The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has warned his subjects to be wary of some politicians pretending to be promoting the interest of Ijebu land ahead of the 2019 governorship race in Ogun State.
He gave the warning on Tuesday during the annual prayer organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ijebu zone, at the palace pavilion in Ijebu Ode.
The first-class monarch said such people were only merchants, seeking pecuniary gains and whose interests were devoid of any genuine agitation for an Ijebu man to emerge as the next governor of Ogun State in 2019.
He said, “Some people discussed the politics of succession in Ogun State; they said the Ijebu were about to be cheated of their turn in 2019. These people are politicians, and normally, I do not dabble into politics because most of them are dishonest.
“They have since proved me right because their work so far has shown they have no love of Ijebu land at heart. They are only after what they can get for themselves.
“Be assured that they are Omolanke (hand-drawn cart); they cannot carry loads from Ijebu Ode to Ibadan. So, those being deceived by them should take note.”
The paramount ruler said that with prayers, a governor could emerge from Ijebu land in 2019.
“Let’s be prayerful. Nothing is impossible with prayers. Our star will still shine in Ijebu land. We are often worried when things are like these. But we must have faith because Ijebu has always shone.
“We will shine again. Let’s keep our focus on God. With prayers, God will fulfill our dreams.”
The monarch said he was hopeful the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, would fulfill his promise to fix the deplorable state of roads in Ijebu land.
Also, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Ijebu Zone, which organised the programme, Rev. Richard Oladele, said “2019 will bring forth a new thing in Ogun State from Ijebu land.”
Oladele urged the electorate to register in order to qualify to vote during the coming general elections.
He said, “Get your voter card. We need a governor who will bring real development to Ogun State.”
Dignitaries at the event included a former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Akija of Ikija, Oba Kayode Alakija; Ogun State APC governorship aspirant, Otunba Jimi Lawal; and the founder, First City Monument Bank Plc, Olori Omo Oba Subomi Balogun.
