- Seeks Aiyedatiwa’s Support
By: Sunday Ameh
Ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, the Erelu Oodua of Aye Kingdom and Irawo-Oni of Yoruba Land, Her Royal Highness Tinuade Mabel Onaneye, has endorsed Hon. Bidemi Joshua Obayangban, popularly known as OC General, as her preferred candidate under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the House of Representatives seat in the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency of Ondo State.
Erelu, a symbol of African culture, also pledged the sum of $10,000 to support Obayangban’s bid for the House of Representatives ahead of the APC’s primary in May.
Her endorsement was contained in a letter dated April 27, 2026, addressed to the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and made available to newsmen in Akure on Tuesday.
In the letter, Erelu described Obayangban as a “bona fide son of Ode Aye Kingdom,” dismissing claims questioning his origin as politically motivated.
The international businesswoman stated that attempts to discredit Obayangban’s citizenship were aimed at misleading political stakeholders about his acceptance within the community.
“It is imperative to clarify that Hon. Obayangban is a bona fide son of Ode Aye Kingdom. Any attempts to discredit his citizenship stem from political desperation aimed at misinforming you about his acceptability within our community,” the letter read.
She added that she had a longstanding personal connection with the aspirant and could attest to his roots and contributions to the community.
“I can personally attest to his roots, as he was born in my hands by his mother, and he has consistently been a pillar of support for Ode Aye, embodying the values and pride of our land,” she stated.
Erelu noted that although several indigenes of Ode Aye are contesting the same position, Obayangban remains the most widely accepted aspirant within the APC.
According to her, the aspirant enjoys support from traditional institutions, youths, women, and voters across political affiliations.
She formally declared her endorsement of Obayangban and pledged financial support towards his expression of interest form.
“In support of his aspiration, I pledge the sum of $10,000 to assist with his expression of interest form,” she said.
Erelu also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his leadership in Ondo State, particularly under the EASE agenda, while urging him to continue supporting committed leaders in the state.
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to commend your achievements as the Governor of Ondo State, particularly under the EASE agenda. Your efforts in driving positive change and development within the state have not gone unnoticed, and I hope you will continue to support the aspirations of dedicated individuals like Hon. Obayangban,” she wrote.
Obayangban is among aspirants seeking the APC ticket for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency seat ahead of the next general election.
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