The leadership of the Oba-Ile Progressive Union (OPU) has declared that it has no preferred or anointed candidate in the ongoing selection process for the Oloba Oodaye, urging all stakeholders to allow a transparent, credible and peaceful process that will produce the best candidate for the community.

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The Union made the position known in a statement issued against the backdrop of the controversies, insinuations and growing concerns surrounding the ongoing selection process.

According to the OPU, its leadership has never adopted any candidate, stressing that all the contestants are regarded as members of the community, provided they are genuine princes from the accredited royal family.

The President of the OPU, Rt Revd Dr Ayodeji Fagbemi, said the Union remained committed to fairness, unity and the peaceful resolution of the selection process.

“Let it be clear that the leadership of the Oba-Ile Progressive Union has not at any time adopted any candidate. All the candidates belong to us, in so far as they are true princes from the accredited royal family,” the Union stated.

Bishop Fagbemi acknowledged that individual members of the community have the right to support candidates of their choice, but emphasised that such personal affiliations should not be interpreted as the official position of the Progressive Union.

The Union said its consistent position has been that the selection process should be transparent and credible, with the best candidate emerging in accordance with the established procedure approved by the government.

It added that whoever eventually emerges as the Oloba Oodaye would be embraced and supported in the overall interest of Oba-Ile.

The OPU also frowned at the description of some individuals as supporters of a “wrong candidate,” insisting that there is no wrong candidate in the contest as far as the contestants are qualified princes from the accredited royal family.

“Every Oba-Ile indigene has every right to support a candidate of his or her choice, but such a candidate is not an official candidate of the OPU. There is no wrong candidate in this contest that we know,” it said.

The Union further disclosed that it had earlier advocated for impartial and necessary criteria to guide the selection, with the objective of producing a monarch capable of responding to the challenges of the 21st century while preserving the values and traditions of the community.

It maintained that the leadership of the OPU remains united and that the organisation is neither divided nor affiliated with any faction in the contest.

“The leadership of the OPU is not divided and neither is the OPU. No one has been chosen to speak on behalf of the Union in favour of any candidate. We do not know any right or wrong candidate so long as the process is transparent and credible,” the statement added.
The Union appealed to individuals accusing others of belonging to factions or receiving money from contestants to desist from such allegations, warning that unsubstantiated claims could further create tension and division within the community.

It urged all stakeholders to avoid statements capable of heating up the polity at a time when peace and unity are required.

According to the OPU, its members had, at their last meeting, called on the kingmakers to be open about the selection process and allow the Union, alongside other stakeholders, to participate as observers.

The Union expressed concern that the request had apparently not been diligently pursued, contributing to the current situation.

“Our position is that the selection must be guided by truth, sincerity and openness in the interest of our community. This is where we stand,” it stated.

The OPU consequently urged the kingmakers to remain open, united and committed to resolving the present crisis, stressing that what the community needs is not an “anointed candidate” but a credible monarch capable of leading Oba-Ile into a new era of progress and development.

The Union also called on all lovers of Oba-Ile to pray for a peaceful resolution of the situation and refrain from making biased or unguarded comments that could further divide the community.

The statement further reaffirmed the commitment of members of the Union to the emergence of a credible Oloba Oodaye and to the continuation of developmental initiatives, including the community bank project and other projects aimed at improving the welfare and prosperity of Oba-Ile.

The Union concluded by reiterating its central position: “Oba-Ile Progressive Union is not divided and has no candidate.”

OPU President prayed for God’s will in the selection and called for truth, peace and unity throughout the process.

The leadership of the Oba-Ile Progressive Union (OPU) has declared that it has no preferred or anointed candidate in the ongoing selection process for the Oloba Oodaye, urging all stakeholders to allow a transparent, credible and peaceful process that will produce the best candidate for the community.

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The Union made the position known in a statement issued against the backdrop of the controversies, insinuations and growing concerns surrounding the ongoing selection process.

According to the OPU, its leadership has never adopted any candidate, stressing that all the contestants are regarded as members of the community, provided they are genuine princes from the accredited royal family.

The President of the OPU, Rt Revd Dr Ayodeji Fagbemi, said the Union remained committed to fairness, unity and the peaceful resolution of the selection process.

“Let it be clear that the leadership of the Oba-Ile Progressive Union has not at any time adopted any candidate. All the candidates belong to us, in so far as they are true princes from the accredited royal family,” the Union stated.

Bishop Fagbemi acknowledged that individual members of the community have the right to support candidates of their choice, but emphasised that such personal affiliations should not be interpreted as the official position of the Progressive Union.

The Union said its consistent position has been that the selection process should be transparent and credible, with the best candidate emerging in accordance with the established procedure approved by the government.

It added that whoever eventually emerges as the Oloba Oodaye would be embraced and supported in the overall interest of Oba-Ile.

