RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE.
All road penultimate Friday led to the auditorium of the Episcopal Church of Cherubim and Seraphim, Ori-oke Irapada branch, Tolu Ajegunle Lagos, where members of the APC Ilaje Support Group (AISG) bestowed on Hon. Lukmon Olumoh and Pa. Ayo Opadokun the patron and grand patron-ship of the group.
The occasion was also used to launch the Lagos chapter of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Movement by the group.
Pa. Opadokun is the erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, while Hon. Lukmon Olumoh is a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency 1.
The duo, in their acceptance speech, pledged to assist the group in achieving its aims and objectives.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony, which had in attendance notable elders of the group, Pa. Opadokun urged the Federal Government to consider the Ilaje for the plum job of the headship of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
He berated the alleged marginalisation of the Ilaje,stressing that Ondo State, where the tribe is from, is the fifth largest producer of oil in the country.
Opadokun, who said he is not a politician, thanked the Ilaje for considering him worthy of the honour, pledging to work for the betterment of the race and humanity.
His words, “Ondo is the fifth largest producer of oil in Nigeria. I told the then Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo that an Ilaje person should head the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). Ilaje is marginalised. He gave assurance that Ilaje will be given consideration.
” I thank the Ilaje support group for the honour. And I am happy to be the grand patron of Ilaje in Lagos.
” I am patron to help you have a voice. With your 700,000 voters , nobody can undermine you,be united. Come together and be a united force. Don’t waste your votes anymore. Anyone who needs your votes should also be ready to give back. You are worth more in my view than corrupt leaders. I accept to be patron humbly to work for the betterment of Ilaje and the human race,” he said.
In his comment, Hon.Olumoh expressed appreciation for the honour, adding that he will impact the group and take it to enviable heights.
Olumoh told the gathering that he is a friend of the Ondo State Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, adding that they both lived in Ajegunle years back.