ABEOKUTA – Youths from the ten wards of Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State on Wednesday staged a strong show of support for the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, canvassing his return to the Assembly ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The youths, who gathered in their hundreds in Odeda, declared that Elemide has demonstrated effective leadership and deserves another term as the constituency’s representative.
The support was sequel to the endorsement of Adebayo Olayemi Sanusi, son of the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as a potential candidate for the Assembly seat by the Local Government Youth Leader, Timothy Odedina.
Odedina had, at a meeting on Tuesday, argued that it was time for a youth to represent the local government and called on the Speaker to relinquish the position.
However, in a counter-position, eight youth leaders representing the 10 wards addressed journalists on Wednesday, reaffirming their backing for Elemide.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Hon. Oyekunle Adebayo, emphasized the youths’ preference for continuity and experience.
Accompanied by the local government deputy youth leader, Adebayo appealed to political leaders in the council area to support Elemide’s re-election, citing his “maturity, competence, humility, and performance.”
“We are here to show our support for Hon. Elemide as our representative in the Ogun State House of Assembly.
“We do not want the speakership seat to elude the local government. We are also here to denounce any group called ‘Youth O’clock.’ They have no locus standi to adopt any aspirant without due consultation with other youth leaders in the local government.”
Comrade Oshibanjo Sunday Adeyinka, ward 7 Obantoko youth leader, highlighted Hon. Elemide’s transformational drive in the local government as poignant reasons for supporting the speaker.
According to Mr. Magbadelo Sunday of Ilugun ward 5 credited Elemide with facilitating developmental initiatives in the area, including the rehabilitation of Kila–Olodo expressway, expressing optimism that further progress would come through collaboration with Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (popularly known as Yayi).
“He is competent, honest, and reliable. Development came to Ilugun during his tenure, and we are confident that more will follow. We assure you that we will work for his return,” the spokesman said.
Similarly, Mr. Adisa Olawale Johnson from Osiele Ward commended the Speaker for facilitating the installation of a transformer in the Odogba community and the rehabilitation of the Osiele Road.
He further noted that within one year and six months in office, Elemide facilitated electrification projects in several villages under Obantoko, renovated primary schools and a health centre in Alabata, and supported the creation of a police station in the area.
Thoae who spoke with The Encounter News called on party leaders in the local government to prioritize unity and consider Elemide’s legislative experience and developmental track record when selecting the party’s candidate for the Assembly seat.
