Asawo of Ayete Blesses GTMIKE, Pledges Support as ZLP Candidate Vows to Revive Culture, Fix Bridges

His Royal Majesty, Oba Emmanuel Ewuola Borisabunmi, the Asawo of Ayete, has received and blessed 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, during a courtesy visit to the monarch’s palace as part of his campaign tour of Ayete.

The traditional ruler, in the presence of his chiefs, elders, and custodians of Ayete’s cultural heritage, welcomed GTMIKE warmly and offered prayers for the success of his political aspiration. According to GTMIKE, the monarch also assured him of his support.

GTMIKE described the visit as more than a political engagement, explaining that it was an opportunity to honour the traditional institution, seek royal blessings, and present his vision for the development of Ayete and the wider Ibarapa region.

He expressed appreciation for the reception, noting that the monarch and his chiefs commended his humility, political movement, and vision for an Ibarapa that works for everyone.

Addressing the development priorities of Ayete, GTMIKE pledged to work towards preserving the town’s historical heritage, promoting its cultural identity, and harnessing its tourism potential.

He described Ayete as a community rich in history, tradition, and cultural values that deserve greater recognition beyond Oyo State.

According to him, preserving the town’s heritage and promoting its cultural attractions could create opportunities for tourism, economic growth, and community development.

The ZLP candidate stressed that Ayete’s history and traditions must not be allowed to fade away, promising to advocate initiatives that would preserve the community’s identity and promote its cultural significance for future generations.

He also promised to pursue the expansion and modernisation of Ayete, emphasising the need for planned urban development that would allow infrastructure and other development opportunities to reach different parts of the town.

GTMIKE also identified the construction and rehabilitation of the Ofiki Bridge and other connecting bridges in Ayete as major infrastructure priorities.

He expressed concern over the difficulties residents, farmers, and traders encounter when accessing their farms, markets, and neighbouring communities due to inadequate bridge infrastructure.

He pledged to prioritise efforts and advocacy towards addressing these challenges, noting that improved connectivity would support agricultural activities, facilitate trade, and strengthen economic opportunities across Ibarapa.

According to him, residents should not continue to endure unnecessary hardship while moving between their communities and places of economic activity.

He maintained that meaningful development must include accessible infrastructure, improved connectivity, and deliberate efforts to ensure that rural communities benefit from government projects.

The candidate said the experience had strengthened his resolve to pursue his development agenda and deepen engagement with traditional institutions and community stakeholders across the constituency.

He called on the people of Ibarapa to support his ambition, stressing that building a prosperous region required collective commitment, unity, and active participation.

“This is not just my campaign; this is our covenant,” GTMIKE declared in his message, urging residents to join hands with him in building an Ibarapa that future generations would appreciate.

Those who accompanied him included members of the ZLP Women Wing in Ibarapa North and Ibarapa Central, as well as 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.