…labels him a desperate opportunist
The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has fired back at Mr. Banji Okunomo, a staff member of the Niger Delta Development Commission, describing his recent outburst as cowardly, mischievous, and motivated by self-interest rather than principle.
In a video posted on his Facebook page, Okunomo made veiled and sarcastic remarks aimed at discrediting the group and maligning Hon. Otito Atikase, Ondo State Commissioner at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who is a prominent leader within AMG, as well as other political support groups for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sponsored by the Interior Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Without mentioning names directly, Okunomo attempted to insinuate that Atikase was disrespecting Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and allegedly “running a parallel support structure” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, an allegation the group has described as baseless and deliberately misleading.
In a strongly worded response, AMG, through its Director of Public Communication and Strategy, Dr. Ayodeji Ologun, stated unequivocally that Hon. Otito Atikase has no separate political group. AMG, of which Atikase is a respected member, is a legitimate support structure for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Ondo State, sponsored by Dr. Tunji-Ojo, and coordinated by Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla under the existing political framework of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“If Banji has personal issues with the Honourable Minister of Interior and Convener of the Group, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, BTO, he should be bold enough to say so and get an appropriate response, rather than hide behind cheap innuendos and social media shades. Leadership is not conferred; it is earned through character, loyalty, and consistency. Okunomo’s actions, laced with envy and frustration, betray his ulterior motives. Otherwise, why should a man who claims to be working for the same cause be peddling division instead of unity?” The group said.
The group further advised Governor Aiyedatiwa to be wary of what it described as "pseudo-loyalists", individuals who profess loyalty publicly but scheme privately for personal gain.
“Banji’s video is nothing but a desperate cry for attention and relevance. He himself admitted in the same video that he currently holds no political position, which alone explains his motive. Let’s be honest, this is a man who has jumped from one political camp to another, always moving on once he has achieved his personal gains and is ready for the next victim, from Barrister Benson Enikuomehin to Dr. Mimiko’s camp, to Aketi’s, then to Senator Tofowomo, and later to Senator Jimoh Ibrahim. Each time, he positions himself for visibility and patronage. His track record speaks louder than his words. Now, he’s trying to reinvent himself by attacking others just to gain recognition ahead of the 2027 political cycle.”
AMG reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, unity, and coordinated grassroots mobilisation in support of President Bola Tinubu and the shared vision of Dr. Tunji-Ojo for Ondo State, where he holds a critical stake.
The group urged political actors to avoid divisive rhetoric and focus instead on genuine service to the people, saying, "where was Banji Okunomo during the election of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, when AMG was actively campaigning for the Governor across all 18 local government areas under the sponsorship of the Interior Minister?”
“Okunomo should stop acting like a political opportunist and face his reality. Relevance is not achieved by throwing stones at loyal soldiers who are actually doing the work." The statement concluded.
0 comments: