October 28th, 2024
Key stakeholders and former advocates of Kwara State’s Otoge movement, which gained widespread support during the 2019 general elections, have issued an apology to the people of Kwara over what they describe as the “alleged failure” of the revolution to fulfill its promises of equitable governance and social justice.
The stakeholders expressed regret that the vision of the Otoge movement has not been realized under the current leadership, leading to the formation of a new socio-political group—the Kwara Redemption Movement (KRM)—aimed at restoring the values the Otoge campaign once championed.
Launched on Saturday at E-phonix Hotel in Ilorin, the state capital, KRM seeks to mobilize and educate Kwarans in preparation for the 2027 elections, with the hope of fostering a more inclusive and accountable leadership.
Speaking at the event, Iyiola Oyedepo, a prominent Otoge advocate and convener of the new movement, expressed deep regret over what he termed as a “bastardization” of the Otoge ideals by the current administration. He clarified that KRM is not a political party, but a socio-political platform focused on sensitizing citizens to choose leaders dedicated to serving the state’s true interests.
“Kwara Redemption Movement (KRM) is a vehicle to sensitize and mobilize the people for the right leadership in the next election,” Oyedepo explained, adding that the movement comprises academics, professionals, civil society members, and politicians—individuals driven by the shared goal of transforming governance in Kwara.
Reflecting on Kwara’s creation as a first-generation state in 1967, Oyedepo lamented the decline of once-thriving industries, schools, and agricultural ventures established by the state’s founding fathers. He attributed this decay to successive administrations, particularly under the third and current republics, which he claims failed to uphold the promise of good governance.
Oyedepo, who played a major role in the Otoge campaign that brought the current administration into power, expressed disappointment with the trajectory of the state’s leadership.
“You may be curious that most of the champions of the Otoge revolution are here today talking about redemption of Kwara State. The truth is that we erected the pillars of Otoge that metamorphosed into the present administration.
The inheritors of the gains of the revolution may not have shared our vision of quality departure from the past,” he stated, describing the movement as “a revolution aborted and a dream bastardized.”
Lamenting the lack of citizen participation and the inequitable distribution of resources, Oyedepo issued a heartfelt apology to Kwarans, acknowledging the unmet expectations of the Otoge campaign. He urged citizens to rally around the Kwara Redemption Movement, expressing hope that a new wave of political leadership would prioritize the welfare and fair treatment of all Kwarans.
“The time is ripe for a new generation of political helmsmen that must lead this state to an era where people will be encouraged to contribute to the common pot of soup that will be fairly served,” he asserted.
The event drew notable attendees, including Alhaji Taju Makama Lafiagi, a gubernatorial aspirant of the APC in 2019; Rt Hon Benjamin Yisa, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly; Dr. Wale Suleiman, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun; Dr. Hezekiah Oyedepo; Alhaji Lukman Mustapha; Arc Kale Belgore; and Alhaji Tunde Mohammed.