PRESS STATEMENT
GBENGA DANIEL’s THOUGHTLESS WAR ON THE ALAKE OF EGBA LAND
The Egba Collective in Nigeria and in the Diaspora (ECONID) strongly condemns the campaign of calumny, conspiracy and contempt orchestrated by Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State against the revered personality of the Alake of Egbaland; Oba Gbadebo Adedotun Aremu (Okunkenu IV).
ECONID believes the recent attack on the Alake by a lackey of the Governor is a declaration of war on the Egba people. We are convinced that the recent denigration of the exalted office of the Alake is the handiwork of a desperate drowning politician at the helm of affairs in Ogun State. We however wish to assure Nigerians and particularly the Egbas at home and in the Diaspora, that the call to battle against Egba paramount monarch by this fast-diminishing Executive Governor of the Gateway State will not be treated lightly but rather with all seriousness and without equivocation. While we sympathize with the Governor over his frustration regarding his dwindling self-serving populism, we vehemently oppose his untactful and thoughtless antics to make issue out of nothing in the bid to draw unnecessary attention. The failure of OGDmaniac propaganda to impress right thinking Egbas must have been deeply frustrating to the Governor who takes delight in hoodwinking people through unrealistic policies and white elephant projects. The failure of this unduly lionized Daniel with respect to development in Ogun State especially in Abeokuta the capital is an open sore that continues to unearth the lies and cants of his cohorts and town criers.
We are least surprised by OGD’s failed attempt to sweep the issue of gross underdevelopment of Abeokuta under the carpet through barefaced; bankrupt argument cloaked in ethnic sentiments. It is fallacious for Governor Daniel to join Egba kinsmen in issue relating to his abysmal failure to give Abeokuta the desired attention. The diversionary tactics of blaming Egba Kinsmen for deplorable condition of roads and infrastructure in Abeokuta City is an acceptance of non-performance and we are delighted that this self-indictment and vote of no confidence is coming from the Governor’s close quarters. But are Egba kinsmen also to blame for the criminal neglects in Ifo, Akute, Giwa-Lambe, Ijebu-ode, Sagamu and other pats of Ogun State?
We have equally taken note of an attempt by OGD to turn genuine criticism of his Government into blackmail of prosecuting 2011 agenda. OGD’s Government penchant for ruthless divide and rule tactics in Ogun State to cover up his poor performance has become irredeemable. Like all corrupt leaders in history, we understand OGD’s dilemma in surrendering to genuine democratic process and surreptitious tinkering with popular mandate come 2011.
Let it be known to OGD and his fellow travelers that OGD’s drum of war has come alive but the dance steps will require more courage than he could ever imagined. Sons and daughters of legendary Lisabi Agbongboakala are duly sensitized and mobilized and would be greatly disappointed if OGD and his men chicken out when the moon come full circle.
Gbenga Daniel has committed a sacrilege by the abuse and contempt meted on our royal father, Oba Gbadebo Aremu, the Alake of Egbaland. The attack on the Egba kinsmen is unfounded and unwarranted. We thank God that the achievements of Segun Osoba remain and are for all to see and compare. Nevertheless, why should a serious minded Governor continue to rue over modest contributions of predecessor who left Office almost six years ago?
In the meantime, we demand open and unreserved apology from the misguided Governor over the careless attack on His Royal Highness Alake of Egbaland. However, on behalf of Egbas in Nigeria and in Diaspora, we give Gov. Daniel 72 hours ultimatum to respond to the demands. He will ignore the ultimatum at his own peril.
We shall prosecute the battle with all the Necessary legitimate means.
THE BATTLE HAS JUST BEGUN
Signed
Soyemi Adeniyi
General Secretary
On behalf of Egba Collective
No comments:
Post a Comment