“Let me note that my decision to sheathe my sword was not a product of any form of fear or weariness. Rather, the decision was taken in the interest of peace and unity of our dear state. To me, the interest of the state outweighs my personal interest”
TIME TO MOVE ON – OLUSOLA OKE
ON THURSDAY, 20th of June, 2024, I held a meeting with my supporters to appraise the political development that arose from the conduct of the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on April 20, 2024.
Present at the meeting were members of the Olusola Oke Campaign Council, 18 local government coordinators, 203 ward coordinators, Action Committee members, media committee members and selected party leaders.
After much deliberations, it was resolved at the meeting that my supporters and I should not move to another political party, that we should remain in the APC which I have spent my time and resources to help build, and that we should support and work for the success of the party and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the November 16, 2024 governorship election.
Let me note that my decision to sheathe my sword was not a product of any form of fear or weariness. Rather, the decision was taken in the interest of peace and unity of our dear state. To me, the interest of the state outweighs my personal interest.
My quest to lead Ondo State has always been propelled by my sincere love for the state and concern for its development. God has blessed me enough. So, my ambition to be governor is solely about contributing significantly to the development of our dear state and finding an enviable place in history.
I, therefore, thank all my teeming supporters for their dedication, loyalty and hard work demonstrated towards me during the governorship primary election of our party.
I specifically thank members of the G18, the Campaign Council, the Campaign Assembly which includes Senatorial Directors-General, Constituency Coordinators, Local Government Coordinators, Ward Coordinators and other committee members, support groups, Iyalojas, Iyalajes and others too numerous to mention for their invaluable support.
I would like to specifically appreciate the love and support of the Chairman of the Campaign Council and former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Alhaji (Chief) Ali Olagunju Olanusi; the Director General, Chief Bailey Arohunmolase; all sympathetic present and former members of the National and State Assemblies; present and former Commissioners, SAs, Chairmen of Boards and Parastatals, Local Government Council and LCDA Chairmen, Councillors, Supervisors etc; present and former Party Officials; my precious family, friends and compatriots.
I extend my appreciation to the traditional rulers, religious leaders and the good people of Ondo State for their support, prayers and encouragement.
I urge all my supporters to support the APC and its candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the forthcoming governorship election with the same strength and commitment with which they supported my bid for the nomination of the party. Let us continue to pray that our expectation of good governance in our dear state will be met.
As for me, I have decided to move on, believing that only God gives power. Only He crowns the kings. Only He can explain how he distributes His gifts. Nobody can question Him.
I am always guided by the wisdom of the Holy Bible. According to Ecclesiastes 9 verse 11, “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.”
Once again, I thank everyone.
Chief Olusola Oke, SAN
June 24, 2024.
