Ogun AFAN Asks State Government To Reject Purported Parallel leadership, Reaffirms Support For Abiodun, Yayi

The Ogun State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has reaffirmed its determination to protect its leadership structure, declaring that it will not compromise its position despite alleged attempts by another group to establish a parallel leadership in the state.

The State Chairman of AFAN, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Obafolahan Nuhu Podo, made the declaration during a peace meeting convened by the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, the chairman warned that any move to create a faction within the association would be firmly resisted, insisting that the recognised leadership in the state would not be intimidated.

He also dismissed claims that the association was opposed to the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun or the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the incoming governor.

"We are not against Governor Dapo Abiodun or the incoming Governor, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi). Our position is strictly about protecting the constitutional leadership of AFAN in Ogun State."

"Our full support is with His Excellency, the Honourable commissioner for agriculture and senator Yayi, whateever anyone says is immaterial because our national leadership is for President Bola Tinubu and his administration.

The AFAN chairman maintained that those challenging the current leadership should pursue legitimate channels if they believe they have a valid claim.

"They are the aggrieved, and if they are sure of their legitimate leadership, they should go to court or reach out to the national body of AFAN."

He further urged the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture to officially clarify the authentic leadership of the association in the state to prevent further confusion.

"The ministry should make an official pronouncement on the Alhaji Abdulrasaq Obafolahan Nuhu Podo leadership of AFAN in Ogun State in order to end the shenanigans by Alhaja Adeoye-Kushimo and her cohort, who are parading themselves as the authentic leaders."

Despite the lingering dispute, the chairman said the authentic leaders of the association remained open to reconciliation with the aggrieved members.

"We are ready to accommodate them. They should make their grievances and requests known formally, and we will respond appropriately."

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, a director in the ministry appealed to both parties to embrace peace while the ministry works towards finding a lasting solution to the leadership dispute.

The ministry's representative expressed confidence that the crisis would soon be resolved, noting that Ogun State AFAN had always operated under a united leadership.

"Ogun State AFAN leadership has always been one, and this current issue will be resolved."

The peace meeting was organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture as part of efforts to address the lingering leadership dispute within the Ogun State chapter of AFAN, restore harmony among members, and ensure the association continues to effectively serve the interests of farmers across the state.

However, the Purported Parallel leadership led by Alhaja Adeoye-Kushimo failed to attend the meeting.