Dr Babatunde Ipaye, the Commissioner of Health under immediate past Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Saturday joined Governor Dapo Abiodun’s fold within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abiodun and Amosun have been at loggerheads over the state’s APC structure, a development that led to conduct of parallel primaries last year.
On Saturday, Ipaye reportedly led about 200 loyalists of Amosun, from Ijebu North LGA to pledge their loyalty to Abiodun’s leadership in the state.
The governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, welcomed the APC members at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta.
In his remarks, Ipaye said it was time to move on, as the warring factions could not fight forever.
“Everything in life has a beginning and end. Life itself is a cycle. There is need to make peace and go in the same direction because we cannot fight forever. We are doing what we feel is right without being promoted.
“There was confusion at a time and we took the action that we deemed best at that time. Having reflected on what happened and the fact that we see ourselves as APC members, we decided that there was need to go back to the fold. We are proud to be back home not only to uplift our party, but to play our part in the good work the governor is doing in the three senatorial districts of the state.
“If the purpose of being in politics is to serve the people, then why should we continue to fight? We come to play our part and make 2023 a reality”, Ipaye stated.
Abiodun said, “Like the father of the prodigal son in the Bible, I am receiving you in an inclusive style. You will not regret taking this decision because here, we are one and the same. Please let us embrace our brothers and sisters who have decided to come back to the family.”
The governor told the returning members that he has no personal grudge against anybody as attested to during his campaigns and utterances as governor, recounting many reconciliation moves he and his team had made in the past to unite all members of the party in the state.
“When we find ourselves in a position, it is to serve the people. Ogun State is a common patrimony and not anybody’s family business”, he said.
The state chairman of the party, Chief Yemi Sanusi, noted that “a good father should be happy to receive his children who had revolted against the family. Now that you have seen wisdom to return, go back to your local government and integrate properly. The doors of our party is open to everybody. We are happy to see and receive you. You are free to work as the party members”.
