PHOTOS: Former ALGON Officials Remember Late Members, Dedicate Victory over Makinde’s “Tyranny” to Sen Abiola Ajimobi • We’ll Reclaim Oyo in 2027 – APC Vows

As part of their efforts to strengthen All Progressives Congress (APC) and ensure a formidable party come 2027, former members of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, now known as “FORUM 68,” organised a get-together and media talk today, October 17, at the ALGON Secretariat, off Ring Road, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan.

In the historical events that ushered in party leaders across the state, a minute of silence was observed for the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, former chairmen, vice chairmen, councillors, and other party stalwarts that have passed on. 

In his welcome address, Pastor Jesutoye thanked almighty God and Governor Ajimobi, whom he described as architects of peace. He commended the former governor on the role he played when the current administration under the watch of Engr. Seyi Makinde sacked all elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors. “Late Governor Abiola Ajimobi supported and motivated us to fight the struggles, and we won in the Supreme Court. Glory be to God.

The Islamic and Christian clerics in attendance unanimously commended the party chieftains for their commitment despite being out of power and prayed that God will surely reward APC by taking over power in 2027 in the pacesetter state. They encouraged the faithful to be grateful to God.

The clerics continued,”Political leaders are also ministers of God. You’re a minister of God when you’re in office. We must have a heart of thanksgiving for glorifying God. Once you’re glorifying God, your political ambitions will surely materialise. God will restore APC’s lost glory in the state come 2027. Your sacrifices will surely pay off. Have a heart of thanksgiving in all your affairs. 

The clerics urged the party chieftains to work in love and support 
each other.

In his keynote address, titled “From ALGON Oyo State To Forum 68 Metaorphosis”: 5 Years of Unbroken Grassroots Networks in Oyo State, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye said,”20 kids cannot play together for 20 years,” which he rephrased and justified that 20 adults can now work together for 20 years.

Aleshinloye described FORUM 68 as a child of necessity born out of political ingenuity to consolidate the struggle for grassroots development, defence of the constitutional democracy, and the rule of law that was illegally abrogated by the Seyi Makinde-led administration in the early hours of his swearing-in.

Aleshinloye appreciated the ALGON legal team, media, and the party, All Progressives Congress, for the indispensable role they played during the legal battle and political struggles, which brought about an all important victory from the Supreme Court and gave the victory to the people at the grassroots who stood firmly throughout the historic battle. He, on behalf of others, dedicated the victory to the late Governor Ajimobi.

Alesinloye described Forum 68, which comprises 68 local government former chairmen, 68 ex-vice chairmen, as well as 610 ex-councillors, as a convergence point of unity and peacebuilding to reckon with in ensuring that the Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress is formidable and ready to return to power at both state and local government levels come 2027.

Oyo APC acting chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abass, lauded the founder of the progressive party since the era of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Bola Ige, Alhaji Lam Adeshina, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and other leaders. He also appreciated the organisers of the programme.  “I’m the most elated person here since those we have been together since the days of Late Chief Bola Ige, Lam Adeshina, and Abiola Ajimobi are here.

“The engine room of the party is in the hands of the youth, and I was very delighted when I received their invitation for this programme because the programme creates an avenue for me to meet people who I will be looking for. I can also see Senator Ayo Adeseun, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Hon. Ayuba, and Prince Abass Aleshinloye.

Alhaji Abas recalled,”Then I was the chairman of the Restoration Team, while Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle was the treasurer, Hon. Ariba was the secretary, and Senator Adeseun was our financier. That was when we took back Oyo State from the then ruling party, and I can see that we have commenced the same type of initiative today. So, those that we can use as engine rooms are the organisers of this event, ‘Forum 68’.

“I’ve become more optimistic, with what I saw here today, that 2027 is a done deal and almighty God will claim it for us” (APC).

In attendance were Hon. Olalekan Adeyemo, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Alhaji AbdulFatai Ibikunle, Prince Titus Adefisoye Adekanye, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, Alhaji Qamarudeen Ajisafe, RT. Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, Hon. Olawale Sadare (Oyo APC PRO), Bashorun Bosun Ajuwon, Prince Abeeb Ibrahim, Prince Yomi Adewusi, Hon. Tawakalitu Jumoke, Chief Mrs Taiwo Ayegbomogun, Hon. Chief Timothy Olukunle Sanda, Hon. Teslim Basteen, among several others.