Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Foremost philanthropist and a businesswoman, Alhaja Kadijat Kuburat Adebisi Edionseri, has lamented the role played by a Yoruba leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, during the just concluded general elections, saying he disappointed many Yoruba people who expected him to act like an elder statesman.
Edionseri who chided the acting leader of the Pan Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, for allegedly working against the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu before and during the build – up to the presidential election, submitted that Adebanjo not only worked against the Yorubas, but also the prosperity of the country.
The Ogun State based socialite popularly known as “Cash madam” made this known while speaking with newsmen at the weekend after a prayer session organised to mark her 88th birthday.
She, however, advised Tinubu not to renege on his campaign promises to Nigerians, saying “he (Tinubu) should not disappoint us, Nigerians have waited for this time for too long and he cannot afford to fail us.”
The event which was held at Kobiti Central mosque in Abeokuta, the state capital, was attended by former Military Administrator of Bauchi state, Navy Captain Rasheed Raji (rtd.), the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheik Sa’dallah Bamgbola and the Wakeelul Muslimeen of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Iskeel Lawal, among others.
She noted that Pa Adebanjo thought he was only fighting the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not knowing that, he was actually fighting the entire Yoruba ethnic group as well as working against the future of Yoruba children.
She said, “We expected more from those that we regarded as Yoruba elders. The likes of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a respected Yoruba leader played a bad role, we all expected him to play the role of an elder-statesman, but he didn’t. He didn’t fight for the peace and unity of Yorubas.
“Pa Adebanjo, is someone I have so much respect for, but he disappointed a lot of us with the role he played during the election.
“He (Adebanjo) thought he was only fighting the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but what he didn’t know was that, he was fighting the entire Yoruba race. He worked against the future of our children,” Edionseri said.
She called on the President-elect to be wary of whom and where to take advice, saying he must not take counsel from sycophants who are not passionate about the peace, unity and development of Nigeria.
Edionseri maintained that, Tinubu cannot afford to fail Nigerians and must surround himself with “true Nigerians” whose ideas align with his vision and plans for the country.
“Tinubu must solve the problem of unemployment in the country. Youth empowerment and employment would solve all the insecurity challenges that are confronting the county.
“When there is employment for our children, there would be no kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and terrorism.
“Tinubu should only take advice from true lovers of the country, he should listen to the counsel of true Nigerians and not sycophants who only after their personal gains.
“May his reign brings Nigeria the needed growth and prosperity many Nigerians have been yearning for,” she said.
