- Press Statement: The Osun Development Association (ODA) a non-partisan and development focused organization made up of eminent indigenes of Osun State from all works of life views with serious concern the current tension and anxiety in the state with regards to political activities preceding the Governorship election planned to hold in the State in July 2022. We are justifiably troubled that the evolving situation is creating a major breach of peace and order in our State.
- For all peace loving citizens of the state, the full dividends of democracy can only be enjoyed in an atmosphere of law and order. This is the basic requirement for our State in the quest for sustainable development. However unfolding events of the past few weeks seem to suggest that great danger lies ahead.
- Therefore there are reasonable grounds for apprehension as political thuggery and violence associated with intra party primaries are being presented as an ugly precursor to the mayhem that may characterize the main election. This is certainly unfair to the peace-loving people of Osun State, which the politicians are aspiring to serve.
- The struggle for the control of political party structures, the process of choosing party flag bearers and the election of the State Governor are normal processes that must be part of every electoral cycle. Political parties must strengthen their internal structures to ensure that their processes do not create problems for other law- abiding citizens.
- ODA condemns in the strongest terms unnecessary political brigandage that could make intra party and interparty misunderstanding snowball into full bloody crises. The Association offers its platform for conflict resolution which we have deployed to successive State administrations since the Association was founded in 1995 and calls on all people of goodwill within and outside Osun State to broker peace for sustainable development. We urge all Stakeholders involved to exercise great restraint in their utterances and conduct to prevent further escalation of a breach of peace. The windows of reconciliation must be kept open to keep our State peaceful.
- ODA welcomes the recent peace pact signed by representatives of the major political parties facilitated by the Osun State police command. Through this instrument the representatives of the parties committed themselves to eschew violence from the electioneering process we urge all party members and their followers to live up to the letters and the spirit of these peace agreements.
Dr Segun Aina (OFR) Dr Tunde Aworanti
Chairman General Secretary
ODA EXECUTIVES
Dr Segun Aina OFR Chairman
Dr Tunji Olugbodi Vice Chairman
Chief Bade Adeshina Treasurer
Alh Lateef Bakare FCA Financial Secretary
Mr Adewale Adeniyi Publicity Secretary
Mallam Yusuf Ali SAN Legal Adviser
Mr Ademola Fabunmi Ex-officio
Prof.Mrs Funmi Togonu-Bickersteth Ex -officio
Mrs Doja Ojelabi Asst -General Secretary
Dr Tunde Aworanti General Secretary
BOT MEMBERS
Chief Dr B.A Adigun
Gen Alani Akinrinade (Rtd), GCON
Chief (Prof) Olu Aina, OFR
Prince Tunde Ponnle
Engr (Mrs) Olu Maduka, MFR
Chief Inaolaji Aboaba
Dr Segun Aina, OFR
Thursday 17th February 2022.
