By Damilola Kushimo
The leader of the Nupes (Tapa) in Isolo, Alhaji Muhammad Isa, has explained that his people will support all candidates the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Alani Agbabiaka, supports for various political positions during the forthcoming 2021 local government elections.
While waiting for the party primaries, Isa said the Nupes owe their loyalty to the king and the indigenes of Isolo, emphasising their support for any candidate ratified by the monarch.
According to him, supporting Osolo’s candidates is the best way to repay the people of Isolo for accommodating them and the other privileges they have been enjoying in the community.
He explained that there are more than a thousand of his people across all wards in Isolo LCDA who have been directed to register or revalidate their membership with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and be ready to support Oba’s choice in the coming local council elections.
He, therefore, appealed for political recognition and positions for the Nupes when forming the next cabinet members, saying the gesture would serve as an added benefit for their unflinching loyalty to their hosts.
He said: “I’ve been here for more than 32 years and I became the leader of Nupe 15 years ago. My leadership stretches to Ijegun, Ejigbo, Ikotun, Cele Egbe, Igando and so on. There has been peaceful coexistence between us and our host communities. There have been numerous cases of inter-marriage between Nupes and the Yorubas in this community. I and the Oba have a cordial relationship. The Nupe enjoys a greater level of peace in this community and we are achieving most of our desires.
“Before now, we’ve been loyal to our host politically and this coming election won’t be different. We are supporting king’s candidates across the council area and I have advised my people to participate in the ongoing party registration as expected of us. We will increase our performance in the coming election because we know that it will increase our chances of being considered for any political post in the next political administration. After all, that will further encourage us to remain loyal to our host and strengthens our relationship.”
