Ikusemoro Apologises to Olusoji, Clarifies Position on 2027 Okun Governorship Aspiration
Lokoja, Kogi State
Hon. Ikusemoro S. A. Emmanuel, an Okun political mobilisation and grassroots advocate, has publicly apologised to Engr. Olusoji over statements he recently made regarding Olusoji’s comments on the aspiration of the Okun Nation to produce the next Governor of Kogi State in 2027.
In a statement issued as a public apology and clarification, Ikusemoro said he arrived at the decision to apologise after carefully reviewing several videos in which Engr. Olusoji expressed his views on the 2027 political aspirations of the Okun people.
According to him, his earlier interpretation of Olusoji’s position was not entirely accurate, as the videos indicated that Olusoji was expressing a personal political opinion and offering advice rather than issuing a directive or attempting to compel the Okun people to abandon their governorship aspiration.
Ikusemoro therefore expressed regret over statements that may have portrayed Olusoji as being opposed to the Okun Nation or deliberately attempting to suppress the political aspirations of the people.
“I sincerely regret any statement I made that may have portrayed him as being against the Okun Nation or as someone deliberately trying to suppress the legitimate aspirations of our people,” he stated.
Defends Okun 2027 Aspiration
While withdrawing and apologising for statements he considered unfair to Olusoji’s position, Ikusemoro maintained that his personal conviction regarding the Okun governorship aspiration remains unchanged.
He stressed that his apology should not be interpreted as abandoning his belief that the Okun Nation deserves a fair opportunity to produce the next Governor of Kogi State in 2027.
He, however, acknowledged Olusoji’s right, as an Okun stakeholder, to hold and express a different political opinion.
According to him, political disagreements should be centred on ideas, persuasion, consultation and democratic choices rather than personal attacks, insults and unnecessary hostility.
Ikusemoro also emphasised the need for unity among Okun people, saying political differences should not destroy the mutual respect and bonds that exist among the people.
‘Respect Does Not Mean Silence’
In a related rejoinder directed at Olusoji, Ikusemoro reiterated his respect for him while making it clear that such respect would not prevent him from challenging positions he considers contrary to the political interests of the Okun people.
He described himself as a respected youth who is deeply rooted in his community and maintains respect for elders and traditional institutions irrespective of political differences.
“Respect does not mean silence when issues concerning the future of Okun people are being discussed,” he said.
Ikusemoro argued that politics was not new to Okunland, noting that numerous Okun sons and daughters with years of political experience had contributed to the political development of the people.
He said his disagreement was not personal but centred on what he described as Olusoji’s position on the aspiration of the Okun people to produce the next governor of Kogi State.
“My concern is, therefore, not about you as a person. My concern is about the position you have taken against the legitimate aspiration of Okun people to produce the next governor of Kogi State in 2027,” he said.
Ikusemoro maintained that the Okun governorship aspiration was not the personal ambition of any individual, describing it instead as a demand for equity, fairness, justice and political inclusion.
He urged Okun stakeholders to engage in political discussions with facts, maturity and mutual respect, while allowing individuals with divergent views to express themselves without intimidation or personal attacks.
He further argued that 2027 represents a legitimate opportunity for the Okun people to pursue their governorship aspiration, insisting that the people should not be discouraged from making their political demands.
The grassroots advocate reaffirmed his commitment to what he described as the greater interest of the Okun people, declaring: “I stand for Okun.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of unity and collective interest, maintaining that Okun is bigger than any individual, unity is greater than differences, and the collective future of the people must remain the priority.
Ikusemoro subsequently reaffirmed his apology and withdrawal of any statement that may have unfairly misrepresented Engr. Olusoji’s position, describing the gesture as necessary for responsible political engagement and the preservation of mutual respect among Okun stakeholders.