Hon. Ojekunle Wasiu Olanrewaju, the National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Ibadan South East Constituency II in the 2027 Oyo State House of Assembly election, has appealed to the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, to consider selling the brand-new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon 500 reportedly presented to him by Governor Seyi Makinde and channel the proceeds into humanitarian interventions across Ibadanland.

Ojekunle made the appeal in a press statement issued to commemorate Ajewole’s birthday and acknowledge the reported presentation of the luxury vehicle by the Oyo State Governor. While congratulating the CCII President-General, he described the gesture as an act of kindness deserving appreciation but argued that its value could also be transformed into meaningful support for thousands of less privileged residents.

According to him, many families across Ibadanland are grappling with economic hardship, with some parents struggling to pay their children’s school fees, unemployed youths searching for opportunities, and widows, elderly citizens and other vulnerable members of society requiring urgent assistance.

He consequently suggested that Ajewole could voluntarily sell the vehicle and establish a transparent humanitarian intervention fund to support indigent students, struggling households, widows, unemployed youths and other disadvantaged groups across the ancient city.

“What if this beautiful gift becomes a blessing to thousands of people beyond yourself?” Ojekunle asked, adding that the proposal was neither a criticism nor an attempt to dictate how the CCII leader should enjoy his birthday gift.

He maintained that the appeal to convert the monetary value of the vehicle into humanitarian assistance would demonstrate an uncommon commitment to compassion and selfless leadership.

“You can own a G-Wagon and enjoy its comfort, but you can also make history by turning its value into hope for the suffering masses,” he stated.

The NDP chieftain also cautioned politicians and other political stakeholders against exploiting the development for partisan confrontations, urging them to prioritise the collective interests of Ibadanland over political differences. He stressed that the relationship between traditional institutions, CCII and government should be sustained through mutual respect, understanding and a shared commitment to the development of the city.

However, Ojekunle called on the Makinde administration to address concerns surrounding official vehicles and other statutory entitlements due to traditional rulers in the state. He specifically mentioned the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, insisting that traditional rulers deserved the institutional recognition and support attached to their exalted offices.

He argued that where official vehicles or other entitlements remained outstanding, the government should provide a clear explanation and take necessary steps to resolve the situation. According to him, traditional institutions remain indispensable custodians of the people’s history, identity and cultural heritage and should not be subjected to political manipulation or personal interests.

Reaffirming his political philosophy, Ojekunle said his aspiration to represent Ibadan South East Constituency II in the Oyo State House of Assembly was driven by the need to promote grassroots development, responsible governance and the welfare of ordinary citizens. He maintained that the essence of politics should transcend the distribution of privileges among political elites and focus instead on improving the living conditions of the people.

“Politics should not be about who receives the biggest gift or who wins the loudest political argument. It should be about who is willing to make life better for the people,” he declared.

He concluded by urging political leaders, traditional stakeholders and other influential individuals to embrace compassion, respect cultural institutions and place humanitarian considerations above partisan interests.

“A luxury vehicle can make one person comfortable, but one compassionate decision can change thousands of lives,” Ojekunle stated.