Dear Respected Community Members, Esteemed Dignitaries, and Valued Guests,
We extend our sincere greetings to each of you who graced the Odun Omo Iganmode Festival, contributing to the vibrant celebration of the Awori cultural heritage.
Today, we find ourselves compelled to address an unfortunate incident that transpired during the festival, involving our esteemed Member of the Federal House of Representatives (MHR), Engr. ‘Tunji Akinosi, a police officer attached to Senator Olamilekan Adeola Solomon (Yayi)and Her Excellency, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Deputy Governor of Ogun state. As we endeavor to provide clarity, it is crucial to recognize the complexity of the situation and the emotions it has stirred within our community.
On the day of the event, as the Deputy Governor and MHR Engr. Tunji Akinosi arrived together. Senator Yayi’s accompanied by police officers and his supporters who followed closely. What unfolded was a series of events wherein a policeman attached to Senator Yayi attempted to navigate through the crowd after the Deputy governor’s team had resisted his civilian’s advance inadvertently creating tension and unease, thereby forcibly pushing Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor, and her entourage to a side.
Regrettably, the situation escalated, culminating in a moment captured on video where MHR, Engr. ‘Tunji Akinosi, while protecting the Deputy Governor, intervened by pushing the police officer attached to Senator Yayi after the officer persistently shouted, “Who be Excellency. Weytin concern me with Deputy?” to the extent of pushing Her Excellency the Deputy Governor. It is paramount to note that the circulated video portrays only the latter part of the encounter, omitting the events that set the stage for MHR, Engr. ‘Tunji Akinosi’s reaction.
There exists another video, capturing the initial moments when police officers attached to Senator Yayi were pushing through the crowd. In defense of Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor, MHR ‘Tunji Akinosi acted spontaneously, driven by a sincere concern for the well-being of a fellow dignitary, respected woman, and a leader in the state.
In the spirit of transparency and fairness, we implore the public to consider the full context of the incident. Our commitment to upholding the values of respect, unity, and dignity within our community remains unwavering.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and trust that, with a more comprehensive perspective and empathetic consideration, a fair assessment of the situation will emerge. We ask for your continued support as we navigate these challenging moments together, with a shared commitment to the well-being of our community.
Thank you for your understanding and dedication to the prosperity of our beloved community.
Sincerely,
Tunji Akinosi Media Team