By Our Political Desk
A blistering political exchange has emerged from Ondo State, where former federal lawmaker, Tajudeen Adefisoye, recently broke his silence on what he calls “political betrayal and sabotage” by top figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
But his assertions have been met with sharp rebuttals—chief among them, a fiery rejoinder by Arch. Akinuli Jones Olawande, a self-styled Observer of Conscience from Idanre.
Claim:“I spent over ₦1.4 billion on the 2023 elections to support the APC and still lost—not because I wasn’t popular, but because of betrayal.”
Reaction:
Olawande was unsparing: “You lost your polling unit. You lost your ward. Both are at the foot of your father’s house. Even the walls of your home refused to echo your name.”
He insisted that no amount of personal spending could substitute for grassroots rejection, highlighting the APC’s subsequent victories in Idanre as proof that the party was stronger without Adefisoye’s involvement. “Your absence was not just unnoticed—it was celebrated,” he declared.
Claim:“Engr. Ade Adetimehin betrayed me. Despite our political alliance in 2020 to deliver Akeredolu, he sabotaged me in 2023.”
Reaction:
Olawande called the betrayal narrative self-delusion at its peak. “Did Adetimehin instruct your family and community to vote against you? Did he program your unit to fail?” he queried.
He pointed out that true popularity can’t be undermined from the top—if the people want you, they’ll vote for you.
Claim:“In 2020, Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu trusted my recommendation that Adetimehin was the strongest politician in Ondo. That alliance delivered victory.”
Reaction:
Olawande agreed that Akeredolu’s re-election was a collective effort, but questioned why Adefisoye couldn’t replicate that success in his own backyard in 2023.
“If you were so trusted, how did your political capital evaporate in just three years?” he asked.
Claim:“I have not received any federal appointment despite my loyalty. Meanwhile, others who did less were compensated.”
Reaction:
Olawande dismissed this as sour grapes: “Martyrdom is not earned through noise but by the endorsement of the people. If your loyalty was rooted in genuine service, recognition would come naturally.”
Claim:“I remain loyal to APC and to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration. I was Director-General of his campaign in Idanre, and we delivered victory.”
Reaction:
Olawande acknowledged Aiyedatiwa’s victory, but warned Adefisoye against wrapping himself “around the governor like a cloak.”
He said: “You failed to deliver even your relocated polling unit. Rest assured, the governor and party hierarchy are not blind.”
Claim:“Some support groups are only seeking personal relevance. If they continue to divide the party, they will ‘collect WotoWoto’.”
Reaction:
Olawande pounced on this as hypocrisy, stating: “You who accuse others of division once contributed to it with unchecked ambition and internal sabotage. You can’t now claim to be the voice of unity when your political career is a case study in discord.”
Closing Warning by Olawande:
“Walk the streets of Idanre without escort. Let the people decide who commands their trust. Until then, do not confuse visibility with influence, nor noise with respect.”
Final Words from Adefisoye:
“This is my truth. If anybody has another version, make dem come out. Let’s talk face-to-face. No secrets. No lies.”
Analysis:
What began as a personal lament by a former lawmaker has spiraled into a high-stakes political reality check, raising questions about loyalty, grassroots acceptance, and the true measure of political relevance in Ondo State.
While Adefisoye attempts to reclaim his narrative, Olawande’s rejoinder offers a brutal counterpoint—one that insists that no one sabotaged Adefisoye but himself.
