Bayo Lawal’s Derogatory Remarks On Some PDP Chieftains, An Unfortunate And Malicious – Group

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

IBADAN – The Ibadan Youth Progressive Circle (IYPC), a group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has described Chief Bayo Lawal’s derogatory remarks on some PDP Chieftains, including Chief Femi Babalola as unfortunate and malicious.

IYPC stated this in a statement signed by its President, Ismail Kareem and made available to newsmen on Saturday, October 31, 2020, in Ibadan.

It would be recalled that Lawal, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters had during a radio programme monitored in Ibadan, described the chieftains as “political chickens and immature”.

Lawal had said that “Babalola, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeniyan are immature, saying the likes of Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli and Sen. Olufemi Lanlehin were arrogant.”

He also said that “Many of those criticising Gov. Seyi Makinde administration in the states have received their pay before the election, hence they have no reason to complain.”

But, the group in the statement, described Lawal as an epitome of sychophancy and disunity in Oyo PDP.

The group also said that Lawal’s antecedents were nothing to write home about, citing his stewardship with Chief Yekini Adeojo who made him Commissioner under the administration of former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja.

“He displayed his signature act of traitorship by jumping ship to join Chief Lamidi Adedibu, thereby neglecting his benefactor Chief Yekini Adeojo,” the group said.

“Bayo Lawal was popularly referred to as an Agbada carrier of Baba Adedibu by those who were close to the circle. One now wonders how true it is when this same man claims he worked for Ladoja.

“The big question is, in what capacity? Is it possible for a house boy to “make” his boss? We would like to state categorically that Governor Seyi Makinde needs to be wary of sycophants in his government and party in general,” the group said.

“We are of the opinion that those defamatory statements credited to Pa Bayo Lawal are unfortunate and not in sync with someone of his age.

“Gov Seyi Makinde should be kind enough to appreciate Babalola and others for their tremendous efforts at uniting youths in the party. They keep the flag of the party flying at every quarters where they have influence.

“The likes of Bayo Lawal, shouldn’t have a place in this govt, afterall he was part of Makinde’s staff while he was contesting for the post of governor in the state,” the group said.

The group also reiterated that their patron, Femi Babalola (Jogor) was not a man of cheap value, adding it is pitiable to hear someone saying he had been paid off for the selfless sacrifices he made to ensure Makinde became a governor.

IYPC challenged the Commissioner to mention how and where the governor paid the patrons.

“We are in PDP because of Jogor and he has been a benefactor and mentor to us. We would like to warn the Commissioner to stop maligning a good party man.

“Jogor has been a pillar and a rock in the party. We will not be cowed into Bayo Lawal’s pranks to play his jeun jeun moves,” the group concluded.