APPOINTMENT: THE ATTENTION-SEEKING OUTBURST OF DEDEIGBO DIPO OLAJUWON AND THE NEED TO SET THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

Our attention has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media where one Mr. Dedeigbo Dipo Olajuwon from Iloro Ward 6, Unit 7, Owo Local Government Area, claimed to have rejected his appointment as Special Assistant to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

Ordinarily, the political theatrics of an individual like Mr. Olajuwon would not deserve a response, as his antecedents and political standing are well known to all in Owo. However, to prevent the unsuspecting public from being misled by deliberate falsehood and to correct the malicious insinuations contained in his outburst, we deem it necessary to set the records straight.

We wish to state categorically that Mr. Dipo Dedeigbo’s name was never on the final list of Special Assistants. His name appeared at an earlier draft stage due to what is understood to be a typographical error, but it was subsequently removed before the final appointments were concluded.

More importantly, information at our disposal confirms that Mr. Olajuwon has not been issued an appointment letter and cannot confirm whether his name was published in error or not. It is therefore misleading to create the impression that he was formally appointed and personally turned down the appointment. Yet, in his desperation for attention, he rushed to the media to act a prepared script, thereby bringing to public ridicule and disrepute the individuals who may have been interested in ensuring his inclusion.

This act alone exposes his political naivety, immaturity, and lack of understanding of the ethics of governance and party administration.

We find it curious and highly amusing that Mr. Olajuwon, who a few months ago during the last congress was parading the length and breadth of Owo through his leaders, lobbying and begging for a Position , has suddenly found a new voice and new loyalty in the camp of his new buyers.

For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to remind Mr. Olajuwon that Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), the Honourable Minister of Interior, whom he now professes undying loyalty to, is himself a respected, high-ranking leader and stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State and at the national level. BTO is not in opposition to Governor Aiyedatiwa, nor is he leading a factional group against the government. There is therefore no war or factional divide as Mr. Olajuwon is struggling in vain to create.

If his newfound leaders truly embody the virtues of loyalty and respect that he preaches, we are certain they would be embarrassed by his uncouth and divisive outing. True loyalty is not declared on camera; it is demonstrated through character, consistency, discretion, and respect for party hierarchy.

He also reportedly stated that “BTO is his leader and Humility is his leader.” can a Ship be led be two Captains? These contradictory statements have understandably generated questions among members of the public and political stakeholders about his actual political alignment and sincerity.

Mr. Olajuwon alleged that the crisis within the Owo APC and issues between some party leaders and elders informed his decision. This claim is not only false but mischievous, unfounded, and a calculated attempt to cause disaffection within the party.

We ask: At what point did Mr. Olajuwon become the spokesperson or defender of the elders of Owo? When did elders appoint him as their mouthpiece?

It is pertinent to remind him that when he was nominated and accepted the position of Vice Chairman of the APC in Iloro Ward 6 during the last congress, did he reject that position because there were issues? Did he complain about marginalization then? No. He gladly accepted it because it served his personal interest. His selective sense of justice only comes alive when it serves his selfish narrative.

The elders of Owo APC are respected and have legitimate channels to express any grievances if there are any. They do not need a political neophyte like Mr. Olajuwon to fight their battles on Facebook.

Mr. Olajuwon’s recent action disparages, in particular, Hon. Gbenga Abiodun Eleduma and other respected leaders who might have been interested in recommending him for greater opportunities in the future.

Rather than showing gratitude for the uncommon privilege extended to him as Ward Exco during the last congress, despite his limited political contributions, he has chosen to repay their goodwill with public embarrassment, indiscipline, and blackmail. This singular act has further confirmed what many already knew: that Mr. Olajuwon lacks character, decorum, and the basic moral values of loyalty and gratitude required of a party man.

A man who bites the finger that fed him cannot be trusted. He cannot be trusted by his old friends whom he has betrayed, nor by his new buyers who are now watching and will surely note that if he can do this to his benefactors today, he will do worse to them tomorrow.

CONCLUSION

The APC in Owo Local Government remains one united, indivisible family under the able and focused leadership of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The party has well-established internal mechanisms for resolving any differences, no matter how minor, and does not need social media outbursts and attention-seeking antics from political jobbers to learn how to respect its elders.

We advise Mr. Dedeigbo Dipo Olajuwon to channel his time and energy into more productive ventures, seek proper political tutelage, and learn that in politics, humility, loyalty, gratitude, and respect for elders matter far more than media theatrics and eye-service.

As citizens who desire peace, development, and progress in Owo, we believe political discussions should focus on what individuals have contributed to the development of our communities, not on self-serving drama.

The government of Governor Aiyedatiwa remains focused on its OUR EASE agenda and will not be distracted by the tantrums of political opportunists.

Signed:
Concerned APC Stakeholders and Leaders, Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State.