Copyright tribuneonlineng
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, on Tuesday endorsed All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi as his preferred candidate for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election. The monarch, alongside 20 other traditional rulers from the Iwo zone, also called on the APC to give its ticket to Ogunbiyi, insisting that it is Iwo’s turn to produce the next governor of the state. Speaking during Ogunbiyi’s visit to his palace, Oba Akanbi said, “Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi is our son in Iwo, and I pray that Almighty God who installs a governor will make him the next governor of Osun State. People have come out to show interest from different places, but since my own son has come out, he is the one I will support.” The monarch emphasised the need for collective participation in politics, adding, “We have been marginalised. We have nothing, and the only way we can change the situation is for our children to occupy good positions. Iwo, Ileogbo, Kuta, and other surrounding towns are one. We must work together for the progress of our communities.” Recalling his support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election, Oba Akanbi said he stood by Tinubu because of his Yoruba roots and would extend similar support to his “son from Iwo.” In his remarks, Dr. Ogunbiyi appealed to the monarchs to rally behind his ambition, saying it is Iwo’s turn to produce the next governor of Osun. “Oluwo of Iwo today has the influence, relevance, and everything it takes to make me victorious at the poll,” Ogunbiyi said. “Kabiyesi, this is our chance. If we miss it, it could take another 24 years before we get such an opportunity. We have been marginalized, and we must all rise together to make this dream a reality.” He also noted that Iwo serves as the central town for three local governments — Iwo, Ayedire, and Olaoluwa — and urged the monarch to use his influence to ensure his success. Ogunbiyi called for unity and cooperation among the people of Iwo zone, promising that with their support, he would make his ambition a collective success. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
