… Says his act of bravery unparalleled.
… Insists Aiyedatiwa, council boss bent on silencing dissent voices.
… Flays lawmaker over double standards.
A group, Ondo Renaissance, has hailed a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Banji Orogbemi, for his courageous stance against what they describe as oppressive governance in the state.
The salute by the group comes on the heels of Orogbemi’s recent arrest, which many see as a direct consequence of his vocal criticism of the lack of performance of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration over the past eight months.
A few days ago, Orogbemi was reportedly arrested in Igbokoda on the order of the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, Ms. Toyin Ogungbure.
The arrest, which had been described as arbitrary, sparked outrage in the community with a series of calls for his immediate release.
According to the group, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Festus Oladele, it stressed that Orogbemi’s bravery will serve as inspiration for other citizens to stand up against perceived injustices.
He said, “The act of bravery exhibited by Orogbemi will embolden citizens to speak out against oppression. Citizens should only rally behind leaders who prioritise accountability and transparency in governance.
“A titan stands, unyielding and tall,
Against the tempests of oppression’s wall, Mr. Olabanji Orogbemi, a hero true, dares to challenge the powers that subdue.
“With heart afire and spirit unbroken,
He confronts the injustices unspoken,
His voice thunders, a clarion call,
To shatter chains and stand tall.
“Like a beacon in the darkest night,
He shines a light on the oppressor’s might, A David against Goliath’s stone,
He stands for justice alone.
“His courage is a wildfire’s flame,
That spreads hope and fuels the fight for fame, A champion of the marginalised and worn, He wears his heart like a badge of honour.
“To those who wield power with an iron fist, He says, “Your reign is temporary; your grip will twist. For justice is a river that flows like time, and soon, your dominance will be but a rhyme.”
“Mr. Olabanji Orogbemi, we sing your praise, A warrior of truth, in a world of gaze. May your example ignite a fire so bright, Guiding us forward, through the dark of night.”
Pointedly, the group alleged the Aiyedatiwa and the council boss of being “power intoxicated,” suggesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the state has strayed from its responsibilities to the people.
It called for a reassessment of leadership styles within the council, emphasising the need for leaders who are responsive to the concerns of their constituents.
The group, however, argued that Orogbemi’s arrest was an attempt to silence dissent voices that have been subjected to untold hardship.
While chiding the lawmaker representing Ilaje Constituency 2 in the State House of Assembly, Olawunmi Fayemi, over what he described as double standards, the group stated that the legislator distanced herself and failed to defend the women folks when the Assembly accused Aiyedatiwa of assaulting his wife when he acted as governor.
“Honourable Wunmi Fayemi-Obayelu should bury her head in shame. The records are there. As the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, which she claimed to be, where was she when the Assembly in number nine of the 14 allegations against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa during the impeachment saga of September 2023 accused him of assaulting his wife.
“Honourable Wunmi Fayemi-Obayelu did not raise a single voice when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was accused of assaulting his wife when he was acting governor in 2023.
“But because of her failure and Ms. Toyin Ogungbure, the Chairperson of Ilaje Local Government, to intimidate Banji Orogbemi, they came up with lies to tag him as a woman beater. It is indeed saddening for a lawmaker to fabricate lies in such a reckless manner.”
