either direct or indirect primaries.
“The law has already dealt a fatal blow to godfatherism and political imposition,” he said. “Where there is no unanimous written consent, primaries must hold. That is where the true strength of every aspirant will be tested before party members and the people.”
He accused those behind the alleged adoption of attempting to avoid democratic competition because they are fully aware of Elemide’s growing popularity and dominance across wards and political blocs in Odeda.
Describing the coming primary election as the moment “to separate the real men from the boys,” the SLG expressed confidence that Elemide would emerge victorious through a free, fair, and transparent process.
He added that the people of Odeda are politically conscious and would resist any attempt to undermine internal democracy or impose candidates against the collective will of party stakeholders.
Political observers within the local government believe the development may deepen existing divisions among party leaders, especially as various camps continue mobilization ahead of the anticipated primaries.
However, supporters of Elemide insist that the current tension reflects the fear among rival factions who allegedly recognize the aspirant’s widespread acceptance among grassroots members.
As political activities intensify, all eyes are now on the party leadership and electoral process to determine whether consensus arrangements or democratic primaries will eventually decide the fate of aspirants in Odeda Local Government.
For now, the battle lines appear clearly drawn, with Hon. Oyekunle Adebayo JP Oba and his allies maintaining that “fake adoptions and minority desperation cannot rewrite political destiny,” while reaffirming that “the majority, the people, the structures, and the law remain firmly behind Elemide.”
