Setting the Records Straight on Hon. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye’s Baseless Allegations
Our attention has been drawn to the sensational and misleading report circulated by Hon. Saka Yusuf Ogunleye following his recent meeting with the national leadership of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT). While political discourse is healthy within a democracy, it becomes dangerous and irresponsible when personal ambitions and half-truths are used to distort facts, tarnish the image of our local government, and misrepresent the intentions of the Ondo State Government.
Let us make it abundantly clear: there is no policy or directive from His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa stopping political support groups. This falsehood, no matter how well-packaged, is nothing more than a calculated attempt to mislead the public and whip up sentiments in pursuit of personal relevance.
Contrary to Hon. Ogunleye’s claims, the Governor remains a leader committed to inclusiveness, democratic freedom, and internal party cohesion. He has repeatedly emphasized that all pro-APC support groups are welcome to operate freely in Ondo State, provided they do so in the interest of party unity and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s success.
GMT political gladiators who opposed the candidature of president Tinubu during the last primary are now crying more than the bereaved for recognition.
What we find deeply disturbing is Hon. Ogunleye’s attempt to paint a picture of persecution, intimidation, and political victimization without any credible evidence—especially in his own local government. These allegations are not only baseless but appear to be a deliberate ploy to sow discord and gain sympathy in certain quarters of the party.
One wonders why Hon. Ogunleye, who claims to have received personal assurances from the Governor, would proceed to grandstand before the national GMT leadership and the media with unverified accusations against his own state and local party leadership. Such contradictory behavior casts serious doubt on his true motives.
His reference to forged documents and threats against GMT members within his LGA, including the alleged involvement of the council chairman, is not only defamatory but completely unfounded. If there are genuine security concerns, the appropriate legal and security channels exist—and we challenge him to pursue those avenues rather than resorting to cheap blackmail in the media.
We urge the public, especially the national GMT leadership and loyal APC stakeholders, not to be misled by this one-sided account. Ondo State remains a model of political stability and grassroots mobilisation for the APC. Our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unwavering and predates any individual’s ambition or self-styled group leadership.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has consistently welcomed support from all quarters and has never sought to suppress any group within the APC. The attempt by Hon. Ogunleye to portray the Governor’s political base as oppressive is not only disingenuous but also reeks of political desperation.
We advise Hon. Ogunleye to retrace his steps, stop painting the state and its loyal party members in bad light, and focus on uniting rather than dividing the progressive family. Leadership is earned by service and sincerity—not by running to Lagos with tales designed to impress, deceive, or manipulate.
Let it be known: Ondo State is united, focused, and ready to deliver again for President Tinubu in 2027 under the leadership of the Governor , Dr, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa . No amount of political grandstanding or calculated misinformation will distract us.
Signed,
Mr. Emmanuel Fadumo Secretary
Akure North LGA
Iju/itaogbolu