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KAYODE SALAKO REITERATES STRONG COMMITMENT TO OBI-DIENT MOVEMENT AND LABOUR PARTY, DEBUNKS DEFECTION TALES
KAYODE SALAKO REITERATES STRONG COMMITMENT TO OBI-DIENT MOVEMENT AND LABOUR PARTY, DEBUNKS DEFECTION TALES
Following sponsored malicious reports in some sections of the media about the Chairman of Lagos State Labour Party, Mr. Ezekiel Kayode Salako, being a mole of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the party, Mr. Salako has vehemently debunked the allegation in strong terms, saying that he still remains the Chairman of the Party in the state, a committed supporter of the Obi-dient Movement, and an unapologetic member of the Labour Party in the state.
In a brief chat with the media on Monday, Salako said he had not defected to the APC, or any party for that matter, and has no intention now, or in the near future of leaving the Labour Party. He said the news of his purported defection is baseless, mischievous and the handiwork of his traducers, who are already jittery of the impacts he has made with Lagos State Labour Party setup within a short space of time, and further reechoed it loud and clear that he is unfazed with such uninvestigated, and fictitious reports that only exists in the imaginations of the fabricators.
The statement of Salako who just returned from the 2-day National Leaders/Stakeholders Retreat of the party in Abuja reads in parts thus:
“I came back on Friday, September 16 from the Abuja retreat to preside over the meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) of my party in the state.
“We were in the meeting for almost 7 hours. We couldn’t finish treating all the issues on the agenda on that day after 8pm in the evening.
We extended the meeting to Saturday, and I still presided over that of Saturday for about another 5 hours.
“On Sunday, I went to attend the meeting of the elders/leaders advisory council of the party, which I gave approval to for its running, since I became the chairman of the party in the state.
“On Monday, September 20, 2022, which is this morning, I will be in a meeting with the Lagos State commissioner of police on his invitation.
After the meeting, I will be accompanying HE. Peter Gregory Obi to a program he is having around Lekki here in Lagos.
“But, the news of my purported defection to APC, has been flying around since the same Friday morning from social media propagandists, enemies of the outstanding progress I am achieving for my party in the state right now.
How would I have defected and, at the same time, still be running the Labour Party system in the state.
That is not true, and can never be true.
“Olukayode Salako is a flowing river. When I am operating in a place, I operate committedly, passionately and with all sincerity of purpose there, and don’t ever look back.
“Those who know me, they know me for who I am.” He said.
While addressing insinuations of being a mole of Tinubu in some social media quarters, he said “I am not a mole to Tinubu system in the Labour Party, and can never be.
“Bola Tinubu’s APC system anywhere knows.
They know in their conscience of conscience that I am not a mole, and can never be.
I have left that party, just like many Nigerians, who now find my party very attractive, and have been coming to join the party in droves as well.
“As I speak, over 60% of the members of the Labour Party also came in from different political platforms, the same way I came.
“If nobody is accusing anybody else of being a mole to anybody, then Salako too should be spared of all these distractive tendencies.
“His Excellency, Peter Obi and Dr. Doyin Okupe, his national campaign DG, also recently joined Labour party around the same time I also came. And many others like that.
“I reiterate, I am not a mole to anybody in the Labour Party, and can never be.
I don’t operate politically with such kind of a shameless, vague and undignifying character.
“God has made me a king in the Lagos Labour Party system already, as the chairman of the party.
What then would I still be looking for in a place, where I voluntary left out of my own volition?!
“What else would I still be looking for in a Tinubu political system, where I operated for 22 years, without finding fulfillment?
“They said I have left Labour Party to go back to APC.
“To leave as a king in Labour Party to go and become what in APC?
Never!
That can ever be from Olukayode Salako!
“I am a man of dignity and integrity. I am a man of strong character. I am a highly principled man.
I don’t eve operate like that.
“My mission as the chairman of Labour Party in Lagos State is to make my party the next ruling party in the state.
How can I possibly be operating with that kind of a mission, and still be working as a mole for Tinubu or APC?
Do they ever tally?
“I am not a mole to Tinubu, or any presidential candidate whatsoever in the coming presidential election in Nigeria. It is not in the nature and character of my DNA to operate like that.
“I am still the chairman of Labour Party in Lagos State, and I am ever consistently OBI-DIENTLY Labour in the passionate, committed and the most classical way.
“I repeat, my utmost mission is to continue to run Labour Party well, and to do it to win my state for Peter Obi, as well as, for the Labour Party to form the next government in Lagos State.” He concluded emphatically.
The Lagos State Government, in its continued effort to promote cultural heritage and deepen tourism footprints, has concluded plans to host the Lagos Cultural Weekend.
A three-day cultural extravaganza, scheduled to take place across multiple strategic locations, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Freedom Park, National Theatre, Badagry Heritage Museum, Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and Tafawa Balewa Square, from November 14th to November 16th, 2025.
This weekend-long celebration will spotlight the richness of Nigeria’s traditions through curated events that blend history, culture, and local artistry.
Speaking on the initiative, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, noted that the event is a key part of a broader framework of the Lagos Cultural Mission.
“We aim to use the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a true reflection of Lagos culture, a herescope for tourists and visitors from across the globe to witness just how rich our culture is.
“The three days will be a cultural baptism, a deep, meaningful introduction to who we are. As a government, we now understand prioritising cultural representation as a driver for economic growth.
”On the initiative’s impact, the Special Adviser explained that it goes beyond showcasing culture, but investing in cultural artisans, talented enthusiasts, and key stakeholders to foster real engagement and growth.“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration values collaboration and inclusiveness, which is why we want to work closely with Lagosians who truly understand our culture to help us achieve these goals.
“From the historians, to creatives, curators, artisans, culinary experts, performers, fashion designers, community leaders, and traditional institutions, we need them to join us in making a lasting impact.“So that, in the end, our guests and friends from many nations will carry home an authentic story of Lagos and enriched cultural literacy,” Mr. Aregbe said.
Attendees will enjoy array of activities, including live music performances, DIY sessions, contemporary art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, fashion shows, culinary tastings, and craft demonstrations.
Also lined up are symposiums and cultural lectures designed for tourists and enthusiasts who wish to dive deeper into the Lagos cultural identity.
The weekend will be animated by diverse local performance groups representing the rich ethnic landscape of Lagos, with a special emphasis on language, literature, and indigenous storytelling.
Lagos Cultural Weekend 2025 reaffirms the state’s commitment to building a thriving creative economy while celebrating the depth of Nigerian traditions.
Through strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and community engagement, this initiative will set a new benchmark for inclusive cultural programming in Lagos and Africa at large.
Lagos Cultural Mission….Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing The Future
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
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