The GSMists, one of Oyo State’s prominent support groups, have called for greater recognition of loyal members while reaffirming their unwavering support for Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Allied People’s Movement (APM), and the proposed Omituntun 3.0 political agenda.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the GSMists’ Special Stakeholders’ Meeting held on Saturday at the Oyo State Gym Building, Ori-Oke Mokola, Ibadan.
The meeting, themed “The GSMists Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” brought together the movement’s State Executive Council and Executive Committees from all 33 Local Government Areas of the state.
During the meeting, stakeholders reviewed the history of the GSMists, describing the organisation as one of the most dependable political support structures that stood firmly behind Governor Seyi Makinde from the early days of the Omituntun movement through the successful implementation of Omituntun 1.0 and the consolidation of Omituntun 2.0.
Participants praised members across the state for their resilience, discipline and unwavering loyalty, noting that GSMists had consistently devoted their time, resources, political influence and personal commitment to advancing good governance and ensuring the movement’s electoral successes.
However, delegates expressed concern over what they described as the inadequate recognition of many committed members who had remained faithful to the movement despite making significant sacrifices over the years.
While reaffirming their confidence in Governor Makinde’s leadership, the stakeholders appealed for deliberate and equitable recognition of loyal members who have remained steadfast since the inception of Omituntun 1.0.
They expressed optimism that genuine commitment and sacrifice would ultimately receive the appreciation they deserve.
The meeting also unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the GSMists under the State Coordinator, Yinka Tella, and the State Executive Council.
Delegates commended the leadership for sustaining unity, organisational stability, discipline and political relevance despite numerous challenges.
Looking ahead, the stakeholders declared their commitment to contributing to the emergence and success of Omituntun 3.0 under the leadership of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi.
However, they resolved that before embarking on another phase of extensive political mobilisation, there should be a clearly negotiated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining mutual expectations, recognising members’ sacrifices and ensuring a more inclusive, transparent and rewarding partnership.
According to the communiqué, such an agreement would strengthen confidence within the movement while promoting fairness, accountability and mutual respect between the leadership and thousands of GSMists across Oyo State.
The stakeholders also reaffirmed their commitment to the Allied People’s Movement (APM), pledging continued support for efforts aimed at strengthening the party’s structures, promoting internal unity and advancing democratic values that would foster sustainable development and people-centred governance across the state.
At the end of the meeting, participants resolved to remain peaceful, united and focused on supporting progressive leadership.
They expressed confidence that the resolutions reached would receive the attention of relevant stakeholders in the interest of justice, equity, political inclusion and the continued development of Oyo State.
The communiqué, which was unanimously adopted at the close of the meeting, was signed by the GSMists’ State Coordinator, Yinka Tella, and the State Secretary, Ganiyu Kamaldeen.
