Just In: Oyo former council executives appeal to Makinde over electric bike distribution, demand recognition and inclusion

Oyo former council executives appeal to Makinde over electric bike distribution, demand recognition and inclusion

Former Local Government Executive Council members in Oyo State have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to address concerns over their welfare, political recognition and inclusion in the state's political structure, following complaints about the distribution of electric motorcycles to political stakeholders.

The former council executives, who recently converged in Ibadan, expressed disappointment over what they described as unequal consideration in the distribution of electric motorcycles, alleging that some individuals who joined the political structure much later had benefited from the initiative while several former council executives who worked at the grassroots towards the emergence of the present administration were yet to be considered.

The group, particularly members from Ibadan North Local Government Area, said it had made several attempts to communicate its concerns to relevant authorities through written appeals, but maintained that the issues remained unresolved.

According to the former EXCO members, their concerns extend beyond the distribution of electric motorcycles to broader questions of political recognition, welfare and a sense of belonging within the political structure they helped establish.

They acknowledged that some of their former colleagues had moved to other political platforms out of frustration but insisted that many remained committed to Governor Makinde and his political leadership despite their grievances.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Femi Ayeni reaffirmed their loyalty to the governor, declaring that their commitment to the Omituntun political movement remained firm despite the challenges they were experiencing.

"No matter what happens, no matter our situation or the challenges we face, we remain die-hard Omituntun loyalists. Seyi Makinde runs in our blood, and our commitment to his leadership remains unshaken. We remain committed, irrespective of the circumstances. All we seek is recognition, inclusion and a renewed sense of belonging," Ayeni stated.

The former council executives also reiterated their political commitment to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), expressing their readiness to support the political aspirations of Engr. Seyi Makinde, whom they identified as aspiring to become President of Nigeria, as well as Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi's aspiration to become Governor of Oyo State.

They further pledged to work towards the success of other candidates of the party, stressing that their present concerns would not undermine their political commitments.

The group also appealed to Hon. Otunba Seye Famojuro to intervene by bringing their grievances to the attention of Governor Makinde, whom they described as their political leader.

They said their appeal should not be interpreted as an expression of bitterness or political disloyalty but rather as a call for fairness and recognition of the contributions made by former council executives at the grassroots level.

According to the group, those who participated in building the political structure that produced the present administration should not be overlooked when opportunities and political benefits are being extended to stakeholders.

The former EXCO members expressed hope that Governor Makinde would personally consider their concerns and ensure that former council executives receive appropriate recognition and inclusion in the political arrangement.

Reiterating their position, the group maintained that their loyalty remained intact despite their grievances, insisting that their major demands were recognition, inclusion and the opportunity to remain actively involved in the political structure they had helped build.

They appealed to the governor to give their concerns the necessary attention, particularly the issue surrounding the electric motorcycle distribution, in the interest of fairness, unity and continued political cooperation.