By John Dike, Osogbo
Ikire Youth Development Forum (IYDF) has distanced itself from reports claiming that youths in Ikire have endorsed governorship aspirant Bola Oyebamiji, describing the claim as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on April 19, 2026, and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Saheed Arowo, the Forum said the alleged endorsement did not emanate from its leadership and should be disregarded.
The group, under the leadership of Azeez Lateef Bidemi, the Olori-Odo of Ikire Kingdom, emphasized that it remains a non-political body focused on youth development and community progress.
According to the statement, the current leadership, which assumed office on April 13, 2026, is prioritizing the formulation of a development agenda for Ikire youths and has no involvement in partisan politics or political endorsements.
“IYDF is not a political body and has not endorsed any aspirant. The purported endorsement is a fabrication by individuals pursuing personal interests and does not represent the position of Ikire youths,” the statement said.
The Forum noted that Ikire is home to prominent politicians across various political parties and warned against attempts to use the youth platform to advance personal political ambitions or create division within the community.
It also disclosed that the new leadership is addressing challenges inherited from the previous administration, including issues surrounding the handover of the Forum’s accounts and assets.
Among the concerns raised is a bus reportedly donated by Bola Oyebamiji.
The Forum maintained that the vehicle belongs to the entire Ikire youth community and not any individual, adding that steps are being taken to recover all properties from the immediate past leadership under Prince Mojeed Agbaje.
The IYDF called on Oyebamiji to intervene by ensuring that the donated asset is returned to the appropriate authorities or to clarify its current status.
The Forum further cautioned the public against engaging individuals falsely claiming to represent Ikire youths, urging residents to disregard unauthorized statements or endorsements.
Reaffirming its commitment to unity, transparency, and development, the IYDF stressed that its focus remains on building a stronger and more progressive Ikire community.
