By Gbenga Olarinoye

OSOGBO — THE Osun State Christian Association of Nigeria, OSCAN, yesterday, frowned at the ongoing trend of reported rituals and oath takings in the state, warning that the effect would be dreadful for those involved in such dastardly acts.

This came as  a socio-cultural organisation, The Victory Group, has drummed up support for Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi’s governorship aspiration.

OSCAN, in a statement by its Chairman, Very Rev (Father) Michael Okodua; the Secretary, Overseer Cornelius Ojo and the Chairman, Strategic Committee, Rev Jacob Asani, also cautioned against bribe-taking to subvert the will of the people ahead of the September 22 governorship election in the state

The statement reads: “OSCAN finds it necessary at this point in the history of our state to speak out on its expectations as political parties are planning to elect their gubernatorial flag-bearers for the September 22nd, 2018 election.

“OSCAN believes strongly that whoever will emerge as the Governor of Osun State and who will direct the affairs of over 4.5 million people must possess some qualities and credentials necessary for this exalted office.

“He or she must be godly with proven integrity, be incorruptible, has a heart and commitment to ensure religious tolerance and respect for other peoples’ faiths, possesses a track record of achievements in his or her field of service either in public or private enterprise.

Group backs Ogunbiyi

Meanwhile, The Victory Group, in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and General Secretary, Olasupo Wale and Oluwagbemi Yinka, the group described Dr. Ogunbiyi as the most suitable aspirant for the governorship position and recommended him to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as worthy of being given the party’s ticket.

Listing the criteria used in selecting Ogunbiyi as the most competent aspirant, the group said: “It is public knowledge that Dr. Ogunbiyi has not been fingered in fraudulently holding any political or elective office.

“Ogunbiyi’s prudent financial managerial endowment demonstrated in his business carrier is capable of bailing out the state from its present socio-economic quagmire. “

“His acumen of moving his business empire from a one-room apartment into an international business conglomerate will not only accord him the intellect to harness the limited resources available in the state to foster unimaginable development but will also enhance his ability to reshape the situation of the state.”