Commission threatens witnesses over non-appearance

THE world was at their feet when their benefactor was alive. His word was law and anyone with as commonplace as an ambition for a party post at the ward level must reckon with them as the foot soldiers of the strongman of Oyo State politics.

But the tide has turned now and this, certainly, is not the best of times for aides and loyalists of the late Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu.

Reason: Obviously now left out in the scheme of things in Oyo State, they are crying out to Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala to come to their aid.

The party faithful, who met under the aegis of Adedibu/Akala Solidarity Loyalists, Molete Empire, said having worked for the governors success at the polls, he should compensate them with public office appointments.

Chairman of the group, Bola Busari and Publicity Secretary, Kiyesi Akinade, who spoke with reporters on behalf of members at the Molete residence of the late politician, reminded the governor of their roles in his campaign for office and urged him not to forget them.

Adedibu, who played a prominent role in the emergence of Alao-Akala in the April 2007 governorship polls, died four months ago.

The aggrieved loyalists reminded Alao-Akala that as politicians, they should enjoy government patronage, having worked for those in public offices in the state.

Busari argued that as members of the Molete Political School who believed in the goal and aspiration of their late leader, they should not be strangers to the Alao-Akala administration.

Suggesting that the group has been cut off from governance and political patronage in the state since Adedibus demise, Busari stated that his group would continue to explore peaceful means to better members lots by seeking political offices and appointments.

His words: These, we believe, are the dividends of democracy which we rightly deserve as individuals and group that had suffered during campaign and elections for the enthronement of this present administration as led by our indefatigable and God-fearing Governor Alao-Akala.

The group debunked insinuations that cracks had appeared in the walls in the Adedibu political family and charged politicians loyal to Adedibu in his life-time not to stray from his political camp.

There should be no communication gap between us. We remember vividly Baba Adedibus last words on earth instructing us to remain together and ensure that this administration succeeds. Alao-Akala must not fail, Busari said.