Our attention has been drawn to a purported press interview granted by Adeshina Akinpelu, who claims to be a member of the National Coordinating Council of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) led by Otunba Gani Adams.
We hereby wish to notify members of the general public that the said Adeshina Akinpelu was neither a member of the National Coordinating Council nor the spokesperson of Oodua People’s Congress (0PC).
For the records, he, in fact, ceased to be a member of the OPC, Oyo State chapter since 2013, following his dismissal for gross misconduct.
Akinpelu was the former Publicity Secretary of Oodua People’s Congress, Oyo State chapter. But at no time did he rise to become a member of the esteemed National Coordinating Council (NCC).
It is evident that Adeshina Akinpelu’s purported press interview calling for the resignation of Otunba Gani Adams was sponsored by political elements who feel threatened by the soaring popularity of Otunba Adams and his widespread acceptance as a leader in Yoruba land.
For the benefit of the general public, the OPC, led by Otunba Gani Adams, is a well-structured organisation with central command.
At the apex of the organisation is the National Executive Council (NEC) which consists of nine members. This is followed by the National Coordinating Council consisting of 120 people in the hierarchy of command.
This is followed by the State Coordinating Council, Local Government Coordinating Council and the Zonal Coordinating Council at the lowest rung.
At this juncture, it is pertinent to refresh Adeshina Akinpelu’s memory. In the year 2000 when he was indisposed, it was the kind-hearted gesture by Otunba Gani Adams, and of course the grace of God, that saved him from the shackles of death.
Otunba (Dr) Gani Adams took him to Ola-Oki Medical Centre Badagry Lagos State and paid all his medical bills.
Adeshina Akinpelu will also recall that Otunba Adams enrolled him at the International School of Aviation after his recovery and the certificate awarded to him at that school is the only school certificate that Akinpelu can boast of. Adeshina Akinpelu and his likes, who have a penchant for chaos and drumming the beats of war, should be apprehended, tried and imprisoned if found culpable.
The Presidential election has since been concluded and the exercise of the members of Oodua People’s Congress and Otunba Gani Adams franchise for President (Dr) Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was in consonance with the Nigerian Constitution.
That decision was not induced by pecuniary influence as Adeshina Akinpelu has malafide (bad intention) alleged. It is indeed ridiculous for any right-thinking person to claim or believe that the president would give the sum of N1.6 billion to an individual.
Otunba Gani Adams denies the receipt of the sum of N1.6 billion from either President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan or any other individual in this regards.
It must also be noted that Otunba Gani Adams does not have a direct access to the monies of Oodua People’s Congress. The organization has a very open and credible accounting mechanism for all its activities.
Otunba Gani Adams, as a notable Yoruba leader, has risen above the mundane false allegations of Adeshina Akinpelu and his pay masters. For the avoidance of doubt, there are no cracks in the National Coordinating Council of Oodua People’s Congress in any manner whatsoever.
Otunba (Dr) Gani Adams remains the National Coordinator and Leader of Oodua People’s Congress, the Leader of Oodua Progressive Union, which has presence in about 53 countries and the Chief Promoter, Olokun Festival Foundation. He is a recipient of over 250 traditional titles in Nigeria.
However, we wish to seize this opportunity to plead with the media to play its role of an unbiased watchdog and to endeavour to balance their reports in order to ensure that all sides to a story are reported.
The Nigerian media is one of the best around the world in terms of reportage and fairness. We plead that this beautiful trend is not jettisoned on the platter of politics for any reason.
We hereby urge members of the general public to discountenance whatever statement that may emanate from Mr. Akinpelu from now henceforth, especially regarding the OPC, having seized to be a member of the organization since 2013.
The Akinpelu that we know is a parasite and does not have the capacity to write, publish or circulate any statement on behalf of the OPC.
The undersigned are the key leaders of the National Coordinating Council of OPC, led by Otunba Gani Adams.
Thank you.
Signed:
Barr. Tanimowo Babajide Com Mudashiru Aderibigbe
(National General Secretary) (National Treasurer)
Alhaji Oladimeji Lateef Prince Boye Mayungbe
(National Financial Secretary) (National Baba Oodua)
Alhaji Taiwo Quadri Chief (Mrs) Funmilayo Alao
(National Revenue Chairman) (National Iya Oodua)
Com. Tobun Gbadebo Com. Wole Iyaromi Chief Oyinlola Awe
(National Chief Whip) (National Welfare) (National Organising Secretary)
Barr. Yinka Oguntimehin
(Director of Media and Publicity)
