Political stakeholders in Orolu Local Government Area of Osun State have rejected allegations surrounding the endorsement of Hon. Olawale Wasiu Afolabi, popularly known as “Dosmart,” describing recent claims against the process as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
The reaction followed the circulation of a statement alleging that the endorsement of Afolabi for the Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 Osun State House of Assembly election was secretly arranged by a few individuals without the consent of party stakeholders.
However, supporters of the endorsement insisted that the process was neither secretive nor imposed, maintaining that it reflected the collective position of a broad spectrum of party executives and grassroots leaders within Orolu Local Government.
According to documents made available to party stakeholders, the endorsement was backed by eight ward chairmen, 12 local government executives, 140 ward executives, the council vice-chairman, council secretary, and six councillors across Orolu Local Government.
The group stated that the endorsement emerged from extensive consultations across wards and political structures within the local government and was aimed at promoting equity and balanced representation within the Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency.
Stakeholders further argued that attempts to discredit the endorsement were targeted at creating unnecessary division within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responding to claims that party executives had distanced themselves from the endorsement, supporters maintained that the resolution was openly signed and supported by recognized political office holders and executives at both ward and local government levels.
They also dismissed allegations that external political figures influenced the process, insisting that the endorsement was purely a grassroots decision driven by the political aspirations and interests of Orolu people.
The stakeholders reiterated that Hon. Afolabi remains one of the leading aspirants enjoying widespread acceptance across the local government due to his longstanding relationship with party members, youth groups, and community leaders.
They therefore called on party faithful and the general public to disregard what they described as “unverified and inflammatory statements” capable of causing tension within the political structure of the constituency.
The group appealed for unity among all aspirants and stakeholders, stressing that internal democracy, fairness, and consultation should remain the guiding principles in determining the party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Assembly election.
