The attention of the Authentic Ondo State APC Elders’ Forum has been drawn to one Mister Ija Iyi, who is parading himself as State Coordinator of a so-called Mandate Elders’ Forum, hurriedly birthed on September 5, 2025.
The concocted “Mandate Elders’ Forum” is an unjust and highly divisive attempt to undermine the integrity of the already constituted Ondo State APC Elders’ Forum, which was duly inaugurated by the then Ondo State APC Chairman, Hon. D.I. Kekemeke, who currently serves as the APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest). The officially recognized Forum produced Distinguished Senator Nimbe Farunkanmi as its duly elected Chairman and Otunba Agboola Kelly as its duly elected Secretary.
It is no longer news that some disgruntled individuals have resorted to creating a non-existent political conflict between our performing Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), and our God-chosen, quintessential Governor and result-oriented leader, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Executive Governor of Ondo State.
The duo share a brotherly relationship and are expected to jointly as one indivisible body to pursue the development of Ondo State and the continuity of our Renewed Hope Divine Agenda of our beloved President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
It will be recalled that the Governor has officially declared and launched the general platform “ONDO STATE FOR TINUBU 2027” during the inauguration of the Ondo State APC Statutory leaders Caucus held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.
It is therefore imperative to set the records straight for the public to avoid malicious interpretations and the dissemination of misleading information, often banked upon by elements driven by greed, crave for free money by trick and deceit rather than sincere commitment to the reelection of our President Bola Tinubu, exploiting the generosity of our Hon. Minister BTO for selfish enrichment and thereby causing unnecessary division and confusion in our peace-loving and ever-united APC family in Ondo State.
In a statement, Otunba Agboola Kelly revealed a conversation he had on September 5, 2025, when Mr. Demola Ijabiyi contacted him. Below is the exchange:
IJABIYI: “Otunba, good morning. How are you? We have been expecting your list for the meeting of the Mandate Elders’ Forum. We need five names including you. We are meeting next week Wednesday, 10th of September.”
IJABIYI: “I am very, very close to BTO. He is like a son to me. I am very surprised at all the insinuations going on that he is contending for the leadership of our Party or State with our Governor. The whole thing amazes me. Let me assure you that such contention exists only in the imagination of those carrying it.”
OTUNBA (Final Reply): “Thanks for your invitation. I’m already involved in ONDO STATE FOR TINUBU 2027, officially launched by our Governor at the recent APC constitutional State caucus. I’m the Coordinator of the APC Elders’ movement of same. Thanks and cheers.”
IJABIYI: “Okay Otunba. Good morning.”
Otunba Kelly therefore admonished the general public to be wary of the deceptive tactics deployed by these agents of confusion, who are trying to tamper with the existing peace, unity, and stability in our dear Sunshine State by pretending to be frontline supporters of our hard-working and peace-loving BTO.
He reaffirmed that Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO) remains a genuine partner in progress with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, working in harmony for the monumental development of Ondo State and to ensure a resounding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in 2027.
