APC Chieftain; Raifu Durodoye Engages Okepopo Community Leaders on Development, Endorses KRAD for Osun Central
By Reloaded News
Retired United States-based Professor of Mathematics and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Prof. Raifu Durodoye, has hosted leaders and elders from the Okepopo community in Osogbo, Osun State, at his residence, where discussions centred on community development, responsible political participation and the forthcoming senatorial election.
The meeting, held on Sunday, provided an opportunity for Durodoye to engage the Baales and other community elders on the importance of involving residents in decisions affecting their communities and the selection of political leaders.
Addressing the gathering, the elder statesman argued that community development should not be measured by physical infrastructure alone, but should also include social welfare, the wellbeing of residents and active participation in governance.
He stressed that community members should take an interest in how government officials emerge, urging the elders to encourage their people to scrutinise the character, credentials and capacity of candidates presented by political parties before making electoral choices.
Speaking on the forthcoming Osun Central Senatorial election, Durodoye identified Barrister Kunle Adegoke, SAN, popularly known as KRAD, as a candidate whose professional background, educational qualifications, community development efforts and commitment to humanity distinguished him from other contenders.
He urged the elders to familiarise themselves with Adegoke’s record and the issues surrounding his senatorial ambition, and to discuss the candidate’s proposals with members of their respective families and communities.
Representing Adegoke at the meeting, Comrade Adeboye Adebayo reaffirmed the candidate’s commitment to effective representation and explained the responsibilities of a senator in attracting development opportunities to constituents.
Adebayo noted that a senator does not exercise executive powers or receive monthly statutory allocations in the manner of a state governor. Rather, effective representation requires legislative engagement, strategic lobbying, relationship-building and the ability to present constituents’ needs convincingly before relevant government institutions.
He said federal opportunities exist for artisans, small business owners, professionals, market men and women, informal sector operators, civil servants and farmers, among other groups.
According to him, access to such opportunities often depends on effective representation, sustained engagement with government agencies and the ability of elected representatives to identify and pursue programmes that benefit their constituencies.
Adebayo also expressed concern about the quality of candidates political parties present for legislative elections, arguing that voters should pay close attention to the competence and character of those seeking public office.
He called on the community leaders to participate actively in the forthcoming January 16, 2027 elections, during which voters will elect the President and members of the National Assembly.
He further highlighted the importance of Osun Central having representation within the majority caucus of the 11th Senate, arguing that such positioning could create additional opportunities for legislative engagement and development interventions for the district.
Also speaking at the meeting, Dr. Rasaq Oladimeji emphasised the importance of quality representation and expressed confidence in Adegoke’s ability to provide it.
Oladimeji disclosed that the elders would organise a larger community meeting in Okepopo to provide an opportunity for Adegoke to address residents directly and explain his vision for the district.
Other participants described Adegoke as a good man, courageous and committed to public service. They also recalled contributions and interventions they attributed to him in Osogbo and the wider community.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for greater community participation in governance and a commitment by the traditional leaders to extend the discussions to other members of the Okepopo community.
Reloaded News — NEWS THAT INFORMS. MEDIA THAT TRANSFORMS.
