Hon Otitoju Joseph Oyeyemi, popularly known as Oyela, contested for the House of Representative seat for Kabba/Bunu / Ijumu federal constituency on the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the just concluded general elections.
In an interview with Samuel Enimola, he bared his mind on his performance and assessment of the just concluded elections, his alleged romance with All Progressive Party (APC), his plan and readiness to work with the state government especially the development of sports, his closeness with the Fulanis (Bororos) in the area and his assessment of the present administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello amongst others.
Except from the interview:
Please sir, kindly introduce yourself
I am Amb. Otitoju Joseph Oyeyemi, fondly called Oyela. A citizen of Nigeria from the western part of Kogi State, Kabba-Bunu/ Ijumu federal constituency from Ijumu LGA. Precisely, son of the soil from Ekirin Adde.
I am a business man, a community developer, philanthropist and a politician.
Sir, we are aware that you contested for the house of representatives in this last election under the platform of SDP, what is your assessment of the election generally speaking?
Well, the election has come and gone. I will say there were lots of improvement on the standards and modalities of the election and most especially in our state here we thank God for the peaceful conducts and the effort of our security agents which cannot be underestimated in contributing to the free and fair conduct.
I think we can still improve upon to other subsequent elections.
How do you feel after losing the election despite all that people say you do in your area?
Well, I am grateful to God almighty and I thank all my people in the federal constituency most especially all the traditional rulers and chiefs who are my fathers, for their supports and counsel at all time.
I must also thank the elders, youths and women for supporting me and also performing their civic duty without any problems.
It is naturally part of me to give and support my people. Giving boreholes, giving scholarship, provision of jobs and the general support to my people is part of my philanthropic will and I will continue to do in more large scale.
Sir, are you saying you didn’t feel bad by all family that you touched and not winning the election?
No. Winning election is one thing, being responsive and responsible to the needs of your people is another thing and true leadership is by the later. Therefore, I, Ambassador Oyela is a master servant of his people.
Sir, we noticed during your election you continued to preach peace and you never campaigned like a typical Nigerian politician because you didn’t abuse your opponents,infact some were accusing you of talking in good light with the present APC led administration.what is your stake in this?
Thanks. I am a type of politician who believes that the blood of one Nigerian is greater than any political position in this country and I want to say this categorically clear that all my colleagues that we contested together are my friends and I have congratulated them all especially the winner of the election and all other candidates.
Well, talking about my views in regards to the APC led administration in the state and nation at large, remember I am a Kogite and there must be one driver of the confluence state and the Bible which has always been my light commands us to respect and honor people in authority and I reserve the right to advice and talk to the Number one driver of the state on issues concerning my people and how to jointly improve their well-being. We mustn’t be enemies of cause.
If my romancing the APC led administration of my state is to better the lots of my people, I don’t think I have done wrong.
This is actually contrary to the earlier notion that I work for them… How? When I have my mandate to win and they have theirs too. But that wouldn’t make us enemies if we are actually people driven.
Sir, it is a known fact that you are a sport lover and also a pillar for football. It is being said in some quarters that you intend to support the state in this direction. Please explain.
Very well, I remain resolute that we use sport to turn around our economy and develop our youths to equip the state for the future. Therefore I have decided to partner with the state for good towards the realization of the same goal of development by providing an international platform gauge way for our people and I know that this state government would be ready to achieve this very loudable achievement for the good of our people since Oyela sport intervention series have numerous economic revolution platforms to put the map of the state once again in the committee of three most economic viable state in the nation.
Why are you so close to the fulanis, Bororos, Ibos, Ebiras and other tribes in your area which makes them call you “mallam”?
It is because of my love and passion for this people. Let me give you an example, there was a time when there were pockets of villages in my local government area without portable water where these immigrants reside, when I was told, to the glory of God I decided to provide them with boreholes which the community still drink and do other activities with the “Oyela water”.
So, also in Bunu axis there were so many towns where I have to provide them with water and even repair the bad functioning boreholes. So, all this are my concern for their health by providing money for operations when such needs arises for the people has made them nicknamed me “Mallam” which means “Teacher” or “Master”.
Well, I remain their master servant.
Sir, what would you say about the presidential election?
I think I told you earlier that this election is a lot better and an improvement on the subsequent last elections,therefore, I think I wish to congratulate Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari for the election victory and also call on all participants to please corporate together to move Nigeria forward to the next level irrespective of our personal desires because Nigeria belongs to all of us and our generation yet unborn.
Therefore I want to say all the participants are winners if they can allow for statesmanship/sportsmanship to rule their heart instead of personal desires and goals.
Do you see this present administration in Kogi state beyond 2019?
I am sure God knows better because I wouldn’t tell you I didn’t see myself winning the election but despite my scorecard I didn’t win or better still God did what’s best. So also this administration God will do what’s best to His Glory. But for sure when we get there we’ll cross the bridge with our numerous followers across Okun land.
Sir, what should we expect from you very soon?
You should expect me to continue to play my brand if “Oyelaism” politics which is politics of love, giving and support for the less fortunate and you should expect me to corporate with a government that is ready to take my people to the next level and that is why I am synthesising my followers across Okun land to be ready for a synergy with a party that would move them to the next level in the forth coming election on Saturday and November 2019. Thank you sir.
