Grassroots Endorsement: Itesiwaju Oja Seriki Market Group Backs PDP’s OTOPE for 2027

In yet another show of growing grassroots confidence following the recent endorsement by the New Era Forum, members of the Itesiwaju Oja Seriki Market Group, comprising market men and women at the bustling Ori Odo Seriki Market in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, have publicly declared their total support for Hon. Dr. Temitope Oladimeji (OTOPE), a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and President of the OTOPE Foundation in his 2027 ambition.

The endorsement took place during the group’s general meeting held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Ori Odo Seriki Market Hall, where traders gathered in large numbers to express their confidence in OTOPE’s leadership and to appreciate his numerous contributions to community development, especially his consistent support for small traders, widows, and artisans.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, the group’s chairman, Mr Adam Ibrahim Adesina and Mr. Ismael Alonge, the group Secretary described Dr. OTOPE as “a man whose heart beats for the people.” they explained that many of their members have directly benefited from his empowerment programmes and financial support, adding that his humility and accessibility make him a rare figure in politics. “We are standing by him because he has always stood by us,” Mr. Adam Ibrahim and Mr Ismael Alonge said with conviction.

Also speaking, Mr Wasiu Yekini, Babaloja Itesiwaju Oja Seriki, praised OTOPE’s unwavering dedication to grassroots progress. He noted that the philanthropist has, over the years, shown that leadership is not about occupying office but about making a difference in people’s lives. “Dr. OTOPE doesn’t wait for elections before helping people — he helps because it’s in his nature,” Yekini added.

Responding on behalf of Dr. Oladimeji, his personal assistant, Hon. Idris Gbedeogun, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the traders for their trust and solidarity. He assured them that OTOPE remains devoted to promoting the welfare of market people, artisans, and families across Egbeda and Ona-Ara. “He believes leadership must be about service and humanity, not self-interest,” Gbedeogun said.

This latest endorsement from the Itesiwaju Oja Seriki Market Group follows closely after the Ona-Ara New Era Forum, another influential community organisation, also declared its support for OTOPE’s 2027 aspiration. With continued backing from different social and market groups, it is clear that the people’s faith in OTOPE’s vision of inclusive representation and human-centered leadership continues to grow.

Indeed, the people have spoken and in OTOPE, they see a friend, a helper, and a true voice for the grassroots.