Kajola Local Government chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji (Hon.) Ogundijo Aderoju Azeez, has formally withdrawn the controversial statement he was reported to have made at the Òyó Npè Ó Movement meeting held on Wednesday, November 12, at Agidigbo Radio Station, Ibadan.
The respected party elder described his attendance and the perceived endorsement of Dr. Oriyomi Hamzat as completely unintentional, insisting that the views attributed to him did not reflect his position, loyalty, or political alignment.
In an exclusive clarification granted to acrossnigerianews.com, Hon. Ogundijo, a former Secretary to the Local Government in Kajola, firmly dismissed all interpretations suggesting that he endorsed Dr. Hamzat or supported the Òyó Npè Ó 2027 project. According to him, what appeared to be an endorsement was a misrepresentation orchestrated by political actors whose motives were inconsistent with his principles and long-standing commitment to the PDP.
Ogundijo explained that his presence at Agidigbo Radio was the result of an invitation extended by a political associate who belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said the event was presented to him as a mere POLITICAL FUNFAIR, but upon arrival, he discovered that it had been strategically staged to promote Dr. Oriyomi Hamzat’s governorship ambition for 2027. He emphasized that he had no prior knowledge that the gathering was affiliated with any political movement aimed at undermining his party’s interest.
Expressing disappointment at how his attendance was exploited, Hon. Ogundijo urged the public—especially PDP stakeholders, leaders, and members across Oyo State—to disregard the circulating impressions tying him to the Òyó Npè Ó Movement. He reiterated that he would never knowingly participate in any meeting or gathering designed to jeopardize the progress, unity, and electoral strength of the PDP, nor support any agenda positioned against the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he described as a leader he deeply respects.
While expressing remorse over the unintended consequences of his attendance, Ogundijo characterized the incident as a deliberate ploy by the organizers to tarnish the reputation he has built over several decades in public service and partisan politics. He cautioned political actors against engaging in manipulative schemes that could sow discord or mislead the public, stressing that his political record has always reflected discipline, loyalty, and unwavering alignment with the PDP.
Alhaji Ogundijo, who hails from Ajegunle Compound in Ilua, Kajola Local Government, described himself as an enlightened and experienced politician whose political journey spans multiple decades and party transitions. He recalled his early political involvement during the era of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), his subsequent participation in the National Republican Convention (NRC), and his steadfast commitment to the PDP from its inception to date. He noted that his political pedigree and record of service stand in direct contradiction to any suggestion of anti-party conduct.
Reaffirming his loyalty, Hon. Ogundijo declared that the PDP remains his home and political identity. He highlighted his contributions and service roles, including his tenure as Local Government Political Secretary from 1999 to 2001, his current membership in the Local Government Stakeholders’ Forum, his participation in the Elders/Leaders Apex Committee, and his long-standing position as a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT). These, he said, are not symbolic positions but reflections of a lifetime investment in the party’s growth and stability.
He expressed deep regret for any confusion or embarrassment the incident may have caused the PDP family, stating that he holds every member, stakeholder, and leader of the party in high esteem. He tendered an unreserved apology to all party organs and appealed for understanding and forgiveness from those who may have been unsettled by the misinterpretation of his presence at the event.
Hon. Ogundijo concluded by reaffirming his absolute commitment to the PDP and its ideals, pledging to continue working with party leaders and members to strengthen unity, consolidate the party’s gains, and ensure continued progress for the people of Oyo State.
