Team Arapaja, a political support group loyal to former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja, has responded to claims by GSM Advocates concerning an alleged curse by the late Ibadan political leader, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, on the former deputy governor.

In a statement issued in response to the claims, the group described the allegations as unfounded, insisting that Arapaja’s political decisions should not be linked to claims of a personal curse.

According to the group, the controversy appears to be connected to Arapaja’s decision not to join the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) alongside Governor Seyi Makinde and his political associates.

In the statement signed by Ibrahim Sheriff on behalf of the group, Team Arapaja expressed surprise that its principal had become the focus of criticism, despite the reported departure of several prominent political figures from the governor’s camp.

The group specifically referred to the resignation of some political associates, including the Chief of Staff to the governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, and questioned why the political developments surrounding other individuals had not attracted similar attention.

On the relationship between Arapaja and the late Adedibu, the group maintained that both political figures shared a cordial and respectful relationship until the latter’s death in 2008.

It further stated that Arapaja has continued to maintain a good relationship with members of the Adedibu family, adding that the relationship remains a matter of public knowledge.

While addressing the reference to a maternal curse, Team Arapaja also recalled Governor Makinde’s public account of his late mother’s final days, during which he reportedly spoke about missing her calls before her death.

The group, however, urged political commentators to exercise restraint when discussing sensitive family matters, stressing that personal experiences should not be turned into political weapons.

On governance, Team Arapaja raised concerns about the state of local government administration, infrastructure, healthcare, education and road development across Oyo State. It also expressed reservations about the governor’s political disagreements with the Federal Government, calling for a more constructive approach to political engagement.

The group also highlighted Governor Makinde’s political history, recalling his association with the late Adedibu, his movement to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) following the 2007 PDP senatorial primary, and his subsequent return to the PDP through which he secured the party’s governorship ticket in 2019.

It argued that political realignments are not unusual in a democratic system and maintained that individuals should be allowed to make political decisions based on their convictions.

Addressing suggestions that Arapaja has lost his grassroots influence, the group insisted that its principal remains politically relevant across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State.

It cited the recent movement of some of his supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Ibadan South-East, Ibadan South-West, Oluyole, Egbeda, Lagelu, Iwajowa, Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio and Atiba, among other local government areas.

Team Arapaja maintained that its principal remains committed to his political convictions and relationships across the state, urging political stakeholders to focus on issues, policies and democratic engagement rather than personal attacks.

The group reiterated that political differences should be handled with mutual respect, particularly among individuals who have shared political platforms and relationships over the years.