PDP chieftain cautions Senator Ashiru against divisive remarks, says Kwara South needs healing

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and prominent voice from Kwara South, Otunba Adetunji Oyabambi, has cautioned Senator Oyelola Ashiru to refrain from comments capable of deepening division in the senatorial district.

Oyabambi was reacting to a statement credited to the lawmaker, in which he reportedly said that “Offa and Ibolo have 45 percent of the votes to determine whoever becomes the senator of the district.”

Describing the comment as reckless, insensitive, and unbecoming of a public leader, Oyabambi said such utterances undermine the spirit of unity and shared purpose needed to move Kwara South forward.

“At a time when Kwara South is facing serious socio-economic challenges — from insecurity and unemployment to growing disunity among our communities — what our people need most is healing, compassion, and visionary leadership,” Oyabambi said in a statement on Sunday.

“Our people expect leaders to speak words that heal, not words that divide. The role of a senator is to unite the constituency, defend its collective interests, and promote equity across all communities, not to make sectional boasts that threaten our fragile cohesion.”

The PDP stalwart stressed that leadership should be about inclusion, fairness, and a shared vision, not numerical strength or political entitlement. He noted that every community in Kwara South — regardless of size — has contributed meaningfully to the region’s growth and deserves to be treated as an equal partner.

“No part of Kwara South is superior to another. Our diversity should be our strength, not a weapon for political manipulation. True leadership requires humility, empathy, and the ability to carry everyone along,” he said.

Oyabambi urged political leaders across party lines to focus on issues that promote peace, development, and collective well-being rather than rhetoric that could breed resentment.

“Now more than ever, we must rise above parochial sentiments and concentrate on what truly matters — building a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Kwara South. History will remember those who build bridges and work for unity, not those who sow seeds of discord among our people,” he added.