The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State, Biyi Otegbeye, has told the Paramount Ruler of Yewa, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, that he cannot succeed in his gubernatorial journey without the blessing of the monarch.
Otegbeye said he needed the consent and support of the royal father to succeed in the race to the Okemosan governor’s office in 2023.
The legal practitioner spoke when he led other leaders of the ADC to the palace of the monarch in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of the State.
He said the visit was also to seek the monarch’s forgiveness following the news of his ambition in the media before informing the monarch officially.
Contrary to speculations, Otegbeye said he holds the Olu Ilaro in high esteem and he did not know he would emerge as a governorship candidate in 2023.
His words: “If not for God, I don’t think I could be where I am today, because the storm was much. I never knew I would be standing before you as the governorship candidate of any political party. Please forgive me because I’ve embarrassed you, but it’s with a reason. It is social media that turns events and spins them before they break.
“I never knew I would emerge as the governorship candidate. So, it was important not to celebrate before the time. And this brought about a lot of misunderstanding as if I didn’t value my monarch by taking a political step without his consent. Kabiyesi, you know I hold you in high esteem. But, for the fact that you heard this before I informed you about it, please forgive me.
“It was three days ago that INEC released the candidates’ list. That was when I confirmed truly that I will be running. Everything we’ve done before was just efforts, political struggles, political manoeuvering and calculations. We begged God and it was clear three days ago that I’ll be running.
“Today, I’m happy to tell you that for 2023, Ogun West has one candidate. Kabiyesi, our time is now. I am here to honour you. I am here to inform you that I can’t succeed in this journey without your blessing. Apart from sitting on the throne, you’re also a man of God and Pastor. I come to appeal to you with every grace God has given you as the king and your anointing as a Pastor, please bless my efforts before we go out there and let’s see the work God has concluded already. That’s why I’m here.”
Responding, the Paramount Ruler told Otegbeye that his governorship race was that of God, saying he should put everything in the hands of God.
“This is the journey of God. Anybody with the spirit of God will know that He is the only one that puts anybody in any position.
“No king or any man born of a woman can stop the work of God. Man proposes; God disposes. He elevated someone like me; from the trenches, he put me on the throne. Who knew Kehinde Olugbenle before now? Anytime you pray, just tell God to do your own as he did mine. Put your journey before God. Surrender yourself to God and He will lead you. Remember your calling and let the spirit direct you. Beware of bad advisers and may God open doors of breakthrough for you,” the Oba prayed.