The political atmosphere in Oyo State took a significant turn on Saturday as the GSMists, one of Governor Seyi Makinde’s most influential grassroots political support movements, issued a powerful declaration demanding greater recognition for members who have remained loyal since the birth of the Omituntun movement.
At a packed Special Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the Oyo State Gym Building, Ori-Oke Mokola, Ibadan, delegates drawn from all 33 Local Government Areas delivered a clear message: loyalty, commitment and sacrifice must no longer go unnoticed.
The meeting, themed “The GSMists Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” became more than a routine gathering. It evolved into a defining moment of reflection, appreciation and political positioning as members assessed the movement’s past achievements and charted its future role in Oyo State politics.
In a communiqué adopted unanimously, stakeholders recounted the pivotal role played by the GSMists in the emergence of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, describing the movement as one of the strongest grassroots forces behind the successful implementation of Omituntun 1.0 and the consolidation of Omituntun 2.0.
However, beneath the celebration of past victories was a passionate appeal for justice.
Delegates lamented what they described as the persistent neglect of many dedicated members who had invested years of unwavering loyalty, political influence, personal resources and relentless grassroots mobilisation without receiving commensurate recognition.
While reaffirming absolute confidence in Governor Makinde’s leadership, the stakeholders urged the administration and other relevant political leaders to ensure that faithful members who stood firmly with the movement from its earliest days are given the recognition they deserve.
In another major resolution, the gathering unanimously passed a resounding vote of confidence in the leadership of State Coordinator Yinka Tella and the State Executive Council, applauding their ability to preserve unity, discipline and organisational stability despite political pressures and distractions.
Looking ahead to the next political phase, the GSMists declared their readiness to work for the success of Omituntun 3.0 under the leadership of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi. However, the movement made it clear that future mobilisation would be guided by a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guarantee fairness, inclusiveness, transparency and proper appreciation of members’ contributions.
The stakeholders insisted that any future political partnership must recognise the sacrifices of loyal members and provide a framework built on mutual respect, accountability and shared commitment.
The meeting also reaffirmed the GSMists’ unwavering loyalty to the Allied People’s Movement (APM), pledging to strengthen the party’s structures, promote internal unity and continue supporting democratic ideals that will drive sustainable development across Oyo State.
As the meeting ended amid renewed solidarity and optimism, delegates vowed to remain peaceful, united and committed to the ideals that have defined the movement over the years.
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Political observers believe the communiqué sends one of the clearest signals yet that the GSMists remain a formidable force in Oyo politics—ready to shape the future of Omituntun 3.0, but equally determined to ensure that loyalty, sacrifice and grassroots commitment are rewarded.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the GSMists’ State Coordinator, Yinka Tella, and the State Secretary, Ganiyu Kamaldeen.
