The Ijesa Progressives Movement (IPM) has challenged a faceless, politically motivated group urging political parties and voters to reject a potential third term for incumbent Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (APC) and prioritize youthful Ijesa representation.
In a statement issued in Ilesa on Saturday night, signed by IPM President Amb. Adeboye Ayeni and General Secretary Comrade Idowu Afilaka, the group insisted no reasonable Ijesa person would abandon Senator Fadahunsi for “failed political jobbers” in the name of age or rotation.
“We are apolitical and remain so. One must ask: Where are these so-called ‘Ijesa Concerned Citizens’? What is their contribution to developing Ijesaland? Where are they located, and who is bankrolling them?” the statement read.
It added: “On a good day, we wouldn’t dignify their statement, but because Ijesaland belongs to us, we will never allow political jobbers to rubbish our collective interest.”
The IPM accused the group of ignoring Senator Fadahunsi’s developments in Ife/Ijesa over the last six years, noting they are not even based in Osun State but operate from Abuja making them “invisible” to witness his impact.
Achievements highlighted include over 180 brand-new transformers lighting up Osun East, rural road grading across the senatorial district, health equipment for hospitals, study materials for children in Ife/Ijesa, revolving loans for market women, and youth/women empowerment programs. The senator has also secured over 1,000 federal jobs for local youths.
Quoting the Yoruba adage, “Kaka ki n bi egberun obun! Ma ku ku bi okan soso, Ọga” (Roughly: “Better one strong leader than a thousand weak ones”), the statement affirmed: “Senator Fadahunsi’s performance shows no better alternative exists in Ijesaland right now. He is capable, tested, and trusted. We urge fellow Ijesa people to distance themselves from this faceless group that does not mean well for our land.”
“Yes, the Senate seat belongs to the people, not any individual—but it must go to capable hands. We are sure Senator Fadahunsi is capable, reliable, exposed, and brave enough to represent us again in 2027,” it continued.
The IPM challenged: “Show us another alternative who is accessible, brave, and capable? It’s clear this faceless group is biased and lacks political knowledge of Ijesaland.”
In conclusion: “Let it be on record that Ijesa has no north or south we remain one indivisible Ijesa under the leadership of our paramount ruler, Owa Obokun Adimula. We shall resist any group trying to bring division to Ijesaland.”
