From Kayode Adeoti, Ilorin
A Kwara State lawmaker, Honourable Rasaq Olatunde Owolabi, yesterday, reconciled an aggrieved elder statesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Alhaji Aliu Abdulsalam Eleja with the party.
News Hub Mag! gathered that Eleja, a strong party elder and a former party chairman in the local government had parted ways with the APC shortly after the incumbent government was installed.
Speaking at Eleja’s residence yesterday, the lawmaker who represents Share/Oke-Ode constituency in the state House of Assembly, urged the former party chair, whom he referred to as mentor, to bury the hatchet and allow peace to reign in order to move Kwara forward.
READ ALSO: Covid-19: Don’t panic -Lawmaker tells Kwarans
He said Eleja, who under the aegies of ‘Freedom for Kwara’ fought with his life for the liberation of the state, must stay with the party to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“Today, you’re one of the very strong politicians in Ifelodun, you’ve been our mentor in this struggle for long. During the last election, we knew how you laid down your life for the freedom of Kwara. It was only God who sustained you.
“The party you fought for day and night during the last general election, has won, it’s now time for you to enjoy the benefits of your hardwork, many of us who you’ve mentored cannot just keep mum over the fact that you are not in good terms with the party.
“God has blessed you and put you in a position where you can command us to come or do certain developmental projects in the community…” Owolabi stressed.
In his response, Eleja who described Owolabi as a rare politician, appreciated his quest for peace to reign in the party.
He assured that he is no longer aggrieved with the party and urged other elders in the party to toe the same path for peace and development to reign in the state and the local government in particular.
READ ALSO: Kwara: Deputy Speaker donates relief materials, commends Gov’s proactive measures
“It is true I was not in good terms with the party because I detested certain treatment meted out to me by a highly placed party elder. But, today, Owolabi, not considering his political status, took a bold step to call this meeting, I’m humbled.
“I however, promise to seek only that which will progress the party and the state at all times.” Eleja promised.
READ ALSO: House leader, Owolabi, access lockdown order in Kwara North
Earlier, Owolabi had commemorated with party members; Bello Sodiq and Adedayo Abdulfatai, whose wives put to bed.
