The Asiwaju Mandate Group, AMG, has called on the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to remain focused and undistracted by the recent wave of media propaganda orchestrated by political detractors who feel threatened by his rising influence and unmatched record of service.
In a statement jointly signed by the Director-General of the Group, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, and the Chairman, Leaders’ Council, Senator Yele Omogunwa, the group described the ongoing media attacks against Dr. Tunji-Ojo (BTO) as “a desperate attempt by political jobbers and failed opportunists to malign a man whose impact has become too significant and conspicuous to be ignored.”
The statement reads in part, “Beyond political rhetoric, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has transformed lives and strengthened democratic structures far beyond what anyone thought possible for a minister without executive powers. His record of empowerment and strategic leadership stands tall in Ondo State and the nation’s political space.”
The group recalled with emphasis the pivotal role Dr. Tunji-Ojo played during the political crisis that nearly led to the impeachment of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa when he served as Deputy Governor.
“At a time when the State was on the brink of political turmoil, Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s intervention was decisive. He stood firmly to ensure that members of the State House of Assembly, who had earlier compromised, were revived to look up to the cabal then working against the Deputy Governor. It was his timely mediation and influence that helped preserve stability and the sanctity of Ondo State’s political structure.” The statement said.
AMG further commended Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s unrelenting efforts in sustaining the political mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing him as “one of the few public figures who have matched loyalty with strategic action.”
“Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to President Tinubu’s second-term bid is not in empty words but in deliberate action. He has consistently depleted the opposition ranks in Ondo State by initiating and sponsoring the decampment of their key members. Some of these prominent figures include Hon. Tony Ala, former Senior Special Assistant who served under previous administrations; Hon. Yele Akinya, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor; Hon. Alabi Ebenezer, former State Chairman of the PDP; Alhaja Olufunmilayo Way, former Treasurer of the PDP in Ondo State; Hon. Prince Omololu Falolu, former two-term Local Government Chairman; and Hon. Dayo Awude, former Commissioner for Youth Development, alongside his SGN group with presence across all local governments in the State, among others. BTO’s bridge-building efforts have rendered the PDP and other political parties in the state almost non-existent”.
The group also highlighted Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s unprecedented contributions to strengthening the APC structure across Ondo State.
“He personally funded the furnishing of the APC Secretariat in Akure long before others even recognised the need to act. He has singlehandedly been funding ward and local government meetings across the State, ensuring the party remains active and cohesive. Presently, three major campaign organisations working toward President Tinubu’s re-election, including GMT and AMG, are being largely supported and funded by Dr. Tunji-Ojo. This is what genuine commitment looks like, not noise-making or political grandstanding.”
Addressing recent calls by some political actors urging President Tinubu to stop Dr. Tunji-Ojo from contesting the 2028 Ondo Governorship election, AMG stated emphatically that the right to aspire is constitutionally guaranteed and ultimately rests with the people.
“Let it be known that every citizen, including Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reserves the democratic right to seek elective office. However, the Honourable Minister has neither declared any ambition nor hinted at such. Those spreading unfounded rumours are only exposing their fears and inadvertently affirming his political worth. For now, his total focus remains on delivering effectively as Minister of Interior and ensuring the success of President Tinubu’s administration.”
The group concluded with a firm message that “those jittery over an ambition that has not been declared are merely fighting their own shadows. When and if the time comes, it will be the will of the people, not propaganda, that will determine who leads Ondo State. Until then, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo remains committed to service, performance, and progress for all.”
