Ondo Ex-Speaker Denies Endorsing Governor Aiyedatiwa, Backs Jimoh Ibrahim for Governor

Sunday Okobi

Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oleyelogun Bamidele David, has denied endorsing the state Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, for the upcoming governorship election in the state.

David, in a statement issued yesterday, affirmed that he had instead endorsed Senator Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim for governor in the 2024 election, “and after endorsing an aspirant, I can’t go back and endorse another.”

According to him, “I want the public to disregard the news linking me with the endorsement of Governor Ayedatiwa for the 2024 election.

“For record purposes, former Speakers of the state House of Assembly visited Governor Ayedatiwa to solicit for his sponsorship of our attendance of the Conference of Former Speakers Forum which was held in Adamawa State recently.

At no point during our visit did we agree that the visit was for his endorsement. I was, therefore, very surprised to stumble on some online news stating that ‘Ex-Speakers endorsed Aiyedatiwa’, including my humble self.

“The public should please take note that I have endorsed Senator Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim for governor of Ondo State in the 2024 elections and I can’t go back and endorse another.”

The statement quoted him saying: “I, Rt. Hon. Oleyelogun Bamidele David do not have any other candidate for the governorship race in Ondo State other than Senator Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim, a man with a wealth of experience, an astute businessman, and a philanthropist who processes the charisma and capability to take Ondo State to the next level.

“I remain focused. My loyalty and total commitment to my late Principal- Aketi (Governor Akeredolu) is unshaken and undiluted. Taking the above into consideration, I have decided to work with his friend, Jimoh Ibrahim, for his long term ambition of becoming the first citizen of this state to come to reality.”