BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
The Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun has narrated to the Osun State Governor-elect, Ademola Adeleke how some politicians threatened to forcefully dethrone him if the Peoples Democratic Party candidate had not defeated the incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the July 16 governorship election in the state.
Addressing Adeleke, his deputy-elect Kola Adewusi and leaders of PDP who paid him a ‘Thank You’ visit following the outcome of the poll, Oba Olanipekun disclosed that since he openly declared support for Adeleke during his campaign tour to his palace before the election, he had received some threats from those suspected to be members of the outgoing party.
The monarch had publicly declared support for the governorship bid of Adeleke and revealed that his enthronement as Ataoja of Osogbo was made possible by the PDP government.
Speaking at his palace on Thursday, he congratulated Adeleke and noted that the governor-elect would rule the state for eight years.
He expressed his delight that a ‘statement’ was made to the APC with the outcome of the poll adding that after Adeleke who is from Osun West Senatorial District might have enjoyed his two terms, it would be the turn of Osogbo to present the next governor.
Olanipekun’s remarks received resounding applause from Adeleke and other dignitaries.
Addressing Adeleke in Yoruba, the monarch said, “You won’t misuse the power that has been entrusted into your hands. It’s the statement that they needed that they have gotten so that they will know that there is wisdom.
“They were threatening to sweep me out of the palace with brooms and chase me out with pankere (cain) but God has proven them wrong. It’s not only Ademola Adeleke that God has done great thing for, God has also saved me and some great thing for me. I am greater than the person that anyone could chase out of the palace.
“We won’t use the slogan 4+4, just ‘carry on’. God, once this new government has spent eight years, let me be the one to install another governor, so that Osun West can rest and it will be the turn of Osogbo.”