— Says Ilaje Not at War with Owo

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Youth leaders in the oil-rich Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have expressed their support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the State Commissioner for Finance, Omowunmi Isaac.

Speaking at a press conference in Akure, the Coalition of Ilaje Youth Groups, led by Mr. Samson Ewajane (President of the Federation of Ugboland Youth and Secretary of the Ilaje Youth Coalition), Comrade Nejo Shina (President of the Mahin, Aheri/Etikan Youth Assembly), and Comrade Saanumi Ola Lucky of the Ilaje Dynamic Patriots (GWAMA), unanimously endorsed the governor’s leadership and commitment to the state’s development.

The youth leaders denounced a recent publication purportedly authored by a group known as the Igbalaye Youth Group. They described the group as fictitious and nonexistent in Ilaje.

“The so-called Igbalaye Youth Group and their claims are entirely fabricated. This is a deliberate attempt by fifth columnists to sow discord and tarnish the reputations of the governor and the finance commissioner,” the group stated.

The youth leaders emphasized that Ilaje is at peace with the people of Owo and the entire Ondo State.

“The attempt to pitch Ilaje against our Owo brothers has failed. We remain united and peaceful,” they said.

Support for Governor Aiyedatiwa and Commissioner Isaac

Reaffirming their support for the state government, the group passed a vote of confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa and Finance Commissioner Omowunmi Isaac.

“We applaud the finance commissioner for her passionate and dedicated service despite attempts by political elements to disrupt the treasury of Ondo State,” they declared.

The youth leaders described those behind the smear campaign as “political vampires” desperate to destabilize the government for selfish reasons.

They urged the public to disregard the malicious article and remain vigilant against divisive elements.

“We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the government’s initiatives and fostering the development of Ondo State,” they said.

The youth leaders challenged the faceless group to come forward publicly if they had genuine grievances.

“We, the undersigned leaders from Ugbo, Mahin, Aheri/Etikan, and GWAMA, stand united behind our governor, the finance commissioner, and the entire government and people of Ondo State,” they concluded.