Dare Adeleke has criticised a commentary by Maroof Asudemade questioning Governor Seyi Makinde’s presentation of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon 500 to the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, describing the publication as a politically motivated attempt to stir controversy.Adeleke, in a strongly worded response, faulted Asudemade’s position, arguing that the governor’s gesture was a personal birthday gift and should not be turned into an unnecessary political debate.
He maintained that Makinde presented the brand-new luxury vehicle to Ajewole in recognition of his leadership, commitment to the development of Ibadanland and consistent advocacy for good governance.
According to Adeleke, the presentation was also in fulfilment of a promise the governor had made to celebrate the CCII President-General in a remarkable way.
He argued that Makinde’s gesture was consistent with the governor’s known disposition towards appreciating people he respects, including friends and associates, insisting that there was nothing unusual about the presentation.
Questioning the basis of the criticism, Adeleke asked why a birthday gift from a governor should become a subject of political controversy, particularly when the recipient had distinguished himself through service to Ibadanland.
He also faulted Asudemade for bringing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, into the discussion, describing the references as unnecessary and capable of creating division.
Adeleke further challenged the critic to acknowledge other contributions made by the Makinde administration to traditional institutions, particularly the reported expenditure of N1 billion on the Olubadan’s palace.
He questioned why such a significant intervention was missing from Asudemade’s commentary, suggesting that a balanced assessment of the governor’s relationship with traditional institutions should take all relevant contributions into consideration.
Defending the governor’s freedom to make personal gestures, Adeleke insisted that Makinde had the right to extend gifts to individuals of his choice without being subjected to what he considered unwarranted public scrutiny.
He stressed that the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon 500 was a personal birthday gift to Ajewole and not an official allocation to the CCII, adding that the governor had simply honoured a promise made to the respected Ibadan leader.
Adeleke also challenged Asudemade to demonstrate his concern for the traditional institution by making a personal contribution towards providing a similar vehicle for any of the revered monarchs he had mentioned.
He concluded by reaffirming his support for Makinde’s gesture, maintaining that the presentation should be appreciated within the context of the governor’s relationship with Ajewole and the latter’s contributions to Ibadanland.
Dare Adeleke writes from Oja’ba, Ibadan.
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