Following the victory of the main opposition Peoples Democratic party in the just concluded governorship polls, the governor-elect, Engr. Seyi Makinde said the people s electoral struggle was a replica of the 1968 Agbekoya struggle.
Makinde linked these two incidences on Monday at his residence in Ikoloba, Ibadan while delivering his “Thank You address.”
According to him, while the former struggle was a revolt against high taxation, especially by farmers, the recent showed peoples dogged determination in spite of spirited efforts to frustrate them.
He states; “The political struggle of the past few weeks by the people of Oyo state, particularly the elections which took place on Saturday leading to my being elected as your next governor come May this year, reminds me of the Agbekoya struggle of 1968.
“I compare the two historical events because while the original Agbekoya struggle of 50 years ago was a peasant revolt that kicked against taxation and tariffs, particularly of farmers by the Power That Be, Saturday’s voting pattern, clearly showed your dogged determination in spite of spirited efforts to frustrate you.”
He however thanked the people of the state for aiding him taking over from the opposition power just like the “Agbekoya Parapo” movement which means “the union struggle of farmers who reject suffering.”
Engr. Makinde also condemned the killings that occurred during the polls which Hon. Olatoye Temitope was one of the victims.
“The needless bloodletting, maiming and killing of members of opposition parties which led to the death of Federal Legislator, Hon. Olatoye Temitope Sugar and some others was an unfortunate dent on our democracy. I assure the families involved that they will not die in vain”, he added.
Recalled Sugar before his death is a seating Federal Lawmaker, representing Lagelu/Akinyere constituency, Oyo state.