The Fadahunsi Grassroots Movement has dismissed allegations that students recruited into a support group for the Senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi, were compelled to swear oaths of allegiance or submit their Permanent Voter Cards as conditions for membership.
The movement described the allegations attributed to the Osun East Coalition of Youths and Students as misleading, baseless and unfair, insisting that participation in the Students’ Support Group was voluntary and based on individual conviction.
The Convener of the movement, Comrade Oluwole Olutunde Aboke, popularly known as O’Destiny, stated this in a statement issued amid growing controversy surrounding the formation of the support group.
Aboke maintained that establishing a students’ support group for a serving senator was neither unusual nor inappropriate, describing it as a legitimate expression of civic participation, political engagement and solidarity.
He said, “No individual was compelled to swear an oath, pledge allegiance under duress or submit a Permanent Voter’s Card as a condition for membership or participation.
“Neither Senator Fadahunsi nor any member of his team requires anyone to undertake such practices before offering support or working with them. Membership and participation remain matters of personal conviction and free choice.”
The movement expressed disappointment with the Osun East Coalition of Youths and Students over what it described as biased and misleading statements against members of the support group.
It also faulted attempts to portray the formation of the group as an inappropriate political activity, arguing that students, like other citizens, had the right to associate with political figures and express support for their preferred leaders.
On the controversy surrounding a reported bursary initiative, Aboke clarified that Fadahunsi was neither the sponsor of the proposed intervention nor, to the best of the movement’s knowledge, involved in its planning.
According to him, the initiative was reportedly conceived by some unnamed supporters of the senator as an independent gesture aimed at assisting students.
He, however, assured that the movement would ensure the bursary was planned, facilitated, fully funded and disbursed to beneficiaries.
Aboke commended those behind the proposed initiative, saying efforts directed at improving students’ welfare should be encouraged irrespective of political affiliations or personal interests.
He added that the controversy had further highlighted the importance of students in society and the need for sustained interventions to address their educational and financial challenges.
The convener also argued that the discharge of responsibilities by elected public office holders should be regarded as the right of the people, stressing the need to separate governance from political considerations.
He said bursary assistance remained an important intervention in reducing the financial burden on students and their parents, particularly amid prevailing economic difficulties.
While acknowledging Fadahunsi’s engagement with the student constituency and contributions to educational development, the movement urged the senator to remain focused on his public responsibilities and continue engaging with constituents across Osun East.
It also called on members of the public to verify information before drawing conclusions, warning against the circulation of allegations unsupported by credible evidence.
The movement reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and development of youths and students in Ijeshaland, maintaining that political engagement should be anchored on freedom of association, mutual respect, transparency and constructive dialogue.
