Pastor Segun Aiyerin is a former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ondo State and the leader of the APC in Ilutitun. He recently hosted the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, along with the lawmaker representing Okitipupa Constituency I, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa. In this interview with Starnews Correspondent Charles Madugba, Pastor Aiyerin expressed his displeasure over the rumours of endorsement that began circulating immediately after his meeting with Chris and Gbegudu. The meeting was initiated by Hon. Gbegudu as a peace move aimed at reconciling the strained relationship between Chris and Aiyerin.
Question: Sir, what’s your comment on the reports of Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu and Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa visiting you regarding some lingering issues in Okitipupa local government?
Response: My comments? I am a man of few words. The meeting was held, and I appreciate the Deputy Speaker’s bold effort to resolve long-standing issues that have strained a father-and-son relationship between Chris and me over the years. His remarkable leadership beyond his constituency and passion for peace made this meeting possible. He is a leader like no other, and I am grateful to him.
Before now, it has been wolves in sheep’s clothing fueling conflicts in Ilutitun Ward 1 for personal gain. If leaders focus on their areas and domains, politics will be more positive.
Question: So, what was the meeting about?
Response: The agenda was all about restoring peace. We had a candid discussion, exploring past issues that caused conflicts at political meetings and activities in Ilutitun Ward 1. We dug deep, addressed the problems, and came out with a clear understanding that from now on, peace will prevail at all political meetings and activities in the ward.
Question: Was political ambition part of the discussion?
Response: Not at all. It was an open meeting with one leader from Ilutitun Ward 1 and two from Okitipupa Constituency 1. Ambition only came up when I clarified that contesting any future elections at any level was not my focus; I am done with election contests now or in the future.
Question: Was Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa’s reelection discussed?
Response: No, it wasn’t mentioned. I just prayed for him, prayed for Rt. Hon. Gbegudu, and others, then took a group photograph with the two MHAs. Maybe it was a good thing it was not discussed because no sooner had we finished the meeting than wolves in sheep’s clothing got jittery, jumped to conclusions, and started spreading rumours, embarrassing some influential personalities by asking if I was backing a candidate through them. That was really panicky and desperate! The truth is that seven aspirants have approached me, and more are coming.
Question: There are rumours circulating that you have an anointed candidate. Is that true?
Response: That is not true. I have no anointed candidate. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is the leader of our party, and we follow whatever decision he takes. His candidate is my candidate. Count me out of any rumours being fuelled by overambitious politicians. Those spreading such rumours are the architects of discord and mischief-makers who do not want the progress of their paymaster and they lack the interest of the party at heart.
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