Yoruba Elders Endorses Bamidele as Senate Leader

By Adekunle Adesuji

Yoruba Council of Leaders (YCL) has appealed to the National leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to consider Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele as Senate Majority Leader in the 10th Senate.

The Leaders of Thought in the South West  in a Communique released after their meeting on Friday which was held in Ibadan, Oyo State also congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio for his emergence as the President of the 10th Senate

In a Communique signed by the President of the body, Dr. Olusola Omokehinde,  commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Chairman of the APC, and other APC leaders for recognizing the importance of equitable power distribution across the country’s geopolitical zones as a means to promote inclusive governance and democratic integration in Nigeria.

Dr. Omokehinde in the Communique emphasized the need for the zoning of the Senate Majority Leader to the Southwest region, specifically highlighting the candidacy of Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele from Ekiti State.

According to him, “the Yoruba Council of Leaders believes that this position is well-deserved for the Southwest, considering that Ekiti State was the first to secure victory for the APC during the Presidential election, gaining over 70% of the total votes cast in the State. Agreed the Southwest region has produced the nation’s President, it should not be deprived of other important positions.

According to Omokehinde, “Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele is by “character and experience” fit for the role of Senate Leader.

“No doubt, Opeyemi is imbued with vast political experience as a former Member of the House of Representatives in the 8th Assembly and a current member of the Senate in the 9th Assembly, where he chairs the Judiciary Committee with an impeccable record and strong commitment to the party’s principles and ideology. Hence, he is unhesitatingly fit for the job”.

During the meeting, other members of the Yoruba Council of Leaders, including Mrs. Akomolafe Tolani (Secretary) and Mr. Bayode Aina (PRO), spoke about the need to nominate Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele as Senate leader.

The South West Leaders described Senator Bamidele as ‘Omoluabi” who is capable and will enhance the actualization of the “renewed hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the group, Senator Bamidele in collaboration with Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji mobilized support for the party in February 25, 2023 elections and ensured that Ekiti State delivered maximally to President Tinubu and for  fair and reciprocal reward system as the foundation for party’s prosperity, we demand for Senator Bamidele as Senate leader.

Omokehinde further said that the outstanding, cutting-edge performance of Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and his remarkable role as the Chairman, Southern Senators’ Forum during the 9th Senate had qualified  him as the best lawmaker to occupy the position of the Senate Majority Leader in the 10th Senate.