YCE’s Olajide weeps at son’s declaration for Ekiti Assembly seat

THE Secretary-General of Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr Kunle Olajide, caused a stir at Efon Alaaye, at the weekend, when he could not hold back his emotion as he spoke at a ceremony where his son, Adegoke, declared for the state’s House of Assembly.

Dr Olajide was among the leaders of the community, as well as All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders at the venue of the event, and had risen to speak in reaction his son’s political interest and to the encomia, the people showered on him, but could not hold back tears.

The YCE chief said he was grateful to God that one of his children thought it fit to offer himself to serve our people, and added that “I can vouch for him and I know he can represent the constituency well.”

He handed his son to the elders of the community and party, saying “Efon, here is your son; support him,” and prostrated, a gesture which drew reactions and tears from many of the party leaders present as they rose from their seats to help the Aare of Efon up.

Addressing the gathering, Adegoke said he was prepared and ready to serve the people, saying “the job of a House of Assembly member is a serious matter that goes being frivolities and shows off.”

He said: “A member must be knowledgeable and must be a person whose voice and opinions show knowledge and commands respect. There has been a nosedive in the fortunes of Efon constituency and it is time to send a representative that will not be a liability, but someone who has experience and must be ready to work.”

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Adegoke was thereafter blessed by foremost leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an aspirant for the Efon constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

At the event, which took place at the residence of the Erunogba of Obalu Quarters, High Chief Joseph Alake, APC leaders expressed pride that “a son of Efon with notable pedigree, good education and enviable record of service is showing further interest in representing our constituency.”

Speaking after the event, Chief Olajide hailed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) for representing the Yoruba race well and for being loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari, but on the issue of restructuring, “he missed it.”

Dr Olajide said “the Yorubas are proud of Mr Vice President. He has performed most creditable in office. His absolute loyalty to his boss is commendable. Moreover, on the few occasions, he acted as President, his leadership has been most inspiring. However, he missed it on the issue of restructuring.”