Rejoinder: Kolawole Goofed On Osun Election

I take serious exceptions to the falsehoods published on the internet by a certain character who simply gave his name as Kolawole, this individual purportedly claimed to be a resident of Ede. I am surprised at how a resident in far away Ede will know so much about the conduct of guber polls of August 9 in and around Ife environs more than those of us who are stakeholders in Ife. This is absolutely treacherous and deceitful.

Our revered leader, Governor Rauf Aregbesola is not politically naïve to believe such doctored and disgusting attempt to smear the image of this Ife born political icon, Hon Rotimi Makinde in the name of politics. I make bold to say that, never did Hon Makinde in any interview or press statement claimed to have voted in that election and I believe it is an open secret that our State was under siege because of the desperation of the opposition members during that election, sadly virtually all our supporters were disenfranchised including Hon Makinde who is currently holding the people's mandate at the National Assembly.

I have not seen anyone who had confronted this notorious politician, Omisore as much as Hon Makinde, they stood apart in principle regardless of being kinsmen, not just now but for so long a time. Hon Makinde has always been at the receiving end; a case in mind was the killing of five innocent persons in a church on the eve of his election in 2007. What on earth could warrant Hon Makinde to render assistance to Omisore in an electoral process?

Politics is certainly a science and as such, allegation of throwing weight behind Senator Iyiola Omisore deserves concrete evidence, Hon Makinde never and will never betray Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, not even when victory seemed to be uncertain in 2007 or now when he is very comfortable as a sitting federal legislator, this is a man who is very pleased with his many unprecedented record breaking achievements that cut across socio-economic life of his constituents.

Obviously this is a calculated and deliberate attempt from mischief makers, petty and jealous group, who wanted his seat at the hallowed chamber, perhaps upon hearing that he has started consultations to seek re-election. I cannot but seek forgiveness for this class of people even as I challenge them to unveil their evidence and facts about this empty and spurious allegation or to keep quiet forever, to think of another attempt is to face the wrath of Almighty God. The constituents are convinced, they love Hon Makinde dearly and his commitment to the principle of good governance is a covenant between him and his God.

I can recall very vividly the press conference addressed by Hon Rotimi Makinde few days after August 9 election and this is already in the public domain in the print, broadcast and digital media, Hon Makinde described Aregbe's victory as “a victory over tyranny.” His claims were that the result of that election has perpetually sent Omisore to the backseat of politics.

Signed:

Smart Oluwole
Senior Legislative Aide to Hon Rotimi Makinde.