Royal Fathers Back Ambode

Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday, received the blessings of royal fathers in Epe. The traditional rulers, under the aegis of Epe Council of Elders, unanimous endorsed the former Accountant-General of the state.

This took place during a meeting of Ambode with the Obas at the Palace of the Alara of Ilara, His Royal Majesty, Oba Akeem Okunola Adesanya.

Ambode was described at the event, which also had some political leaders in Epe in attendance, as a worthy son of the land, who will take Epe and the entire state to a whole new level of excellent governance.

The monarchs and political leaders present at the meeting expressed their satisfaction in the candidacy of Ambode and repeatedly hailed him as “incoming governor”.

The visibly proud Oba Adesanya, led the other 16 royal fathers to bestow blessings on the APC gubernatorial candidate. The prayers rites continued for almost an hour, and it depicted the depth of faith and confidence the Royal fathers have in Ambode’s leadership capabilities.

Speaking at the occasion, an elder statesman, retired Supreme Court Judge, and a foremost leader in Epe, Justice Adesola Oguntade, added more steam to the grand endorsement by stating that Akin Ambode has long been singled out for excellence from the entire crop of Lagos state gubernatorial aspirants, largely because of his competent and benevolent antecedent, adding that he has rightfully earned the endorsement.

An elated Ambode, who could not stop smiling at the show of love displayed by his people, described the Obas and political leaders as “God-sent fathers” and added that their support has been instrumental to his emergence as a favourite to serve the state in the next four years.

“I can say that I’ve been privileged to gather the needed experience to serve Epe and our state further, but I can’t do it alone. I thank you my Fathers so much for this overwhelming expression of support and prayers. I promise not to fail you, God helping me”, Ambode stated.

He further promised to continue and improve upon the development that the Epe division has experienced in the past 16 years, adding that the entire people of the division, especially the youths, will not be left out in the remarkable growth that Epe will experience in his administration when elected by their votes.

“It is time for Epe to experience the remarkable growth it has sought in the past 55 years, even as the whole of Lagos is gearing up for a next level. I assure you that the development that will besieged this division will benefit all of us. With your votes for the APC at at levels, I am sure that this growth will be monumental,” he added.

Ambode also took time to rally appreciation from the Epe people towards the former Governor of the state and APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the recognition he has given to Epe and for his longstanding support for his candidacy, a move which he described as insightful and which he said as further brought Epe to the fore.

The Royal fathers who took turns to bless Ambode were the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun; the Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja; the Omola of Odomola, Oba Sikiru Taiwo Odukoya; the Aladegunshenbi of Odoragunshin, Oba Olawale Ogunsanya; the Orijeru of Igboye, Oba Gbadebo Onakoya; and the Alade-Uraka of Poka, Oba Aileru Kolawole.

The other Royal Majesties include the Olu-Epe of Epe, Oba Shefiu Adewale; the Alaketu of Ketu, Oba Adegboyega Adefowora; the Olofin Ajaiye of Odo-Orugbo, Oba Adekoya Odusanya; the Onibeju of Ibeju Land, Oba Rafiu Olusegun Salami; the Onilekki of Lekki, Oba Kazeem Olumuyiwa Ogunbekin; the Onimedu of Orimedu, Oba Hamza Atiku; the Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Ishola Babatunde Balogun; the Onitedo of Itedo, Oba Tajudeen Elemoro; the Onise of Ise, Oba Ganiu Adegbesan; and the Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu, Oba Ganiyu Asunmo.

Alhaji Seriki Bamu and Chief Lanre Razaq led all other notable Epe political leaders to the event.

Also present to receive the royal backing in solidarity with Ambode include the APC candidates representing Epe in the Lagos state House of Assembly, Honourable Segun Olulade and Honourable Abiodun Tobun; and also Honourable Wale Raji for the Epe Federal constituency.