The OPU also frowned at the description of some individuals as supporters of a “wrong candidate,” insisting that there is no wrong candidate in the contest as far as the contestants are qualified princes from the accredited royal family.

“Every Oba-Ile indigene has every right to support a candidate of his or her choice, but such a candidate is not an official candidate of the OPU. There is no wrong candidate in this contest that we know,” it said.

The Union further disclosed that it had earlier advocated for impartial and necessary criteria to guide the selection, with the objective of producing a monarch capable of responding to the challenges of the 21st century while preserving the values and traditions of the community.

It maintained that the leadership of the OPU remains united and that the organisation is neither divided nor affiliated with any faction in the contest.

“The leadership of the OPU is not divided and neither is the OPU. No one has been chosen to speak on behalf of the Union in favour of any candidate. We do not know any right or wrong candidate so long as the process is transparent and credible,” the statement added.
The Union appealed to individuals accusing others of belonging to factions or receiving money from contestants to desist from such allegations, warning that unsubstantiated claims could further create tension and division within the community.

It urged all stakeholders to avoid statements capable of heating up the polity at a time when peace and unity are required.

According to the OPU, its members had, at their last meeting, called on the kingmakers to be open about the selection process and allow the Union, alongside other stakeholders, to participate as observers.

The Union expressed concern that the request had apparently not been diligently pursued, contributing to the current situation.

“Our position is that the selection must be guided by truth, sincerity and openness in the interest of our community. This is where we stand,” it stated.

The OPU consequently urged the kingmakers to remain open, united and committed to resolving the present crisis, stressing that what the community needs is not an “anointed candidate” but a credible monarch capable of leading Oba-Ile into a new era of progress and development.

The Union also called on all lovers of Oba-Ile to pray for a peaceful resolution of the situation and refrain from making biased or unguarded comments that could further divide the community.

The statement further reaffirmed the commitment of members of the Union to the emergence of a credible Oloba Oodaye and to the continuation of developmental initiatives, including the community bank project and other projects aimed at improving the welfare and prosperity of Oba-Ile.

The Union concluded by reiterating its central position: “Oba-Ile Progressive Union is not divided and has no candidate.”

OPU President prayed for God’s will in the selection and called for truth, peace and unity throughout the process.

The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has commended the Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, for his remarkable gesture of donating working tools to members of the chapel.

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The chapel described the donation of Air Tabs to its members, alongside an additional iPhone gift, as a demonstration of Adeniyan’s generosity and his understanding of the critical role journalists play in keeping the public informed about government activities and developments across the state.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the chapel, Comrade Tosin Ajuwon, and the Secretary, Fidelis David, the journalists expressed “profound appreciation and heartfelt gratitude” to the CPS for responding positively to requests made by the leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel.

The chapel described Adeniyan as an “indefatigable and quintessential ‘Oyato’ Chief Press Secretary,” noting that his decision to support journalists with digital devices would have a direct impact on their ability to discharge their professional responsibilities effectively.

According to the journalists, the gesture came at a time when journalism is increasingly driven by technology, with reporters requiring reliable devices for gathering information, conducting research, communicating with news sources, processing materials and transmitting stories from the field.

The chapel said the donated devices would “undoubtedly go a long way in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness” of its members, particularly in an era where speed, accuracy and digital connectivity have become essential components of modern journalism.

“This kind gesture is not only a demonstration of your generosity but also a reflection of your understanding and appreciation of the pivotal role journalists play in informing, educating and keeping the public abreast of developments in the state,” the statement said.

The journalists further noted that access to functional technological tools was no longer a luxury for professional reporters but an essential requirement for effective news gathering and dissemination in today’s fast-evolving digital media environment.

They said the devices would facilitate timely reporting, communication, research and the effective dissemination of information, thereby strengthening the capacity of correspondents to serve the public.

The chapel also commended Adeniyan for his willingness to respond to the needs of journalists, describing the gesture as a valuable contribution to the professional growth and development of members.

“We are particularly encouraged by your willingness to respond positively to the needs of journalists, and we consider this gesture a valuable contribution to the growth and professional development of members of the Correspondents’ Chapel,” the statement added.

The chapel said it did not take the gesture for granted, expressing hope that the support would further strengthen collaboration and mutual understanding between the office of the Chief Press Secretary and the journalism community in Ondo State.

“On behalf of the entire members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, we sincerely appreciate your generosity, thoughtfulness and unwavering support. We do not take this gesture for granted,” the journalists said.

The chapel prayed for continued strength, prosperity and greater accomplishments for Adeniyan as he continues to serve the state, asking God to “enlarge his coast” and grant him his heart’s desires.

“May He bless you abundantly, preserve your life and lift you to heights and destinations far beyond your imagination,” the journalists added.

The Correspondents’ Chapel concluded its message with a personal tribute to the CPS, saying: “Once again, thank you for being truly ‘Oyato.’ We deeply appreciate you.”

Ends.