Osun Senator denies vote-buying allegations
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Lere Oyewumi, has responded to allegations of vote buying during the 2023 elections, which surfaced in a viral video.
According to a statement from his media consultant, Adeolu Ajayi, obtained by WESTERN POST in Osogbo on Monday, the video has been exaggerated by opposition parties in the state.
The statement explained that Senator Oyewumi, representing Osun West Senatorial District and serving as Deputy Minority Leader in the National Assembly, was seen in the video addressing his supporters in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
It accused the opposition, along with some media outlets, of allegedly distorting the video to suggest vote-buying.
Ajayi clarified that Senator Oyewumi was merely discussing the challenges he faced in gaining support from voters in a particular area. His use of the term “mobilization” in Yoruba was misinterpreted as vote-buying.
He stressed that the Senator was referring to ‘Funds for Mobilization’ and not buying votes.
“Senator Lere Oyewunmi is a respected figure with an impeccable pedigree and high intellect. It is illogical to think he would publicly admit to such an offense,” the statement read.
Ajayi also noted that Senator Oyewumi chose to speak in Yoruba to ensure his message was understood by locals with limited formal education.
He urged opposition politicians and media partners to cease spreading false propaganda, emphasizing that Senator Oyewumi adheres strictly to the rule of law and democratic principles.
