2027: GTMIKE Promises Befitting Palace for Elempe of Tapa, Vows to Boost Imofin Hills Tourism

Gabriel Timileyin Micheal, popularly known as GTMIKE, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate for the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, has pledged to facilitate the construction of a befitting palace for the Elempe of Tapa, HRM Oba Sunday Titiloye, if elected, while promising to promote Imofin Hills as a tourism destination to boost economic opportunities and development in Tapa and the wider Ibarapa region.

GTMIKE made these commitments during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Elempe of Tapa on Saturday evening, October 24, 2026, as part of his ongoing political engagements across Ibarapa.

The candidate was warmly received by the traditional ruler and the chiefs of Tapa, who were present during the visit. According to GTMIKE, the monarch pledged his full support for his political aspiration to represent Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North at the National Assembly.

The visit provided an opportunity for the ZLP candidate to present his development agenda for Tapa, focusing on strengthening traditional institutions, promoting tourism, empowering constituents, and ensuring quality representation.

Speaking during the engagement, GTMIKE emphasised the importance of preserving Tapa’s cultural heritage and strengthening its traditional institution.

He identified the construction of a befitting palace for the Elempe as one of his proposed development priorities, noting that the project would reflect the dignity, history, and cultural significance of the traditional institution.

The ZLP candidate expressed his commitment to supporting efforts towards the development of a modern palace if elected, describing traditional institutions as important custodians of community history, culture, and values.

He maintained that recognising and supporting traditional institutions should form part of a broader approach to community development, adding that Tapa deserved projects that would preserve its heritage while creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

GTMIKE also highlighted the tourism potential of Imofin Hills, expressing his intention to promote the site as a destination capable of attracting visitors, stimulating local businesses, and creating employment opportunities.

He noted that deliberate investment in tourism could help showcase Tapa’s natural attractions and cultural identity while contributing to the economic growth of the community and the wider Ibarapa region.

According to him, developing Imofin Hills as a tourism destination could open new opportunities for young people, entrepreneurs, and local businesses while helping to diversify the area’s economic activities.

He stressed the need for strategic planning and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to harness the area’s tourism potential and position Tapa as a destination of interest to visitors from within and outside Oyo State.

Beyond traditional institution development and tourism, the House of Representatives hopeful outlined his commitment to economic empowerment and effective representation.

He identified grants for eligible constituents as one of the support initiatives he intends to pursue to help residents establish or expand small businesses and other productive ventures.

GTMIKE stressed that economic empowerment should be an important component of representation, explaining that supporting individuals and small businesses could improve livelihoods and contribute to community development.

He also pledged to prioritise quality representation through regular engagement with constituents, effective advocacy, and sustained attention to the developmental challenges facing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North.

According to him, meaningful representation goes beyond occupying political office; it requires listening to the people, understanding their needs, and pursuing practical initiatives capable of improving their welfare.

He reaffirmed his determination to promote development initiatives that would benefit the constituency, particularly in tourism, economic empowerment, infrastructure, and community development.

Those who accompanied GTMIKE included members of the ZLP Women Wing from Ibarapa North and Ibarapa Central, alongside Mr. Gbemileke Micheal, ZLP Chairman in Ibarapa North.

Also present were Omooba Adedokun, ZLP Tapa Coordinator; Alabi Temidayo, Chairman of ZLP Ward 1 in Ayete; Mojere Ifeoluwa, Special Assistant on Special Duties; and the Ibarapa North ZLP Youth Coordinator, alongside other party faithful.