2019: Lanlehin seeks Olubadan’s blessing, worships at Oja’ba mosque

OYO State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, on Friday, received a royal blessing for his governorship aspiration from the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, before the commencement of his campaign.

Lanlehin, who was in company with the party executive members leaders like the state chairman, Alhaji Hammed Ayinla; secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Emiola; the party’s image-maker, Adedapo Ademola and the state woman leader, Mrs Funmi Arulogun, as well ADC candidates, including Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, Honourable Segun Olaleye, Honourable Fatai Adesina, Tolani Adigun among many others.

The ADC guber candidate, who appreciated the Olubadan for his fatherly support, told Ibadan paramount ruler he had come to formally inform him of his intention to contest the 2019 governorship election under the banner of the ADC, before flagging off his campaign.

“I am here to notify you of my intention to contest the 2019 governorship election and to seek your royal blessings.

“My father, Late Chief Samuel Owoola Lanlehin, was in the Balogun Olubadan line before his demise, as such, I am a respecter of the traditional institution.

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“There is so much hunger and deprivation in the land, and our state needs a leader with the people’s love at heart,” he said.

Responding, the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji recalled with nostalgia, the friendship and cordial relationship that existed between him and Senator Lanlehin’s father, Late Chief Samuel Owoola Lanlehin, noting that he also knows the younger Lanlehin to be of good character and conduct.

“I pray that you win the coming election by the special grace of God,” the Olubadan offered, amidst cheers and songs from supporters and loyalists present at the event.

Meanwhile, Senator Lanlehin on Friday worshipped at the Oja’ba Central Mosque, where he sought the support of Muslim faithful in the state.

“My family comprises both Christians and Muslims, and we’re all one. In fact, my running mate, Alhaji Saheed Adejare Alaran is a committed Muslim. So, be assured you have a team interested in your welfare,” he said.

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdul Ganiy Abubakri Agbotomokekere implored Senator Lanlehin to remain a man of the people, at all times, and to continue prioritising the interest of the people.

The Chief Imam, who named the ADC guber candidate Senator Lanlehin Salaudeen, commended his love for the people.

In a related development, ADC has postponed its campaign rally flag off earlier slated to hold in Iseyin tomorrow.

A release from Lanlehin’s media assistant, Damola Adeoye, said the postponement was at the instance of the security agencies who informed ADC leaders on Friday morning of the scheduled visit of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, in continuation of the Federal Government’s Tradermoni Scheme.

“While we’ve accepted, in good faith, as responsible citizens, to postpone our flag off, we’re alarmed that the Federal Government, in cahoots with the Oyo State government, would design a clash of dates in a brazen show of force.

“This alarm is further predicated on the fact that having duly notified security agencies of our schedule, this flag off inclusive, this orchestrated clash of date represents nothing but a gross abuse of power and privileges, and is a futile attempt to checkmate our rising profile which the Oyo State government has been so uncomfortable with,” Adeoye said.