It was a show of class and fancifulness as social elites on Saturday stormed Offa to grace Dinner organized by *the Committee of friends* to celebrate Senator representing Kwara South, Arch. Oyelola Ashiru.
The elegant event held at Avalon Hotel Hall was stormed by preeminent monarchs, business tycoon, highly placed descendants of Offa both at home and diaspora, All Progressives Congress stalwarts and other dignitaries.
The fuzzy and frenzy displayed by well wishers was an outright indication that the victory of Arc. Lola Ashiru into the red chamber is a feather in the caps of his supporters who kicked start the political odyssey with him two decades ago.
According to Alhaji Ajeigbe who spoke on behalf of *The Committee of Friends* stated that Arch. Oyelola Ashiru is a force to reckon with in the political terrain of Kwara state and his resolution not to have joined force with political hegemons who shortchanged the downtrodden Kwarans is a feat for which he deserves rousing ovation.
He further stressed that the party was thrown was to allow merrymaking after intensive electioneering campaigns across the seven local government areas in the senatorial district.
In his keynote address, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II said Senator Oyelola Ashiru will always enjoy his unalloyed support, stressing that his divine triumph during the general elections is a sheer blessing to Offa.
Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi however appealed to people to rally round the lawmaker by giving him useful advise to help perform excellently in the Senate as well as deliver dividends of democracy.
The Monarch urged politicians to desist from playing politics of hatred and bitterness, noting it’s only God that gives power to anybody that pleases Him.
The former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed in his goodwill message described Ashiru as a good ambassador of Kwara State and Kwara at large.
The former Minister represented by Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin hinted that they will be monitoring performance of Senator Oyelola Ashiru in the red chamber, stating that they expect their representative to be vibrant, active and contribute meaningful to discussion at national level.
Similarly, Kwara APC Chairman and Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo in their separate goodwill messages described Ashiru as a progressive-minded politician.
Responding, Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru commended monarchs in Kwara south for their unquantifiable contributions to triumph of OTOGE struggle in the state.
In his statements: ”I use this opportunity to thank the oloffa of offa, the olojoku of ojoku and the Afaji of Afajiland. God does things the way he wishes, but God will never come down to help people, they are going to be sent, I really appreciate the effort of all the traditional ruler in kwara south especially the oloffa. I know your importance God bless you sir. I thank all the kwara south senatorial district for standing through thick and thin.
”We have been in this struggle since 1999, many has lost their lives during the struggle. This is one of our problem, we need a sub-station here in offa, and it is going to be possible insha Allah. I feel pity for the people of kwara south, I cried bitterly during our campaign because what is witness is not good at all. Kwara is one of the least developed state in Nigeria.
”We are part and parcel of the leadership election of the Senate which was won by Ahmad Lawan, before we joined the campaign we bargain for kwara and they promised that kwara will never be left out, this 9th senate will be the best in the history of the country”
The synopsis of the occasion was the displayed of video clips about campaign experience of Lola Ashiru Campaign Organization.
The guests at the event observed one minute silence in honor of Comrade Bakare who lost his life during the campaign in Ojoku, Oyun local government area.
Other socialites present at the dinner include the Olojoku of Ojoku, Afaji of Ifajiland, Immediate Past President of ICAN, Alhaji Razak Jaiyeola, Ex-BOI Managing Director, Waheed Olagunju, Kwara APC Senatorial Chairman, Chief Balogun, Dr Raji, APC LG Chairmen from seven local government in Kwara South, Wife of Kwara APC Chairman, Hajia Bolarinwa, members of LACO, Comrade Samuel Adeosun among others.