REJOINDER: MY STAND IN THE IJUMU HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY DEBACLE
The attention of Hon. Prince Dayo Akanmode, former Kogi State Governorship Aspirant and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, has been drawn to a recent statement credited to Mr. Ola Abodunde at an Ijumu Local Government Area critical stakeholders’ meeting held at the Abuja residence of Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke. The narrative seeks to put my reputation, which I have built over the years, into disrepute.
This false act is misrepresenting, malicious, and unacceptable.
In his statement, Mr. Abodunde claimed: _“Hon. Dayo Akanmode was quoted as neither supporting Obanewo Titus Femi nor Esemikose Femi, but his interest is all about Aiyetoro/Agirigbon-Oke Ward 2.”_ This is an unscrupulous statement made out of an unguided act — a vituperation of its kind and highly unwarranted!
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To set the record straight: Obanewo hails from Aiyetoro/Iluhagba Ward 1, while Esemikose hails from Aiyetoro/Agirigbon-Oke Ward 2. Both were contenders for the Ijumu State House of Assembly seat.
While it is commendable that Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, who has distinguished himself for years as one of Nigeria’s leading political figures, initiated such a redefining moment to streamline the Ijumu political contest, it is also noted that he demonstrated leadership by hosting the list of invitees, myself inclusive.
It is important to state clearly that Hon. Dayo Akanmode never had any such interaction, did not express any conscious interest, and did not give his word to Mr. Ola Abodunde at a meeting he unavoidably could not attend.
For clarity: Hon. Dayo Akanmode is a voter in Ayetoro Ward 2 by birth. One of his closest political allies, who normally acts on his behalf but acted out of his own democratic interest, took certain steps that led to the endorsement of Femi Esemikose in his ward.
In a real sense, political maturity demands the separation of conversations from speculations. The principle of “Action and Effect” applies, without attempting to criminalise conversations.
Therefore, the Dayo Akanmode Political Movement states categorically that Mr. Ola Abodunde’s statement was made either to curry favour or for cheap political gain — but certainly from the cross of a vampire!
That said, the Dayo Akanmode Political Movement implores all stakeholders to walk together, not apart, towards the shared prosperity of Ijumu and the nation at large. It also urges his political supporters and all concerned to remain calm and law-abiding in the ongoing political processes.
For those desperate to make political gain out of this, it is certainly a case of calling a dog a bad name in order to hang it.
_Ijumu agbe’gha o!_
*E-Signed*
Hon. Prince Dayo Akanmode
Former Governorship Aspirant
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MAY 6TH 2026)
